President of the Republic of China

Definition and stakes

Portrait of B. L. Putnam Weale B. L. Putnam Weale The Fight for the Republic in China

If Heaven blesses China and allows the Great President to devote himself to the country for ten or more years—during which he will be able to assert the authority of the government, cleanse officialdom, store-up strength, consolidate the country, and banish all hidden dangers—then there will be nothing to choose between a republic or a monarchy. If, on the other hand, Heaven should not be pleased so to favour us and takes away our Great President before he is half through with his great task, then the fate of China is sealed.
Source: Gutenberg

Portrait of B. L. Putnam Weale B. L. Putnam Weale The Fight for the Republic in China

Whilst the country is governed by an able president, the people enjoy peace and prosperity. But once an incapable man assumes the presidency, chaos will become the order of the day, a state of affairs which will finally lead to the overthrow of the president himself and the destruction of the country. In such circumstances, how can you devise a general policy for the country which will last for a hundred years? I say that there is no hope for China establishing a truly constitutional government.
Source: Gutenberg

Edwin John Dingle China's Revolution, 1911-1912: A Historical and Political Record of the Civil War

The people of China will accept no other form of government than a Republic founded upon the will of the people. Since we can appoint delegates to represent us both in the various provincial assemblies and in the National Assembly at Peking, why are we not qualified to elect a President as the Chief Executive of the nation?
Source: Gutenberg

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