China Atoakened. By Min-Cleien T. Z. Tyau. (Macmillan. 25s. net.)—Mr.
Tyau, who is a London graduate and writes good English, is one of the ablest of the young Chinese politicians. His account of the changes that have come about since the Republic was proclaimed is well planned and interesting. It is disappointing, however, to find that politics and finance are ignored, for an intelligible account of the causes leading up to the present turmoil is much needed. Mr. Tyau takes a very optimistic view of the results to be expected from education on modern lines. That a better educated people would repress the bribery and corruption which keep many honest men out of politics is, perhaps, not so clear to us as it seems to the author. He admits that the student agitations have perhaps done more harm than good. He is not afraid of Bolshevism spreading in China. Unlike some hasty reformers, he sees that in the imme- morial traditions of China there is much that is sound and that should be retained at all costs. China ought not to accept Western institutions and ideas wholesale but should adapt such of them as are suitable to her own civilization. Mr. Tyau reviews the recent diplomatic history, up to the end of 1920, and urges the West to help China. Since he wrote, the Shantung question has been settled, but China's domestic feuds have not ceased.
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