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A PROSPECTUS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE 
 OF CHINA 
 
 OR, THE MISSION AMONG THE 
 HIGHER CLASSES IN CHINA 
 

 
PROSPECTUS 
 
 To every American who, actuated by a spirit of magnanim- 
 ity, conciliation, and broad humanitarianism, seeks for imme- 
 diate and effective connection with the men and women of 
 greatest influence throughout China — for every one who 
 prays for peace in the Far East, and thereby for the peace of 
 the world — The International Institute of China commends 
 itself as a scheme for consideration, as a field for usefulness, 
 and as an opportunity for generosity. 
 
 HISTORICAL OUTLINE.— The idea originated in expe- 
 rience, circumstances, and conditions peculiar to China; it is 
 no outside excrescence, has won its way by no foreign inter- 
 ference, and has never been dominated from abroad, but by 
 responsible men on the ground — representatives of all nation- 
 alities and all creeds. The idea was evolved after ten years of 
 missionary work by an American Presbyterian missionary, the 
 Rev. Gilbert Reid, D.D. As the Presbyterian Board of 
 Foreign Missions did not, at the time, see its way to undertake 
 or countenance the plan originally contemplated in connec- 
 tion with the upper classes of China, but preferred that such 
 work be attempted independent of their control and support, 
 Dr. Reid, in May, 1894, withdrew from the Board, and ven- 
 tured upon an individual experiment. Thence resulted what 
 has been known as The Mission among the Higher Classes in 
 China, and later, in 1897, The International Institute of 
 China. At the outset, there were only some $1,400 in the 
 treasury; since then, in the face of many difficulties and 
 changes, over $100,000 have been contributed to the work. 
 Of this amount, more than two-thirds came from the Chinese; 
 
 5 
 
Sir Charles Dudgeon 
 Former Chairman Executive Committee 
 
beyond this, $13,000 have been received by the American and 
 British Committees. 
 
 The experiment was begun at the Imperial Capital towards 
 the close of 1894, a time of strategic importance, owing to war 
 between Japan and China. Previous effort had resulted in 
 personal acquaintance with upwards of 100 mandarins, and a 
 few of the literati; this number, in a little over two years' time, 
 was increased to over 400, while communication was opened 
 with as many as 600, including nearly all the influential men 
 in the Imperial Government, Manchus and Chinese, conserva- 
 tive and progressive. This was at a time when custom and 
 prejudice made it almost impossible for persons of other 
 countries, even Ministers Plenipotentiary, to have social rela- 
 tions with Chinese mandarins at their own homes. For the 
 first time a person of another country, in a private capacity, 
 was admitted to the Imperial Board of Foreign Affairs, 
 through the favor and courtesy of its chief, the powerful 
 Prince Kung. After different conferences with that body, an 
 Official Sanction, under the seal of the Board, was given to 
 Dr. Reid, direct, in March, 1897; this being the first docu- 
 ment ever presented a Westerner for an educational enterprise 
 under foreign initiative. This meant the approval of Prince 
 Kung, of Prince Ching, who remains to-day the highest official 
 in the Empire, of Grand Secretary Li Hung-chang, Premier 
 of the Government, of Rung Luh, future Premier and Gen- 
 eralissimo, of Weng Tung-ho, tutor of the Emperor, of Li 
 Hung-tsao, tutor of a previous Emperor, and of five others 
 who also held positions as Presidents or Vice-Presidents of 
 the Six Boards. In addition, Li Hung-chang presented Dr. 
 Reid a testimonial, commending his enterprise to "many 
 friends in the United States." On hearing of the death of 
 Dr. Reid's father, a clergyman in the United States, as many 
 as 225 Peking officials joined in presenting 126 memorial ban- 
 ners and scrolls. 
 
Sir Robert Hart, Bart. 
 
With such a backing, with an opportunity that has no par- 
 allel, the founder of The International Institute started forth 
 to raise, in the shortest time possible, a sufficient sum of 
 money, $75,000, to make The Institute a power and a credit 
 at the Capital, as a bond of union between the East and West. 
 To make the matter surer, foreign and Chinese friends in 
 Shanghai and other ports were asked to help, with a result 
 that in three months' time one-fifth of the amount contem- 
 plated was subscribed. Unfortunately the response in Amer- 
 ica and Europe, while most appreciative, failed to meet the 
 opportunity. War between the United States and Spain 
 closed the door for arousing interest in China. Over $6,000 
 were contributed, but a further amount of $10,000 (subscrip- 
 tions from such men as William E. Dodge, Morris K. Jesup, 
 J. Pierpont Morgan, and George B. Cluett) was on the condi- 
 tion that the whole amount of $75,000 be first guaranteed. 
 Sir Thomas Hanbury in England promised £5,000, with the 
 proviso that the Chinese Government continue to approve and 
 to aid. Committees of distinguished men were formed in 
 America,- Great Britain, France, Holland, and Germany. At 
 this period, too much time was consumed awaiting the action 
 of the Chinese. Thus, through delay in the home lands, the 
 opportunity which had arisen in Peking in 1897 disappeared. 
 Every one was feeling the spirit of reaction, caused by the 
 coup d'etat of 1898, when the late Empress Dowager reversed 
 the engine of reform which had been driven at high pressure 
 by the young Emperor. As the former French Minister to 
 Peking, Monsieur Gerard, remarked in the spring of 1899 to 
 Dr. Reid in the city of Brussels, "What a pity your plan was 
 not carried out, when everything was favorable two years ago ! 
 Then you might have stemmed the tide of reaction, which has 
 since set in." 
 
 The Director-in-Chief returned to Peking in the autum 
 of 1899. Conditions had changed. The barriers of suspicior 
 
 9 
 
hostility, and hyper-conservatism were greater than ever. The 
 Foreign Ministers in Peking, the Inspector-General of Cus- 
 toms, Sir Robert Hart, Bart., the Roman Catholic Bishop, 
 Monseigneur Favier, and the Protestant missionaries, joined 
 the committee, but the great wall of reaction rose higher 
 and higher. Through lack of money ready to hand, nothing 
 could be effected. A conference was held twice with Ministers 
 of the Foreign Office, but no endorsement in the way of prac- 
 tical assistance was forthcoming. The opportune time had 
 gone. The execution of the plan, if realized early in 1898, 
 when the reform movement gained force, might have done 
 untold good and helped to keep back latent hostility ; but later, 
 the best of efforts could only be futile. 
 
 By 1900 the Boxer uprising had swept on to Peking; the 
 Legations were besieged; Dr. Reid, with his wife and child, 
 was among the unfortunate; and he himself was wounded, 
 while his household effects — books, papers, letters, etc. — every- 
 thing, including even the scrolls presented by Li Hung-chang 
 and other officials, were destroyed. With the Court in flight, 
 and foreign Powers in possession, Dr. Reid could .only wait 
 and bide his time. He became special correspondent to the 
 Morning Post of London, and acted as Chinese interpreter to 
 the British Indian Forces in Peking. Shortly after the Court 
 had returned to the Capital, and the Government was re- 
 ■estabHshed, Dr. Reid had a conference with the new Board of 
 Foreign Affairs, the Waiwu Puh, but beyond words of com- 
 mendation, no inducement for continviing the work in Peking, 
 under existing circumstances, was offered. If the plan could 
 he achieved elsewhere, the promise was made by the Chinese 
 Ministers to memorialize the Throne. 
 
 In April, 1903, a public meeting was called at Shanghai, the 
 •commercial emporium of China, to recommend the establish- 
 ment of The Institute at this important treaty-port. In Au- 
 gust a number of leading Chinese mandarins and merchants 
 
 10 
 
came together at the Office of the Imperial Treaty Commis- 
 sioners, and unanimously voted to buy a site for The Institute, 
 at a cost of some $25,000, in expectation of equal support 
 from friends in other lands ; especially the United States and 
 Great Britain. Another opportunity was presented for 
 friendly helpfulness and joint action. If the response had 
 been prompt and hearty, at least on the part of America, the 
 bonds of friendship would have been so cemented that the 
 movement for boycotting American goods, in the opinion of 
 those who know best, would never have occurred. A trustee 
 of The Institute who became leader in the boycott movement 
 would have remained a friend on the appearance of American 
 generosity. Without personal appeal from the Director-in- 
 Chief, only $13,000 were collected up to the year 1910, the 
 larger part coming from Mr. William G. Low, Chairman of 
 the American Committee. At this time, the New York Sun 
 thus wrote : "The International Institute and Mission among 
 the Higher Classes in China, shipwrecked in the Boxer troubles 
 of 1900 with many other missions, has been towed out of the 
 stormy currents of foreign enterprise in Peking, and, recon- 
 structed on the old lines and with a clear sky and a brighter 
 future, has started business again in Shanghai. Two years 
 ago Mr. Gilbert Reid was in the dumps about his mission. 
 And now he comes smiling out of disaster, with a record of 
 actual progress made toward establishing The Institute which 
 is to bring the East and West in touch, and with his dream of 
 making the Chinese our warmest friends a little nearer to reali- 
 zation than it was before." 
 
 If progress could be reported then, how much more to-day. 
 Communication with mandarins has been resumed, though 
 Shanghai is not the political center that Peking is. Three Im- 
 perial Commissioners, gathered in Shanghai for making Com- 
 mercial Treaties, Sheng Hsuan-huai (called Sheng Kung 
 Pao), Wu Ting-fang, and Lu Hai-huan, joined the Com- 
 
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 12 
 
mittee, and contributed liberally to the funds, while the last 
 one served also as President of The Institute Council, until 
 his transfer to Peking. Correspondence was entered into with 
 Viceroys and Governors of all the twenty-one Provinces, and 
 during the last seven years eight Viceroys and seven Gov- 
 ernors have given financial assistance. Provincial capitals 
 within easy reach of Shanghai have from time to time been 
 visited by Dr. Reid. To the list of 400 mandarins previously 
 known, 100 more names should certainly be added. From the 
 commercial character of Shanghai, the Chinese merchants, 
 representing different guilds and many sections of the country, 
 have been brought into social and friendly relations with 
 "guests from abroad" ; prominent men have joined different 
 Committees of The Institute; and many have contributed. Ac- 
 quaintance has been made with retired officials, with wealthy 
 gentry, with members of the new provincial Assemblies, with 
 leaders in the modern educational movement, as well as with 
 devotees of different religions or supporters of charitable 
 undertakings. Through class-work, which has been contin- 
 uously carried on, 500 Chinese lads and young men, from 
 twelve Provinces, have come under the influence of Western 
 ideas. A desirable piece of ground has been purchased and 
 beautified, and four buildings of moderate size have been 
 erected. As Dr. Wu Ting-fang said at a banquet tendered 
 him prior to his departure to Washington : "To my mind, this 
 Institute in course of time will work wonders in China. It is 
 a kind of missionary work against which no evil word can be 
 said, and where foreigners — merchants, diplomats, and mis- 
 sionaries — and our own people — officials, scholars, merchants, 
 and tradesmen — will all be welcome, and they should all most 
 heartily support this Institute." 
 
 During the summer of 1909, it was thought best for The 
 Institute to depute Dr. Reid to revisit Peking. In seven 
 weeks' time he met 80 of the nobles and mandarins, renewed 
 
 13 
 
old friendships, and discussed, with men in responsible posi- 
 tion, problems of State for the welfare of China. The Presi- 
 dents of five of the Boards, and four Vice-Presidents, con- 
 tributed to the work. In December the Imperial Board of 
 Foreign Affairs fulfilled its previous promises by giving under 
 official seal a second Recognition of The International Insti- 
 tute. An honorific Tablet was sent to The Institute with a 
 donation of Taels 2,000 (say, $1,500), while a Memorial with 
 copies of Dr. Reid's publications in Chinese was presented the 
 Throne, and an Imperial Order of the Yellow Dragon was by 
 Imperial Rescript bestowed on Mr. William G. Low of New 
 York City. Dr. Reid had insisted that no decoration should 
 be bestowed on himself. He sought prestige for The Institute, 
 and appreciation of the donors. 
 
