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Extract from the China Mail of the 15th November, 1919.
430
MORE INTERVIEWS
ABOUT SLAVERY.
Pearce,
The Rev. Dr. T. W. LL.D., interviewed, stated that the problem is a very difficult one.
In your opinion, asked our report. er, does the sale and purchase of children in Hongkong amount to Calavery us understood by the West-
erger?
Dr. Pearce: No, I do not think so. In the large majority of cases the children are kindly treated and are far better off than they would other- wise be.
What is the exact bearing of the financial question on the matter?
Dr. Pearce: I don't quite follow your meaning. If you mean that the sale and purphase of children is carried on from a purely financial point of view as a trade,-No. It is Loretom of Chine and it is the man. ner in which Chinese secure domes- tic service, although it must be ad- mitted the child is not tree in the Funderstood by (say) the domez - tic servant in Europe. In very few, cases does one come across cruelty.
What eventually becomes of the child-When she becomes of mar- ringeable age a suitable husband w found for her and usually a small eum is paid to the foster parents as is the oustom in China. In the or- dinary way, if not bought, the chiki would probably becotus an outcast. I repeat, from my experience, the purchased child is kindly treated as a general rule. Of course, there are good and bad in all communities.
Do you agree with concubinage?—- Of course, I am opposed to the prin ciple, but I think that, so far, no effective substitute has been evolved so far as Asiatics are concerned. If the Chinese Republie passed a bew for the preclusion of concubinage, it would have to provide a substitute which would be an improvement, į Then we get to a very difficult stage the outcome of which it would be imposible to foresee
Then you think it would be better to leave matters as they stand 7-So tar se con at present be seen. —yes, for as I said, in the large majority of oses the bought children are kindly Breated and are far better off than they would otherwise be.
Mr. Ho Leung, interviewed, prao- tics by endorsed the views expressed: by Mr. Lau Chu-pak.
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