a comparatively effective remedy. For,
according to the latest President Election Law, the term of the
President is to all intents and purposes a term for life. It is
therefore impossible for such dangers to appear during the life of
the President. What concerns us is therefore what will happen after
the departure of the present President for another world. This, of
course, is a question that we do not wish to touch upon; but since
every one, even the patriarchs, must die some day, let us face the
matter openly. If Heaven blesses China and allows the Great
President to devote himself to the country for ten or more
years--during which he will be able to assert the authority of the
government, cleanse officialdom, store-up strength, consolidate the
country, and banish all hidden dangers--then there will be nothing
to choose between a republic or a monarchy. If, on the other hand,
Heaven should not be pleased so to favour us and takes away our
Great President before he is half through with his great task, then
the fate of China is sealed. No changes in the form of State will
avail under any circumstances. Therefore the question whether China
will be left in peace or not depends entirely on the length of years
the Great President will live and what he will be able to accomplish
in his lifetime. Whether the country is ruled as a republic or a
monarchy, the consequences will be the same.

Do you still doubt my words? Let me go deeper into the analysis. The
difference between a republic and a monarchy lies only in the
methods of succession of the head of the nation. It is evident that
although a certain law of succession may be made during the lifetime
of the Head, it cannot take effect until his death; and whether or
not the effect thus intended will come up to expectations will
depend on two factors: (1) whether or not the merits and personal
influence of the predecessor will continue effective after his
death, and (2) whether or not there will be unscrupulous and
insubordinate claimants at the death of the Head, and, if any, the
number of such men and whether the point of dispute they raise be
well-founded. If these are taken as the basis for discerning the
future we will arrive at the same conclusion whether the country be
a republic or a monarchy.

VI. THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIO