The Saint Paul globe., 1904-06-05

WHEN viewed from psychology
-ical point, the idea that China
will some time evolve a ciyili-
zatiOn that would menace the civiliZa-
tion of Europe, seems to be only
nightmare. A careful study Of the
intellectual history Of the Chinese since
the death of Confucius until the pres
ent time covering 5000 years, does not
seem to suggest the idea that China is
preparing herself for a gigantic stride
In the worlds history. On the con-
trary, there is an indication of decrepi-
tude in the Chinese race. Everything
points out in my opinion, that China
has reached the summit of development
she Isl destined to attain, and is now
descending. Those who imagine that
China will some day evolve mighty
empire. seem to have studied the sub
ject from only political and commercial
points of view ,and not from psyche
logical standpoint. Their views on the
subject, therefore, are not trustworthy.
Let us analyze them.
First, some claim that China must
develop because Japan has evolved a
civilization after its long lethargy. But
are they justified by fact in making
of these two peoples, whose difference
is just as much as that between day
and night, does not warrant such an
assumption. Those who have not stud
led these two peoples from a psyche
rogical point of view come hastily to
the conclusion that, because of their
physical resemblance to each other and
their general modes of life, the Japa-
=
ties, and one may be capable of de-
velopment as well as the other. But
there can be no greater mistake than
this. The two peoples have no more
racial relation than the whites and
the blacks. Scarcely can there be
found such mental difference among
ether nationalities as that between the
japanese and the Chinese The former
are characterized by quickness of per-
ception, adaptability, versatility and
progressiveness the latter are charac-.
terized by qualities antithesis to those
of the former.
Nor is this an accidental cireum-
stance; it is essential. Those who as
sumo Chinas future greatness, how
ever, contend that this difference is
merely an accident Their excuse for.
the inactivity of the Chinese mental
life for many centuries is based on the
ground that large body does not
move fast, and were China as small. as
Japan, the Chinese would have been as
active and progressive as the Japa-
nese. This is partial truth. but
China has not been moving forward at
all since the death of Confucius.
No intellectual Activity
During thirty centuries the Chinese
have not manifested, even in the least
degree, any intellectual activity for
upward growth. Such mental inactiy-
1ty Is impossible in youthful race en-
dowed with mental vigor and energy
destined to evolve a strong manhood.
The universal constitution of all or
ganic beings demands forward move
ment wherever a young life is found.
A creature, destined to reach matur--
ity, may be hampered by certain un-
favorable circumstances, which retard
It's growth, and for the time being its
progress may be checked. But in such
cases. observation will never fail TO
point out that there is a restiessness.
irritation and impatience. If YOU wish
to 1nfiict severe punishment on
healthy, energetic youth, YOU will do
well to force him to sit upon q chair
Tor an hour. The Chinese, during thir-
ty centuries, have never Indicated thai
their growth has been retarded by anv