p. 9 | Waking the Dragon

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Dec 17, 1902

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 51.

Waking the Dragon

In spite of the strong tendency toward conservatism in China, forces are now at work which seem destined to arouse the slumbering dragon from his sleep of centuries. Many thinking men have warned the world of what might be expected if China should arouse and throw all her immense initiative genius into the work of preparing herself to cope with her adversaries. Possessing models of all the finest weapons of the world, there is nothing that could prevent the Chinese from making the same weapons, exact in every detail, and turning them out by the hundred thousand. In the light of these possibilities, the following recommendations, presented to the Chinese Government by two of her most influential men, should open the eyes of the world. They recommend—

First, That the scions of princes, dukes, nobles, and high officers of the crown be required to join the various provincial armies and obtain practical educations.

Second, That officers be appointed to travel in Europe and America “to have their eyes opened.”

Third, That a system of military conscription be enforced, so that in due time the entire male population of the empire may have obtained a military education, and the whole empire thus become one huge army if any crisis should demand it.

Fourth, That especially in the provinces of Shansi, Shensi, and Szechuen arsenals, cartridge, shell, and gun foundries be established, it being desirable to locate these establishments away from the seacoast, where they would not be at the mercy of foreign powers.

Fifth, That industrial mills and factories be established throughout the empire to manufacture foreign-styled goods.

Sixth, That all Buddhist and Taoist temples, monasteries and nunneries not sanctioned by the government be confiscated and converted into schools and colleges.

Seventh, Compulsory education of all male children, commencing at ten years.

Eighth, The establishment of military, law, and technical schools.

There is something business-like and aggressive in these recommendations to the Chinese Government. That government is not nearly so likely now to turn them down as it would have been before China’s recent experience with the forces of the powers. They are beginning to realize the necessity of making a stand for themselves, if they would retain in any degree the integrity of the empire. There is no more skilful imitator than the Chinese; and who can tell what will be the result when that mighty nation places itself on a war footing with the powers? It is bound to come to that place, and this recommendation is a long step in that direction. The little brush with the powers has given the incentive, and the indemnity which China is forced to grind out of her subjects will give zeal to the undertaking.