Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1900-03-30
TROUBLE IN CHINA.

From the occasional reports that
reach the ouside world from the Chinese
empire, It is supposed that crisis
may be near at hand. which may cul-
inmate in anarchy and perhaps foreign
interference.
There are at least two political par
ties in. China, One stands for official
corruption and the conservation OF the
old system. which makes It possible for
dishonest officials TO flourish and grow
rich. That party hates the foreign
devils" and all manner Of innovations.
The other party stands for reform
along the lines suggested by the for
eigners and which have been followed
by Japan to the salvation OF that coun-
try. This party aims at the establish
ment OF a strong central government
and the union Of the scattered forces OF
the vast realm. Since the war with
Japan the reform party has increased
very much In strength, II is composed
OF the most Intelligent and patriotic
OF the Chinese population.
The young emperor seems to be in
iluenced by the Reform party, TO Judge
from the sensational reform measures
he proclaimed some time ago, and on
account OF which he was said TO be in
sane. The empress, his aunt and the
real ruler in China. promptly annuled
the imperial edicts dnd continued In
power the corrupt officers that profit by
the suicidal policy Of the empress. But
this was not all. When German mis-
sionaries had been killed In one Of the
provinces, the provincial officials re-
sponsible for the crime, not only were
not punished. but they were actually
promoted 20 more remuneratiye Offices,
And this was clue TO other provincial
governors They understood by this,
that the central government would look
with favor upon attacks upon for
eigners.
Russia Is believed 10 be at the bottom
OF this policy OF the empress That
country has large armed force near
the Chinese border. and hopes, II any
disturbances occua to be called upon to
restore peace and order, which would
be equivalent to the annexation Of ter
ritory. Russia would regret the unihca-
ton Of the empire under a strong gov
eminent. as that would mean no more
concessions TO 81. Petersburg. Her
statesmen are therefore believed to be
intriguing at Pekn for the purpose OF
maintaining the empress in power. and
with her the policy Of robbery OF which
she IL said TO be the head.
As consequence, the anti-forelgn
party has been growing bold lately. II
Is believed a society exists. with
branches throughout the empire, FOR
the purpose OF exterminatng the for
eigneIs. Should this prove true, we
shall probably hear Of attacks upon
missionary stations. or upon foreign
consulates. with destruction OF proper
ty and the taking Of life. The conse-
quence would be retaliation by the
powers. whose citizens were the OBJ
jects OF the attack. There would be
more land-grabblng and perhaps quar-
rels about the distribution OF the spells.
There are thus possibilities Of interna.
tional complications.
The United states can hardly be a
disInterested spectator Of events in
China. Anarchy there, would call for
foreign Intervention, and the question
would always arise TO what extent this
country would feel justified in taking
any part In the program. Our govern.
ment spoke with emphasis ON the
question Of the open door" 1t might
speak again should complications arise.
In the meantime II should be noted
that much OF the trouble In China Is
brought about by the missionaries that
persist in travelling where foreigners
have no legal right to be. and where
they are not wanted, II Is sometimes
the result Of undue meddling vita pri-
yate and domestic affairs. The Chinese
particularly in the interior, are as
much prejudlced against foreigners ao
foreigners are agains; them, and no
one has any business 70 force them
selves upon their fellowmen. To DO so
is contrary 10 the spirit Of Christian
missions, which first Of al Is regard for
the rights OF others, and courtesy. Mis-
slonary societies should teach their
emissarles 10 work according to the
golden rule. II they did. there would
be better results in far away lands