Chapter 38 37. Controversy over the nature of the cabinet

Tang Shaoyi was the first prime minister of the Republic of China. At that time, half of the government of the Republic of China in Beijing was the old government inherited from the former Qing Dynasty; the other half was the interim government transferred from Nanjing, so everything was chaotic.The general situation of its various agencies is as follows: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has fewer new recruits, only four people have been added.The General Staff Office of the Ministry of Army accommodated the most new soldiers, and more than 300 people came from Hubei Province alone.The Ministry of Finance only set up a preparatory office, and all the old people will be used, and the division will not be divided until the southerners come.The Ministry of Internal Affairs has always been closed, but the Ministry of Internal Affairs has been in the hands of Zhao Bingjun since the end of the Qing Dynasty. In fact, the Ministry of Internal Affairs only manages the patrol police in the inner and outer cities.The Ministry of Education has a mixed use of new and old, with separate divisions to handle affairs. It has the largest scale. It has only been established for more than a month. The three schools of law, politics, and finance have been promoted to the School of Law and Politics. He is also the dean of liberal arts, Wang Shicheng is the dean of law, and Hong Zhu is the dean of engineering.Wang Chonghui, Director General of the Ministry of Justice, once issued a circular saying that the north and the south are treated equally without distinction, and the reception personnel he sent were four from the south and five from the north. At the same time, regulations were drawn up to recommend that the head of the Ministry of Justice recruited them by themselves and appointed them all to take the exam, but there were only nine applicants. Because of the old concept, the judicial department is cold.The busiest part was the Ministry of Communications. As soon as Shi Zhaoji took office, he laid off more than 500 people and only 40 people remained. The people who were laid off made a lot of noise.Xuanzhao was basically in charge of foreign affairs, and his foreign language was very good. He once went to Germany with Prince Qingchun.When Tang Shaoyi formed the cabinet, Shi was originally appointed as the deputy finance minister. Later, because of the Tang Dynasty and transportation, Shi was appointed to replace him.Shi published a colleague from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zeng Shuchen, as the secretary-general, and he had great trust in Zeng.All official affairs are sent to the secretary-general for approval, but the deputy secretary is doing nothing.On Shi's first day in office, many people were removed from the concierge and tea room, and then the lobby was repainted.When attending the Senate to announce the political platform, the four divisions of Xianming Road, Telecom, Post and Airline each prepared a post and carried it to the report. The report stated that the senator’s telegram must be stamped by the speaker. The field was in an uproar.Since the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is newly established, there are no disadvantages.The Ministry of Industry and Commerce uses both old and new.Liu Guanxiong, chief of the Navy Department, was originally a veteran of the navy with high qualifications and had a great friendship with Yuan Shikai.During the period of the Nanjing Provisional Government, Liu was invited. Liu said that I was in favor of the revolution, but if the Northern Expedition happened in the future, I would meet Yuan Xiangcheng in arms.The Navy Department in Nanjing has 72 sages and 830,000 horses, the latter refers to the 83 Yantai Navy graduates who are in power.After Liu took office as the chief, on the one hand eliminated a large number of old people in Beijing, and on the other hand ordered the ungraduated members of the Nanjing department to continue their studies. Pistol bomb counter.Liu was very embarrassed, so he changed the examination to all personnel who stayed in the post. Among them, some of them were from the Naval University, and their qualifications were older than Liu.

When Tang Shaoyi took over the provisional government in Nanjing, he issued a batch of appointment letters, and at the same time, many people were accepted to be resettled. After Tang Bei returned, everything was contrary to his wishes. I dare not see visitors from the south. Pity the many people who went north to climb the dragon, only to end up poor and depressed. In the Tang cabinet, there were five main figures in the State Council, namely: Premier Tang Shaoyi, Internal Affairs Zhao Bingjun, Finance Xiong Xiling, Education Cai Yuanpei, and Agriculture and Forestry Song Jiaoren.State affairs meetings are held every February, Friday, and August. Most of the meetings are to discuss borrowing matters, and the second is to discuss the regulations of various ministries.Because the government was still in its infancy, and the heads of ministries did not have official residences, Cai Yuanpei, Song Jiaoren, Liu Guanxiong, and Wang Zhengting all lived in the State Council, and many secretaries were also hospitalized, so it was very convenient to hold meetings.Zhao Bingjun seldom participated in meetings. As mentioned earlier, he believed that his ministry was directly under the president's orders. However, he did not attend the state affairs meeting. The reason he told Yuan Shikai was: in the state affairs meeting, there were very few matters related to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and At present, maintaining order is a big matter, so I will not attend the meeting.

