Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-09-01

Picking, July y. Correspondence o.
the Associated Rress).-Presldent 1u-
an Shih-kai uttered at recent eau
met meeting an impressive plea lol
united action in China which MADE
deep impression upon Chinese off1clals.
It's publication in English today, caus-
ed much discussion among foreigners.
The Picking Gazette characterizes the
address as "couched in the usual Ian
euage of er-emphasis," but makes
no attempt TO discount the serious
ness Of the dishonesty and inettclency
of Chinese officials, which the presl-
dent denounced as a great menace TO
the republic at time when OUTSIDE
pressure is threatened.
Foreigners Graspins
Our suzerainty in Southern Man
churia has gradually gone into the
hands of foreigners said the Presi-
dent. The foreign aggressor has
come to their doors, but our people
are still dallying in the midst of cal
antilles. AS l am advanced IN age
and have received the sacred ana
veightv trust from the Using dynas-
~. how can l let the country go 10
ruin when l am assuming the duties
of chief executive of the republic? BY
all means I must save the country.
To avert the impending disaster is the
sacred duty which lies upon the Shout
Gers Of every one of US"
Sorrow in His Heart
President Yuan Shin Kai is less
than so years old and in the best of
health; consequently his allusion to
his old age is largely fgurative.
Sorrow comes to my heart whenever
I review our present situation, We're
the opening words of the Presidents
appeal 10 the cabinet.
1T seems to me that the general pol
icy of the nations of the world is 10
conquer weak country, to invade the
country which has forfeited the conf
dence of the other nations, to force or
der upon the country which is on the
verge of ruin In other words, as many
foreigners claim. it is the heavenly
duty for the strong and civilized nation
to annex and control a nation which is
barbarous or semi-civilized
Dangers to Republic
Our country does not manifest any
sign Of instability, or the lack of con-
f1dence Of other nations. and it is most
unlikely that any nation for the pres
ent will invade or insult our country.
But when we think of the neglect Of
discipline by our soldiers, the irregu-
larities in administrative affairs, the
calamities Of floods and drought
throughout the provinces, the selfish
ness of some officials and the lack Of
public spirit among the people, We
cannot help realizing the fact that we
are. enjoying ourselves while reposing
or bed of straw with a kindling fire
beneath it. How many of us know the
strength Of our nation. the tendencies
of our people and the general condi-
ton of the world? What portion Of our
country has been free from the disturb
ance and molestation of the banditti
and outlaws and what percentage of
the officials are enthusiastic and strict
ly carry out their duty
Forgot Boxer Warming
After deploring what he regarded as
the many shortcomings of China. the
President continued:
Some persons say that on account
Of our vast country and population the
destruction of our country by an alien
people is a matter of impossibility.
Look at Korea, the area of which is
not much smaller than Japan. Some
Japanese papers have stated Of late
that although China has changed the
monarchy into a republican form of
government, internal affairs are Just
as deplorable now as in the late dy-
nasty and that bribery and gambling
among officials still prevail
During the Chino-Ja panese war
and the Boxer trouble our people we're
greatly stirred up and determined to
Tie on straws and taste the bitterness
to prepare themselves for future emer-
gencieS but when the anxious time
was once passed they forgot every
thing.
Country Remains
1T is worth while to note that when
the imperial government was gone, it
vas the dynasty that passed away and
rot the country The new method of
destroying country nowadays is not
only to overthrow the government. but
also TO destroy the languages of the
people and the very race of the ma
ton.
I'VE cannot be ignorant Of the histo-