view is that what we are to obtain from the transaction is far less than what we are to give.  If it be argued that the policy aims at securing for China her right to live as an unfettered nation, then we ought to ask for the cancellation of the entire Boxer Indemnities, the abolition of exterritoriality, the retrocession of the foreign concessions and the repeal or amendment of all unjust treaties after the war.  But none of these have we demanded.  If we ourselves cannot improve our internal administration in order to become a strong country, it is absurd to expect our admission to the ranks of the first-class Powers simply by being allowed a seat at the Peace Conference and by taking a side with the Entente!

“Which side will win the war?  I shall not attempt to predict here.  But it is undoubted that all the arms of Europe—­and the industrial and financial strength of the United States and Japan—­ have proved unavailing against Germany.  On the other hand France has lost her Northern provinces and Belgium, Serbia and Rumania are blotted off the map.  Should Germany be victorious, the whole of Europe—­not to speak of a weak country like China—­would be in great peril of extinction.  Should she be defeated, Germany still can—­after the conclusion of peace—­send a fleet to war against us.  And as the Powers will be afraid of a second world-war, who will come to our aid?  Have we not seen the example of Korea?  There is no such thing as an army of righteousness which will come to the assistance of weak nations.  I cannot bear to think of hearing the angry voice of German guns along our coasts!

“If we allow the Entente to recruit labour in our country without restriction, thousands upon thousands of our fellow countrymen will die for no worthy cause; and if we allow free exportation of foodstuff, in a short time the price of daily necessaries will mount ten to a hundredfold.  This is calculated to cause internal troubles.  Yea, all gains from this policy will go to the politicians but the people will suffer the evil consequences through no fault of theirs.

DIPLOMACY OF CONFUCIUS

“In the matter of diplomacy, we do not need to go to the West for the apt learning on the point at issue.  Confucius had said:  ’Be truthful and cultivate friendship—­this is the foundation of human happiness.’  Our country being weak and undeveloped, if we strive to be truthful and cultivate friendship, we can still be a civilized nation, albeit hoary with age.  But we are now advised to take advantage of the difficulties of Germany and abandon honesty in order that we may profit thereby.  Discarding treaties is to be unfaithful, grasping for gains is not the way of a gentleman, taking advantage of another’s difficulties is to be mean and joining the larger in numbers is cowardice.  How can we be a nation, if we throw away all these fundamental qualities.

“Even in the press of England and the United States, there is opposition to America entering the war.  If we observe neutrality, we are not bound to any side; and when the time comes for peace—­ as a friend to both sides—­we may be able to bring about the ends of the war.  Is this not a service to humanity and the true spirit of civilization?