8
militarist who having risked his life in the field, is
not eager for the acquisition of military bases. But
I have handed over to the control of the people and
the Kuomintang all conquered provinces. The militarists
are all anxious for money, but I have my own life and
nothing more. Militarist are very careful of their
lives, but, as you all know since my appointment as
Generalissimo, I have not been one who enjoys himself
at the rear of the line but one who directs all
operations from the front. I cannot endure to allow my
soldiers risk their lives, while I take care of my own.
Directing operations in the front is a wretched task,
and sometimes it has made me so sad that I could not
forbear from crying; but I could make no complaint
to anybody.
Soldiers! I cannot see that I gain anything
by being a Generalissimo. It is a miserably arduous
responsibility but I had been entrusted with it by
our late President, and for sake of our Kuomintang
and Nation and the lives of several ten thousands of
revolutionary troops, I have been compelled to do my
utmost for it. You should judge by the facts whether
I am a militarist, and let me ask you soldiers whether
you are sacrificing your lives for the sake of the
Principles or for me? If you are fighting for the
sake of the "Three Aspects of Democracy", then the
Communists who have caused all sorts of rumours, have
not only libelled me but also all the revolutionary
troops and the 30,000 martyrs who have died for the
cause. Why they have spread such rumours? Speaking
plainly I have supported the "Three Aspects of
Democracy" and have not allowed any Communists to cause
disturbances. I have compelled my troops to carry
118
out