Along the foothills opium is an annual source of trouble. It is grown in fields away from the main roads. Any attempt to destroy it brings the powers that be into conflict with a strong opium combine. In view of the chaos that exists everywhere and the inability of the Chinese of all classes to get redress for the many afflictions that befall them, it is certainly 2 surprise to read that there is a possibility of the Powers considering the abolition of extraterritorality in China at the present time. Many foreigners in the West who have every sympathy with China's aspiration to become strong and to have complete control of all matters pertaining io her dignity as a nation are uuanimous that there are no suflicient indications as yet that China has improved her judicial system sufficiently to place foreigners within its power. The reformation thas began so auspiciously after the revolution; the attempts to put the judiciary on the same basis as prevails in other countries ail looked very plausible on paper. It is not difficult, however, to. see that in actual practice the old systems, the old ideas prevail.
In the interior of China where foreigners are at all times largely dependent upon the changing moods of a people who are incliaed to look with suspicion upon all their doings, the fact that those doings must first be examined by men trained in the arts of justice have a wholesome and steadying influence upon all concerned.
Spuciat Recarp For FOREIGNERS.
In discussing the question of extraterritoriality the status of the masses must be considered. Would it not be reasonable to expect that before such power was invested in the Chinese there should be a real uplift in the life and thought of the rank and file. Present conditions could be used as an illustration that extraterritoriality is one of China's strongest pillars for a good understanding with other nationals. It is a remarkable fact, during the troubles of the last decade, that foreigners in Szechuan have held a very unique position. Regular soldiers, robber soldiers, government troops, s0- called rebel troops or local banditti have shown a special regard for foreigners. The neutral position that foreigners have been wise enough to adopt, the inherent instinct to regard foreigners as guests have no doubt influenced al! parties.
To a close observer of events, however, there is a Psychological link that unites the attitude of the people towards foreigners to the principle of _extraterritoriality however little understood the latter may be. If foreigners were placed in such-a position that they could be confined, say, in a Chinese prison, even for a short time, or be subject to the indignities that befall the Chinese in the courts of law, that respect, now in evidence, vould receive. a keen blow, and one has only to pass through a few experiences of such disrespect to realize what a dangerous thing it is, A child may wish to play with a loaded weapon, but wisdom forbids, Reasons ror No Cuance.
To remove extraterritoriality would place upon China a responsibility too heavy for her present social, political and judicial condition. It would be a menace to ther good relations with other powers. No new strength or dignity would necessarily accrue.
On the other hand, there is no widespread demand or agitation for its abolition. Foreigners have rarely so abused their privileges as to arouse adverse public sentiment on the question. The offi cials and the people have to a marked degree shown a splendid feeling of confidence in the foreigners and vice versa.
All evidence goes to prove that, for China's own best welfare the present status of foreigners is the wise and reasonable one.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.