The problem must be presented to intelligent Chinese from their own point of view and it is unbelievable that once having logically dealt with the question they will not realize that wily politicians and soft-spoken officials are abusing them by presenting the situation in an entirely false light.
It is true that most of China's treaties have been imposed upon her. But why? Was it not be cause there was practically no national law in the land? Was iti not because arrangements made with the central government were unenforcible? Was it not because taxes were collected in a manner not designed to create revenue and to provide protection for trade but to enrich private individuals and destroy trade? In the imposition of treaties and agreements the foreigners followed a policy which the curious conduct of China's officialdom made absolutely necessary, since they disregarded any of the usual. principles of international relations.
_It is true that economic conditions have changed in China since the treaties were imposed and that perhaps China is entitle ed to an increase in customs dues. But have not the foreigners sportingly offered to agree to such an increase? All Treaty Powers have agreed to an increase in the customs dues should likin be abolished. China has agreed to abolish likin. But has any step been taken in that direction? Is not just the opposite true, namely that in provinces such as Anhui, the Transit Pass is not recognized and in provinces such as Chekiang, Kiangsi, Hupeh and Honan, a cigarette tax is imposed with a view to beating the treaty provisions with regard to dues and taxes to be paid? Insincere conduct will not help China to end the day of unsatisfactory treaties; it can only bring upon her the fate of other nations which have regarded treaties as just so much useless paper.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.