English as the Commercial Language of the Orient
THE Chinese minister to the United States says that “in all the ports and important centers of the East the English language seems to hold a position in the school and in the countinghouse such as no other language can claim. It is spoken in the streets of Shanghai, as well as in those of Hong-Kong. It is taught in the schools of Yokohama, as well as in those of Singapore. Chinese, Japanese, Germans, Russians, and Frenchmen alike make use of it in their business offices, in their clubs, and in their family circles. In short, it may be called the commercial language of the Orient. Signs are not wanting that point to its ultimate adoption as an international language.” And what is all this, but an excellent open bid for the Third Angel’s Message to be carried speedily to China? Who is ready to go? Who is getting ready to go?