the immediate imposition of a surtax of 50 per cent. on the present import duty. In the meantime, the Chinese Government will revise the Customs tariff, and after revision, levy an effective 72 per cent. duty. So soon as the Chinese Government shall have abolished likin, the duty will be raised to the effective 122 per cent. stipulated for in the commercial treaties of 1902, 1908, 1904, with Great Britain, Japan, the United States and Portugal. The transit dues will be abolished when the duty is raised to 122 per cent.

"(3) It is hoped that the provisions contained in the Protocol of 1901 and accessory documents that tend to impede the effectiveness of precautionary measures of the Chinese Government vis-à-vis the Germans, e. g., those respecting the inability of the Chinese troops to be stationed within the radius of 20 li of Tientsin and the presence of foreign troops in the Legations and along the railway, will be cancelled.

undertakes

"The Chinese Government towards the Entente Powers the following two responsibilities only:

"(1) Supply of primary materials.
"(2) Assistance in respect of labor."

The extent of China's demands on the Entente Powers, in proportion to what she offered them, threatened to deadlock negotiations. The attitude of the Allied diplomats was that both labor and materials were already being purchased, the entrance of China into the war not affecting this. The acceptance of the Chinese proposal, even in a modified form, remained in abeyance for some time.

PRESIDENTIAL MANDATE ON ENTRANCE OF CHINA INTO WAR, ISSUED MARCH 14, 1917

"Our country has maintained strict neutrality since the outbreak of the War in Europe. To our surprise, a note was received from the German Government on the 2nd of February of the present year, stating that beginning with that date, neutral ships would, in accordance with Germany's new blockade measures, sail in certain prohibited zones at their own risk, etc.

"In view of the fact that previous to that time Chinese life and property had suffered heavy losses because of the German policy of attacking merchantmen, and that such losses would assume a far greater magnitude consequent upon the plan of unre

stricted submarine warfare, we lodged a strong protest with Germany. We also declared then that if Germany should fail to change her policy, our country would be constrained to sever existing diplomatic relations.

"It was our earnest hope that Germany would not insist on her policy, so that the friendly relations hitherto existing between the two countries might be preserved. Unfortunately, Germany has not yet modified her policy of submarine warfare although our note of protest has been delivered over a month, and during all that time many cases of loss of life by our people have occurred owing to the sinking of merchantmen of the various Powers.

"A formal note of reply was, however, received from Germany on the 11th instant. Against our expectations and wishes, the reply stated that the blockade warfare could not be cancelled. Therefore, for the purpose of upholding International Law and to safeguard the lives and property of our people, it is hereby declared that from today we sever our diplomatic relations with Germany."

Bearing the seal of
The President, and
signed by:-
Tuan Chi-jui, Prime Minister and
Minister of War, etc.

(Here follow the signatures of the
other cabinet ministers).

ensuing gave Chang Hsun an opportunity to attempt his Manchu restoration in June. July had passed before the effects of the abortive Manchu movement had dissipated with the re-establishment of the Republic.

Then, notwithstanding that the old radical part of the dissolved Parliament set up a provisional government in the south at Canton, the Peking administration prepared to carry out the war program in August. As soon as the acting President of China-Feng Kwo-chang, who by virtue of his office as vicepresident succeeded President Li Yuan-hung-reached the capitol, arrangements for China's entrance upon hostilities were completed. On August 14th, presidential mandate declared war in spite of the Parliamentary opposition in the south.

PRESIDENTIAL MANDATE DECLARING WAR ON THE TEUTONIC POWERS, AUGUST 14, 1917 "On the 9th day of the 2nd month of this year we addressed a protest to the German Government against the policy of submarine warfare inaugurated by Germany, which was considered by this Government as contrary to International Law, and imperilling neutral lives and property, and declared therein in case the protest be ineffectual we would be constrained, much to our regret, to sever diplomatic relations with Germany.

"Contrary to our expectations, however, no modification was made in her submarine policy after the lodging of our protest. On the contrary, the number of neutral vessels and belligerent merchantmen destroyed in an indiscriminate manner were daily increasing and the Chinese lives lost were numerous. Under such circumstances, although we might yet remain indifferent and endure suffering, with the meager hope of preserving a temporary peace, yet in so doing, we would never be able to satisfy our people, who are attached to righteousness and sensible to disgrace, nor could we justify ourselves before our sister States which had acted without hesitation in obedience to the dictates of the sense of duty. Both here

as well as in the friendly States the cause of indignation was the same, and among the people of this country there could be found no difference of opinion. This Government, thereupon, being compelled to consider the protest as being ineffectual, notified, on the 14th of the 3rd month, the German Government of the severance of diplomatic relations and at the same time the events taking place from the beginning up to that time were announced for the general information of the public.

