18
19
284
and even aggressive spirit.
7.
It is believed that the present hostilities with France,
though they have caused the.
L
Chinese vast expense and trouble,
may eventually prove the n turning-point in the modern history of China. It is expected that, under the influence of the common national spirit. evoked, the gigantic abuses and evils of the provincial governments will be gradually broken down; ___ that a new and uniform fisaal
now.
system
system will replace the provincial
and local taxes; that naval and
Military reforms will create security against both external enemies and
internal revolt; while a vigorous central rule, binding together the scattered forces of the huge_
empire,
all
will be the ultimate and
beneficial result of this period of suffering and perturbation.
10.
Strategical necessities have recently prevailed over the -prejudices and superstitions which long prevented the introduction
i
into