told to make the necessary preparations.
The attitude of Peking officialdom is well-illustrated in a circular
telegram dispatched to the provinces three days later, the analysis of
Japan's relationship to the Entente Powers being particularly revealing.
The obsequious note which pervades this document is also particularly
noticeable and shows how deeply the canker of sycophancy had now eaten
in.

CODE TELEGRAM DATED DECEMBER 14, 1915, FROM THE OFFICE OF
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE LAND AND NAVAL FORCES, RESPECTING CHINA'S
ATTITUDE TOWARDS FOREIGN NATIONS

To the Military and Civil Governors of the Provinces:--

(To be deciphered with the Hua Code)

On the 11th inst. the acting Legislature Council submitted a
memorial to the Emperor, reporting on the number of votes cast by
the people in favour of a monarchy and the letters of nomination of
Yuan Shih-kai as Emperor received from all parts of the country, and
begged that he would ascend the Throne at an early date. His Majesty
was, however, so modest as to decline. The Council presented a
second memorial couched in the most entreating terms, and received
an order to the effect that all the ministries and departments were
to make the necessary preparations for the enthronement. The details
of this decision appeared in the Presidential Orders of the past few
days, so need not be repeated now.

The people are unanimously of the opinion that in a republic the
foundation of the state is very apt to be shaken and the policy of
the government to be changed; and that consequently there is no
possibility of enjoying everlasting peace and prosperity, nor any
hope for the nation to become powerful. Now that the form of the
state has been decided in favour of a monarchy and the person who is
to sit on the Throne agreed upon, the country is placed on a secure
basis, and the way to national prosperity and strength is thus
paved.

Being the trustworthy ministers and, as it were, the hands and feet
of His Majesty, we are united to him by more ties than one. On this
account we should with one mind exert our utmost efforts in
discharging our duty of loyalty to the country. This should be the
spirit which guides us in our action at the beginning of the new
dynasty. As for the enthronement, it is purely a matter of ceremony.
Whether it takes place earlier or l