The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-08-21
TUESDAY. AUGUST u, 1900.
DEMOCRACY AND THE EASTERN
QUESTION

The Memphis Com1nercal-Appeal is a
well-edated newspaper and one of the
ablest champions of Democratic princi-
is giving the Democratic ticket a cordial
support. The following article, therefore,
from the editorial columns of the Com
merc.al-Appeal, is all the more significant.
We quote:
Russia is q grent power md her inter-
ests lie in the direction OF the absorption
of territory which will gieesher additional
seaports, and she has designs on China as
well as on Persia and India. II England
opposes Russia, she must join Japan 10
Go 50. In which event she will be confront
sd by other perpleXing problems.
Japan seeks to dominate China, and il
Oct alone can do SO in spite of Russia.
Japan has a better navy and better sail
ors and sea fighters than Russia, and her
nrmy Is an army of veterans that could
make 1t unpleasant for Russia. But while
81 is desirable TO check Russia, it is dam
gerous 10 give too much prominence to
japan. The island empire once in control
of China would soon make OF that ma
ton power IN battle not to be desMsed,
ana another Jenghiz Kahn may arise and
arouse the yellow hordes, which would
threaten the peace of the world a united
China educated and differed by japanese,
would not fnil to enter India via Th:bet,
and be welcomed by the millions there
who hate British rule.
Given an opportunity. Russia would also
seize Ind a, and the British must some
day make choice. Russia i white and
Christian nntion; japan is a yellow ana
a pagan nation. II would seem. therefore.
that England would prefer to see the dom
- r:, -l,,.r the dam
inance of Japan, but the Japanese are as
highly civilized as any ones
Russia will make every effort to divide
the Chinese Empire. and no doubt she Wi.
hold as her allies Germany and France if
possible. Tbs Will again have a tendency
to throw England toward Japan, which
must threaten The peace of Europe.
There are complications in store for the
near future of no small proportions. which
the diplomacy or the guns of the leading
nations must settle. The United States
Government is interested only in the pro-
tectian Of Western civilization. but it
should be prepared to play its part effec
lively if called on to do SO War seems
destined to be the lending trade for some
years TO come.
This article is In line with the articles
in The Times or Sunday on Our Position
in the East We have no quarrel with
the Democratic party for raising the aues-
ton of Imperialism in this campaign. In
deed, we think 4 fortunate thing that
the party has abandoned free silver and
the other vagarles of the Chicago platform
of 1896 and made Imperialism the .'para-
mount issue /, is a good thing TO arouse
the people on this question Of SO great
Importance. II is good thing to exploit
the principles of the Declaration of indie
pendence TO Slor!fy the republic and TO
warn the people against pursuing such a
policy as may lead TO the overthrow OF
our republican institutions. The Demo-
cracy OF this country is the grent con-
serving force The tendency of the Re-
publican party is toward monarchy, and
hut for the restraining Influence of the
DemocIHey the republic would eventually
fail and monarchy would be set up In
its place All this The Times has said
again and again.
But let no man deceive himself. The
Memphis Commercial-Apponl points out,
as The Times pointed out in its Sunday
article. that in spite of this the United
States Government must play an ,mpor
tant part IN the affairs Of the East and
. Democrats administration can no more
escape the responsibilities than Republic
can administration an escape them. The
time has passed when the people Of the
United States can 1--we within themselves.
We have great interests In the Ras, that
must be protected and that viii be pro-
tected no matter who is President.
Many people are disposed to sheer at
conmercialism, but commerc:alisn after
all. les at the foundation CT civilization,
and our greatness as a nation depends
necessarily in degree upon our trade
Interests. We have become one OF the
greatest manufacturing countries In the.