p. 88 | CHINESE AFFAIRS AGAIN by T.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Feb 10, 1898

CHINESE AFFAIRS AGAIN.

By T.

It is only a few weeks since the world was astir over the possibilities of a general war among all the great nations over Chinese questions. But it is indeed remarkable how suddenly the matter was hushed. Some thought that the question was settled, and consequently the “triumphs of diplomacy” were again applauded. But the mind may be disabused on the settling of this difficulty, and the actual condition of things seen by reference to the despatches received from that quarter during the last few days.

It is now stated on good authority that Russia has read her ultimatum to Great Britain, and threatens to invade England’s India Empire if the Russian wishes concerning certain Chinese ports are not conceded. Those who have been following the matter are well aware of the fact that “diplomacy” is hardly the correct word to use in speaking of the wrangle over Chinese territory that has been going on for a number of weeks. If the word “diplomacy” is used in this connection, it should be explained as being restricted to that questionable form of the statesman’s art that has no higher aim than a scramble for money interests. The simple facts, told in common English, are that some great capitalists who already have more money than they know what to do with, are seeking for new territory for trade and investment. And China’s good—neither any other good—is being considered. The whole matter is confined to the cold-blooded question of who shall hold the trade of that supine, and “poor, benighted, heathen kingdom.” And so the “Christian nations,” some of which are honored with the distinguishing title of “defenders of the faith,” are ready to tear China in pieces and destroy hundreds of their own subjects as well, in order to protect the mercantile interests of a class already too wealthy. And those who are anxious to have their interests thus protected and extended may not want to enter the ranks to suffer the hardships of a poor soldier, but possibly can be prevailed upon to furnish the “sinews of war” at a “fair rate of interest.”

There are wonderful object lessons, from more standpoints than one, in these international quarrels, if pains is taken to look at the facts just as they are.