"Regarding the statements that we will borrow the strength of other nations, it is absurd, because although we do not claim to be wise yet we know our duty towards our own country. In all countries in the world the people are the most important element and if the conditions are bad it is for the people themselves to work out their own salvation. We need not recite numerous examples from history in support of this, Some of us live widely apart, in America, Europe, Straits Settlements, and various parts of Japan, so how could we arrange any plans? Even to send a telegram is hard. You, the general public, have not asked us to take action again, we must decline even to discuss matters, although we cannot swear as to what we may do in the futare. What proof have you that reform can only be obtained by revolution To fight with soldiers is a dangerous thing as our ancestors found out, but can such fighting be always avoided? Are not the Christian nations fighting each other now? We are not surprised at you fearing another rebellion because our country is very poor and full of robbers, and something might bring trouble, but you must know that to bring about such a thing something more is required than the mere talk of revolution."
"When we took part in politics those who held the power always said that there was need for a concentration of power. but, although that policy has been followed, the Government is as bad as in the time of the Manchus and no reform occurs. Are you going to allow your country to go from bad to worse? Bo far the name " Republic " is a dead letter, because matters are worse than with an absolute monarchy. During the last two years matters have gone from bad to worse, order and law have disappeared, and the people are subjected to hardships. All these things you know, and we can only say that it is the effect of the spirit of selfishness which rules you without taking consideration of the welfare of the people. As long as he (apparently Yuan Shih-kai) holds the power he does everything except change the female into the male.
Unity is Strength, "Some people say that the present trouble is due to the star in Europe, but is this really so? According to modern history of the world one-man government has not been a success anywhere. The principle, y is strength." must be followed if you wish to be good. But in the present case we see there is no unity, but only "one man." Certainly if the foreign Powers use their strength they can easily tie up "one man." Of course, if you will allow this to be done in order to curly favour a foreign Power then that is a cheap favour which will soon vanish. If you stand quiet while the Goverment is cheating you then it must be a case of ional suicide.
'T6 sum up, You people who now experience the trouble must awake and export others also to arise. Whether China progresses or decays depends solely upon the people. We are now abroad and have no power to help you so that if anything happens all that we can do is not to' do anything against our country. Although we have suffered injustice like Li Ling of the Han Dynasty, yet we still wish to follow the teaching of Ku Ting-ling of the Ming Dynasty, who taught that everyone has the right to take an interest in his own country, (Signed)
Lich-chun, Ex-Governor of Kiangsi Province.
Pah Wen-yn, Ex-Governor of Anhui Province.
Chan Kwing-ming, Ex-Governor of Canton Province.
Ex-General Huang Hsing."
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.