Until the whole world knew of it. If simply because of want of funds redemption should prove impossible and we cast away the draft agreement not only would the power be lost for ever but it would make all nations talked sneer at China's representatives as people who without making good and this would hamper in many ways all our future international dealings. During these 7 days I wandered about my abode in absolute despair and how this business was to be accomplished I dared not surmise.
The above was the sixth of my troubles.
Fortunately the Nupei Government bank's credit is good and it is trusted by the foreign banks. I called together the Commissioners and Intendants and held earnest debate. In consideration of the national interests involved they agreed in taking the responsibility.
So I directed the government bank to devise means to go surety and apply first to the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank for a loan of Taels 3,000,000 at interest, the government bank itself collecting over 2,000,000 and so quite beyond my hopes the telegraphic remittance duly reached America in time.
I at once by telegram to the Grand Council submitted to Your Majesty the final Redemption Agreement and obtained sanction to its being executed.
At the same time I had telegraphed to the English consul to return to Hankow and negotiate the loan agreement. The English consul seeing I had managed myself to raise temporary loan to pay the first instalment and as the redemption of line was a matter of high politics was also ready to assist in putting through the grand undertaking.
Thereupon