178
It will be noted that both schemes have this in common: they provide for a modest start with provision for the natural expan- sion which may be expected to follow. Dr. Ho Kar's proposal would undoubtedly place Western knowledge within easy reach of students. It would obviate the long period of study which precedes a mastery of the English language-an accomplish- ment which is necessary to their enter ing the University. His contention seems to be that the half measure supplied by the partially educated men who pass through the affiliated college would make the Chinese more ready to accept the full measure supplied by the men who graduated at the University. Doubt may be expressed as to the wisdom of this, but coming from such an authority the point is certainly worth considering. On the other hand the plan sket ched by His EXCELLENCY is more in accord with British ideas. It keeps the University to its distinctive position, but, until the details are made public it is perhaps better not to pass any comment. However the com- munity will feel assured that the Committee have been working towards the object for which they were appointed and that con- siderable progress has been made. Dr. Ho KAI has withdrawn his scheme so as to obviate all delay, and as the site has already been chosen, a piece of ground on the hillside opposite Fairlea,--we pay hope to Bee work commenced on the buildings with- in a comparatively short time, especially as there are gentlemen of financial standing who have declared they will see it through. That spells success. With such knowledge the public may reasonably look forward to the time when the city will become a seat of learning renowned in the East and when her sons will proudly hail their Alma Mater. "Floreat Hongkong."
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[September 14, 1908;
to the East and the West learning from the East-which is for the mutual benefit of Oriental and Occidental.
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"These doubts" the writer says, may perhaps seem excusable enough when it is remembered, first, that Colonel YOUNGHUSBAND's clause in the Treaty by which an army would have occupied the Chumbi Valley pending the full discharge of the indemnity was so altered as to make the British troops vacate the valley at the end of three years; and, secondly, that by the recent Anglo-Russian Convention the British
THE HONGKONG WEEKLY PRESS AND has been marked. But having said this, we will not be thought ungenerous if we suggest that there is a place in China for Universities which conform more, to the European standard, to the standard set by
THE THIBETAN INDEMNITY. the British, French or German Universities. The new universities neel not be regarded (Daily Press, 12th September.)
On the authority of "a Diplomatic as competitive with the existing institutions. The latter would continue to fulfil their | Correspondent,” publicity has been given distinctive function. The new Universities in the Pall Mall Gazette, to a statement would stand for the highest European that in well-informed circles considerable education, the most advanced study possible. doubt is expressed as to the probability of While China is very largely indebted to the next instalment of the Tibetan indemnity missionary enterprise for the measure of being paid, and it is suggested that a Western knowledge which is already hers, she delicate situation will arise in the event of will doubtless appreciate quite as highly the the Thibetan authorities making default in efforts being made in Oxford and Cambridge the matter.
organise an educational centre or university independent of any missionary body." China has suffered as well as gained from missionary zeal, and we can quite understand the desire of the promoters of this scheme to keep such a contentious subject as religious education out of the curriculum. Comparative religions would no doubt be studied, and among these Christianity would hive its proper place. It would be regrettable "if the introduction of modern ideas into China should prove only to result in the destruction of Confucian ethics without the erection of any sufficient substitute." But, as we have suggested, a study of comparative religions would enable the student to see the good in all an draw the best from each, and if he declined to accept any particular set of beliefs, he would have learned the golden rule-and would have learned to become a good citizen. Therefore, we have little fear that the dissociation of any proposed new University from a religious bady would be
either to its interests detrimental
or the interests of the Chinese. But if the matter is 80 difficult as its promoters anticipate--and we dare not minimise the OTHER UNIVERSITY PROJECTS, | obstacles--why not consider an amalgama
(Daily Press, September 11th.)
