Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1901-05-13

BILE and stretch the facts to the ut
most of his ability; he might under
take to SOW the seeds Of dissens1on
among the allies and bring their inter
ests into conflict; he might use every
art to make his antagonists view the
situation from his standpoint, but all
in vain, for he was appealing to those
who had a definite program and force
sufficient to carry it into execution.
Acting upon his governments sugges-
ton Ii Hung Chang objected to the
demand Of the powers for the whole
sale execution of the boxer ring-lead-
ers. He was partly successful, but
when he would have delayed negotia-
tions to obtain further concessions
from the powers he was threatened
with punitive expedition; the troops
were put in readiness and then the
imperial government promptly as
sented If the ultimatum presented by
the allies really represents their
''irreducible minimum" Their is no rea-
son to believe that Ii Hung Chang's
diplomacy will obtain a material mod
er even than Observation-Disclosures as
Ii Hung Chang will probably realize
before China's relations with western
civilization are finally determined.
Lii Hung Changes diplomatic talents
have been used mainly for the good
of his country, although in serving
| China he has been able to accumulate
an enormous private fortune. There
/ have been times, however, when his
own government has suspected him OF
using his great abilities to advance the
interests of foreign government.
Notably was this the case in 1898,
when he was removed from the
Chinese Foreign Office because of his
intimate relations with Russia. This
was an instance of the use of Machia-
vellian methods for private interests.
But, although not always in favor with
the imperial government, he is unques-
| tionable to it in time of trouble. He
has been degrade in rank only to be
hOnored again when the wrath of the
government was appeased He is
looked upon now as the only man who
can save China, but it is to be feared
that even his diplomacy will not in
duce the powers to modify their terms.
Perhaps, however, his efforts will be
directed to preserving the territorial
ly that he will succeed-not, however,
| because the powers are not yet pre-
pared for the division of the empire.
If they were ready for partition and
had agreed among themselves as to
the apportionment of the spoils, they
would overcome diplomacy with force,
opposing brains with the bludgeon.
China's only hope then would be to
/ back her diplomacy with force.
Ii Hung Chang is fascinating fig
ure as the oriental exponent of Mach
iavellianism-not only a fascinating
figure, but a patriotic and impressive
one. He has used the arts of finesse
in statecraft, of word Juggling, of sup
preston of the truth and suggestion
of untruth for his country's good.
The Machiavellian is not always bad
man, and may find justification of his
| diplomcy in that higher law which
makes the safety of the state the SUI
/ preme consideration and a. means of
insuring it's safety worthy of adoption.
Such man is not to be condemned.
He is entitled to a far greater degree
OF respect than the Machiavellis who
are to be found in every land who en-
ploy shady methods to promote their
Individual interests. Ii Hung Chang
towers as much above such men in
his motives and purposes as he does in
ability. They are not without their
defenders and satellites, why should
he not represent to his nation all that
is best and most patriotic and admir-
able in statecraft?