The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-02-18
AFTER THE SLEEP OF MANY CENTURIES, GIANT CHINA
HAS AWAKENED-A NEW FACTOR IN WORLD AFFA

duce. But the shopkeeping nations
saw in the great empire an immense
market, and virtually have forced their
wares upon the Celestials. The danger
the modern looms are running, when
great iron works are put into operation,
when the vast and incalculable stores
of coal and metallic ores are worked
with such appliances as now make the
western world pre-eminent, what will
be the RESULT
With the adoption Of labor saving
and quick-producing machinery, China
bids fair TO become the most colossal
manufacturer in the world. The four
hundred odd millions of natives cannot
reasonably absorb the product. I'm
questionably production will be the
cheapest in the world; so the natural
outlet for the gigantic surplus will first
be the neighbors Of the empire-Japan,
Korea, the Shan States, even India
itself. Western competition will be un-
able to enter the field; it could not COM
pete in price, and it could not equal
Chinese workmanship, which is thoro,
and-what may astonish those who fail
to understand the Chinese-honest.
Japanese commerce is likely first to
feel the keenness Of this competition.
The Japanese, living up to their char
sscter, as 1.-THE Yankees of the East"
are invariably guilty of sharp practices
| IN trade. 1t is admitted by most writ
ers on the orient that the commercial
morality of the Japanese is inferior to
that Of the Chinese. fThere is al
ways says one authority, "a ten
dency to deteriorate in all articles, for
as soon as their superiority or cheap
ness has won for them place in trade
the standard is lowered and something
infehor is produced" Surely, western
civilization has taken root in Japan
| On the other hand, the Chinese mer-
chant, as rule, is honorable to a de-
gree not always observed in this part
of the world.
Army Being Recognized.
For year or two Japan has been ac-
tive in assisting in the reorganization
of the Chinese army, which now num-
/. bers about 100000 finely trained and
competently differed men. In three
wears it is believed that 100000 equal
ly as efficient troops will be ready un-
der the banner of the yellow dragon.
The outcome of another Chino-J japanese
war, remote as such conflict is, would
4 probably have a result very different
3 from the first struggle.
: 1t will be impossible for China to
!. take an aggressive step until she is pro-
videfh with an adequate sea force. The
collection Of old ironclads which figured
in. the naval annual cannot properly be
considered navy. On the other hand,
:. a blockade of the Chinese ports by an
enemy would be almost impossible, ow-
ing to the great stretch of coast line.
Even if practicable the suffering would
be entirely local. With such an army
as she viii have three years hence, she
will be able to make a strong defense.
Under the conditions of ordinary eyo.
luton, no Chinese conflict would be due
for at least decade, but the unrest OF
the rapidly growing reform party in the
eastern cities Of the empire may precip-
itate conflict. The, Japanese are mo
more popular in China at present than
i are Americans, for while America ex-
cludes Chinese, Japan has taken over.
! lordship of both Korea and Manehuria
as the spoils of war with third power.
In the strides which China is taking
toward naturalization and self-asser-
tion may not the German emperor be
justified in pointing grimly to his car
toon on "The Yellow Peril's