 Early in the present year of 1910, three special committees 
 were formed from members of The Institute in Shanghai, for 
 mutual cooperation of Chinese and those from other lands, 
 viz., Chinese and foreign merchants; Chinese and foreign edu- 
 cationists and men of letters ; and Chinese and foreigners con- 
 nected with different religious Faiths. There has also been 
 formed a Ladies' International Teacup Club — the beginning 
 of a work among the better class of Manchu and Chinese 
 ladies. 
 
 Under a Resolution offered by a former American Consul- 
 General, Hon. T. R. Jernigan, and supported by the present 
 Consul-General, Hon. Amos P. Wilder, the members of The 
 Institute decided that the time had come to depute the Director- 
 in-Chief to again visit the United States, in the interests of The 
 Institute. During these sixteen years Dr. Reid from his own 
 salary has turned into the treasury $4,500, while for three 
 years and three months he drew no salary at all. Previous 
 to his leaving for America, a reception was given to him and 
 to Mrs. Reid, at which time a President of one of the Peking 
 Boards, four Viceroys, and four Governors — from Man- 
 
churia in the north to Canton in the south — appointed special 
 deputies to give their greetings of regard. Such a wide expres- 
 sion of esteem from Chinese officials to one of another country, 
 as exhibited in this way, is an unusual occurrence. On leav- 
 ing by train for Woosung, where the steamer "Bessie Dollar" 
 lay anchored, the private car of the able railway President, 
 Mr. AI. Y. Chung, who serves on the Executive Committee of 
 The Institute, was placed at Dr. Reid's disposal. Traveling 
 across the Pacific, Mr. Robert Dollar of San Francisco, an- 
 other friend of The Institute, kindly offered reduced rates. 
 With response in America equally encouraging, the scheme of 
 The Institute will in the near future be once more presented to 
 the countries of Europe, to help maintain its international 
 character. 
 
 CHARACTER OF ORGANIZATION.— At the outset 
 there was only an individual experiment ; the mission was a 
 "one man's mission" ; but more and moi'e the scheme has be- 
 come organized, and The International Institute has not only 
 been officially sanctioned, but legally incorporated. From the 
 beginning, no success would have been possible without the 
 concurrence and cooperation of supporters in China and in 
 the home lands. Beyond all this, the founder of The Insti- 
 tute, on whom has rested the greater burdens, has sought for 
 associates in the work, and to so organize the enterprise that 
 it would remain a permanency. For nearly two years, during 
 Dr. Reid's absence from China, Rev. ,W. A. P. Martin, D.D., 
 LL.D., was in charge in Peking, until appointed first President 
 of the new Imperial University. For another two years. Rev. 
 William B. Stelle, B.A., a graduate of Colgate University and 
 Yale Theological Seminary, was connected with the work, 
 until after the siege of Peking, he became a missionary of the 
 American Board, and remained in Peking. Both of them 
 helped the work, without expense to The Institute, and, in ad- 
 dition, made contributions. Dr. Martin giving as much as $750. 
 
 IS 
 
Rev. Dr. W. A. P. Martin 
 Former Co-Director of Institute 
 
 16 
 
During 1907, Dr. Reid had two colleagues. One was Mr. W. 
 S. Ho, nephew of Minister Wu Ting-fang, selected as Chinese 
 Consul in New York City. The other was the Rev. Fred Perry, 
 of Oxford and London Universities, who afterwards became 
 curate of the Church of England Cathedral in Shanghai, and 
 Head Master of jthe Cathedral School. By 1908, Dr. Yao 
 Ping-ren, of highest literary degree, a Hanlin, a former Liter- 
 ary Chancellor in the Province of Shantung, and a friend of 
 The Institute for over ten years, was elected co-director, while 
 at the end of 1909, Mr. Yen Shan-fang, a student under Dr. 
 Reid for three years, and for another three years an assistant 
 m translation and Chinese correspondence, was selected, in 
 conjvinction with Dr. Yao, to direct the work during the 
 absence of the Director-in-Chief. 
 
 To give security and a legal status to The Institute, Memo- 
 randa and Articles of Association were drawn up, under advice 
 of an English barrister-at-law, were presented to the Govern- 
 ment of the Colony of Hongkong, and, being in harmony 
 with the Hongkong ordinances, incorporation was duly granted 
 to "The International Institute of China," in December, 
 1905, with headquarters or Central Office in Shanghai. The 
 Institute is incorporated as a Limited Liability Company, with 
 control placed jointly in the hands of Chinese and those who 
 are members from other countries. This is one organization 
 in China in which, by its Charter, Chinese and foreign capi- 
 tal may be combined, and Chinese and foreigners exercise 
 authority together, maintain certain definite responsibilities, 
 and receive certain definite privileges. . Moreover, the Articles 
 of Association and the objects of the Organization remain in 
 essential agreement with the Regulations approved by the 
 Chinese Board of Foreign Afifairs in 1897. 
 
 Under this Constitution, subscribing members (who pay 
 $10 per annum, and permanent members (who contribute Taels 
 50o=$35o) have the power to vote like shareholders in a 
 
 17 
 
i8 
 
Company. From this number is elected a General Committee, 
 called Advisory Council, which with all the members holds two 
 meetings a year. It consists of some sixty of the more promi- 
 nent members — Chinese officials, heads of different guilds, 
 officers of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, directors of 
 Government institutions, well-known gentry, Consuls-General 
 of nine countries, the Judge of the British Supreme Court in 
 China and of the United States Court for China, and leading 
 foreign merchants, missionaries, and educationists. The first 
 President of this Council was Hon. John Goodnow, doyen at 
 the time of the Consular Body, and American Consul-General, 
 who was succeeded by His Excellency Lu Hai-huan, former 
 Minister to Germany, a Treaty Commissioner, and later Presi- 
 dent of the Board of Foreign Affairs. He was succeeded by 
 Sir Admiral Sah Chen-ping, head of the Naval Commission. 
 From this Council are elected Trustees and an Executive Com- 
 mittee. The Trustees are five in number, one American, one 
 British, one German, and two Chinese, of whom the German 
 member, Mr. M. Hoerter, has been elected Chairman. The 
 Executive Committee numbers fifteen, representing at present 
 the countries of China, the United States, Great Britain, 
 France, Germany, Russia, and Japan. The first Chairman 
 was Sir Robert E. Bredon, K. C, M.G., Deputy Inspector- 
 General of Maritime Customs. He was succeeded by Sir 
 Charles J. Dudgeon, one of the British Commissioners on 
 British-China Commercial Treaties. He was followed by Mr. 
 Alexander McLeod, one of the oldest of British merchants in 
 China. On his retirement the end of last year, Taotai Y. C. 
 Tong of the Imperial Telegraph Company, and a former 
 student at Columbia University, was elected Chairman. The 
 Vace-President is Taotai Chu Pao-san, a successful merchant 
 and a steady supporter of The Institute from its establishment 
 in Shanghai. The present Hon. Secretary is Mr. Leonard 
 Everett of the American firm of Getz Bros. & Co. The Hon. 
 
 19 
 
Treasurer is Mr. Wm. L. Richard, chief accountant of the 
 Standard Oil Company in China. The Committee holds regu- 
 lar meetings, on an average, once in two months. The man- 
 agement of the internal workings of The Institute rests with 
 the Director-in-Chief, like Managing Director, who from the 
 beginning has been Rev. Gilbert Reid, D.D., a graduate of 
 Hamilton College and Union Theological Seminary. The 
 main responsibility devolves on this officer. He is aided by a 
 staff, called co-directors, at present, as mentioned above. Dr. 
 Yao Ping-ren and Mr. Yen Shan-fang. 
 
 Thus an organization has been effected, so that in the 
 resignation or death of any one person, the work may be 
 continued and the property safeguarded. 
 
 OBJECTS OF THE ikSTITUTE.— To modify slightly 
 the phraseology of the Constitution, the objects may be sum- 
 marized in two words — the seal of The Institute — Harmony 
 and truth. To specify, the aims are (i) friendly relations 
 between Chinese and foreigners; (2) harmony between Chris- 
 tians and non-Christians in China, for the peaceful prosecu- 
 tion of Christian Missions; (3) the advancement of the cause 
 of righteousness and reform, of truth, knowledge,, and en- 
 lightenment; (4) influence among the higher classes, coopera- 
 tion of all those who possess power, for the good of the many, 
 and (5) the progress of China and the welfare of the Chinese 
 people, and so benefits to the world. 
 
 METHOD OF CARRYING ON THE WORK.— (i) 
 From the beginning the work has been predominantly a social 
 one, more especially during its early stages in Peking. With- 
 out a willingness to receive callers or to make calls ; without 
 the ability to converse in the Chinese language ; without topics 
 for discussion of supreme importance to China; without the 
 spirit of real friendliness ; and without acquaintance with the 
 customs and cefemonies of better-class Chinese, such a work 
 would have been ineffectual. There must be scholarship, but 
 
 20 
 
a mere scholar would shrink from the task. A missionary 
 spirit is necessary, but the spirit of proselytizing would close 
 the doors. Practicality is essential, but the sharp, business 
 sense of a concessionaire would have created jealousies and 
 raised rivals. For a foreigner to cultivate social relations 
 among high-class Chinese is a great undertaking, and it is not 
 easy. As Mr. T. R. Jernigan said, at the last regular meeting 
 in Shanghai : "A main cause which has delayed a better and 
 more intimate acquaintance between China and the West has 
 been the want of a proper social and educational knowledge 
 of each other. It was to remove such a cause and bring 
 about the needed acquaintance that The International Insti- 
 tute was founded." As bearing on this phase of The In- 
 stitute's work, it should be borne in mind that Chinese ladies, 
 as well as the men, are included; hence the formation of the 
 Ladies' International Tea-cup Club, whose successful develop- 
 ment will depend on a number of ladies from the West ready 
 to devote themselves to the new task. 
 
 2. The literary method has been adopted. Short documents 
 on vital topics of the time, sometimes prepared as memo- 
 randa and sometimes as memorials, have been carefully drawn 
 up in suitable Chinese and widely circulated. Treatises of a 
 more elaborate character, on such subjects as comparative 
 governments. Western constitutions, the treaties; and history 
 of different countries have been or are to be published in 
 Chinese, the well-known firm of Macmillan & Co., Ltd., hav- 
 ing lately undertaken to publisli the books which have not 
 3'^et been printed. A monthly paper, called "Institute Record," 
 has been started in the interests of peace, conciliation, and 
 good-will, and circulates not only among the members, but 
 among the Metropolitan and Provincial authorities. 
 
 3. Lectures and public addresses in Chinese have helped on 
 the ..cause, especially during the last eight years, when freedom 
 of s'^eech has been more permitted. Besides regular courses 
 
 21 
 
of lectures in Shanghai, addresses to intelligent audiences of 
 the official and student classes have been delivered, mostly on 
 the invitation of different Missions, English and American, 
 in the cities of Nanking, Soochow, Hangchow, Ningpo, and 
 Foochow. At the present juncture in the political condition 
 of the Empire, when new schools are being established, and 
 representative government is being attempted — when officials 
 are bewildered, and the heads of schools worried and perplexed 
 — The International Institute, by being already known, would 
 have in every great center and provincial capital abundant 
 opportunity to give helpful advice and useful information. 
 The audiences addressed would be either the leaders of to-day 
 or leaders of to-morrow. Tens of thousands of this class are 
 within reach of this Institute. 
 
