The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-10-15
The WAR IN THE EAST.
DR.. MingledOTff Would Like to See
China SOundlY ThTaShed.

China Regards Every Country as Her
Tributary-Looks Upon England as a
Miserable Mudbank in Mid-Ooean."
Ths War May Do More for the Ad-
vancement of Civilization and Re-
hRion Than Many Years of Conserva-
tive Peace.
Editor Morning News: Owing to
want of telegraphic communication, as
well as to the unwillingness of both ma
tons to have their doings proclaimed 10
the civilized world, it is quite difficult to
arrive at a clear understanding of the
status of the war between Japan and
China. Some few able men are siding
with the latter nation; while a majority
of the better class of American writer's
are vehement in the former Country's de-
Tense. Since their government is COM
mercially interested in China's welfare we
need not expect an impartial analysis of
the question at the hands of the English
Journalists
Some writers have-maybe unwittingly
laid too great stress upon the fact that
China has long claimed Korea as a trlb-
utary. She lays the same claim to every
country upon the globe. she being Tsoong-
Kwoh the central kingdom, and her en-
pefOf the son or heaven
Her bigotry is unbounded. During the
Franco-Chinese war, in the SOS, the gov
eminent, through it's official organ, in
formed the nation that France, a tribu-
tary province, had rebeled against the
Celestial throne. Some years prior to
this it was published to therpeople that
one Of the tributaries ngland-"a CON
temptible mud-bank in mid-ocean"-had
long refused to pay tribute and was then
in state Of open rebellion.
1t is doubtful if China has any valil
claim to Korea; her pretended suzurain-
tty being nothing more than the result
of her own bigoted conceit.
Japan wishes simply to protect her. own
commercial interests in Korea. She claims
no governmental rights. If we are to be-
lieve her utterances, she has become the
champion of western civilization, of hui
man freedom; she would put the Hermit
Kingdom upon a good footing in the fam
lily of nations, Certainly nothing could be
more conducive to the personal welfare
of Japan than this Whatever improves
Korea adds increased value to japan
ese trade with her
1t has been reported that Japan de-
clared war against China to draw her
people together in a common cause and
thus prevent trouble at home-civil war;
but the statement lacks proof. On the
contrary, men well informed concerning
Japanese affairs have repeatedly declared
it untrue.
BY the agreement of the Tien-Tsin con-
vention Japan and China We're to exer-
else joint protectorate over Korea The
former was to have Timely notice" if the
latter saw fit at any time to send troops
into Korea. When the Agrarian revolt
occurred some months ago the Korean
government called upon China for assis-
lance. 1t was rendered with a precipi-
fancy which smacked of preconcerted
arrangement" Japan was informed chat
China had sent aid to the tributary coun-
try" 1t was certainly a display of bad
faith to call Korea tributary after
the understanding reached in the TEN
Tsin convention.
Thus by bad faith and unneeded haste
in putting troops into Korea, China VIC
lated the spirit of the agreement. To one
acquainted with the moral convictions
of Chinese officials, there is nothing
strange about thls Celestial inhdelity.
| With men who are trained from infancy
to carry two faces contracts are not very
sacred, unless they are backed by cannon
and men-of-war European powers have
always found 1t necessary to adopt this
precaution in order to render treaties
with the Celestial kingdom effective
As was to be expected, Japan rushed
troops into the scene of riot as soon as
possible. The revolt was put down with
{
been restored when China added insult
to injury by demanding the withdra wal
of all Japanese troops from Korean ter
ritory. The demand was promptly and
justly refused. How could 1t be expected
that such insulting conduct would not call
forth declaration of war from Japan?
The little island kingdom would have dis
graced herself if she had not resented the
affront. Her splendid pluck compels our
/ respect.
No doubt the aspect Of affairs has
changed somewhat since the declara ton
/ OF war Japan is now lighting for a two
/ fold purpose; "a, to conquer her enemy;
/ ~, to better her position among civilized
/ nations She has already suffered too
| long the Disgrace Of having foreign pow
! ers regulate her protective tariff. tt Is
] also calling TO her TO have other nations
maintain criminal courts on her soil for
/ the trial OF their own subjects, while they
/ VIII permit no government to establish
/ similar courts m their respective terri
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