The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-07-29

y
Reinsch, assistant professor of political
science in the University of Wisconsin. 1t
deals particularly with the Oriental situa-
ton, and some OF the statements and pre-
dictions made in its pages seem almost I'M
canny in their prophecy. 1t is the latest
volume OF THE Citizens Library" edited
by Richard T. Ely. 1t is not too large or
costly a work for the average citizens
purse. To those who are studying the pres
ent Oriental problem it should prove inval-
liable
The subject of international politics is
one about which Americans as rule do
not know as much as they should; and
this little book contains an immense
amount OF information which will be new
to the ordinary reader. 1t deals, first, with
national imperialism; then with the open
ing of China; next with the consequences
of this movement; fourth with German
imperial politics, and last, with considera-
lions of the position of the United states
as factor in the Orient
Dr. Reinsch handles the defects in
American policy without gloves, and con-
sidering The harm that has been done by
indiscriminate praise of all American Gus
toms and doings, without recognition OF the
possibility that we, as a nation, might
have something 10 learn, his criticisms are
not the least useful part of his book. He
begins by noting the fact that until re-
Gently colonial possessions were under
valued. and that England has taken the
lead in building up the idea of national
empire. He says:
The moral basis on which expansion is justified
by its advocates is the claim that large portions
OF the earth's surface in the hands Of nations
Or1 nil WI are
of their national resources. As the world becomes
more and more dCnsely popuiated-so runs the
arCument--the natural wealth Of the remoter re-
gions must be utilized for the benefit OF mankind,
and If any nation tribe, by the use ii anti
qIafed methods Of production, or by total neglect
of certain parts of its resources, such mines or
forests stands in the way Of this great need
that nation OF tribe must pass under the political
power or tutelage Of nation that VIII draw from
the earih the utmost quantity Of produce. At
any rate, the world must be pCllced- SO that in
every part of il investments Of capital may be
made securely, and that industrial works may
be carried On without annoyance or molestation
from the natiYes- Few nations, however, stop
with this demand Most of them frankly regard
the world as the inheritance Of the most powerful
races, which have right TO replace those that are
more ba-barous or less well endowed with force
Of mind and character. An advocate of radical
methods Of colonization says: 1T is inexorable
law Of progress that inferior races are made for
the purpose u serving the superior; and II they
refuse 10 serve, they are fatally condemned TO dis
appear"
The authority quoted is William Harvey
Brown, author of On the South African
Frontier He is supported by such his
torians as Mommsen, Ranke, and Won
Hoist
With this idea the present author does
not altogether agree. He points out the
danger which may arise from national ex-
pansion on these principles, which would
naturally lead to dreams OF world empire,
e IL
opinion, however, that the spirit Of the
twentieth century will not permit re-
vival of Roman ideals. The utilitarian
pect of national Imperialism, which is
Maehiavellian in its origin, he defines as
follows:
The Statesmen to whom the welfare Of nation
Is entrusted are not warranted in spending its
blood and treasure for any merely sentimental,
ideaIstic purposes, no matter how inspiring they
may be; the aim Of craftsmanship must always
rather be 10 further the real. vital material in
terests Of a people, and only whore these
clearly be advanced is sacrifice Of national re-
sources !ustifsbie.
Neither does DR.. Reinsch agree altogeth-
er with this idea; he do55 not believe in
political world unity. which would tend to
establish q dead level by destroying the
peculiar good qualities OF each nation; he
hopes rather fer z state Of international
equilibrium with a rivalry which shall
bring out the strongest characteristics of
each people without allowing any one pow
er to gain undue advantage. Though he
admits that there is some Just reason to
fear the expansion Of Russian influence IN
Asia, he is of the opinion that this may
be easily overTated, and Russian character
misunderstood.
After this general statement of the in
fuences and elements concerned in the
problems of world-politics comes an inter-
eli nj asa1 at
as q factor in this problem; and after this
a description Of the methods used by Va
rious nations in colonial administration.
OF the English plan Of action the author
says that Il is notable for its lack Of rigid
system. He goes On:
Sir George Coldie's advice TO Americans. an
colonization there must be precedents' is the
first rule More than any other nation, the Eng
lish give free rein TO the initiative Of trusted in
dividuals and avoid embarrassing their repre-
sentztiyes with detailed instructions, which would
act a brake original enterprise. The home
government uses its knowledge to its
ants against dangerous measures Of policy rather
than to bind them TO a settled system Of action by
minut. anticipAtive directions. As a result, the
financial confusion and general economic distress
which had reigned in Egypt was in fifteen years.
by the efforts of Lord Cromer. turned into mar
velo4s prosperity and Furnishing credit, and in
the same manner valuable industrial organiza-
tioE. has been created in the forbidding Niger
gion, through the efforts Of Sir George Goldie.
Few administrative restrictions. eqGltable ENFORCE
rents Of simple law, equal opportunities 70 all,
unlimited trust in tried and proved Character
these are the principles which have made England
the most successful coonizng nation Of today, and
which have constantly attracted TO regions under
her control the most enteTprising and able colo
niZing material. To her colonies flock the men
who seek free field for the development Of their
energies and capacities and who at the same time
desire an administration uninhuenced By the ordi-
nary Oriental methods Of corruption and favUrIt
ism The motley gathering of races at Hongkong
ali Of them thriving and carrying prosperous
business under English protection-is perhaps the
most remarkable instance Q: English success.
In view of the problems now presented
to the United States in connection with
the West Indies and the Philippines, it is
certainly desirable that American voters
should gain as full knowledge as possible
of the various methods of colonial admin
istration now in force in the world and OF
the course which expansion has taken in
Asia and elsewhere. The author says-and
his words have a subtle touch Of warning
in them:
The construction Of the Siberian Railway and
the creation Of 4 large navy, the movement OF
a. ed forces and expressions by certain Russians
VINO are high in authority. show that there has
been going on careful and systematic planning to
reach in AEia rich country, such as Manchuria
which possesses ice-iree harboTS. and which viii
become radiating centre for the Eastern expan
sion az the empire. Germany Is likewise looking
for available territory where its citizens may settle
permanently without danger Of becoming dSro-
ciatsd ffom their allegiance. As for Great Britain.
we ned only mention the Cape to Cairo railway
scheme and its connection with the plans for
trunk Zine from Alexandra TO the Yangtse Valley,
which is 10 bind together the AEiatic and African
empires Of Britain with chain Of iron. II Is ap-
parent that powers whose governments are SO cou-
finuona and highly concentrated as 10 allow Of a
consistent and permanent policy which follows out