The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-09-05
China and the Worlds Trade.

China and the Worlds Trade.
1t is apparent to the world that the
partition of China among the powers OF
Europe is only question of time, and
the Introductory period would seem to
be already at hand. That great nation,
representing the oldest element Of
ancient civilization, has during the past
decade been gradually yieldig to the
entertainments of the higher civiliza-
ton of the closing years of the nine
tenth century. Heather the Chinese
may be, but they constitute a nation
which has enjoyed centuries of undis-
turbed peace, marked by internal COM
fort and industry which no other ma
ton under the sun can parallel in the
degree of propOrtionate accomplish
ment. The Western world has, during
the same period made remarkable de-
Velopments along scientific and indus
trial lines. The United States consti-
tute a new country possessed of re-
sources far beyond, in volume and in
prospective accomplishments, those
which can be claimed by any country
over which the flag of modern ciViliza-
ton floats. China is possessed Of dor
mant resources which can be develop
ed, many fold, for the benefit of the
commerce Of the world. The limited
radius in which progressiveness has
supplied an object lesson in the line
of developing practical industries in
China affords an indication of what
could be done in the treatment of the
soil and the elevation of the mechan-
ical arts in that distant amphitheater
| of possible worldly industry.
The Chinaman Is not a type of man
hood which this country can look with
hopefulness and favor upon; but as a
consumer. at, home Of this nations
products, he is gradually advancing to
position of marked Importance. Eng
| land Is never slow to recognize an OPP
| pOrtunity for the projection of her
trade Importance. Though China may
be, Russia is not, among the dying
nations" to which Lord Salisbury re-
Gently alluded, but is rather to be clas-
sified with those Of the progressive or
der, and one which will seek her own
advancement at the point of the sword.
| The construction Of the Siberian rail-
way is great undertaking and has for
Its object the advancement of the high
! est development Of the empire. Ger
many looks into the Oriental field more
with feeling Of jealousy Of her neigh
bors than with a realizing sense of her
own productive power as calculated to
evolve any benefits from the accession
! of Chinese territory.
The United States, on the other hand,
as nation, holds a position Of supreme
advantage with respect to commerce
| between It's own shores and the Orient
The Pacific ocean divides the western
slope Of this continent from the har-
bors Of China Already our manufac-
turers are securing favorable regard
at the hands Of that distant people, and
in short time the trade spirit Of the
republic Is likely to control the COM
mercial trade of the entire world with
China.
The activity Of Russia Of Germany
| and Of England, in regard to the divi-
sion Of the great Asiatic empire, can be
viewed from this side of the Pacific
calmly, and with sense Of confidence
that whatever may be the degree of ag-
gression to which the Chinese empire
shall be subjected, the natural trend
Of commerce must be from the United
| States; and our own legislation in that
| interest Is the only element required to
secure our future peaceful dominancy
Of the great Asiatic stronghold. Neither
England nor Russia nor Germany is
likely to advance much further in the
way of securing rights legally or by
cOnf1scation. The time may come when
the emperor Of China shall turn instino-
lively to this country for protection
against the policy Of ACKNOWLEDGMENT
being pursued by the European nations
just as Cuba has turned to us to en-
| able us to throw aside the dominancy
| Of Spain over that island and attract
to ourselves everything in the line of
| commercial possibilities accruine from
her own independence.