1915-10-23 — Page 8

THE HONG KONG TELEGRAPH.

HONGKONG

SOME WAR ASPECTS.

":

THE CAMPAIGN AS SEEN THROUGH CHINESE EYES HONGKONG MAN'S INTERESTING ARTICLE IN A LONDON

REVIEW.

"in a time

EXTRA

HONGKONG, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1915

the Government. This will not,

as many people imagins, lead to

a

Take

the "war mesa," ↑ simpler man

First of would be to hang some of the

** War

ind of

(1) The Allies have more men money to draw. apon-a powerful factor of

man in the street in a statesman," only to mean that you should do he cares for nothing except to win materials. I am not uaalive todo not remember a single in- tion. If the matter is really initial successTMthe

Ara

Bat

So far I have looked at the war

rather from the national point of view, I may, perhaps, now deal with it from the interational point of view. As almost the whole oivilised world has been divided

Over.

was once the means of achieving futile. You want to win this war, opinions.

victory which would not other and at the same time you would babies," for instance. depression, or to the abrogation wire have been won. For at one have "Business as Usual," Take all, I really doubt their existence. enemy subjects that may be found. of the national virtus-calmness. time, when the opposing armies the formation of the Coalition But assuming their existence, the in one's country? There is no It will only produce unity among were engaged in something like Government, for instance-it still remedy suggested by some people substantial difference between the people apprehension of the modern trench warfare, and seems to meet with disapproval is worse than the disease, and this course and that of killing in- common danger is the best cement no progress on either side could from certain quarters. Some such opinions ne that the

nocent non-combatants by drop- in the bond of brotherhood-and be made after a longdrawn battle, people think that it is an evil babies" will be the best asset of the ping bomba in their midst. Of will bring the individual to the general of one of the armies produced by necessity, others that nation, as from a hygeinio point course, if only one bsiligerent eanse of duty. There is nothing invented the kite of which 1 spoke. it is due to the unfortunate of viaw they are beat product, possessed aero-craft, while others really like apprehension of grave On the top of the kite was fasten blunder of a few ministers. Now, and that the roothers should take not, I might understand the peril for making a

man sober. ed a musical instrument, which, it ought to be obvious to every- pride in their situation, as if they situation, for then it would be too if therefore, every one is made to when flown to a great height, body that if the Coalition is de were heroines of the war, are non- mnoh to expect that belligerent to realise the war, be will be more made a powerful (persistent, and manded by necessity, the fact sense. Surely, first of all, give up that advantage; bat Rober in his thinking; this will monotonous noise, like an organ, apeake for itself-enok a form of preventive remedy mont be recor: sicos both sides are equally well

with that The following article, which Government, and I have in my we re-print from the London mind the words of Confucius: prevent him from freely indulg shrough the action of the wind. Government must be the best ed to, and that would be for par-armed

ing in the expression of irrespon- A number of kites thus armed under these circumstances con- ents to apply "Johnson's Rod."

Weapon, that practice National Review, was written by "The wise man who lives in a

constant a Chinese, now resident in Eng-foreign country would not criticises opinions, and more sober were flown over at night to the stituting the necessity. Nor is it (NB. The writer is refering to can only meaningle

evan its magistrate." It would in bis living; this will prevent side of the enemy. The monoton. the fault of this or that Minister; the words: "Rod, I will honour reprisals and superfluous cruel- land,

who was formerly in busi- ness in Hongkong. Mr. Cheng bsa "tragio blunder," in these unnecessary waste of the material cus noise, thas prodaeed sad uo- if faalt must be found, it rather thee for this thy daty," uttered ties. went Home in 1907 to stady lage, to take advantage of the resources of the country. His la detected, had its desired effect; lies in the fact that the necessity by Dr. Johnson when he saw

was not foreseen early enough. some young ladies in Lincola- With regard to Law, and, having taken the freedom of speech which, thoughbour will also be more fruitful, it created a terrible depression London LL.B. he prooseded to essential to the life of a free na- and, lastly, if he i no use to the among the enemy forces, which It is idle to think that there oun shire who were remarkably well issue of the war, Intimate read for the Bar. He returned tion, may be like many other ex-country, he will be at least less of became demoralised and so it pre- still be more than one poliny or behaved, owing to their mother's that in last October mer an ebstacle to others. If you go pared the way for a successful at- party, or that to ask questions in strict discipline and severe oor my opinion of it to my to this Colony after having cellent principles that one wor-

to see and have a talk with a mon tack.

