Chapter 151 150. "May Fourth" Patriotic Movement
On April 11, 2008, Zhang Zongxiang, the Chinese Minister to Japan, asked for leave to return home. He and his family members, Mrs. Chen, boarded the train at Tokyo Central Shimbashi Station. Ten students studying in Japan held "traitor" flags and went to see him off. They surrounded Minister Zhang. The students They were filled with indignation and questioned Zhang, how many secret contracts of treason had been concluded?How many loans have you handled?The situation was serious, and soon after hearing the news, the Japanese police rushed to escort Zhang Zongxiang and his wife to the car.Someone in the crowd shouted:
"Minister Zhang, Zhang Zongxiang, since you are traitorous, why don't you sell your wife first!"
Because they are in Japan, the students studying in Japan are more aware of Japan’s bullying of China, so their anti-Japanese sentiment is particularly high. After the news of the failure of the Paris Peace Conference in China, the students studying in Japan were the first to attack. They sent a telegram denouncing the traitors. The full text is as follows :
"The European peace conference is a matter of life and death for our country. How should all Chinese people work together to save the country's power? It is designed to make the party win the battle outside the region, and the power and treachery are in the country. For ten days, the treacherous plot has been carried out. Yili. Cao Rulin, Lu Zongyu, Zhang Zongxiang, Xu Shuzheng, Jin Yunpeng, etc., are in collusion, willing to flatter the sun, and their recent crimes are enough to control the life of the country. There are about two ends. Selling mines is not considered. The brief statement is as follows, and I hope the Communist Party will condemn it. One is to hold back the special envoy to flatter the Japanese. This time, the special envoy sent by our country can still strive to not disgrace the fate of the country. Japan is very suspicious because of this. Use intimidation methods to restrain Gu and Wang Zhi from speaking, and then engage in temptationism and bribe Cao and Lu Neiying. And let Zhang Zongxiang return to the country to campaign and enter the long-distance diplomacy, so as to restrain the special envoy. And discuss in advance, change A secret agreement between China and Japan has been made to conceal the eyes and ears of China and foreign countries, and those thieves are willing to be minions. Since the Zhang family was ordered to return to the west, Cao and Lu are even more loyal to Weijin. Concession. The interests of China and Japan are extremely opposite, and the world knows it. The rights that our country was deprived of by Japan in the past can only be saved in the altar. Instead, we give in when things happen, and we are willing to surrender. Isn’t it recognition of Japan’s hegemony? And want to be in North Korea? The crime of treason, how can the husband be punished? This is the first crime. The second is to use the name of border defense to pro-Japan. Over the years, the northern warlords have been domineering and rampant. Xu Shuzheng, Jin Yunpeng, etc. have pro-Japanese policies. As a result, the power of the whole country to exchange foreign money, killing compatriots is almost like nothing. The fathers and elders of the whole country are heartbroken, but the old generation has no intention of regretting the disaster. A recent and wanton conspiracy, under the pretext of border defense, wants to expand the army participating in the war to The Ninth Division and the Sixteenth Mixed Brigade have implemented an arms alliance with the Japanese, borrowing Japanese money from the railways and arsenals of various provinces, and employing Japanese as trainers and technicians. All these attempts are nothing but to achieve the goal of unifying their forces. Regardless of the world trend , tending to peace, such acts against the trend of the times, there is a hundred harms and no benefits, even if it is as planned by the thieves, it will work in case, and the right to train the army has been controlled by the Japanese, and the weapon manufacturing factory has been closed. Belonging to an enemy country, can our country still maintain its independence? The story of the Germans using Turkey will reappear in the Far East. The Second World War sparked the fire. It is evil now and will bring disaster to the future. The flesh of thieves Is it enough to eat? This is the second crime. Fanzi’s two things are just to mention the big ones. Other illegal and unruly behaviors should be seen by the people of the country. Since my colleagues and others have studied abroad, they have rarely asked about internal affairs. State power is punished with pen and mouth, and no effort is spared. The recent crimes of treason by the thieves are clear and obvious. Forced by conscience, An dare to remain silent. Use special knowledge of the facts to appeal to the people of the country. It is hoped that the elders and elders of the whole country will treat them quickly. The law of the country's thieves is to keep the inside safe and fight against the outside. This is the reason. It is a republic, and the people are the main body. There are traitors in the government, but there are no people with lofty ideals. The country will soon fall, and the people will be ridiculed for being powerless, and they will be ashamed in history forever. carry on."
In late April, "social service groups" organized by returned students from Europe and the United States appeared on the streets of Beijing and Tianjin, publicly demanding the "abolition of warlords," "breaking the sphere of influence of foreign powers," and "enforcement of freedom of speech."
