His Majesty the Emperor is understood to resign only his
political power, while the Imperial Title is not abolished. There
have also been concluded eight articles for the courteous
treatment of the Imperial House, four articles for the favourable
treatment of Manchus, Mongols, Mohammedans, and Tibetans. We find
the terms of perusal to be fairly comprehensive. We hereby
proclaim to the Imperial Kinsmen and the Manchus, Mongols,
Mohammedans, and Tibetans that they should endeavour in the future
to fuse and remove all racial differences and prejudices and
maintain law and order with united efforts. It is our sincere hope
that peace will once more be seen in the country and all the
people will enjoy happiness under a republican government.
Bearing the Imperial Seal and Signed by Yuan Shih-kai, the
Premier;
Hoo Wei-teh, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs;
Chao Ping-chun, Minister of the Interior;
Tan Hsuen-heng, Acting Minister of the Navy;
Hsi Yen, Acting Minister of Agriculture, Works and Commerce;
Liang Shih-yi, Acting Minister of Communications;
Ta Shou, Acting Minister of the Dependencies. 25th day of the 12th
moon of the 3rd year of Hsuan Tung.
III
We have respectfully received the following Edict from Her
Imperial Majesty the Empress Dowager Lung Yu:--
In ancient times the ruler of a country emphasized the important
duty of protecting the lives of his people, and as their shepherd
could not have the heart to cause them injury.
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