CHAPTER XV. Population of China-Canton-National virtue-Maxims inculcating the practice of filial duty-National character and vices-Fatalism of the Chinesc-Anecdote-National character displayed during the WarDiseases prevalent in China among the natives. THERE are considerable differences of opinion relative to the population of China, the estimated number of souls, varying from three hundred to three hundred and sixty-five millions; and Mr. Montgomery Martin giving four hundred millions, as the probable number of the inhabitants of the Celestial Empire; it is quite certain, that be the correct number which it may, there is no portion of the globe so densely populated, as this part of the world. The population of Canton alone, is computed by some at eighty-four thousand, by others at one million two hundred and thirty-six thousand; and when we take into consideration the vast multitude, who reside upon the river at Canton, the numbers who dwell in each boat, and the dense manner in which these floating domiciles are congregated on the water, the immense population resident within the city walls, and its environs; one abode amongst the lower and poorer classes being frequently inhabited by three and four generations; it is far from being either incredible or impossible, that the whole population of Canton, resident either on the river, within the city, and without the walls, may amount to one million two hundred and thirty-six thousand. All the villages, towns, and cities of China, with rivers flowing in their vicinities, are apparently populated to nearly the same extent as Canton, but it must be borne in mind that the aquatic population possess no habitation upon terra firma. When these facts are considered in conjunction with the vast extent of the empire, the inhabitants of which rarely migrate for any lengthened period, it would by no means be astonishing to find, as the result of an accurate census, that the total population of China might even exceed the larger estimate of four hundred millions. We shall now take a glance at the character of the Chinese as a nation, and although we differ from many contemporaries, we can conscientiously affirm that we have nought extenuate, nor aught set down in malice; but have endeavoured to depict the national character as it is, without romantic colouring, so as to heighten their good qualities; or puerile depreciation, so as to attempt to lower their character, to the level of the brute creation. The characteristic good qualities of the Chinese, are parental affection, filial piety, veneration for learning, respect for age, submission to rule, hospitality, perseverance and industry: the one especial trait in a Chinaman's character, which is worthy of being imitated by many professing Christians, is obedience to parents, and filial duty. The practice of this virtue is carried to a very great extent, by all ranks, from the highest to the humblest, from the richest to the poorest, and we have known instances of daily occurrence, where children have deprived themselves of necessaries, to furnish their parents with comforts; where menials have hoarded up the greater portion of their earnings with scrupulous care, in order to be enabled to contribute towards the support of their parents. By the laws of China, a son is permitted to suffer punishment for his father, if the latter has infringed the laws of his country: should the officers of justice be unable to find a son, who has been guilty of any crime or offence, they very deliberately take the father and incarcerate him, knowing full well that the delinquent will speedily make his appearance, as soon as the tidings of his parent's imprisonment reach his ears. Nothing is so abhorrent to each native of the celestial empire, high and low, rich and poor, as filial disobedience, and this crime is severely punished by law; possibly from political motives, for as the Emperor calls himself, what he ought to be, the father of his people, he wisely considers that he will not be regarded in that light, or treated with becoming respect, should his subjects be deficient in filial obedience to their natural parents. As if fearful that the practice of this virtue might temporarily escape their minds, extracts from philosophical works, which inculcate the necessity of this duty, are hung around their abodes, and the following are some of the moral maxims, extracted from the works of Confucius, and other renowned sages, which are VOL. II. EE |