 4. From time to time receptions, or banquets and luncheons, 
 have been given to distinguished visitors from abroad, or to 
 prominent Chinese associated with The Institute. The great- 
 est difficulty is in the matter of expense, receptions being the 
 more suitable in point of economy, and in bringing together a 
 larger number of congenial and respectable people from East 
 and West. "Members of the Centenary Missionary Con- 
 ference," says the Rev. Dr. W. A. P. Martin, "will not readily 
 forget a meeting in the beautiful grounds of The Institute, 
 presided over by a high Chinese official and attended b}'^ man- 
 darins of many grades." There came together, on a clear 
 April day, nearly 800 guests, who were delegates or visitors 
 from the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Germany, 
 France, the Scandinavian countries, and Switzerland, as well 
 as all parts of China, and, with them, official representatives 
 from the Viceroy Yuen Shih-kai, the Viceroy Tuan Fang, the 
 Viceroy Chou Fu, Governor Chen Kuei-lung, the Governor 
 Chang Tseng-yang, along with His Excellency Lu Hai-huan 
 and the Shanghai Taotai, Jui Cheng, both officers of The 
 Institute. They were brought together in a most happy and 
 
 23 
 
Mr. Alex. McLeod 
 Ex-Chairman Executive Committee 
 
 24 
 
genial manner by special invitation of The International Insti- 
 tute. Ladies of the foreign community, of every shade of 
 religious views, presided at 27 tables, which were arranged 
 in a large semi-circle across the grounds. As Rev. John C. 
 Gibson, D.D., President of the Conference, spoke on that 
 occasion : "We have seen this evening these gentlemen, occupy- 
 ing high positions under the Chinese Government, coming here 
 to express their sympathy with the objects of a Missionary 
 Conference; and we recognize that Dr. Reid has been emi- 
 nently successful in establishing intimate and friendly rela- 
 tions between missionaries as a body and the Government of 
 this Empire." Other occasions have given tangible proof of 
 the cordiality and kindliness with which East and West may 
 meet each other, when the policy of The Institute is given full 
 play for its expression. The mere social tea or the sumptuous 
 banquet is never viewed as satisfying for such gatherings; 
 ideas, the intellectual flavor, "the feast of reason and the flow 
 of soul," must always be included to make a meeting pleasant 
 and of benefit. 
 
 5. The symposium, a conference of kindred spirits, the con- 
 versazione, special, committee work, has been adopted as a 
 useful expedient for benefiting and, to some degree, satisfying 
 ■every member of The Institute. To carry out more fully the 
 •cooperative principle, the work so far as it affects all the mem- 
 bers, both Chinese and other nationals, has been divided into 
 three sections, with three sectional committees, holding sec- 
 tional meetings. It seeks to benefit men in business, men in 
 •education, and men connected with Missions. One committee 
 consists of merchants — eleven Chinese and eleven foreigners, 
 the latter being two Americans, two British, two Gennans, 
 two Japanese, one Frenchman, one Russian, and one Hol- 
 lander — who confer on methods for promoting or improving 
 trade, by joint action, and who are ready to render friendly 
 mediation in cases of dispute between Chinese and foreign 
 
 25 
 
members of The Institute. There are both a Chinese and 
 foreign Chairman, Mr. M. Hoerter of the German firm of 
 Slevogt & Co., and Taotai Chou Chin-chen, President of the 
 Chinese Chamber of Commerce. A second committee consists 
 of about an equal number of Chinese and foreigners interested 
 in questions of education and matters of advanced learning, 
 with Rev. Dr. George L. Stuart, of the American Methodist 
 Mission, formerly President of Nanking University, and Tao- 
 tai Chung Mun-yew, Director of the Shanghai-Nanking R. R.. 
 and China Merchants' S. S. Co., of the Class of '83 at Yale, 
 as Chairman. The third committee consists of Chinese and 
 foreigners interested in religious problems and the peace of 
 the missionary work, a company of men who represent not 
 only different forms of Protestantism, but Confucianism, Mo- 
 hammedanism, Buddhism, Taoism, and the ancient Hebrew 
 religion. The Chinese Chairman is Taotai Shen Tun-ho, who 
 was so conspicuous in settling up the question of indemnifying 
 the missionaries in the province of Shanse for losses incurred 
 from the Boxer outbreak. The foreign Chairman is Rev. Dr. 
 Timothy Richard, of the English Baptist Mission, head of the 
 Christian Literature Society in China, and Chancellor of the 
 Shanse Provincial University. To these three special com- 
 mittees of men might be added the Ladies' International Tea- 
 cup Club, in which Chinese and foreign ladies meet on the 
 basis of equality, in mutual esteem, and equally honored in 
 the Society's offices. 
 
 6. The Institute has been educational. When located in 
 Peking, the Director-in-Chief was a friend to schools which 
 were conducted by others. He was invited to visit them at 
 stated periods, to examine the students and to offer sugges- 
 tions for their improvement. He conferred with the Grand 
 Secretai-y, Li Hung-chang, concerning a proposed National 
 University, and he urged the matter on the Government author- 
 ities through a special Memorial. After removal to Shanghai, 
 
 26 
 
he undertook three special departments of class-room work, 
 viz: Languages, Political Science and History, and advanced 
 Chinese Literature. He has conferred with the Board of 
 Education, as to a broader policy in the educational reforms, 
 and the Ministers of the Board showed appreciation by con- 
 tributing as individuals to The Institute. At present there is 
 uncertainty as to the continuance of class-room work. Those 
 who understand the situation best are inclined to leave this 
 work to others — to Government schools or to Westerners who 
 have liberal support for distinctive Christian Schools or Uni- 
 versities. Should this result, the educational work of The 
 International Institute would in future be more of the char- 
 acter of University-extension and of special research, some- 
 what similar to the Smithsonian Institution and the Carnegie 
 Institute at Washington. All the various kinds of work car- 
 ried on, and all the opportunities which lie open to be immedi- 
 ately utilized, require a vast expenditure of money. Under 
 limited resources, it would be more practicable to forego class- 
 room work, which others can do, and to be free to develop the 
 distinctive features of The Institute in widest application to the 
 leaders of thought throughout the Empire. 
 
 7. The plan of The Institute has included a library — both 
 Chinese and .foreign literature — and a museum partaking of 
 the character of a permanent exhibit. Whether these shall 
 be undertaken or not will depend on large donations or no 
 donation from the very rich. As is the investment, so is the 
 work. 
 
 UNIQUE FEATURES OF THE PLAN.— (i) The plan 
 recognizes the joint action and control of both Chinese and 
 foreign residents in China. The International Institute of 
 China is, on the one side, of China, and on the other, interna- 
 tional. The Constitution defines it : "To promote harmony 
 between Chinese and foreigners." The Shanghai Club, the 
 Recreation Ground, the Public Gardens, in Shanghai, are 
 
 27 
 
Governor Tseng Yun 
 Annual Subscriber to Institute 
 
reserved for "Europeans." From many public enterprises in 
 China foreigners likewise are excluded. The cry of "China 
 for the Chinese" deprecates foreign concessions. The Insti- 
 tute is a common meeting-ground. At the farewell reception 
 to Dr. and Mrs. Gilbert Reid, Taotai Y. C. Tong, the Chair- 
 man, pithily and humorously remarked : "This place is neither 
 Chinese nor foreign ; it is international. No man is a stranger 
 within these walls unless he is one of those fortunately rare 
 people so puffed up with pride in his own country that he 
 arrogantly despises all others. That sort of gentleman never 
 comes here." 
 
 2. Again, to state the matter differently, The Institute is 
 thoroughly cosmopolitan. It is an International Institute. 
 For the spirit of cosmopolitanism Shanghai stands supreme; 
 it has therefore heartily responded to this feature of The Insti- 
 tute. If any one man helps liberally, no matter what his 
 nationality, all join in singing his praises. If any one country 
 excels in generosity to China and to this joint enterprise, that 
 country gains prestige. No country is excluded; the door 
 stands open to all. 
 
 3. The Institute illustrates the missionary spirit; without it, 
 the work, in the face of countless obstacles, would never have 
 been done. Selfishness, national aggrandizement, the spolia- 
 tion of China, narrowness, bigotry, and "all uncharitableness," 
 are ruled out. The non-missionary circles of Shanghai in 
 entering into the work of The Institute have been at heart as 
 missionary as the missionaries themselves. The enterprise is 
 supported by no missionary society, but it is always ready to 
 help the great missionary propaganda, whatever the church, 
 whatever the nation that sends the men. 
 
 4. The Institute makes no discrimination between one Reli- 
 gion and another. It stands for religious toleration and lib- 
 erty of conscience. It inculcates conciliation in treatment of 
 the non-Christian religions. It is humanitarian. The word 
 
 29 
 
"heathen" is ehminated from its terminology. The adherents 
 of all Faiths never fear to come to its rooms. Proselytism, 
 suitable in its place, is left to churches, temples, mosques and 
 synagogues. As Sir Nicholas Hannen, British Judge and Con- 
 sul-General, said in 1897, "This Institute is a mission of en- 
 lightenment, not of evangelization." And yet religion, moral- 
 ity, and righteousness ought not to be discarded. There are 
 fundamental ideas of religion, imbedded in humanity by the 
 One Supreme Being, which may lie at the basis of this work, 
 as they are essential to all national prosperity. No one has 
 yet found fault with the Christian spirit, in which the work 
 has been conducted. In each of the Official Sanctions given by 
 the Imperial Board of Foreign Affairs, the founder of The 
 Institute has been called a "missionary," a "clergyman," and 
 yet it was distinctly understood that "the hall of learning" was 
 not to be a "church." 
 
 5. All through the yeai's, the aim has been to win over to 
 union-efforts the men and women of greatest influence — the 
 leaders in the Empire, the higher classes, and the best of those 
 who ai'e "guests from abroad." The Constitution again reads : 
 "To afford facilities for imparting instruction, truth, and en- 
 lightenment to the higher classes of Chinese, so that thereby 
 helpful influences may be exercised on the masses of the 
 people." The Institute is still a Mission among the Higher 
 Classes in China, though this feature is less distinctive to-day 
 than at the start, as it has won its way into nearly every mis- 
 sionary organization. Largely for this reason the New York 
 Journal of Commerce says : "This Institute would not cost 
 one per cent, of a fortified port, and in the way of affecting the 
 course of Chinese commerce it would be scarcely less effective ; 
 it is not very visionary to say that it would be more effective." 
 
 6. The Institute, while having none of the disadvantages 
 of Government control, has had the sanction and recognition 
 of the Chinese Government and of Chinese officials. What 
 
 30 
 
has been recovinted above clearly shows this forth. It is 
 semi-oMcial. It is to be doubted if the scheme would have 
 become more than an individual experiment, if the official 
 document had not been procured in April, 1897, and the 
 wisdom of undertaking another campaign in its behalf is due 
 to the further recognition which has been granted. Rev. Dr. 
 Martin in 1909 says: "It is fifteen years since Dr. Reid 
 conceived the idea of such an Institution; and few know 
 how perseveringly he has pursued the vision — ignis fatuus 
 though it was deemed by most of his friends. Compelled 
 by the Boxer war to transfer his operations from Peking 
 to Shanghai, the only things which he brought with him, 
 as the result of his transient location in the Capital, were 
 an Endorsement by the Foreign Office, and a cordial com- 
 mendation from the pen of the great Viceroy, Li Hung- 
 chang. These, however, were invaluable assets, and they 
 have served as corner-stones for these handsome edifices — 
 bespeaking the confidence and cooperation of officials and 
 gentry." In fact, The Institute has held a unique position, 
 and has an unusual opportunity, from the connections made 
 and the favor forthcoming, among official circles. 
 
