Honolulu Republican, Volume IV, Number 494, 11 January 1902 — HONOLULU. H. T., JAN. 11, 1902 [ARTICLE]

HONOLULU. H. T., JAN. 11, 1902

THE FUTURE OF CHINA. The recent quarrel between the Power* and China must sooner or it-, r • nd In th*- opening of the Celes t;ai Empire to virtually unrestricted • ommerclal intercourse. In order to form some conception of what awaits ih* probabb- < 1 urse of events in the next century, we may well consider what would be implied in virtually fr.. trad, with China What would he the outlay required to supply say an industrial, commercial, mining and transportation equipment for a population of 450.000.000 of Indusriou* and fairly enterprising people? Whilst no definite answer to this question may be attempted, seme data may bo given which will faintly sugges tthe possible magnitude of the plant requirements to be supplied to China under Western auspiees. China's population Is about 50.000.000 in ex. •ss of that of combined Europe; and yet Europe's railroad plant has .■i«st $ IK 500.000,000. The cotton mills of Europe have made a capital outlay of fullv 11.M0.000.000. The iron investments Of Europe aggregate up proximatelr $1.800.000.000. These la.-ts, relating to but three industries and yet covering $19..V0,000,000 of in dusirial captai, suggest the magnitude of the investments, from foreign sources, that would be needed to develop the varied resources of the Celestial Empire to an extent proportioned to its natural wealth, its population and the thrifty habits of ts people. The reconstruction of a nation of 450.000.000 inhabitants would be a magnificent achievement for a century of development and would immensely augment the trade and wealth of the world. To this vast field for commercial expansion, the United States lies nearest, whilst also are fully equipped for developing its resources. To us above all countries, therefore. China is the land of promise and yet of watchful solicitude. While con ceding to all other nations equality of opportunities for trade, our highest future interests demand that we »njoy every advantage accorded to the most aggressive powers. Herein lies the chief heritage bequeathed to our country from the Nineteenth Century.