Page:Mead - The Overthrow of the War System.pdf/116

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94
The Overthrow

Asiatic-American friendship

America has done much to merit the proverbial confidence of China. Li Hung Chang said, "While America was the only country of the world which denied admittance to our countrymen, it was also the only nation which stood like the Great Wall between China and dismemberment." It was our return of the Chinese indemnity, which was an over-payment, that set a new standard in international ethics. China has wisely used her restored indemnity for educating her youth in American universities where they rank as excellent students. Their high ideals and loyalty to the new republic inspire confidence that China will have wise leadership.

Dr. Jordan writes, "The Japanese everywhere feel toward America a peculiar, almost romantic gratitude. It was America who, in 1854, first opened Japan to the activities of the West. . . . It was America who led in the establishment of the Japanese school system and the great Imperial University of Tokio. . . . America is Japan's nearest and best friend among the nations, her guide and leader in paths which are new and strange."