Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-01-09
The Final Campaign Has Now Begun
By Bishop W. A. Gambler
By Bishop

attracts the attention OF ali lhOuBHllul
minds throughout the world. A fourth of
mankind resides In that populous empire,
and II would not be too lurid a figure if
one said that in the conflagration in Chi
ma we see the world on fire. We well
come, therefore, the exposition of the
experimenting events which are transpir-
ing there which any competent observer
has to offer.
One of the most careful and capable
students OF Chinese conditions is Bishop
Jane w. Bashford. who has been res
identi of China during a number Of years
past. and who has had the best possible
for understanding the peo-
pie among whom he Is living. The learn
ed Bishop has published recently a let
ter in which he sums up the case as fol-
lows: y ~ s
Three facts serve to light UP the
present darkness:
''First-If Christianity had never
come to China. the Chinese would
still be asleep. We must not be afraid
OF that Of which the Manchus with
some degree of anger, and the Chi
hese with some degree Of gratitude
recognize that we are at least the In
direct cause.
''second-God is watching over Chi
ma and ourselves alike. He will cause
the wrath Of men to praise Him.
while the remainder of the wrath he
will restrain.
Everything seems to be go
ing into the melting-pot, and Christi
anity at last has an opportunity TO
furnish the molds into which new
civilization OF one-fourth of the hu-
man race may be cast. OF all times
In history, now is the time for Chris
itian Churches to put forth every Ell
fort 70 aid the Chinese people in re-
moldlng their institutions and snap
ing their destinies."~
Politicians representing the great ma
tlons of the earth look only at the phases
Of the chinese situation which may al
feet international relations. Diplomats
ministers, and corsuls will be quick 10
perceive and report TO their govern
nents all such matters. Many of them
would welcome the partiuon of China
but nothing could be worse for the chi
nese and the whole world than that
such a programme would plunge the ma
ton into manifold contentious between
the several sections of the empire, which
would entail civil wars for a generation
Moreover, the jealousies which would De
aroused between the great powers OF
the Western world, who have, or tnink
they have, interests there, might Drlns
on wars between European nations OF the
most fierce character and far-reachlns
Jealousies- OF this sort
sort have been shoulder there for.
Years. Englands interests in India are
involved. Russia has possessions TOO
close for the government of the Car 70
look with indifference upon any plan. 10
partition China. The spheres of infiu-
eneev of France and Germany would
be affected. The aspirations OF japan
would take active form in such an event
Our own country might not be able to
keen entirely clear Of eftanglements IN
such case, especially In view our pos
sessions in the Sandwich islands ana the
philippines. The partition of lima or
any attempt at such q partition, Is ,,i I'M
ed with the most explosive possioihtles.
THE agents OF the vast commercial
ant ernrises OF western capitalists in
china can not be expected to give any
but selfish counsels in the present
crisis. Inspired by greed. they think
Of gains only. They have been the
cause Of disturbances in China. before
this time Many OF the riots which
have been attributed to. the. presence
Of Christian missions and missionaries
In China have arisen in fact from the
Of the Chinese against the
wicked doings of traders and conces-
sionaires who have been eager. to ex-
ploit the resources of the country Tor
their own Profit. To the. average chi
nese ali Westefners are Christians"
ana when a chinese mob goes after
group of these mercenary. adyenturers
the cry is raised Death to the Chris
tians." Hence the sin of causing the
is there laid at the door
az innocent missionaries who can not
be Justly blamed with any of the
wrongs which the Chinese seek to
avenee A mob is never discriminating,
and to Chinese mob all Westerners
look alike" Consecrated missionat-
les, therefore. have persisted for the
crimes Of covetous traders whose meth
DDS ard doings they have absolutely
abhorred.
(, In the present uprising the Chinese
have seemed more discriminating than
heretofore They have been, very care
ftd of the livos and property Of foreign
ers 1t may be doubted If in any civil
war of modern times the combatants
have maintained such a scrupulous re-
gard for the rights OF foreigners in the
land This fact is explained in a large
part by the influence, Of Christian mis-
sionaries upon the leaders in the con-
test. Very many Of the most intelli-
gent men of the empire have been edu-
Gated in mission schools. Not few or
them are Christians. All of them who
are educated at all have been taught
in mission schools or in colleges ana
in Christian lands. AS
Bishop Basnford says most truly, the
patriotic Chine Sc feel ''some degree or
gratitude" to Christian missionaries for
the awakening which has come to their
country.
More than diplomats and more than
traders, therefore the missionaries are
able to advise wisely and influence