Editor’s Note

Editor's Note With this issue, I am pleased to begin a three-year term as editor of Republican China. I am especially pleased that because of the energetic efforts of the former editor, Professor Roger Jeans, I have been able to begin my term as editor with a considerable number of manuscripts already on hand, including most of those appearing in this issue. I would like to acknowledge my indebtedness to Professor Jeans for easing my transition into the editorial world in this and several other ways, and on behalf of myself and the journal's Editorial Board to extend td him our sincere appreciation for the energy and effectiveness with which he has carried out his duties. .,:l As study of twentieth-century China around the world has expanded over the years, the format and content of this journal has also gradually altered to reflect and accommodate the changes in the field. With this issue, Republican China continues this process of change by beginning publication with a new and improved style of binding and typeface. The new binding, in addition to improving the appearance of the journal, should also make it possible to publish issues with more pages that can be accommodated under the present system of stapled bindings. This in turn should permit the publication of more and/or lengthier articles that is currently the practice. Further improvements in print quality, page layout and other aspects of the journal's format may take place in the future as finances and technical capabilities allow. Under my editorship, Republican China will continue to welcome submissions of a wide range of manuscripts dealing primarily with China in the 1911-1949 period. Although all contributions should have a substantial Republican-China focus, those which contain some material on the pre-1911 and post-1949 periods are also welcome, as are comparative empirical and theoretical studies which touch on non-China-related subjects. I wish particularly to encourage the submission of full-length article manuscripts solidly grounded in empirical research, but I am also committed to maintaining the journal's well-established tradition of providing a forum for the publication of bibliographical and research notes, review essays, conference and project announcements, and other similar materials which facilitate the academic activities of the journal's readers. Stephen C. Averill History Department Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824 Telephone: (517) 353-9475 FAX: (517) 353-5599 ii ...