College students in Beijing gathered to launch a movement to save the country, oppose the traitors, and preserve the territory of Qingdao.With Peking University as the main body.After Yuan Shikai accepted Japan's 21 regulations, all walks of life commemorate the national humiliation on May 7 every year, and this year is also scheduled to hold a big demonstration in Tiananmen Square.After hearing the news of the failure of the Paris Peace Conference, they couldn’t wait any longer. The students of Peking University held a meeting with all the students in Peking University Law Hall at 7:00 p.m.
(1) Unite all walks of life in the country to strive to reject the decision of the Paris Peace Conference;
(2) Call the Chinese delegation in Paris and insist on not signing the peace treaty;
(3) Call all walks of life across the country to hold a parade and demonstration on May 7 to commemorate the national humiliation;
(4) Decided to gather at Tiananmen Square on the second day (Sunday, May 4th) to hold a large academic demonstration.
Some of the students who spoke in the venue cried bitterly, some were impassioned. The climax was that Xie Shaomin, a law student, bit his fingers on the podium, tore his clothes, and wrote "Return me Qingdao" with the blood on his fingers. Reflected on the white skirt, it is eye-catching.The students on and off the stage applauded and shouted long live, which was tragic, passionate and exciting.
After the meeting, the student hosts printed leaflets overnight and notified other schools in Beijing, agreeing to invite representatives of each school to use the Fazheng College as the venue on the morning of the 4th to discuss the details of the demonstration.
In the early morning of May 4th, Peking University, Law and Political College, Higher Normal School, China University, Chaoyang University, Industrial Specialized School, Police Academy, Agricultural School, Huiwen University, Railway Management University, Medical Specialized School, Taxation School, Republic of China University Representatives from other schools gathered in the auditorium of the Law and Political College.On the spot, they decided on the method of assembly, how to make speeches, how to spread flags, how to petition foreign embassies, how to demonstrate at Cao Rulin's mansion, and hurriedly made dozens of small white flags, and wrote: "Abolish the 21 Articles", "Strive to the Death", "Defend Sovereignty" ", "Don't be patriotic for five minutes", "Let's fight back to Qingdao and let it go", "It's better to break the jade than to be a tile", "The head can be broken, but Qingdao must not be lost" and other slogans.Xie Shaomin's blood book "Give me back Qingdao" was also hung up.
At 2:00 pm on May 4th, students from various universities in Beijing rushed to Tiananmen from all directions. A large white flag had been erected at the south of Tiananmen bridge. The couplet in the letter read:
Selling the country and seeking glory, I knew that there was no word on the stele left behind by Cao Li;
She is attracted to others, but Zhang Dun's remnants are dead.
At the end of the line, "Beijing academic circles hold traitors Cao Rulin and Zhang Zongxiang through the ages".
The Beijing government sent the infantry commander Li Changtai to Tiananmen Square to persuade the students to disband, but the students ignored them. At 2:30, while shouting the slogan: "Down with the traitors", they set off from Tiananmen Square to demonstrate.
The students who set off from Tiananmen distributed two kinds of documents. The first was a manifesto, the full text of which is as follows:
"Alas, citizens! I admire the most bloody compatriots! We have been wronged and humiliated, and we have endured the pain of being defiled by the Japanese's secret treaty, as well as the Shandong issue that we have been praying for day and night, and the issue of Qingdao's return. Today, the five countries have jointly managed it. It is a proposal for direct negotiations between China and Japan. The sad news came, and the sky was dark. The husband and wife peace talks are in progress. What we hope to celebrate is not to say that there is justice, humanity, and justice in the world. Return Qingdao and cancel Sino-Japanese secret treaties, military agreements, and other unequal treaties, axiom is also justice. Violating the axiom and asserting power, putting our land under the joint management of five countries, squeezing us into the defeated countries, such as Germany and Austria, is unjust It is unjust. Today, I have obviously abandoned the Shandong issue, and let me negotiate directly with Japan. The Japanese tigers and wolves, since they can steal the beauty of my twenty-one articles with a piece of paper, I will negotiate with them. In short, it is The death of the ear is the ear of Qingdao, and the ear of Shandong. Shandong controls Yanjin in the north, and Hubei and Ning in the south. When the Jinghan and Jinpu roads rush, it is the key to the throat of the north and the south. The death of Shandong means the death of China. My compatriots In this land, with such mountains and rivers, how can I witness this violent bullying me, oppressing me, enslaving me, cattle and horses, and not calling for help from the death of my life? The law is for the two continents of Yalushalao, saying:' If you can't get it, you'd rather die." It means to the small land in the Adriatic Strait, saying: "If you can't get it, you'd rather die." When North Korea seeks independence, it says: "If you can't get it, you'd rather die." As for the survival of the country , when the land is divided and the problem is serious, and the people are still unable to make up their minds, those who are the last angry rescuers are the lowly breeds of the 20th century, and they have nothing to say about human beings. My compatriots can't bear the pain of slaves, cattle and horses. Those who desperately want to rescue those who want to rescue them? The National Assembly, open-air speeches, and insistence on electricity are the most important things today. Even if there are those who are willing to betray the country and wanton adultery, the last deal is to rely on pistols and bombs. When a crisis strikes, Fortunate to coexist!"
