The sun., 1900-09-17

force could reach northern China from
Europe for two months. and that such
delay would condemn the foreigners
In Pektn to destruction. The reply, how
ever. Of the st. Petersburg Government.
which, no doubt, had already received
alarming news from Manohuria, did not
reject the idea OF Japanese Intervention.
but expressed wish TO see Japan acting
in accord and cooperation with the other
Powers On the receipt OF this answer.
Lord SALISBURY addressed an urgent
appeal 70 Japan TO act at once and save the
legations. he also offered TO guarantee
financial assistance, together with the help
OF such British soldiers a. could be made
available
The appeal was successful, and Japan
proceeded to act With a celerity and an
efficiency that have challenged the ad-
miration of military experts. When the
march against Pekin began. japan had
either in the expeditionary column, or
retained for the protection Of Tientsln or
employed for the purpose OF keeping open
communications, about thirty thousand
men, that is TO say. the equivalent OF an army
corps. whose discipline. equipment, means
Of transportation and commissariat must
be described as nearly perfect. The rest
OF the allied army. on the other hand. was
a collection OF weak brigades, each under
a separate commander. each speaking
different language, and each animated
by moro or less jealousy toward the other
sections OF the force The outcome OF
such a state Of things could not have been
other than what 1t was, namely, that the
major part OF the work accomplished on
the march from Tientsin to pekin and In
the capture OF the Chinese capital was
performed by the japanese This IL
truth acknowledged by oil candid European
onlookers. and Ii must be as patent 20 the
Chinese as to them. In the eyes OF the
Chinese IL ls japan more than any other
nation which has marched TO their capita
and discounted the Celestial braves. Not
less striking will be the object lesson ar
forded 20 the mass OF northern China
men by the sight of yellow race. not only
fighting side by side with foreigners but
surprising them in respect Of organized
effectiveness. They cannot but ask them
selves, II japan can attain TO this strength
and consideration a. the result Of certain
changes. why should not China? They
will also learn from Japan's example
as. indeed. the many young Cinnamon who
have been sent 10 school In the Mikado's
Empire have already noted-that II Is
possible for the Far East TO take TO IT.
self all that Is most valuable and vital In
Western civilization. without losing the
best features OF Orientalism, namely, the
patriarohal system and the respect for
ancestors upon which rests the whole
fabric Of Eastern family life
so far as Japan is concerned, the outcome
Of the capture Of Pekin is twofold. In the
first place. the prestige Of the great success
won mainly by her troops will immensely
increase hereafter her Influence with the
Chinese Government In the second place,
the demonstration that her five hundred
thousand soldiers such is the volume Of her
army on a war footing not only good
enough 10 beat Cinnamon. but are a match
in ntnl gence, bravery and organization for
the best Westerners. and are supported
by powerful fleet. should convince
European Powers United States need
no convincing that prudence and for
bearance are necessary In dealing with
Japan, especially since Japan IL on the
spot. while Western peoples are ten thou
sand miles away.