The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, JANUARY 3, 1903.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 709, 3 January 1903, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, JANUARY 3, 1903.

MISCHIEF IN CHINA. Cables from China indicate that the trouble from fanatics in that quarter is not yet done with. Missionaries have been warned to hold themselves in readiness for (light, and that without delay the women and children are to te sent to the coast from Shianfu. Apart from the threatened attempt to exterminate foreigners, there has been a refusal to pay the current instalment of the indemnity in g >ld ; and it is evident that the Powers in dealing with China must, be prepared lo show that demands can promptly be enforced before much- heed will be given to such demands. In regard to the spread of fanaticism, that must be expected to regularly recur in one form or another, and it is mere brarad j for defenceless men and women to remain closely to their posts at a time when such a wave is passing over the land. Though each Christian nation has shown a desire to try and protect its missionaries, it would be absurd to expect that in remote districts they can always have the strong arm of the military to support them against the hordes of people who regard them as their enemies to he dealt with as severely as opportunity permits. None of the Powers want trouble just now, unless perhaps in a solitary case whereby it colild be made a pretext for grabbing more territory.