Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1901-05-16

Bile and stretch the facts to the ut
most of his ability; he might under
take to SOW the seeds of dissension
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 definite program and force
sufficient to carry it into execution.
Acting upon mis- 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 nee q
lions to obtain further concession )
+, from the powers he was threatened
with punitive expedition; the troops
were put in readiness and then the
imperial government promptly as
sented. II the ultimatum presented by
the allies really represents their
''irreducible minimum Their is no rea-
son to believe that Ii Hung Changes
diplomacy will obtain material mod
ification of the terms. Force is great
er even than Observation-Disclosures" as
Ii Hung Chang will probably realize
before China's relations with western
civilization are finally determined.
Ii Hung Chang's 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
own government has suspected him OF
using his great abilities to advance the
interests of a 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
integrity of China, and it is quite like
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 ant
had agreed among themselves as tt
the apportionment of the spoils, they
would overcome diplomacy with force
opposing brains with the bludgeon
China's only hope then would be tt
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 patriotic and impressive
one. He has used the arts of finesst
in statecraft of VOID juggling, of sup
preston of the truth and suggestion
OF untruth for his country's good
The Machiavellian is not always a BAG
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 its safety worthy of adoption
Such man is not to be condemned
lie is entitled to a far greater degree
OF respect than the Machiavelis who
are to be found in every land who EN-
ploy shady methods to promote thei1
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
ne not represent to his nation all that
is best and most patriotic and admir-.
able in statecraft?