New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-10-24
EAST And VEST.
Their Civilizations PiquantIy Com
trasted.
LETTERS FROM A CHINESE OFFICIAL. Being
a Eastern View of Western Civilization 1sno.
PIP 50 Mcclure. Phillips G. Co

an Eastern View of western Civilization. 1smo
PIP. IS. Mcclure. Phillips & Co
piquant contrast Of the opposing civiliza-
tons OF the Western world and the Far East is
set forth from the Eastern viewpoint in this
brochure, which has already attracted some
mark in England. The general tenor of the
views expressed is that the claims to a higher
civilization under which the West is advancing
fits dominion over the East have not been shown
good in practice, and even int-insically are
hardly 10 be assumed A note Of warning that
has already been sounded more than once by
representatives of the more modern spirit is
vigorously voiced here. The West it is said, is
teaching the East that right I'm this world is
powerless unless supported by might, a notion
foreign TO the true followers OF Confucius. When
this lesson has been learned thoroughly-'W
10 Eurppe"' cries the author. A nation OF four
hundred millions once possessed OF this spirit, and
armed by the very nations it is growing to look
upon as natural enemies will not be easily
downed.
The Indictment Of the first import is levelled,
OF course, against the British opium trade. This
is taken the beginning of clash between
a civilization which was ready to treat China
as an inferior power and a civilization confident
OF its own worth and determined TO protect itself
though not ready to act on war footing. The
result Of the protest against the infection OF
the opium trade and the ineffective reception OF
the protest the precipitation OF an asser-
ton OF Chinese supremacy I'm China. The trade
had been prohibited without success, and the
stock thereupon was seized and destroyed. War
followed. The West acted on the postulate that
the East was a world of barbarians. In con-
test. unequal in military strength. the West was
able TO impose it's terms Later the second
quarrel over the privileges of the flag brought
tiar of no
tai, and the exaction of terms that would not
have been imposed on a European nation.
Since then the seizure OF Chinese territory here
and there, by Western nations has steadily
progressed, and to a Chinaman has constituted
consistent aggression. This sort of thing con
tnued meant inevitably resistance with all its
history OF mutual outrage. The East had de-
cided on full self-preservstion and will abide
by its policy long its own estimation
OF Itself is not accepted by the West; and such
a posture of ambitions precludes. OF course any
lasting
The plea is vigorous and full of determination.
AS example of the clear cut insistence in
which these letters are expressed. this exhorta-
ton may suffice
Consider for moment the conditions YOU have
imposed on a proud and ancient empire an
empire which for centuries has believed itself
10 be at the head OF civilization. You have
NoApti4eu Us, against our VIII, 10 open ports
10 your trade; you have forced us TO permit
the Introduction OF a drug which we believe is
running our people. you have exempted your
subjects residing among us from the operation
OF our laws; you have appropriated our coast
Ing trahic: you claim the traffic of our inland
waters. Every attempt our part 10 resist
your demands has been followed nv new
claims ana new aggressons. And yet all this
while you have posed as civilized peoples dealing
With barbarians. You have compelled us to
receive your missionaries, and when by their
ignorant zeal they have provoked our people
70 rise IN mass against them, that again you
nave made an excuse for depredations till
We not unnaturally. have come to believe that
the cross is the pioneer Of the sword and that
me only use you have for your religion is to use
IL as a weapon OF war