But since the French and American peoples possess general education, they are in a position to assume responsibility for the good government of their nations which they keep in good order.  On that account, although these republics are not strong in dealing with the Powers, they can maintain peace at home.  China, however, is unlike these countries, for her standard of popular education is very low.  Most of the Chinese soldiers declare as a commonplace; “We eat the imperial food and we must therefore serve the imperial master.”  But now the Imperial family is gone, and for it has been substituted an impersonal republic, of which they know nothing whatsoever.  These soldiers are now law-abiding because they have awe-inspiring and respectful feelings for the man at the head of the state.  But as the talk of equality and freedom has gradually influenced them, it has become a more difficult task to control them.  As an example of this corrupt spirit, the commanders of the Southern troops formerly had to obey their subordinate officers and the subordinate officers had to obey their soldiers.  Whenever there was an important question to be discussed, the soldiers demanded a voice and a share in the solution.  These soldiers were called the republican army.  Although the Northern troops have not yet become so degenerate, still they never hesitate to disobey the order of their superiors whenever they are ordered to proceed to distant localities.  Now we have come to the point when we are deeply satisfied if the army of the Republic does not openly mutiny!  We cannot expect any more from them save to hope that they will not mutiny and that they will be able to suppress internal disturbances.  In the circumstances there is no use talking about resistance of a foreign invasion by these soldiers.  As China, a republic, is situated between two countries, Japan and Russia, both of which have monarchical governments, how can we resist their aggression once diplomatic conversations begin?  From this it is quite evident that there is nothing which can save China from destruction.  Therefore I say there is no hope of China becoming strong.

Mr. Ko:  But why is it that there is no hope of China ever becoming rich?

Mr. Hu:  People may not believe that while France and America are rich China must remain poor.  Nevertheless, the reason why France and America are rich is that they were allowed to work out their own salvation without foreign intervention for many years, and that at the same time they were free from internal disturbances.  If any nation wishes to become rich, it must depend upon industries for its wealth.  Now, what industries most fear is disorder and civil war.  During the last two years order has been restored and many things have returned their former State, but our industrial condition is the same as under the Manchu Dynasty.  Merchants who lost their capital during the troublous times and who are now poor have no way of retrieving their losses, while