Mr. Hu: The republican form of government is responsible. The
Chinese people are fond of good names, but they do not care much
about the real welfare of the nation. No plan to save the country is
possible. The formation of the Republic as a result of the first
revolution has prevented that.

Mr. Ko: Why is it that there is no hope of China's becoming strong?

Mr. Hu: The people of a republic are accustomed to listen to the
talk of equality and freedom which must affect the political and
more especially the military administration. In normal circumstances
both the military and student classes are required to lay great
emphasis upon unquestioned obedience and respect for those who hold
high titles. The German and Japanese troops observe strict
discipline and obey the orders of their chiefs. That is why they are
regarded as the best soldiers in the world. France and America are
in a different position. They are rich but not strong. The sole
difference is that Germany and Japan are ruled by monarchs while
France and America are republics. Our conclusion therefore is that
no republic can be strong.

But since the French and American peoples possess general education
they are in a position to assume responsibility for the good
government of their nations which they keep in good order. On that
account, although these republics are not strong in dealing with the
Powers, they can maintain peace at home. China, however, is unlike
these countries, for her standard of popular education is very low.
Most of the Chinese soldiers declare as a commonplace: "We eat the
imperial food and we must therefore serve the imperial master." But
now the Imperial family is gone, and for it has been substituted an
impersonal republic, of which they know nothing whatsoever. These
soldiers are now law-abiding because they have awe-inspiring and
respectful feelings for the man at the head of the state. But as the
talk of equality and freedom has gradually influenced them, it has
become a more difficult task to control them. As an example of this
corrupt spirit, the commanders of the Southern troops formerly had
to obey their subordinate officers and the subordinate officers had
to obey their soldiers. Whenever there was an important question to
be discussed, the soldiers demanded a voice and a share in the