At this time, the State Council had already set up a press guest house, which stipulated that Chinese and foreign journalists could go there for interviews from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. every day.Wei has diplomatic talents, is good at coping, can avoid important matters and ignore minor ones, and is eloquent. The close relationship between Yuan and Tang has been explained earlier. They have been working together in North Korea for more than 20 years. News, and even proof from telegrams.After Tang Tang returned to Beijing, what the two showed was that they were happy with each other again, and they were extremely harmonious.Yuan Shikai's first speech to the Senate was regarded as a "teaching". This manuscript is said to be Liang Shiyi's masterpiece, many of which were revised by Tang.The last paragraph of Yuan's original manuscript reads: "This President and Premier Tang have had a close friendship for 20 years, and we have a life-and-death commitment. I hope you will do your best to help." This shows that Yuan emphasized the close relationship with Tang, but when this document was published, Tang had changed it to: " This time, Tang Jun, the special prime minister, and the heads of various ministries are all talented people who can help change at the moment, and Shikai is relying on them to support the overall situation. I hope the people will trust and support them." Friendship.It can be seen that the two are still in harmony.The subsequent discord was exactly what the author reported in the previous chapter, and it was caused by people from the Beiyang family provoking Yuan in front of him.Tang was very close to Cai Yuanpei and Song Jiaoren in the cabinet, and discussed everything with them, which of course aroused the anger of the Beiyang faction even more.In Tang's cabinet, the most important person is Xiong Xiling, the Chief Financial Officer. He is in charge of the finance, the country has no income, and borrows from the syndicate of six countries.After Tang resigned, Xiong was the most vocal in forming a cabinet, because he was not from the Yuan family, but he was not from the Tongmenghui either.Zhao Bingjun, another important figure in the Tang Pavilion, was Yuan's best friend. As mentioned earlier, he was a man of scheming, and he had a set of methods to win over people, so he won the support of his subordinates.Since the establishment of police affairs in the Qing Dynasty, he has participated in it, so he has formed a force with the strongest territory.He controls the infantry and patrol police, and Feng Guozhang controls the imperial guards, which are the two pillars of Yuan.He publicly stated that he would not cooperate with Tang, and Tang could do nothing about it.

It is true that Tang was close to Cai Yuanpei and Song Jiaoren in the cabinet, but this also has its background.Since Tang presided over the peace conference, he wished to see the realization of the reunification of China. His selfishness deeply hoped that Sun Yat-sen could cooperate thoroughly with Yuan Shikai. The cabinet to resolve conflicts between Yuan and all parties.However, people in the Yuan family did not understand this aspect at all, and believed that Tang joined the League and was suspected of betraying the Yuan family. Therefore, Zhao Bingjun and Duan Qirui of the Yuan family in the cabinet discriminated against Tang.Xiong Xiling is also not a member of the League, and is favored by Yuan, so he ignores Tang himself, and Tang Nai has no choice but to get close to Cai and Song.After the loan issue arose, Tang and Xiong Yi became angry, and Yuan even used the Republicans in the Senate and the United Republican Party to jointly attack Tang. Therefore, regardless of the question of the direct governor, Yuan and Tang had to break up.

When Tang formed the cabinet, he originally called for a cabinet of mixed parties, but the results were so divided that everyone believed that a cabinet of mixed parties was not a good way, and that a cabinet of political parties should be organized, such as the British style. On June 21, members of the Tongmenghui, the Republican Party, and the United Republican Party held a joint meeting to exchange opinions on the organization of the new cabinet after Tang left.The League insisted on forming a political party cabinet, while the Republican Party advocated a detached cabinet that transcended party affiliation. The United Republican Party favored a detached cabinet but opposed the Republican proposal that "the prime minister must have a trustee of the president."The federation cannot agree at all.

The Tongmenghui sent a representative to pay a visit to Yuan Shikai, expressed his opinions on the new cabinet, suggested forming a cabinet of political parties, and never participated in a mixed cabinet. Yuan replied: "After Prime Minister (Tang) left Beijing a few days ago, Yu sent Secretary-General Liang, Chief Duan, and Mr. Liang Mengting to Tianjin to persuade him to stay. A few days ago, Tang handed in a leave letter, and the holiday has not yet expired. If Tang is still willing to return to his post, there will be no problems. If it is necessary to resign, the prime minister will be reassigned without delay. You can not agree with the detached cabinet and the party cabinet. I think that the two cabinets are not suitable for the situation in our country, and there is a shortage of top talents. Or if people without a party form a cabinet, they will not be able to get many talents in any aspect. Therefore, in my opinion, it is impossible to form a perfect cabinet without a joint organization of several parties and people without a party. You think that organizing a cabinet depends on a political party For example, Song Dunchu (Jiaoren) has a natural beauty and talent that surpasses his peers; Cai Heqing (Yuan Pei) admires his knowledge and morality for a while; (Guanxiong) Specialized in naval studies, their talents are also admirable. I recommend these people as state servants not because of their relationship with a certain party, but because they are talents in the world. Although there are many parties in our country today, but in one party Among them, those who seek their talents with the same status as state servants may find it difficult to find them all. Therefore, I do not pay attention to party factions, but focus on talents. I am deeply convinced, regardless of Party A, Party B, or no party, but they are enthusiastic about state affairs. Yu Biyin served as an assistant.

