Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-04-03

His reception, Official and otherwise,
has been significant, and there is no
doubt that the real object of his mis-
sion, to make friends for China, is be
ing crowned with success.
When last in this city, before the
outbreak Of the revolution that made
China republic, DR.. Sun might almost
have been considered a fugitive in hid
ing. He certainly was not persona
grata in official circles, and the Chi
nese legation studiously ignored his
presence until finally, under instruc-
lions from Picking, the legation brought
pressure to bear upon the Japanese au-
thorities, and DR.. Sun Yat-sen was re-
quested to leave the country.
Arriving this time in Toxic late in
the evening, DR.. Sun was met by an
enormous crowd composed not only of
his own countrymen and representa-
tives, but also of the leading business
men and in an Unofficial way the lead
ing people of Toxic. He was driven at
once to the Imperial hotel, where a
section Of the annex, usually occupied
by minor royalties or foreign represen-
tatives, had been set apart for the use
Of himself and his secretaries. From
that time on almost every minute of
his time has been taken up with enter
tainments, interviews, visits and con-
ferences. Always in the waiting rooms
are numbers of people, bankers, mer-
chants and others. Every possible
period for luncheon or for dinner has
been taken up by this or that organi-
cation or individuals. The rooms oc-
cupied by the ex-president are well
stocked with beautiful trees and flow
ers, some Of them carrying the flag Of
the republic OF China crossed with the
flag of the empire of Japan. This in it
self is significant, especially when it is
coupled with the expression of Sun
Yat-sen himself, who said recently to
a visitor: Japan will, believe, be the
first TO recognize the republic of Chi
ma"
Ostensibly the doctor comes for the
purpose Of studying commercial con
dttions, and especially the railroads of
Japan. While this doubtless is true,
he unquestionably has a further pur-
pose. He is here, according to cur
rent belief, to make friends for China:
10 bring his influence to bear in order
that the republic OF China may be rec
ogntzed; to secure the assistance, sup
port, perhaps even an alliance, with
and from Japan, and this remarkable
able Chinaman, who has lived abroad
for nearly 20 years, who rose upon the
horizon Of China a little over a year
ago, and who IL months ago was the
provisional president, with an extreme
ly doubtful status in the squalid CAPT
tai OF Marking, surrounded there with
intrigues and extreme danger. is now
the center of attraction in the capital
Of Japan. He has an undoubted fol
lowing. and a following which includes
people whose names are associated
with big things in Japan. The Mitsuis.
Shibusawa, the Iwasakis, the chamber
OF commerce, the minister of war, the
minister Of navy do not. as a rule,
waste their time upon impossible
ties" or upon people who have little
influence and no future.
NO, I have not time to be presi. !
dent" he said, in reply to the laughing
suggestion that the future must final
ly land him in the presidential chair If
China prospered as a republic.
Il have undertaken this railroad
scheme, and it is huge undertaking."
Dr.. Sun Yat-sen went on, out it can,
and it shall be carried out People
who smile at It do not stop to think.
The resources buried in the soil of
China are enormous, incalculable. They
must be developed in order that Chi /
IA may assume her rightful position in /.
the world. In order to develop these
resources We must have means OF }