ome Views Connected with the Question of Coast Defence. 77 



the true nature of the vaunted "European civilization." Then 

 they were kindly treated, they were permitted to retain what 

 they had left. They were compelled to legalize the opium trade and 

 to adopt an ad valorem tariff of but five per cent upon importations 

 from all foreign countries. So, it seems that it was practically the 

 wish for free trade in a demoralizing drug that induced England to 

 make war on this defenceless nation. 



After all, was it not the fault of the Chinese themselves? Why do 

 they play the part of a modern Mexico for latter-day conquisadors ? 

 If their coast defences had been properly attended to; if they had 

 possessed superior artillery and sufficient store of munitions of war; if 

 they had possessed trained military forces and an adequate navy, 

 England would never have dared to attempt to regulate the custom 

 house of China by the strong arm of military force. 



But the Chinese could hardly have known that this was but one of 

 the many repetitions of European history. Torn by internal political 

 convulsions they were unable to appreciate the extent of the errors of 

 government which their political parties — the individual, self-seeking 

 and selfish craft — which among their merchants and their soldiers, 

 alike hurried them on to the inevitable end. Yet China possessed 

 statesmen who gave their lives to secure the public welfare. But of 

 what avail is the effort of the individual, however clear his mind and 

 noble his purpose, if the people are sunk in the slothful love of selfish 

 gain to the end of voluptuous enjoyment? Such is the sleep of death, 

 that goes before decay; the opiate of ordinary sensualism which draws 

 men down from God and godliness to animalism. 



Still we may learn from the words of the dying Chinese general, 

 Tso-tsung-tang, how that true statesman urged upon his Emperor the 

 interests of his country: 



" Your majesties' gracious favor unrequited. Your servant, sick 

 unto death, utters these words. Your servant, a poor scholar of 

 books, by the imperial favor now become commander-in-chief of the 

 army, in anguish begs you to guard this people, around whom are 

 gathered the nations of the earth, watching like glaring beasts. 

 Therefore let your majesties, out of the deliberation of the high 

 offices, in regard to the coast defense, come speedily to a decision. 

 Let railways and mines, and the construction of ships and guns be 

 undertaken at once, as a means of insuring our national prosperity 

 and strength. As understanding is at the root of all successful under- 

 takings, let your majesty the Emperor at the same time attend with 



