Senior Rongxi,

I have received Cai's letter and learned that you have already sent a reply to me. The matter of raising one hundred yuan for the trip to Beijing and onward to France is manageable, but the lack of one hundred yuan for living expenses in France remains a problem. As for the living expenses in France, I will discuss with Cai in Beijing to see if we can borrow the money. Once there is a solution, I will write to inform you, and then you can come. The diploma must be sent immediately, by double-registered mail to ensure no mishap.

I have another matter to discuss with you. It seems to me that you are not particularly suited to engage in industrial work; rather, your aptitude lies in education. After repeated discussions with Cai and others, we deeply feel that with most of our comrades going abroad, there are few left to engage in primary education. This leaves our rear base empty, which is not a sound strategy. Recently, Zhou Shizhao accepted the position of director at the Xiuye School, which I fully support and find gratifying. I previously heard that you were considering taking up a teaching position at the Huang family school. I wonder if that has materialized? Going to France is one option, but it is not as beneficial as engaging in education. Firstly, it suits your natural disposition; secondly, it allows you to pursue studies related to your interests, such as the humanities; thirdly, it nurtures talent and serves as a backbone for our association's endeavors. Given these considerations, it seems advisable to weigh the options carefully between going far away or staying nearby, rather than rushing into a decision. Teaching in Southeast Asia is also a form of education; waiting for news from the south before making a move is another approach. There will be many more matters to discuss with you in the future, and this is just one of them. I will not elaborate further.

Zedong
August 11

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The official cliques and financial magnates of France, Britain, and the United States have thrown their full weight into the Paris Peace Conference, employing high-handed tactics against the defeated Germany and Austria. Just as they were in high spirits, a wave of strikes suddenly erupted in their own countries. Strikes are, after all, a common occurrence in these nations. Although the governments and financial magnates dare not completely disregard the laborers, whenever the workers, united by grievances over unequal distribution of labor's fruits, excessively long working hours, inadequate housing, unemployment, and other resentments and injustices, band together and launch strikes, the authorities are compelled to offer them small concessions. It is much like a child crying from hunger with such heart-wrenching sorrow that the adult cannot help but smile and hand him a biscuit. Yet, this is ultimately a drop in the bucket—what real help can it provide? Hence, the broad-minded faction ridicules the workers of Britain and France for their narrow vision, likening them to those who beg for scraps of meat from a tiger's mouth, which is utterly futile.

In this wave of strikes across various countries, Britain, having already experienced a major strike in November of last year involving transportation agencies, the fuel industry, mining, and manufacturing in England and Scotland, saw no strikes on its home soil this time. In France, the strike situation initially appeared severe but ultimately ended with minor concessions, yielding no significant results. There were rumors that the broad-minded faction might seize the opportunity to carry out political movements in Paris, but these did not materialize. The strike by some telegraph and telephone workers in the United States was in support of the congressional majority's opposition to joining the League of Nations, differing in purpose from the strikes in Britain and France. The strike in Italy was a kind of protest by the Socialist Party against its government's actions. In Germany, since the major defeat of the minority Socialist Party last winter, large-scale strikes across the country had also failed to achieve good results. Since the majority Socialist Party came to power, it has remained as silent as a cicada in winter, not daring to make a sound. Recently, the issue of signing the peace treaty has stirred the potential for strikes. However, with the fall of the Scheidemann cabinet and the succession of the Bauer cabinet, which follows the same line as its predecessor, the government, though insufficient in resisting foreign aggression, possesses more than enough force to guard against internal dissent, tightly gripping its military power. Who would dare challenge it? The bold political strategies of the broad-minded faction have no opportunity to be launched for the time being. It is no wonder that strikes have not become a reality. Hungary has not been greatly affected by strikes, primarily due to food shortages and hunger. Below is a summary of the strike situations in various countries over the past month.

