New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1880-11-14
CniN1 w PESSLA.

While we have been occupied with the cleo
ton, matters on the under side OF the world
have slowly grown more threatening. 1t Is as
usual difficult to find OUT the truth about
the real position of Russia and China, as most
of our reports come necessarily through St.
Petersburg, and are tinced by tho usual Russian
habiis of sclf-glonfcahon and Ling for the
mere sake of mystery. Throughout the whole
affair the Russian press have represented The
Chinese as cTiDging in terror back from
quarrel which the Gar was thrustlng on them
The GoloS has constantly cited the Russian
squadron in the Pacific ard the military pre-
puat,ons in Vladiy stock and on the Amoor as
having been quite sufficient to strike terror into
the souls even OF Prince Chiun and the rest OF
the war party in xiii.
Outside of Russian sources, our information
comes principally from irresponsible corresDon-
dents of German and English newspapers who
pick up such floating rumors rs Will fill up their
columns. Certain significant hints from
CHINESE journals, On the other hand, indicate
that 1t Is not China who is inclined to shik the
war. From Shanghai we learn thar large bodies
of troops are being steadily shipped to the
north. A torpedo mandatory has just been
ON the western frontiers. Ii was stated by out
siders that at a recent council held by tie
Western Empress the war party were over
powered but the fact remains that Prince III
and Prince Chiun arc now carrying into effect
much ol the advice given them by Colonel Cor
don, in case they persisted IN going TO war with
Russia. The advice and the manner of
giving it show how thoroughly the Eng
hshman understands how ID deal with the
mingled wisdom and simplicity of the Asiatic.
"Chua,r he insists, should not fight like Eu-
"ropean nations, with artillery, heavy trains Of
baggage, complicated ropedoes Her strength
"lies in her countless numbers. thc quick NOV
"iug of Der troops, and their few wants. They
should he armed with cheap torpedoes and
light arms, and their policy should be simply to
worry the enemy 10 death. When every place
has torpedoes be never feels safe; be is
always anxious; he gets tired, and cross and
ali: and then ho dies He warns China
frankly, however. that as long rs Pekn is her
seat of government size cannot afford to 20 10
wal it is 20 near the sea as TO be indctenslDlc
Neither can her army be worth anything rs long
as generals keep 1000 men and draw pay for
5000. "Tnose generals" he says tersely,
fought to have their heads cut on Colonel
Goid don, apparently, like Buringame has pre-
csely tnat shreWdness and bOnbommio which
the Chinanan respects and Olreys. Europeans
in this present matter see the Childlshness of
the Celestial on the surface, and Iudeuate eel
tain other good fighting qualities which lie
underneath. For instance, o bar has been silted
I'D in the harbor at Woosung which threatens
70 7I,t d. n oud IN frldn and lOrplpu merchants
have applied 10 the Government to have il
dredged in vain. The Sin PaO states officially
that The reason Of the refusal IS hat China, I'M
like Western nations, does not set tie skill Of
man against the viii Of Heaven. Heaven has
decreed that the WoOsung harbOr shall be |
closed, and it would be impiOus to dredge it, |
Underneath this pious show the real reason |
leaks out which is, that the bar is Of great |
stIateSica importance against the Russians.
There is in all that the Chinaman undertakes !
a certain cautious stubborn persistence, a |
an attention to minute detail, |
which cannot fail to bring success III other pur-
suits to him, as it has done in the industries and
arts. Thousands of years ago he gave his mind
10 making pottery just as sixty years ago he
resolved to retake Kashga on the other side
Of a vast wilderness, and, just as now, he has
determined TO protect his 5000 miles of Rus
Wan frontier foot by foot. We are much mis-
aiken if the sbrewdness, endurance, and
horoughness which made him the first potter in
he world, and rerOnquerel every inch of his
ost territory by a straEegical march seldom
qualled, will not in the end place him high
mong military nations
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