The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-05-31

tween his own great country aud the
United States. In the May number Of
the English "Fortnightly Review"
you will find a paper On The Break
Town Of Our Chinese Policy" It con-
Germs the British policy and is by a
writer said to be particularly well-in-
formed as to European politics. But
the Tory Government has not. SO far
as we are acquainted, taken any
stand whatever favoring the destruc-
ton Of the Chinese Empire, or indeed
looking to Interference with 1t. Some
months ago-in the present year-Sir
Michael Hicks-Beach. Of the British
Cabinet, took this position:
What we wanted in hin was no.
territorial acquisition. We did not re-
gard China as a place for conquest or
acquisition by any European or other
power. We looked upon it as the most
hopeful place Of tie future for the
commerce Of our country, and the
commerce of the world at large, and
the government were absolutely de-
termined at whatever cost, even il ne
cessary at the cost of war, thai that
door should not be shut"
Great Britain Is wisely governed.
She may be forced by the acton Of
Russia and Germany to change her
policy as to China. Russia and Ger
many seem to De actively. bent towards
the old oriental Kingdom. They have
6een grasping in policy lately. Ger
many seized Kiao-Chou. Russia
took Port Arthur and both We're Sc
cured at the break up Of the Chinese
Empire. The writer in the Fort
nightly" has this TO say as % "c0n.ing
events that seem to be casting their
shadows before" to quote Tom Camp
bell:
The old China policy is gone, and
in its place we have a policy OF p4rIi-
ton. with coast stations duly occu-
pied, and spheres of influence marked
just as if we were dealing with some
new territory in East Africa. 1t is
scarcely necessary TO point oaIt that
this is a very serious and damaging
change. q The ultimate result Of
the partition policy must be ID limit
very considerably our trading area,
and Involve us in the burdens n re-
sponsibilities of a fresh Asiatic douin-
ion, which we shall have to defend. s*
So far as probabilities are concern I'd,
our course in China will be such as l
have indicated unless We like TO fight
for the re-establiShment of the old sys-
tenn or abandon the field altogether"
In other words, Great Britain must
give up the old idea Of maintaining
China intact, and go in with ether
great nations in crushing, sundering il,
and dividing the spoils. The writer
sees in Russia's movement against
China only injury to Great Bri5ain's
interests and says: Port Arthur in
Russian hands meant TO the general
public the browning success of the far
policy Of Russia. 1t was the visible YIN
boil of Russian predominance Ind Of
the effacement of Great Britain, a no
tice to quit to the British merchant"
England is looking now clearly for a
change of plans, for the forming Of
fresh alliances based On a fresh policy
created by the necessities of the hour
Hence, she is making arrangements
with Japan, and Offering pleasant
overtures to the United States. The
friendship of the United States cannot
we'll be overlooked, and the good feel
ings expressed by Great Britain for
u country may not be wisely re
jected. The friendship of these two
powerful nations, of a common speech.
may fbe essential to the prosperity and
safety Of each.