Directory_and_Chronicle_1923 — Page 635

CHINA

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This was not the only misfortune in that year, for floods greater than had been known in China for fifty years devastated Kwangtung and took a heavy toll of life. Similar disasters took place in the North, causing many deaths and much damage to property. Though not actively participating in the European War, China suffered very severely in consequence of the outbreak of hostilities. Not only was her foreign trade dislocated, but the money markets of Europe, from which she expected to draw supplies necessary for administration and for the development of the country, were closed to her; while a portion of her territory was overrun by the Japanese in the course of their military operations against Tsingtao, the last-mentioned factor interfering considerably with local trade. Troubles with the Mongols added to the difficulties of the Government, and a mutiny of the Chinese soldiery at Kalgan caused some anxiety for a time. Fortunately, these disturbances were only of a temporary or a local character. Perhaps the outstanding feature of 1914 was the new-born financial confidence of the Chinese in their own Government, an internal loan for $24,000,000 being successfully floated, while an issue of Premium Bonds amounting to $10,000,000 was no less successful.

The year 1915 will be memorable in China for the Japanese ultimatum following the non-acceptance by China of the "Twenty-one Demands" presented by the Tokyo Government. China had, of course, to bow to force majeure and the 7th of May was to be remembered as a day of National Humiliation. These demands not only embraced long-outstanding questions from the Japanese point of view but fresh claims in respect of the German expulsion from Shantung and others based upon expanding Japanese interests in Fukien and in the Yangtsze Valley. A second Domestic Loan in the early part of the year for $24,000,000 was not quite so successful as its predecessor, but, happily, the yield from the Salt Gabelle exceeded anticipations and several amounts which had been ear-marked under the terms of the Re-organisation Loan, such as indemnity claims and sums for Salt Administration reforms, were liberated, thus helping the Government to tide over its more pressing needs.

An unexpected development of the Revolution was manifested about the middle of the year when an organisation known as the Chou An Huei was formed for the purpose of discussing the form of government best adapted to this country. While claiming only academic interest in the discussion of the question, the Chou An Hue was unmistakably in favour of a reversion to monarchy, and the fact that it was allowed to continue its propaganda certainly lent verisimilitude to the belief that the President was not wholly opposed to the objects for which it stood.

Curiously enough, the Monarchical movement had, or seemed to have, its inception in a memorandum written by Professor Goodnow, constitutional advisor to the Pre- sident, in which he discussed the relative merits of a Republic or a Monarachy as applied to conditions in China. This document was utilised in support of the Monar- chical movement with some show of reason, although this result may not have been anticipated by the Professor when he prepared it. Petitions followed from high officials and certain public bodies throughout the Provinces, and these, viewed as important expressions of public opinion, were presented to the State Council, which decided that these could only be dealt with by a properly-elected organ such as the Citizens' Convention. The elections for this body took place in October, and resulted in a unanimous vote in favour of inviting Yuan Shih-kai to ascend the Dragon throne of China. After exhibiting some reluctance Yuan consented to accede to the urgent appeals which were addressed to him on the subject. The Coronation ceremony, however, was postponed in deference to a suggestion from Japan and the other Allied Powers that no step should be taken which might give rise to disturbance in China, though the Government declared its ability to cope with any disorderly elements.

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The insurrection which broke out in Yunnan towards the end of 1915 quickly spread to the adjoining provinces, and this led in time to the formation of a confedera tion headquarters at Canton. Even though the coronation was postponed and later the monarchical movement was cancelled, these concessions failed to satisfy the 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 Kwangtung till several months later, rival generals contending for Canton and the power which its possession conferred in negotiating with the Central Government.