Evening star., 1920-03-21
BY THEODORE f. BURTON,
Former Senator From Ohio.

~ NE outstanding fact in the
world situation is that per-
manent peace cannot be as
sured among the nations until
there is an adjustment of relations be-
tween the backward and weaker peoples
on the one hand and the more advanced
and powerful on the other. There must
be a settlement based upon justice be-
tween the stronger and the weaker and
upon equality of opportunity for the
stronger.
Trade and social contact among all
peoples are increasing enormously year
by year. The development and availa-
bility of the resources of the more back
ward countries are essential for the con-
tinued progress of the more advanced
and. it is unnecessary to say. for the
betterment of conditions among the less
progressive as we'll
We little realize how large a share
of collisions in the past have arisen from
the desire of great powers to exploit
their less powerful neighbors. The i'm
mediate cause Of the late war was the
intention of Austria to make Serbia COM
mercially and politically a mere appa-
mage of herself. For centuries the
scramble for annexation or control OF
territory in the outlying regions Of the
earth has been going steadily on.
Methods of Adjustment.
The desired adjustment could be ac-
compushed in either one of two ways:
First by such accession Of the power OF
the weaker nations, either separately
or by combination. as to enable them
to resist attack There is no present
prospect that this will become possible
A second method would be the adoption
of the principles embodied in the league
of nations covenant. SO excellently set
forth by President Wilson and by many
publicists of broad outlook. such as pro-
vision for mandatorieS in colonies and
territories which, as a consequence OF
the late war. have ceased to De unoer
the sovereignty Of the states which Tor
merly governed them: also the provision
for the protection OF the territorla. M
tegrity and political independence OF
members of the league against external
aggression
There have been numerous declara-
tions by responsible ministers ana
heads Of nations against further ex-
for the adoption of radical changes In
relations with them. Indeed. this
seemed to be dominant note at Paris
while the treaty was under consldera-
tion.
In the settlement of these all-im-
portant problems the future OF China
stands out far more prominently than
that of any other country our ac-
complished Secretary Of State, the late
John Hay. is quoted as having said OF
hot sWhnevaY understands
this mighty empire. socially, political
1y. economically and religiously. has
the key to the worlds politics for the
next three centuries
China's Natural Advantages.
Assuredly the past history of this
empire is most remarkable and the
future possibilities are vast Among
such large countries as Russia. Brazil.
Canada, Australia. and. it must be ad-
is at the head of the list in natural
advantages for agriculture. Her su-
periority consists in the essentials OF
soil. rainfall and climate. The ranges
of mountains which encircle China in
the interior have been sending down
their rich detritus for untold CEN
turies. The Peking dust of the late
autumn and winter. while annoying,
is a constant addition to the fertility
of the lands of northern China.
Though there are ranges OF noun
tains and large areas are periodically
submerged by foods, the proportion OF
the area susceptible Of cultivation is
larger than in any of the countries
named Rainfall is abundant. The
climate is wholesome for life and
health and makes possible the raising
of all the products of the temperate
zones and many of those Of the tropi-
cal regions. Two crops year are the
average.
Mineral resources. while only partly
explored, are of vast extent and great
variety. The mighty River Yangste.
navigable much of the year by ocean
steamships for nearly 500 miles from
its mouth. and extending far inland.
affords means of communication for
a much larger population than any
other river of the world. The surface
and physical contour of China are
such as to make the building Of rail-
ways and canals comparatively easy.
Capacity of Chinese People.
1t is by no means the result of
chance that China is the most popu-
1ous of all countries. Bounteous ma
ture has afforded her that position.
Chinese. In mental Quickness and
susceptibility for improvement by ed
ucation they manifest excellent ca
pacity. Without scientific instruction
they may be counted among the best
of farmers. Stimulated by the pres
sure Ol upon lIlc HltdHS OIL
subsistence, they surpass all other
peoples in their longestablished hab-
its of frugality and in utilization of
all possible resources.
In the magnitude of public works
such as the Great Wall. the Grand
canal. with multitude of artificial
waterways. no people of ancient or
modern times has equaled them, and
that Notwithstanding the triumphs of
modern science and engineering. The
more their ancient records and books
are examined the more the marvel of
their early proficiency in science and
literature is brought to light. But in
the face of all these facts conditions
are deplorable-
China is surely land of wonderful
be the strongest; now she is the weak
est of nations. There is the greatest
similarity of manners. customs and
ideals among all her millions but the
greatest inability to work together on
national lines. There has been the
longest continued study of political
problems, but the least facility in
reaching a practical solution of them.
In whatever involves the collective
action of a people. decadence and in
efficiency are manifest. Many of the
great public works and monuments
passing those of Egypt or Greece.
and which were once the pride of
China. are now useless or have fallen
into decay. Tens of millions have per-
ished from famines and floods with
out any effective effort to prevent a
recurrence of these disasters
Armies Have Been RidicuIed.
The contrasts of the present with
the past are not more striking than
those of the present. Millions of SOL
diers OF stalwart physique and excep-
tional endurance can be recruited for
service, but Chinese armies have been