CHINA.

New Zealand Illustrated Magazine, 1 November 1900, Page 162

CHINA.

Prom China has come no satisfactory news during the past month. The same attitude is kept up by the Chinese apology for a Government. Absolutely child-like and bland offers are made to the Powers, as for instance the one from Li Hung Changand Prince Ching proposing that China should express regret for the outrages on foreigners, promise they shouldn't occur again, admit her liability as regards indemnity, and all should go on as before. Practically, the attitude is that the nation is willing to do anything towards facilitating the restoration of peace except the one thing needful — the punishment of the instigators. They are prepared even to do this with one proviso that they may be allowed themselves to nominate the instigators, of whom they have doubtless an ample supply ready. This the Powers naturally decline absolutely to do. In this unsatisfactory state of affairs, the AngloGerman agi'eemeut comes as a welcome and very likely means of bringing China to her senses. The allies have not been working well together, there has been a feeling, however small in some cases, of mutual distrust. This agreement would appear to be receiving almost universal satisfaction, and it is more than probable that it will be genei'ally adopted by the Powers. That the injudicious way in which missionaries have been forced on the Chinese, in a great measure, caused this insurrection there can be no doubt. A highly-educated Chinaman said to an Englishman visiting him : — " We have learnt all we require to know from our own teachers, as you have from yours. How would you like us to force our teachings on you, and to do all in our power to belittle and revile yours ? Would you not consider it blasphemy ?" To prove that a Chinese god had no power, an injudicious missionary once cast its image on to the ground and smashed it. The wrath of the onlookers can be easily imagined ; it was only equalled by what ours would be if the crucifix or a fine painting of our Saviour was so treated by one of another race and creed.