The Chinese Republic
July 1912

　[At our request, the Rev. Dr. Gilbert Reid, the distinguished in-dependent missionary, visited Dr. Sun in behalf of The INDEPEN-DENT. The remainder of this introductory note is from Dr. Reid.He says:
　"The character of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, first President of the Pro-visional Republic of China, and his word in bringing about a rev-olution against the Manchu Dynasty are fairly well known by thegeneral public in Europe and America, as well as in China. His viewsconcerning the Chinese Republic, and his attitude towards ques-tions of the day in bringing about the development of China, andwinning for her a place of equality among the nations of the world,are only alightly known, and anything that can be done to securean expression of opinion from Dr. Sun on these matters will, I amsure, be welcomed by intelligent observers of conditions in the FarEast, and especially by those who believe that a republic is the bestform of government for all countries".
　"For a long time I have had great admiration for Dr. Sun, andthis in spite of the fact that personally I am opposed to all bloodyrevolutions, and am in favor of agitation thru the application ontruth, argument and reason. My admiration for this great revolu-tionist has been due to the fact that he has been straightforward,persistent, courageous and consistent, taking no position under theManchu government whilst seeking its overthrow. His purposes havebeen known for years to the government authorities, and in theface of danger he has held on his course without wavering or fear.The sudden revolution reached a successful conclusion largely thruthe plans which have been well laid by this young man from theCanton province. His conciliatory spirit and his magnanimity in se-curing the abdication of the throne and the end of the Manchu Dyn-asty have placed him high above his fellows in the esteem of his
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countrymen and of foreign residents in China.
　"During a visit of Dr. Sun to Shanghai, I took the opportunityof asking him to express his views for The INDEPENDENT con-cerning the Republic, and concerning the present political situa-tion. He received me courteously, but disclaimed any right to speakauthoritatively on these matters." The following is a record of theinterview.-Editor of The Independent]
　At present I am more interested in the social regeneration ofmy country than I am in the questions of party and politics. Hav-ing finished the task of bringing about a political revolution, I amnow devoting my thought and energies to the reconstruction of thecountry in its social, industrial and commercial conditions. I haveseen enough of the discord between capital and labor in Westerncountries, and the misery that besets the multitudes of the poor,that I am desirous of forestalling such conditions in China. Withindustrial development there will come in an increase of manu-facturing, and with this change of conditions there is a danger ofwidely separating the working classes and those who possess thecapital. I wish to see the masses of the people improved in theirconditions rather than to help a few to add power to themselvesuntil they become financial autocrats. China thus far has had a largemiddle class, and we have been free from many of the social de-fects of prosperous nations in Europe and America. There is needtoday of developing our own great resources, of bringing in new
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ideas to the predominant farming classes of the country, and of es-tablishing new industries which will help to deep in circulation ourgrowing capital, and so be ready to give prompt relief to the un-fortunate in times of flood and other calamities. These are the ques-tions which now engage my attention, and I am hopeful thatsomething may be accomplished for the good of our people.I am asked if I have any objection to stating my opinion as towhether a republican form of government is really suited to theChinese people?
　I has been a part of my plan, not merely to bring about theoverthrow of the Manchus, but to bring about the establishmentof a republican form of government. Democratic ideas have alwaysprevailed in China, and there is no reason why they should be han-dicapped by a monarchical form of government. The Chinese arenot only peace-loving and orderly, but they are imbued with theidea choosing their own representatives in managing their affairs.All that is needed is to carry out this idea and to meet this wiseby having representatives at the national and in the provinces whorepresent the people, and, being chosen by the people, will workfor the best interest of the people. The difficulties which we arenow meeting in constructing a republican form of governmentwhich is best adapted to the wide area of our country and to ourvast population are unavoidable, but I am sure no other form of
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government will again be established in China. The Republic ofChina is here to stay.
　In reply to the question whether a party government is an es-sential part of the Republic, I would say that in China as in all othercountries, whether the government is republican or monarchical,parties always exist, and the direction of the government changesfrom one party to another. China, too, has already begun to haveher parties. In fact, there are too many parties and societies, andit would be better if they could combine into two or three strongparties. The definite policy of each party will be determined as theyears go by.
　In view of the danger in having parties during the present Pro-visional Government, and the fear that persons will be more zeal-ous for their partiers than for the Republic, and so weaken the effortsat establishing a republican form of government, my own wish isthat all parties should concentrate their efforts on thoroly orga-nizing the new government and securing recognition from othergovernments. After the Provisional Government has ceased, andthe first president of the republic has been chosen, it will then besafe to organize into parties. I am in favor of having the executiveofficers responsible to the national assembly, as in nearly all theEuropean countries. Under this system place must be given to par-ties, and party rivalry is unavoidable. Just now I recognize that we
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should all ignore our differences and help to unite all parts of thecountry. Since I retired in favor of Yuan Shih-kai as President ofthe Republic, I have done all in my power to support him and torecommend unanimity of action. I know the danger that would cometo the country from discord, and so far as I have any influence Iwill use it for the unification of the country, the welfare of the peo-ple and development of our resources.
　[Ex-President Sun Yat-sen gave expression to these views withsome reserve, as he did not care to appear in print at the presenttime. His views are therefore all the more of value.These views are significant, as being uttered at a time whenparty rivalries in Peking had caused the rejection of the Cabinetlist proposed by the Premier, Lu Cheng Hsiang. The radical ele-ment seemed bent on the ruin of the very republic which they hadfought to establish. One hope in the midst of the political confu-sion is found in the moderating influence of ex-President Sun. Hisself-effacement deserves the praise of men. Being the leading spiritin the revolution, his wishes are respected by all the revolution-ists, who now form the party called "Tung Meng," or Union League.Their obstruction to the government action of Yuan Shih-kai andhis Premier, will be prevented from working disaster, because SunYat-sen is at hand to decide the determining move. As an illustra-tion, during our brief conversation, he suggested General Li YuanHung, Vice-President of the Provisional Republic and Military Gov-ernor at Hankow, as the best man for Premier and to form a Cab-inet. And yet General Li is the head of another party from that ofDr. Sun and his friends. Personally I would recommend Dr. Sunhimself as Premier, at least if General Li is unavailable.For the next few months all attention will be concentrated on
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bringing to an end the Provisional Government, and on electingthe first real Parliament, and the first President. In this time of op-portunity for personal ambition, Dr. Sun maintains his modest char-acter, and by moderate but none the less effective methods, helpsforward his country to the attainment of republican ideas, contentedto remain a private citizen.-Gilbert Reid]
Shanghai, China.
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