steps actually to carry out the programme. When the trouble in
Yunnan and Kueichow arose, a mandate was officially issued
announcing the decision to postpone the measure and forbidding
further presentation of petitions praying for the enthronement. I
then hastened the convocation of the Li Fa Yuan (_i.e._, a new
Parliament) in order to secure the views of that body and hoping
thus to turn back to the original state of affairs, I, being a man
of bitter experiences, had at once given up all ideas of world
affairs; and having retired into the obscurity of the river Yuan (in
Honan), I had no appetite for the political affairs of the country.
As the result of the revolution in Hsin Hai, I was by mistake
elected by the people. Reluctantly I came out of my retirement and
endeavoured to prop up the tottering structure. I cared for nothing,
but the salvation of the country. A perusal of our history of
several thousand years will reveal in vivid manner the sad fate of
the descendants of ancient kings and emperors. What then could have
prompted me to aspire to the Throne? Yet while the representatives
of the people were unwilling to believe in the sincerity of my
refusal of the offer, a section of the people appear to have
suspected me of harbouring the desire of gaining more power and
privileges. Such difference in thought has resulted in the creation
of an exceedingly dangerous situation. As my sincerity has not been
such as to win the hearts of the people and my judgment has not been
sound enough to appraise every man, I have myself alone to blame for
lack of virtue. Why then should I blame others? The people have been
thrown into misery and my soldiers have been made to bear hardships;
and further the people have been cast into panic and commerce has
rapidly declined. When I search my own heart a measure of sorrow
fills it. I shall, therefore, not be unwilling to suppress myself in
order to yield to others.

I am still of the opinion that the "designation petitions" submitted
through the Tsan Cheng Yuan are unsuited to the demands of the time;
and the official acceptance of the Imperial Throne made on the 11th
day of the 12th month of last year (11th December, 1915) is hereby
cancelled. "The designation petitions" of the Provinces and of the
Special Administrative Areas are hereby all re