Directory_and_Chronicle_1845 — Page 414

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where individuals entitled to such, have relinquished their claims, because the cost of obtaining them would exceed their intrinsic value. From all we know of the Hall of United Benevolence, it is, for a Chinese charitable institution, admirably well managed, great regard being had to economy. And yet, considering the amount of means, the sum total of good accomplished, estimating it according to most manifest results, is not one tenth so much as we see in a neigh- bouring institution, directed by Christian principles, Christain feel- ing, and Christain hands. This disparity in results is easily ac- counted for, when all the facts of the case are brought into account, and we see how much in the one instance is comsumed for naught, on idols, offerings, processions, etc. In many of these charitable in- stitutions, there is a specific fund for gathering paper, having on it written and printed characters, and committing it to the flames. This is a very popular method of investing charitable funds, for it is supposed that such investments will yield great profits, by securing that favor and interposition from the gods which are necessary in order to obtain literary rank, and to open the high way to the bon- ours and emoluments of office.

A Foundling Hospital exists in this city, as in most other large cities in the empire. It is situated on the east side of the main street that leads from the great southern gate. Its resources are said to be small, and most of the infants supported by its funds are placed out under the of care wet nurses in the country.

History gives us the names of other charitable institutions; and among them one, the Hall of United Goodness, which once had large funds and spacious buildings; but the former have been all exhausted, and the latter are quite dilapidated. The site where they once stood is pointed out on the map, situated eastward from the Found- ling Hospital.

Charitable Burying Grounds, besides those connected with the Hall of United Benevolence, exist in and about the city, not to such an extent, however, as to prevent the frequent and unseemly exhibi- tion of tenanted coffins. Both within and without the walls, far and near, receptacles of the dead are very numerous; they are seen in almost every garden and field, and in a great variety of forms. But over and above all these, thousands of tenanted coffins meet the eye, sometimes wrapped about with straw and mats, and sometimes with- out a shred of covering. They form, in the landscape of Shánghái a remarkable feature, throwing a pensive sombre air around many a scene, which otherwise would be most charming and bright. In the