The second is leaflets, which are mimeographed and distributed by the officers of the parade students along the way. The full text of the leaflets is:
"Now Japan is in the Peace Conference of All Nations, demanding to annex Qingdao and manage all rights in Shandong. It will succeed. Their diplomacy has won a big victory, and our diplomacy has failed. Once Shandong is gone, it will destroy China's territory, China's territory If it is destroyed, China will perish. Therefore, we academic circles lined up at various embassies today to demand that countries come out to uphold justice. We hope that all business circles across the country will rise up and try to hold a national assembly to fight for sovereignty outside and eliminate national thieves inside. The survival of China, That's it. Now we have established two creeds with our compatriots all over the country: China's land can be conquered, but not destroyed. The Chinese people can be killed, but not bowed. When the country is destroyed, compatriots rise up!"
When the students left, the Ministry of Education sent officials to dissuade them, and advised the students to put forward their demands, and the Ministry of Education would request the government on their behalf, but the students refused on the spot. Dissuasion was ineffective, and Police Superintendent Wu Bingxiang came to stop him on a motorcycle, but it was also ineffective.
According to the plan, the parade marched to Dongjiaomin Lane.
May 4th was Sunday, and the embassies of various countries in Dongjiaomin Lane were on holiday. When students crowded into Dongjiaomin Lane, it was like nothing.The parade first arrived at the U.S. Legation. Four representatives, including Luo Jialun, were pushed out to visit the U.S. Minister. The U.S. embassy had no one to do business, so the representatives had to leave their protest letters. No one from other countries had no choice but to leave their protest letters.The parade wanted to pass through Dongjiaomin Lane, but was blocked, so they turned from east to north, crossed Chang'an Street and Chongwenmen Street, went straight to Zhaojialou in Dongcheng, and went straight to Cao Rulin's official residence.
At that time, the door of Cao’s house was closed tightly and there were policemen guarding the door, so the students were enraged. Everyone started to clamor, indiscriminately, and rushed to the door. Those who walked around the house saw several windows behind the house, smashed them with stones, entered through the windows, opened the door, and the students flocked in and entered the hall.At this time, in addition to Cao Rulin himself, there were Zhang Zongxiang and Ding Shiyuan in Cao's house. Ding was the chief of the military law department of the War Participation Supervision Office.
Zhang Zongxiang and his wife returned from Japan to report on their duties. His wife, Mrs. Chen, was insulted by the students when she left Japan, so she refused to go to Beijing after arriving in Tianjin. In response to the appointment of the deceased Dong Kang to hold a flower viewing party, I went to Dong's house in Fayuan Temple for lunch.In the afternoon, Japanese journalist Nakae Choukichi visited Cao Rulin. Nakae Choukichi was very familiar with Ding Shiyuan and Zhang Zongxiang, so he asked Ding and Zhang to meet at Cao's house.When they talked, the students had already gathered in Tiananmen Square, but they did not expect the students to overthrow Cao's house.When the students were yelling outside the gate of Cao's house, Zhang Zongxiang thought that the students' goal was Cao and had nothing to do with him, so he was very calm, and advised Cao to avoid it temporarily and let their guests deal with it. Unexpectedly, the students could not find Cao, but Take chapters to make gas bags.
The students were looking for Cao Rulin, but they couldn't find it, but when they saw Zhang Zongxiang, they immediately focused their anger on Zhang and shouted: "This is Zhang Zongxiang", "The traitor Zhang Zongxiang is here!" "Don't let him run away!" Already!" Hit!hit!hit!Immediately without any explanation, he surrounded Zhang in the center, fisted and kicked, and beat Zhang Zongxiang's head and blood.Ding Shiyuan saw that something was wrong, so he ran away.It just so happened that Nakae Choukichi arrived at this time, but Nakae Choukichi used himself as a shield and tried his best to rescue Zhang Zongxiang. He was beaten to death, so Zhongjiang Chouji rescued Zhang Zongxiang.Other students who entered the house searched for Cao Rulin in the huge and beautiful Cao mansion, but Cao escaped by jumping over the wall.Only Cao's concubine and several family members were left trembling in the inner room.
The students couldn't find Cao, so they destroyed Cao's furniture.
