Opium in China

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, Cal. · Jun 21, 1905

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 25.

Opium in China.—The wrong done to China by forcing upon her the opium treaty of 1841 will not cease to disturb the conscience of the people of Great Britain until the treaty is abolished. That it will be abolished sometime we have little doubt, for truth and righteousness will ultimately prevail. Special pressure is to be brought upon Great Britain at the present time to bring about this happy result speedily.

It is said that Japan proposes to ask the United States to join with her in interceding with Britain in this matter. The poverty, desolation, and wo among the Chinese, caused by the use of the drug, are terrible beyond description. It does not meet the case to say that China is now cultivating the poppy to such an extent that she can obtain a supply without the Indian product. The Chinese will never forgive Britain for compelling them to receive the foreign product until she ceases such compulsion. No doubt Great Britain would annul the obnoxious treaty at once, were it not for what are regarded as the necessities of revenue in India. But there is no necessity which involves a wrong like this. Let the prayers of Christians in all nations join with those of the Christian people of Great Britain, who deplore the position of their government, in seeking such influences from above as shall lead those in authority to abrogate the unrighteous treaty.—Missionary Herald.