the House, or to maintain "the reotion. It is, in fact one of follow-countrymen at home as been called to the Bir but ships in time of peace, very dan.

prilege of the House," is es Shakespear'a lines a little varied, follows: went to London again in 1913 gerous in time of war. Freedom of who has a son killed or a father

I now pass from the treatment sentis! to success. The war is viz. I will ballow thee for this to resume his studies. Letters speech will never enable you to crippled in this war, you will no of bis in the Times, on inter-win in this war. All the talk of longer have any doubt of the of the reoruite to the recruiting not going to last for ever there thy deed.") If the disease has in-

importance and necessity of ayetem. In my opinion, the only will be plenty of time for those deed passed the stage of preven-and more

tion, don't advertise it in the national questiona, brought bis " love your enemy,' name to the notion of the editor when the casualty list was in bringing the war home to the way to bring the war to a speedy things when it is over.

masses. You will find the man, end is to have an overwhelming Moreover questions in parlia- papers. Practical help may in saccase in case of a prolonged of the National Review, at creasing day by day, for instance, whose request he wrote the bas filled me with dismay. We whose son has been killed or odds against your opponent, and ment are an invariable satisfactory thie case be rended by private in- war.

answer. Daring my whole sostitutions, but not the Govern-

as this would give the paredness and thoroughness, did have a similar teaching from Can whose father has been crippled, this object can only be ob’ainsð very olevas article subjoined.

(2) Germany, in spite of her pre- "In the discussion of erauts fucius: Take your revenge by talk, think, and live more soberly by mobilising the whole nations! journ in England, and in all my meat,

148 well as atay of Partismentary debates, I matter an air of legislative sans-

not achieve any daolsive after they have happened even the charity;" but we understand it than others. You will find that resources-Ba

`greatest ia this war; he will care for no the asaal argoments that etance where a Minister has ad- serioas as some people imagine,

danger that the Allies is a piece of sarcasm from the so when you have your enemy in freedom of speech, or this or that brought against such a proposi-mitted a mistake. How far here legitimation per subsequens ma-might have feared is therefore East; fat be it, therefore, from me your hand. To preach sath to claim the honour of a prophet, doctrine what your snemy is still Minister; the only thing that ia in tion, viz. (1) Compulsion is in- does your Western wisdom aar-trimonium will not only do janties his mind is the defest of the enemy. oompatible with the British tempass that of the East! Our grast to the innocent babies, bat ales yes, by coincidence or otherwise, at largo would do an injustice both And that is the thing you want, perament; (2) One volunteer ia men are mere persons who make give a chance to the once erring (3) At.ses the Allies rule the I have bean one! About two to yourself and to your enemy.

better than three compelled. The many mistakes, admit them, and mother. don't you?

if, as waves, and whenever there has years after my arrival in England, Notwithstanding this freedom

Soldiers, on the other hand, first argument assumes that this profit by them. Even Confucius some people have suggested, bron 8 naval encounter British when the question of competition of speech, the British Press is ou

Whenever I have a fault, legitimacy were to be given seamanship has proved to be the in naval armament between this the whole admirable; its criticism must be looked at in a different war can be brought to a success-fare: country and Germany was a com- of the conduct of the war is, with light from the ordinary citizen; fal and speedy end without com- other people invariably notice it, to the babies even without sub-superior. mon topio, I was naked by my few exceptions, restrained and the duty of the former is limited palsion, as, it happened in the I am really fortunate!" The sequent marriage, what would be