At this time, Police Superintendent Wu Bingxiang had learned that the students had broken into Cao's house, so he led the police officers to arrive, took the family members of Cao's family out, and sent them to Lu Zongyu's home in Dongjiaomin Lane.Cao Rulin, Lu Zongyu, and Zhang Zongxiang were originally the three pro-Japanese culprits. Although Lu Zongyu was appointed as the president of the Currency Bureau at this time, he was originally the manager of the Huiye Bank. Fortunately, Lu Zongyu escaped this hurdle.
Covered by Zhongjiang Chouji, Zhang Zongxiang staggered out of the back door of Cao's house and found a mule cart to go to Rihua Hospital.Cao Rulin has fled to Liuguo Hotel.Injured by wall jumping, he moved to Tongren Hospital in Japan.
When the students left the Cao residence, the Cao residence was already on fire. As the Cao residence was on fire, the military and police outside the Cao residence fired guns into the sky while fighting the flames.At this time, the infantry commander Li Changtai led a large number of troops to arrive, and the police chief Wu Bingxiang also summoned a large number of policemen to disperse the students, and at the same time arrested 32 students including Yi Keyi, Cao Yun, and Xu Deheng.Most of the students are from Peking University.The arrested students were all detained in the police station.
The student demonstrations have rocked the Beijing government. On May 5, the Ministry of Education ordered the principals of colleges and universities to strictly restrain the behavior of students, and to expel students who were found to be the leaders of the troubles.
However, the students held a meeting in the auditorium of the Faculty of Law on the evening of May 4th, demanding that the government immediately release the arrested students. Before the students were released, all the colleges and universities participating in the demonstration would strike and wait for a reply. If the goal is not achieved, classes will not resume. On May 5, 14 college principals held a meeting in Beijing to discuss measures to deal with it, and decided to send representatives to the Presidential Palace, the State Council, and the Ministry of Education to petition for the release of the students.Because the actions of the students are patriotic, if patriotism is a crime, all the staff of the 14th school are willing to be dismissed to show their responsibility.But the president, the prime minister and the education minister all avoid meeting each other.
On May 4th and 5th, Prime Minister Qian Nengxun called emergency meetings at his official residence.Some people suggested disbanding Peking University, but Fu Zengxiang, the director-general of education, refused to countersign the order. So some people proposed to remove Cai Yuanpei, the president of Peking University, and Fu Zengxiang also refused.
The Beijing government had different opinions on how to deal with this unprecedented student unrest. Xu Shichang's group advocated palliative measures, while Duan Qirui's group advocated strict measures. On the 6th, Xu Shichang issued an order in the name of the President. This order can represent Xu Shichang's smooth style.
"Students from Peking University and other schools corrected the incident of arson and injury at the assembly. At the beginning of the incident, the Jingshi Police Department was sent to dispatch the police to protect it properly, but it was not stopped immediately, which led to arson and injury. The police Superintendent Wu Bingxiang went to command in person and started arresting and disbanding. The superintendent was inappropriate in dispatching in advance, which was a negligence. The police officers he dispatched were incapable of taking precautions and were responsible for their duties. Immediately, the superintendent would find out their titles and submit them for punishment. .The important place of the capital, with the vision of China and foreign countries, order and tranquility is very important. The responsibility of the director is to be the supervisor and lead the subordinates, to prevent and eliminate them in order to protect the public security. That is to arrest and punish according to law, don't be lazy! This order."
This order neither avenged Cao and Zhang, nor punished the students. It only reprimanded the police chief Wu Bingxiang and punished the police officers.However, Wu Bingxiang refused to take the blame. He blamed the students for disturbing the students and refused to accept the police's obstruction, not the police.And Cao, Zhang and other factions also expressed their grievances on behalf of Cao and Zhang, and asked the government to punish the students according to law, forcing Xu Shichang to issue another order:
"According to Qian Nengxun, Chief of Internal Affairs, and Wu Bingxiang, Chief of Police of the Beijing Normal University, on the 4th of this month, about 3,000 students from 13 schools including Peking University, holding white flags, gathered in front of Tiananmen Square one after another, and agreed to parade First went to the west entrance of Dongjiaomin Lane, was stopped by the embassy patrol, and then went to the residence of Cao Rulin, the chief of traffic, throwing bricks and sticking wood to beat people. Soldiers and police blocked them, but ignored them. He smashed the rear window facing the street, rushed in and smashed Destroying objects, burning windows, and beating security guards, resulting in serious injuries. Zhang Zongxiang, the Minister in Japan, was beaten by him and seriously injured. After arresting many students on the spot, they were pre-trialed by the department and sent to the court for interrogation. Etc. The establishment of the school is to cultivate talents. It will be used for the future of the country. Every student in the school is a young man. His nature is uncertain. He should concentrate on his studies. How can he interfere with politics and disturb the public security? All those who cause trouble are arrested on the spot People should be sent to the court by the department, and the court should handle it in accordance with the law. In the district where the capital is the most benevolent, the school style should be rectified urgently. The department should find out the exact circumstances of the incident and submit it for review. And seriously at any time Inspectors, earnestly guide, so that everyone can be admonished, encourage them to become talents, and live up to the country's intention of cultivating heroes! This order."