As the University about to be inaugurated in Hongkong will be one in which the Chinese will probably form ninety-five per cent. of the students, it may not be out of place to add to our remarks of yesterday some reference to two proposals now under
discussion to found Universities in China
tion with the Hongkong project? Here with all the advantages of British Govero- ment, with all the educational prestige gained by the Colony, the experiment has every chance cf success. It has men at hand capable of instructing in practically every department of Western knowledge, Medecine, law, engineering, etc., have their exponents and practitioners in our midst. so that a body of professors can be obtained proper. A few days ago we reproduced from at comparatively small cost. Of course, if the Times a letter referring to a proposed funds are available quite a number of arrangement between Oxford and Cam-universities could be founded in China with bridge Universities for the founding of a profit to the nation, but if financial and University in China which, while giving a other difficulties stood in the way of any thorough training in Western science and it would seem a better policy to encourage art, would not impart any religious ideas, the Hongkong University, which once or, at least, would not be associated with any established and radiating Western know particular Christian belief. Practically simul- ledge through the Far East, would be taneous with the publication of that proposal the example which would encourage the was the announcement that the Throne Chinese themselves to follow. The project had approved of a scheme for the esta- which has received the asseot of the blishment of a University at Peking and Throne might be successful in other hands that two million taels had been pro- but when we remember how in China mised for this purpose. These prospective large sums dwindle before they are applied institutions, added to the two already in to the purpose intended, and even with the existence-one at Peking and one at Tai- two million taels promised for the University yuaofu (Shansi)-open up & gratifying at Peking,_ we st:11 feel doubtful of its vista of Chinese progress, but, to those who are not carried away by the ea- thusiasm of ideals and who pause to consider the practical side of the pro- posals, the prospect is not quite so rosy. Lest we be misunderstood, let us hasten to add that neither is it devoid of hope, We willingly join in paying a tribute of appreciation of the work accomplished by the two existing universities at Peking and Taiyuanfu. They have helped to make Western knowledge more acceptable to the people. Their leavening effect on the mass
success. We are convinced that there will always be a demand for a Univer-] sity representing the highest Western ideals, with English as the medium of instruction, but there can be no doubt that in the universities which will ultimately be established throughout the Eight-en Provinces, the vernacular will give readier access to that volume of knowledge which is at present a closed book to those who have not acquired a European language. Then, and not till then, can we look for that educational co-operation-the West giving
The
Government is debarred from re-entering Thibet or interfering with its affairs. Thus, now, that our army has left the Chumbi Valley and the only other method of collecting our debt is expressly denied to us, it is small wonder that fears are very generally entertained.” writer goes on to say that he finds it is not denied in official circles that the failure of the Thibetans, at any time, to discharge their obligations would necessitate an inter- change of views with Russia in regard to some modification of the Thibetan clause;
but of course," proceeds the writer, “Rus- sia would demand a quid pro quo, and it is greatly to be feared that she would ask for certain facilities in Afghanistan at present denied her. In short, the Thibetans might if they were so minded, exercise a very far- reaching effect upon Anglo-Bussian relations at this moment."
For our part we cannot see that the failure of the Thibetans to discharge their obligations necessitates au exchange of views with Russia. Great Britain's first step will be to bring the matter to the notice of the Chinese Government. China, as suzerain, confirmed the arrangement made by Colonel YOUNGHUSBAND with the governing authorities of Thibet, and definitely engaged on her part, as did Great Britain on the other part, "to take at all times such steps as may be necessary to se cure the due fulfilment of the terms specified therein." Russia, in the agreement made with Great Britain last year regarding Thibet, definitely recognised the suzerain rights of China, and, what is more, it is dednitely declared in Clause II of that Agreement that the engagement entered into between Russia and Great Britain does not modify the engagements entered into by Great Britain and China in Article I of the Convention of 1906,-to the terms of which we have just referred. Therefore, in the event of the failure of Thibet to pay the instalment, the procedure is clear-Great Britain will appeal to the guarantor. Without that guarantee, we take it, Great Britain would never have consented to the important change which the Govern- ment made in Colonel YOUNGHUSBAND'S Treaty. The original Convention stipulated that as security for the payment of the indemnity (of £500,000 or seventy-fire lakhs of rupees payable in seventy-five annual instalments) and for the fulfilment of other provisions relative to trade marts, the British Government should continue occupy the Chambi Valley until the indem. nity had been paid and until the trade marts
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