Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 19, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 January 1914 — CHINA’S FUTURE OF INTEREST [ARTICLE]

CHINA’S FUTURE OF INTEREST

Every Student Realizes the Possibillties That Are Part of Country’s Present Development. China is tossing restlessly in her BKe-iong sleep, and shows signs of awakening. This situation appeals to the UnitedStafes only indirectly; but most of the land-hungry European nations are waiting at her bedside, and are guessing as to her present pathologic condition and her" outlook for future health and strength. Com-petent-Fudges near atf hand agree that If China were to produce, soon, some -greafe-teader,. he Tgg center of ww*--urated solution of loyal sentiment, which is latent In this mighty people. Lacking suqh a living leader, the Chinese may call—upon Confucius; and unite the several diverse provinces under a potent bond of religious fervor. However the influence of the great ethical teacher may have waned during the past century, he has not become a negligible quantity, as the recent surprising observance of his birthday fully attests. About a week before that date a circular letter was sent to all the governors of provinces, setting forth the virtues of Confucius. The intention was that this statement should he presented to local magistrates, and by them be brought before the plain people. Thus a way would be prepared for the subsequent elevation of the great and honored sage as the true leader of the new republic. Naturally, we would expect him to be held most highly in honor by the old dethroned Manchu dynasty. “Young China/’ however, realizes that, the country greatly needs both a leader and a religion, and that these two needs could be met by 8 revival of the Confucian cult probably in a modernized/ form. Twenty years ago the sage’s birthday was observed only slightly and sporadically, but this year there has been a widely spread and distinctly fervent expression of public devotion to him. Decorations, processions and public meetings are reported from all tbe provinces. “Young China” is willing to concede much, if only it can gather in most of the factions, conservative > and radical, throughout this heterogeneous nation. At one celebration, not far from Canton, hymns in favor of Confucius were sung by four graduates of the Canton Christian college; and the words were set to the music of “Ye Banks and Braes of Bonnie Doon,” and to a favorite Methodist melody. The effect of this year’s observances is to suggest the conjecture that China’s awakening may have to be primarily religious, and secondarily political. What will result from this call to Confucius? —American Review of Reviews.