Zhang Zongxiang was beaten up by the students, his head was bruised and his face was swollen, his back was sore and his back hurt.At this time, many friends came to condolences. He felt shameless and boring. On the one hand, he asked his friends to report the situation of his beating to the central government, and then half complained, half mockingly said: "China has been using this method since the Qing Dynasty. Foreign debts, borrowing foreign debts is neither self-initiated nor handled by me alone. What's more, the president and prime minister are responsible for today's debts. Duan Hefei's policy of unification of force, how do you know that the generals leading the troops took the military pay and put it into their private pockets. Today they have to pay for the deployment, and tomorrow they have to pay special fees. The foreign debts are exhausted, and the country is still divided. If the responsibility is to be held, the real disaster for the country is These warriors. But this group of young students can't look deeply at the problem at all. They only rely on their blood and courage to blame me. My surname Zhang has no soldiers and no courage. It's so easy to bully, it's really distressing!"
The official report on Cao and Zhang's humiliation was sent to the government together with Wu Bingxiang's report, so the President ordered the arrested students to be sent to the court for punishment.The students refused to give up, and Cai Yuanpei, the president of Peking University, announced his resignation.
Calls to support Beijing students emerged from all over the country. Letters and telegrams from Beijing Chamber of Commerce, Farmers' Association, People's Diplomatic Association, Shandong Association in Beijing, Shanghai Peace Group, business groups, and support students from all over the country came like a snowflake.
In particular, the meetings and representatives of the North and the South in Shanghai all sent telegrams, and Tang Shaoyi, the general representative of the South, telegraphed:
"Mr. Xu Juren from Beijing learned: the consumption of Beijing has been lost, and the students are the problem of Shandong. For the demonstrations of Cao, Lu, and Zhang, Zhang Zhonghe was seriously injured. The government will propose the death penalty for students and disband the university. Goer, fear that China will be in chaos from then on. This is the beginning. The student is purely patriotic and enthusiastic, has no party views, and is unarmed. Even if he has committed a crime, it is okay. Now the question that is being debated is whether the authorities can severely punish the students. Internal and external are purely controlled by three or five people. All the grievances and anger accumulated in this world are like dikes and waters, and there will be a day of decisive decision. Since ancient times, punishment and rewards have been inappropriate, and the wind of chivalry has arisen. Therefore, those who want to offend the people use martial arts Violations of the ban will punish the officials for betraying the country with literature. If the deacons can't take the heart of the world as their heart, separate the Wei and Wei, strictly enforce the demotion, and even take improper measures against the students' demonstrations, a single spark will start a prairie fire and steal the country. Because of this fear, I dare not not tell, fortunately, I am familiar with it!"
Zhu Qiqian, General Representative of the North, also sent a telegram to Premier Qian Nengxun of the State Council:
"A lesson from Prime Minister Qian: Students from Peking University and other schools heard that there were unexpected actions due to the Qingdao issue. In order to maintain local order, there is no way to explain it. However, the Qingdao issue has aroused public outrage across the country. Wang Wangshu and others sent a letter to petition. The peace conference will be officially held today. The general representatives of the two sides have jointly called the Paris envoy Lu and the envoys to express the general public opinion of the people. Send a telegram to Fengda. The students in each school are young people who are suddenly inspired by patriotic thoughts, resulting in out-of-the-ordinary behaviors and violent incidents. It is pity. The public is elegant and peaceful, and the arrested people should be separated from each other quickly. Leniency in order to maintain his patriotic spirit, and warn him of excessive actions. For the country and for the livelihood, it is a strategy of two wins. The urgent statement, Fu Wei's acceptance, is beyond prayer!"
This is the vigorous May Fourth Movement.