 7. The Institute stands for friendliness, for helpfulness, to 
 China. It is preeminently altruistic. A leading newspaper 
 in St. Petersburg headed an article on The Institute by the 
 English words : "A Helping Hand to China." The Constitu- 
 tion starts with the words : "To promote the welfare of 
 China and the Chinese people." When Prince Kung first 
 granted to Dr. Reid the privilege of approaching direct the 
 Board of Foreign Affairs, he summed it up in the words: 
 "We recognize you as a friend to China." When in 1906, 
 His Excellency, Viceroy Chou Fu, unveiled the tablet to the 
 hall dedicated by Mr. William G. Low to his father, Abiel 
 Abbot Low, these words were uttered: "The idea of a friend 
 from afar is highly illustrated to-day, and it is hoped new 
 
 31 
 
Sir Robert Bredon, K.C.M.G. 
 Former Chairman Executive Committee 
 
 32 
 
illustrations will appear in the future again and again." In 
 the Emperor of China bestowing upon Mr. William G. Low 
 an Imperial decoration, appreciation of friendship was fit- 
 tingly shown. What China wants to-day is friends — indi- 
 viduals that are friends, nations and governments that are 
 friends. 
 
 OPPORTUNITIES OF USEFULNESS.— The special 
 opportunities of this Institute are seen in what has been out- 
 lined above. To specify: (i) There are opportunities of an 
 unusual character through the connections which have been 
 satisfactorily established with the leaders among the Chinese. 
 (2) There are opportunities through the cordial support and 
 cooperation of foreign residents in China of every nation- 
 ality, without any religious bias and discord, or national 
 jealousy and unpleasantness through all these years. (3} 
 The time is opportune, owing to the changed attitude to ques- 
 tions of reform, and the existing friendliness to America. 
 (4) There is opportunity in joining forces with a scheme 
 that has already been tested and approved, rather than one to 
 be put forward anew and be hereafter tried. The "conces- 
 sion" has been granted by the Chinese Government, and work 
 has begun without opposition from the Chinese or any other 
 people. (5) By being free from national, racial, and reli- 
 gious prejudices, workers in The Institute have free entree to 
 homes and hearts of influential Chinese all over the Empire. 
 (6) By placing primary emphasis on the personnel, and sec- 
 ondary emphasis on bricks and mortar, the vitality and per- 
 manence of the work is assured, and economy of energy and 
 money is safe-guarded. (7) By basing the principles of The 
 Institute on well-tried principles of humanity, the application 
 of the work to conditions in China will always be needed. (8) 
 The opportunity is great owing to the far-reaching bearings 
 of the work on great problems, as the peace of the world as 
 as well as the uplift of China. 
 
 33 
 
3) 
 
LOCATION OF THE INSTITUTE.— The first location 
 was in Peking, the next in Shanghai ; now it is needed in both 
 Peking and Shanghai. Every provincial capital, every large 
 treaty-poit, should have a branch. Property may be needed 
 only in Shanghai, possibly also in Peking; in other places are 
 needed workers, who will join hands with the Chinese and 
 foreign residents. 
 
 WHAT IS ASKED FOR FROM AMERICANS.— (i) 
 Good will is asked for, not harsh criticism or short-sighted 
 jealousy. (2) Opportunities are desired to present the cause 
 and tell the story, in church pulpit, on public platform, in 
 university hall, in Chambers of Commerce, before Peace 
 Societies, through the press, in private drawing-room, at 
 Women's Clubs — any place where kind hearts may be found. 
 
 (3 ) Ten male wofkers and five lady workers, specially quali- 
 fied, who either know the Chinese language or are willing to 
 learn it, are asked to offer themselves for personal service. 
 
 (4) Each one who reads these lines, if possessed of this 
 world's goods, is asked to become an annual subscribing mem- 
 ber of $10. The help is not sought from those whose ways of 
 livelihood are hard and trying. (5) Will anyone whom 
 Providence has greatly blessed with material prosperity, and 
 who has a feeling of sympathy for China in solving her great 
 problems, help the cause, and give the pleasure, by bearing the 
 salary of one person or one family as one's own representa- 
 tive? (6) A College or University is asked to appoint one 
 of its graduates as its educational representative and to ar- 
 range for his permanent support. (7) Some one is asked to 
 provide an endowment of $40,000 to meet the salary and 
 expenses of one man in continued service. (8) More contribu- 
 tions are needed for erecting an Institute Hall in Shanghai, 
 and another for Peking, as tangible evidence of American 
 generosity. (9) Whoever may be interested in some 
 particular phase of the work outlined above is invited 
 
 35 
 
to give special help to that, rather than to the general 
 funds. 
 
 The late Rev. Edward Everett Hale once gave utterance to 
 the following message : 
 
 "Look up and not down; 
 Look forward and not back; 
 Look out and not in : 
 Lend a hand!" 
 
 American address of Director-in-Chief, Dr. Gilbert Reid, 
 59 Wall Street, New York City, in care of Brown Bros. & 
 Co. 
 
 Hon. Treas. American Committee, Mr. James S. Fearon, 
 International Banking Corporation, 60 Wall Street. New 
 York City. 
 
APPROVAL OF CHINESE AND AMERICAN 
 GOVERNMENTS 
 
 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 Hon. Philander C. Knox, Secretary of State, Washington, 
 D. C: 
 
 I beg leave to bring to your attention some of the different 
 forms of recognition which have been given by the Chinese 
 government to an American citizen residing in China and to 
 an institution under his direction. 
 
 In the year 1897, in the month of March, the following 
 sanction and recognition was given by the Imperial Board of 
 Foreign Affairs, under its official seal: 
 
 "We, the princes and ministers constituting the Imperial 
 Board of Foreign Affairs, do issue the following instructions 
 in reply: 
 
 "The American missionary, Gilbert Reid, has many times 
 presented to the board documents setting forth his views as to 
 the requirements of the times. He has also laid before us 
 proposals for the erection of an institute of learning. These 
 papers we have looked over and find them marked by sa- 
 gacious insight. 
 
 "The said missionary has lived in China many years and is 
 intimately acquainted with the state of affairs. His learn- 
 ing penetrates to fundamental principles and his heart is ani- 
 mated by benevolent motives which are of high praise. 
 
 "Besides keeping these documents on file for future refer- 
 ence, we assure the said missionary that when his plan for 
 The Institute goes into operation, if the actuality answers to 
 the prospectus, producing good and not evil, this Board will, 
 after due investigation, confer additional tokens of approval. 
 In the meantime let the secretary of the Board convey to Mr. 
 
 37 
 
Rev. Dr. Gilberi Reid 
 
 3S 
 
Reid this expression of our cordial commendation along with 
 his original petition. 
 
 "Given (at Peking) under the seal of the Board of Foreign 
 Affairs, in the 2d moon of 23d year of Kwang Su (March, 
 1897)." 
 
 About the same time the two princes and nine ministers of 
 the Foreign Oflice sent to me an honorific banner as an indica- 
 tion of their good will. 
 
 Last year, in the month of December, a second recognition, 
 under official seal, was sent to me by the Imperial Board of 
 Foreign Affairs. It reads as follows : 
 
 "The Imperial Board of Foreign Affairs issues the follow- 
 ing instructions in reply : , 
 
 "The founder of The International Institute of China, an 
 American missionary. Rev. Gilbert Reid, has presented a me- 
 morial containing regulations for the establishment of this 
 Institute and also an account of the operations of The In- 
 stitute during the last few years. These documents have been 
 carefully perused. Said missionary has lived in China many 
 years and has shown great zeal in the management of educa- 
 tional affairs. His efforts are worthy of high praise. There- 
 fore this Board has set apart taels two thousand ($1,500) to 
 help The Institute, and also bestows on The Institute one 
 tablet, which is hereby handed over to said missionary for his 
 acceptance. Concerning an American citizen, William Gil- 
 man Low, who has contributed altogether over taels thirteen 
 thousand ($10,000), the Board finds that he takes pleasure in 
 righteous deeds and that he loves to be generous. Therefore 
 this Board has memorialized the Throne and has received an 
 Imperial Edict directing that the Imperial Order of the Yellow 
 Dragon be conferred on him by way of formal recognition. 
 
 "An official reply, on the fifth day of the nth moon of the 
 first year of the Emperor Husan Tung (December 16 
 1909)." 
 
 39 
 
Prior to my return to the United States, tlie tablet pre- 
 sented by the Board of Foreign Affairs was unveiled, the 
 ceremony being performed by Robert Dollar of San Francisco 
 and by Taotai Mun Yew Chung, a Yale graduate of the class 
 of 1893. Greetings were also given to us in view of our leav- 
 ing for this country. Besides speeches from the former chair- 
 man of the executive committee, an English merchant, Mr. 
 Alexander McLeod, and from the present chairman, Taotai 
 Y. C. Tong, a former student at Columbia University, there 
 were greetings from officials specially deputed by the follow- 
 ing high officials : The president of the Board of Posts and 
 Communications, the viceroy at Nanking, the viceroy at Wu- 
 chang, the viceroy at Canton, the viceroy at Mukden, the gov- 
 ernor at Soochow, the governor at Hangchow, the governor 
 at Mukden, and the governor of the province of Shantung. 
 This cordial expression of friendliness from officials hold- 
 ing office in different parts of China is worthy of being noted 
 in this connection as showing the attitude of influential 
 Chinese towards our country. 
 
 While this honor has been bestowed on an American, and 
 friendliness has been shown to the United States, it should 
 also be borne in mind that The Institute which has been recog- 
 nized is international, and therefore the Chinese, in giving 
 formal recognition, are in sympathy with the cosmopolitan 
 character of The Institute, and are friendly disposed to the 
 best of all countries. 
 
 I have been especially deputed by the officers and members 
 of The International Institute to bring to the attention of 
 people in this country the interests of The Institute and the 
 cause of international good will; and I would be pleased if 
 you can find it possible to countenance and assist this under- 
 taking. I remain, sir, your most obedient servant, 
 
 GILBERT REID, 
 
 Director-in-Chief. 
 40 
 
Department of State, Washington, May 31, 1910. 
 Rev. Gilbert Reid, D.D., Director-in-Chief of The Interna- 
 tional Institute of China : 
 
 I have to acknovirledge the receipt of your communication 
 of May 27, 19 10, acquainting me with the recognition and 
 assistance given to The International Institute of China by 
 the Chinese government and with the moral and financial 
 support which The Institute has received from many officials 
 and merchants of various nationalities. 
 
 The department is happy to learn that an international, phil- 
 anthropic enterprise, undertaken with, the object of dissemi- 
 nating knowledge in China, and promoting friendly intercourse 
 between Chinese and others, has met with such substantial 
 tokens of approval from the Chinese government. It is espe- 
 cially gratifying to know that such an important enterprise is 
 under the direction of an American citizen. 
 
 One of the principal sources of international friction is 
 the lack of acquaintanceship. Differences of language, social 
 custom and religion are apt to breed suspicion and prejudice, 
 which are, nevertheless, easily removed by the better mutual 
 understanding which your Institute, having a representative 
 international character, ought to be able to promote. 
 
