Feb. 7.
Recent utterances by General Chiang Kai-shek strike a new: and arresting note. They indicate tendencies in the government and workings of his own mind that are decidedly stimulating. Any one taken alone: might possibly be dismissed as. conventional. But taken together they are not to be disregarded. We may begin with his circular telegram of December 28, afirming freedom of the Press The Press is the proper channel and organ for the expression of opinions (wrote General Chiang).
represents public opinion, Therefore, since members of the Press have deep insight into the affairs of the country, they should give utterance to their opinions and thoughts The message urged that journal ists would make "helpful contributions based upon actual facts and in the form of criticisms and discussions" and them that free criticism, rected against any particular-individuals," of the defects of government would be welcome. "It is also_ hoped," General Chiang added, "that authors of such discussions will post copies tome." One would not care to say how this invitation will work out in practice under the eye of local exponents of political tutelage. But the fact of its being made is worth' remembering.
On January 1 General Chiang published a call to the nation "Zor the revival of China's time-honoured virtues and morality." In this he seemed to include both the general public and Kuo-
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.