Page 255 - The interest of America in sea power, present and future

236 A Twentieth-Century Outlook.

Of China we know less ; but many observ-
ers testify to the immense latent force of the
Chinese character. It has shown itself hitherto
chiefly in the strength with which it has ad-
hered to stereotyped tradition. But stereo-
typed traditions have been overthrown already
more than once even in this unprogressive peo-
ple, whose conservatism, due largely to igno-
rance of better conditions existing in other
lands, is closely allied also to the unusual stay-
ing powers of the race, to the persistence of
purpose, the endurance, and the vitality charac-
teristic of its units. To ambition for individual
material improvement they are not insensible.
The collapse of the Chinese organization in all
its branches during the late war with Japan,
though greater than was expected, was not
unforeseen. It has not altered the fact that
the raw material so miserably utilized is, in
point of strength, of the best ; that it is abun-
dant, racially homogeneous, and is multiplying
rapidly. Nor, with the recent resuscitation of
the Turkish army before mens eyes, can it
be thought unlikely that the Chinese may yet
obtain the organization by which alone poten-
tial force receives adequate military develop-