All the academic elements of the South are behind this
party, whose inspiration is Sun Yat-sen, the chief spirit of the revolution which overthrew the Manchu dynasty and founded the Republic. The party has not been satisfied with the behaviour of the Government, and the objection taken to the execution (whether irregular or not) is, perhaps, a pretext for a trial of strength with the Government. If this view be correct, it would mean that Yuan Shih-kai is believed to be aim- ing at reaction and, perhaps, the establishment of a dictator- ship, and the Southerners regard themselves as the saviours of the Republic. The North is in a general way conservative, perhaps monarchical, and the representatives of the South are doctrinaire Radical. It is well known that Yuan Shih-kai is an opportunist, but that does not necessarily mean that he is not genuinely concerned for the good of his country. If the alarming rumours of the week are true, China is in such a state of feverish instability that only quick and strong action from a single brain can now save her from collapse and chaos. Sun Yat-sen is travelling northwards in a cloud of rumours as to probable attempts on his life.
