Massacres of Christians by Heathen Chinese Horrors of the Boxers

Excerpt from Massacres of Christians by Heathen Chinese Horrors of the Boxers

The hand of change is upon China. There are many of the Western world who wish that diplomats and generals, as well as foreign commercial corporations would so shape their courses that this change might come without slaughter, without the horrors of war, by peaceful means, slow and kindly patience with an ancient race. Perhaps this may yet be, but it seems doubtful for these, if not for other reasons.

Taking the "opium war" of England in 1840 as the initial point for the troubles which have led to the present uprising, the history of China becomes that of the struggles of four factors to either control the government of the Empire or dismember it - Russia, continental Europe, England, and all Chinese opposed to the Manchu dynasty. So far the impression these have made upon the Empire proper may be compared to the bite of a mosquito upon the hide of an elephant. The Chinaman does not trust the white man. He will hobnob with him, trade with him, bow to him, make him presents, give him concessions on paper, apparently yield for the time being, but trust he will not. He will tell you that by all history he has no reason for trusting foreigners.

Following the opening of the first treaty ports came the necessity for quick means of communication throughout the Empire. This led to the building of railways. Some China undertook herself. Others Belgian and German financial syndicates secured concessions for. Work on these last lines has been going on for many years. The engineers were instructed to lay out their lines on as absolutely straight courses as possible. Cemeteries, private property, temples were not to hinder them. The Belgians in 1897 and 1898 were particularly brutal in following these instructions.

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