Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1900-06-13


any OF the other powers But whether
Russln &c pulling the strings on The
chinese marionette theater or not the
British commercial interests In Asia
are In greater danger than they have
been for long time.
Should Russia decide 10 follow up
her advantages Great Britain. with am
African war ON her hands. IS hardly IN
positIon 10 meet effectively her rival
In the orient Russia may conclude to
continue the existence Of China, as
was done after the war with Japan but
even that would mean an added add
vantage 40 the Cars government over
an competitors for Chinese fayors.
Prof Frederick starr head Of the
department of anthropoloey 40 the
University OF Chicago. the other day
addressed the students, on the Chinese
question lie has made # a special
study According 70 him. there are
four possibilities OF the outcome Of the
tangled affairs. First, the Dowager
Empress may come out victorious
second. the so-called emperor may be
restored under a coalition Of the foreign
powers. third. China may be divided
among the nations; fourth. Russia may
seize China. But the only probabilities
he added. are the first and fourth. The
partition OF China among the nations
would lead 10 the development Of q
warlike spirit IN the Chinese them
selves. which would unite China and
give her a strong sway as a world
power
The fourth possibility the seizure OF
China by Russia. would amount prac-
tlcany to the same thing That would
in a few years add 10 Russia's fighting
strength a force before which the
united armies Of the European powers
would become insignificant.
Prof C. c. Smith, Of Toronto, ont
discussing the same subject pointed out
what, in his opinion, would be the re-
suit Of the policy now pursued In the
Chinese empire. He said the Chinese
have an indisputable right TO their
country they are az least partly civil
lied. and they are industrious In the
highest degree He said the powers are
now stalking the empire out for con-
quest with the intention II the peo-
pie resist, Of moving them down A
fearful vista Of slaughter and desola-
ton may presently open. The popula-
ton OF China is roughly estimated at
400, 100000. The people are fanatically
hostile to foreigners, as In truth. con-
sidering the opium wars, they have too
much reason TO be.
Professor Smith added that, In his
opinion. all the missionaries should be
compelled at cnce to withdraw to places
OF security, or II they choose her0lcally
TO remain In posts Of danger they
should be warned that they do this, as
dld the early missionaries. al their own
risk II is monstrous. he said. that a
religion OF peace and good will should
be made. as too often Il has been In
the hands OF its lndiscreet apostles, a
brand for kndling the flames Of a muir
derous war.
We fear there Is more truth than
poetry in the censure Of the professor.
A great many Of the Christian mis-
sionaries, at home and abroad, are
destitute in tact and that essential
quality Of a messenger OF peace that
makes him capable of being a power
for good. Some Of them would fain see
nayles and armies employed In the sup
posed furtherance Of their cause. Mis-
fionaIy activity has not always been
an unmingled blessing TO heather
nations. When the governments OF the
world are planning the wholesale des-
tructlon Of the rights Of pagan nations.
Il Is time for missionary societies TO
prove that they are not partners In the
work Of destruction but that their OBJ
iect Is the salvation Of the world.