But there is another side to the picture. The Times
of Friday published a letter from Dr. Morrison, its famous Peking correspondent, which makes one hesitate to accept any of the more catastrophic rumours. He says that China is advancing to prosperity and security; that the alleged "flight" of the late Premier, Tang Shao-yi, was not a flight at all ; that the so-called " generals" were properly tried and justly executed; and that Yuan Shih-kai and Sun Yat-sen are good friends.
Dr. Morrison would be the last man to suppress facts merely because he has been appointed Political Adviser to China. He undoubtedly believes what he says. At the same time we ought to point out that others extremely well acquainted with China take a gloomy view of the prospect. When the doctors differ like this the onlooker can only tell himself that the outlook is, to say the least of it, uncertain, and that where there is uncertainty there must needs be anxiety.
