The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1894-10-27

was ZU,OUO strong. After SIX hours OF
fighting the place was captured and
the Chinese are again ON the retreat.
Thus far the Japanese have been
completely victorious. The disasters
recorded in home papers are quite
imaginary.
Naturally the war is the all-absorb-
ing topic in Japan. Not a man,
woman or child in the whole empire
capable of realizing the conditions
but glories in the conflict. This is
quite natural. 1t is also natural that
it should eclipse all other interests in
the minds of the people. Neverthe-
less they manifest considerable self
restraint and take their triumphs with
considerable calmness. The Chris
tian papers devote much attention to
the matter. Their tone is distinctly
belligerent. If the projects proposed
by the leaders are carried out the
Christian churches will raise enough
money for the war to carry on all the
missionary work in the Empire. One
writer calls for 300 gen from each
church. They believe it is righte-
ous war. Their reasons, however, ap-
pear somewhat mixed. The most
common justification of the war is
found in the idea that Japan is to be
the missionary of civilization to the
Orient. China is to be awakened
from her sleep and the whole of Asia
raised to the level of Japan. It is
not uncommon to find in connection
with this humane motion, the more
worldly idea that the opportunity has
come for Japan to gain possession of
Asia. Again, there is nearly always
the thought, more or less clearly ex-
pressed, that China must be enumbled.
She has despised little Japan. 1t is
now time for the island empire to
show her real power. This idea of
humbling China is strong in the
secular papers. Hence they scout
the idea of being content with simply
driving the Chinese from Corea. In
deed the fear is quite generally ex-
pressed in the metropolitan papers
that the war spirit will flag and
peace party come into beingto damp
en- the ardor of the nation. This
clamor for peace is looked for among
the merchants, who are suffering
from depression in trade as conse-
quence of the war.
In all this display of warlike spirit,
however, l see nothing less civilized
than what might be expected of the
press of any European power en-
gagged in war with powerful rival.
Moreover, with all this ardor for the
war, the proper distinction is kept in
view between China as an armed
power and the Chinese as human be-
ings. 1t is doubtfuli if the sinking of
the "Kowshing" can be justified by
the modern code of war etiquette"
but this one act must not be taken
as indicating the humanity of the ma
tion at large. Indeed the attitude of
the government and people toward
Chinese residents and prisoners of
war is all that can be desired. Hun
dreds of Chinese have left Japan, but
SO far as their welfare was jeopardized
by the relations existing between the
two countries is concerned, it was an
unnecessary step. Indeed the gov
ernment has issued a proclamation
extending protection to all Chinese
residents who comply with the simple
and necessary formality of register
ing. Moreover it is said that the
Chinese prisoners of war have re-
ceived such humane treatment from
the japanese that they beg not to be
sent back to China, knowing well that
they need not expect good treatment
there. The common people of Japan
show remarkable degree of consid-
Grafton and self-restraint in their at
titude toward the Chinese. I have
yet to learn of any serious disturb
ance arising from animosity kindled
by the war. Surely this is not the
attitude of "half civilized" people.
am sorry to confess that in case of
war between United States and
China should not expect SO much
consideration of Chinese residents by
people of California as is now shown
by the people of Japan.
l send this brief account hoping
that it may be useful to your readers.
l do not pose as war champion for
Japan. l do not attempt to justify
the war, though I see no reason why
it cannot be justified as well as the
occupation of Egypt and India by
England, of Siam by France, or the
partition of Africa. I only desire