Now the newly
established form of government has for its sole object the
appeasement of the present disorder with a view to the restoration
of peace. If, however, renewed warfare were to be indefinitely
maintained, by disregarding the opinion of the majority of the
people, the general condition of the country might be
irretrievably ruined, and there might follow mutual slaughter
among the people, resulting in the horrible effects of a racial
war. As a consequence, the spirits of Our Imperial Ancestors might
be greatly disturbed and millions of people might be terrorized.
The evil consequences cannot be described. Between the two evils,
We have adopted the lesser one. Such is the motive of the Throne
in modelling its policy in accordance with the progress of time,
the change of circumstances, and the earnest desires of Our
People. Our Ministers and subjects both in and out of the
Metropolis should, in conformity with Our idea, consider most
carefully the public weal and should not cause the country and the
people to suffer from the evil consequences of a stubborn pride
and of prejudiced opinions.
The Ministry of the Interior, the General Commandant of the
Gendarmerie, Chiang Kuei-ti, and Feng Kuo-chang, are ordered to
take strict precautions, and to make explanations to the peoples
so clearly and precisely as to enable every and all of them to
understand the wish of the Throne to abide by the ordinance of
heaven, to meet the public opinion of the people and to be just
and unselfish.
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