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
of all adopt the constitutional form of government.
Mr. Ko: I do not understand why it is that a monarchy should be
established before the constitutional form of government can be
formed?
Mr. Hu: Because if the present system continues there will be
intermittent trouble. At every change of the president there will be
riot and civil war. In order to avert the possibility of such awful
times place the president in a position which is permanent. It
follows that the best thing is to make him Emperor. When that bone
of contention is removed, the people will settle down to business
and feel peace in their hearts, and devote their whole energy and
time to the pursuit of their vocations. It is logical to assume that
after the adoption of the monarchy they will concentrate their
attention on securing a constitutional government which they know is
the only salvation for their country. As for the Emperor, knowing
that he derives his position from the change from a republic, and
filled with the desire of pacifying the people, he cannot help
sanctioning the formation of the constitutional form of government
which in addition, will insure to his offspring the continuation of
the Throne. Should he adopt any other course, he will be exposed to
great personal danger. If he is broadminded, he will further
recognize the fact that if no constitutional form of government is
introduced, his policy will perish after his death. Therefore I say
that before the adoption of the constitutional form of government, a
monarchy should be established. William I. of Germany and the
Emperor Meiji of Japan both tried the constitutional form of
government and found it a success.
Mr. Ko: Please summarize your discussion.
Mr. Hu: In short, the country cannot be saved except through the
establishment of a constitutional form of government. No
constitutional government can be formed except through the
establishment of a monarchy. The constitutional form of government
has a set of fixed laws, and the monarchy has a definite head who
cannot be changed, in which matters lies the source of national
strength and wealth.
Mr. Ko: What you have said in regard to the adoption of the
constitutional monarchy as a means of saving the country from
dismemberment is quite true, but I would like to have your opinion
on the relative advantages and disadvantages of a republic and a
monarchy, assuming that China adopts the scheme of a monarchy.
Mr. Hu: I am only too glad to give you my humble opinion on this
momentous question.
Mr. Ko: You have said that China would be devastated by contending
armies of rival leaders trying to capture the presidency. At what
precise moment will that occur?
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