PECULIARITIES OF CHINESE STATESMANSHIP.

Press, Volume XLIV, Issue 6905, 10 November 1887, Page 5

PECULIARITIES OF CHINESE STATESMANSHIP.

Under the title "Chinese Alliances," the Chinese Times of Tientsin publishes an article discussing the possibilities of alliances between China and Western Powers, especially Great Britain. The latter is, the writer say, an idea which fills the mind with an alluring sense of soundness and completeness; but he argues that in the present condition of Chinese statesmanship such an alliance is not within the sphere of practical politics. The scheme, he acknowledges, has its roots in the actual circumstances of the two empires, and it needs no special perspicacity to see that the fundamental interests of India and China are united in substantial harmony. As it may be predicted of any country that it will ultimately do that which its material interests require, it may be argued that a common policy will eventually promote the common interests of the great Southern Asiatic Empires. Before such a policy, however, can be formulated, it is necessary that the statesmen of both countries should not only be convinced of the community of interest between the two, but also see clearly how the fusion may be developed without producing more injury than benefit. "If there be any Chinese statesman morally capable of laying down a far-reaching policy for his country, we have yet to make acquaintance with him. Intellectually there are many who could master the problem, and who have knowledge of human history sufficient to enlighten them as to the probable issue of new combinations. But, judging from all that has taken place under our eyes, we should say that any abstract resolution which might be formed overnight would be completely overwhelmed in the morning by some petty concern of the passinghour. It is not the way of Chinese statesmen to provide against eventualities which can only be definitely conceived by.a disciplined imagination. Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof, in their opinion,.and the questions of the day arc always sufficiently pressing to expel from the .mind the consideration of what is as yet remote.