Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-09-21
From Other Viewpoints
HoNNT TX LIaHOu III
Our Attitude Toward the Orient

Proper relations between Oriental and Occi-
dental peoples is perhaps the most important
problem before the world today. New and
startling issues have arisen not only growing
out OF fundamental racial differences. but from
exceedingly unfavorable historical circum-
stances. due to the fragmentary contacts in
The past century, and through misunderstand-
ing OF relative values and stages of develop
mcnt. The world heretofore has not been
troubled to any degree with this problem
The world. divided into hcmispheres Is pos
sessed by two civilizations. one working east
ward and the other westward. Clashes have
thus been avoided and such contacts as were
built up between these two civilizations were
marked by fun assumption OF military am,
other masterful superiority by the one over
the other. But these two civilizations have
now worked out 10 the shores or the Pacific
ana must come to grips in a struggle for ul,i-
mate supremacy or must cooperate in the de-
yelopment of n peaceful world commerce.
The Importance Of the proper policy and the
humane spirit in which this adjustment is
sought. and the necessity Of personal contacts
and understandings can scarcely be oyeresti-
mated.
y thorough respect of parties for each other
and just estimate of The contribution each
can offer are essential TO proper Relationship
Superiority OF one party over another is never
n N n
proved equality between Oricntals and Occi-
Jentais than has been conceded by either side
The western man assumed in advance the
nferiority OF the Oriental. ana his possession
Of ships and guns and his mastcrful and ay-
sressive disposition confirmed him in his con
tempt for peoples which seem backward and
nndeveloped
On the other hand the Oriental was conscious
of his refinement of manners and art and The
possession OF consecutive history thousands
OF years old The Orient is the great reser
voir OF humanity. If il comes to struggle All
the Oriental has to do is to adopt modern
methods OF warfare. lie is not fundatnen,olIv
inferior. lie has sirded himself for the world
struggle, but ut the anne time he is ada ptab,e
and anxious for foreign counse! and education
from the Occidental. whose superiority at Ger
tain points he instinctively respects and de-
sires 10 overcome
Therefore. proper relations with Oriental peo-
pie are essential not only to world trade hut
challenge the intelligence and highest ideals
Of so-cailcd Christian peoples. The Immediate
problems call for far-reaching decisions They
ais" involve accurate decisions and the great
est Of tact in immediate situations II win
perhaps he found that while there Is no physio-
logical barrier. the pronounced difference in
racial characteristics and the social prcjudices
on both sides. and the desire for racial in
tcGrlty would dictate a wise decision that the
geographical and racial frontiers should he
maintained practically intact.
There is question which should be dealt
with in conference between the broadcast and
ATHEIST representatives of the Orient and The
occdent, and both sldes would probably ma
that large and developing colonies Of q. her
race should not he encouraged permitted
especially il they create personal problems
which bring friction resulting from the great
differences in the human rae.
To be true to our American doctrine we must
recognize that all nations born equal thai
is 10 say with inalienabie right to justice and
opportunity OF development. All America has
TO do liz 10 apply to her international rela ION q
tho basic doctrines which have given such n
large measure OF freedom and opportunity of
development.
There are three methods that may be indi-