The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1900-08-02
DEFENSE OF THE CHINESE
ClSrn Is Made That Americans and
other White Men Precipitated the
n. Present Troubles.

cycle of Cathay has just elapsed since
the doors of China were violently forced
open by a "Christian" nation to admit the
traffic In opium, the importation of which,
up to that time, had, by Chinese law. been
a capital offense. For the opium war
| which was forced upon her, heavy in
demn1ty was exacted from China, and the
cession of Hongkong to Great Britain. The
feeling of resentment aroused by these ag-
gressions was shown in several minor in
surrections. but eliminated in the great
TAPPING rebellion, begun in 1850, which
and only failed because it's forces, cor
| rupted by riotous living, gave up their high
purpose Of founding a new dynasty, and
degenerated into a horde Of robbers.
The affair of the Arrow in 1856, in which
Chinese officer arrested some pirates
from boat that had formerly had Ii
cense to fly the British flag, but whose
license had expired, was made the excuse
for the French and English war of 1890.
This war, marked by the dissertation OF
temples and graves and the wanton de-
struction by the allies of ancient and sacred
places, was closed by the wringing of
another heavy indemnity from China and
the cession of more territory to both the
allies, while Russia seized the opportunity
to possess herself of the immense Ameer
provinces This war was also followed by
the French seizure of Tonquin in 1867,
English advances from Burmah and the
Russian occupation of Iii and eastern
Turkestan, which last was so unjust and
brazen a piece of aggression that Russia
herself acknowledged it and withdrew, re-
linquishing all claims to the territory by
the treaty of 1881.
The harshness and arrogance Of the for
eigners in their dealings with the Chinese
in local affairs precipitated frequent
trouble. The great massacre at Tien Tsin
and unnecessary refusal of the French con-
sui to allow the Chinese magistrate to in
spect the Catholic orphan asylum, with a
view to discovering the cause OF an cpl
demic that was raging therein This was
followed by the murder of Mr.. Margary,
the guide of the English expedition through
Yunnan, and the exaction by England OF
an indemnity of $250,00 for this single life.
Then the French advance into Cochin China
resulted in the disastrous war Of the Black
Flags and the treacherous bombardment
and destruction of the Chinese fleet by the
French Admiral Courbet in the river Min.
Having requested and been allowed to pass
the forts and occupy the Chinese naval
anchorage, on the plea that 1t was unsafe
for his fleet outside, he drew up alongside
the Chinese fleet and. absolutely without
warning, opened fire upon 1t and literally
blew 1t out Of the water.
The Japanese war had even less reason
to justify it. China had scrupulously COM
piled with the terms Of her treaty. But
Japan with a serious rebellion on her
hands, needed something to divert the at
tention Of her people from the troubles at
home, and an opportunity to try out her
new army. The results are known to all.
China lost her ancient dependency of Korea,
Japan received Formosa and indemnity
that repaid her four times over her outlay
on account of the war. Russia. with a
diplomacy comparable only to that of a
highwayman. secured Manchuria, Port Ar
thur and the Liau tung peninsula, while
England accepted the lease Of Wei-hai-
wei Spheres Of influence were then
claimed by Great Britain, France, Russia,
and Japan, and finally Germany seized
Kiao Chau and claimed for her sphere the
province of Shantung.
Heretofore the claims and aggressions Of
the powers had been confined to outsKing
territories. but this last seizure, a piece
of piracy that stands absolutely unequAled,
was upon the sacred soil of one Of the origi-
nal IS provinces Of the empire. The effect
upon the Chinese people of the seizure OF
this part Of Shan Tung. the home Of Chi