 While the department is not atithorized to give direct as- 
 sistance to any form of missionary activity, the policy of our 
 government has uniformly been to seek the largest toleration 
 for all enterprises that look toward the moral and social bet- 
 terment of mankind and the promotion and preservation of 
 peace among the nations, and I have no doubt that the work 
 of The International Institute will contribute to these ends by 
 the frank and friendly relations which it seeks to establish 
 between the Chinese and men of other nationalities and by the 
 atmosphere of mutual confidence which it will thus help to 
 create. I am, sir, your obedient servant, P. C. KNOX. 
 
 41 
 
AMERICAN COMMITTEE 
 
 William G. Low, Esq., President, 30 Broad St., New York. 
 
 James S. Fearon, Esq., Hon. Treas., International Banking 
 Corporation, 60 Wall St. 
 
 Wm. G. Low, Jr., Esq., Hon. Secretary, 37 Wall St. 
 
 Hon. John Barrett, Director Bureau of American Re- 
 publics, Washington, D. C. 
 
 John N. Beach, Esq., Bliss, Fabyan & Co., 32 Thomas St. 
 
 Edwin M. Bulkley, Esq., Spencer Trask & Co., 43 Ex- 
 change Place. 
 
 Col. E. H. CoNKLiN, 34 Spruce St. 
 
 Geo. E. Dunham, Esq., Utica Press, Utica, N. Y, 
 
 Amory a. Lawrence, Esq., Boston, Mass. 
 
 G. H. Macy, Esq., Carter, Macy & Co., 142 Pearl St. 
 
 Abbott L. Mills, Esq., Portland, Oregon. 
 
 David A. Monro, Esq., North American Review. 
 
 Gen. Wm. B. Parsons, 60 Wall St. 
 
 Rev. Geo. F. Pentecost, D.D., LL.D., Northfield, Mass. 
 
 Col. David B. Sickels, 100 Broadway. 
 
 Francis Louis Slade, Esq., 115 Broadway. 
 
 Frank Sullivan Smith, Esq., 54 Wall St. 
 
 William H. Stevens, Esq., American Trading Co., 25 
 Broad St. 
 
 George Gray Ward, Manager Commercial Pacific Cable Co., 
 253 Broadway. 
 
 Silas D. Webb, Esq., China and Japan Trading Co., 36 
 Burling Slip. 
 
 42 
 
Vhc International 
 
 Institute of 
 China 
 
 f^m *Xbc National Review" of Cbim 
 
 ••M- 
 
 Mjij i lU I - III I II III. 
 
 M il I-III.I. III.. 
 
The International Institute 
 of China 
 
 From "The National Review" of China 
 
 1910 
 
THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHINA 
 
 The outstanding feature of the history of the world since 
 John Bright passed to higher service has been the gradual 
 but none the less certain and emphatic recognition of those 
 principles for which he never ceased to strive. He was one 
 of those who first fully realized that distinctions of color are 
 but superficial and that no civilized Power has the right to 
 say, Am I my brother's keeper? Since his time the nations, 
 in spite of antagonisms and petty squabbles, and even in spite 
 of great wars, have been coming- closer together. The agen- 
 cies at work to bring about this fuller recognition of brother- 
 hood have been many. Missionary societies, peace societies, 
 international societies for the reform of international abuses 
 and evils, and many other agencies have given expression to 
 the doctrine that "All beneath the Heavens are one family." 
 Most of these efforts have been confined to the West, how- 
 ever. It is only within the last decade that serious attempts 
 have been made to bind together the East and the West. As 
 far as China is concerned it was the events of 1898 and 1900 
 that gave her a foremost place in the regard of the nations. 
 Before that time such men as Dr. Richard and Dr. Gilbert 
 Reid were prophets crying in the wilderness — unheeded, if 
 not unheard; and much of the interest of the educated West 
 in the destinies of this Empire is directly due to the work of 
 the subject of this sketch. The International Institute, and its 
 founder. Dr. Gilbert Reid. 
 
 The International Institute is the magnificent outcome of 
 an individual experiment. Twenty years ago, when Dr. Reid 
 was working in connection with the missionary body under 
 
 5 
 
whose auspices he was devoting himself to the upUfting of 
 China, he reahzed the fact that China would never be brought 
 into effective living contact with the West, the gulf between 
 China and the West would never be bridged, until the edu- 
 cated men of China and of foreign lands met each other on 
 a friendly footing and accepted as something more than a 
 pious opinion the truth enshrined in the Confucian maxim 
 IS ^S^^W "Amongst men of culture there is no division of 
 race. It was a full and firm conviction of this that led Dr. 
 Reid, with practically no resources to fall back upon in case 
 of failure, to sever his connection with his mission and devote 
 himself to the task of preaching to the higher classes in China, 
 the officials, the gentry, the wealthy aristocrats, the doctrines 
 of international amity and good will, of international coopera- 
 tion and good fellowship. -The task of breaking down the 
 exclusive prejudices of East and West is no easy one, but 
 Dr. Reid had no sooner taken it in hand than he found it 
 appreciated. The work was begun in 1895 and by 1897 the 
 Tsungli Yamen had been thrown open to Dr. Reid without 
 the intervention of foreign Ministers in Peking. Princes 
 Kung and Ching and Marquis Li Hung-chang quickly realized 
 that this self-appointed mission of Dr. Reid's, the task of 
 bringing together in amity and concord the educated men 
 of all nations for their mutual advantage, was one eminently 
 worthy of encouragement. Hence they gave to Dr. Reid the 
 entree to the Tsungli Yamen, and that privilege has been con- 
 tinued in the Waiwu Pu, the successor of the Tsungli Yamen. 
 It is no small thing for a foreigner to have direct access to a 
 Chinese Board without the intermediation of his Minister and 
 as it is quite unique it is to be regarded as a signal and early 
 recognition of the valuable nature of the services that Dr. 
 Reid is rendering to the nations. 
 
 In founding The International Institute Dr. Reid was ani- 
 mated by a desire to accomplish four things; to advance the 
 
 6 
 
welfare of China and the Chinese people; to promote harmoiiy 
 between Chinese and foreigners and between Christian and . 
 non-Christian Chinese; to impart instruction and extend en- 
 lightenment, thereby enlarging the wisdom and stimulating 
 the activity of the upper classes, that from them reformatory 
 influences might flow down to the masses of the people; to 
 make righteousness the basis of intercourse and by the en- 
 couragement given to morality and the pursuit of truth to 
 widen the teachings of the past and to obtain new wisdom for 
 the renovation of the people. 
 
 It will be seen that. this is a very big program, but that the 
 essence, the pith of, it, is to be found in the first aim — to ad- 
 vance the welfare of the Chinese nation. To attain to this 
 there must be the spirit of harmony and friendliness between 
 East and West, and conciliatory methods of enlightenment 
 and truth. It may be urged that, broadly speaking, this is 
 the aim of the various missionary bodies in China. That is 
 quite true, but The International Institute attacks the problem 
 from a different standpoint and by methods entirely dissimilar 
 from those of the missions. The approach is not to the poor 
 or the laboring classes but to the higher classes; the method 
 is not that of evangelization but of intellectual enlightenment. 
 The men who burned Giordano Bruno, who persecuted Galileo, 
 and executed Charles I were evangelized without any doubt, 
 but they were not enlightened. It is surely unnecessary to 
 emphasize the appropriateness of the method to the object 
 it is intended to achieve — that is too obvious to need emphasis. 
 The approach to the higher classes may take many forms. Dr. 
 Reid began it by visiting them in their homes in Peking. It 
 was a bold stroke, but it told. He visited every member of 
 the cabinet, except Prince Li, in the early days of The Insti- 
 tute, and what is more, he was received and his visits were 
 returned. A Minister of a foreign Power once tried this and 
 was snubbed for his pains. Dr. Reid led the way, and now 
 
 7 
 
there is quite a large social intercourse between Chinese of 
 the higher class and foreigners in Peking. It is to be observed 
 that for this purpose no plant, no building, nothing more than 
 the personal services of the workers is necessary. Personal 
 service, personal intercourse, personal contact are the essential 
 elements in the work, but it does not stop there. 
 
 When the educated Chinese have met foreigners in a social 
 way, when foreigners and Chinese have each learned that 
 there is nothing very intolerable about the other, and that each 
 possesses quite estimable traits of character, there begins to 
 dawn the idea that still further benefit may be derived by 
 studying the political and philosophical ideas that lie behind 
 constitutions and customs. Hence part of the work of The 
 International Institute has been to translate into the best 
 Chinese books, pamphlets, and other documents, and also to 
 write such books or pamphlets as would open up to the literati 
 the stores of historical, political, and philosophical wisdom of 
 the West. This of course would be the natural bent of a 
 grandson of the famous Scotch philosopher whose name Dr. 
 Reid bears, and it is also a branch of the work that has been 
 very fruitful in creating an interest in and an appreciation of 
 the formative ideas and beliefs of the West. 
 
 For the full realization of Dr. Reid's plans it became neces- 
 sary to have headquarters where the greatest number of for- 
 eigners could be brought in contact with the greatest number 
 of Chinese, and for the proper carrying on of this work a 
 common meeting ground was necessary. To meet this need it 
 was necessary to come to Shanghai and the present spacious 
 grounds were acquired and eminently suitable buildings 
 erected thereon. Since the work has been directed from 
 Shanghai it has had many ramifications. For the promotion 
 of harmony between Chinese and foreigners many receptions 
 and meetings of a purely social character have been held and 
 many lectures have been given, whilst efiforts were made to 
 
 9 
 
prevent the boycott of American goods on the one hand and 
 on the other to secure better legislation in the United States 
 on the question of Chinese exclusion. Much has been done 
 by the direct mediation of The Institute in disputes between 
 Christians and non-Christians, in disputes between various 
 kinds of converts, and by bringing together representatives 
 of diiiferent religious bodies on the occasion of various re- 
 ligious gatherings in Shanghai. Those living in Shanghai do 
 not need to be told of the famous lectures delivered regularly 
 during the winter months, chiefly by Dr. Reid, whose plain- 
 ness of speech has been kindly received because of his evident 
 sincerity and whose putting of unpalatable truths has served 
 to stir up many to seek to remedy evils of prejudice and mis- 
 guided patriotism. These lectures have been on many sub- 
 jects — Comparative Governments, China's Treaties, Har- 
 mony, Western Constitutions, Great Men who have helped 
 China, Educational Problems, Elements of International Law, 
 Ethical Principles. In this way important principles bearing 
 on questions of the day have been imparted to the intelligent 
 classes as one method of promoting enlightenment. Most of 
 these lectures have subsequently been published in book form 
 and have thus been made to reach a much wider audience than 
 that to which they were originally delivered. In the prepara- 
 tion of these volumes Dr. Reid has had the cooperation of 
 Chinese scholars. 
 
 The Institute has also conducted important educational 
 work. Classes have been carried on in which foreign lan- 
 guages have been taught to the sons of the higher officials and 
 the fees received from this source have been of material as- 
 sistance to the work of The Institute. The classes were in six 
 departments, English language, Japanese language, French lan- 
 guage. Political Science — a very important department — Junior 
 Chinese, and Chinese Literature and Philosophy. As there 
 are: now so many institutions opened at which these things 
 
 lO 
 
may be obtained the classes are being discontinued and the 
 energies of the staff will be devoted to a higher form of work. 
 The discontinuance of the class work is a sign of advance, 
 for it implies that so much of the teaching and of the example 
 of The Institute has been adopted that there is no further 
 need of The Institute's leading. The Institute has also made 
 a beginning of a museum and a library, and as time goes 
 by these will be more fully developed. A wider scope now 
 opens up for larger work, peculiar to The Institute. 
 
