BoletiÌn mercantil de Puerto Rico. (San Juan, P.R.) 18??-1918, 1901-07-11
SAN JUAN,:JULY u, 1901.
Editorial Comment.

The allied invasion CT China, has, view.
ell from the standpoint Of Caucasian civil
ization, ended in q result which deeply
menaces the peace and well being of the
world.
A sleeping giant has been aroused who,
hitherto unaware of his power, may soon
events that have tranSpi.ed in the land OF
the dragon, great people have been fed
Grated and spirit of aggressive nationa.
lism aroused where before was racial incohe-
sion and an almost utter absence Of the
spirit of patriotism
Jean de Bloch, one of Russia's council.
lors of state, in thoughtful published ar.
ticle has called attention to the new danger
qrhlch has arisen and be bids the rations
to prepare to meet it.
China has population variously estm-
ated at from 450 to 700 millions which is
widely scattered over great area of the
earth's surface, here and there concentrated
In vast numbers in the cities, aud in some
rursl sections but, as recent writer's have
shown, not half SO crowded over a consid
erable part of the empire as has been
supposed. While one people in origin they
differ in some racial aspects, they do not
speak common language in the many
divisions OF the three kingdoms, ard there
has been and is No real national solidari
V.
This has led to the absence OF general
union and an indifference as to the COM
mon fate.
But the late insasion bids fair TO change
an tbs. EVerwkere, 70 tue remotest and
most isolated corners Of the laOd, agents
of the late insurgent uprising are going,
each with as much enthusiasm as animat.
ed Peter the Hermit, preaching the doc
trine of national unity based on one dom
inant religion, and Stirring ur punitive
sentiment in the hearts of the people.
The wicked empress remains in power
and with her survives in the government
the intense hatred OF '.fore gn devils" which
has been its whole inspiration under her
control.
At the capital and in the chief political
centers leading statesmen who dictAte state
policies and shape the real destinies OF the
empire have become aroused to the neces-
sity for adopting the progressive methods
of the outside world in order that they NAV
turn against it, when the tim, comes in
the approaching struggle for the survival
of the fitteSl, its own weapons.
The Chinese are strong and sturdy; they
have many fine traits; their wants are few;
they are self controlled, and under discip-
line they make good and brave soldiers.
The possibilities which lie in the next
quarter century may we'll engage the serious
attention Of all thoughtful minds
The prospects fur Porto Rico to see
prosperous times appear 10 be steadily
strengthening.
Now that ths trade currents between the
markets o, the Uuited States and the isl.
and ale to be left to their free and natural
flow and public finances are upon safe
and settled basis, improvement in all lines
should quickly follow.
No longer exists the depressing uncer
tsinlies achich have characterized the som
what vacilating policies of the national
administration, which LETT the commercial
conditions II ore or less bazy, and led to the
reluctance with which capital has viewed
the local Investments.
Provid, d the rights and privileges grant
ed to the holders of public franchises are
made sufficiently liberal, and good governl
ment reigns there should he stirring reviva.
close at band in the whole industrial field of
the island.