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 later is of no moment.  Moreover His Majesty has always been modest, and does everything with circumspection.  We should all appreciate his attitude.

So far as our external relations are concerned, a thorough understanding must be come to with the foreign nations, so that recognition of the new regime may not be delayed and diplomatic intercourse interrupted.  Japan, has, in conjunction with the Entente Powers, tendered advice to postpone the change of the Republic into an empire.  As a divergence of opinion exists between Japan and the Entente Powers, the advice is of no great effect.  Besides, the Elders and the Military Party in Japan are all opposed to the action taken by their Government.  Only the press in Tokio has spread all sorts of threatening rumours.  This is obviously the upshot of ingenious plots on the part of irresponsible persons.  If we postpone the change we shall be subject to foreign interference, and the country will consequently cease to exist as an independent state.  On the other hand, if we proclaim the enthronement forthwith, we shall then be flatly rejecting the advice,—­an act which, we apprehend, will not be tolerated by Japan.  As a result, she will place obstacles in the way of recognition of the new order of things.