Regulating Local Society: Struggling And Self-improving In Chaotic Times

Xiao Jiabi (1887-1949),another name guiru(圭如),was recorded in history document as massacring Communits and playing Bandit leader. His birthplace is Jiangxi Suichuan(江西隧川). This paper use xiao's writings, letters and local archives, try to study his roles in suichuan society and reveal the relationship of elites and local authority.Xiao had constructed his authority according to the path: Dakeng village—Dakeng town(part of western Suichuan)—west of Suichuan—northwest Suichuan—all the county, from rural area to town or from part to the whole. Xiao leading village, lineage and wood trade,uhiting the elites in this area, struggling with the Natives and sometimes with the government, trying to enhance his power, constructed his authority and social nets. Xiao succeeded by massacring Communits, carrying out baojia system(保甲制度) and cooperative movement(合作社运动), organizing local army and leading the police, fighting with the Red Army, bandits , controlling local society, distinguishing the Natives from the keji(客籍)people.Xiao Jiabi fulfilled the responsibilities of traditional gentry, with Republican period characteristics. He regulated local society with morality , justice and prestige of traditional gentry, arms and power as well. He learnead modern scientific technology and political knowledge, with Chinese traditional culture spirit. The transformation of Republican China society, the tradition and modern, bring about the role and position of Xiao .The case of Xiao Jiabi in Suichuan showed that the extention of government authority in Republican period did not change the leading position of local elites. They catched the opportunity of country political authority and traditional society net, resisted the expansion of government power. Local society had been controlled by the elites with arms and prestige,especially in mountain-county just like Suichuan.