In France, after the strike wave began on June 3, it spread rapidly. In the Paris area alone, 110,000 male and female workers were idle. Their demands varied across industries, but they unanimously insisted on an eight-hour workday. On June 4, the strike spread further, with an estimated 500,000 workers on strike. On June 5, laundry workers went on strike. Thereafter, the number of strikers increased. Workers on the subway, trams, and streetcars resolved to continue the strike. Subway workers demanded a minimum monthly wage of 450 francs (equivalent to 180 Chinese yuan at an exchange rate of 0.4 yuan per franc), a pension upon reaching the age of 50, and a pension after 15 years of service. On June 7, the strike situation in Paris showed signs of turning around, as workers and employers in the metalworking and machinery industries reached agreements on several matters. On June 11, metalworkers and subway workers returned to work. The authorities had taken necessary measures to deal with the railway strike. Coal miners were on the verge of a general strike. On June 12, a proposal was made, but the miners' conference remained dissatisfied and decided to launch a general strike on June 16. The sailors' union also resolved to strike on June 16. Workers' unions spoke of the exorbitant cost of living. A correspondent noted that a recent returnee from Paris cited an example of soaring prices: an old toothbrush cost two francs, and a pair of leather shoes cost 60 francs. It was said that at various African ports, thousands of tons of wheat and grain were piled up, left to rot. Goods were stockpiled like mountains at various docks, while ships and trains sat idle, refusing to transport them. Such a government should quickly abolish its wasteful, deceptive practices. By June 14, the tide was gradually calming. The railway union rejected the proposal, but the miners, dissatisfied with the government's explanation of the eight-hour workday bill, decided on a general strike on June 16. It was feared that workers in the railway and mining transport unions would also strike in solidarity. The old man Clemenceau grew anxious and met with transport companies and workers' representatives, imploring them to show some patriotic fervor in this time of national crisis. The workers, swayed by his sweet talk, obediently resolved to return to work.

In London, a telegram on May 30 reported that a nationwide police strike planned for June 3 was brewing, but the government had already promised salary increases and improved treatment. However, it refused to recognize the police union or rehire dismissed officers. In British dominions such as Australia, Canada, and Suez, there were also strike waves. On June 4, workers at the Vickers armaments factory in Canada went on strike, demanding a 40-hour workweek. On June 5, workers on the Suez Canal went on strike, creating a dire situation. On June 9, a shipping strike in Australia erupted with great intensity, disrupting various industries. By June 10, the situation remained severe, with an increasing number of workers in other industries becoming idle as a result.

In the United States, on June 7, telegraph operators in Chicago planned to strike at 11 a.m., involving about 60,000 people, of whom 15,000 were members of the Telegraph Operators' Union. The union president, Mr. Connelly, was planning a nationwide strike. On the same day, telephone operators nationwide were ordered to strike on June 16 in solidarity with the telegraph operators. On June 8, the executive committee of the Telegraph Operators' Union announced to all telegraph workers, including telegraphers, a general strike. The aim was to halt President Wilson's daily telegraphic communications to and from Paris, drawing his attention to the public's disapproval of his stance at the peace conference. On June 12, telegraph companies reported that the telegraph operators' strike had not materialized.

In Italy, on June 13, riots broke out in Spezia due to soaring food prices, with shops being vandalized. On June 14, a workers' demonstration in Genoa led to hundreds of arrests. Banks and shops closed, and trams stopped running. That day, many workers in Turin stopped work to commemorate Karl Liebknecht, the leader of the German Spartacist League. Workers in Milan went on strike to protest the actions of the authorities in Genoa and Spezia.

In Germany, on June 13, a secret meeting of the Greater Berlin Citizens' Council resolved to strike. People from various professions and military circles supported the plan to halt all industrial operations. Some predicted that this would lead to civil war, with the middle class seizing power.

In Hungary, on May 31, hungry workers in Budapest rioted. Red Guard troops, under orders from the Communist government, were dispatched to factories to quell the unrest. Budapest was almost entirely without food.

