President Ts'ao-Ku'n's Telegram of Resignation

民長官。各省省議會。各法團。各報館。轉全國公民

I, K'un, was entrusted with the heavy burden (of the presidency). My virtue and ability however were so poor that a conflict among my followers broke out and all laws became ineffective (lit. fell down).

On October 23rd in the 13th year of the Republic, Feng Yü-hsiang carried out a “coup d'etat”, and I was imprisoned.

From that time all law has been set aside, disturbances have arisen, and there has been no real head of the country. A year and a half have now passed, and my heart is aching with sorrow.

Now the allied troops have started to suppress the traitor, and with the removal of (this object) of our great wrath can be reinstated.

The Cabinet, as a matter of course, must be restored, and in accordance with law must take charge of the duties of the president.

I am ashamed that I have not been able to control the situation, and it is not to clamor about my own merits that I resign (my post). My intention is only to retire into private life in order to reflect upon my faults in solitude.

I earnestly hope that all my former colleagues will do their utmost to bring about the reunification of the country working through legal channels.

And in the quietness and freedom of my private life I will be able to witness peaceful times which will be for me the highest happiness.

I specially send forth this telegram for general information. Ts'ao-Ku'n.