At present the whole nation is determined to nominate Yuan Shih-kai Emperor.  All civil and military officers, being the natural leaders of the people, should accordingly give effect to the nomination.  If this can be done without friction, the confidence of both Chinese and foreigners in the Government will be greatly strengthened.  This is why we suggested to you in a previous telegram the necessity of immediately substituting the title of “Emperor” for “President.”  We trust you will concur in our suggestion and carry it out without delay.

We may add that this matter should be treated as strictly confidential.

A reply is requested.

(Signed)

The die now being cast all that was left to be done was to rush through the voting in the Provinces.  Obsequious officials returned to the use of the old Imperial phraseology and Yuan Shih-kai, even before his “election,” was memorialized as though he were the legitimate successor of the immense line of Chinese sovereigns who stretch back to the mythical days of Yao and Shun (2,800 B.C.).  The beginning of December saw the voting completed and the results telegraphed to Peking; and on the 11th December, the Senate hastily meeting, and finding that “the National Convention of Citizens” had unanimously elected Yuan Shih-kai Emperor, formally offered him the Throne in a humble petition.  Yuan Shih-kai modestly refused:  a second petition was promptly handed to him, which he was pleased to accept in the following historic document: 

Yuan shih-KAI’s acceptance of the imperial throne

The prosperity and decline of the country is a part of the responsibility of every individual, and my love for the country is certainly not less than that of others.  But the task imposed on me by the designation of the millions of people is of extraordinary magnitude.  It is therefore impossible for one without merit and without virtue like myself to shoulder the burdens of State involved in the enhancing of the welfare of the people, the strengthening of the standing of the country, the reformation of the administration and the advancement of civilization.  My former declaration was, therefore, the expression of a sincere heart and not a mere expression of modesty.  My fear was such that I could not but utter the words which I have expressed.  The people, however, have viewed with increasing impatience that declaration and their expectation of me is now more pressing than ever.  Thus I find myself unable to offer further argument just as I am unable to escape the position.  The laying of a great foundation is, however, a thing of paramount importance and it must not be done in a hurry.  I, therefore, order that the different Ministries and Bureaux take concerted action in making the necessary preparations in the affairs in which they are concerned; and when that is done, let the same be reported to me for promulgation.  Meanwhile