The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-09-15
The Political and Religious Changes
ImpcndAng Over Asia.

missionaries from Shanghae to Suchan, the &C.
cond city in China, and which has recently
fallen into the hands of the rebels. According
to this account, the stories that had reached us
of the Christian character of the movement
would appear to be correct Although the
country through which they passed was every
where traversed by armed bands, the travellers
met with no obstruction, their spiritual mission
proving safe passport for them. As regards
their creed, their doxology and their Sabbath
observances, II appears that there is remarka
BILE accordance between the religion of the re-
bells and our own. Their mission they believe
to be to put an end to idolatry and the Tartar
dynasty, and they evince in general the most
friendly disposition towards foreigners.
In the events which are just now convulsing
most of the Asiatic countries, let US explain as
We will their immediate causes, rejecting minds
cannot fail to detect the evidences of common
influence, working like an irresistible under
current, and sweeping away with it in its course
all the barriers raised against 1t by the jealous
| les Of Eastern rulers. The world is, in fact,
| approaching one Of those great epochs in its
history In which important changes are stimuli
taneousiy wrought In the condition Of nations,
without they themselves being aware of the
share which they have had in producing
them. Thus, In the commencement of the
| Chinese rebellion, of the Indian mutiny and
Of the Syrian massacres, it Is probable that
not one Of the leaders in these movements be-
slowed q thought upon their remote come
quences in the future, or upon the revolutions
that they were destined to bring about In the
social, religious and political condition Of the
populations affected by them. They were led
on by impulses which they themselves could
not very well analyze or understand, but
which we, accustomed to regard things from
philosophical point Of view, cannot but refer to
an influence which uses political questions
wise and philanthropic purposes.
| Those who look upon the savage contest
which lie at present being waged in the interior
of China as one Of local interest only and as
likely to terminate merely In change Of
dynasty, take but a superficial view Of the sub
ject The truth is that II lie phase Of the con-
aict which civilization has again renewed with
Eastern barbarian this time to conquer and
subject ii to its ideas. II may be
objected to this notion that the strug-
gle has originated within the bosom of
China itself, and therefore cannot be owing to
external Influences II might as well be said
that the conflict which is now being carried on
in japan, between the friends Of extended COM
mercial intercourse aud the advocates Of the
old exclusive system, had no support other than
In the theories which had been acquired from
foreigners This l. not so. II must not be
imagined that in Asiatic countries the mind Is
utterly torpid or incapable Of approaching the
truths that are deducible from its own expe-
rience. In the civilization which exists there, |
partial though II be, there must ever be strong
sympathy and inclination towards cur own.
Whatever may be the present aims and objects |
Of the Chinese instruction there can be no |
doubt that II has originated in a spirit Of an
tagonism to the prejudices and restraints by
which the Of the country has been trammelled
for so many centuries.
In whatever light we regard 1t, this
movement cannot but contribute powerfully
towards the accomplishment Of the object
which philanthropists and political econo-
mists have so long had at heart. Matters
have now approached such crisis that either
with the imperiaists or with the rebels terms
will be made that will enable European
civilization and commerce to obtain q re-
cognized and permanent foothold In China.
and gradually to extend their influence
over that empire. II was fear that In
japan first brought it bigoted government
to accept the benefits that were offered II. In
China Il will be the same potent motive that will
force Its rulers TO listen to the voice Of reason.
Whether 1t be the imperialists or the rebels
that get the upper hand, they will have to
confirm their ascendancy by large concessions
to foreign governments. Russia win not
be content without having the freedom
Of her trade on her Siberian frontier
guaranteed, and in this view will
certainly insist on having a large slice Of
territory pledged to her. England and France
VIII be satisfied with nothing less than that the
principal ports Of China shall be made free,
and that the Interior commerce Of the empire
be thrown open to the world. We do not see
how, In the position to which matters are hasten
ing, these conditions can be evaded. The allies
have merely to throw their weight into the
scale to decide the struggle between the two
great factions into which the Chinese popula-
ton IL divided. One or the other will therefore
be glad to purchase their support by conceding
oil that they demand Thus, by the operation
Of an influence which has not as yet been taken
into consideration In this contest ard to which
the disposition Of all human event. IL alone re-
ferable the tide OF Western civilization will be
allowed to pour uninterrupted over the vast
empire which has beer so long closed to IT,
and countless millions will be brought within
the pale Of our holy faith.
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