The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-06-30
IMPENDING CHINESE PROBLEM.

In an editorial article published in the Central
Presbyterian a few months ago, attention was
called to this subject at considerable length. 1t
was copied Immediately into many Of the papers
of the country political as well as religious. This
was not owing to any merit in the article itself,
but to the fact that it expressed feelings and views
which had already begun to find their way into the
minds of many II is marvellous to see how rap
idly this subject is looming up, and it may be
safely predicted that within very short time pub
lie attention viii be much absorbed by 1t. There
is certainly much in that "AoWery kingdom" to
interest an inquiring mind. A country which has
population Of 100, 600 600 more than all Europe
eombined-that was great nation ages before the
ancient nations of Greece and Rome had been
founded, and has remained great while they and
its earliest eOtemporaries of AsSyria and Egypt
have erumbled into ruins; with a population so
vast intelligent and enterprising-an this and
much more is in Itself enough to make it a matter
for profound study. But the subject is fast be-
coming one Of deepest practical importance, which
it is well for our people to understand. With this
view we begin this week the republication of an
article from the Galaxy for July, to which marked
attention should be called. 1t will be continued
through three successive numbers. 1t is an arti
Gle of extraordinary ability, and whoever shall
read it must be satisfied that it is no idle term
used when the writer calls it +" Or Impending
Chinese Problem" We find that movements are
already on foot in various parts Of the South for
introducing labOrerS from China into our fields
our factories our railroads and our homes. What
is to be the result2 What effect viii it have upon
our questions of labor, population, politics. and of
race? What is to hinder the Chinese from con.
trolling California in less than ten years? And
what viii California be but mere way station in
the colonization by the Chinese? No wonder that
men are every where beginning to ponder the
great impending problem.
Here let Us mention an interesting fact in point
The United Presbyterian, Of Pittsburg, is the Or
gan of the United Presbyterian Church. IA union
Of several bodies Of Seceders and has a very large
circulation. Nc paper in the country has been
more thoroughly radical on all questions of poll
ties. The proposed 18th Amendment to the Con-
stitu6On Of the United States, enioining universal
suffrage, and prohibiting in the States any politi-
cal distinction on account Of race, color or religion,
was, if we remember, a special favorite with it as
long as the application seemed to concern the ne
grOes and the South. But one day, about three
months ago, it rubbed its eyes and walked up to
Incorporating problem concerning Chang and Eng;
when all at once, the case being altered, altered
the case. The conclusion to which it comes
is found at the end of its article. 1t says
Unques6Onaby, they are unfit to be recognized
as citizens. This the people in California deeply
feel Ii is the cause Of the general opposition there
TO the Fifteenth Amendment Of the National Con
SttutlOn; and we do not wonder at it. Il is enough
TO make question IN any mind Of the prOpriety Of
universal suffrage. ----r---------=
There is good reason to expect that in a little
time great many more at the North and the
West will begin to receive light in the same way.
Ii is sad but instructive fact that the shortest if
not the only road to the eonseiences of many peO-
ple is through their pocket OF their stomach, or
some such route.
While the article from the GaJary does not
touch upon the religious aspects of this move.
ment, yet those on which it does dwell have such
bearing in that direction, that the religious ele-
ment of tie problem cannot be properly cOmpre-
hended without FIRST carefully considering the
striking facts Of political and social character
which it brings forward 1t is for this end chiefly
that the piece is introduced, and when it is all
published we shall endeayor to present some
thoughts connected with the missionary aspects of
the subject, and its bearig upon the evangelzatiOn
Of China.