It will be seen from the foregoing chapters how foreigners are situated in China, what position they hold relatively to the people amongst whom they dwell, and what characteristics of the latter come more prominently under their observation. It remains now to state the result of the intercommunication, thus far, between the two races, foreign and Chinese, and to hazard a few conjectures as to what may be looked for in the future.

Two persons cannot be thrown into each other's company for any considerable period without an influence of some kind being exercised by the one upon the other, either for good or for evil. With nationalities the same rule holds good, and it is well worth considering what has been the influence in this instance, and in which direction. As the stronger more pushing, and more self-asserting people, foreigners, it might be taken for granted, would be able to show the preponderance of influence to have been on their side, and such has been the case no doubt in a commercial and political point of view. A trade has been exacted, which has developed itself, in spite of obstructions of a vexatious and persistent character, into vast dimensions, and China has been compelled to take up a definite position, relatively to other nations, whether she likes it or no.