triumphs of Tartar savages over our China were destined never to last
longer than a hundred years. But the reign of these Manchus endured
unto double, ay, unto treble, that period. Yet Providence knows the
appointed hour, and the moment comes at last. We are initiating the
example to Eastern Asia of a republican form of government; success
comes early or late to those who strive, but the good are surely
rewarded in the end. Why then should we repine to-day that victory has
tarried long?

"I have heard that in the past many would-be deliverers of their
country have ascended this lofty mound wherein is your sepulchre. It
has served to them as a holy inspiration. As they looked down upon the
surrounding rivers and upward to the hills, under an alien sway, they
wept in the bitterness of their hearts, but to-day their sorrow is
turned into joy. The spiritual influences of your grave at Nanking
have come once more into their own. The dragon crouches in majesty as
of old, and the tiger surveys his domain and his ancient capital.
Everywhere a beautiful repose doth reign. Your legions line the
approaches to the sepulchre; a noble host stands expectant. Your
people have come here to-day to inform your Majesty of the final
victory. May this lofty shrine wherein you rest gain fresh lustre from
to-day's event, and may your example inspire your descendants in the
times which are to come. Spirit! Accept this offering!"

We are told by an eye-witness, Dr Lim Boon-keng, that when this
ceremony was over, Sun Yat-sen turned to address the assembly. "He was
speechless with emotion for a minute; then he briefly declared how,
after two hundred and sixty years, the nation had again recovered her
freedom; and now that the curse of Manchu domination was removed, the
free peoples of a united republic could pursue their rightful
aspirations. Three cheers for the president were now called for, and
the appeal was responded to vigorously. The cheering was taken up by
the crowds below, and then carried miles away by the thousands of
troops, to mingle with the booming of distant guns."



LIST OF WORKS CONSULTED

The /I yu kuo chi/ (costumes of strange nations). Circa 1380.

The /Tung hua lu/ (a history of the Manchus down to A.D. 1735). 1765.

The /Sheng wu chi/ (a history of the earlier wars under the Manchu
dynasty). 1822.

/A History of China/, by Rev. J. Macgowan, 1897.

/A History of the Manchus/, by Rev. J. Ross, 1880.

/The Chinese Repository/.

/The Chinese and their Rebellions/, by T. T. Meadows, 1856.

Pamphlets issued by the T`ai-p`ings, 1850-1864.

/The Times/, 1911-12.

/The London and China Telegraph/, 1911-12.





End of The Project Gutenberg Etext of China and the Manchus, by Giles

