The times., 1899-03-09
THURSDAY. MARCH 9, 1899.
The Partition of China.

No intelligent person could contemplate
the signs OF the times and the ineXorable
movement of Western civilization in the
Far East without reaching the conclusion
that the partition of the Chinese Empire
among the commercial nations is not only
at hand. but is necessitated by prevailing
conditions.
Intrnsically considered, the acknowl-
edged reasons for the general movement
which now appears on the eve of a final
consummation may not have been alto
gether 10 the credit of Western pow
ers. It can be said with some show OF
justice that the first rift in the lutte OF
the Flowery Kingdom was occasioned by
British dissatisfaction because the Brother
OF the sun did not want his people TO in
dulge in the delights of opium, which
formed the staple of English colonial ex-
ports 10 China. Trouble and war, followed
by British major influence at Pekin and
the cession of some Chinese territory to
Queen Victoria, followed shortly. Next
France found reasons for complaint. What
they were is unimportant. Perhaps th-
French government resented Celestial in
difference TO cognac. absinthe. and chic
cory. Al all events some excuse for inter-
ference was found. and France is safely
settled in Tonquin. After matters had
progressed thus far. Germany thought that.
on general principles. the Fatherland
might as well have a port and a CONNER
-cisl standing on the coast, as otherwise
missionaries would be unsafe. and took in
Kiso-Chou. just as previously Russia had
absorbed Pert Arthur and, to all intents
and purposes. annexed Manchuria by way
of backing for that possession.
The great European States being solidly
placed. it was excusable on the part of the
minor ones 10 see if they, too. could not
get a slice apiece OF what was going. So
Italy has landed marines and thinks it
should have San sum Bay and colony,
and did not even stop TO ask the Tsung-h-
Nsmen if that movement and ambition
would be agreeable 10 the Queen Regent
or her government.
Whatever motives may be alleged in the
eases Of these invading and territory-seiz-
ing powers. it must be apparent that
whether with or without technical excuse
the movement would have materialized.
utter inability of the present Chinese dy-
nasty and the administrative organization
under il 10 govern the Empire with de-
cency or any regard to civilization or the
- Commonest interests and rights of human
ity. Indeed, the Chinese government has
long been a blot on the face of the earth,
and now that Spain, its sister in barbar-
ism and bloOdthirsty cruelty, has been
wiped out for all practical purposes, it has
no Western State to point to by way of hor-
rible example, except Turkey perhaps, as
excuse for existence.
China, with its teeming millions is a
great consumer of cotton. tobacco, petrol
cum, breadstuffs, and many things produc-
ed by the United States. England, Ger
many. and other civilized countries. The
present consuming power Of the Empire
could be multiplied indefinitely il the peo-
pie OF China were guaranteed anything
like human government. The Tartar
dynasty and its horde of thieving, murder
ing vicerOys, mandarins, and minor Off
ciais neither could nor would wish to pro-
duce conditions agreeable TO the demands
OF modern civilization and commercial
prosperity. let lDdl market LOT NOflu
productions could not be left in its present
state Of chaotic disorder with justice to
the Chinese people themselves. nor TO the
producers of other lands. Hence. every
consideration OF interest and philanthropy
demands that the Chinese Empire, as such
shall be abolished, and that its inhabitants
shall be placed under the control of in
nuences able 10 protect them from native
oppression. and from the danger of a lapse
into a condition of absolute savagery.
Whether the prospect be pleasant to the
eye Of New England or any other sort of
professional philanthropy or not, II is one
that must be considered. and from the
point OF view of national common sense.
The United States has heavy stake in the
matter. Our trade with China amounts 10
thirty millions year and might be great.
ly increased. II We were wise In promoting
and protecting it. On the other hand. IL
may go 10 destruction II we allow all the
commercial ports of the Chinese mainland
10 be occupied by our trade rivals and
closed to our shipping and products by
foreign outrages Of the Dingiey tariff de-
scription.
What, then, Is the United States to 40
in the premises? Shall We sit still and see
the lately accessible territory OF Asia shut
ny against our commerce, as inevitably il