The Daily News. MONDAY, JULY 9, 1917. THE CHINESE SITUATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 July 1917, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, JULY 9, 1917. THE CHINESE SITUATION.

[ Even in normal times Chinese affairs do not attract much more than momentarv interest, so it is hardly to <be expefcted that in the midst of tho greatest war in history the world at large would feel other than indifferent as to whether the form of government in China was monarchial or republican. As a matter of fact China liaa always a ready to hand crop of internal troubles and intrigues, and so long as the interests of other nations are not involved there is no occasion for concern. Japan is the only country that is directly interested in Chinese internal affairs and she is quite able to safeguard herself from harm in that quarter. As a matter of fact the ;c.\-rut ir.torml troubles of China are about as unstable and unsatisfactory as can exist without bloodshed, but even that may (be near at hand. The restoration of the Manchu dynasty is most unlikely to solve the problem of placing Chinese affairs on a satisfactory footing for the movement, though carried out with initial success, not only lacks the support of the whole of the northern provinces, but is resolutely opposed by the southern. The whole question hinges on the ability of the Government to maintain order and to do that it liin t have a firm and resourceful head, 'hi' absurdity of placing a boy on the throne under such circumstances is apparent as it must inevitably lead to intrigues, plots and counterplots. The institution of a .republic was equally unavailing as the Chinese are not yet fitted for selfgovernment. They require a strong hand at the head of affairs, but that is jnet what is foreign to their inclinations. The failure of the republic to exercise authority in the provinces was' evident, but the moment the move was made to restore the monarchy the provinces took steps to upset the new regime. It is easy to understand that tlie provinces have been having a good time freed from restraint, and they want a continuance of this enjoyment, henco the opposition to the change. At first, however, the revolution raised its head in Pekin, but it has quickly spread, and the issue will depend on the loyalty or ' otherwise of the troops in the capital. Tlie seat of the trouble is to be found In the friction (between the Chinese and the Manchus, though just now there is an added factor which brings tlie affair in touch with the European war, for the question of severing relations with Germany was the ostensible source of the royalist movement, though in reality it was the climax of the differences that have arisen between the Prime Minister and the President. There are all the appearances of a civil war looming ahead, and no (prospect of any good resulting therefrom. Apparently 'no ordinary methods will avail to enable China to settle down quietly and peacefully unless the Chinese and Manchus agree to a partition of the country, or a strong man arises who will rule with an iron hand. It is a great country teeming with inhabitants and should have a remarkable future under conditions that would bring out all that ie best in the people, but it is too much to expect them to come up to western standards for many a year hence. The life of the republic in China was brief and in-

iJoi'ioui. 'Die monarchy was easily extinguished in 191-2, and just as easily i«vivcd m 1017. To make a republic successful there must ;be an adaptability to self-government and China had not the spirit. There is no question that reforms were sorely needed when the republic was instituted, tot they have not materialised. The government of four hundred million of people ia no easy matter espeicaily where such people as the Chinese are concerned, and these experiments in regime are unsettling instead of making the country progress.