Cao Rulin started his family with his relatives, and he also made disasters with his relatives.In the seven or eight years of the Republic of China, when mentioning the three "Cao Luzhang", they were all regarded as traitors.As for the May 4th Movement, tens of thousands of people pointed to Cao and Lu as targets.The May 4th Movement is an important part of modern history, and Cao Rulin was at the brunt of it. In his later years, he wrote a memoir, which described the scenes of May 4th in detail.There is a lot of self-defense, but most of them are close to the facts, and there are secrets and stories unknown to the outside world, so they still do not lose the value of their historical materials.The special copy is as follows:
After Li Yuanhong was forced to dissolve the Congress, members of Congress went south one after another. Under the pretext of protecting the law, they held an interim Congress in the military government of Guangdong. Few stayed in the North.Beijing had to form another political group and elect a president.So a club was set up in Anfu Hutong, Dongcheng, and members were recruited everywhere to prepare for the establishment of a congress. Wang Yitang and Zeng Yunpei were in charge of it.Xu Youzheng was inconvenient to come out because he was an active soldier, so he presided over it behind the scenes, known as the Anfu Department in the world.At that time, Yitang persuaded me to join, and said that I could be promoted to be the speaker in the future. I have no such ambitions, and I have no interest in party issues, and I have no subordinates, so I politely thanked him.Later, he persuaded Liang Yansun (Shi Yi) to join, and promised to be the chairman of the Senate.At that time, Yansun was running for peace between the North and the South. If he could succeed, wouldn't his reputation be as high as that of Hefei (Duan Qirui) and Hejian (Feng Guozhang).With this ambition, just in line with loneliness, so I gladly joined.The Anfu faction had neither an outline nor an organization. Later, the National Assembly was established. Wang Yitang himself served as the speaker of the House of Representatives, and Liang Yansun was the speaker of the Senate. It's a veritable mess, and I'm glad I've remained untouched.
Although the Anfu faction has no party leader, they all obey Hefei's orders, but Liang Yansun suddenly emerged and established another faction.There are two factions in one political group, how can they cooperate.However, with the election of the President, Hejian wanted to take the throne again.Everyone unanimously praised Hefei. Hefei resigned and advocated the election of Beiyang veteran Xu Donghai (Shichang). There was no objection, even Liang Yansun also agreed.Hejian knew that he could not compete with Donghai in terms of prestige, so he did not run for office and elected Xu Shichang as the president.
After Donghai was elected, he invited Yu and Runsheng (Lu Zongyu) to have lunch one day, and persuaded me to have fellowship with him, but Yu still insisted on resigning. He asked why he resigned?Yu said that the warriors are capricious and have absolutely no doctrine at all, and they don't know what the country and the group are doing.In the past few years, Yu has worked hard and borrowed huge sums of money, but in the end he has achieved nothing. He laughed at his neighbors, became discouraged, and had no intention of asking about politics anymore.The East China Sea said, that time, this time also.It was also a reluctance for me to take the stage this time, but since I was promoted, I had no choice but to make do with it.I heard that the treasury of the Ministry of Finance still only has the three million yuan you left, and it will be exhausted.I heard that you and Japan still have a 20 million loan discussion, because Hefei went to the field to stop, I want to borrow you to continue the negotiation, so that I can make friends with you, and you can help Hefei, how can you ignore me?It's up to Ermo to do this.Let's invite Runsheng to come with us today, and the three of us will exchange opinions on everything in the future.I plan to be the president of Runsheng with the currency system, and the two departments of transportation and finance have not yet decided on a person, so I can choose by myself.I also told you that I will reverse what Hefei did and plan to talk about cooperation in the south in order to seek reunification.Yun Jie (Cen Chunxuan) and I are colleagues and have been in contact. There may be hope for peace talks, but Yunyun must not be leaked.I am a person who puts more emphasis on emotions. After listening to Donghai's earnest talk and talking about personal friendship, my acquaintance with Donghai was far before Hefei.At that time, both Chinese and foreign scholars were opposed to the policy of unification by force, and it was heard that the system of marshals in Zhongshan in the south had been changed to a system of seven presidents, and Cen Chunxuan was one of the seven presidents and a powerful president.Since Donghai changed its military policy, Yu's heart could not help being shaken, so he agreed to continue to communicate.
Hefei recommended the East China Sea, and originally wanted to unite Beiyang with the prestige of the East China Sea, and then tried to make another move.Unexpectedly, after Donghai took office, he advocated etiquette first and soldiers later.He said, "I have been in the army for a long time, so I should take a rest."There are different factions in the south, and they have different opinions. Even if they make peace with each other, they may not be able to negotiate. If we use force at that time, our teacher will be well-known, and we will definitely win the support of all parties.It made sense, but there was nothing Hefei could do, so he convened the governors of all provinces to discuss the aftermath. Zhang Zuolin also joined him.Donghai proposed four measures: firstly, truce and withdrawal of troops to return to the original defense; secondly, the provinces deal with aftermath; thirdly, deal with diplomacy;Prime Minister Qian Nengxun sent a telegram to persuade the South to withdraw its troops and return to defense. The South responded and proposed to hold a North-South Peace Conference. The North sent Zhu Qiqian as the general representative, and the South sent Tang Shaoyi as the general representative. The meeting was held in Shanghai. Unexpectedly, the South raised tough issues, which is unacceptable , This remark is very long, and I will talk about it later.
