The times., 1899-05-28

ensured, although | did hear many opinions ex-
pressed that the time could not be far distant
when the Chinese Empire would be added TO the
list Of those countries which had fallen to
pieces from internal decay. Though the great
trading classes of the United States, as far as /
could gather, are keonly alive TO the necessity
Of Safeguarding the future Of the United States
commercial interests. il quite apparent to
me that these in authority, and, indeed. the peo-
pie as a whole, are, for the present, at any rate,
going to allow Chinese affairs to take care OF
themselves. II was very satisfactory TO me 10
he frequently told that the fact of the British
Associated Chambers having sent a mission OF
enquiry to China. would provoke an interest
among the commercial classes OF the Inited
States with regard to the future of China
Looking at the matter fairly. the public mind
in the United Siatca is occupied with an en-
tireiy novel policy, which. being an actual iaet'
must be engrossing TO the American pub
lie than matters which mp TO now even have not
advanced into the region Of discussion. ] refer
to the policy of expansion, as illustrated by the
difficult problem which has to be solved in the
Philippine Islands. Added to this. the actual
trade between the United States and China at
the present moment is very small proportion
of the whole foreign trade of that country-only
6 per cent. II is important to remember, how
ever in what a comparatively short time this has
been built up, and il TO this percentage was adj
ded the proportion OF Briiish-owncd trade in
commodities Of American origin, ] am of opinion
that il would be found that the actual American
manufactured goods represent very much larger
!
American trade represents per cent, as against
IS per cent of all other nations excluding Great
Britain) combined.
The problems connected with the future devel
| npment OF trade in China will be solved more
| easily if the powerful Anglo-SaNon races car
! come to some mutual understanding regarding
/ them. As the interests of the United States ant
! Great Britain absolutely identical in China
an understanding must conduce TO the benefit o
"A 1frtit- rnaLp for Ia.
peaceful SOLUTION Of the difficulties. Both nations
are essentially trading nations; neither wan; ter
ritory; they both wish TO increase their trade
| With equal opportunity throughout China
they would not only increase their trade, but d'
much toward increasing the prosperity Of th'
| whole world.
Finally, Lord Beresford recapitulates ir
this manner:
In reviewing this report several points beccm'
| apparent:
| j. The anxiety of British merchants in Chin.
as to the security OF capital already invested.
! . Tie immediate necessity for some assurance
| to be given to those who willing to invos
/ further capital.
g. That this existing sense Of insecurity is du
! to the efe;e condition OF the Chinese govern
ment. its corruption and poverty. and to the con
iinusl riots disturbances, and rebellions through
! out the country.
J. That the rapidly advancing disintegration Q
! the Chinese Empire is also due to the pressur
/ Of foreign claims, which she has no power eithe
| to resist or refnse-all this leading TO the tota
| internal collapse OF authority.
;. The terrible prospect OF civil revolution
! extending over an large as Europe
/ among four hundred millions of people, upo
which catastrophe the thin line of Europea
] civilization on the coast, and few ships G
| war, would have little or 10 effect
| e. Tie uncertainty TO what government
| would follow. should the present dynasty fall
and cur ignorance as 10 what policy any iutur
tfr0tr
tracts and concessions made by the exis1n
/ Tsune-li -Yamen.
:. The fear OF the traders Of all nations j
| China that the. home governments Of Europe, /
| their desire TO oonciiate the interests of thos
| who seek trade with those vino want territor!
should drift into the sphere of influence poliey
thereby endsngering the expansion OF trade, II
curing the risk OF war, and fastening the part
ton and downfall of the Chinese Empire
S The apprehension existing in all capabl
minds in China lest the governments OF Europe
after beginning with the bullying expedient
claims and counter claims, and then drifting int
the policy of spheres of influence, should end
hopeiessiy blocking the open door
o. The unduubted loss Of British prestig
throughout the whole Chinese Empire, owing I
recent political events in the north.
1t may be said with some reason tha
the cat in the meal all through this ar
gument is the fear Of England lest Russi
should by some well-planned and unex
pected move get China in her grasp an
use the Mongolian as a club to knock ou
the brains of the Anglo SaXon-the per
formance foreshadowed in the parable G
hdam-Zad. But whether or not this is Sc
the work of Lord Beresford is interestin
and valuable. and should receive genera
attention even more in the United State!
where the Eastern question is but littl
understood. than in England where Chin
and her affairs have been a topic of gener
al discussion for some time. (New York
1 Harper G. Bros. $1,000
Burr Mcintosh. War Correspondent
The Little Saw of Cuba. is the mod
est title OF copiously illustrated book b
} Burr Mcintosh. In spite of the implie