PROBLEMS OF THE EAST

Timaru Herald, Volume XCIV, Issue 14353, 27 January 1911, Page 5

PROBLEMS OF THE EAST

DISCUSSED BY LORD CUBZON*AN INTERESTING ADDIt&SS, Press Association—By Tel.- —Copyright. LONDON, Jan. 2G. Lord Curzou, in delivering tlio Rectorial Address at Glasgow discussed the demand of the East for representative institutions. There had been, lie said, an enormous change during the last decade. Personal rule still appeals to tlie Oriental, but where absolutism is accompanied by defiance of the national spirit, tho East is willing to borrow Western methods. This waa a symptom of reviving self-consciousnesa in the Oriental mind. Referring to coloured labour, aud the objections of Australia, South Africa, Canada, and America, he said it -was not based -on prejudice alone, but had economic justification. was a danger lest it should attain serious proportions- The British, with their liberal'and humanitarian, ideas should be leaders against prejudice, especially as tho coloured races within the Empire outnumbered them. , Tho Eastern would seem. everywhere to have evolved a revived sense of national pride, coupled with resentment against foreigners. Ppssihly if foreign capital and protective instruments were withdrawn the East would incontinently collapse; but the East aspiring to walk alone, and behind that desire was a certain feeling of injured selfrespect. The East, he was unlikely tc accept Christianity. China's future depends mainly on whether parliamentary government has a dissolvent effect inside the empire. If'Cluna is able to preserve her unity and organise her industry and commerce, she must become one of the greatest powers. The solf-centred and unwarlike character of the Chinese rendered it improbable that they would "utilise their power for aggression. China contains enough unoccupied territory for double the present population. Japan's principal need was to preserve her national virtues of selfsacrificing patriotism and* simplicity, which observers report are in some jeopardy. She must also check socialistic doctrines among the industrial proletariat. Korea, Manchuria, and Sagh&lien would suffice for Japan's surplus population for a while. If the present attitude of America and the British overseas Dominions prohibiting Asiatic immigration, is maintained it may lead to oonflict. The Phillipine IfiJandg ere perilously near Japan, but within the tropics, where it is doubtful.if tho J-a-paneae would be able to % s©ttle and work.