constitution will
be put into effect without hindrance as soon as the form of State is
changed. If they cannot give any definite guarantee, then what they
advocate is merely an absolute monarchy and not a constitutional
monarchy. As it is not likely to be a constitutional monarchy, we
may safely assume that it will be an imperial autocracy. I cannot
regard it as a wise plan if, owing to dislike of its defects, the
Republic should be transformed into an Imperial autocracy. Owing to
various unavoidable reasons, it is excusable in spite of violent
opposition to adopt temporarily autocratic methods in a republican
country. But if the plan proposed by present-day critics be put into
effect, that on the promise of a constitution we should agree to the
adoption of a monarchy, then the promise must be definitely made to
the country at the time of transition that a constitutional
government will become an actuality. But if, after the promise is
made, existing conditions are alleged to justify the continuance of
autocratic methods, I am afraid the whole country will not be so
tolerant towards the Chief Executive. To assume outwardly the role
of constitutional government, but in reality to rule in an
unconstitutional manner, was the cause of the downfall of the Ching
Dynasty. The object lesson is not obscure. Let us take warning by
it.

V. FALLACIES OF THE MONARCHISTS

If, on the other hand, the present-day critics are really in earnest
for a constitution, then I am unable to understand why they believe
that this cannot be secured under the Republic but must be obtained
in a roundabout way by means of a monarchy. In my view the real
hindrances to the adoption of a constitution at the present day in
China are the existing conditions, viz. the attitude of the
officials and the traditions and intellectual standards of the
people. But these hindrances have not resulted from the adoption of
republicanism. Therefore they cannot be expected to disappear with
the disappearance of the Republic. For instance, from the President
downward to the minor official of every official organ in the
capital or in the provinces, every one inclines to be independent of
the law, and considers it convenient to deal with affairs as he
pleases. This is the greatest obstacle to constitutional government.
Now