"What we have desired is peace; what we have respected is International Law; what we have to protect are the lives and property of our own people. As we originally had no other grave causes of enmity against Germany, if the German Government had manifested repentance for the deplorable consequences resulting from its policy of warfare, it might still be expected to modify that policy in view of the common indignation of the whole world. That was what we eagerly desired and it was the reason why we felt reluctant to treat Germany as a common enemy. Nevertheless, during the five months following the severance of the diplomatic relations the submarine attacks continued in operation as vigorously as before. It is not Germany alone, but Austria-Hungary as well, which adopted and pursued this policy without abatement. Not only has International Law been thereby violated, but also our people are suffering injury and loss. The most sincere hope on our part to bring about a better state of affairs is now shattered. Therefore, it is hereby declared, against Germany as well as Austria-Hungary, that a state of war exists commencing from 10 o'clock of the 14th day of the 8th month of the 6th year of the Republic of China. In consequence thereof all treaties, agreements, conventions, concluded between China and Germany, and between China and Austria-Hungary, as well as such parts of the international protocols and international agreements as concern the relations between China and Germany, and between China and Austria-Hungary, are, in conformity with the law of nations and international practice, abrogated. This Government, however, will respect the Hague Conventions and her international agreement respecting the humane conduct of war.

"The chief object of our declaration of war is to put an end to the calamities of war and to hasten the restoration of peace which, it is hoped, our people will fully appreciate. Seeing, however, that our people have not yet at the present time recovered from sufferings on account of the recent political disturbances and that calamity again befalls us in the breaking out of the present War, I, the President of this

Republic, cannot help having profound sympathy for our people when I take into consideration their further suffering. I would never resort to this step of striving for the existence of our nation, unless and until I, considering it no longer possible to avoid it, am finally forced to this momentous decision.

"I cannot bear to think that through us the dignity of International Law should be impaired, or the position in the family of nations should be undermined or the restoration of the world's peace and happiness should be retarded. It is, therefore, hoped that all of our people will exert their utmost in these hours of hardship, with a view to maintaining and strengthening the existence of the Chinese Republic, so that we may establish ourselves amidst the family of nations and share with them the happiness and benefits derived therefrom."

"(Countersigned) Prime Minister and Minister of War, General Tuan Chi-jui, etc."

(Here follow the signatures of the other cabinet ministers.)

"On 9th February last, the Chinese Government addressed a protest to the German Government against the policy of submarine warfare inaugurated by the Central European Powers, which was considered by the Chinese Government as contrary to the established principles of public International Law and imperilling Chinese lives and property. The Chinese Government declared that in case its protest be ineffectual China would be constrained, much to her regret, to sever diplomatic relations with Germany.

"Contrary to expectations the submarines of the Central European Powers continued to sink neutral and belligerent merchantmen whereby more Chinese were lost, and the Chinese Government could not but consider its protest to be ineffectual and notified Germany on 14th March last, of the severance of diplomatic relations.

"The Chinese Government still expected that the general condemnation of that policy --a policy contrary to public International Law and violating the principles of humanity-would lead to its modification but it now finds that its expectations are no longer realizable.

"The Chinese Government, actuated by the desire to maintain International Law and protect Chinese lives and property, can

not remain indifferent to this state of affairs indefinitely, and therefore now declares that a state of war exists between China and Germany from ten o'clock a. m. of the 14th day of the 8th month of the sixth year of the Republic of China. In consequence hereof the Treaty of 2nd September, 1861, the Supplementary Convention of 31st March, 1880, and all other treaties, conventions and agreements of whatever nature, at present in force between China and Germany, are abrogated, as also all such provisions of the Protocol of 7th September, 1901, and other similar international agreements as only concern China and Germany. China, however, declares that she will conform to the provisions of the Hague Conventions and other international agreements respecting the humane conduct of war.

"Besides telegraphically requesting the Danish Government to inform the German Government, I have the honor to request Your Excellency to transmit this Note to the German Government.

"I avail, etc.

"His Excellency Jonkeer Beerlaerts van Blokland, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of The Netherlands."

CHINESE DECLARATION OF WAR AGAINST AUSTRIA-HUNGARY, AUGUST 14, 1917 "Peking, 14th August, 1917. "Your Excellency :

"On 9th February last, the Chinese Government addressed a protest to the German Government against the policy of submarine warfare inaugurated by the Central European Powers, which was considered by the Chinese Government as contrary to the established principles of public International Law and imperilling Chinese lives and property.

"The Chinese Government, considering its protest to be ineffectual, later notified the German Government on 14th March last, of the severance of diplomatic relations with Germany, which fact was duly communicated to Your Excellency.

"As the policy inaugurated by the Central European Powers-a policy contrary to public International Law and violating the principles of humanity-remains unmodified, the Chinese Government, actuated by the desire to maintain International Law and protect Chinese lives and property, cannot remain indifferent indefinitely.

"Inasmuch as Austria-Hungary is acting in this matter in concert with Germany, the Chinese Government is unable to adopt a different attitude towards them and therefore now declares that a state of war exists between China and Austria-Hungary from ten o'clock a. m. of the 14th day of the

are

eighth month of the sixth year of the Republic of China. In consequence thereof the Treaty of 2nd September, 1869, and all other treaties, conventions and agreements of whatever nature, at present in force between China and Austria-Hungary, abrogated, as also all such provisions of the Protocol of 7th September, 1901, and other similar international agreements as only concern China and Austria-Hungary. China, however, declares that she will conform to the provisions of the Hague Conventions and other international agreements respecting the humane conduct of war. the Chinese

"Besides telegraphing to Minister at Vienna to inform the AustroHungarian Government and to apply for his passport, I have the honor to send you herewith passports for Your Excellency, the members of the Austro-Hungarian Legation and their families and retinue for protection while leaving Chinese territory. With regard to Consular Officers of Austria-Hungary in China, this Ministry has instructed the different Commissioners of Foreign Affairs to issue them likewise passports for leaving the country.

