The Mena star., 1898-08-03
FUTURE OF CHINA.
The Political Situation in Europe and the East--America's Ad-
 vantnges.

There are two ways of influencing a people or a country, commercially. One is by methods of mutual intercourse; the other is by the dominion of terri tory. Influence is exerted to a much greater degree where commercial rela- tions are supported by the absolute po- litical and military control Of one coun- try over another Commercial, military or political conquests are, however, rarely attempted where the countries or people to be controlled are either impoverished or physically strong. The temptation to avarice and ambition is far greater where the people destined to subjugation are both rich and pow erless. The condition of China to-day may serve as a proof of this statement. This vast empire, endowed with greater natural resources than India or Africa and possessing a greater population than either-yet physically weak and financially banlTupt-was conquered and placed under enormous indemnity by nation one-twelfth it's size, in brief war, which involved loss to the victor of but GA killed
 Here is a tempting field for the ambi- tious, both in political and a conner cial sense. And this field will be thoroughly explored with one of the two results: 1. \ combination of the great powers of Europe, resulting in division of the Chinese empire-the strongest seizing the lions share; or @ disagreement-much to be de sired-amoDg the powers as to this di- vision, in which case the celestial king dom would be allowed to work out its own salvation. Tn the latter case, the empire. stimulated to greater efforts, may eventually reach a high standard Of civilization and development.
 So far as the effects of the situation upon the people of Europe are con. cerned. it may be said thatthe more the governments can extend their do minion and control the greater will be their commercial facilities; and these facilities again will result in q greater revenue ana an increased demand upon the home markets fer roods of every de- scripiiou But to maintain such in huence and power. the stafecraft, pa trioiism strength and resources of the na1ioa roust at tines be taxed to their utmost limit Greof Britain has spent abopt s5aanea N90 mon her present navy; and she is tD increasing her service in order maintain her su- premacy The present emperor of Ger many has for vears appealed ta his gv V ernfnent toaad 70 fhe naval armament; and recent reports show that @g0a oe0,- o0o has heen granted for this purpose. The little kingdom of Japan. which. iron comparatively insignificant position among The nations, has recent ly risen to great prominence, has pro- vided for additions to her navy. which, when completed, will nlace if third among the nayies of the world.
 We are fortunaFe in being isolated from other countries. We are blessed sources At the same time, however. there are questions of vast importance whieh will require the attention of our ablest statesmen. in order that the pros- peritg and enterprise of the country mav be preserved. and tha comfort and welfare of its millions of t0ilers guard. ed. For this reason. it will be necessary fn 'w I'D orr cr~s meree where7 r ii ba declined, so tha, we may success fully compete in the markets of the world-Gen. Nelson X. Miles. in Forum.