"Sick and Unhappy"

Tsao-Kun, President of China and powerful Tuchun (War Lord), was said to be "sick and unhappy" in his Peking palace.

Once men trembled at his word; now he is a "prisoner, not permitted to see communications sent to him ... a manipulated and bossed figurehead ... in the hands of more astute and cleverer selfish men."

The President rose to greatness from humble beginnings. When he was a plain Tuchun things were easier. Now he is President, "anything but a scholar" and not understanding the intricacies of politics, he is at a grave disadvantage. Instead of being surrounded by an army eager to obey his command he is surrounded by an army of "corrupt, selfish, intriguing and clever" politicians eager to command him. This is why he is "sick and unhappy."