Let me first talk about the East China Sea and communicate with me as long as I agree, that is to say, now that we want to negotiate peace with the South, it is not because of money.I heard that Hefei and Japan are still negotiating a loan of 20 million yen. Hefei goes down the field. I want you to continue negotiating this loan with Japan to meet the needs of peace talks. I hope you will do your best for me.Since I agreed to take up the post, I should do my best. Who knows that the bad results that I will bring later are the result of this.I have made mistakes all my life, that is, I can't get rid of my reputation because I emphasize emotions, and the political dispute between Donghai and Hefei is even more unexpected.
After Yu took office as Minister of Communications, the first thing he did was to make a loan that had not yet been negotiated with the Japanese side.At that time, Nishihara had returned to China, and the Japanese temple cabinet had resigned. The successor cabinet was Takashi Hara.Minister Yu Dian Zhang Zhonghe (Zong Xiang) told Yi Donghai to continue the undecided 20 million Japanese loan before the negotiation. Donghai advocated to negotiate peace with the south and no longer use force. The money is urgent. He hoped that the business would resume in Xiyuan .Minister Zhang replied that Xiyuanyi Bank was not interested in borrowing money from China.Yu replied to Donghai with this telegram, and Donghai personally telegraphed Minister Zhang, saying that at the beginning of his inauguration, he needed a lot of money, and this money will never be used for military affairs.Minister Zhang said that there was no way to do business with the bank anymore. He thought that Japanese Foreign Minister Goto Shinpei had friendship with Donghai (Goto was the president of Manchuria Railways, and Donghai was the governor of the three eastern provinces). Borrowing, cannot conduct a policy of peace.After Goto's mediation, the bank began to allow the business to borrow 20 million yuan per day, but required the use of Germany's defunct Gaoxushunji Railway as a guarantee (these two railways had a loan agreement with Germany, which was invalidated due to the war. ).Because the two roads were related to the Qingdao issue, I was afraid that there would be problems in the future peace meeting, so I refused to agree, so I stated Donghai with this intention.Donghai said that Germany has given up the right to borrow from the two lines and moved them to Japan. In my opinion, they are both foreign countries. What is the difference?Since President Yu made this statement, he proposed a state affairs meeting and reported on the process.Premier Qian said that since the president made this statement, he asked Chief Cao to be overworked.Then Minister Zhang telegraphed that the president had agreed to guarantee the right of way, please agree immediately.After Zhang made an agreement, the Bank of Japan was unwilling to go to Beijing to sign the contract, so Yu planned to entrust Minister Zhang to sign the contract by telegram.Because the loan was related to the railway, he took the telegram and the original telegram to the Ministry of Communications, and told Yuhu (Ye Gongchuo was the deputy director of transportation) of the whole story, and showed the original telegram.It was late at night, and the telegram was about to be handed over to Secretary Zhao for translation, and he was told that it was a confidential telegram, so he had to translate it himself, keep the original manuscript, and then go home immediately.Unexpectedly, the next morning, eight newspapers and two news agencies used the same text, slightly changed one or two, published the matter completely, and criticized it.Yu Da was surprised, thinking that apart from Yu Hu and the secretary, no one else knew about this matter.The secretary of Yidian is very cautious. I have been with me for many years and have never dealt with the newspaper industry. I dare not and cannot do this.Moreover, the published text is almost the same, so there must be no doubt that it was submitted.Because Hefei knew about it, Yu went to the mansion, interviewed him, and asked what kind of person your secretary is.I replied that this secretary has been with me for many years, and he has been cautious, has never made any mistakes, and has little contact with the outside world, let alone the press.After He Fei heard this, he immediately said that this was obviously the matter of Deputy Chief Ye, and the administrator had to be responsible for leaking the secret.Yu felt that the words were serious, so he said, let me investigate further, maybe I was negligent, and I should ask for punishment.Nazhi Youzheng ordered eight news agencies and communication agencies to suspend their publications by order of the Ministry of the Army that day, which caused an uproar.Later, a reporter came to visit my home, and I answered vaguely.
He went to visit Runsheng again, and Runsheng said that only three people knew about it, and Chief Cao himself would never reveal it, and his secretary was someone whose trust was guaranteed by Chief Cao, so it was self-evident how this matter would leak out.The words are quite explicit.Yuhu wanted to clarify his responsibilities, that is, he planned to resign, and Yu repeatedly stayed with him, hoping to calm the matter down, and I had to make a change, so Prime Minister Qian (Neng Xun) negotiated with the court to suspend the implementation, and then proceed to check and handle it after investigation.I also saw Hefei, explaining that there may be some points that I did not self-examine in this matter, and I should investigate it carefully, so the execution was suspended by court order.Hefei knew my intention and agreed, so he stopped the turmoil.Hefei knew the purpose of Donghai's loan and did not intend to destroy it, which shows the protection of Donghai.Although Donghai is dissatisfied with Hefei, he is self-cultivated and does not show his sensuality, but the power struggle between left and right is intensifying.
