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
Do you still doubt my words? Let me go deeper into the analysis. The
difference between a republic and a monarchy lies only in the
methods of succession of the head of the nation. It is evident that
although a certain law of succession may be made during the lifetime
of the Head, it cannot take effect until his death; and whether or
not the effect thus intended will come up to expectations will
depend on two factors: (1) whether or not the merits and personal
influence of the predecessor will continue effective after his
death, and (2) whether or not there will be unscrupulous and
insubordinate claimants at the death of the Head, and, if any, the
number of such men and whether the point of dispute they raise be
well-founded. If these are taken as the basis for discerning the
future we will arrive at the same conclusion whether the country be
a republic or a monarchy.
VI. THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION LAW
The Presidential Election Law, however, provides that the successor
should be nominated by his predecessor, and the name of the
successor so nominated is to be locked in the golden box in the
stone strong-room. The President may now, on the one hand, multiply
his merits and strengthen his personal influence so that the whole
country will gladly bow to his wishes to the extent that even after
his death they will not want to disobey his last wish, and on the
other hand, the President may quietly ascertain the likely causes
which would produce dissension, and take suitable steps to prevent
and be rid of them. If the seed of dissension is in the ordinances,
then alter the ordinances so that they may not be used as a tool by
possible claimants. If the seed of dissension is in a person then
cultivate that man, lead him to righteousness, place him in a
suitable position so that he may be protected from temptation.
Meanwhile let the President carefully select his successor on whom
he may eventually lay the responsibilities of State (according to
the Presidential Election Law the President is at liberty to suggest
any one he likes, his own son or some one else). Let the nominee be
placed in a responsible position so as to bring him to public
notice. Give him real authority so that he may establish his
influence. Place his name at the head of other men of little
consequence in the golden box. Then there will be absolutely no
ground for dispute when the time comes to open the box.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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