These, I said, are the three tator as to my opinion of the mat- justifiable. But, of course, too

and definite, that of the latter is South African War, or the Cri- meaning of those words isobvione, the position of the par mother, ter: my answer, which may still much criticiem does not conduss various and nodefined. So long mean War, or even the Napoleonic Hia fault (real or alleged) was in- who would have a legitimato great factors in favour of the Al- "It means War, to successo. In a time of onpre-as the soldier is ready to sacrifice War for nobody would say that variably pointed out to him by child, but without a legitimate lies, but some of them are mete advantages which may disappear be verified, was

his life at the command of the if universal service is a sine quo others (more often from malice husband? and I think that in five years' gedented circumstances no one can

if you do not avail yourself of time the day will come." Exactly be immune from mistakes, and it general, his duty is done, and so on for apsedy us, he will than otherwise), and if there was

them in time. I am, therefore five years after those very words therefore would be idle to look for long as he possesses that sense of still be opposed to it, because it is any ground for it, he admitted it had been uttered, war was declara blameless statesman. A united daty and at the same time performs incompatible with the British gratefully and so profited by the

rather inclined to look for a more ed! At that time I had read no astion at present is even better athors that are marked out for him, temperament. But is it wise to experience. Thus, as followers of

permanent and eurer, though less Bernhardi or Traitschke, but that than a perfect Government; the it doo not matter whether he on-stake the issue of this unpre Confucias, we Chinese always

obvione, reason elsewhere, and I the race in armaments could have latter is an ideal not to be found, gidera "business aa nousal or un- cedented war on which the life of think that the greatness of a man

find it in the dismissal of Prince Bismarck and the "Byma of only one sim and one result seom-the former is the best means, and asual." It doos no harm if he the whole Empire and British lies not in immunity from mis

Hate." Oonsidering what Bis- ed to me merely common sense; a thing capable of being achieved, thinks "the war will be over in ideals depend, on such an assump: takes, but in bis acknowledge two opposing camps, there are, for Germany was never in danger Be sure that in any Government August;" it makes ao difference tion? The fallacy of the second mont of them and in his capability in fact, only a few nations left to marok had done for Germany, his dismissal is, from the real of an invasion, yet her taxpayers there will be

avoiding their repetition. be considered and as I do not com espable whether he recites "Henry V," argument is, first of all, too avidof

or ainga "Tipperary. Nor is eat in the light of the quality of Apologising for this diversion, I consider myself competent to speak Chinese point of view, unpardon- oheerfully shouldered the ever-and competent persons who in a increasing burden of taxation for supreme moment will, like the in there any objection, if he looks the troops of your French Ally; veature to suggest that it would of other nations, I will introduce able. Ingratitude on the part of which our a big navy. This could only mean telligent jaryman on a jury, lead upon the battlefeld as a mere it also ignores the elementary be more proâtable for honour-only one, namely, China. Dating young king, of

history furnishes many instances, that the people had been the rest, provided the nation gives football ground; Eaglish history maxim of logic-the whole in-able members "to go to their con- the Sino-Japanese orises it was

has told as that even in the face oludes the parts; for if all the stituencies and make public auggested in some quarters that invariably leads to his own down- carefully educated to support the Government as a whole its no-

mobilised, speeches there or do from door-to-the Uhinese were anti-British-an fall. The logic of this is quite an aggressive policy. The germ divided support. Criticism is by of the Armada, a game of bowla; available of each a policy, of course, no menus always unbolesome; may yet be finished. Bat such those who would be volunteers door canvassing, as in time of a sensation without any founda. simple; if a young prince, on originated

a state of mind is wholly unfit will still be insluded. On the oneral Election, so as to bring tion; the accusation at that time going to the throne, at once in the dismissal bat criticism without tact is apt of Prince Bismarck, which to praduns only the results of for the civilian; it will not do for contrary, the voluntary system it home to the people the lessons of must baobvious to many people, ignores all the wisdom of the past, him to imagine that his brave self still necessitates the appeal the war and its realities. and wisdom forbids me to refer to be will be bound to have only revealed the early conception in nagging."

