Arc- We a Declining Race ? 



the immature and the unfit to propagate their 

 inferior species because we have never teiken the 

 trouble to consider the matter ; but when we 

 come to consider seriously the claims of our 

 children, and our children's children, we must 

 recognise the injustice of our proceedings, and 

 take steps to discourage improper unions. 



The same cause of deterioration is to be traced 

 in the history of all nations. 



All authors are agreed that China flourished 

 under the exemplary laws said to have been in- 

 stituted by Fohi at a very remote age. One of 

 the greatest drawbacks w r as the recognition of 

 polygamy and concubinage. A very ancient 

 stanza attributed to the great Yu, supposed 

 founder of the Kya, the first of the three most 

 ancient dynasties, indicates that there was a 

 certain amount of philosophy in vogue at the 



time. 



" Within to be addicted to effeminate pleasures, 

 Without to the sports of the field ; 

 To be fond of wine, of music, 

 Or of palaces elegantly adorned, 

 To delight in any of these 

 Will be doubtless inevitable ruin ! " 



Anyone who knows the China of to-day, can, 

 with a very little penetration, recognise the 

 cause of their misery, in the physical deteriora- 

 tion brought about by their injudicious connec- 

 tions. Early marriages, coupled with the effects 

 of unnatural vices, have left their impressions. 



" Les Chinois qui ont tout invente avant nous, 



ne sont pas en reste sur notre race pour la 



lubricite. Us y mettent meme beaucoup moms 



de pudeur. Les images masculines, dit M. 



44 



