Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1900-06-19
THE NEWS FROM CHINA.

-s
The situation IN China IL the topic Of
an-absorblng interest There is no
definite confirmation OF the wild rumors
that the German ambassador has been
slain. but Il IL feared that the actual
state OF affairs is worse than indicated
by the reports. At an events an en-
gagement between the foreign forces
and Chinese troops has taken place ana
state OF war certainly exists when
may, or may not be OF long Duration
Il all depends on the magnitude OF the
revolutionary movement now on foot
II It Is as widespread as It seems to be-
and n the insurgents have any leaders
worthy of the name, the destruction OF
a few coast forts viii by no means end
the trouble. Vandalism and murder VIII
be rampant all through the interior Tor
a long time 20 come.
II seems che United States warshlps
IN Chinese waters took no part In the
bombardment OF the forts az Taku'
They are there, not 10 make war on
China. but to protect the lives and In
terests Of American citizens. In all
probability, however, the time VIII
come. when this country must act the
Chinese are not likely 70 respect any
foreigners. In the madness that seems
to have seized the ruling spirits, the
voice OF reason win be drowned in the
clamor for blood. and the result VIII be
that an the foreign powers will have to
act in concert, In order TO crush the
evil power that rises in hostility 70 the
interests Of humanity and civilization.
In that case the dlsintegration OF the
Chinese empire IL almost certain
The United states have large interests
at stake, and though this country may
hesitate to take any prominent part IN
the Chinese tragedy, It may be forced
TO do so by circumstances. The United
states lead an the nations in the ex-
port TO China Of some articles Of mer-
chandlse, notably cotton and kerosene
In 1899 the imports Of cotton drills
from America were 1.6075l0 pieces
from England, 1882 pieces; from Hol'
land. %, 400 pieces. During the year the
imports Of Greetings from America
amounted TO 3.96O,l97 pieces from Eng
land. SJ6S36 pieces: from India, 42lSZ
pieces In the same year the Import or
American oil amounted to 2762ShS gal
Ions. while Russia supplied l9,U616O'
and Holland 1851, S9S gallons. Besides
the greater portion OF the material for
railways comes from this country, ana
the bulk OF articles Of luxury such as
cigars. clocks. watches window glass
lamps matches, needles, pertumery
soap. sugar and umbrellas. comes from
this country and Great Britain.
This trade must be protected and
whether Il Is threatened by the native
rising, which IS directed against all
foreign devils" or by the European
movers. which are sparring for spheres
OF influence" this country must be on
hand and be prepared for emergencies.
Those familiar with the Chinese con-
dtlon assert that the present crisis has
been brought about by an awakening
OF the dominant powers Of the people
never before witnessed in that empire
Since the war with Japan II became
evident TO the educated classes that
China must either join the procession Of
civilization, or perish, The result was
the wonderful spread Of western litera-
ture. Imported books are eagerly
looked for and they are studied for In
formation on history and the progress
OF the sciences Against this tide Of
progress, the reaction Of barbarism has
set IN. The insurgents are aiming at
the destruction OF foreign intruders
and native reformers alike. It Is a
blow to modern Ideas, no matter what
their origin.
This is the present situation IN China
II the influence OF this country could
be used successfully for the benefit Of
the Mongollans. in behalf Of ciyiliza-
ton. without the dlsintegration OF their
empire. IT'S work would be In harmony
with a long-establlshed policy. Ameri-
ca gave civilization to Japan without
selling any Of It's territory, or estab-
fishing spheres Of influences" What
has been done TO japan should be re-
peated In China, as soon as barbarism
has spent It's strength against the adj
vancing forces Of civilization. II may
be necessary, TO begin with, to employ
brute force, but that should be only
temporary. In the battle between races
and civilizations, those that justly
claim superiority should prove the
claim and conquer by intellectual
means rather than by steel and bull
lets.
There are a good many Chinese In
this country We hope, should any pro-
lonEed trouble occur In eastern Asia,
that these pagans be not subjected TO
outrages such as those we condemn
when they take place on Chinese soil
Massacres are deplorable enough IN
heather countries. but they positively
are without excuse when committed by
people to whom the highest moral code
is, professedly the standard Of con-
duct
THE BUBONIC PLAGUE.