ol by
foreigners will be unavoidable.

We will now proceed to consider what significance these points
reviewed above have for the political conditions of China. China,
owing to the folly of an absolute monarchical system, has neglected
the education of the masses, whose intellectual attainments have
been consequently of a low standard. Then, there is the additional
fact that the people have never had a voice in the doings of their
government. Therefore they have not the ability to discuss politics.
Four years ago the absolute monarchy was suddenly changed into a
Republic. This movement was all too sudden to expect good results.
If the Manchus had not been an alien race, which the country wished
to overthrow, the best step which could then have been adopted was
to retain the Emperor and gradually lead him to a constitutional
government. What the Commissioners on Constitutional Government
suggested was quite practical if carried out gradually until
perfection was reached. Unfortunately the feeling of alien control
was bitter to the people and the maintenance of the throne was an
utter impossibility. Thus the monarchy was overthrown and the
adoption of a republican system was the only alternative.

Thus we see that China has during the last few years been
progressing in constitutional government. The pioneering stage of
the process was, however, not ideal. The results could have been
much better if a person of royal blood, respected by the people, had
come out and offered his service. Under the present conditions China
has not yet solved the problem of the succession to the Presidency.
What provisions we have now are not perfect. If the President should
one day give up his power the difficulties experienced by other
nations will manifest themselves again in China. The conditions in
other countries are similar to those obtaining in China and the
dangers are also the same. It is quite within the bounds of
possibility that the situation might threaten China's independence
if internal disturbance should occur in connection with this problem
and not be immediately put down.

What attitude then should those who have the good of the nation at
heart, take under the present circumstances? Should they advocate
the continuance of the Republic or suggest a change for a monarchy?
It is d