The wording of the edict is, we are told, dignified
and con- ciliatory. It declares that the internal disturbance should not be quelled by military force, and makes reference, though without name, to England as "a friendly Power who in the ' interests of humanity acted as intermediary in arranging the armistice." The edict, we are further told, is regarded as a message of peace ; "it means that the armistice will be extended and time given for further discussion of a compro- mise." The telegram ends with the statement that among the Manchus better counsels are prevailing. "Fear that Yuan Shih-kai might fulfil his threat to resign, and thus involve them in disaster, has caused a revulsion of feeling against Tieh-liang, who has been intriguing for the Prime Minister's downfall and inciting the people to resist him by armed force."
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