The (Farewell) Edict of the Chief Executive

Since the establishment of the Republic fifteen years ago internecine strife has prevailed without a single day of peace.

Since I assumed office as Chief Executive I have been striving my best to lead (the country) to peace so as to make a new start with the people.

Unfortunately (lit. unexpectedly) my virtues fail to win the respect of others, my ability is not sufficient to stop the rebellion, my strength is not equal to my will, and I have not been able to realize my expectations.

國締構。本執政心力所存。休戚與共。

When I saw the internal difficulties of the country, the necessity of maintaining the national faith with the foreign Powers and the “red” danger to which the metropolitan district was exposed, I could not bear (lit. did not dare) to give up my office suddenly without a feeling of responsibility.

The “coup d'etat” of the 9th of this month seriously affects the laws of the country and the duty of military men, and my heart is filled with sorrow at this sudden change.

Formerly, when the Provisional Government was first established, I planned a number of affairs to be carried out, but in the course of one year I was hindered (in my plans) by the force of circumstances.

Whether (the Government) will proceed (with these plans) in the future depends upon public opinion.

It is significant for the future prosperity of the country that recently many elder statesmen and military leaders have begun to talk over among themselves fundamental plans (for the salvation of the country).

At the present juncture when disorders have reached an extreme point and everybody is longing for order, there may be a good opportunity for the improvement of affairs.

Let them quickly decide measures for rehabilitation, so that there will be no interruption of governmental business.

If all agree in the morning, I will retire in the evening.

All I desire is that I may be able to spend the rest of my life as a plain citizen of the Republic in quiet self meditation.