"A SERIOUS INDICTMENT."

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 392, 18 May 1910, Page 7

"A SERIOUS INDICTMENT."

To the Editor. Sir, —Your leader of Jiay 12th. on "A serious indictment" (the position of foreigners in China from a Chinese point of view) is one that, I should like to see re-inserted in a future issue of the "News" in very much bolder type on a«>ount of this subject being of such vast magnitude and importance to New Zealand. .Very serious and deliberate consideration of tire question ought to be taken by all true .patriots, and leaders of thought, not only in Australasia, but also in our Empire at large. In to-day's "Daily News" (May 14) your two leading articles, "Ancient and Modern Imperialism'' and "A Chinese Navv" ought to be studied by your readers side j by side with "A Serious Indictment.' 1 Lord Cromer, the author of the book, "Ancient and Modern Imperialism" (011 wfoidh you base to-day's leader), I look upon as our most dangerous and undemocratic Lords' leader in Britain's Parliament. In the cone Hiding sentence of your article on "Modern and Ancient Imperialism,'' you say, "Criticism of the methods and morals of Imperialism might he very useful, 'but on this side of the question Lord Cromer does not. dwell." Herein, I say, 'lies tilie only safe | wild permanent foundation of any na-i tion, and Lord Cromer practically ignores it. China, dating back ibeforej Christ, is the only semi-civilised nation which selfishness lias not rained. As you say, quoting agin in from your leader of the 11th inst.j "it is a sad commentary that at this late date of the Christian era the public acts of these nations (Christian nations 01 'the world) should ethically and morally, fall short of socalled lieat'lien ideals and practices." I am afraid, Mr. Editor, there is too muen insularity, ignorance and bigotry on the Chinese question, and it is time we Britishers got a true perspective of what may be the coming greatest nation on earth. In conclusion, I would like to express to you my appreciation of the improved character and tone of your) paper smd the fearless way in which you deal iwith the problems and evils of our day.—I am, etc., H.C. 1