Bisbee daily review., 1916-02-04
ND SENTIMENT HAD
 IN CHINA ID FAVOR
 CHANGE IN SYSTEM
Shanghai Times Correspond ents Tell that People Could Not Help Themselves in the Late Election.

bg lhdl pdpSI lO NIllt Oi luc dCludi attitude of the public Tn various prov inces toward the monarchial restOra- tion. Many of the replies have been printed in whole or in part by the Shanghai Times and indicate an at titude towards the monarchial restor-t ation far different from that indicated by the government announcement of an unanimous vote in favor of the change.
 The correspondent of the Times at Shaoshingfu, Chekiang province, inn mediately south of Shanghai, replied under date of December g: "One can not but see that in local government affairs things are slipping back to the old style. Local trade is being killed by the heavy excise duty imposed on every conceivable article. The old of fcial class and literati are coming to the front again. In the law courts, corruption and bribery are as ramp ant as ever they were. Temples are being repaired, and there seems to be a secrudescense of superstitious prac- tices which have been in abeyance since the revolution of 1911"
 From Yuyao, in Chekiang province, the correspondent of the Shanghai Times wrote: s'There is considerable feeling prevalent on the question of restoring the monarchy; but people express themselves very guardedly, for it is generally believed that the cen tral government is keeping close watch on things just now. The way the so-called election was managed has not tended to beget confidence in the liberality of the spirit which do- inmates the movement. Being com pelled either to approve the monarchy or oppose it, put things in such a way that there was no choice left to anyone who had regarded for conse- quences. When the men went, to the provicional capital to vote they found the same cut-and-dried methods in vogue. The delegates were all nomin- ated and they had to vote for one or the other, though they knew nothing about any of them. Of course, It would have been different if there had been both pro and con delegates to select from. But this was not the case" ft
 The correspondent at Hankchow, also in Chekiang province, wrote: "So far as l have been able to find both from inquiry and observation in casual conversation there is no senti- ment in favor of the change. The of ficials favor it from policy and because they believe it inevitable sooner or later, but even among them am sure the real feeling is one of objection. Among the masses there is an under current of opposition to any change, though they are afraid to voice it.
 The Kinhwafu correspondent also wrote fro mChekiang province at fol lows: For weeks have been asking scholars, business men and others l meet, their opinion about the return to the monarchial form of govern ment. As yet have not met one man who speaks in favor of the change. ference to them who rules. or what form of government they have, so long as the country is at peace and they can go on with their work. have asked many if they think there will be trouble if the change is made. They sigh and say there is certain to be. All seem convinced that the pre- sident will carry the monarchy through, even though it has been post poned."
 From Changning, in KianSsi prov ince, a correspondent wrote: q have talked with many Chinese officials of all classes, scholars, merchants and
 foreigners. and have yet to find one
 who favors the change from the re, public to the monarchy. Some regard it as the last chapter in the history
 of China, and think if the change be
 made China't national life and inde-
 pendence will have gone for ever.
 Some speak of the great service which President Yuan Shi-kai has rendered to China, but think that he has been led astray or incapacitated by age. Some think he is ambitious
 for the name of the son of heaven.
 Others say he wants the empire for his son. Many think the change in the government will come inevitably.
 and therefore feel they must submit. Some say there will be a rebellion,
 and that blood will be shed to save the republic, but no one fayors such
 step. All say that to resist will bring a greater calamity to China"
 A correspondent at Nanchang, in
 northeast Kiangsi province, sent the | following report: "The monarchical movement. though far from popular. is generally expected to be successful by the people in these parts The ! presence of well-armed northern sol diers in all our strategic centers. makes q rising most improbable just now. But there is marked and peeu- { liar reticence on this subject display , ed by many that are suspicious. In | .fnl f.I