The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1906-03-09

The Washington Star has the
following editorial on Mr.. WI.
which isssinteresting showing how
China's great men stand on
China's development.
We may not doubt the genuineness
of the interview published yesterday
with Mr.. Wu TingFang. It bears
marks which put any doubts beyond
the pale Observe this:
China is at Il crisis and is pass
ing through transition stage, Her
statesmen and people feel that China
needs. reform, but there are great diff
ferences of opinion regarding the
means. There are several classes of
refOrmerS. There are those who
speak foreign, languages and who
have been abroad and who have had
experience on both sides of the ques-
ton.
They favor sensible and useful
reforms. but not too radical, so as to
make China first able to stand upon
her own feet The number of these
sensible reformers is few. l am one
of them
Not many sensible reformers in
China, but Mr. WI is one of them.
He says so himself. There spoke
the man we all know in America.
Keen. alert, accomplished, undoubted-
ly. and stands well with himself.
Generous. too, in his way. Is will
ing to share the truth of his own
Importance with the world. He car
ried this good opinion about with
him when he was with us, and dis
tributed it with the most engaging
naivete. Numbered among the few
here, he keeps the same choice and
exclusive company at home. A man
cut out to be in IA glorious minority
ut all times, on all subjects, and
everywhere.
Then observe this nice distinction:
These rumors of anti-foreign feel
ing are not well founded Sensible
men advise boycotters and agitators
to be reasonable and only to boycott
goods and not to treat persons I'M
kindly, but to continue their friend
ship as before.
unfortunately, disturbances in sew
eral places are now arising from the
boycott, but this is no sign of an out
break against foreigners"
Sensible men-of whom. as Mr.. WI
has told us. he is One-uphOld the
boycott on goods. but advise against
extending it to persons. Cut up the
business of the Americans root and
branch, but don't cut them up. BE
friendly with them, and tell them in
Il soft voice that their stuff must go.
Cutting up trade will bring no war.
Cutting up persons would be certain
to do so.
When did Mr.. WI begin to approve
the boycott? He denied strenuOusly
at the start that he suggested it.
In his bland way he seemed panied
by the news that in America he was
accredited with it. He spoke of his
numerous friends in this country, and
of his deep attachment for our in
Advise boycott of Amer
lean goods? Perish the thought! He
would ms soon advise chopping off
in sorrow at the idea that anybody
could think him so wicked and I'M
grateful. But he advises it now.
What has occurred to bring him a.
round to the boycott?
We all know this willy gentleman
and his tricks, and we should not
miss the point that his interview
comes at a time when Congress is
on the eve of taking up the question
Of the exclusion law. If Mr.. WI
were with us in flesh he would prob
ably go to the Capitol and openly
lobby for his views. 1t would be like
old times to see him flying around,
and hear him lecturing Congress on
the humanitieS and real progress.