At a meeting of the New Plymouth Literary and Debating Society on Monday the Eastern question was discussed, and Mr Chew Chong took a hand. The Herald reports that his remarks were to the effect that a change of Government, and the deposing of the present ruler, who was one of a dynasty existing over 280 years, and was of Tartar origin, and not a true Chinese, would be to the best interests of China. China had been crippled and handicapped by the corruption and greed of those in authority, notably Li Hung Chang himself. Mr Chong quoted some old baric songs of the Chinese, which prophesied the coming of an iron snake," and crossing the road also the arrival in Chinese waters of five ships." Until lately these songs were looked upon as mystical, but in the light of recent events were seen to be prophetical— the "iron horse crossing the road," being the railway and locomotives; and the "five ships," the five nations closing in round China— Germany, France, Russia, England and America. Mr Chong saw no way to prevent a general war, and considered that most probably the contest would be between [Germany, France and Russia on the one side, and England, America and China on the other side, with perhaps Japan assisting. Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XXXV, Issue 3890, 7 July 1898, Page 2