Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalofstrait121878roya).pdf/106

 Straits, several old Tai-ping rebels. The class of Chinese who flock to these Colonies, is certainly not composed of men, who, either by position or education, can be expected to cherish very deeply the higher principles inculcated by the teaching of the Society; and as there are no patriotic aims to be attained under our gentle and liberal Government, the only objects for which they can strive, are those lower interests which are only too dear to the average Celestial mind, such as intrigue, assistance in petty feuds, combination to extort money, and to interfere with the course of justice.

It must be borne in mind, that amongst the Chinese, as with the Irish in times not very remote, law has been so long associated in their minds with injustice, that it has almost become a virtue in their eyes to hamper and obstruct the execution of the laws of their country as administered by the Mandarins. The Secret Societies as at present constituted, though declining in power and influence, and occasionally useful, are, take them all in all, a nuisance to both the Chinese and the Government, and are continually interfering to prevent justice being done, if it tells against any of their members.

After the above remarks, no person will suspect me of partiality towards Chinese Secret Societies; it is nevertheless a question whether the Thien-Ti-Hui might not with some radical reformations, be made conducive to the order and tranquillity of a country inbabited by a large Chinese population. The various Lodges, instead of being in a constant state of feud and jealousy should be cordially united in one Grand Lodge, and, as while enjoying the protection and fostering care of a civilised Government, there cau be no excuse for perpetuating the political element of the Society, this should be eliminated, leaving only what is really good and benevolent in the manual of instruction. If, as at present, the branches of the Thien-Ti-Hui, persistently ignore and walk in opposition to their great motto, "Obey Heaven and Work Righteousness," they can neither expect that "Leaven will protect Hung," nor that any firm and strong Government will endure their intrigues, or allow them to exist to the disgrace and inconvenience of a civilised community.

The following narrative is a compilation from several manuals of instruction, used by different branches of the Secret Society in Singapore and Malacca. As, for reasons stated at the commencement of this introduction, the members of the "Hung" League have never dared to put into print the rules and ceremonies of their association, the manuscripts have been subjected to much change and interpolation at the hands of transcribers, and