20 JANUARY 1912, Page 1

But though this is a possibility we are glad to

think that it is more likely that the revolutionaries will be able to esta- blish a strong government, or at any rate one stronger and sounder than that which they have destroyed. In one sense this is not a very difficult task, for nothing could have been worse or weaker than the Chinese Government during the last live or six years. A great deal will depend upon whether the revolutionary government is able to organize a competent military force capable of maintaining order and preventing foreign aggression, while at the same time not offering too great a temptation to the foundation of a military dictator- ship.