ABSTRACT
In March 1912, Yuan Shih-kai inaugurated the Republican Government of a 10-man Cabinet, appointing T'ang Shao-yi as Premier. Morrison wrote to Wen Ping-chung, Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
There is no question that the President since his election has by his conduct, his high statesmanship and his impressive personality, added to the honour of his country. … To the Prime Minister [T'ang Shao-yi] also the country owes a great deal. … He will, I am sure, lead the country along the right path, and he commands an influence abroad of the highest importance to the Chinese nation. 1
