2.-
115
No doust, in this case, the undefined meaning of the wOIUB
"auopted" and "fostered', as used in the questionaire, is the cause of misunderstanding. In my answers to the set-questions, I had
occasion to call to attention the loose use of these words as inter-
changeable terms. But as a matter of fact, when they are employed to translate Chinese terms each word has a special significance.
Now, since the English Law has legalized the auoption of a
child, male or female, the word "adopt" or "auopted" has acquired a legal sanction to the word as applying to the status of an auopted
child, whether male or female. But i is otherwise with the Ching be Law. It only deals with and regulates the adoption of a male and ot
a female and punishes irregular and illegal adoptions. The reason being that it is all important with the Chinese, for the purpose of
to con- ancestral worship) to have a son or an adopted or foster-son,
But a daughter even if she is a natural
tinue the line of descent.
porn cannot fulfill that function. Therefore, aucption, except in the ordinary sense of the word, does not apply to a daughter in China.
The designation in Chinese of an "auopted-son" or a "foster-
son"
and the rule of adoption imposui oy law is:-
(1) An "auopted-son" or "auopted heir" is called in Chinese "hin
承
繼子
(2)
Kai Tsze" or "Chu Tsze" ( 3 or 1303), must be of the
same
surname of the adoptor and belong to the generation one
next be low to that of the adoptor. One related to the adopter
nearer in propinquity is preferred to one more remote. But the
adoptor has power to select amon his kinsmen one who wears
good character in preference to one nearer related.
A "fostered" or "reared up" son is called in Chinese
ve
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