Page:A wandering student in the Far East vol.1 - Zetland.djvu/73

Rh progress, then we may begin to view the problems presented by a renovated China in the light of problems at last within the range of the practical, and destined to have immense influence upon our own future. And when we have grasped something of the significance of the movement, and realised—to quote the words of Dr Martin—that "its object is not a changed dynasty nor a revolution in the form of Government, but that, with higher aim and deeper motive, it promises nothing short of the complete renovation of the oldest, most populous, and most conservative of Empires," then we may face with all the seriousness which the case demands the gigantic possibilities which are opened out in connection with the future relations of East and West. When we begin to sum up the assets of China,—its 400,000,000 of frugal and industrious people, its incalculable mineral wealth scattered bounteously over a compact territory nearly half as large again as the United States of America, its variety of soil and climate, its immense rivers and vast sea-board,—we need not feel surprised if the mind is staggered at the thought of