nal like or dislike.
Otherwise he will not be deceiving others than himself. Soberly
speaking, any form of state is capable of either ensuring a
successful government or causing rebellion. And nine cases out of
ten the cause of rebellion lies in the conditions of the
administration and not in the form of state. It cannot be denied,
however, that the chances of rebellion and dissension are more
frequent and easier when the form of state does not suit the
conditions of the people. That is why I did not advocate
republicanism; and even now I am not a blind believer in
republicanism. In this I agree with you, the Chou An Hui people.

The reason why I have not decided to advocate boldly a change in the
form of state is because for years my heart has been burdened with
an unspeakable sorrow and pain, believing that ever since the
mistake made in 1911 the hope for China's future has dwindled to
almost nothing. On one hand I have been troubled with our inability
to make the Republic a success, and on the other I have been
worrying over the fact that it would be impossible to restore the
monarchy. The situation has so worked on my troubled mind that at
times I seemed to be beside myself. But as the whole country seemed
to be already in a state of desperation I have come to the
conclusion that it would not do any good to add pain to sorrow.
Therefore, instead of uttering pessimistic views I have been
speaking words of encouragement to raise our spirits. In this,
however, I have exhausted my own strength. My friend, Mr. Hsu Fo-su,
told me some five or six years ago that it was impossible for China
to escape a revolution, and as a result of the revolution could not
escape from becoming a republic, and by becoming a republic China
would be bound to disappear as a nation. I have been meditating on
these words of ill-omen and sought to help the country to escape
from his prediction but I have not yet found the way.

VIII. "DIVINITY DOTH HEDGE A KING"

Now my friends, you have stated in a worthy manner the reasons why
the republican form of state cannot assist China to maintain her
existence; now let me state why it is impossible to restore the
monarchical system. The maintenance of the dignity of a monarch
depends on a sort of mystical, historical, traditional influence or
belief. Suc