54
am told), a definite feeeling against the higher mivomtion of
Chinese, due largely to a far that they would supplant British,
Se disastrous did this state of things appear to re alike as
regarde British influence for good in China, and frew the peint of
view of our trade, that I took up the project of a University, though
the majority of British opinion was onposed to it. Its salient
characteristics werei. It was residential; English was the medium
of instruction; Chiasse from China and elsewhere were welcomed; it
was affiliated to Oxford an. Cambridge and students were discouraged
from going to Zagland until they had graduated and their characters
were to a large extent formed.
It had been our hope to create a Chinese Faculty with the
object of training men fer high administrative and political office in
China who would act as a counterpoise to American influence; but
though supported by both Fekin and Canten wie made generous contribu...
tions and sent students, this hope has never been fulfilled, and the
University has been in ohronie financial difficulties. The siram-
stances of its foundation precluded sa adequate endowment. This was
a risk deliberately recepted2
Apezt from # sum of 215,000 to pay off debts owing to the
University by Chinese students, a map of £250,000 only has been
sup
allotted to the University from the Boxer Indemnity. (Er, Amary I thinke
was in favour of at least a million). The interest on this sub would
be £10,000 at most, and this will not muffice to do much more than
meet the existing deficit due to the fall in silver which has halved
the aaleries of the Staff, nnd provide some scholarships. The Hongkong
Government which now gives a very honvy milevantion (#380,000) is
unwilling that a new faculty (5.8. Chinese) should be started unless
assured that it will be self support ing.