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We Must Prevent The Partition Of China By European Powers

We Must Prevent The Partition Of China By European Powers image
Parent Issue
Day
23
Month
January
Year
1903
Copyright
Public Domain
OCR Text

WE MUST PREVENT THE PARTITION OF CHINA B EUROPEAN POWERS

By Captain RICHMOND P. HOBSON, U.S.N.

We should take time to grasp the conditions, economic, political and sociological,which affect our present and future position.  Of foodstuffs, minerals and lumber we produce about one-third of the world's product. Our manufactures exceed in value the combined manufactures of Great Britain, Germany and France.

 IN ANOTHER CENTURY THIS ONE COUNTRY WILL STANO FOR AS MUCH AS ALL THE REST OF THE WORLD COMBINED.

Hereafter, when war becomes less important and industrial conflict becomes more important, we must expect to meet the effect of the centralization which characterizes European effort and life. WE HAVE BUILT UPON INDIVIDUALISM, BUT WE MUST BE READY BY AGGREGATE EFFORT TO MEET THE COMPETITION OF WHOLE NATIONS.

Our country by reason of its economic importance has the right to demand a fair share of the world's new markets. After study and two years' residence in China I have concluded that China is on the eve of an awakening which will result in greater productiveness and a proportionately greater demand. In seeking this market American versatility and anticipation of local needs will count tremendously in our favor. If European nations seize China, the market will be lost to us. We have already lost in India. A paramount duty of America is to insist on a fair field and no favor. Therefore WE MUST PREVENT THE PARTITION OF CHINA BY EUROPEAN NATIONS.

IT IS ONLY BY FAILING TO UTILIZE THE PRESTIGE WE HAVE IN THE ORIENT THAT WE CAN LOSE THE BENEFITS WHICH WE HAVE WON BY DISCRETION AND CORDIALITY. THE REST MUST BE WON THROUGH POWER.

The opportunity of having a fair chance depends largely upon our having a large enough navy to protect our interest. The people of an undeveloped country are afraid to trade with a nation too weak to defend its rights.

We are called cousins by the English, but we are also cousins of every nation of Europe. We are the child of the entire white race. America has progressed on the lines of individualism, Europe on the lines of militarism and centralization. The next step in human progress will be, in my opinion, securing the happiness of the individual.

Peace is essential to prosperity. Peace means at least better trade. America's freedom from the influence of militarism will enable her to realize the spirit of the now era - that it does not pay to harm another.