The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1916-03-25
YUAN SAYS CHINA
Is RACING TO RUIN
Calls on Foes Of Monarchical
Government ~ show 10y
atty TO the Republic.
X "ALL THE BLAME"

WAsHiSorcS. March 2t--Yuan Shih-
k'ai's mandate announcing the abandon
mcnt Of TIC scicinc to resume tho mon
arciical form of govcrnm"", In China
was made rnh,.c by the Chinese embassy
here to-day. The text follows:
"Sincc the establishment OF the repub.
VIC disturbances followed ono after an
other and I was called upon to shoulder
the burden Of the state. Those having
the welfare "f the country at heart imam
imously declared that unless China
adopted "a constitutional monarchy she
could never exist. Large unber OF
the people then advocated tho monarch
cal restoration. Prayers wcrc addressed
10 M in most earnest terms by tclc-
gram and petition.
"Thc acting Ii Ia Yuan Estate coun-
ell decided that the form of the state
should bc settled by a convention Of
citizcns' representatives. In consequence
representatives " the provinces and
special administrative areas were elect.
cd and q convention was called. These
representatives of the convention unani-
mously decided on a monarchical govern
n,ent and elected me Emperor. Since the
sovereignty Of the country was vested
w tltlG'INS tiIh lnf u'flSl'll ltt IVY NV
entire body Of representatives. there was
M rooom left TO me for further discus
sioh.
Irresistible Nrguments.
Nevertheless. I am convinced that my
sudden elevation to the throne would
constitute a violation ~ my oath. .cav.
Ing me unabl" to explain myself. The
Ii Ia Yuan. however. were firm and
stated that III" oath Of the chief en-
ccutivc was based ~ his position and
should be observed or discarded accord
ing 10 the will If the people. Their
were so irresistible tina.
there was no excuse for me to decline
their Offer. rsiHs preparations as a
pretcxt. I took ne steps to carry out
their programme actually.
when the trouble in Yunnan and
kweichow arose. I issued "A mandate
postponing the measure and forhiddine
the presentation of petitions praying
for my inthronement. Then I FASTENED
the convocation Of the Ii Fa Yuan IN
order TO secure various views. hoping 10
revert 10 the original state of affairs
Beng a man OF hitter experiences, |
cared for nothing but the salvation o.
my countr,. \ section of the people,
however. SUSPECTED me of harboring a
desire for great power and privileges
Thus difference il thought has created
an exceedingly dangerous situation.
T have myself TO blame for my lack
% virtue. Why should I blame others
Tho people have been thrown into mis-.
cry. Tho nldicrs have been made e
bear hardships. Commerce has declined
Taking this condition into considera.
;.on. | feel exceedingly sorry.
Cancels Acceptance Of Throne.
II am still Of the opinion that IN.
designation petitions submitted througl
the acting L. IA Yuan are unsuited tc
be circumstance OF the country. TIL,
Official acceptance OF the throne on De
embc ~ il. hereby cancelled and IN,
designation petitions are hereby returned
through the state Department to tn.
Tsin Cheng fuen. acting as the Ii r.
yuan. I" be forwarded to the petitioner,
for destruction. All preparations con
nec,cd herewith arc 10 cease forthwith
Thu ] hope to initiate the exampl,
Of the sincerity Of the ancients by shout
dcrins myself all the blame. so that M,
action will fan in line with the spiri
Of humanity, which is the expression o
thc will OF Heaven. Those who advo
Gated tho monarchy were prompted b,
the desire TO strengthen the f~ounda,io,
OF the country. but AZ their methods
have proved unsuitable their patriotism
nigh harm the country.
Those who opposed the monarch,
have lone so out Of the desire 10 ex.
press their political views. II may b,
presumed that they would not hesitate
to go to tho extreme, thereby endanger
ing the country. They should therefor,
listen to their conscience and give VI
their p%.ejudices. With one mind an,
purpose they should unite in the effor'
Of saving the situation so that We ma,
be spared the horror OF internal strife.
"In brief all the faults of the countr,
are mine Now that the acceptance %
the throne has been cancelled every mar
Will be responsible for his own actio,
should nc further disturb peace and Civ,
auses for pretexts. J., the President
being charged with the duty of ruin!
the country. cannot renai idle Will
the country is racing to perdition. lie
al our generals. officials. soldiers an,
citizens act according TO this ideal
A mandate issued on March 81 relieved
Lu Cheng-hsing. Minister of Forcig,
Affairs. Of the additional post OF Secre
tnry of State on account of his mutt!
tudInous duties. Hua Shih-chang wa
appointed Secretary Of State.
Another mandate of the same dat
cancelled the rcigning title Of Hunghslen
A mandate issued March 20 re!nstate,
the title OF the republic.