Directory_and_Chronicle_1919 — Page 594

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CHINA

Revolutionists. Lack of money afflicted both parties, but chiefly the Southerners, who, otherwise, might have achieved greater success. By April and May a deadlock had been reached. However, the tension was relieved when on June 5th, 1916, Yuan Shih- kai died in his palace, a broken-hearted man. Peace was restored by Li Yuan Hung becoming President and assuring the resumption of republican institutions. Though the Revolution ceased with dramatic suddenness on the death of Yuan Shih-kai fighting did not end in Kwantung till several months later, rival generals contending for Canton and the power which its possession conferred in negotiating with the Central Government.

Parliament, which was reconstituted in August, failed to accomplish anything. Its policy was obstructive rather than constructive. It declined to approve of two nominations for Minister of Foreign Affairs, actions similar to those which forced Yuan Shih-kai to suppress the National Assembly. Friction between the Chinese and Japanese Governinents arose over a fracas in the Mongolian border town of Chengchiatun, and the questions developing therefrom resulted in China having to concede certain demands to Japan. Another unfortunate incident took place in October between the French and Chinese Governments respecting the extension of the French Concession in Tientsin, the French authorities, becoming weary of Chinese procra- stination, forcibly taking possession of the area in question. This matter, according to instructions from Paris, was settled amicably. The election of Vice-President was debated for some time, and, finally, Fung Kuo-chang was elected.

The struggle between Parliament and Premier continued in 1917 and even the advent of the veteran Wu Ting-fang as Minister for Foreign Affairs failed to have any soothing effect. Against the most strenuous opposition, the Government, however, made progress in its policy of acting with America against German submarinism, and on February 9th a Note was dispatched to the Berlin Government protesting against the measures proclaimed on 1st February by that Government. Needless to say, the reply was of the usual evasive character and did not touch the points at issue. Not till some weeks later did China finally break off diplomatic relations with Germany, a step which involved a lively dispute between the President and the Premier Tuan Chi-jui. The former was inclined to object to too precipitate action by the Cabinet and it was even said that he insisted upon his constitutional rights to declare war and make peace. As the result of the disagreement Tuan Chi-jui immediately left the capital for Tientsin and remained there for two days during which the President evidently discovered that he had made a mistake and dispatched influential delegates to persuade the Premier to Having secured certain guarantees, Tuan did return, and a conference of conciliation took place when differences were settled, for the time at least. On March 10th the Cabinet appeared before both Houses of Parliament and, after prolonged discussion, each voted its support to the Government, and on March 14th diplomatic relations were definitely broken off, passports being handed at noon to the German Minister. Some bargaining between China and the Entente followed, the Chinese Government undertaking only the supply of primary material and assistance in respect of labour, though later there was a desire manifested, especially on the part of Tuan Chi-jui, to send troops to the Western front.

return.

As the year advanced events moved very rapidly. The bitterness between Premier and Parliament became intensified. The former was accused of acting unconstitu- tionally in respect of the rupture with Germany and several members of his Cabinet resigned. Meanwhile Parliament had drafted a constitution which did not commend itself to conservative opinion outside and in particular military opinion. Tuan Chi-jui endeavoured to carry on with a reduced cabinet but a crisis was precipitated when President Li Yuan-hung felt bold enough to dismiss the Premier, his assistant in this courageous course being Wu Ting-fang who countersigned the mandate. Wang Shih-

At this stage the Northern Tuchuns took a hand in the political game, and their assembling in conference in Tientsin was rightly regarded as a threat to Parliament. President Li Yuan Hung found it impossible to induce a suitable man to undertake the responsibity of forming a Cabinet.

Now came a curious development. Chang Hsun, who had held a dominating posi-

He

tion with his pigtailed warriors astride the Tsinpu Railway, was for some extraordinary combination of reasons invited to assume the unnatural role of mediator. appeared willing enough to undertake this duty, but he declined to move till the President issued a mandate inviting him to come to Peking

some five

thousand of his hairy warriors, but breaking his iourney at Tientsin he had a consulta-