The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-06-22
FRIDAY, JUNE 30. 1900.
or PARTITION OF CHINA

The situation in China Will give a very
clear and striking demonstration sooner or
later of the ..unharmonious harmony Of
the European concert. AT present they
are held together by the overpowering in
stinct of protecting their missionaries and
ambassadors from being killed and dis
embowelled by a mob that fears death 10
more than it fears life-a mob impelled
by blind hatred Of foreigners which runs
riot through The country surrounding
Pelzin. untouched and undisturbed by the
troops of the government
From all accounts the English lion and
the Russian bear are giving an interna-
tional representation of the happy family.
This is all very we'll so long as European
troops are few and Chinese rebels are
many This state of superhuman suavity
and 1arge-hearted unselfislness may exist
for some time yet, but the day viii come
when the ministers OF finance of the coun-
tries that are now sending money and
troops 10 SAKE their citizens from immi-
nent destruction at the hands of the Chi
nese mob viii demand such concessions in
trade or in territory as viii repay them
for the expense which they have incurred.
The first request of this sort from any
minister VIII mean the ioosing of all the
greed and all distrust that naturally exists
in the heart of every nation.
Then viii come the hour of triumph for
the Chinese officials II is incredible that
they should fail TO take advantage of the
distrust of each others motives that VIII
exist in the heart OF every European envoy
at that concert when the future of China
rs to be arranged-as If it We're possible to
arrange for the future government and
control of 40o.oo0.0oe people, separated from
the controlling powers by every trait of
inheritance, training realities and Ideals!
The eminent success of the European
concert in arranging for the government
OF a small island in the Mediterranean Sea.
the numerous revolutions that have taken
place within its borders, the blood shed,
the money the trouble, troops and pains
that have all been taken to make Crete
safe and habitable, show very clearly what
q task lies before Europe if the Powers try
10 partition China.
But as g matter of wisdom why should
any European Power desire to absolutely
own any part Of the soil or 10 be allowed
to collect taxes for its own revenue? All
that Europe wants to-day is a chance 10
furnish a livelihood 10 its enormously in
creasing population and OF giving an out
let for The manufactures in which SO large
a part of their people are engaged. China
more than amy other country that has not
yet been exploited furnishes a field for the
exchange OF manufactures from Europe.
All, then. that EGrope wishes is liberty 10
trade and u freedom for its subjects that
will not expose their lives to peril and
their property TO destruction at the hands
OF an uncontrolled mob whenever that mob
sees fit 10 rise. This Is the real cause of
the conflict now going on, and this cause
isHone that VIII arise With increasing Bit
terness if Europe undertakes to govern
China as England now governs India.
There is no nation known to-day that
has the cohesive force of the Chinese
With all their dark and unlntelligible ways
the Hindoo is as simple as child COM
pared to the incomprehensihle Chinaman
who goes his way quietly, simply living on
ingly as harmless as a hummingbird, until
some spring IS touched, some hereditary
trait interfered with. and the European
fads himself face to face with a force that
is as uncomfortable as it is unaccountable.
The power OF the Chinaman to fight has
been proven beyond All doubt by the eSpe-
sience OF Chinese Gordon. Any nation OF
men who are physically strong and who
disregard death can be taught to fight.
That the Chinese wefe robbed of their
powder. We're furni:slned with putded-up
ships and Tin swords and sntiqnated guns
In the japanese wax Is no proof that some
leader may not arise who will spend his
money on proper munitions of war. and
If he does arise he VIII find ready made to
his hands such troops and in such guam
Titles as viii make il a very grave under
taking for all the armies OF Europe to con-
nuer China and impossible 10 hold II in
,os>s ~ .s,niaefioa without he continual