The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-08-05
AMERICAS PART IN CHINA.
Tho Theatre of Great Events, but Not Nee
esnnrily Mnr. in the Nenr FIXTURE.

ToTHE EnIToR OF THE suN--Sir: The world
appeared to contemplate with equanimity one
year ago the war which was about to occur
according to some OF the newspapers. between
Russia and England anent the NewchwanR
railway concession. Lately there has not been
observable any remarkable trepidation over
another newspaper yarn. that our own people
had better prepare for hostiities with Ger
many. presumably over some conflict OF inter-
est In the vcinage OF China Anybody can
formulate such predictions or impute them to
distinguished people. Nlndication does not
necessarily follow
The only safe prediction to make. when 1t
comes to international probabilities, appears
TO be to say that In case tho world shall again
soon witness any fights. they will concern in
some form the empire of China. But to make
such forecast would entitle no one to rank
among the prophets; for Mr.. Seward saw. and
said In one sentence. all that everybody is now
coming to understand. namely. that the Pacific
area, It's shores and it's islands. are destined
to be the chief theatre OF events in the worlds
There is no need for saving that there will
be any war at oil! Regeneration OF China. the
with Germany and the United States shoulder
TO shoulder, not as soldiers either. but as mer-
and not so va If d nsls IN 9He Te
tions No man can foresee upon what lines
exactly China'S evolution IL likely TO proceed.
1t would be pity to feel that that people can
not reach more advanced degree OF enlight-
eminent without the Christian nations OF the
earth going to war to show her how to become
more civilized.
let US hope that China may and will meet
oil her internal problems successfully, without
foreign Intervention. except through that
force OF example that Is brought to bear by the
schoolmaster the missionary and the CAPT
talist. 1t would be n magnificent achievement
II this transformation should take place with
out the loss OF one human lie in battle. Yet II
IL perfectly possible. And this much at least
is absolutely certa in. that America can do more
TO bring It about than nny other power.
In THE SUN on Aug. q OF last year, when an
irresponsible press grew excited about the
then approaching Anglo Russian war. point
ed out that Newchwang would lead. not to war.
but o protocol. and furnished key to the
whole Eastern question in this language: .
Russians and English need not push mill
tary preparations. china need not be dismem-
bered Germany, France and japan need not
ponder as to what part they would take in a
tremendous international conflagration. The
United States can preserve the peace and cqui-
librium OF the civilized world by constructing
the railways in China. guaranteeing equal
rights to all nations. without favor or spola-
ton"
This would be most praseworthy role for
America to play in distracted Asia. Are our
people great enough and broad enough, and
have they the ambition thus to serve millions
Of painstaking earnest fellow beings strug-
Cling to better their condition and casting
about for safe guide IN their wilderness
High courage aud an inhexibe honesty are
requ ired in American conduct and finance X
we shall fulfil the Offering OF destiny.
THuRLow WEED BARNES.
NEW YORK, Aug f.