of Yuyang” refers to the execution of Yang Kuei-fei, the favourite concubine of Emperor Yuan Tsung of the Tang dynasty.  The Emperor for a long time was under the alluring influence of Yang Kuei-fei, who had a paramour named An Lo-hsan.  The latter finally rebelled against the Emperor.  The Emperor left the capital and proceeded to another place together with his favourite concubine, guarded by a large force of troops.  Midway, however, the soldiers threatened to rebel unless the concubine was killed on the spot.  The clamour was such that the Emperor was forced to sacrifice the favourite of his harem, putting her to death in the presence of his soldiers.] To give them the handle of the sword is simply courting trouble for the future.  But can we suspect the troops—­ so long trained under the Great President—­of such unworthy conduct?

The ancients say “However a thing is done, do not hurt the feelings of those who love you, or let your enemy have a chance to rejoice.”  Recently calamities in the forms of drought and flood have repeatedly visited China; and the ancients warn us that in such ways does Heaven manifest its Will regarding great movements in our country.  In addition to these we must remember the prevailing evils of a corrupt officialdom, the incessant ravages of robbers, excesses in punishment, the unusually heavy burdens of taxation, as well as the irregularity of weather and rain, which all go to increase the murmurs and complaints of the people.  Internally, the rebels are accumulating strength against an opportune time to rise; externally, powerful neighbouring countries are waiting for an opportunity to harass us.  Why then should our Great President risk his precious person and become a target of public criticism; or “abandon the rock of peace in search of the tiger’s tail”; or discourage the loyalty of faithful ones and encourage the sinister ambitions of the unscrupulous?  Ch’i-chao sincerely hopes that the Great President will devote himself to the establishment of a new era which shall be an inspiration to heroism and thus escape the fate of those who are stigmatized in our annals with the name of Traitor.  He hopes that the renown of the Great President will long be remembered in the land of Chung Hua (China) and he prays that the fate of China may not end with any abrupt ending that may befall the Great President.  He therefore submits his views with a bleeding heart.  He realizes that his words may not win the approval of one who is wise and clever; but Ch’i-chao feels that unless he unburdens what is in his heart, he will be false to the duty which bids him speak and be true to the kindness that has been showered on him by the Great President.  Whether his loyalty to the Imperative Word will be rewarded with approval or with reproof, the order of the Great President will say.