From Hankow. Once more the day for his weekly letter is here. His Sunday thoughts are in England with his family. It is two months since he reached Hankow and nearly four since he left Emily and Joan at the train station in London.
He had a wire from [William H.] Pillow two days ago to say that he and [Cyril George] Baker [appointed to Yungchow] were coming to Hankow by launch. They ought to have arrived by now. It will be good to see him and talk things over.
On Thursday they had a sudden one day strike in sympathy with the Shanghai strikers and in protest against the 'very necessary landing of British troops in Shanghai'. H B R had to walk all the way up the Ma Lu with two heavy bags, the best exercise he has had since landing. There have been no incidents but the extremists are very active 'with vile pictures of atrocities & blood'. Today and tomorrow are days of celebration of the functioning of the central government in this area, which is a myth - the central government is much too cautious to establish itself in this 'communistic' area until the situation is more stable. 'There are five great centres of revels, besides processions. As I write, gongs & the sound of many feet are passing the door'. He was told by Dr [Shen Wen] Ching this evening that there are great dragons made entirely of silk paid for by forced contributions from cloth shops. Another group is going past with more gongs. 'These people would possibly like the unending band of heaven but give me quiet, if only for half an hour'.
Their hospitals have been asked by the Health Bureau to be on hand in case of accidents. The expenses will be covered by the Bureau.
A national strike of one hour has just been proclaimed for tomorrow. Again this is in protest against British troops being landed in Shanghai. More revels are planned for tomorrow night.
It is all very worrying and no-one looks happy. The Chinese are just as upset as the Europeans. They are, as Emily knows, a kindly people and do not really like this kind of thing. If in due course they really do "rise up against their oppressors" which maxim is posted on walls everywhere, some of their present oppressors will have a very bad time.
There is the usual lack of cohesion among the miltants, which makes it easier for the Nationalist forces. It ought now to be a straight fight between Chang Tso Lin and the Nationalists, but surprises are always turning up [Chang Tso Lin (1873-1928): Chinese Warlord and opponent of Russian influence during the civil war of 1923-28. Assassinated in June 1928].
Many of the preachers have displayed great tact and wisdom in awkward situations. Quite a number of [preaching] places have been occupied by the unions, soldiers or politicians. Protective proclaimations are being posted but at best will only gradually become effective.
[William] Rowley is still far from completing his audit. In the meantime, H B R is working with temporary books under very difficult conditions. He is here in Grace's study, attending committees, interviewing people, writing letters and doing accounts from morning until late at night, breaking off now and then for visits to the Concession. Between Emily and H B R and no further, [Rowley's] books are no better than [unreadable name] and in fact are a good deal worse. If he would hand them over, H B R would try to sort them out. Meanwhile H B R is pressing [Rowley] through the auditors but it is hard having to cope like this for three months. 'Meanwhile he doesn't seem capable of taking the gaitors off & I feel mentally tied & hampered in a number of ways'. H B R may eventually have to speak his mind but would rather win by patience.
Sen Tao Huei preached this morning. H B R is to take the service next Sunday.
This is a terrific time for the Church and it is the 'simple-hearted' who will through in the end. As time passes, his doubts over the new executive committee increases. Where will they find eleven Christians capable of bearing the weight?.
Spiritual and personal matters are discussed.
He trusts that the children are well. In her plans, she can certainly count the bungelow out for the present. What this may signify for the handling of affairs, Emily must decide. She should not forget J. S. Starkie's offer and must try to make Gordon see that he must seek a job as soon as possible and that university is out of the question except somewhere cheap like Bristol or Birmingham.
Notes
- Cyril George Baker (1897-1976) was born in Cardiff. He trained for the Wesleyan ministry at Richmond College and was appointed to the China mission in 1924. He served overseas until 1949 when he was forced by the Communist takeover of mainland China to return to Britain. He was a circuit minister for nine years in England before returning to overseas work as Principal of a Bible School in Indonesia. Baker superannuated in 1965 and spent the remaning years of his life in retirement in Somerset. Source: Minutes of Conference 1976.