"I avail, etc.

communications could be received from the Austrian representative since he had ceased to have a diplomatic status, being no more than a private person. This closed the extraordinary action of the representative of the Central Power.

CIRCULAR NOTE FROM THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT TO THE ALLIED AND NEUTRAL MINISTERS AT PEKING

"Peking, 14th August, 1917. "Your Excellency:

"On 14th March last, the Chinese Government severed its diplomatic relations with Germany, which fact was duly communicated to Your Excellency for transmission to your Government.

"As there is no hope of the Central European Powers modifying their policy of submarine warfare-a policy contrary to public international law and violating the principles of humanity-the Chinese Government has therefore declared that a state of war exists simultaneously between China and Germany as well as Austria-Hungary as from 10 o'clock a. m. of the 14th day of the 8th month of the sixth year of the Republic of China, and that all the treaties of whatever nature between China and Germany as well as Austria-Hungary are abrogated, as also all such provisions of the Protocol of 7th September, 1901, and other similar international agreements as only concern China and Germany as well as AustriaHungary. The Chinese Government, however, declares that it will conform to the provisions of the Hague Conventions and other international agreements respecting the humane conduct of war.

"I have the honor to request Your Excellency to take note of this communication and to be so good as to transmit its contents to your Government.

"I avail, etc."

Such are the documents marking the entrance of the Republic of China into the Great War. By this stand, China has assured herself of a place in the peace settlement and made an appeal for a part in an ordered community of nations which is the common stake of all Powers arrayed against the forces of international lawlessness.

"The Rebuilding of Europe," a Survey of Forces and Conditions. By David Jayne Hill. Published by the Century Co., New York, 1917. Pp. x, 289. $1.50 net.

When a good book puts in its appearance it is like the advent of a prophet. Dr. Hill has not undertaken, as many other recent historians have, to give a recital of facts and events. He has not marshaled data to prove any particular theory of the war or to make definite predictions as to its outcome. He has rather undertaken to interpret a world crisis. There is both psychology and philosophy in his interpretation. The work is none the less concrete because it does not deal extensively with facts. The writer has all the facts in hand. He holds in clear order the whole procession of events covering the last half century which have made the great war possible. He knows by actual experience and acquaintance the genius, the achievements and the purposes of the German nation.

The most valuable characteristic of the book is the apparent ease with which the author holds all facts in solution and with entire deliberation and restraint proceeds to extract from history such truth as it has to offer. There is an entire fairness even in his most keen and searching analysis of German character and aims. The same quality appears in his discussion of the possibilities of international government following the war.

The book opens with a review, somewhat subtle and philosophical, of the vast heritage of evil which has fallen upon the world through bad diplomacy and bad government. It is seen conclusively that a state which does not stand for ethical principles is in the truest sense decadent, and will eventually come to grief; that loyalty to civilization is a human and not an exclusively national ideal. In a chapter on international ideals, Dr. Hill sets in juxtaposition the theories of Kant and Hegel. The former thought that "The great necessity for man is freedom." He believed in the ultimate success of moral government in the world

and that reason must triumph not by military force but by the gradual evolution of mankind along the line of rational intelligence. This sort of political philosophy is compatible with democracy and is slowly reaching the minds and hearts of man. Hegel was the apostle of autocracy. He believed in the state as an absolute being with a power lodged in the will of a dominant person.

These two antagonistic ideas are now in the lists struggling for supremacy. International law is the bulwark of free institutions and of just international relations. If it were destroyed, civilization would perish. But international law cannot be destroyed. It is the epitome of truth and justice and must persist and conquer. When an absolute state sets out to destroy everything which stands in the way of its own domination and becomes a menace to the world, the sublime conceit which assumes that a nation's culture is superior and should be enforced upon other nations, is a kind of insanity which civilized nations are bound to oppose and overcome.

Then follows the very discriminating treatment of economic imperialism and the vicious influence which it has exerted in breeding unholy competition and hate. This spirit of greed and conceit has found its highest development in Prussia. So monstrous and so criminal is the aim and intent of Prussianism in relation to the rest of the world that it has become a terror of the first order. The meaning of this attitude on the part of Germany as affecting the adjacent nations is clearly indicated. Under the title, "The Vision of a Commonwealth," Dr. Hill discusses the possibility of durable peace after the war. The greatest difficulty is seen to be the vast gulf now fixed between the nations respecting international justice. The vast preparations made by Germany for the conquest of the world and the ultimate abrogation of truth and justice as seen in her methods and practices during the great conflict, reveal the magnitude of the task which the allied nations have to face.