Great President in coping with our numerous difficulties?  If we select an ordinary man and make him bear the great burdens, we will find that in addition to his lack of ability rendering him unequal to the occasion, his lack of dominating influence will disqualify him from exercising authority.  It was for the purpose of meeting the requirements of the existing conditions that the Cabinet system was changed into a Presidential system—­an excellent substitution for a weakened administration.  Conditions in the next two or three years will not be very much different from what they are now.  Therefore, the contention that the administration will be changed overnight for the better after a change in the form of the State is, if not a wicked untruth to deceive the common people, the ridiculous absurdity of a bookworm.  Thus the theory that a constitutional monarchy will immediately follow, if the President consents to become a monarch, is also fallacious.

Can it be possible that those who are now holding up the constitutional principle as a shield for their monarchical views have a different definition for the term “constitution”?  The Ching (Manchu) Dynasty considered itself as possessing a constitution in its last days.  Did we recognize it as such?  Let me also ask the critics what guarantee they have to offer that the constitution will be put into effect without hindrance as soon as the form of State is changed.  If they cannot give any definite guarantee, then what they advocate is merely an absolute monarchy and not a constitutional monarchy.  As it is not likely to be a constitutional monarchy, we may safely assume that it will be an imperial autocracy.  I cannot regard it as a wise plan if, owing to dislike of its defects, the Republic should be transformed into an Imperial autocracy.  Owing to various unavoidable reasons, it is excusable in spite of violent opposition to adopt temporarily autocratic methods in a republican country.  But if the plan proposed by present-day critics be put into effect, that on the promise of a constitution we should agree to the adoption of a monarchy, then the promise must be definitely made to the country at the time of transition that a constitutional government will become an actuality.  But if, after the promise is made, existing conditions are alleged to justify the continuance of autocratic methods, I am afraid the whole country will not be so tolerant towards the Chief Executive.  To assume outwardly the role of constitutional government, but in reality to rule in an unconstitutional manner, was the cause of the downfall of the Ching Dynasty.  The object lesson is not obscure.  Let us take warning by it.

    V. FALLACIES OF THE MONARCHISTS