Will Rogers was a cowboy-philosopher, a down-home boy from the American Midwest noted for his earthy, common-sense witticisms. His comments could be barbed, very often challenging authority and accepted notions, but in a humorous and gentle way.

    In the winter of 1931-2, Rogers visited Shanghai, at a time when Japan was consolidating its control of Northeast China. Regarding foreign influences on China, he said: "China has been taught by the missionaries to trust the Lord. Foreign-educated statesman have taught her to trust in the League of Nations. Between trusting the Lord and the League of Nations she has got where she is."

    He took, for the 1930s, an unusual position on what should be done about The China Problem: "We've got enough wrong with our own country without trying to tell the Chinese what's wrong with China."

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