CO129-500-3 Canton situation- governor's despatches 29-7-1927 - 1-9-1927 — Page 121

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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

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