Chen Duxiu, former Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Peking University, was arrested on June 11 at the New World in Beijing. According to a police announcement, the arrest occurred because someone was distributing leaflets of the "Beijing Citizens' Manifesto" at the New World that evening, and he was detained by plainclothes agents. It was only upon interrogation at the police station that his identity was discovered. The following is the text of the so-called "Beijing Citizens' Manifesto" as reported by the Sino-American News Agency:

1. Abrogate all secret Sino-Japanese agreements made during the European war.
2. Dismiss Xu Shuzheng, Cao Rulin, Zhang Zongxiang, Lu Zongyu, Duan Zhigui, and Wang Huaiqing from their posts and expel them from Beijing.
3. Abolish the Office of the Commandant of the Infantry and the Commander-in-Chief of the Garrison.
4. The Beijing Security Force shall be organized by merchants and citizens.
5. Promote peace negotiations between the North and the South.
6. The people shall have absolute freedom of speech, publication, and assembly.

The above six points represent the minimum demands of the people toward the government, which they still hope to achieve through peaceful means. Should the government fail to heed the will of the people, the citizens of Beijing will have no choice but to take direct action to pursue fundamental reform.

The above is the text of the "Beijing Citizens' Manifesto" leaflet. Upon reading it, we find nothing particularly alarming. Yet, the government arrested Chen, and according to newspaper reports, he has been subjected to harsh treatment. The entire student body of Beijing has submitted a petition to the police department, requesting his release. The original text of the petition is as follows:

To the Honorable Director-General of Police:

We respectfully submit this petition. Recently, we have learned that the military police have arrested Chen Duxiu, former Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Peking University, with the intention of imposing severe punishment. We students earnestly believe this is inadvisable and hereby present two key points:

1. Mr. Chen has long enjoyed high esteem in academic circles, and his views and ideas are recognized both domestically and internationally. If he is hastily charged on mere suspicion this time, it may provoke further unrest in the national academic community. At this critical juncture of the student movement, this is hardly a way to calm matters and resolve disputes.

2. Mr. Chen has consistently advocated for new literature and modern thought, which has incurred the resentment of conservative elements. His sudden arrest raises concerns that people at home and abroad may suspect the military and police authorities of deliberately fabricating charges to suppress modern thought. With various issues already extremely complex, how can we afford to create additional complications and disputes?

Based on these two reasons, we students hereby petition your esteemed department to grant Chen Duxiu early release on bail.

The Beijing students also sent a telegram to various newspapers, schools, and circles in Shanghai:

Chen Duxiu, the most vigorous advocate of modern thought and a pillar of the academic community, was suddenly arrested on the 11th, and his residence was searched. The public is deeply alarmed. In addition to seeking ways to rescue him, we hope the nation will take note.

The Shanghai Industrial Association also sent a telegram demanding Chen's release, stating: "To vent anger over the Beijing student movement on Chen alone will sow the seeds of great chaos." The government is not yet so benighted as to be entirely ignorant of the broader trends outside, and it is expected that he will be released soon. If the government insists on launching a literary inquisition and waging a desperate battle against the sweeping tide of modern thought, I doubt it has the audacity.

Zhang Shizhao (Zhang Xingyan) is a longtime friend of Chen. When Chen served as Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the university, Zhang also served as the university's library director and professor of logic at the research institute. Upon Chen's arrest, Zhang immediately sent a telegram to Wang Kemin in Beijing, asking him to convey to the police department that Chen should be released forthwith. The gist was that Chen has always devoted himself to scholarship and has never been tainted by political partisanship. Even if his writings were somewhat inappropriate this time, how could it warrant such a severe prosecution, treating him like a prisoner and cutting off his contact with family and friends? Moreover, at a time when the student unrest has just subsided, how can we suddenly tighten the literary net and provoke public outrage anew? This is something you gentlemen should certainly avoid.

