The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-12-08
OF the country without further legisla-


Former United States Minister to
China. the Hon Charles DENLY.
in a published magazine article, has
made the first positive statement re-
assuring those who have been fearful
lest the change OF dynasty in China
would operate to the disadvantage of
commercial development. Mr.. DENLY
disputes in the most unequiyoeal man
ner the popular impression that
the empress dowager is reactionary
in her spirit, noting that
"She ruled China for thirty years during
the most difficult period OF lis history. the
period when foreign plans and methods
were being introduced. and new ideas,
thoughts and schemes were driving out the
old-a period during which seclusion was
10 give place 10 an active participation IN
international affairs. The troubles
Of China came after she retired from
power. They would never have occurred
had she remained regent have confidence
in her power and her love ot country, and
conclude that capital may safely be In
vested in China"
This is very important to the people
OF this state If Mr.. DENLY Is right. He
has had abundant opportunity TO In
form himself and it is probably safe to
accept his judgment
The riots and rebellions which have
terminated in connection with the adj
vent Of foreign interest in the interior
OF China and at some points along the
sea coast appear to be Of an ephemerai
nature and are not likely to assume
large scope or to be a serious menace
to Industrial development. They have
been fostered partially by sentiment,
but more largely by INSCRIPTIONS vice
roys and local leaders who fear that the
approach of railroads, factories and 9TH
er features Of modern civilization will
nues they derive from the farming Of
the likin tax.
In some respects the riots resemble
the anti-machinery riots in provinces
of England half a century ago. The
majority of the people do not support
them, nor are they likely to support
them. They recognize not only their
inevitability but their indisputable val
lie, and, being by no means the mental
ly sluggish or the industrially. inactive
people they are often thought to be,
they will take hold of the new enter
nd t1saa off IN ,rf
them to domestic and personal advan-
tage.
There is abundant evidence Of this in
the contracts the Chinese government
has made with the syndicates who are
to construct the railroad from Pekng
to Canton and to work the mines and
mineral interests in the province of
Shansi. In each of these contracts the
provision is made that the Chinese may
purchase the interests OF the syndicates
when Chinese citizens shall have ac-
quired IS per cent. OF the stock. 1t is
not to be presumed that the government
is acting without sound faith that the
Chinese will manifest sufficient inter-
est to endeavor to acquire the control.
Numerous other indications point to
the practical participation Of the Chi
nese people in the projected railroad
and other industries. Where a popu-
lace is interested there is no danger
of a populace opposing. Such being the
case. American, and especially Wash
ington. trade promoters may pro-
coed upon their negotiations In the
needs to be varied only with a natural
! business prudence.