THE MINISTER TO CHINA.
The departure this week of Mr. Nelson Johnson to take up his duties as the new American Minister to China should mean the beginning of a new chapter in American-Chinese relations. Mr. Johnson is a " career man," but not in any sense a con- ventional type of diplomat. He was not even educated at a university. He is distinctly human and brings to his work a creative attitude of mind. His long residence in China, together with his knowledge of the native language, give him an unusual insight into the character of the Chinese people. Among other friendly intentions, Mr. Johnson proposes to live as much as possible at Nanking instead of Peking, to be in the closest possible touch with the Chinese Nationalist Government. His whole attitude of mind is liberal, and it can be assumed that he will approach his work not merely with sympathy towards the Chinese but also with a perfect understanding of the importance of co-operating fully with the representatives, particularly of Great Britain, in efforts to solve the delicate diplomatic problems which must be faced
during the coming, year.
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