You all know that political parties are just beginning to sprout in our country today, and it is still difficult for a purely political party cabinet to be fully established. If a few more years pass, the foundation of the Republic of China will be consolidated, the political parties will be well-developed, and talents will emerge in large numbers. Cabinet is also available.Today, I really can't agree with what you said. My idea is to get talents, but I don't ask whether they are talented or not, and don't ask whether they belong to the party or not.The national situation of our country is critical today, and the whole country knows it, and we cannot hide the immaturity of the political party, so it is a last resort for me to bring up this idea.

I talked with two or three state officials about how peaceful I was when I retreated to the forest before; this time I went out to take risks and take on heavy responsibilities, which is a duty that a member of the nation cannot but fulfill.Yu's purpose is to build the Republic of China, and all the kings who are enthusiastic builders should be cited as comrades, otherwise Yu will not be able to force others to make things difficult.Up to this time, the prime minister and the second and third ministers may have the intention of resigning. I thought it was not partisan. If the prime minister and one or two state officials are not willing to stay, a little change can be made.

In addition, I have another saying: Many people today say that the Republic of China has been established and the north and south have been unified.From the perspective of Yu Guanzhi, in the past half a year, the countries have not yet recognized it, and the order of the provinces has not been restored internally. Besides, all the systems have no clue. Such a Republic, but it can be said to have its name, how can it be said to be fully established?For example, in building a house, although the address is fixed, the pattern is not yet completed, the pillars are not yet treed, and it is completed with clouds, which is still far away.The only thing that is disturbing is that in the past few months, our country has been reforming the republic, and every move has been watched and heard by others. If internal chaos occurs on its own, what will people say about me?Therefore, I think that the form of the cabinet cannot be completely changed this time.

In short, Yu advises you to broaden your horizons and focus on China's overall situation. You must not be attached to one-party relations, and you must not insist that the change of political parties in the peaceful era is a common practice that applies to today's critical survival of China.It is always necessary for everyone to get rid of prejudices, work together, and build together. Those who are state servants must be enthusiastic about their work and must have self-confidence. They must not listen to outsiders' praise and criticism, and think that they are advancing or retreating; Difficulties, strength and maintenance should not be constrained by partisan opinions, so that there is no room for development. If so, will the Republic of China have a perfect day?In addition, there are those who tell you: You must know that organizing the cabinet is not an easy task. The "Convention Law" stipulates that the president must appoint and dismiss state servants with the consent of the senators. try.Last time Yu asked Liang Ruhao to be the chief of transportation, but the Nanjing Senate disagreed.Aunt Yu didn't ask about Liang Zhi's personality and public opinion, but she was very familiar with diplomacy.The work is also meticulous.Later, although Yu personally asked him to come to Beijing to assist him, Liang Jun refused. After being urged by Yu several times, he came to Beijing a few days ago.The most talented people in the world are afraid of the crisis and have no regrets, or they all take the Liang family as a warning and do not take up state affairs; or they are also regarded as fearful of the road together with Beijing.Therefore, I sincerely hope that the members of the Senate can understand the embarrassing situation, and must not make everyone short-sighted.

The "Temporary Constitution" has a special prime minister, and the president is irresponsible. However, it can be seen that irresponsible people also vary in size.For example, in a store, the citizens are like the owner, the president is like the boss, and the state officials are like the shopkeeper. The planning and layout of the business, the manager of money and goods come in and out, and the responsibility of the shopkeeper is fixed. The leader cannot but be responsible, and the owner cannot be lenient for the leader.Now state servants are at the heart of administration, and the planning of a country's government affairs is not dependent on them, and the gains and losses of government affairs are the responsibility of state servants.However, if a state official neglects his duty, if he is tamed until the country dies, or even if he does not perish, but becomes incurable, can the president be irresponsible?Can the people not blame the president? " Yuan's talk showed that he was opposed to the party's cabinet, and at the same time he had decided that Lu Zhengxiang would be the prime minister. On June 28, the Tongmenghui held a staff meeting to discuss the issue of organizing the cabinet.Cai Yuanpei suggested that the members of the League should all resign to show that the Association advocates a purely political party and cabinet.Liu Kui expressed his opposition, thinking that the association is already weak in Beijing. If the state ministers withdraw, it will be difficult to hear from the cabinet in the future, and the future will be very sluggish.Song Jiaoren was very resolute. He said: "The reorganization of the State Council, I have always advocated a purely political party cabinet; as for other party organizations, all members of this association have withdrawn. I have already announced that I will resign immediately if others do not want to withdraw. ; That is to say, the comrades of this association must not agree, and I can leave the party immediately, and the purpose of my own advocacy will never be contradicted." After heated discussions, he agreed with Song's proposal and decided to agree to Lu Zhengxiang as the prime minister of the state. Those who join the cabinet are expelled from the party.Song's attitude was misunderstood, and people thought that apart from being the prime minister, he even opposed comrades from the League League joining the cabinet.