turned through the
State Department to the Tsan Cheng Yuan, _i.e._, the acting Li Fa
Yuan (Parliament), to be forwarded to the petitioners for
destruction; and all the preparations connected therewith are to
cease at once. In this wise I hope to imitate the sincerity of the
Ancients by taking on myself all the blame so that my action may
fall in line with the spirit of humanity which is the expression of
the will of Heaven. I now cleanse my heart and wash my thoughts to
the end that trouble may be averted and the people may have peace.
Those who advocated the monarchical system were prompted by the
desire to strengthen the foundation of the country; but as their
methods have proved unsuitable their patriotism might harm the
country. Those who have opposed the monarchy have done so out of
their desire to express their political views. It may be therefore
presumed that they would not go to the extreme and so endanger the
country. They should, therefore, all hearken to the voice of their
own conscience and sacrifice their prejudices, and with one mind and
one purpose unite in the effort of saving the situation so that the
glorious descendants of the Sacred Continent may be spared the
horrors of internal warfare and the bad omens may be changed into
lucky signs.

In brief I now confess that all the faults of the country are the
result of my own faults. Now that the acceptance of the Imperial
Throne has been cancelled every man will be responsible for his own
action if he further disturbs the peace of the locality and thus
gives an opportunity to others. I, the Great President, being
charged with the duty of ruling over the whole country, cannot
remain idle while the country is racing to perdition. At the present
moment the homesteads are in misery, discipline has been
disregarded, administration is being neglected and real talents have
not been given a chance. When I think of such conditions I awake in
the darkness of midnight. How can we stand as a nation if such a
state of affairs is allowed to continue? Hereafter all officials
should thoroughly get rid of their corrupt habits and endeavour to
achieve merits. They should work with might and main in their
duties, whether in introducing reforms or in abolishing old
corruptions. Let all be not satisfied with empty words and entertain