ng of the Permanent
Constitution was pressed. Generally speaking the average life of
each new system has been less than six months, after which a new
system quite contrary to the last succeeded it. Thus the whole
country has been at a loss to know where it stood and how to act;
and thus the dignity and credit of the Government in the eyes of the
people have been lowered down to the dust. There are many subjects
respecting internal and diplomatic affairs which we can profitably
discuss. If you wish to serve the country in a patriotic way you
have many ways to do so. Why stir the peaceful water and create a
sea of troubles by your vain attempt to excite the people and sow
seeds of discord for the State?

X. THE ASSEVERATIONS OF THE PRESIDENT

One or two points more, and I am finished. These will be in the
nature of a straight talk to the Chou An Hui. The question I would
ask in plain words is, who is the person you have in your mind as
the future Emperor? Do you wish to select a person other than the
Great President? You know only too well that the moment the
President relieves his shoulder of the burdens of State the country
will be thrown into confusion. If you entertain this plot with the
deliberation of a person bent upon the destruction of the country,
then the four hundred million of people will not excuse you.

Is the man you have in mind the present President? Heaven and earth
as well as all living creatures in China and other lands know what
the President swore to when he took the oath of office as President.
Rumours have indeed been circulated, but whenever they reached the
ears of the President he has never hesitated to express his
righteous mind, saying that no amount of pressure could compel him
to change his determination. All officials who have come into close
contact with the President have heard such sentiments from the lips
of the President on not a few occasions. To me his words are still
ringing in my ears. General Feng Kuo-chang has conveyed to me what
he was told by the President. He says that the President has
prepared a "few rooms" in England, and that if the people would not
spare him he would flee to the refuge he has prepared. Thus we may
clearly see how determined the President is. Can it be possible that
you have never heard of this and thus raise