the result that this ancient nation with its 2,000 years of despotism adopted with one bound the republican system of government.

    It was my good fortune to see this glorious day at my life’s late
    eve; I cherished the hope that I might dwell in the seclusion of my
    own home and participate in the blessings of an age of peace.

But once again my fellow-countrymen honoured me with the pressing request that I should again assume a heavy burden, and on the day on which the Republic was proclaimed I announced to the whole nation that never again should a monarchy be permitted in China.  At my inauguration I again took this solemn oath in the sight of heaven above and earth beneath.  Yet of late ignorant persons in the provinces have fabricated wild rumours to delude men’s minds, and have adduced the career of the First Napoleon on which to base their erroneous speculations.  It is best not to inquire as to their motives; in some cases misconception may be the cause, in others deliberate malice.

The Republic has now been proclaimed for six months; so far there is no prospect of recognition from the Powers, while order is far from being restored in the provinces.  Our fate hangs upon a hair; the slightest negligence may forfeit all.  I, who bear this arduous responsibility, feel it my bounden duty to stand at the helm in the hope of successfully breasting the wild waves.

But while those in office are striving with all their might to effect a satisfactory solution, spectators seem to find a difficulty in maintaining a generous forbearance.  They forget that I, who have received this charge from my countrymen, cannot possibly look dispassionately on when the fate of the nation is in the balance.  If I were aware that the task was impossible and played a part of easy acquiescence, so that the future of the Republic might become irreparable, others might not reproach me, but my own conscience would never leave me alone.

My thoughts are manifest in the sight of high heaven.  But at this season of construction and dire crisis how shall these mutual suspicions find a place?  Once more I issue this announcement; if you, my fellow countrymen, do indeed place the safety of China before all other considerations, it behooves you to be large-minded.  Beware of lightly heeding the plausible voice of calumny, and of thus furnishing a medium for fostering anarchy.  If evilly disposed persons, who are bent on destruction, seize the excuse for sowing dissension to the jeopardy of the situation, I, Yuan Shih-kai, shall follow the behest of my fellow-countrymen in placing such men beyond the pale of humanity.

A vital issue is involved.  It is my duty to lay before you my inmost thought, so that suspicion may be dissipated.  Those who know have the right to impose their censure.  It is for public opinion to take due notice.

[Illustration:  Silk-reeling done in the open under the Walls of Peking.]