Gazette on the 31st
December and electrified the capital. The reader will not fail to note
how richly allegorical they are in spite of their dramatic nature:

FIRST TELEGRAM

To the Great President:

Since the question of _Kuo-ti_ (form of State) was raised
consternation has seized the public mind; and on account of the
interference of various Powers the spirit of the people has been
more and more aroused. They have asked the question:--"Who has
invited the disaster, and brought upon us such great disgrace?" Some
one must be responsible for the alien insults heaped on us.

We have learned that each day is given to rapid preparations for the
Grand Ceremony; and it is now true that, internally, public opinion
has been slighted, and, externally, occasions have been offered to
foreigners to encroach on our rights. Our blood runs cold when we
face the dangers at the door. Not once but twice hath the President
taken the oath to observe and obey the Constitution and protect and
maintain the Republic. The oath was sworn before Heaven and Earth;
and it is on record in the hearts of millions of people and the
words thereof still echo in the ears of the people of all nations.
In the Classics it is said that "in dealing with the people of the
country, faith is of the essence of great rule." Again it is written
that "without faith a people cannot endure as a nation." How then
can one rule the people when he "eats" his own words and tears his
own oath? Principle has now been cast to the winds and the _Kuo-ti_
has been changed. We know not how the country can be administered.

Since the suspension of the National Assembly and the revision of
the Constitution, the powers of Government have been centred in one
person, with the implied freedom to do whatever seems meet without
let or hindrance. If the Government were to use this power in order
to reform the administration and consolidate the foundations of the
nation, there would be no fear of failure. For the whole country
would submit to the measures of the Central Government. Thus there
is not the least necessity to commit treason by changing the
_Kuo-ti_.

But although the recent decision of the Citizens' Representatives in
favour of a monarchy and the request of the high local officials for
the President's accession to the Throne have bee