for the change in the form of State—­you were a Republican then—­would be opposing you again now that you are engaged in advocating another change in the form of state?  A change in the form of government is a manifestation of progress while a change in the status of the State is a sign of revolution.  The path of progress leads to further progress, but the path of revolution leads to more revolution.  This is a fact proved by theory as well as actual experience.  Therefore a man who has any love for his country, is afraid to mention revolution; and as for myself I am always opposed to revolution.  I am now opposing your theory of monarchical revolution, just as I once opposed your theory of republican revolution, in the same spirit, and I am doing the same duty.  My belief is that since the country is now in a most weakened state, we may yet fail even if we do all we can at all times to nurse its wound and gather up its scattered strength.  How can any one devote his time and energy to the discussion of a question of no importance such as the form of state, and so obstruct the progress of the administration?  But this is not all.  The whole country is now stirred up to an excited state and is wondering how long this ever-changing situation is going to stop.  The loss caused by this state of affairs, though unnoticed, is incalculable.  In the Odes, it is written “Alas! my brethren.  Befriended of the countrymen.  No one wants rebellion.  What has no parents?” Let the critics remember this—­let them remember.

Some will say to me that a revolution is an unavoidable thing.  Of all things only the facts cannot be undone.  Why then should I bother myself especially as my last effort fell on deaf ears.  This I realize; but it is not my nature to abandon what is my conviction.  Therefore, although aware of the futility of my words, I cannot refrain from uttering them all the same.  Chu Yuan drowned himself in the Pilo and Chia Sheng died from his horse.  Ask them why they did these things, they will say they did not know.  Once I wrote a piece of poetry containing the following lines: 

        “Ten years after you will think of me,
        The country is excited.  To whom shall I speak?”

I have spoken much in my life, and all my words have become subjects for meditation ten years after they were uttered.  Never, however, have any of my words attracted the attention of my own countrymen before a decade has spent itself.  Is it a misfortune for my words or a misfortune to the Country?  My hope is that there will be no occasion for the country to think of my present words ten years hence.

CHAPTER XI

THE DREAM EMPIRE

“THE PEOPLE’S VOICE,” AND THE ACTION OF THE POWERS (FROM SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER, 1915)