The Fight for the Republic in ChinaPutnam Weale, B. L. (Bertram Lenox)
History
The Fight for the Republic in China
Putnam Weale, B. L. (Bertram Lenox)
China -- History -- Republic, 1912-1949; China -- Politics and government
But since the French and American peoples possess general education
they are in a position to assume responsibility for the good
government of their nations which they keep in good order. On that
account, although these republics are not strong in dealing with the
Powers, they can maintain peace at home. China, however, is unlike
these countries, for her standard of popular education is very low.
Most of the Chinese soldiers declare as a commonplace: "We eat the
imperial food and we must therefore serve the imperial master." But
now the Imperial family is gone, and for it has been substituted an
impersonal republic, of which they know nothing whatsoever. These
soldiers are now law-abiding because they have awe-inspiring and
respectful feelings for the man at the head of the state. But as the
talk of equality and freedom has gradually influenced them, it has
become a more difficult task to control them. As an example of this
corrupt spirit, the commanders of the Southern troops formerly had
to obey their subordinate officers and the subordinate officers had
to obey their soldiers. Whenever there was an important question to
be discussed, the soldiers demanded a voice and a share in the
solution. These soldiers were called the republican army. Although
the Northern troops have not yet become so degenerate, still they
never hesitate to disobey the order of their superiors whenever they
are ordered to proceed to distant localities. Now we have come to
the point when we are deeply satisfied if the army of the Republic
does not openly mutiny! We cannot expect any more from them save to
hope that they will not mutiny and that they will be able to
suppress internal disturbances. In the circumstances there is no use
talking about resistance of a foreign invasion by these soldiers. As
China, a republic, is situated between two countries, Japan and
Russia, both of which have monarchical governments, how can we
resist their aggression once diplomatic conversations begin? From
this it is quite evident that there is nothing which can save China
from destruction. Therefore I say there is no hope of China becoming
strong.
Mr. Ko: But why is it that there is no hope of China ever becoming
rich?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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