the time being they did not as yet begin the work of division, because they feared that an uneven division of booty might cause them to wrangle amongst themselves. Just at the juncture when they were all in a fix, wishing to divide the precious boxes, and being on the point of wrangling, neither of which was done because the people of the other ship were waked up. Thereupon these therefore discussed between themselves the making of a treaty. What may this act of the 'preservation of peace,' 'the maintenance of order' be termed? Truly that which is maintained, is the lulling to sleep of the people of the one ship; that which is guaranteed is the request that every one shall fix on his own things, and prepare to divide these things peaceably. What about those people in the other ship, those who were sleeping are still deep in sleep; those who are awake are without any plans; and as to those who are half awake and half asleep, they have heard in their dream that there are men who are maintaining affairs and giving protection, and, hence they have a feeling that there will be no trouble under these circumstances!
Just consider a moment. If these fellows did not banker after the things in the ship, and if they didn't aim at a division of them, they shouldn't meddle with things. When they came out to offer protection, why was it they were not afraid of trouble？That protection therefore means nothing but a peaceable division. And so the reason for the present making of treaties is none other than this very thing.
If you do not believe, please look at things as they were before the last ten years, after the Chino-Japanese war. What was the policy of the Powers towards China then? Within these ten years, what has been the attitude of the Powers in claiming privileges and rights? To what degree did the Powers advance their Spheres of Influence? And with this in view have another look at the treaty, and you will apprehend what kind of intention the Powers had. The present condition of our China is truly most critical. The symptoms of the break-up of China after the war with Japan were just made apparent. The talk of division arose on this occasion. And though at this time no certain limit was us yet fixed definitely, yet things were partially assigned, such as that Thibet and Mongolia and Manchuria were to be included in the Russian Sphere of Influence. The Yangtze region was appointed to the British Sphere of Influence; Yunnan, Kuangtung, Kuangsi to the French Sphere of Influence; Shantung, Chihli to the German Sphere of Influence; Fukien and Chekiang to the Japanese Sphere of Influence. Therefore Russia mortgages Port Arthur district; England mortgages Weihaiwei; Germany mortgages Kiaochow; The French mortgage Kuangchow Bay; and each and all of them raced for its own part, each fearing to fall behind the other. Each wanted to make firm his own position. Above all a great number sought permission for mining, and railway building, and such like concerns. This you all know quite well.
