Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, AUGUST 81, 1905. THE CHINESE BOYCOTT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 3567, 31 August 1905, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, AUGUST 81, 1905. THE CHINESE BOYCOTT.

The boycott by Chinese merchants of United States goods, in retaliation for the manner in which the alien exclusion laws of the Republic are administered, is the first overt sign of the change wrought in the Chinese mind by the victories of Japan over Russia. Previous to the present campaign in Manchuria, the Chinese ha<f‘- a too lively sense of the aggressive and punitive power of western nations to dare to think of doing anything that might invite a visit of warships, with a probable smashing of things generally and a seizure of territory as security for indemnity for alleged loss and injury. But now the Chinese merchant guilds, Without waiting lor action by their government, have shown that they have the spirit and the will to retaliate on those who do not treat them with consideration. In another quarter, the Chinese are showing that they are getting over their fear ot the western powers. The heavy decline in German trade with China and the temper displayed by the natives in Shantung have aroused tears jin Germany that she may lose her hold upon China and find her possession of Kiao-chau Bay more costly than profitable. With the eclipse ot Russian influence before the rising sun of Japan, Germany, and, in fact, all western nations, have suffered a diminution of influence in China This would be a natural result of the war, even if Japan made no effort to influence the Chinese people or their government. Germany, apparently in response to this new move, has decided to fortify Kiao-chau. The arrogance which has marked her dealings with the Chinese calls for some display of activity, perhaps, but the Emperor imi'l contemn! te the possibi'ity, if Japan chooses to back China in re sisting his aggressions, of being forced to submit to the humiliation cf having to abandon his tootho'd on the Shan tung peninsula. However that may be, the fact that the Chinese are awake to the great change that has taken place in their destiny is evident.