THE CHINESE REVOLT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 27, 15 January 1912, Page 6

THE CHINESE REVOLT.

A CHARACTERISTIC EDICT. The following is -a translation of rcharacteristic edict issued by Teen Chun Hsuan, who was appointed Viceroy of Szechwan, in order to restore order in that province:— “It is nine years since I, Ciuwi Hsuan, parted from my elders and brethren of Szechwan. I do not know whether my elders and brethren have borne me in mind, but never for, a day have I failed to think of them. Owing to the present unfortunate affair, J shall again meet rny ciders and brethren, and, after these years of separation, shall experience all the emotion that hand-clasp and g'-eefng can bring. * When I lift my nock and look to the west my tears flow, 1 know not why. My elders and brethren, try and think what should bo the feel ings of me, Chun Hsuan, at this time. Ago and ill-health have gamed on me, and I have long done nothing in the world. But ‘when 1 think of the distracted state of Szechwan, and of my elders and brethren in the midst of' this turmoil ami trouble, I cannot lint slap my sleeve and start. Therefore, once I had been honoured with the Imperial commands, I spent no time in further thought, but 1 instantly made ready to go, falling on my knees and hastening to proceed. But Shanghai and Szechwan are GOOO li (about 2000 miles) .apart, and it ir not between dawn and dark that I could get 1 there. The post and the telegraph are both interrupted, and there is discrepancy in the reports that reach me. Unless I hoar with my own ears and see with my own eyes, how can I come to a. final decision? During these few weeks 1 what must have boon the sufferings of, my elders' and brethren ?. It is on this account that sleep brings me no rest, and food is' without flavour. From the day on which you, my elders and brethren, receive this telegram, let all" classes, gentry, husbandmen, artisans, and traders, each peacefully attend to his own affairs, and harbour no misgivings. As for any wrongs already endured, I will' do my best to see them- righted, and will display no partiality. If you will haply listen to ;my words), I will, on behalf of the people, apply for the Imperial commands, and will assuredly not wantonly put anyone to death. The Court loves the people as its children, and verily there is nothing that rnaV not ■be asked by them. But if you do not, woe and confusion will assail yon, and when day by day arrests are made everywhere, what means will there be to distinguish • right from wrong, black from white ? My elders and brethren, think thrive about my words. I aiu a plain, blunt man, but I speak From my heart. If Tam mocking yon. may the bright gods strike me dead; Will yon not listen to my words? This is my earnest hope.”—Reuter.