ances--a
rebellion fomented in China or whatever excuse may serve--is needed
for the same end to be reached.

Then with Japanese customs duties to complete the shutting out of
foreign goods, now made only partially possible by the discrimination
of a railway monopoly, and with the entire Chinese Empire and foreign
trade rights within it menaced by the added preeminence of Japan, the
people of Europe and America {92} may wake up too late to find out at
last that the Open Door in Manchuria is a matter of somewhat more
general importance than the disturbances in Turkey or the change of
government in Portugal.

Be it said, in conclusion, however, that if the white nations take
heed in time all this may be prevented. China's waking up may serve
the same purpose, but it is doubtful whether she will develop
sufficient military strength for this. In any case there need be and
should be no war, and in describing conditions as I found them my
purpose is to help the cause of peace and not that of bloodshed. For
if the Powers realize the seriousness of the situation and give
evidence of such feeling to Japan that she will realize the bounds of
safety, there will be no trouble. But a continued policy of ignorance,
indifference, or inactivity means that Japan will probably go so far
that she cannot retreat without a struggle. Truth is in the interest
of peace.

Mukden, Manchuria.

{93}

X

LIGHT FROM CHINA ON PROBLEMS AT HOME

I am here in China's ancient capital at one of the most interesting
periods in all the four thousand years that the Son of Heaven has
ruled the Middle Kingdom. The old China is dying--fast dying; a new
China is coming into being so rapidly as to amaze even those who were
most expectant of rapid change. The dreams of twelve years ago, that
have since seemed nothing but dreams, are coming into actual
realization.

Great reforms were then proposed--twelve years ago--and the Emperor
sanctioned edict after edict for their introduction. But their hour
had not yet come.

I talked yesterday with one of the men whose voice was most potent at
that time: a man whose heart was then aflame with the idea of remaking
China. They dared much, did these men, and Tantsetung, a Chinaman of
high rank and a Christian, consecrated himself on his knees to the
great task, with all the devotion of a Hannibal swearing allegiance to
Carthage. But reaction came. The Emperor was deposed and the Empress
Dowager substit