“The Regent has verbally memorialized the Empress Dowager, saying that he has held the Regency for three years, and his administration has been unpopular, and that constitutional government has not been consummated.  Thus complications arose, and people’s hearts were broken, and the country thrown into a state of turmoil.  Hence one man’s mismanagement has caused the nation to suffer miserably.  He regrets his repentance is already too late, and feels that if he continues in power his commands will soon be disregarded.  He wept and prayed to resign the regency, expressing the earnest intention of abstaining in the future from politics.  I, the Empress Dowager, living within the palace, am ignorant of the state of affairs but I know that rebellion exists and fighting is continuing, causing disasters everywhere, while the commerce of friendly nations suffers.  I must enquire into the circumstances and find a remedy.  The Regent is honest, though ambitious and unskilled in politics.  Being misled, he has harmed the people, and therefore his resignation is accepted.  The Regents seal is cancelled.  Let the Regent receive fifty thousand taels annually from the Imperial household allowances, and hereafter the Premier and the Cabinet will control appointments and administration.  Edicts are to be sealed with the Emperor’s seal.  I will lead the Emperor to conduct audiences.  The guardianship of the holy person of the Emperor, who is of tender age, is a special responsibility.  As the time is critical, the princes and nobles must observe the Ministers, who have undertaken a great responsibility, and be loyal and help the country and people, who now must realize that the Court does not object to the surrender of the power vested in the throne.  Let the people preserve order and continue business, and thus prevent the country’s disruption and restore prosperity.”

CHAPTER XII—­SUN YAT-SEN

On January 1, 1912, Sun Yat-sen entered the republican capital, Nanking, and received a salute of twenty-one guns.  He assumed the presidency of the provisional government, swearing allegiance, and taking an oath to dethrone the Manchus, restore peace, and establish a government based upon the people’s will.  These objects accomplished, he was prepared to resign his office, thus enabling the people to elect a president of a united China.  The first act of the provisional government was to proclaim a new calendar forthwith, January 1 becoming the New Year’s Day of the republic.

On January 5 was issued the following republican manifesto:—­