Zhang also sent a letter to Acting Premier Gong Xinzhan, which was even more impassioned:

To Mr. Xianzhou (Gong Xinzhan):

I have long been deprived of your esteemed guidance and have been preoccupied with longing. I have a request to make. I have heard that Chen Duxiu, former Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Peking University, has been arrested on suspicion of involvement with leaflets and has not yet been released. The exact facts are unclear from afar. However, I recall that Mr. Chen has always devoted himself solely to scholarship. Although he advocates new trends of thought and his writings and arguments may sometimes contain excessive language, his scope is strictly confined to the literary realm and absolutely free of political taint—this is clearly evident. At a time when the nation is beset with many troubles and the student unrest has just subsided, how can we resort to punishing unspoken criticisms and emulating the tactics of suppressing dissent, thereby further agitating people's minds? I believe this is something you gentlemen should not do. Historically speaking, when those in power make trouble for literati over minor textual matters, leading to literary inquisitions, even if they succeed, it is not a sign of strength; if they fail, hearts are alienated, the fabric of governance is torn, and no one, however capable, can repair the damage. Observe past and present, at home and abroad: whenever the literary net was tightest, it coincided with the decline of the nation's fortunes. The late Ming dynasty serves as a chilling lesson. Today, rumors abound, and the upright live in fear. Repeatedly resorting to such actions that implicate literati is truly an ominous sign for the nation and the foundation of great chaos. To nip trouble in the bud, I venture to appeal to those in charge. Moreover, Mr. Chen is a man of outstanding talent and profound learning, versed in both Chinese and Western knowledge. Anhui Province, linking north and south, has often produced men of martial valor; a scholar of his caliber is truly rare and admirable. You, sir, who regard your fellow provincials with impartiality, likely share this sentiment. Whether viewed from the perspective of the nation or the province, nurturing a single talent is exceedingly difficult. How can we bear to hastily destroy him? I am writing this special letter to request that you immediately order the police department to release Mr. Chen. I have known Chen since childhood and have been his colleague at the university. I know his character and conduct deeply. I dare to vouch for his innocence and am willing to serve as a witness.

Zhang Shizhao bows in respect,
June 22

We regard Mr. Chen as a shining star in the world of thought. When people with even a modicum of clarity hear what Mr. Chen says, they invariably feel he expresses exactly what is in their own minds. China today is in the utmost peril. The danger does not lie in insufficient military strength or inadequate financial resources, nor in the pursuit of internal strife and fragmentation. The danger lies in the fact that the ideological realm of the entire nation is empty and corrupt to the extreme. Of China's 400 million people, roughly 390 million are steeped in superstition—superstition about gods and ghosts, about material phenomena, about fate, about brute power. They utterly fail to recognize the individual, to recognize the self, to recognize truth. This is the result of the underdevelopment of scientific thought. China is called a republic, but in reality, it is an autocracy, growing worse and worse, with one faction replacing another. This is the result of the masses having no shadow of democracy in their hearts and not understanding what democracy truly is. What Mr. Chen has consistently championed are precisely these two things. He once said that the reason we offend society is none other than for "Science" and "Democracy." Mr. Chen offended society for these two things, and society has repaid him with arrest and imprisonment. This can be considered a punishment fitting the crime! Thought knows no boundaries. In November last year, Rosa Luxemburg, the leader of the German broad-minded Socialist Party, was killed by the democratic government. In the middle of last month, in Turin, Italy—a country hostile to Germany—the people held a grand demonstration to commemorate her. In Zurich, Switzerland, a similar demonstration was held in her memory. Even enemies act thus, let alone those who are not enemies. Even foreign countries act thus, let alone one's own country. Mr. Chen's arrest cannot harm him in the slightest. On the contrary, it leaves a great memorial for the new thought, making it shine ever more brilliantly and far-reaching. The government certainly does not have the audacity to put Mr. Chen to death. Even if he were to die, it could not harm the slightest bit of his supremely firm and noble spirit. Mr. Chen himself once said: "Out of the laboratory, into the prison. Out of the prison, into the laboratory." He also said, "I am not afraid of death." Mr. Chen can now put his words to the test. I wish Mr. Chen long life! I wish his supremely firm and noble spirit eternal life!

