The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-06-16

The year 1885, or what remains Of il, promises TO he
period Of extraordinary interest to all the nations Of the
earth. Whether turn our eyes 10 The attitude OF Rue
STA in lis treatment OF Turkey, TO the notorious designs
of France upon Belgium 10 the situation OF bsleAgured
Switzerland. we find abundant evidence that the fu-
lure big with events Of vast importance TO the peace Of
Europe. and possibly. 10 the desnies OF the American
continent The question, however, which is calculated
most directly the attention OF civilized govern
mens the revolution in China. In regard to the real
merits Of the case, reliable information has always been
scarce and is needed than but enough is
known 10 show that the contest ragged BY the "rebcs
against the imperial forces is in great degree stimulated
by the determination to enjoy rights which have been
denied 10 the people Of China for hundreds OF yeats
This is plain enough; and if il be, stated that the
cor ct is also conflict OF races, the prospect for
CHESS and bloody warfare is certain But whatever the
Of the revolutions il is clear that great had
attended il up the latest dates. China has long been
sealed book to the natives. Hundreds Of years have
passed away and yet. saving certain general facts.
paratively little is known Of country prolific
of resources ancient in its institutions and crowded
with perseverng and industrious people. The popala-
ton OF China estimated at about three hundred and
fifty millions, and the of the empire and its de-
tendencies at about five millions three hundred thousand
square miles
The labors of the adventurous aveller-the exertons
of rich and powerful nations to penetrate the mystery
which hangs like thick cloud the history and the
design Of this strange peoplehave been attended by few
compromising results. The missionaries of The Christian
church have been the successful in their researches
and shall be surprised il the present movemen,
az anst the imperial power is not less encour.
aged and strengthened by knowledge OF the divine
truths preached and practsed by these brave
and self-sacHfcing IL is proud reflection 10 al
American TO know that class Of missionaries have
done more good in China than those who have been
sent out from our shores.
These circumstances give absorbing interest 10 the
present struggle in China and they inspire us with the
belief that, however it may be teminsted the end will
be fortunate for the Chinese themselves and for the
world at large. Hence its progress will be intensely and
vislanty observed. What hopes it will arouse To
the Christian, what field for his labors! To the
merchant, what harvest for his ships! To the
planter and to the manufacturer, what market Our
own country is Immediately interested. To her the
liberation OF China from the preudices that have shut
her out for active intercourse with the world would
be inconceivable advantage. The new neighbor-
hood Of California, one of the States OF the
Unon with China. doubtless has had much TO do
with the uprising Of the people OF the latter and years
roll the suspicious and ha,reds. insted by long
yious fanacsm and ambitious rulers into the minds Of
the millions, that have made the Chinese empire great
and so powerful, will soon give way 10 the genial and
beIazng influences that always follow in the footsteps
of the bold and enlightened policy Of the American people
The question is OF extraordinary importance, and is
calculated TO oversbadow many Of the issues depend
ing between European nations