compatriote who oross the Chan- of all sorts of posters, "adaptable One more word about the it now, but a moment's reflection those se his advisers who are the young Emperor's mind of a

Calmness of spirit is undoubted-nel are mere holiday-makera, or to all shades of paychology." system of univeral service: many ought to convinge evary sensible ready and willing to carry out world empire, and for the last two ty one of the great virtues of the that the war concerns only those Why not then have

Minis- the war people who appreciate its wisdom, man that the attitude of the policy of his own. decades the whole resources, in British nation; it has more than who are in khaki, or that their brought home to the entire nation you seem to think that there are Chinese cannot be anti-British. tere who allow the idea of the tellectual as well as material, of ones in the past misled England's cheerfulness and gaiety suggest and day: "The Government, or to many.dificalties to be over- First, Chiness and British inter-king to prevail over their own in the Empire have been employed enemy, it has been one of the chief comfort in the trenches; he must rather the King and country, recome. But to win this war has esta are very much interwoven in matters of State cease to be nd- towards the realisation of the Im-

means of succosa in building üp not think of the trench as aug-quire the service of every man indeed many to overcame-this is the Far East, for practically our visere, and they are in time perial ambition. These words

the British Empire. But calm. | thing but a place for the hero. available," Suck an appeal no objection at all. If it is advis entire foreign trade is either invariably driven to adopt a policy must not be taken as words of

Not only may the soldier he would be more powerful that any able and, therefore, to ba alapted, conducted through British trad.rather to suit the temper of condemnation. Every nation, likeness may sometimes be put for any individual, is at liberty to board as an excuse for indifference, gay, but they ought, and given of your postere in concentrating the man responsiblo will have to ing houses or at least carried on their royal master than the in- to the mind of a stranger who has opportunity, to be gay. Constant the voluntary element of the no-solve all the difficulties as bost hein British possessions British Hyma of Hate," on the other torests of the nation. The that it Germany were to win in aot boon in this country long, and consciousness of the war will not tion. The new system would osn, and that is all. The honour, disaster would bring rain upon hand, suggests more clearly than so had not the opportunity of improve the soldier; it is the duty epare the energy expended in ad-like so many other honours con- maay Chinese homes. Secondly, this war there would be historians studying the English character, it and discipline that he has to bear vertising for reoraits, and rid nected with the successful issue the nois committed by the Ger- anything else the weak side of to place the Kaiser eveu higher might be the latter, not the in mind. In order to foster a gay your "indignant walls" of pos of a war, belange, to the Govern-mane on their much on Peking your opponents. A man if be than his great ancestor. In his former, that would be taken for spirit among the soldiers, masio

tera like, "Is your best boy in ment-I say eo many other hon-after the Boxar Rising are not yet hae a contempt, and sometimes knows he is superior to his enemy, tory, it is success that lives the the attitude of the people of this is a very poorerful agency? The khaki?" The moral effort would ours," becau I always forgotten. Thirdly, as Ubica longest.

country towards the war. The Germans, though bid psycholo. be immeasurable; it would be no think that history i fall cannot still afford to go to war even a pity, for him, but hate Y Buving traced the origin of the behaviour of many people is such gists, have at least this knowledge emaller than that which the fore- of injusties in the distribution of with any nation, it would be in implies envy and self-conscious war, it does not really mater who that it is impossible to believe that of the human mind; they attaching through of the Dardanelles the fruits of success. When the theinterest to use international law inability to panish. From the is responsible for the immediate the greatest war the world has a great deal to music. Bat, until would have produced, for the new war is brought to a successful end, respected, because that might still paychological point of view, I cause of it; it has been in the air ever seen is at this moment being recently, your recruits have system would give immense jo for instanco, the men give her some sort of protection think the "Hymn of Hate" may for the last twenty or thirty years; waged almost at your door, marched through the street in to the men at the front by const the belm will against aufair dealings in here traced to the expression, it only waited for a favourable People, it is truo, talk of war every ailence" Noithor a drum is vincing them that everybody is find his name written in golden International relations. But if the

