(CHINA) SUN YAT-SEN POLITICAL INFLUENCE
MAURICE WILLIAM (1881-1973) American dentist and political author whose "The Social Interpretation of History" would greatly affect the political theories and thinking of Sun Yat-Sen. Rare T.L.S. on "Chung Kuo Kuo Min Tang Eastern Regional Headquarters" letterhead, 1p. 4to., New York, Jan. 14, 1944 to a "Mr. Mallery". William mentions that he had read an article by William Hard[?] in Reader's Digest and agreed with the man's views concerning Mallery's book. He sends along materials concerning his "Social Interpretation of History" and hopes Mallery will find them of interest, and also politely returns Mallery's check. Very good. In 1924, Sun Yat-sen was delivering a series of lectures on his political philosophy, the Three Principles of the People. For twelve weeks Sun expounded on his philosophy. But when it came time for the thirteenth lecture, Sun stopped, and did not resume for more than a month. Apparently he had come across a book, "The Social Interpretation of History", by American Maurice William, that caused him to rethink certain critical issues. Before that time, Sun, like many other reform-minded Chinese intellectuals of the day, was heavily influenced by Marxism. When Sun resumed his lectures, he spoke not in terms that were Marxist or vaguely Communist, but rather in terms of "Livelihood", clearly influenced by William's book. Indeed, in almost every speech or writing Sun either quoted, almost word for word, or paraphrased, the arguments which he had found in the Social Interpretation of History.