DR SUN YAT SEN.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19269, 5 September 1924, Page 5

DR SUN YAT SEN.

AN INTERVIEWER’S REMINISCENCE A correspondnefc of the Frankfurter Zeitung tells a. story of an interview with Dr Sun Yat Sen in Tokio in 1915 which is in keeping with Dr Sun’s recent reluctance to prove to the press that he 1» still alive." After great efforts the corrca pondent at last found himself in Dr Sun's presence, and the following conversation ensued, after a due period of silent bowing and tca-drinkins; — “I am the representative of ' (various leading German papers). ‘lsil me, Dr Sun. what do you think of the political situation in China 1” “I am puzzling/’ replied Dr Sun in his broken English. ’ Five minutes more of silent drinking of tea and smoking of cigarettes: then—- “ What do you think of Yuan Shi-kai’s plans of restoring the Empire?” “I am puzzling too. But look, is not the sun shining beautifully’:" The interviewer did not' abandon hope. “The Chinese people.” he said, ’aoove all the Liberal South set great hopes on you; if there is any means 01 saving the country from the reaction the Chinese and all the world think it is only poasune through yon.’’ “T do not know; but there are clouds coming (‘Ah!’ murmured the interviewer hopefully.) “And I think we shall have a storm in Tokio in a day or two One last attempt. “You are in exile here and must be longing lor China. Will you not soon be returning to Canton?” Sun Yat Sen’s face lit up. “Yes. lam in exile. But living is very cheap here. Think of it, a pound of rice only costs five sen. It is wonderfully cheap. And then the glorious summer nights in Japan . . " It was useless. After ten minutes more of silent tea-drinking, smiling, ana smoking the interviewer bowed and went. His host politely accompanied him to the outer door. “Come back soon,” said Dr Sun, “I see that you are interested in my country.” “Yes, Dr Sun, and in the golden moon.”