New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-05-04
AGITATION IN CHINA J
AGAINST YUAN SH|H-KA1
Provisional President Accused
of UnhoIy Desire to Become
Another Napoleon.
BUT COUNTRY NEEDS HIM
His Death Would Mean Chaos,
and Fleets of All the
World Powers Would
Approach.


Shanghai. April s.-A disagreeable and
discouraging feature OF the present situa-
ton In China Is an evidently growing agi-
tation against Provisional President Yuan
Shih-kai, who, every one with China's IN
terests at heart earnestly hopes. will be
made permanent President in the election
( in the National Assembly. Yuan Shih-kai
Is being accused OF an unholy desire to
become the Napoleon Of China, OF being a
martinez Of an uncomfortable aspiration
TO become an emperor and OF utter in
capacity to handle the nation. Yet de-
spite all this, it remains a fact. Just as il
was year ago, that Yuan Shih-kai Is
the only man in Chinese public life who
is really able to cope with the present
dangerous situation.
For this reason II seems certain that
his election to the Presidency is assured
and that the electors will take the sensi-
bic course and not oppose him. but at the
same time the abuse that is being heaped
upon MIN in this part OF the country, at
least. Is very unwhoesome. AS II comes
! from some OF the reformers who took a
prominent part in the revolution and who
are, in measure, looked upon by their
countrymen as leaders. It shakes ones
confidence in the good sense OF the new
element which has endeavored TO take
, the place OF the old.
a Hypothetical Case.
To prove the value the basic necessity.
indeed, OF Yuan Shih-kai being at the
helm. II is only necessary to Imagine the
situation which would be created were
Yuan TO be assassinated tomorrow, or
even IL he should chance TO die a peace
full and natural death Chaos internally
would be Inevitable. with a score OF pro-
vincial leaders entering into desperate
conflict for the great place Of power at
the head OF the nation. Bayonets would
glisten on the borders and the rattle OF
the sabre would be heard throughout the
world. The American feet. now at Ma
Mia at target practice, could be depended
upon 10 steam with all speed 10 Chinese
ports, there TO protect American citizens.
The same would be true Of all other
fleets, and aggressive nations would watch
the developments with great satisfaction
and whetted appetites. All this is 50
tremendously obvious that the fight which
is being made against Yuan seems incom-
prehensible. especially, as pointed out
above. when some of the leading agitators
are men supposedly enlightened.
1t may be that Yuan Shh-kai desires
t. be an emperor but there is nothing
yet 10 prove it, although II must be al
mitted that during the last few months
Yuan Shih-kai. widest politician that
China knows has lost no opportunity Of
strengthening his position. But, even so.
this is not the time to try TO undermine
him. China Is old and will grow older.
probably smaller. too. and there will be
ample time 70 play selfish political games.
which it must be feared is what some Of
| his opponents are doing. when the nation
, Is a little more firmly established than 1t
now Is.
Record at President.
Yuan Shih-kai has been Provisional
President now for little more than
year, having taken the oath Of Office on
March 10, 1912. During that time the gen
eral situation in China has been exceed
ingly dangerous. likely at any time to
turn into a confagration of rebellion.
mutiny Of unpaid troops or simple upris-
ings of the people against corrupt Off
cialdom Yet Yuan Shih-kai has retained
his control In spite Of great financial en-
barrassment. due 10 the failure Of the
loan negotiations, he has kept the
provinces satisfied. and has, TO a really
! remarkable extent. all things considered,
made both ends meet. He has devoted
himself asslduously to strengthening his
hold upon the army. TO creating high
sounding offices by the score until now
his has become something akin TO a MILL
tary government. To Just what extent he
really controls the army can never be
proved until there is a crisis. for the Chi
nese soldier is always an uncertain and
dangerous quantity; but 1t il certain that
his following in military circles is greater
and stronger than that Of any other man.
even including the recent heroes OF the
revolution, the glory OF whom is now
fading.
II the agitation here and up the Yang
TIE Valley develops into genuine con-
splracy something of interest is bound 20
happen. for Yuan shh-kai IS not the man
TO stand idly by. as did the Manchus, and
have the ground cut from under him.
During the last year he has more than
once shown his courage and intolerance OF
opposition, notably In August, when he
ruthlessly executed a couple OF so-called
generals who came to Picking with details
of an anti Yuan plot in their pockets.
A Conspiracy Discovered.
The most tangible thing that has hap
pened with regard TO any conspiracy was
the discovery some time ago OF the Nine
Dragons Mountain Society, named after
mountain in Fu-Kien Province. The pre-
else object of this organization has never
been divulged, and II is not clear whether
it's plans are against Yuan shih,kai.
Uovever that NAV be- its activities nave
boen shown 10 be widespread, and In
Shanghai. Nankng and Wu-Hu. which -
some distance up the Yang-Tze, the au-
thorities have summary executed mem
have been about a dozen executions; II
these 80 on something serious may nap
pen. for one execution usually breeds
score of revolutonists.