New Regime

While inland China was wrapt in its customary slumber, the coast provinces, from Kwangtung to Chihli, effervesced in a variety of bubbles.

In the South, Dr. Sun Yatsen, "perpetual rebel", was reported hostile to the warlords who controlled Peking.

In the Centre, General Wu Pei-fu, until recently the biggest man in China, prepared, with his cronies, for war upon the legions of the Peking warlords.

In the North (i.e. in Peking), Gen eral Feng Yu-hsiang, "Chinese Christion Soldier", relinquished his command "now that his military services are no longer needed." This left, controlling Peking, Marshals Chang Tso-lin and Tuan Chi-jui.

Evidently there had been dispute among Feng, Chang and Tuan. What were the two remaining ones going to do? A report from London professed to know that Marshals Tuan and Chang ' were "for restoring the Manchu Monarchy." That would explain the animosity of Dr. Sun and also lend reason to the quarrel with General Feng. This latter, in addition to frowning on his comrade's ideas on foreign policy (see below), is a republican in spirit and no believer in dynasties.

The next development seemed further to foreshadow Tuan in the role of Regent. With the full consent of the Government, the knowledge of all foreign legations, and on the advice of his English tutor, young Hsuan Tung, whilom "Boy Emperor" of China, sought asylum in the Japanese Legation. The report was that he might cross to Japan, there to wait out of harm's way until Tuan had reduced his realm to order for him. Meanwhile, the young Manchu talked of how good it seemed to be freed of official duties, of how he would like to go to the U. S. to study "at Hamilton College or Columbia Uni versity.

And meantime, Marshal Tuan issued a mandate:

On November 24, 1924, I, Tuan Chi-jui, assumed office as Chief Executive* of the Republic of China. At the time of assuming office, I formally announced as follows: I, Tuan Chi-jui, although without ability and undeserving, assume office as Chief Executive of the Republic of China. I swear that I will endeavor to consolidate the Republican Government, respect public opinion, and strive to bring about reform within the country and raise the nation's standing abroad. I swear the foregoing reverently.

More mandates followed:

The system of the Provisional Government of the Republic of China is hereby promulgated. Seal of the Chief Executive of the Republic of China.

ARTICLE 1. The Provisional Government of the Republic of China shall have a Chief Executive who shall have supreme control of civil and military affairs and shall be Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy.

ARTICLE 2. The Chief Executive shall act as the representative of the Republic of China in international affairs.

ARTICLE 3. The Provisional Government shall have Ministers of State to assist the Chief Executive in attending to the duties of his office. All mandates of the Provisional Government, as well as documents relating to State matters, shall be countersigned by the Ministers of State.

ARTICLE 4. The Chief Executive shall empower Ministers of State to control the following ministries: Foreign Affairs, Interior, Finance, War, Navy, Justice, Education, Commerce and Agriculture, and Communications.

ARTICLE 5. The Chief Executive shall summon the Ministers of State to hold Cabinet meetings.

ARTICLE 6. This system of government shall go into effect from the date of promulgation, but will be declared null and void when a formal government is established.

Explanatory of the foregoing were statements, official and otherwise, issued by Tuan through his Foreign Minister, Tang Shao-yi. The gist of these was: "Reform within the country" would precede the Government's efforts to "raise the nation's standing abroad" (i.e. "equalize" China's treaties).

The Cabinet appointed:

Chief Executive*: Tuan Chi-jui

Foreign Affairs: Tang Shao-yi

Interior: Kung Hsin-chan

Finance: Li Su-hao

War: Wu Kuang-hsin

Navy: Lin Chien-chang

Justice: Chang Shih-chao

Education: Wang Chiu-ling

Agriculture and Commerce: Yang Shukan

Communications: Yeh Kung-cho.

* Chief Executive is a combination of President and Premier--virtually a dictator. After the Franco-Prussian War in 1871, M. Thiers, in similar circumstances, temporarily assumed the office of Chief of Executive Power in France.