CHINA-A NAVAL POWER

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1773, 22 February 1888, Page 3

CHINA-A NAVAL POWER

English engineering enterprise and English naval sk>li are helping, m combination with those of Germany, to mike Ohna a respectable power on the high seas. The Chinese Government is protecting itself by vessels whioh have been reoently constructed of the latest, design and the most improved equip* ment. Two of the vessels are of the swift proteoted cruiser das., and two others built In Germany, are of the same general design. A filth Is one of the fastest torpedo boats ever launohed. ln these oolonies we are hardly m a posltiu*. to judge calmly and fairly of the future of China. The name of John Chinaman stinks m the nostrils of the laboring j classes, and politicians are obliged tv I think as they think, to feel as they feel, and to hate where they bate ; so that we oannot judge the Chinese without a prejudice tbat distorts tbe vision. But we know well tbat the Chinese are splendid Imitators, and patient and persevering almost to a fault, and there are few things that Englishmen can do with their bands that Chinese cannot learn to ' do. We oan keep them out of the trade here by laws and customs ; but we oannot do that m their own country. Whatever they Import they will learn to imitate, and they will learn to use. We are supplying them with our finest destructive w. apons, and wfth effioers to train tbem to their i use. They bave millions of lives to spend, and if need be to waste, and for tbat reason they will be formidable foes. Tbere Is no need wantonly to make enemies of this people, What it is neaessary for us to do In tbe strict way of self-defence, to prevent being* over whelmed, we are justified m dob* ; but this should be dove with courtesy as well as firmness.