CO129-299 - Administrator Major Gen Gascoigne - 1900 [5-6] — Page 276

REPORT

OF THE

Hildesheim Missionary Society

1900.

I have pleasure in issuing the following short report

of work done by the GERMAN MISSION among the blind girls of China.

2-It is a startling fact that in proportion to the population, there are more blind people in China than in any other country of the world. This unfortunate class is composed of both sexes and of all ages.

3.-Dr. GRAVES of Canton is of opinion that the causes of blindness among the Chinese, lie in the pe- culiar glare of the sunlight, insufficient food, and cer- tain evil characteristics of the people. Blindness is for- ther caused by measles, scarlet fever and other forms of desense. It is very common to see blind-men and boys egging in the streets of Chinese towns.

4-Far more distressing however is the lot which awaits blind girls. The position of women in China, sin all heathen countries, is marked by degradation; and shameful beyond compare is the fate of poor blind women. They are often, to all intents and purposes keepers of slaves; and their means of living are de-

ved from the proceeds of immorality.

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