the task imposed on me
by the designation of the millions of people is of extraordinary
magnitude. It is therefore impossible for one without merit and
without virtue like myself to shoulder the burdens of State involved
in the enhancing of the welfare of the people, the strengthening of
the standing of the country, the reformation of the administration
and the advancement of civilization. My former declaration was,
therefore, the expression of a sincere heart and not a mere
expression of modesty. My fear was such that I could not but utter
the words which I have expressed. The people, however, have viewed
with increasing impatience that declaration and their expectation of
me is now more pressing than ever. Thus I find myself unable to
offer further argument just as I am unable to escape the position.
The laying of a great foundation is, however, a thing of paramount
importance and it must not be done in a hurry. I, therefore, order
that the different Ministries and Bureaux take concerted action in
making the necessary preparations in the affairs in which they are
concerned; and when that is done, let the same be reported to me
for promulgation. Meanwhile all our citizens should go on peacefully
in their daily vocations with the view to obtain mutual benefit. Let
not your doubts and suspicions hinder you in your work. All the
officials should on their part be faithful at their posts and
maintain to the best of their ability peace and order in their
localities, so that the ambition of the Great President to work for
the welfare of the people may thus be realized. Besides forwarding
the memorial of the principal representatives of the Convention of
the Representatives of Citizens and that of the provinces and
special administrative area to the Cheng Shih Tang and publishing
the same by a mandate, I have the honour to notify the acting Li Fan
Yuan as the principal representatives of the Convention of the
Representatives of Citizens, to this effect.

Cautious to the end, it will be seen that Yuan Shih-kai's very
acceptance is so worded as to convey the idea that he is being forced to
a course of action which is against his better instincts. There is no
word of what came to be called the Grand Ceremony, _i.e._ the
enthronement. That matter is carefully left in abeyance and the
government departments simply