A LESSON IN HUMILITY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4905, 26 June 1918, Page 6

A LESSON IN HUMILITY.

There is an Associated Press despatch concerning a mandate just issued by the President of China, Feng Kwochang. Tlie sum ana substance of it is that the old heathen lias some extraordnary Christian attributes. He is conscious that his country is in a good deal of a muddle, some of Ill's generals and many of his soldiers are deserting to the rebels, officials of his appointment have failed in their duty, the people are in misery. Something, he realises, is radically wrong. “ ‘As the Central Government has not acted properly,’ lie says, T examine myself and feel that I have many defects. I appointed Fu Liangtio and others without carefully examining into their conduct, so I am guilty of ignorance of men. I ordered the negotiations for peace- while the rebels were triumphant. I offered easy terms in an effort to satisfy the popular desire, so that I am lacking in foresight. My effort ,to save from misery brought more misery ; my hope to save the situation resulted in more confustion. Toleration brings undesirable results, so I cannot make others believe in my sincerity 7. lam too weak for the burden, and cannot escape public blame and condemnation for being guilty in many ways. _ I dare not bold my high position in opposition t'o public censure, hut the tenure of office is ordered hv virtue of the constitution, and cannot be easily, set aside. ' Moreover, hostilities haveben'resumed in Hupeh, and it helioses me to continue helping the cause. When order is restored and, the populace relieved I shall full or .'gratitude, into the country. T , “’How wonderful!” cried the Lady. “Yes. And that is' the heathen President of benighted China.”