Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-08-17

PROF. GOODNOW ENDORSES
PLAN FOR A MONARCHY
American, Who Is Legal Adviser to
Government, Cites Reasons.
News Creates Sensation.

PEkING, August 1.-THE project of
proclaimins himself emperor is being
discussed by Yuan Shi-kai. president
OF the Chinese republic. with his i'm
mediate supporters. and Prof Frank
johnson Goodnow of Johns Hopkins
University, legal adviser to the Chinese
government, who is spending the sum
mer in Peking.
Prof. Goodnow who secured the con-
fidence of Yuan ShiKai by advice
given during former critical times. has
been consulted on this question since
his arrival here a month ago, and it is
learned that he approves the project
Says Conditions Differ.
The news became public by the de-
liberate publication in the morning
newspapers of accounts of the forma-
ton by several prominent men or an
association for the purpose of discuss
ing whether Il monarchy is not the bet
ter form of government for China. The
published article telling of the forma-
ton of the society quotes Prof Good
now declaring that for China
monarchy is a better form of govern
ment than republic and that "Condi-
tions are different in China and Amer
lea. and it is impossible to transplant
a system from one country to another"
1t was learned from one of Yuan Shi-
Kai's immediate supporters that if the
project proved feasible the plan is to
establish the monarchy within two
years.
,Peking and is being Telegram hed
throughout the country.
Goodnow Invited to Peking.
1t is stated that Prof. Goodnow was
asked to come to Picking, and that soon
after his arrival Yuan Shi kai con-
suited with him on the question of a
permanent constitution and broached
the question of monarchy. The
arguments of Yuan's supporters, it is
declared, persuaded Prof. Goodnow that
monarchy should be established if
the people would accept it, and Prof
Goodnow drafted document for Yuan,
advising him on the method of estab-
fishing Il monarchy.
In the announcement of the project,
which is made to appear as coming
from I; group of leading citizens, Prof.
Goodnow is quoted extensively as a
great authority advocating the neces-
sity for I, monarchy. This pronounce
ment says:
AS Prof. Goodnow is a citizen of a
republic, he is more competent to make
such a statement than Others.
Prof. Goodnow said tonight he had
made no blanket statement that
monarchy was better than republic,
but said that under certain conditions
such as apply in China he believes a
monarchy would be better.
Danger of Chaos Is Cited.
The foremost arguments of the mon
archists is the danger of chaos reign
ing as in Mexico at Yuan Shi Kafs
death. The succession of Vice Presi
dent Lii Yuan Yang. who was the ma
tons hero in the anti Manchu revolu-
ton but who has been a prisoner on
an island in the winter palace grounds
the past two wears, would, it is de-
clared, be unSa tisfactory to some of
Yuan Sh kais immediate supporters
because it is asserted they would be
unable to control him.
Yuan Shi Kai's eldest son is a partial
invalid owing to an injury to his head
susta med in being thrown from his
horse. while his other sons are unim-
portant youths.
1t is believed that the project will
be consummated more or less speedily
unless dangerous objection is display
ed throughout the country, which is
considered unlikely, because the press
is largely controlled by the govern
ment and the people apparently are
willing to accept any government
which will give them period of peace.
Became Republic in 1912.
China became Il republic February
IL, 1912, upon the abdication of the
Emperor Kuang-Su. following the rev.
olution of the previous year. a pro-
yisional constitution, formulated by
the revolutionary government of Nam
king was accepted and under this a
provisional parliament met in Peking
April s. 1913.
A permanent constitution was draft
ed and the articles dealing with the
election and term of office of presi-
dent and vice president were passed
by parliament. Under these Yuan Shi-
Kaj October 6, was elected president
for d fivc-year term.