1912年8月，《泰晤士报》驻京著名记者乔治·厄内斯特·莫理循（G. E. Morrison）辞去
记者之职，接受袁世凯的聘书成为其领导的北京政府顾问。对于莫理循为何从无冕之王转而涉足
政坛的原因，学界鲜有探讨。有学者认为莫理循辞职的主要原因是迫于财务上的压力，同时兼有
其他复杂原因，但对此并无详述。本文认为，莫理循放弃新闻职业从政的原因既有他渴望成就一
番大事业的性格内因，也有当时他所处情境的各方面外因，是内外因共同作用的结果。除了自身
性格和对中国人民的感情两个因素之外，造成莫理循辞职的外在因素至少有以下几点：1、和袁
世凯交好。2、和报社上司长期不和。3、对记者职业感到倦怠。4、疾病缠身、经济窘迫、即将
成家。

This article explores the deep reasons which resulted in G. E. Morrison’s professional transformation.
He resigned from The Times and then accepted Yuan Shikai’s offer of being a political consultant of Beijing
government in August, 1912. In addition to Morrison’s innate passion for adventure and his affection for the
Chinese people, he made his decision because of these 4 factors: 1. His long-established friendship between
with Yuan Shikai; 2. His conflicts with the editor Sir Valentine Chirol; 3. He was tired of journalistic
profession; 4. His deteriorating health condition and the tight economic budget.