Reformers and conservatives could not possibly co-exist and dual power being impossible, for the reformers to retain such feelings as these is simply to return evil for evil. Thus to destroy conservatism in order to institute reform is not reform, i, e. changing the old methods, The beformers set themselves to save the empire and yet in the very just instance insist o killing the conservatives: hence the conservatives are bent on preserving themselves and the people. Now then shall they not most certainly inflict death on refomers and so uip the rebellion in the bud?
To-day rewards are offered from high places in order that all members of the reform party may be caught. Ah! After this, the people of China will suffer still more and intercourse with China will certainly be more difficult. Now we beseech each friendly country not by any means on this account to divide our territory as this would make the Midde Kingdom rebellious and would be to sow the seed of calamity. We intreat the Allies to be of one mind in supporting Kwong Sü in restoring him to the throne in forcibly setting up a new government and in saving our people from oppression. If the ruler will not agree, then consult as to raising one of the present Viceroys from among those holding the highest rank to manage the affairs of the country and if the person elected refuses then choose them as they stand in order of position. Moreover we beseech each country to send deputies to assist in discussing plans, to change the regulations affecting the Six Boards and to alter the penal code. We approve of the governments of England and Japan, in which countries the people have power with the ruler, and hereafter there should be no distinction between Manchus and Chinese; but in all things they should be treated as one body. Thus would our government be renewed, our country made to flourish and our treasury to overflow; and we should get clear of indemnities. Then wheu officials and people alike understand these things and after the new government has been firmly established and the atlairs of country settled, then the deputies in office from each friendly state might resign. This great appeal to save the country and save the people every intelligent person knows should be signed and forwarded by a united vote to the great ministers of our own country. But yoked with the tyranny of the country's laws and slaughterd excessively and with calamities affecting even our ancestors graves and various other barbarous things we all hide our light, and keep ourselves in the background. We cannot bear to bring disaster upon the departed and upon our relatives and triends. Those who die in the provinces during a single year through severe laws and unjust puuishiments are innumerable and if the Friendly Countries pity China and the Chiuese people they will use force to change the Middle Kingdom and get rid of the tyrannical government they will order the Cousu!s at each treaty port to open a list with an appeal of this nature attached to be sent to the ports along the coast and to distant parts, that officials, gentry, literati and business men may subscribe their names, and if a provision is made that those who affix their signatures shall be protected, then just and honorable men, men who hated to discuss anything not straightforward; but who have embraced the true principle of reform-these mau will then be willing to sign their names; and standing together harmoniously will inaugurate a peaceful age. After this the upper and lower classes of China will all thank the Friendly States for having completed this great good work and thus naturally the revengeful feelings entertained towards foreigners will be crushed out, and a thousand year hence the Chinese will still show that gratitude. Should the Friendly States not use force to help China on this occasion by not determinedly altering the autiquated evils and sweeping away the decripit government, but on the other hand continue to falter and jealously watch each other, wishing in a rough and ready way to put an end to this great upheaval, being simply desirous to plan to seize a person's wealth without showing mercy on that person's We do not sufferings; then the inhabitants of China will suffer more than ever before, and we are afraid that the Friendly States also well not be without calamity later on. need to wait for the wise to be anxious about this first, everybody anticipates that it will certainly come.
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The superior man as a reformer anticipates beforehand subsequent troubles and most earnestly does he hope for the government itself to change and for the people to be caved from their distresses, but now the government cannot change itself and we are forced to beseech others to aid the reformation; therefore, with our former earnestness of heart and with the sincerity with which we beseech Heaven to save the people we turn and beseech the allied Nations to have pity upon the Chinese people, who suffer the smart of severe laws and unjust punishments and who thereby certainly lose their lives in greater numbers than the black slaves did; and the people ontnumber the slaves a thousandfold. We hope the Allied. Powers will revive the benevolence which freed the slaves and continue the beautiful work of giving slaves their liberty, by freeing our several hundred millions, that they may be loosed from the tyrannical barbarous, unjust punishments and cruel methods used in Courts of law.
54
To-day we earnestly beg with sorrowful hearts, and if still there should be no answer, then we must leave it for Heaven to decide, trusting Heaven will repent of these calamities.
The superior man in regard to Reform how shall he think other thoughts than these ?
Reverently we present to your Excellency our petition.
September 2
>
1900.
Frw R
Rfarmer