At the beginning of last month, when rice prices in Japan were at their peak, exceeding 40 yuan per koku, the Japanese authorities were in a state of panic. Newspapers confirmed that a food crisis was imminent. Poor Japan! Your intestines are about to go hungry, yet you still try to flaunt your strength before your benefactors. Where in the world is there a reason for a beggar to be so aggressive and still receive much alms?

*Xiangjiang Review*, Inaugural Issue, July 14, 1919

Afghanistan has invaded India, with the Russian Bolsheviks acting as its masterminds. The Bolsheviks have reached South Asia. During the height of Korea's "shout revolution," there were also reports of Bolshevik involvement, meaning they have already reached East Asia. The Bolsheviks are so formidable! Everyone should study and research just what exactly they are. You must not shut your eyes and simply spout empty phrases like "worse than floods and savage beasts," "resist," "reject," and so on. Once you open your eyes, the Bolsheviks will have spread across the entire country, and you will flee in panic, with nowhere left to run.

Last month, the Paris Supreme Economic Council resolved to impose a blockade on Hungary, stating that it would continue until the Hungarian government declared its willingness to comply with the will of the people. This must be examined from two perspectives. First, the Allied Powers have misjudged the Hungarian government as being at odds with the will of the Hungarian people. It is true that the Hungarian government is at odds with the will of the minority propertied classes and the gentry. But it is absolutely not at odds with the will of the vast majority of the proletariat and the common people, because the Hungarian government was originally organized by them. Second, the imposition of a blockade will only aid the spread of Bolshevism. I fear the Allied Powers will also be drawn into this vortex. If so, then this blockade is truly "a monumental blunder."

Germany's reply to the peace conference demanded that after the reduction of the German army, the Allied Powers must also reduce their forces proportionally. Who would dare say this is wrong? The Allied Powers are full of talk about the principle of equality. Let us see what the Allied Powers' armaments are like in the future, and we will have proof.

A tiny Afghanistan has gone to war with a colossal maritime power, Britain. There must be significant reasons behind this. But relying solely on British telegraphic reports is unreliable. Turkey is about to be carved up and devoured by a pack of tigers and wolves. India sacrificed itself to aid Britain, only to earn a peace delegate adorned with a red turban, making a laughingstock of itself. The demands of the Indian people have not been granted. The Indian people's political movement is being suppressed by military force. Afghanistan is a Muslim nation; when the fox dies, the rabbit grieves. How could it not take up arms and rise?

The Allied Powers, wishing to turn the Rhineland into a defensive barrier against Germany, must first detach it from Germany and make it a separate state. It is said that a provisional government has already been established in Wiesbaden, with a Dr. Dorten as president. I wonder just how delighted this Dr. Dorten really is? The Jin dynasty installed Liu Yu, the Khitans installed Shi Jingtang, and our China has also had several such states.

The restoration of Poland and Czechoslovakia is aimed at dealing a death blow to Germany, and the Allied Powers are doing their utmost to assist them, calling it "national self-determination." Arabia has the benefit of splitting Turkey, so it is granted semi-independence. The Jews wish to restore their state in Palestine, but since it is of little consequence to the Allied Powers, they cannot succeed. The Siberian government has the merit of attacking the Bolsheviks, so it is granted formal recognition. Japan, wishing to extend its reach into Siberia, had to show some goodwill, so it was the first to propose recognition. Korea cried out for independence; how many people died, how many places were thrown into turmoil, yet the peace conference simply ignored it. What fine "national self-determination"! I say it is utterly shameless!

Wilson in Paris is like an ant on a hot pan, not knowing what to do. He is surrounded on all sides by bandits like Clemenceau, Lloyd George, Makino Nobuaki, and Orlando. All he hears is about acquiring so much territory and exacting so much indemnity. All he can do is attend various meetings where he cannot express his own views. A Reuters telegram one day said, "President Wilson has finally agreed to Clemenceau's proposal not to allow Germany to join the League of Nations." When I read the words "has finally agreed," I felt suffocated for a long time. Poor Wilson!

