Among the Celestials : vol.1 / Page 101 (Color Image)

0101	Among the Celestials : vol.1

CHAP. iv.] A LAND OF PROMISE. 75

millions of inhabitants, who must need them,

and exchange for those manufactures the raw

produce of this fertile country. What is of

still greater significance, a strong conviction is

growing up among these more advanced states,

keenly struggling for existence as they are,

that no people have the right to keep ex-

clusively to themselves portions of the earth's

surface, the proper exploitation of which would

conduce to the general welfare of mankind.

These nations will demand with ever-increasing

insistence that the rulers of Manchuria should

not allow these vast natural riches to be unused

and run to waste. Competition for access to

parts of the world, so prolific of all that goes

to increase material prosperity and to provide

for the natural wants of a growing and wide-

spreading population, becomes more stringent

every year, and Manchuria can no longer resist

the pressure on it.

It is our business to see that Manchuria

remains as open to our trade as it now is ; that

we continue in future to enjoy all the rights we

at present possess. Our first great right is that

we shall not be called upon to pay higher duties

than are required from any foreign nation.

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