New-York tribune., 1900-08-02
THE CRISIS IN THE EAST.
GEN. CARRINGToN DISCUSSES AMER.
ICA'S OPPORTUNITY AS THE
GREAT PACTFICATOR
70 the Editor Of The Tribune.

70 realize dangers which were distinctly nra
sented for her united anticipation at the RarIi,
Conference Of 1875. when Great Britain. Ger
many, France and Italy combined tn rnair+at,
the integrity and independence Of 7,,rI-s, -
the demolition Of Sebastopol and the rir,,,+s.,o-
of Russian naval strength in the Black sea
Al that conference Count SchouvaIoT q,
Russia offered for adoption a stsIwart resolu-
ton whereby Europe. by a solemn nleaga
would prevent the sale Of modern arms ana
machinery for their fabrication TO the Chinese
Empire n strong language he affirmed his 60,
vic-iou that the Western States Of Furora 49,
the-- full treasures were in more peril from, +ba
halt fsmtshed and overcrowded hordes ~ rbfra
thsn from al the standing armies Of F-,,ror,..
snd that Europe. SO threatened would he
powerless 10 meet such invasion unless after
Incredible waste and disaster. He even ci-ed as
Ess reported. English military authority for
bis averment The New-York Tribune in com
usnt upon his prediction, gives as the suggested
American" basis for its forcible language the
following quotation. page %. from a volume
Battles Of the American Revolution published
II 1876, which had been placed in European
military schools and Libraries in 1877:
Tie eyer increasing responsibilities that attend
t5e Ceg3o lacEesse oI ne worlds population. and
zee @1c 2ar2arous peoples into intimacy and in
nations are pregnant with issues which provoke
h1alsn passion and human conflict.
-ro-1Tv Of The eats nSfsIs az i1g5 se,eci
and civilized History has recorded such events
1--er c-Eclnls Sances no more difficult than the
z 6esPotc power ana the fiery scourge Of religious
-s-a-c-s-n are not barred out because Just now
TIE succeeding paragraph, which follows is
adequately justified by the current events Of the
closing nineteenth century, although written
twenty-five years ago:
-aere IS already 8 relaxation Of feaIty 10 au-
l1ortry-an independence Of individual obligation
20 the rights OF the ulany-a jealousy Of superior
!-v- wherAer o. mental or Industrial attainment,
E.ca enc GO 70 @arshy @ and these work IN Lhe same
a2d oppression which gradually and inquiringiy
Et-s its in The Middle Ages.
The 6rst issue must be resolved, either by intel
Ige1t recognition Of 3 common moral obligation
anG respect tor the rights Of all. or the conflicts
cf physical force viii 60 beyond their mis-
son ard introduce unparalleled conflict
COUNT sCHOUvALOFF's WARNING.
Although the far seeing proposition OF Count
schouvaIoE failed Of adoption, and profitable
commercial ventures met every Eastern de-
-land for modern arms. machinery and expert
artisans with eager appreciation Of great bar
gains. the wise statesmen of China al once a6-
dressed themselves 70 the establishment Of
machine shops and arsenaIs all under the con-
troll of competent European instructors, 10 the
end that The empire might be ready for any
overt egg-esstors upon her integrity an in
dependent State. IN spite Of their character
e
lhey realized that the Introduction OF modern
appliances against disease as well as modern
arms, had become desirable. Christianity al
though opposed 10 the national faith, did not,
so far II followed the teachings OF Christ les
ser the loyalty or impair the industries OF the
people lis tenets were largely il the spirit OF
those Of Confucius. The advent Of Dr. Peter
Parker, IN 1884, and OF 5. Wells Williams, with
his printing press typical Of the spirit which
intelligent Chinese statesmen welcomed as the (
anirnUs q Western approach 70 their regard
The visit Of General Grant increased their
respect for America. and the rapid development
of Japan through is familiarity with the meth
ods of the American Republic seemed 70 offer 70
China q wholesome commercial intercourse upon
al honorable busiress bacis- None Of the perils
70 China which the English opium trade had
introduced seemed 10 attach 10 intercourse with
America Treaties Of peace were made, il which
the rights II each we're alike honored- The
Christianity which was thereby protected was
that which was represented by humane men and
women who preached the Christ as the friend
os humanity and peace, and sought neither land
nor plunder IN the ninistraticns OF their self
sacrificing work
Gradually the occupation of Chinese soil by
European Powers specifically designated as
Christian nations" exposed the empire TO
disintegraJion q permanent antegonistlc
blockade. Commercial dealings with Western
Powers lost their reciprocal Va-A@s 10 lI1e Ill
rase. All fear lest Christianity should supplant
Chinese forms OF faith and worship was merged
r -he conviction. well founded. that Christianity
--s= an excuse for physical conQuests- China
understood that her ancient weapons and heF
r.-Sa military system We're powerless against
modern battleships and ornaments Even Japan
seized an opportunity, discounted the tardy de-
v-=Topn-ert Of Chinese armies. and gained self
--r-er-irg position which the world was com
-er-z5 70 honor and respect On the day that
Admiral HOPKINS left Boston with MS hagshIp
rrz Blake in discussion Of the prospects for the
Immediate future ne stated his opinion that
..7e@--e the year 1900 Great Britain, the United
States and Japan would ind themselves acting
-.--r q common basis IN arresting general dis
.-~bsrce Of Eastern affairs in dealings with
China He gave a detailed account Of the
large invoices of arms machinery and railroad
S-rrI5es which China was accumulating, ana
freely discussed the very conditions quoted in
me opening Of this article
-oxsUMMATE WISDOM NEEDED.
TO-DAY the most eonsumu-ate wisdom IS
-ea5e5 N dealing with the Chinese people To
sr-7r-are . C0rtez-like invasion would invite
srurerre disaster. The Fetteruan and Custer
r1assac-es by Indians are proofs that numbers
of excited and fearless savages can overWheln
the hest disciplined small force. and that an
advancing army Of allied forces must have at
naud ADEQUATE supplies Of ammunition, trans
por-a-ion and food for any contingency, OF
l1-oe-I al in one signal catastrophe Neither
ran me f5ea Of vengeance. instead Of simple
ret-tbutt~= and compensatory justice, be the
wa.crro~d Of = wise advance. T. blaspherles