 It is useless to devote one's energy to these things imless 
 they are appreciated, however, and when we come to inquire 
 whether tlie work of The International Institute is appre- 
 ciated we have the most emphatic of answers — assistance and 
 cooperation. To begin with, there is the sanction that was 
 given to the work by the Imperial Board of Foreign Affairs 
 in 1897, when the Tsungli Yamen under official seal approved 
 of the aims of The Institute and promised to bestow further 
 recognition if the plan should be carried into effect in accord- 
 ance with the regulations and should produce good and not 
 evil. Later, in 1902, the Waiwu Pu through its four leading 
 members, Wang Wen-shao, Chu Hung-chi, Na Tung, and Lien 
 Fang, favored the establishment of the work in some city of 
 central China, and besides confirming the previous sanction 
 promised to memorialize the Throne when the plan had been 
 carried to a successful issue. Between then and now the 
 Chinese have wonderfully held up Dr. Reid's hands. For no 
 other institution in China in which foreigners are concefned 
 have they contributed anything like the sums that have gone 
 to The International Institute, some Taels 50,000 in all. Vice- 
 ro)'S and Governors, and even high officials of Peking Boards, 
 have given donations to The Institute, though situated in 
 Shanghai. This is a remarkable evidence of appreciation on 
 the part of the very people for whose benefit chiefly The In- 
 stitute is established. 
 
 II 
 
The latest recognition of the work of The International 
 Institute comes from Peking during the last few weeks. 
 During the summer Dr. and Mrs. Reid visited Peking and 
 Dr. Reid took measures in accordance with Chinese ideas of 
 precedent and continuity to bring the work of The Institute 
 again before the notice of the Waiwu Pu. Armed with a 
 memorial drawn up by his Committee Dr. Reid asked for an 
 audience of the Waiwu Pu, and backed up the memorial with 
 a personal petition and a memorandum outlining the work 
 and objects of The Institute since its removal to Shanghai. 
 Dr. Reid also presented direct to the Prince Regent copies of 
 books that he had prepared in Chinese. Though failing to 
 obtain a formal audience with the Board as a body, Dr. Reid 
 had meetings with several of the individual members and 
 they promised to memorialize the Throne on behalf of The 
 Institute, to assist by a donation of money, and to show favor 
 in other ways. How far they kept these promises may be seen 
 from the fact that under date of i6th December, 1909, the 
 Board of Foreign Affairs, under its official seal, gave formal 
 reply to Dr. Reid's petition concerning The International In- 
 stitute. It recognized and complimented Dr. Reid on the 
 work that has been done, and in appreciation contributed Taels 
 2,000 to help on the woi^k, and bestowed an honorific tablet 
 to be hung in the halls of The Institute. It also memorialized 
 the Throne, and received an Imperial Edict directing that 
 the Imperial Order of the Yellow Dragon be conferred on 
 Mr. William G. Low, of New York city> for his large and 
 repeated gifts to the cause. 
 
 This Imperial recognition should be very gratifying not 
 only to Dr. and Mrs. Reid, who have labored so abundantly 
 in the cause, but to all their many supporters and well-wishers ; 
 and it should be quite sufficient argument with which to con- 
 vince friends abroad to support The International Institute, 
 that it has, without the assistance or intervention of any for- 
 
 12 
 
eign Minister, or the use of any diplomatic machinery, been 
 able to justify its existence and to compel recognition from 
 the very highest authority in the Chinese Empire. 
 
 At this point it may be interesting to note, as illustrating 
 the sort of work on which The International Institute is em- 
 ployed, one incident of Dr. Reid's visit to Peking. As is well 
 known, the many schools founded by foreigners in China, the 
 great bulk of them being mission schools of course, are not 
 recognized by the Chinese Government in any way. Their 
 ex-students are excluded from the franchise, and other dis- 
 abilities attach to them. The authorities of these schools have 
 not ceased roundly to abuse the Chinese Government for its 
 policy in this regard, but they have done nothing to make their 
 case known to the authorities in Peking. They have been 
 contented to kick against the pricks. Dr. Reid, whilst in 
 Peking, did these people good service by discussing with the 
 two officials in charge of the Board of Education at that time 
 the whole question of the status of f'oreign-fotmded schools 
 and colleges. This discussion occupied over three hours and 
 was throughout of a most friendly nature. The conclusion 
 finally reached was that, by its imperially sanctioned regula- 
 tions, the Board of Education could only recognize schools 
 entirely under Chinese auspices, but that modifications might 
 be made so as to include all schools, and that what China 
 needed was more talent, however or wherever cultivated. Fur- 
 ther to help the cause of broadmindedness. Dr. Reid has also 
 prepared and forwarded to the Board of Education opinions 
 and views on this vital subject. In this way The International 
 Institute, by spreading enlightened opinion in influential quar- 
 ters, is able to serve the cause of the many foreign educators 
 in China, whilst they themselves are merely lamenting the 
 alleged unreasonableness of Peking. The Institute is thus a 
 pioneer agency. 
 
 It nbw remains to look into the future of this great under- 
 
 13 
 
14 
 
taking. The International Institute is firmly planted, is ade- 
 quately equipped with a permanent home, and has already 
 achieved a large measure of success. It has reached the point 
 where it may well open out into new avenues of usefulness, 
 and these are already being planned. Place aux dames! The 
 position of woman in China, as in all Eastern lands, has 
 hitherto been one of seclusion and retirement. With the 
 awakening of China the women of the country are coming 
 to hold a more exalted status and are occupying a new social 
 position. With a view to increasing the intercourse between 
 East and West Mrs. Reid is just commencing an International 
 Tea-cup Club. This is to be a Ladies' Club, with regular 
 meetings at The Institute, when after friendly chats and social 
 intercourse and over the sipping of the cup that cheers, papers 
 will be read on subjects of feminine interest and everything 
 possible done to help all nationalities to know and learn from 
 ■each other. This Club is only just formed, but its potentialities 
 are very great. 
 
 Dr. Reid has other great plans on the way. Before leaving 
 for his trip home he is forming three Special Committees to 
 work with and under the Executive Committee in three direc- 
 tions. One of these Committees will devote itself to the work 
 of providing means of intercourse for business and commer- 
 ■cial men of all nationalities. Every facility will be given to 
 discuss commercial and business problems, especially such as 
 tend to create difficulties and hindrances to complete coopera- 
 tion and mutual trust. It is beheved that if business and 
 commercial men of all nationalities met each other on a foot- 
 ing of equality, under conditions less formal than those of 
 business, they would be able to thrash out and to solve in the 
 most amicable manner many of the difficulties that arise 
 purely from ignorance of each other's needs and customs and 
 desires. The same thing applies to religious matters. The 
 unfortunate collisions, suspicions, and persecutions that all too 
 
 T5 
 
often mark the relations of those who are keen adherents of 
 dififerent faiths would largely disappear if those of the various 
 beliefs could get to know each other better and so learn to 
 respect one another, as well as combine in matters of common 
 good. To this end another Committee is being formed whose 
 work will be to afford opportunities for intercourse of adher- 
 ents of all faiths if such are kindly disposed, and to estabhsh 
 means whereby collisions, riots, and wranglings may be re- 
 duced to a minimum, or at any rate to prevent a spread of 
 ill feeling by providing opportunities for quiet, non-public, 
 dispassionate discussion and settlement of problems of mutual 
 concern. In the same way there are many educational prob- 
 lems and questions the consideration of which would be of the 
 greatest interest and benefit at the present time, and a third 
 Committee is being formed to undertake this part of the work. 
 This Committee, like the others, will provide lectures on the 
 subject to which specially it is expected to devote its attention 
 and will also arrange for conferences on those matters within 
 its purview that have general interest and concern. The work 
 here outlined is that for the immediate future. Still greater 
 plans are in view. Dr. Reid hopes to extend the work of The 
 Institute throughout China. In every center at which the 
 various foreign nations have settled in this country there 
 should be a branch of The Institute, not necessarily with a 
 plant and premises as at Shanghai, but with an organization 
 with all the machinery for conducting just such work as the 
 last few years have seen carried on at Shanghai. To do this 
 Dr. Reid needs at once ten helpers, to make a beginning. He 
 should not ask for these in vain. There is ample evidence that 
 his plans have the emphatic support of the best Chinese and of 
 the best foreigners in China. To the evidence from Chinese 
 we have already referred. That the best elements of the for- 
 eign community are with the enterprise is evident from the 
 fact that the commercial, professional, and official sections of 
 
 i6 
 
each of the great nationalities in Shanghai are represented on 
 the General Committee of The Institute, and one of Shanghai's 
 most prominent business men, Mr. Alexander McLeod, has for 
 a long time held the office of Chairman of the Executive Com- 
 mittee. He is succeeded by H. E. Y. C. Tong, General Man- 
 ager of the Chinese Imperial Telegraph Company, evidence of 
 the international character not only of the aims but of the per- 
 sonnel of The Institute. Again, in the United States of 
 America, in Great Britain, in Germany, and in Holland, Com- 
 mittees have been formed for the support of the vi^ork. What 
 is needed now is that these Committees should really get to 
 work and strengthen Dr. Reid's hands, so that he may get all 
 the men, all the money, all the resources he needs. Such sup- 
 port would be a great help to the cause of international peace. 
 
 17 
 
FAREWELL RECEPTION TO DR. AND MRS. 
 GILBERT REID. 
 
 On Friday afternoon last at The International Institute a 
 farewell reception was held in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Gilbert 
 Reid, who with their family are shortly leaving for the 
 United States on a short furlough. There was a gathering 
 
 .■of foreign and Chinese guests to the number of over two 
 hundred. From four o'clock to half past five the function 
 was of a purely social character, tea and refreshments being 
 served at tables presided over by Mrs. Struckmeyer, Mrs. 
 W. A. Reed, Mrs. E\-erett, Mrs. Y. C. Tong, Mrs. White, 
 Mrs. Patterson, Miss Fobes, Mrs. Hager, and Mrs. Chou. 
 The hall had been charmingly decorated for the occasion, under 
 the superintendence of Mr. Darrah, with flags of all nations, 
 flowers, palms, and foliage, and presented a gorgeous appear- 
 ance. 
 
 Punctually at 5 130 the gathering was called to order by 
 
 .the Chairman of the Executive Committee, H. E. Y. C. Tong, 
 who presided over the proceedings, and was supported by 
 Taotai M. Y. Chung, Mr. Robert Dollar, Mr. Alex. McLeod, 
 Mr. J. N. Jameson, Taotai Chu Pao-san, and others. The 
 Nanking Viceroy was represented by Mr. Kwan Chun, former 
 Mixed Court Magistrate; the Wuchang Viceroy Designate, 
 H. E. Jui Cheng, was represented by the Chapei Constabulary 
 Taotai Wong ; the Soochow Governor by the City Magistrate, 
 Tien; the Shanghai Taotai by his Secretary-Interpreter, Mr. 
 Chen She-kwang; the Viceroy at Canton, Yuan Shu-shun, 
 by Taotai Chu Pao-san ; the Viceroy of Manchuria, Hsi Liang, 
 by Taotai Chou Chin-chen; whilst Governor Sun Pao-chi of 
 
 18 
 
Shantung especially deputed Taotai Chu to come from Chin- 
 anfu, and Governor Tsing Yun of Chekiang especially deputed 
 Taotai Wong of the Foreign Bureau of Hangchow. 
 
 The Chairman first announced that letters had been received 
 from several officers of The Institute who now live in Peking, 
 from Admiral Sir Sah Chenping, the President of the Ad- 
 visory Council; from His Excellency Lu Haihuan, a former 
 President of the Council ; from the Assistant Grand Secretary 
 Hsu Shih-chang ; and from His Excellency Kuei Chun of the 
 Imperial Granaries. Letters had also been received from 
 other officials in Peking and provinces. 
 
