书城外语AShortHistoryofShanghai
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第98章 A GREAT CRISIS(1)

We have now followed the history of Shanghai to the close ofthe year 1924, and have pointed out that at that time there wereindications of the approach of a great political social and industrialupheaval, which might affect the Settlements in many ways. Duringthe years 1925, 1926 and 1927, this upheaval occurred. As it is still inprogress, it is too soon to see with any certainty the ultimate results.

The historian treats of things that are past, not of those of the presentand future, and hence we may consider our task to be finished. Wewill, however, attempt to give a brief review of recent events, anda statement of the present situation, avoiding, as far as possible,discussion as to their significance, or prediction as to the future.

In the year 1925 the outstanding event, as far as the Settlementwas concerned, was the May 30th incident.

Strikes in Japanese MillsEarly in the year there were frequent strikes in Japanese mills. Araid upon the Shanghai University situated on Seymour Road, andthe seizure of a large amount of Bolshevistic literature, gave reasonto believe that the strikes were fomented by a party which had comeunder Soviet influence.

Death of Dr. Sun Yat-senOn March 12th, 1925, Dr. Sun Yat-sen passed away in Peking.

In his political will, which has become the great charter of theKuomintang, there were phrases which seemed to encourage a closeralliance with Russia, which had proffered friendship to China.

Strike at Nagai Wata Kaisha"s MillIt was during a strike at one of the Nagai Wata Kaisha"s mills thatserious trouble arose. An assault was made by some of the Chineselabourers, and a Japanese overseer in charge of the property fired severalshots into the crowd. Seven of those attacking were injured, one ofwhom died the following day.

Clash between Students and Police at Louza StationThis incident led to further anti-Japanese agitation and culminatedin the unfortunate event of May 30th. On that day parties of studentstook part in anti-Japanese propaganda in the Settlement, and becamegreatly incensed when some of them were arrested and taken off to theLouza Police Station. Other students followed into the Police Station,and demanded that either those detained should be released, or thatall should be arrested. A crowd soon gathered on Nanking Road infront of the small gate to the Police Station. In the attempt on thepart of the police to drive the crowd back, a serious clash occurred.

Inspector Everson, who was on duty, believing there was danger ofthe police being overpowered, and the Louza Station being rushed,ordered his men to fire, with the result that four of the crowd werekilled outright and a number wounded. Of the wounded who weresent to the Shantung Road Hospital, four succumbed later. In the daysfollowing there were further clashes between the police and mobs. Thetotal Chinese casualties connected with the May 30th incident, as faras could be ascertained, were 24 killed and 36 wounded.

In an incredibly short time the Chinese community in Shanghaiwas ablaze with indignation.

The emotional excitement over the incident was far greater thanover any happening of a similar character in the past, and can only beexplained on the ground that the nationalist movement had succeededin stirring up the people so that they now resented what had beenpassively submitted to in the past. It seemed outrageous to the Chinesethat foreigners who were guests in China should have the power of lifeor death over the people in whose land they dwelt.

The news of the May 30th incident rapidly spread throughoutChina, and strengthened the nationalist and anti-foreign movements.

General Strike

On May 31st the Chinese General Chamber of commercedeclared a general strike. Shops were closed, and labourers in foreignemploy went out on strike. The total number of strikers in theSettlement was 100,000 and in Pootung 15,000.

Council Declares State of EmergencyOn June 1st, in order to prevent further disturbances, the Councildeclared a state of emergency. The Shanghai Volunteer Corps wasmobilized and Col. W. F. L. Gordon, commandant of the Corps, wasappointed commander of all defence forces in Shanghai. Measures weretaken for the continuance of essential services, and for an adequatefood supply for the Settlements.

As an evidence that the incident of May 30th served as the sparkto fire the train already laid, we have wide use of the following slogansat this time, “Abolish extraterritoriality,” “Cancel unequal treaties,”

“Restore all foreign settlements to China.”

Mixed Court Trial

Forty-nine persons (some of whom were students) were triedbefore the Mixed Court for creating trouble in the InternationalSettlement. After thorough investigation from June 4th to 11th theywere dismissed upon giving a bond for future good conduct.

Chinese Government InvestigatesThe Chinese Government appointed Admiral Tsai Ting-kan andMr. Tseng Tsung-chien, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, to proceed toShanghai to investigate the matter and to settle it on the spot.

At the same time, the Diplomatic Body in Peking also appointeda commission to visit Shanghai and to hold an inquiry.

Chinese Demands