The Daily News. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1915. CHINA.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 December 1915, Page 4

The Daily News. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1915. CHINA.

Europeans, as a rule, do not understand either China or the Chinese, and yet sign 3 are not wanting that in the not very remote future China may play an important part in European affairs. It has to be remembered that China is one of the most ancient monarchies in the world—so ancient tliat nothing is known relative to the foundation of the Kingdom which some 2000 to 2500 years B.C. had already to a respectable degree of civilisation and had become a considerable nation. Its history many surprises, not the least of which were the development oi great military power during the great T'ang dynasty (618-907), one of the two mightiest that have swayed the destinies >of th« couatrj. The aomifiAl founder

of that dynasty was Li Yuan, "and it was under the regime t>t his son, Li-Shi-mun (the actual founder) that the Turks were conquered in such a way that for half a century they were under direct Chinese rule from Korea to the frontiers of Persia. The last dynasty, —that of the Manchus—commented in 1644, and practically terminated in 1908, when the Emperor ICwang-su was officially reported to have died, the death of the Dowager Empress (the real ruler) occurring on the following day. Being childless, Kwang-su was succeeded by his nephew—an infant of two years of age—but before the new reign was two months old, Yuan iSkih Kai, the great viceroy of Chih-li, was dismissed from all his offices as the result of a Manchu Cabal. By the turn of Fortune's wheel it is Yuan Shili ICai who to-day is expecting to found a dynasty and become Emperor of China. The events which brought about a republic with ,Dr. Sun Yat Sen as the first president, and Yuan Shih Kai as his successor are of so recent happening that they should be still fresh in the memory of the world. No so, however, is this the case relative to the monarchial movement having for its object the placing of Yuan on the throne. This is mostly shrouded in that atmosphere of mystery and intrigue which is inherent to Chinese affairs. Recent cables, moreover, indicate that Yuan is not to reach the throne without trouble, and it is jußt possible that the antimonarchists will again prove too strong for the astute Yuan, as they did in 1911 when he proposed to form a consti tutioual monarchy with the Manchus as figureheads. There is a far-reaching plot, which is said to be well supported, to prevent Yuan from becoming Emperor, and this fact is grven as a reason for rushing on the monarchial movement. A Chinese rebellion just now would be extremely inconvenient to the outer world, and though it would probably not affect tho great European war, it might necessitate material alteration in the plans of our ally, Japan. The phrase "The awakening of China," has been much in evidence since the republic was formed, and it was thought that at last China had secured its one great need—a stronger leader and an astute president. The awakening process bids fair to be a lengthy operation, nor could it be otherwise. The intense conservatism and exjclusiveness of the C'hineso is well illustrated by the fact that it was not until the arrival of the Portuguese in 1517 that China, had any real knowledge of Europe, which was vaguely divided in their estimation into "Red Hairs" (Englishmen and Dutchmen) and Franks (the Latin races). When we consider the enormous possibilities attached to this vast country, having an area of over four mtflion square miles, and a population exceeding four hundred millions, it is apparent that under a skilful ruler China migkt yet become one of the dominant powers. Japan has shown what can be done by determination and well directed energy, and we may well wonder what would happen were China to follow her neighbor's example. Hitherto, in more recent) times, China has been at the mercy of the Great Powers, but under advantageous tutelage she could become a world menace. Yuan Shih Kai ia r.ot only clever, astute, and ambitious, but he can lay claim to royal ancestry and so find favor in the eyes of the Chinese. The chief bar to his attainment of Imperial rank is the anti-dynast party, and if he can ■•Meat the plot that is now on foot ho may prove to be the awakening forco that will open up a new era for his country. Already Western ideas and customs are rapidly making way and breaking down the prejudices of past centuries, but the spirit of delusiveness is still a sacred heritage and %i!l need exceptional wisdom and tact to overcome. We can no longer regard Clunti as being of no consequence, for it in quite possible that before long she may feel her strength, and then the unexpected will happeh. All the principal European powers hold important concessions in China, while America pup-' the richest of all—oil. rights in the north-west, said to be the most prolific known. Fortunately, Japan has robbed Germany of her foothold in KiaoClmo, and in view of probable developments in China in the near future it iJ extremely necessary that the Germans should be defeated in the present war so that China may be freed from the danger of German machinations directed towards drawing China into the Teutonic net and closing the country to other Powers. It is to Britain's best interest to assist in developing China and placing her on the road to security and prosperity.