CHINA'S TROUBLES

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 58, 9 March 1923, Page 6

CHINA'S TROUBLES

China's financial and other internal troubles appear to have assumed a quite chronic form, but it does not follow that the patient will die. Th& phrase " China id Decay" went trippingly on the tongue, although it was inaccurate. But there is no question at all, as in Russia, bad as the old regime was, that-of the revolution was worse. It is very doubtful if the lot of the mass of the industrious, thrifty, and peace-loving people of China has been improved by the old Empire becoming " Lepublic, allee same Melican man." It is now reported that Messrs. Sze and Koo have been ordered to return to China by the Pekin Government to help it in its present difficulties, which are very largely financial. Revenues from the Customs, salt gabelle, railways, and other sources are said to be squandered, papermoney is being over-issued, and more loans are projected with no measure being taken for the redemption of loans and other outstanding obligations. Messrs. Sze and Koo are therefore to be called home to clear up the trouble, Both gentlemen are in their prime so far

as ago is concerned, the former just over fifty, the latter about thirtyfive. They have been educated on strictly Western lines ; both are intensely, but not insanely, patriotic ; both are graduates of American universities, Mr. Sze of Cornell, Mr. Koo of Columbia; both are thoroughly aware, no doubt, of the pitfalls that beset the wa3' of the reformer in China. The task of reorganisation of China's finances is stupendous, but they will not call on Messrs. Sze and Koo in vain, if courage and uprightness are the chief essentials. Both gentlemen have shown from time to time full possession of the qualities expected from statemen. For the sake of the Chinese themselves, and indirectly for the sake of peace in the Pacific, it is to be hoped that Messrs. Sze and Koo will,successfully accomplish the work it is reported they are to be called back to do.