 The first part of the formal proceedings consisted of the 
 unveiling of the tablet recently presented to The Institute by 
 the Imperial Board of Foreign Affairs. This was to have 
 been done by His Honor the Shanghai Taotai, but the Chair- 
 man introduced Taotai Chung, who stated that he had been 
 requested to perform the ceremony of unveiling the tablet 
 by the Shanghai Taotai, who was prevented from attending 
 by urgent business. 
 
 Mr. Robert Dollar then said: "Your Excellencies, Ladies 
 and Gentlemen : — It gives me great pleasure and I consider it 
 a high honor to be here to partake in this ceremony. I have 
 been very much interested in the international relations, es- 
 pecially between America and this country, and have devoted 
 a great deal of time in the endeavor to accomplish the objects 
 for which this Institute stands. On behalf of all the members 
 and friends of The International Institute, I now declare the 
 tablet, which is presented by the Imperial Board of Foreign 
 Afifairs, unveiled, and hereby express to the Board our sin- 
 cerest thanks." 
 
 The unveiling of the handsome tablet then took place, amid 
 much applause. On the tablet are four Chinese characters, 
 the English translation of which is : "By interchange of 
 ideas there is reached identity of principle." 
 
 19 
 
Greetings were then given by different representatives of 
 the Central and Provincial Governments, the Chairman first 
 calling upon Taotai M. Y. Chung, who he said had been 
 deputed by the Board of Posts and Communications, whose 
 President, the Grand Secretary, Hsu Shih-chang, had con- 
 tributed to The Institute during the last six months, and was 
 on the Advisory Council. 
 
 Taotai Chung expressed the pleasure it gave him to be 
 present and then said : 
 
 "From the beginning of foreign relations with China West- 
 ern scholars in coming to China have had for their great 
 object the introduction of a new civilization and the advance- 
 ment of the new learning. During all these decades there has 
 been no one more persevering in his devotion to the improve- 
 ment of man's character and learning than the American gen- 
 tleman whom we honor to-day, Dr. Gilbert Reid. He has lived 
 in Shanghai for the purpose of establishing The International 
 Institute as a means of uniting merchants and scholars from 
 the West and from China. He has moved about amongst the 
 people seeking with tireless energy to associate in one body 
 men of similar purpose. His plans have developed into com- 
 pletion with the best of results. His name is known far and 
 wide. Now it is the second 1;ime he is returning to his native 
 country, and he goes with the object of securing financial sup- 
 port that the plans of The Institute may be widened and become 
 more beneficial. With courage and discretion he has adapted 
 himself to the sentiments of the Chinese, and it is right that 
 the Chinese should now show their appreciation of him. I have 
 been appointed as representative of the Board of Posts and 
 Communications, and I have . pleasure in extending to him 
 these greetings with the confidence that his object will be ful- 
 filled and that on his return he will do greater work in helping 
 on the cause of education. With these few words I wish Dr. 
 Reid every .happiness." 
 
 20 
 
Taotai Kuan Chun, representing the Viceroy of Nanking, 
 then said : 
 
 "Mr. Chairman, Dr. and Mrs. Reid, Ladies and Gentle- 
 men: — I am instructed by H. E. the Viceroy of the Liang 
 Kiang to speak a few words of greeting on his behalf. To-day 
 is the occasion of a grand reception to Dr. and Mrs. Reid and 
 of unveiling the tablet given by the Ministry of Foreign 
 Affairs. His Excellency feels sorry that he is unable to attend, 
 and consequently instructs me to express his good wishes to 
 Dr. and Mrs. Reid for a pleasant voyage home. His Ex- 
 cellency says Dr. Reid is the best friend of China and has 
 been not only helping the Chinese in developing education, but 
 doing all sorts of good to promote the welfare of China. His 
 Excellency prays on behalf of all the Chinese in his provinces 
 that Dr. and Mrs. Reid will have bon voyage and that he will 
 soon return to Shanghai in order to render us all necessary 
 assistance as he has hitherto been doing." 
 
 Taotai Chu Pao-san was the next speaker, his remarks be- 
 ing as follows : — "Under special appointment of His Excel- 
 lency, Viceroy Yuan of the Liang Kwang, I express at this 
 time a few words of appreciation. The International Institute 
 has been founded by Dr. Gilbert Reid for the purpose of bring- 
 ing together as one family all nations of men, and for estab- 
 lishing friendly accord between China and the outside world. 
 He has been zealous in helping on the cause of education, in 
 giving personal instruction to the Chinese youth, and in for- 
 warding all schemes for the betterment of man and for the 
 advance of reform. His Excellency, when holding the office 
 of Taotai in Shanghai, became a member of the General Com- 
 mittee, and at that time learned to appreciate the large ideas 
 and the energy of Dr. Reid as of the greatest blessing to our 
 people. To-day we see the successful beginning that has 
 been made, with a beautiful site and several buildings and a 
 large variety of useful work. All this is to be reported by Dr. 
 
 2] 
 
Reid to officers of the American Government and to learned 
 men of the American people, that they may give assistance to 
 this plan of frienxlly relations in education and in politics be- 
 tween our country and others, more and more as years go 
 by. Dr. Reid is so open-hearted, and so devoted to every 
 good cause, that he easily inspires confidence. His Excellency 
 is so far away, in the extreme south, that he cannot come in 
 person to participate in this farewell ceremony, and therefore 
 deputes me to say these few words of greeting. He requests 
 me to wish Dr. Reid a happy voyage, and on his return to 
 China to bring with him men of kindred mind to help in the 
 good work, never going wrong in bringing about the blessed 
 results of peace and good will." (Applause.) 
 
 The Chairman announced that the Viceroy of Manchuria, 
 Hsi Liang, and the Governor of Mukden, Cheng Te-chuen, 
 had sent a scroll and also their greetings, which they had asked 
 Taotai Chow Chin-chen to read. The greetings were as fol- 
 lows: 
 
 "Greetings of Their Excellencies Hsi Liang, Viceroy of 
 Manchuria, and Cheng Te-chuen, Governor of Mukden. 
 
 "To Dr. Gilbert Reid— - 
 
 "Dear Sir: — We are in the extreme north, and you are in 
 the south, far separated from one another; but we always 
 bear you in mind, and appreciate your generous efforts on 
 behalf of others. We rejoice in your continued good health, 
 strong in your work. W"e admire your great learning, with a 
 reputation known throughout the world for a zealous love 
 of our country. For twenty years and more you have lived 
 in China, and have established The International Institute to 
 preserve peace in the Far East, and to bring blessings to East 
 and West. Already there are proofs which may be seen of 
 the worth of your labors. A change is taking place in our 
 land, and in this you have had your share, for which we all 
 are glad to thank you. Now, on learning that you are about to 
 
 22 
 
return to your home-land, we are eager to come in person to 
 say farewell, but this is impossible. As a token of our regard 
 we have composed a poem on a scroll, which is poorly com- 
 posed, but which we ask you not to view with contempt. This 
 is our greeting to you, as you leave us for a time. We beg 
 you to accept our words of praise, and we pray for you a 
 peaceful journey, with every happiness." 
 
 Taotai Wong Shin-kai gave the following greetings on be- 
 half of the Viceroy of Liang Hu, Jui Cheng : 
 
 "To-day is the occasion of bidding farewell through this 
 reception to Dr. and Mrs. Gilbert Reid, and also of performing 
 the ceremony of unveiling the tablet which has been bestowed 
 on The Institute by the Imperial Board of Foreign Affairs. 
 I deem it a pleasure to be invited to be present, but being in- 
 disposed I am unable to come in person to convey my greet- 
 ings, and therefore depute Taotai Wong of the'Chapei Con- 
 stabulary to represent me and give my message. Dr. Reid 
 is the founder of The International Institute for the purpose 
 of mutualinterchange of ideas between the East and the West, 
 for facilitating harmonious relations between those engaged 
 in commercial affairs and for bringing about peace between 
 the teachers and followers of the Christian religion and those 
 of the Chinese people who adhere to other faiths. The be- 
 ginning was first made in 1894, and down to the present time, 
 a period of sixteen years. Dr. Reid has been zealous in helping 
 on public interest, a fact which is well known to everybody, 
 and a work which is appreciated by both Chinese and for- 
 eigners. In recognition of this the Board of Foreign Affairs 
 has bestowed this tablet. Now, Dr. Reid, who is leaving for 
 a short time on a visit to America, has deputed two Chinese 
 to act in the directorship of the affairs of The Institute, thus 
 showing his broad spirit, which is free from all partiality, in 
 his treatment of the people of our country. It is my hope that 
 these gentlemen will carry out their work with success and 
 
24 
 
will fulfill the wishes of Dr. Reid in establishing this Institute. 
 I hope that Dr. Reid will soon return to Shanghai tp continue 
 the good work of removing national prejudices between China 
 and foreign countries and of illustrating the principle that 
 all under Heaven are of one family, I the Viceroy give these 
 greetings to Dr. and Mrs. Reid." 
 
 The Chairman said that the Governor of Shantung, Sun 
 Pao-chi, had specially deputed Taotai Chu Chung-chi to come 
 from Chinanfu and speak on behalf of the Governor. Taotai 
 Chu then addressed the gathering, as follows : 
 
 "It was some twenty years ago that Dr. Reid was first 
 known to the people of the province of Shantung, when he 
 was engaged in missionary work and visited various parts of 
 the province exhorting the people to ways of righteousness. 
 To this day the people of this province continue to speak of 
 him. The present Governor of the province, H. E. Sun Pao- 
 chi, has also been a friend of Dr. Reid for a long time and has 
 been very much interested in the work that has been carried 
 on for many years in the halls of The International Institute. 
 This Institute has been of the greatest benefit to China. Dr. 
 Reid deserves our gratitude for establishing such an organiza- 
 tion. Now that he is about to return to his native land, the 
 Governor wishes for him a peaceful voyage, with much happi- 
 ness in renewing friendships amongst his own countrymen, and 
 hopes that Dr. Reid will return to China very soon to carry 
 out more fully the great idea of bringing China and foreign 
 countries into more friendly and harmonious relations. As 
 a personal friend of Dr. Reid, I am very glad that I have 
 been appointed to come to Shanghai and be present on this 
 occasion when we have a clear evidence of the value of the 
 idea which The Institute stands for, bringing together so 
 many ladies and gentlemen in this social way." 
 
 The Chairman added that the Governor of Shantung had 
 not only sent his good wishes but he had forwarded a check 
 
 25 
 
for $300 as an appreciation of the good work of The Institute. 
 (Applause.) 
 
 The City Magistrate, Tien, representing the Governor of 
 Kiangsu, H. E. Pao Fan, said : 
 
 "The Governor of Kiangsu has deputed me to give brief 
 greetings. Dr. Gilbert Reid has lived in China for a long 
 time and he has sincerely loved our people. During this period 
 of international relations he has undertaken to establish this 
 International Institute as a place where Chinese and foreigners 
 may meet together as friends. The foundation of the work 
 has been well laid, and the plans have been well executed, so 
 that the Board of Foreign Affairs has seen fit to bestow a 
 tablet on The Institute. Dr. and Mrs. Reid are leaving us for 
 a few months to visit their homeland, and at this reception 
 of Chinese and foreigners, officials, merchants, the gentry, and 
 scholars, all have united in expressing their appreciation and 
 best wishes. I, the Governor, regret that I am unable to come 
 in person, as I have just assumed office in Soochow, and I- 
 therefore depute the City Magistrate to express for me rhy 
 hearty greetings." 
 
