The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-07-15

the Yangtse Valley and elsewhere. Like
many of TIE best informed men In the
Indian and ether colonial civil service,
Mr.. Colquhuun counsels strong. aggressive,
determined action. and warns his Govern
ment that any display of weakness is like
ly to have the most serious consequences
at this crisis. A particularly keen thrust
at British apathy and ignorance is found
in the page dealing with Sir Robert Hart,
that unique character who, with immense
interests in his control. has still forborne
to exercise his rover in any way detri-
mental to his own or any other Govern
ment. 1t Is in part as follows:
Various reasons might he given for Britain
maintaining toward China her habitga, attitude
one in particular being that succession of Minis
tiers had grown accustomed 10 rely entirely upon
what they deemed special source of information
a special vehicle ior exercising influence at fek-
in, and special protection for British interests.
They had come to believe. in short, that the in
spector general of Chinese customs was an UNI
paid British agent on whom they could rely lar
n ore than upon their accredited representative.
II rover seemed TO enter their minds that fait;i-
iul servant cannot serve two masters, and that 1t
was impossible for man OF the high character OF
Sur Robert Hart to use his position as trusted
employe of the Chinese Government in order 10
further exclusively British interests. Such fasli
o:os. However, not only exist, but very tan
insufficient to undeceive the British Government,
who considered il great score against the mas
si," acErtssions of Germany and Russia that an
Iariislp;ar confirmed in his post Us collector
% Chiltse revenues. This line Of argument has
been r,Ic.tcd every time diplomatic successes
have been rcoapitua;cd by members OF the Gov
tirI.crt though in what manner Britain was to
borc.t by the arrangement 70 one, either IN The
Government or outside OF it. has been able TO eX-
plain. IL, what way has the inspec'orate Of Gus
toms been OF advantage TO her in supplying irfor-
Notion. advice, or assistance OF any kind, since
i; his been put to the test? In the only way in
which It could have been of service to her with
CIT I,rtld, to its paynasters.
Another interesting little item is given
in regard to the missionaries, particu-
larry the French Mr. Colquhoun states
that the native Christians are continually
getting into disputes with their heather
neighbors, confident Of being protected by
foreign powers. Owing to outrages thus
provoked. France is continually gaining
more and more concessions in the valley
of the Yangtse. Here is a typical incl
dent, which came to the knowledge of the
author when travelling in that region. A
Chinese Catholic priest was riding into a
town. when some of the country people
cursed him. He called for the leading
men of the town, and demanded 500 on
penalty of being denounced to the man
darins. The people collected and paid the
money. The priest then invested it in
house in that neighborhood, where he set
tied down to propagate his doctrine. Under
such system of religious blackmail it is
not much to be wondered at that the
Chinese become exasperated.
In the last chapter Mr.. CoIquhoun as
serts that the interests Of the United
States. of Great Britain, and OF Japan. are
identical; and that they should seek to
keep as much as possible OF China as an
open market. He urges that England alter
her military system to proportions COM
mensurate with her empire. He points
out that she must have strength and de-
termination il she is to hope for friends.
He believes Japan TO be waiting to see
how much Of these qualities England will
show, before making any move toward
an alliance. He concludes with this state
ment:
How to oppose by means Of diplomacy, and II
necessary by force OF arms, the policy Of Russia
and France, not improbably supported covertiy
by Germany-that is the problem which faces
Britain and must be of immense consequence 10
the United States. Both counties not only
behind hand in all special, essential information,
but they have been Indifferent where interest and
enthusiasm clone can move their Governments.
which are still without any consistent plan. Such
plan must take into consideration the condition
OF China, the action OF foreign powers, and the
e.t::s: ::s: Conditions a:is:as, As.S-cilef OF
these being the New Siberia.
There is 10 Disgusting the fact that period
Of intense and increasing energy is about to be-
gin. and must be met by preparedness, 20 be
ready fer a conflict which is more than probable
1t is time, therefore, that Britain and the United
States should interest themselves and decide en-
some common plan.
This is not the language Of lingo. or a
rash and pessimistic reasoner 1t is the
argument of calm. conservative, but far
sighted man. who sees conditions too plain
ly to be over and above optimistic This
is no time for any ostrich policy on the
part OF either of the great Anglo Saxon
nations. 1t is foolhardy to declare that
danger does not exist. That does not re-
move the peril. 1t is much better to study
the conditions and find out whether It does
exist, and what is the best way To meet 1t.
II Mr. Colquhouns book does not attract
great attention it will be because ostrich
politics are still favored by the reading
classes OF England and America (New
York: Harper & Bros. So