“From the Foochow _Herald_. ‘The following proclamation was recently issued by the Prefect of Foochow, and is, we understand, extensively circulated throughout the city and suburban districts. “‘“Weng, acting Prefect of Foochow, issues an emphatic proclamation. “‘“It has been found that the drowning of newly-born female infants is of frequent occurrence in places under this prefectural jurisdiction. As a reason for this cruel and outrageous behaviour towards their children, the poor allege that they are without the means to support them; the rich that they dread the expense of providing them with dowries. The Acting Prefect has repeatedly issued prohibitory proclamations since assuming charge of this post, and has also instructed the magistrates to arrest delinquents. It has been reported of late that in the neighbourhood of Shang Kan, under the jurisdiction of the Min magistrate, the practice of female infanticide still exists; it is further reported that in one spot over ten infants have been found drowned, so that there is every reason to believe that this vicious practice extends to other places too. It is the Prefect’s duty to draw up the most stringent supervisory regulations in order to the reclaiming of people from this rooted habit. The Prefect has instructed the magistrates to act in this spirit, and has now to issue this proclamation peremptorily forbidding the practice. “‘“Wherefore now know ye all, gentry, elders, scholars, civil and military, and all persons whatsoever in this prefecture, that it is your duty to act one and all of you in accordance with the spirit of the following Regulations, and exercise a watch upon each other. If any families are found drowning their female infants, it will assuredly be at once reported to the magistrates, who will severely punish the act in accordance (with law). If any persons favour or connive at this practice and do not act upon the instructions, on the discovery or report of a case the hundred-men, neighbours, and relatives will be held equally accountable. No leniency will be shown. Tremble at this! Obey this! Do not disobey! A special proclamation.”’ “Rules relating to midwives: “‘Female infanticide must always be practiced immediately after birth, and is generally committed by the midwife, but even if the parents do it themselves, the midwife must know. The leading gentry and the hundred-men are hereby charged henceforward to take notice of midwives in their respective villages who may dare to assist in drowning female infants. The leading gentry, the hundred-men, members of families, and neighbours are authorized to ascertain and send in the names of such midwives, and apply for their punishment as accomplices.’ “Extract from _The Shanghai Courier and China Gazette_, number of the 24th of November, 1877.” [95] Dr. Joseph Lauterer, _China. Das Reich der Mitte_, p. 130. [96] Robert K. Douglas, _Society in China_, p. 253. [97] Alexis Krausse, _China in Decay_, p. 38.