a PORTS.
To the Editor of the "Norra-Cuina Datty News."
Let us face the facts as they are in China (1) The unrest which has existed in China from the times of the Taiping rebellion to this day is chiefly due to the shattering effect which western ideas have had on Chinese - civilization. The Chinese are in the process of throwing over their household gods, a process which history teaches us is invariably long and painful. In the case of China we may expect the process to be more painful and to last longer than is usual, than, for instance, the troubles of the French revolution, because the gods which are being thrown over have held a longer and more extended sway. If we estimate that the unrest will last another 50 years we ave probably optimistic.
(2) There is no central authority.
(3) Foreign diplomacy bankrupt. The diplomats in Peking probably have the will to bring pressure to bear on the Government, but since there is no government the only form of pressure which would be of any use must necessarily take the form of military demonstration. It is difficult to believe that the French or British Governments will move one single battalion into China, because they cannot afford to enter upon an enterprise the cost of which may run into millions. The American Government could afford it but is not likely to do so. Remains the Japanese, and they are at the present time regarded with suspicion.
(4) In the midst of chaos there is one element of stability. That is provided by the Treaty ports. In these ports foreigners and Chinese have one common object, which is to carry on trade in peace.
Under somewhat similar conditions the great trading centres of northern Europe in the 12th century formed themselves into the Hanseatic League.
What I wish to suggest is that the time is fast approaching when the Treaty Port inhabitants of China, unsupported as they are by foreign governments, will have the choice either of fighting their own battles or of "getting out."
I suggest that the time for a League of Treaty Ports is ripe. A non-political league, the strength of which would be based on cooperation between the foreign and Chinese elements of these ports, The subject is a vast one and is not suitable for discussion in a short letter. The following are a few only of the questions which would need consideration. Objects:
To keep open the trade routes and to protect its citizens (foreign and Chinese) from molestation, whether by uncontrolled soldiers or by bandits.
Also possibly to take over the toms Service and the Foreign Debt Service and to hold any surplus in trust for the first stable
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.