study of Chinese character and capacity for a half century, believes that their hatred of foreigners is a real menace to the world, not in this generation, perhaps, but in the early future as the lifetime of nations is measured. Four hundred millions, sturdy and passionately devoted to their ancient customs, might in time, under the influence of an all-prevailing race hatred, be changed from a peace-loving community into a warlike people, bent upon avenging their wrongs. Sir Robert suggests only two remedies for this impending danger. The first is partition of the empire among the great powers, which he regards as full of difficulties; the second, a miraculous spread of Christianity, "a not impossible, but scarcely to be hoped for, religious triumph … which would convert China into the friendliest of friendly powers."[1]
But the review in this volume of the diplomatic relations of the Orient has shown that another local power is to be reckoned with in considering the Asiatic question. Japan's wonderful development in industrial affairs is even more remarkable than its display of military power. Marquis Ito in a late publication, after arraying the statistics as to his country's great increase in its mercantile marine, its manufactures, and its foreign commerce, justly claims that Japan has attained a secure position commercially, and that "she appreciates the achievements of peace as thoroughly as achievements by force of arms." The fact that it has within the last few years advanced to the second place in the trade with China evinces its commercial activity. The
- ↑ Sir Robert Hart's Essays, 64–65.
