Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 6.djvu/734

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720 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

one-third of their existence, have been arranged with a view to making them healthful and of introducing the principle of art and beauty. The buildings of the firm of H. J. Heinz & Co. at Pittsburg have been planned with special care for the health and com- fort of the employe's. The large bays allow air and light to penetrate everywhere, and on the windows of colored glass are painted the humble origin of these large manu- factories, the arms of the city, and emblems inculcating courage, zeal, and content- ment.

Another kind of ameliorative measure is seen in the organization of restaurants for the employe's, as in the Cleveland Hardware Co. Again, James W. Ellsworth, southeast of Pittsburg, has taken measures to establish an industrial colony for secur- ing to the laborer a comfortable house and garden by means of a monthly rent com- bined with a life insurance. Examples of intelligent ameliorative efforts might be multiplied.

The three kinds of methods adopted by the league in disseminating its ideas are : (l) publication of a monthly bulletin which is sent to the members and which describes the typical examples of social amelioration ; (2) publication of " Tracts for the Times " relating to the important questions of the moment ; (3) public lectures with illustrations showing the early state of industry and the improvements that have been introduced.

The idea is growing that the employer has not done his whole duty when he has paid his employe's their daily wages, that he owes them something more than this wage. The attempt on the part of the employer to improve the condition of the employe's brings these two factors in production into a closer sympathy, the work is performed better and more rapidly, and there is a greater saving of materials. Louis RIVIERE, " L' Amelioration du sort des ouvriers aux Etats-Unis," in La Rtforme sociale, October, 1900. E. M.

Boxers and Secret Societies in China. Throughout the universe the same social instincts, the same ambitions, and the same feelings hold sway over humanity. A nation must have some firm, easy, and generally applicable principle to insure its existence. With the Aryans this principle is religion, patriotic and national ; with the Chinese it is the " Gin," or principle of solidarity. This solidarity and feeling of independence are the cause of the life and immortality of the Chinese state.

The " Gin " has suffered from introduction of foreign religion, foreign dynasty, and oppressive invasion of the whites. In defense against these injuries the secret societies have been established, the idea being to preserve intact the equality and communism of (the reformer) Laotseu.

All societies may be placed in two groups, according to their aims, means, and locality.

1. The "Thiendianhieu," of north China, has for its aim the maintenance of the "Mandohou" dynasty, the preservation of the territorial and social state, etc.

2. The " Bachlien," of south China, has for its purpose the Chinese supremacy, the dispersion of strangers not in the country for trade, etc. They have never sub- mitted to the " Mandohou " dynasty, and hope to establish the ancient capital of " Singanfou."

3. The " Kiatze," or " Universal Harmony," improperly called " Boxers," has issued directly from the " Thiendianhieu." This society itself has a larger membership than Europe has inhabitants, and its members, who are Chinese exclusively, and cannot cease to be members, take an oath to respect and serve the " Gen."

The " Bachlien " is the closest and strictest in its choice of members. The can- didates need not be Chinese by blood, but they must be by sentiment. They are bound by an oath to immediate obedience in all political movements.

The Chinese have three advantages in the present controversy: (i) secret organi- zation; (2) defense on their own soil; (3) a large population. We should not look with contempt upon those who are determined and able to defend their soil, their families, and their gods. They have now adopted the methods that we used for centuries. Their executioners have not exterminated as many plenipotentiaries as the Germans did at Rastadt in 1796. Having been invaded with vile motives, it is their supreme duty to defend their fatherland. A. DE POUVOURVILLE, " En Chine : Boxers et Socie'te's secretes," in LHumanitS nouvelle, October, 1900. B. F. S.