should be settled by the Convention of Citizens’ Representatives.  As the result, the representatives of the Provinces and of the Special Administrative Areas unanimously decided in favour of a constitutional monarchy, and in one united voice elected me as the Emperor.  Since the sovereignty of the country has been vested in the citizens of China and as the decision was made by the entire body of the representatives, there was no room left to me for further discussion.  Nevertheless, I continued to be of the conviction that my sudden elevation to the Great Seat would be a violation of my oath and would compromise my good faith, leaving me unable to explain myself; I, therefore, declined in earnest words in order to make clear the view which hath always been mine.  The said Senate however, stated with firmness that the oath of the Chief Executive rested on a peculiar sanction and should be observed or discarded according to the will of the people.  Their arguments were so irresistible that there was in truth no excuse for me further to decline the offer.

Therefore I took refuge behind the excuse of “preparations” in order that the desire of the people might be satisfied.  But I took no 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