Anarchist activities occurred simultaneously in eight cities. Anarchism is spreading widely. Near the site of a bomb explosion, an anonymous poster declared that "class war" has already begun and will only cease when the international labor movement achieves complete victory. Bombs are often planted in the residences of certain officials, and human heads have been found on rooftops. How terrifying! I am only concerned about the young ladies and children in the officials' households—how can they sleep at night? In the parliament, those members who have lots of money and thus lots of votes, and who are elected because of lots of votes, are still there vehemently denouncing the rioters and passing severe punishment bills. I formally tell you all: your "Judgment Day" is approaching! If you wish to stay alive and have a decent amount of food and clothing, you must thoroughly wash your brains, take off your top hats, put away your formal attire, and go with the common people of your country into the factories to work and into the countryside to farm.

Samuel Gompers, the leader of the American Labor Party, declared in a speech: "The Labor Party is determined to have a voice in the reconstruction efforts and will not tolerate industrial autocracy." The United States is the world's foremost industrial autocracy, and the evils of the trusts originate there. A few people enjoy blessings while millions must weep. The more industry develops, the more people there are who weep. What Gompers' method of "not tolerating" will be is still unknown. But as long as someone advocates "not tolerating," it is a good sign. From one person saying "not tolerating" to millions of people saying "not tolerating," from a low-voiced "not tolerating" to a loud, thunderous, roaring "not tolerating"—that will be the day humanity truly achieves liberation.

Germany replied to the Allied Powers, stating that if it loses Upper Silesia and the Saar coal mines, it will be unable to fulfill its reparation obligations. I expect the Allied Powers will be very vexed upon hearing this. Why? Because seizing territory and obtaining reparations would be the best of both worlds. According to Germany, the two are inversely proportional—how could they not be vexed? Nevertheless, I advise you, esteemed gentlemen of the Allied Powers: where in the world is there such a thing as having the best of both worlds?

Dr. Renner, the chief representative of Austria, replied to the peace conference, saying: "Austria is now living off its capital, which has been greatly reduced compared to before. If further devastation is inflicted, it will inevitably create a bloody ground for the Socialist Party." How foolish, Dr. Renner! Do you not yet know that the true aim of the Allied Powers over the past year has been precisely to create a bloody ground for the Socialist Party?

Dr. Bernstein of Germany declared in a speech: "The peace terms are the result of barbaric warfare, for which Germany bears the greatest responsibility. Nineteen-tenths of the peace treaty terms are necessary." We certainly oppose the coercive peace treaty of the Allied Powers. But Dr. Bernstein's words, directed specifically at barbaric warfare, are quite refreshing to hear.

Kang Youwei, angered by the demolition of the Minglun Hall to make way for road construction in Guangzhou, sent a telegram to Cen Chunxuan and Wu Tingfang, denouncing it as "an insult to the sages and a destruction of ethics." He said: "In all my travels around the world, I have never heard of such a thing." Mr. Kang's words are indeed correct. In traveling around the world, where can one find any Confucius? Even less can one find any Minglun Hall.

Mr. Kang also said: "Forcible demolition is not befitting a republic." How strange! Does he mean that we must preserve the practices of "the ruler guides the subject" and "let the ruler be a ruler, the subject a subject" for it to be "befitting a republic"?

Deng Rong said in the new parliament: "To honor Confucius, there is no need to establish a special official post; it would save funds." Zhang Yuanqi said: "The Ministry of Internal Affairs handles the Confucian ceremonies with clerks and attendants, while the vice ministers and department heads ignore it. A special official post must be established." The clerks and attendants of the Ministry of Internal Affairs are probably not human. If they were human, how could they be incapable of even performing the Confucian ceremonies? I imagine that Old Man Confucius' bureaucratic airs, after all these years, have probably diminished somewhat.