Contemptible little Army.". It moment to begin. It is, however, morning and evening; but they heard nor a recruiting aoto," as it doing his " bit," and for the same lettere in history and his nams doctrine that might is right" is no secret that England's par- extraordinary how few people in rather seem to talk in such a way were. It is, however, interesting ressons, the atmoss confidence to become the common household were to survive this war, what ticipation in the war incurred the this country did foresee this war. that the Allies and England ap to think how music agrees with the Allies. It would also make word, but the "rank and file will would come of her father? Ta wrath of Germany; but at the The cries against the increase of pear to be different things, They the soldier; the recruits inevitab the average man at home more find their gratification only in the deed, we Chinese, who, as the beginning of the war, the wrath the Navy, the proposal or hope to will, for instanos, talk of "Bually sing. They do their duty, and sensible in every respect, inasmuch sucoses of the war. Some of them English say are accustomed to re-as mixed with contempt hence induce Germany to agree to openness as usual," "The war will be at the

"Contemptible little Army: it sing to as the war is at last brought may

have eveni

been gard our words as our bond simp- B "naval holiday," and the dis-over in Augeat.' "We must provide themselves with music; nearer to him.

buried" without A drum ly cannot understand some of the ie the failure to reach Paris or regard of Lord Roberts' repeated have the Derby," "Rather see to quote Shakespeare, they esy There are, of course, some being,, heard or a fanoral aola committed in this war. We Calais, and the gradual realisation warninge, rather suggest failure England free thun England both "Amen! and God save people who object to universal note: others will at most have understood, for instance, that of the strength of the Allies, and to grasp the "made-up" mind of sober," and the like. But can the King.”

service or compulsion simply bo- only the honour of "stripping treaty is a very solemn thing, and especially of the British Army, Germany, and judging the England be free if she is not so- Music not only makes the cause it is alien to a particular their sleeves and showing their The Hague Conventions are bind that have brought your opponents war in the light ci recent ber? It is, of coures, too much soldier, but, as our Chinese his policy. I am quite ignorant of soare." If the statesman is to ing on all signatories; but recent to a sober judgement and conse evente, England though

she to expect the public to realise the tory tells us, has played a great party politica, still lose would I secure all the honoure, can ho overts store that they all may hatred-hence the Hymu of

quently turned contempt into. foreseen might have

the magnitude of the war and its ocn part in military success, We have desire to identify myself with complain of difficulties?" perish before the word "necarsi war, had certainly not prepared sequences if the lessons of the the story how a terrible dopras any one part; but I venture to We have a saying that "They." As for myself, I am quite ste." One of the best signs of war, or rather its realities have sion was created in the army of say that, however dear a certain looker-on is the better judge." at a loss to see the object of air your ultimate saccess in this war, I rather hesitate in giving an not yet been brought home to it. the enemy by means of the system of politics may be to the The war has brought about many raida," which have no milliary therefore, is your opponent's ats opinion in regard to the question To make the people understand musical kite. In the mind's eye henkta of certain people, yet, if social problems, the solution of valus at all, but simply find titude shown towards you in this of preparation, for I am afraid that "Nothing is as Usual" in a of the average Englishman, per- they at present were still to allow which, though simple enough to their victims among innocent that what I said might be on-time when the life of the whole haps every unknown Chinaman is it to take precedence of the war, the outsider, has given rise to a lot non-combatants. If they are

" but kite-flying all reasoning with them would be of controversies or a variety intended mers) grued as criticism of your nation is threatoped is a duty of a "Mr. Dick;

ambitions, and one may be sure

for it.

"

same

11

180

are

་

•

war, viz.

hatred,"

from contempt to

F. T. CHENG