File:Peeps into China (1892) (14591086860).jpg

Identifier: peepsintochina00reid (find matches)
Title: Peeps into China
Year: 1892 (1890s)
Authors: Reid, Gilbert, 1857-1927 Reid, Gilbert, 1857-1927. Glances at China Religious Tract Society (Great Britain)
Subjects: Missions
Publisher: London : Religious Tract Society
Contributing Library: Harold B. Lee Library
Digitizing Sponsor: Brigham Young University

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od in Chinese teachings,customs, and religion. I planned for conciliation bythe path of conformity. Coming to a large city and aproud people, I wished to remove the prejudice againstforeigners and Christianity by adopting as far aspossible Chinese ways, dress, and mode of thought. I first of all fitted up a Chinese guest-room, whereChinese guests might be received in Chinese style, andfeel at home without being disrespectful or familiar.I purchased an official costume to be worn on occasionsof ceremony, and, more than all, I secured theinstruction of an expectant of office, that I mightbe versed on points of etiquette and expressions ofrespect. In about a month I was equipped ; and, in accordancewith Chinese requirements and good manners, I startedforth to pay my respects to the leading officials of thecapital, and to inform them of my intended residence 123 124 Peeps into China in their midst, and of my hearty desire for their con-tinued peace and prosperity. I sat in my sedan-chair,
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j^!ll521tlS A MANDARIN. with a runner to take my card and announce mybusiness. First Experience with Chinese Mandarins 125 First I went to the yamSn, or official residence ofthe governor, and waited in my chair till orders shouldcome from above. Soon a man appeared bearing mycard, bowed the knee, and said, His excellency hastoo great public business; he gives a salutation ofpeace/ On we moved to the next yamen, that of theprovincial treasurer. After a delay, my servantreturned with the response, His honour has guests.And forth we went to the residence of the provincialjudge, and there the words were,c Not at home. Thento the yamen of the Taotai, or circuit mandarin, andthere, c Public business. Then to the prefect, andthere, Too busy. Lastly we went to the districtmagistrate, and lo! Not at home. While proud ofno great success, I felt contented, as I had made nomistake in conversing with said mandarins, and hadgiven them full respect by coming to their doors in asedan to worship their

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