The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-06-25
VIEWS or BISHOP cRANsTox.
He Thinks This Country should Aid
I'm "CiviIixfng- China.

PORTLAND, Ore. June 24-Bishop
Cranston yesterday dictated the following
on the peril TO missionaries in China and
the duty of the Washington governments:
Il regard it as the imperative duty Of tho
United States to take prompt and e~ffective
measures to protect the lives and property
Of American citizens now i'm Peking OF eiss<
where. The location of the legation props
erty at Picking. as well as the missionary
compounds. is such as to make attack easy
and destruction sure and complete II they
are attacked in force either by the Chinese
troops or mobs. unless 1t should so happen
that part of the city wall is FIRST possessed
by foreign troops. > etr
1.-THE news to date appears to be conflict.
ing and unreliable and affords no relief to
our apprehensions. Understanding the help
~lessness of foreigners living between Taku
and Picking. we can understand that there
Is even greater peril to the small allied
forces seeking to relieve Picking. An en-
ragged Chinese mob, once victorious, is mo
more likely TO give quarter than a hand of
American Indians. The Chinese people
think they have too many grievances
against foreigners, and whenever and
wherever they find an opportunity for re-
venge they may be expected 10 take IL, with
interest. 1t is the foreigners rather than
the missionaries that the Chinese detest.
The work of Protestant missionaries has
tended to mollify the bitterness of their
feelings. Considering all the circumstances,
Ii Is remarkable how long and how safely
they have conducted their work in the
midst OF such a people who have been pro-
v0ked 10 so many demonstrations OF vio-
lence by the action OF foreign governments
1T must be remembered that the Chinese
regard all outsiders as barbarians. and
their own government and social organiza-
ton as perfect. Everything at variance
Herewith they regard not only as ar inno-
walton, but as sacrilegious to the memory
of their ancestors, from which they think
they have inherited the best possible con-
dition of society and the highest wisdom az
well. 1t must further be taken into ac-
count that the concessions for railroad ana
mining enterprises which have been MAIN
tanned from time to time have been exacted
under pressure. and these things are direct
ly contrary 10 their superstitfous beliefs.
All mining operations or excavations for
any purpose whatever are supposed 10 IN
terfere with the health and even life OF the
Chinese. The frequent defeats and feeble
attempts of resistance OF the Chinese ag-
gravate their hatred. Their widespread be-
lief that IL is the policy Of the nations 10
dismember the empire has produced a con-
dition bordering on frenzy.
Il do not know of any missionary or for
eigner resident in China who has any re-
spect or sympathy for the Empress dow
ager, but many thoughtful people have
great sympathy for the Chinese, who are
III NV AAaA Aa0aA LaAt ~
the joint action of all the powers will place
the young Emperor on his throne, even II
a protectorate Is necessary. 1t is the OBJ
vious duty of the civilized world to make
a strong demonstration of force and uss
il If necessary TO protect the helpless wom-
en- and children who are now In the grav-
est peril. There should be no quibbling
over governmental red tape and consider
alton for treaties should not stand in the
way.
II desire to see our government take its
place by the side of the other nations OF
boosted protection OF the American flag
The American people viii stand by the
administration in the most vigorous meas
ures il may take 10 suppress these out
breaks. and no price Is too great 10 pay
in such a cause. Politics and diplomacy
should be forgotten in the instant demand
for the relief of the little bands that for
the last two weeks have been tortured BIZ
the yells of bloodthirsty mobs, IL they have
not actually fallen victims TO their fer0clty.
Il do not hesitate TO say that, whether
considered from a commercial govern
mental or humanitarian standpoint, China
as a country is worth all that IL may cost
In the sisterhood OF empires. She is q
world problem as well as a coming force OF
mighty proportions. IL Is better 10 deal
with her nationally and justly, even though
il may be necessary TO use great force and
even REQUIRE that she be made the ward for
the time being OF all the other nations or
the world. EARL CRANSTON."
Bishop Earl Cranston for two years has
been the Methodist Episcopal bishop In
China, in authority over all missionaries
sent out by the Methodist Church NORTH
from the United States. He returned from
ton was elected from Portland, Ore. In
1S6