The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-09-06
THURSDAY. SEPTEMBER 6, 1900.
OUR INTERESTS IN CHINA.


In discussing the Eastern question, The
Times has Insisted that 1t was something
greater and broader than the Philippine
question. The Philippine Islands are simply
an incident in the situation We have said
that of necessity the United States Gov
part in the affairs of the world than ever
before. This does not mean that we are
to wage wars of conquest, or that we are
to adopt the colonial policy. It does not
mean that we must necessarily govern the
1ilipinos against their viii. But We must
see to 1t that there be free trade in the
East and that we have the same rights
and privileges in the Eastern markets that
other nations have. we do not propose
ourselves TO conquer and govern; the CHI
nese. and we must see to it that other
nations.i do not do so.
One of the most interesting articles on
this subject chat we have read Is an
article in the September Century, by the
Rev. D. 2. Sheffield. president of the North
China College OF the American Board at
Tung-chan. This article was prepared by
DR.. Sheffield late in May, at the beginning
of the Boxer uprising. He says that the
weakness of China. revealed by the clash
with Japan. is a menace to the peace OF
the world, and the United States cannot
be an Indifferent observer TO the diplo-
matte struggle, now going on among the
nations. over the problem of the recon
struction OF China He declares that our
interests IN China are broader than those
that have their sources alone in political
relations. We have social and humans
tartan interests in China says he, that
we ought not to disregard. He thinks
that 1t is clearly our duty to carry the
American idea to China and to aid those
OF our countrymen who are now laborins
among the Chinese TO give them ideas OF
life which constitutes the chief glory of
our civilization This type of labor he
adds. will not be lightly regarded by
true statesmen and leaders of men, who
know that spiritual forces are the most
suits
but commerce is the handmaiden Of
civilization. Commerce is the greatest eff
all civilizing agencies. 1t must be the
forerupner of Christianity. If we SO into
China and trade freely with those people
and build railroads and telephone lines
and ships. Christian workers Will follow
In the wake OF these cirIlizing influences.
and their work will be comparatively easy.
DIR. Sheffield appreciates this fact and
addresses himself to the material question
az well as to the religious question He
saws that the material interests Of the
United States in China, though Of a lower
order. must not be neglected. He recog-
nizcs the fact that we are producing more
than ne can corsnrne. and that we must
have foreign markets for cur surplus. He
says that 4O0e09.0ao OF people in China
clothe themselves in cotton goods and that
these goods can be produced IN the tinted
States and sold in the markets of China
Tor one4haIf the price OF native goods. He
saws that there is a growing demand III
China for engines, cars. raais pr1oses,:
ma chinery. for kd-osine. guns. pistols,
clocks watches, sewing machines ana
many other articles which we are SO eS-5
pert IN manufacturing. But he warns US
that American trade IN the far East must
have The protection aud help of Govern
Mcnt Tor its best development. Is
true. says he in this connection, that
the best goods md their way TO the best
markets without added protection or help.
bur governments are stronger than ir,di-
yiduals, and merchants entering foreign
norris with their commodities must sub
nit 10 governmental restrictions upon
8 trade. and those restrictions often prove.
10 be prohibitire. The policy of Russia.
Germany and France is to develop their
own trade tbS placing restrictions upon the
trade of other nations within their juris-
dlcslon This policy. e nnrestrained In.
the Tar East. Is certain to place serious
Limitations upon American Trade. I.
he recognizes the benefit OF the trade
{ agreement wssich Secretary Hay secured
With the Foreign Powers. with reference