While the various armies engaged in the current Chinese war maneuver under the leadership of rival generals with unpronounceable names, the policy of watchful waiting Japan has had to adopt since the Peace Conference took Shantung away from her begins to show sings of developing into more aggressive tactics. Nine years after the treaty, the rest of the world that retains any interest whatsoever in China has become thoroughly disillusioned as to the possibility of that country developing a peaceful regime unaided. So when the time comes, as appearance indicate it will before long, for intervention to be repeated, the chances are it will be unopposed.

Impersialism, if ever justified, would certainly be excusable on the part of an over-populated island next a disorganized country rich in undeveloped natural resources, but China has been held sacred by the governments of the world ever since the Open Door policy was adopted. Much as the abstract principle of liberty appeals to publics of every land, it would be almost too inconsistent for England to turn from her Egyptian "problem" or the United States from its Nicaraguan campaign to warn Japan out of Manchuria. But altruism by proxy is a favorite virtue of governments, and may yet save China from her neighbor.