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mitigate their distress. Thereafter, the Manchu Emperor abdicated the throne and the republic was established when the five races of China did me the honour of election to the provisional presidency. There is nothing to wonder at in this form of government, which existed in embryo in China 4,000 years ago. But my exercise of authority has been so hampered by obstruction that all progress has been frustrated. Anxiety has been my companion early and late and sleep and appetite have deserted me. Yet have I borne with all in the patient hope that a peaceful settlement might be achieved. Nevertheless, in July of this year a handful of den.agogues sought to overthrow the Union and to destroy the State; the very existence of this infant republic of East Asia was trembling in the balance. To save the nation and people it became my bounden duty to put down the rebellion by force. Happily, the country was sater of anarchy and the army did its duty, so that the rebellion collapsed within two months. It was then my purpose to retire to my estate and for ever enjoy the blessings of a republican Government. But the National Convention has elected me to the Presidency and the friendly Powers have accorded recognition on the day of my election. It would have been unbefitting for me to follow an ideal of false modesty by refusing the call, lest the foundation of the nation should be shaken and I should prove false to the trust imposed by my fellow-citizens. For I too am a citizen of China and the one object which I have at heart is to save the nation and people. Success or failure is beyond my ken: I am indifferent alike to hardship or calumny. This is why I have felt bound to take office and wish now to speak to my fellow-citizens in a spirit of earnestness and good-will.
European scholars have said that a constitutional Government must needs respect the law and a republic morality; that is to say, morality is the fundamental principle, while law is its practical manifestation. If we would raise our people at one bound to the standard of citizens of a republic we must needs avail ourselves of law to support morality. Learned men from France, America, and other countries have assured me that the true definition of the word republic should be: "That form of Government which is founded on the wishes of all to provide a complete system of law which shall be faithfully observed, while licence which transgresses the law shall be avoider with loathing." Such a law-abiding habit may only be acquired by degrees, till it become second nature, even as the limit set upon the appetite or the seasons for labour and repose. Then only may a nation deserve the name of law abiding. Our people are most docile by disposition but they lack this law-abiding habit. I would fain see one and all keeping the law of the land until ingrained habit raises their morals imper- ceptibly to a higher plane.
Again, in a republic the people are the controlling force. The vast majority desire only to live in peace and to follow their avocations. But since the revolution they have been exposed to manifold tribulations, and one grieves to think of their plight. It has been my constant desire to restore them to their wonted prosperity, and I have avoided any measure calculated to induce disturbance. It is to me a source of keen regret that no precautions should have availed to restrain the rebel mob, aud that in consequence innocent citizens should have been the victims of their poisonous ravages. I.propose to devote the whole of my strength in enabling the people to enjoy the blessings ni a ropublic, so that the ideal of the attainment of happiness may be attained.
The difficulties of gaining a livelihood have so increased that the people have been reduced to dire extremity, and cunning rebels have availed themselves of their plight to lead them to undoing. Most surely they deserve our compassion! In order to attain permanent order in a State the citizens must all possess a means of livelihood.
Such an object may only be gained by devoting special attention to agriculture, industry, and trade. It is said that in civilised countries the best men are engaged in industrial pursuits. The climate and resources of China are not inferior to those of other nations, but cultivation and cattle breeding have been undeveloped and industrial efficiency is wanting. Our mines and fisheries are neglected and their treasures left undisturbed. Trade is not encouraged, hence our exports steadily dwindle. We are like a rich nan who buries his wealth in the earth and daily bemoans his poverty. I would fain direct the attention of the people to industry, so that the sources of wealth may be increased and livelihood facilitated. You will then have a firm foundation. There are, however, two reasons why industry has not developed firstly, owing to education having remained in a rudimentary stage, and secondly, owing to lack of capital. Every department of industry is related to science, yet we have paid no attention to physics, chemistry, steam, or electricity. While others are engaging in the struggle for education or trade, we have obstinately adhered to antiquated systems, and made a fetish of empty theories. I should like to see the introduction of enlightened foreign elucational methods in China. Even in the region of politics and law, practice, and not