1 APRIL 1916, Page 3

The position in China is extremely uncertain. The renunciation by

Yuan Shih-kai of the sovereignty which he had assumed, believing that his act was agreeable to popular feeling, has by no means satisfied the Republican rebels. Mere renunciation of the purple is not enough for them. They declare that Yuan must be driven from power altogether, and must leave the country. Fighting continues in many districts, but its intensity has probably been exaggerated. It is useless to speculate on events. The only certain thing is that Republicanism (though no doubt it has drawn many mere adventurers to its banner) is stronger than was supposed a few months ago.