May 18.
Our policy regarding matters commented on in letters that appear in our correspondence columns is as far as possible uncontroversial. It seems fair ler to stand apart from the d bates that are carried on there jand to let the public pass judgment upon the opinions exprossed and combat them when they fare out of accord with the sentinent of the community, however, we published a etter from the patriotic Chinese gentleman who signs himself D. 2." which is such a pet fect example of the type of Chinese, propaganda that shapes public opinion abroad to the great detriment of both foreigners in China and the Chinese people themselves, that we cannot refrain from remarking upon it. Under cover of an sppeal for mutual goodwill and friendliness in Sino-Foreign re-Jations, "F.D.Z." misconstrues the attitude of the foreigner towards China and the attitude of the Chinese towards foreigners without the slightest concern for the conspicuous facts in the history of China's relations with the alien, either past or present. His whole tone is sweetly reasonable, and he adds to the impression of reasonableness by condemning what he describes as "China's own selfishness and ignorance" jas her worst enemies and qualifying his praise of the "Nationalist" movement. But having thus introduced himself, makes an appeal for setting aside the treaties and cultivating China's affection, which may be Jsincere and may emanate from the goodness of his heart, but which can only irritate those of us whom it does not amuse, in the light of a century's experilence with Chinese love and esteem for us. In this appedt {the following sentences occur:
"In our heart of hearts, we gard these treaties as good for nothing; and if our foreign friends force us to respect them, we can only do so sulkily. The' Treaties can only be enforced at the expense of our good will........... Hitherto you have valued your treaties more than our love, This is why we feel angry at you, We are very, very. Jealous; and if you are to stay hero, it must be through our love, auf not because of the noxious uneqtial treaties, s.We really must
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.