China’s Awakening.

Northland Age, Volume 3, Issue 22, 8 January 1907, Page 7

China’s Awakening.

More Apparent than Real. Public opinion in Japan, as expressed by the authorities and the newspapers, does not support the theory which seems to be gaining ground in Europe, that China is awakening to such an extent as to become a menace. ■ Recent events have not led to Shy change. As a result of the reoeut review of the Chinese army, it is stated that the troops were drilled for show purposes, not for the "battlefield. At target practice, 200 metres being the limit of the range, and the tactical movements, the display was puerile, morale and training being absent. Fuli tment is on an imperfect syskr.i of conscription, based upon a de-

fective census, which has been faked, as the result of briber . and (he army was composed of worthless and unlettered coolie . to whom gallantry and patrie (ism are unknown. The r>. serves are still worse. So far as foreigners feel am fear, it is a ridiculous night mare. Yuan-Shi-Kai’s interest in the creation of an army i merely to support his own Vic regal position. The admiration I which foreign critics displayed | at the recent manoeuvres is cont sidered ludicrous and superficial, and was certainly not shared b the Japanese officers present. With regard to the recent plans of reform in the organisation of the Government at Utkin, general disappointment felt. It is urged that the almost Royal powers of the A’ieeroys must he abolished befoi any serious measures can be taken audit is doubted whether they an capable of such a patriotic sacrifice. It is agreed that China must first of all have an army before she can recover her rights, prestige, and rank among the Powers, and at present this is not in sight. ('ertain it is that Japan docs not believe in the “ awakening of China,” and laughs at the visions of the “ yellow peril ” conjured up in the imaginations of the “ Yellow Press ” of England. One singular feature commented on is the fact that in the competitive examinations for Government appoiutmenf at Pekin the Chinese studeni wlio have been trained in England and America have beaten those educated in Japan. The reason is that a compulsory full’ curriculum is insisted on in those countries as against the superficial studies permitted in Japan.