 Taotai Wong Feng-hao, of the Foreign Bureau in Hang- 
 chow, spoke on behalf of the Governor of Chekiang, Tseng 
 Yun, and said : 
 
 "When a few days ago the Governor received an invitation 
 from the officers of The Institute to be present on this occasion 
 to say farewell to Dr. and Mrs. Gilbert Reid, it was his degire 
 to accept, as he has long watched with interest the work that 
 has been done for the good of our country; but he has been 
 so much occupied with the public business of his office that 
 he was unable to come. He therefore deputed me to be pres- 
 ent here to-day. I came by train from Hangchow yesterday, 
 and I regard it as a great pleasure to be one of the number 
 to give greetings to Dr. Reid and his family. I have known 
 him since 1896, when he was making acquaintance with very 
 
 26 
 
high oflficials in Peking. He was successful in removing social 
 barriers, and in making real friends. I next met him in 1897, 
 when he visited Shanghai, and was helped very much by the 
 Chinese and foreign residents of this place, who contributed 
 very much money to his good scheme. Since that time I have 
 only met Dr. Reid occasionally, but I have known all the time 
 what he was doing. Everyone in China knows Dr. Reid by 
 reputation, and they all think his Institute is a good way to 
 bring about peace in this part of the world between Eastern 
 and Western peoples. I understand that Dr. Reid is going to 
 America to try to raise some more money and to win more 
 friends for our country. I hope he will be successful. He 
 deserves success, and his object is a very worthy one. If 
 Americans would help by a good sum of money such an Insti- 
 tution as this it would be a good thing not only for us but 
 for themselves. Dr. Reid has already got a hold on the affec- 
 tions of our most influential men, and he knows how to intro- 
 duce in the best way to these men foreign ideas and also the 
 foreigners themselves. The Goverrior instructed me to wish 
 long life and prosperity to Dr. Reid, to Mrs. Reid, and to 
 their two children. I do this with all my heart. May the 
 blessing of heaven rest upon them for many years to come." 
 
 Taotai Shen Tun Ho was called upon to speak on behalf of 
 H. E. Sheng Kung Pao, who has served on the Advisory 
 Council for eight years, and spoke as follows : 
 
 "His Excellency Sheng Kung Pao has just presided over 
 a meeting of the Red Cross Society, and not being in good 
 health he was too weak to come here this afternoon; but he 
 commissioned me to express his kindly sentiments, and also 
 to make known what he understands to be the real object of 
 this Institute. In the conversation that I had with him, he 
 said that there had been a mistaken idea amongst very many 
 that the only work of The Institute was to conduct a school 
 for young Chinese boys. He said that when he first conferred 
 
 27 
 
with Dr. Reid, he read over the regulations of The Institute, 
 and gave it his financial support under the impression that 
 The Institute was a much larger scheme than that of having 
 a school, however good that might be. The main object as he 
 understood it was to bring about friendly relations between 
 the better class Chinese and respectable people from abroad. 
 He was very glad to hear that this idea was now to be carried 
 out in a very practical way, seeing that the school work has 
 been laid aside to be carried on by others. There are now 
 being formed three departments of work, which he thought 
 would be most useful. The first one is for bringing together 
 in the spirit of concord Chinese and foreign merchants. They 
 can devise measures for removing friction and advancing com- 
 merce. Another department is devoted to bringing together 
 Chinese and foreigners who are men of scholarship and inter- 
 ested in education. The third department is devoted to the 
 promotion of peaceful relations between Christian mission- 
 aries and those who believe in other religious faiths. Thus 
 three classes of foreigners and Chinese are to be brought to- 
 gether, to advise with each other and to be friends to each 
 other. I, agree with His Excellency that this is the chief fea- 
 ture of the work of this Institute. Dr. Reid is now to visit 
 America, where there is very much wealth and there are many 
 friends of our country. I hope that he will succeed in finding 
 persons of the same mind as himself to come out here to 
 China and engage in this work. I hope he may also be success- 
 ful in securing money to put up more buildings, which will 
 be a great gathering place for Chinese and foreigners to meet 
 each other on a common platform. Our best wishes go with 
 him and his family." 
 
 The Chairman then called upon Mr. Alexander McLeod, 
 who was for several years the Chairman of the Executive 
 Committee of The Institute. Mr. McLeod said that as a very 
 old friend of Dr. Reid and an ex-official of The Institute, he 
 
 28 
 
considered it a very great privilege to be allowed to say some- 
 thing that afternoon. Dr. and Mrs. Reid were about to take 
 a well-earned holiday, and he was sure that all would hope 
 that they would have a pleasant reunion with their relatives 
 and friends in the home-land, and that they would return to 
 Shanghai in the very best of spirits. Dr. and Mrs. Reid had 
 had an enormous amount of hard work in connection with The 
 Institute, for as everyone knew they were the moving spirits 
 in its management and but for them the guests would not be 
 sitting in that room that afternoon. It was impossible to 
 exaggerate the amount of hard work that Dr. Reid had under- 
 taken in carrying out the very difficult and arduous duties con- 
 nected with The Institute. That he had been successful all 
 would have to admit. Previous speakers had already told 
 how highly Dr. Reid's work had been appreciated by the high 
 officials of China. There was no foreigner in the whole coun- 
 try who was so well known amongst the highest officials as 
 Dr. Reid was. It was impossible to estimate how much Dr. 
 and Mrs. Reid would be missed whilst they were away from 
 Shanghai. Whatever pleasure they received from the holiday 
 they were entitled to. He knew that all would join him in 
 wishirig Dr. and Mrs. Reid and family a prosperous voyage 
 and a happy reunion with all their relatives and friends in 
 America, and a happy return to Shanghai in the very best of 
 health. (Loud applause.) 
 
 The Chairman, after reminding the guests that they were 
 present to bid au revoir to Dr. and Mrs. Reid and family, said : 
 
 "The work of The Institute was begun in Peking so long 
 ago as 1895, when Dr. Reid severed his connection with the 
 mission with which he was then working, and set himself, 
 singlehanded, to bring together the East and the West by social 
 work amongst the higher classes of our people. I say single- 
 handed, but that is scarcely quite true, for from the very be- 
 ginning Dr. Reid has had the support and the active coopera- 
 
 29 
 
tion of his gifted and kindly wife, Mrs. Reid, who has been 
 throughout an abundant source of encouragement both to Dr. 
 Reid and to us. Dr. Reid reahzed from the beginning that 
 if East and West are to come together they must understand 
 each other, and they can never learn to understand each other 
 if they simply meet in an official capacity, arguing about this 
 concession or that indemnity, with all the reserve and suspicion 
 that have too frequently marked official intercourse in the 
 past. Dr. Reid, therefore, set himself the very difficult task 
 of getting East and West on calling terms with each other. 
 This task he and his wife accomplished with such success that 
 at the time they left Peking to commence the wider work in 
 Shanghai, they had a visiting list of nearly 500 metropolitan 
 officials, most of whom appreciated Dr. Reid's aims so highly 
 that they did what had rarely, if ever, been done by Peking 
 officials before; they returned Dr. Reid's calls. Every mem- 
 ber of the Cabinet at that time endorsed Dr. Reid's plans, and 
 he was given what no other foreigner had, the unique privilege 
 of visiting the Tsungli Yamen without the introduction of a 
 Foreign Minister. As Dr. Reid's work proceeded he realized 
 that Peking was altogether too official a place for it and that 
 it needed to be carried on where there was a large number of 
 educated foreigners and Chinese outside official circles, and 
 therefore he moved to Shanghai. Since his coming to Shang- 
 hai the work of The Institute has prospered greatly. It began 
 with no funds, with no common ground on which foreigners 
 and Chinese could meet, with no place for frank, free, candid 
 discussion of international problems. One cannot very well be 
 candid with a host in his own house; one cannot very well be 
 candid with a guest in one's own home. It was necessary 
 to find an international home; and this place is the result of 
 Dr. Reid's energetic devotion to the cause of international 
 amity. This place is neither Chinese nor foreign, it is inter- 
 national. No man is a stranger within these walls unless he 
 
 30 
 
is one of those fortunately rare people so puffed up with pride 
 in his own country that he arrogantly despises all others. That 
 sort of gentleman never comes here. (Laughter.) This build- 
 ing is a tangible evidence of Dr. and Mrs. Reid's devotion to 
 their work ; as was said of the architect of Saint Paul's cathe- 
 dral, 'If you seek his monument look around you.' Besides 
 the regular work of the classes that have been conducted here 
 for several years, Dr. and Mrs. Reid have arranged many op- 
 portunities for the meeting of East and West on terms of 
 equality, and it is largely due to Dr. Reid's strenuous efforts 
 that one of the most notabJe instances of international co- 
 operation that China has seen, the International Famine Relief 
 Ftind, proved such a magnificent success. The Institute has 
 also acted as arbitrator between disputants of various nation- 
 alities and creeds, and as the medium through which this cos- 
 mopolitan community has given welcomes and farewells to 
 coming and departing officials. The primary source of all the 
 energy that has been displayed has been Dr. Reid. Naturally 
 his energies need to be recuperated sometimes, and now that 
 The Institute is on a sound and permanent basis Dr. and Mrs. 
 Reid are going home to renew their vigor. There is no need 
 to renew their youth, that is perennial and is renewed in their 
 children. Whilst away Dr. Reid will present the claims of 
 The Institute to his friends, and we are confident that they 
 will not be presented in vain. I can only say in conclusion 
 that we all join in wishing Dr. and Mrs. Reid and their chil- 
 dren a pleasant voydge, a delightful, health-giving, fruitful 
 sojourn in their own country, and a safe return to us, when 
 we shall be as delighted to welcome them as they are now to 
 depart." (Loud applause. ) 
 
 Dr. Reid, in response, said : — "We appreciate very much the 
 kind words which have been spoken this afternoon, even more 
 complimentary in Chinese phraseology than would be possible 
 through the use of plain English. ■ 
 
 31 
 
"May we thank the Committee and our two Chinese asso- 
 ciates, for their complete and tasteful arrangements, so ably 
 assisted by our good friend, Mr. Darrah; and also thank the 
 ladies for what they have done so munificently in the way of 
 entertaining the many guests who have come. I have good 
 reason to be grateful to the people of Shanghai, both Chinese 
 and foreign, for all the help that they have rendered to me in 
 the task of carrying out the plan of this Institute. My first 
 experience of receiving the kind support and wise counsel of 
 this community was during the summer months of 1897, when 
 nearly Taels 20,000 were subscribed for establishing The In- 
 stitute in Peking. From 1902 down to the present, during 
 the time in which The Institute work has been carried on in 
 Shanghai, the help that has been given has been far more 
 than can be now mentioned. 
 
 "I merely take this opportunity to express our thanks to all 
 friends who have helped and encouraged us. It is certainly 
 fitting that I should also express our appreciation for the 
 kindness and recognition that have been given us from friends 
 in other parts of China, specially from the large number of 
 Chinese officials, some of whom have deputed their represen- 
 tatives to give us their greetings and their messages of good- 
 by. May I also take this public occasion to thank the Board 
 of Foreign Affairs for bestowing on The Institute this beauti- 
 ful tablet, and for their other tokens of recognition and good- 
 will. I also thank the Viceroy and Governor of Mukden for 
 the scroll which has been written in our honor and which now 
 hangs on the wall of The Institute. 
 
 "After the various speeches, given with such sincerity, it is 
 needless to detain you longer. In a word, Mrs. Reid and I 
 thank you all most heartily, and I assure you that we shall 
 never forget this occasion, so full to us of happiness and kindly 
 courtesy." (Loud applause.) 
 
 The proceedings then terminated.