Who's Who in China (3rd edition)/Lan Kung-wu

Mr. Lan Kung-wu

藍公成字志先

Mr. Lan Kung-wu was born at Wu-kiang Hsien, Kiangsu Province, in 1886 and received his education at the Tokyo Imperial University, where he took a course in philosophy. Mr. Lan is a great admirer of Mr. Liang Chi-chiao, the liberal leader and writer. Upon his return to China, he took up journalistic work becoming editor of several leading papers at different times. He was one of the editors of Justice of which Liang Chi-chiao was the founder as well the editor-in-chief. In 1913 Mr. Lan was elected Senator of the First Parliament. After the dissolution of the Parliament in January 1914. Mr. Lan went to Berlin to study. He remained there until 1915. Upon his return to Peking, he became chief editor of the Chinese department of the Peking Gazette and also editor of the magazine Ta Chung Hua, founded by Liang Chi-chiao. Mr. Lan played a very important part in the Yunnan Uprising against Yuan Shih-kai's monarchical movement. In March 1916 he accompanied Liang Chi-chiao to Kuangsi, which later declared independence, responding to the call of General Tsao Ao, the Hero of the Yunnan Revolt. In June 1916 after the death of Yuan Shih-kai, the First Parliament was reconvoked and Mr. Lan became a Senator again. In June 1917 it was again dissolved and the following month witnessed Chang Hsun's attempt to restore the boy emperor. In September 1917, President Feng Kuo-chang ordered a Provisional Senate or National Council and in January 1918 it was formally inaugurated with Mr. Lan as one of the Senators. In March 1918 a mandate was issued for a new Parliament based on newly amended Election Laws. In August 1918 the so called Anfu or "Tuchun's" Parliament was assembled. Mr. Lan was elected a member of the House of Representatives. However, he was present only at one meeting and then tendered his resignation. Subsequently Mr. Lan became President of the daily paper Kuo Ming Kung Pao in Peking. During the Anfu rule in Peking, this paper was considered the only paper that remained independent. It strongly supported the non-signing at the Paris Conference, and the Students' Movement. It was also the first paper which introduced "modern thoughts” through journalistic means. It was finally closed by the Anfu government in the autumn of 1920. After this Mr. Lan in cooperation with Liang Chi-chiao started the magazine called Reorganization. In June 1922 the First Parliament was for the second time revoked and Mr. Lan returned to Peking and became a Senator again. Mr. Lan is an important member of the Progressive Party. He is a brother-in-law of Mr. Hsu Fo-su. Mr. Lan was awarded the Third Class Chiaho in December 1919.