CHAPTER XX

The Rise of Japan and the Decline of China

Former Cloud of Mystery Surrounding These Two Nations--Ancient Civilizations--Closed Territory to the Outside World--Their Ignorance of Other Nations--The Breaking Down of the Walls in the Nineteenth Century--Japan's Sudden Rise to Power--Aptness to Learn--The Yankees of the East--Conditions of Conservatism Holds on in China--Li Hung Chang Rises into Prominence--The Corean Trouble--War Between China and Japan--The Battle of Yalu River--Admiral Ito's Victory--Japanese Army Invades the Celestial Empire--China Surrenders--European Nations Demand Open Commerce--Threatened Partition 309