Synthesized answer
Wu-Pei-Fu's aim to restore constitutional government and end "Chinese anarchy" is complicated by the actions of Sun Yat-sen and Chang Tso-lin. Sun is described as "imperialistic and wants to conquer all China for his government" [1], [4], and his troops, despite appearing undisciplined, have achieved military victories [3]. This imperialistic drive by Sun directly contradicts Wu-Pei-Fu's goal of unifying China under a constitutional framework, as Sun seeks to conquer China for his own government, which is "said to be alone constitutional" [1].
Chang Tso-lin, supreme in Manchuria and supported by Japan, represents "all that is most reactionary in China" [2]. He received a large sum of money from a corrupt treasury, ostensibly for an expedition to Mongolia, but remained in Mukden [5]. Chang's proclamation of Manchuria's independence could be used by Japan for further absorption [3], further destabilizing the country and undermining any push for constitutional government. These conflicting actions and motivations of Sun and Chang highlight the fractured nature of power in China at this time, where regional strongmen with varying agendas and foreign backing pursued their own…
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From the book
favour of the reassembling of the old all-China Parliament, with a view to the restoration of constitutional government. This is a measure in which the South could concur, and if he really adheres to this intention he has it in his power to put an end to Chinese anarchy. The Times Peking correspondent, telegraphing on May 30, reports that "Wu-Pei-Fu declares that if the old Parliament will reassemble and work in national interests he will support it up to the limit, and fight any obstructionists." On May 18, the same correspondent telegraphed that "Wu-Pei-Fu is lending his support to the…
efore hope that somehow the Chinese will find a way of escaping from their troubles without too much foreign assistance. It is by no means impossible that one of the Tuchuns may become supreme, and may then make friends with the constitutionalists as the best way of consolidating his influence. China is a country where public opinion has great weight, and where the desire to be thought well of may quite possibly lead a successful militarist into patriotic courses. There are, at the moment, two Tuchuns who are more important than any of the others. These are Chang-tso-lin and Wu-Pei-Fu, both…
at the troops of Sun Yat Sen, President of South China, which are stated to be marching north from Canton, are a rabble. Many are without weapons and a large percentage of the uniforms are merely rags. There is no discipline, and gambling and opium-smoking are rife. Nevertheless, on May 30, The Times had to confess that this army had won a brilliant victory, capturing "the most important stronghold in Kiangsi," together with 40 field guns and large quantities of munitions. The situation must remain obscure until more detailed news has arrived by mail. It is to be hoped that the Canton…
war with Sun, who is imperialistic and wants to conquer all China for his government, said to be alone constitutional. The programme agreed upon between Wu and Chen Chiung Ming is given in the same telegram as follows: Local self-government shall be established and magistrates shall be elected by the people; District police shall be created under District Boards subject to Central Provincial Boards; Civil governors shall be responsible to the Central Government, not to the Tuchuns; a national army shall be created, controlled and paid by the Central Government; Provincial police and…
rupt treasury, a sum which the newspapers stated to be nine million dollars, to secure their departure from the capital. The largest share went to Chang-tso-lin, the Viceroy of Manchuria and commonly said to be a tool of Japan. His share was paid to cover the expenses of an expedition to Mongolia, which had revolted; but no one for a moment supposed that he would undertake such an expedition, and in fact he has remained at Mukden ever since. In the extreme south, however, there has been established a Government of a different sort, for which it is possible to have some respect. Canton, which…
More questions about this book
- The text notes that British befriending Wu-Pei-Fu "colours all Press telegrams appearing in our newspapers." How does this statement challenge a reader to critically evaluate historical accounts, and what steps would you take to "un-colour" or independently verify information presented as objective during periods of foreign intervention?
- Sun is described as "imperialistic" for wanting to "conquer all China for his government," which he claims is "alone constitutional," while Wu-Pei-Fu also supports "unification movements." How do these differing approaches to "unification" reveal the deeper ideological or power struggles at play, and what are the potential long-term consequences of achieving unity through conquest versus consensus in this context?
- The appendix describes very recent, fluid political developments. If you were a contemporary advisor to one of these Chinese leaders, what single piece of advice, based on the *implications* of these rapid changes, would you offer regarding their strategy for gaining lasting influence rather than just temporary control?
- The text uses terms like "constitutional government," "local self-government," and "national interests." Based on the actions and alliances described (e.g., Wu-Pei-Fu with Chen Chiung Ming, Sun's civil war), how might each of the major political figures (Wu-Pei-Fu, Sun, Chang-tso-lin) have genuinely *defined* these terms for themselves and their supporters, and how might these differing definitions have fueled the ongoing conflicts?