AwoxG the many the awakening of mentioned the interest that now ting taken by the Central Govern- 4 nent in its nationals permanently domiciled in foreign lands. Theoret ically this interest has always xisted, but through luck of oppor-ninety as much, perhaps, as through want of—solicitude, little us done until quite recently to ive practical effect to it. It only nataral that China, at this juncture of her history, should turn attention more particularly to hier subjects abroad. The overnoreasing number of Chinese who re settling in adjacent as well as in more distant lands is coming to ized more and more as a ctor of no small importance to the development of the Empire and one that China cannot afford to ignore, if she is to make the best. ise of the material at her disposal. Many of these expatriated Chinese occupying responsible and lucrative positions in the country of their adoption and they are not slow to respond in a liberal spirit appeals for assistance in times of national calamity and ress. It has come to be generally believed by foreigners that the Chinese, in the Eighteen' Provinces at least, are not particularly remarkable for his national failing, if it exist, the vuy spirit of patriotism; and for
weakness of the Central Government, with the consequent luck of cohesiveness of the people as a whole, must be regarded as responsible.' For the spirit of patriotism, those who have lived all th in an environment that could hardly fail to create narrowness of mind.
The recent visit of the Chinese cruisers to the South Pacific Islands merits a little consideration in this connexion. At first, by command of the Admiral of the Pei-
-|yang squadron, the ships were ordered to cruis " the M
Subsequently H commanded "by the Government to localities inhabited by Chines from leading men the true condi under which they live, with the object real improvements in the internal state of China as well as of encour-hours. The professed and objective of the mission on which the High Commissioner was sent was the desire of the Chinese abroad. all concessions for fair and iment which diplomacy ood understanding existing bet and the Powers could obtai officers of the assured, were men, who took their work and sp The High sioner Yang belongs to influential and he is of a reticent ature but has the reputation of being keen observer and was considered emi-nantly suited to undertake the important work entrusted to him. For some time prior to the visit of the Chinese cruisers to the Mal: Archipelayo, the foreign Press, both in Java and in the Straits Settlements, made unfriendly references to the mission on which the ships were bent. It was rumoured that itude for Chinese subjects rt of the world was not together altruistic and that the High Commis: omer would pri by the oceusion to indulge in th ime-honoured fu of squa ing" the merch The past record of—Uhinese exposed the en insinua-5 but it is story to note seem to have been entirely on the arrival of the m So far from any extortionate Comm liberally the sited, and perso with having left a sion behind. Valuabl J, the High subscribed schools he is credited pod impres-which ply utilized to improve the of Chinese trade and ford some relief to in localities where they ed to certain dise Jaichi and the They loft Shanghai last October going direct to the great whilst Governmei led the utmost cordiality to the officers and crews.
At Singapore the High Commis-ioner was: entertained in a most friendly m and the Americans wave them a very hospitable reception. From Singapore the cruisers made for the old historical harbour of Batavi often mentioned Chines ngs. Whilst at anchor in the new harbour of Tanjong Priok, representative Chinese came on board, and later a Committee of Reception appointed by General Van Heust, the—Governor-
General of Netherlands India. From Batavia ihe cruisers went to Samarang where they were received with equal warmth. At Solo the Commissioner was received by the Major and the local Dutch officials deputed by Resident, and a visit to the Governor-(reneral of Java was arranged. Soora-
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