PROCEEDINGS IN 



upon the printed Catalogue, which appeared m L908 and 

 which is, naturally, completely out of date. 



Each year the number of members who use the Library 

 increases. A fact which is most gratifying, and which is 

 most hopeful for Sinology. New that the War is over it 

 seems quite legitimate to hope that much tune will he given 

 to the study of Far Eastern affairs and tfeat importanl works 

 will appear. 



The last week has witnessed the manifestation of an 

 extraordinary movement throughout China. 



Foreigners have been puzzled at the sudden homogenitv 

 of public opinion and at the silent force behind its expression, 

 which gave it power. The lack of comprehension of the 

 movements about them arise not so much from lack of in- 

 telligence as from lack of information. Locally, the majority 

 of foreigners have but a superficial knowledge of China and 

 her politics — past and present — they therefore fail to com- 

 prehend perfectly logical developments. A careful perusal of 

 the volumes on the shelves of the North China Branch of the 

 Royal Asiatic Society would help to provide the information 

 needed, and in these days, when mutual undersanding is so all 

 important, the foreign residents in the Far East would do 

 well to avail themselves of the opportunities at their hand. 



It is hoped that authors and publishers will not forget 

 the existence of a Society which was formed in 1857 and 

 which has devoted itself to the furtherance of understanding 

 between the East and West, and that the books which treat of 

 Far Eastern subjects may, as a matter of course, be sent for 

 review in the Journal and for use in the Library. The 

 clerical work in the library has been efficiently conducted by 

 .Mr. Wn and Mr. Chao. 



The Honorary Treasurer's Report 



In the absence of the Treasurer, Mr. A. C. Hynes, the 

 Financial Statement for the year was read by the Secretary, 

 and is given herewith : — 



