New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1853-06-18
CHINA.

Among the many wonderful occurrences of the
present century which have contributed to the
increase of knowledge, of trade and of wealth,
to the spread Of civilization and enlightenment,
we think there has been none more important
than the present instruction in the Chinese
Empire, which, from petty provincial revolt
has grown to the magnitude of national revo-
luton. The latest advices received in this coun-
try inform us that the army of the instruction
lists, having conquered or been joined by the
provinces on the Gulf of Tonquin and the China
Sea, and also those which border on Thibets and
the Birman Empire, had reached Nankiu and
was on its way toward Pekin. OF a population
OF 1867 1882 1907 souls it is estimated that fully or
quite 2s7 1892 1857 favor the cause of the insur-
rectionists, leaving but about S0,000,000, or
three times the population of all the United
States, loyal to the reigning dynasty.
The revolution in China is different in its OBJ
jects, its conduct and its probable results from
most revolutions of which ". have read and
heard-ditfers from them a. widely as the char-
acter of that people differs from the character
vt any other known race. 1t has been general
ly supposed that the old national hatred of the
Chinese against their Manchoo Tartar CONQUER
ors was the instigating motive of the rebellion
but it is not more than two centuries since the
present dynasty assembled the throne, and since
the last national outbreak During that time
the Empire has fourished, and we have no
knowledge of popular oppression or discomfort.
different motive has been aseribed to the rev
olutionists by some writer's, and one which we
are inclined to look upon as far more probable
and reasonable
They soy that the revolution is not so much
prompted by political as religious feeling that
It was not instigated by suffering, but supersti-
ton; and that the object of overthrowing the
present Government is only accessory TO tie
more cherished desire of overturning the pres
emit religion. This theory receives stronger CON
frmation from the proclamations md conduct
OF the leaders, who mingle second hand theology
with trst rate defamation in manner emf !
nently edifying to peruse. Some such scrip
tural lore is poured forth as very small child.
or very ignorant adult could afford, and the
idols of the land are spoken of in an exceedingly |
abusive and iconoclastie manner. The leaning
OF the proclamation is toward Christianity-a
weak and immature kind, to be sure, but still |
worthy of being called Christianity. This the
ory receives confirmation, toe, from what is
known concerning the history of Catholic Mis-
slons in China, and from what We know of the
persevering, enduring, scheming, semi political
aims Of Catholic Missionaries wherever they 70
frior TO 100, numbers of the Society of Jesus
haa penetrated every corner Of the Celestial
Empire and preached in almost every city
They enjoyed many liberties, many immunities,
and some honors, even in.Pekin. In 17ol. nm
der the Using dynasty they were prohibited
from preaching or teaching, through the nfu- I
ence of the priests Of fo. RECOVERING. bawev,r
from this, they were in 1923 made subject 10 q. I
general persecution and scattered througbopt
the whole Empire-penetrating provinces whose |
outskirts were not accessible to Lords Maeart.
ney and Amherst, to Count Golowkin-to either
British or Russian influence These facts seen,
to render it probable that the revolution is not
only the product Of religious feryor, but Of
fervor caused and controlled by Catholic instru-
mentality
Looking upon it in this light, we are erati-
ned at the success of the insurrectionists. Al
though we are opposed to any union between
religion and politics, and although many things
may be urged against the peculiar form of rel. |
gion which is thus influencing and controlling
the destiny Of the most populous empire on the
globe, 1t must be confessed by all that the paet
history 81 tbs werla soaslusively proves thu,