Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-01-06
INDIA'S CIVILIZATION.
Mr.. MOrcy Talks in an Interesting
Way of People.


Mr.. William Morey, jr., native Of the
Island OF Cey1on. gave The Star man an
entertaining talk ON affairs oriental, at the
Normandie last night. In answer to a
question to what interest India felt in
the Siamese problem, he said: India
watches the political situation in Siam
with anxiety. There, history is repeating
itself. British aggression in Burmah, In
Ola and CeylOn are being repeated by other
European nations elsewhere, and Siam
Will share the fate of AMMAN unless some
great power like China, fresh with the
memories OF Tonquin, takes a hand. To
india, these events are signs Of the times
and are studied with zeal and hope. With
hfty million people on the verge of starva-
ton, with stagnation in all industries, with
money values reduced, and the burden Of
an enormous army, it is natural that a
change is desired. England stands in dread
OF the impending conflict"
What conflict? asked the reporter,
The battle of India will be fought on
the held Of Europe. French success in Siam
endangers British supremacy in the east
England will become involved with France
ana the ally of the latter, Russia, will cross
the passes OF the Himilayers into northern
Europe. This will set the legions of all
Europe into motion. The possibilities of
such situation are appalling England
will forget India, and France SIAM
Although Russia will find a rousing well
come at the banks of the Ganges and at
the Gates Of Delhi. her tenure in India will
BE- brief 1t will be just long enough for
the recoup of the native states"
Why will Russian rule be an improve
ment over that of the English?" insisted
The Star man.
Probably 1t will not be so considered
from the standpoint of western civiiiza-
ton, but Americans are prone to Judge of
sucn matters from their standpoint. When
f.Ntpn hnl Tr.t,
empire, rich and populous, whose ciyiliza-
ton antedated that of all other countries
among the temples and the dogbas, and
WITHIN the cloisters of learned priesthood
ne round rich literature and a religion
moving from the Srandest founts Of phil
osopay. He found people living under
the benefits of a civiiza ton that had been
thousands OF years in building i.
ITO that country Europe could lend noth-
ing tnat. viewed from an Indian standpoint
was worthy or adoption. Europe could not
wipe out the customs of it's ancient civili-
cation. nor introduce any really new the
ologies. First the Portuguese then the
Dutch. and lastly the English, all of them
Inc leading national parasites of the earth
Attached themselves to India. The kernel
In the nut was the great Indian trade and
revenue. and the fragments OF the shell
are the principaiities nominally ruled by
native princes, but the so-called peaceful
protectorate Of England. The few Eu-
ropeans who dwell there have, by virtue
OF British guns, been able to impose the
taxes and collect them. That is all they
care for, while their weak attempts at
lettering the condition of the masses are
for the purpose Of impressing the world at
large"
why is there a bond Of sympathy be-
tween India and Ceylon and Siam?' said
the reporter
TO some extent through Buddhism be-
tween Northern India and Burmah and
between Burmah and Siam, and the latter
and Ceylon. The Buddhists in Ceylon are
divided into the Siamese and the Burmahan
Burmese. or Amarapura sects: but relig-
ious sentiment is not alone sufficient to
unite the countries named, because the
teachings of their philosophy impose peace
as one Of the conditions in the attainment
of Nirvani."
What about caster" said the Washing
tonian.
Caste Is a peculiar social appendage,
out l think you will admit to a certain ex-
tent II exists In the most cultivated and
pfned Christian communities. Look at
the sham aristocracy of this country Those
VINO have not studied the languages, the
olosfes and customs of the races of India
know nothing about caste. The system has
been carried to an extreme because Of HUI
man vanity. In this country the dude as
sumes superiority over those who may
be his superiors In all respects excepting
clothes. While caste has subdivided one
race into several communities 1t has aided
In preserving the ethnic purity of the race"