Because of this East China Sea loan, Foreign Minister Lai Goto mediated and signed the contract, and entrusted Minister Zhang to sign it on behalf of him.Regarding the withdrawal of troops from Qingdao, the Japanese envoy always said that he would report to the government, but there was no response for a long time, so he asked Minister Zhang to discuss directly with Foreign Minister Goto in order to make it simple.Unexpectedly, at the Paris peace conference, there was a problem with the exchange of documents in Qingdao, which involved Minister Zhang, and it still haunts him.I hereby write down the exchange of documents in Qingdao according to the facts to clarify the truth.
When (the outbreak of the European War) the Japanese army and the British navy attacked the front of Qingdao, and they could not go down for a long time.The Japanese Foreign Minister negotiated with Minister Lu (Zong Yu), and planned to have the Japanese Army land from behind Qingdao to fight on a neutral ground in China, so that the German army could not take care of both front and back.Lu envoys to undermine China's neutrality.Refuse not to allow.The Japanese Foreign Minister said that Qingdao is also Chinese territory. The Chinese government has allowed the attack from the front of Qingdao, but now it is attacking from behind Qingdao. What is the difference?And this time it was just a "false path", not fighting in the area, and retreated immediately after the capture, and never stayed, and repeatedly stated.However, without waiting for the consent of the Chinese government, the attack has been freely carried out. This is an old Japanese technique.Unexpectedly, the Japanese army attacked from behind, and the infantry had insufficient firearms. The military attache of the German embassy borrowed 2,000 rifles with bullets from Xu Youzheng, the secret merchant.Youzheng has always admired Germany, and has friendship with German military officers, so he supplied 2,000 rifles with bullets under the pretext of transporting them to the Shandong government army. The chief of the army section did not know.And zheng bold style, as often the case.
After the Japanese captured Qingdao, the troops stationed in Qingdao did not withdraw their defenses, and asked the people for grain and food, threatened them arbitrarily, and forced them to supply them. The place was unbearable.The telegrams called by the magistrates, the snowflakes flew in, and every time the telegrams were sent to the outside, the outside would be transferred to me.This is not my job, and I am not in charge of it. Because I am young and energetic, I don't care about the authority, and I am not responsible for the outside world, so I accept the responsibility and negotiate with the Japanese envoy.I don't know that Yuezu generation blisters, anti-generation people have experienced it, this is due to less experience.
I said to the Japanese envoys that at that time the false way was a way of accommodation, and it was expedient to accommodate. Now that Qingdao has fallen, your country should withdraw its troops immediately according to what the Lu envoy declared falsely. , please retreat.At the very least, they should withdraw to Qingdao.The Japanese envoy replied that although it was necessary to stay in Qingdao, although it was necessary, he did not dare to conclude that he would report to the government and return, but there was no reply for a long time, and the soldiers still did not withdraw.I sent people to investigate on the spot, and I learned that when the Japanese army attacked Qingdao, they asked the counties for food and grass, etc., but the county officials ignored them, and the Japanese army moved freely.The magistrate of a certain county, named Wang Da, made an appointment with the Japanese army when the Japanese army arrived. If they needed grain and plants, the county would do it on their behalf, as long as they had to trade fairly, so the county was safe and sound. , and soon promoted to Jing Zhaoyin).
At that time, because the East China Sea Merchants borrowed Japanese money, the bank had no intention of borrowing any more. Minister Zhang asked Foreign Minister Goto Shinpei to mediate and it was successful. Because of the issue of Qingdao's withdrawal of troops, Minister Zhang was invited to discuss directly with Foreign Minister Goto.As a result, the Minister of Japan and Foreign Affairs issued a letter to the Minister of the Association and declared three things: 1. The leased land of Qingdao will still be returned to China after signing a peace treaty with Germany.2. The Japanese army withdrew into Qingdao or Jinan, leaving only a small part to protect the Jiaoji Railway.3. When returning to Qingdao in the future, they will stay in Qingdao for a period of residence in Japan.He also said that the Japanese army that entered Jinan was temporary and would withdraw soon, and no other matters were involved.Yu handed over the original to the outside and reported it at the State Council.During the meeting, there was discussion about the residence.Yu thinks that the land of residence is equal to the concessions, and that the land of residence should be recovered at the same time when the concessions of various countries are recovered in the future.Then it was decided to restore the Minister of Zhang, and the Minister of Zhang would return to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, so he said "agree with pleasure".This is an ordinary rhetoric. The so-called consent clearly refers to the three items in the communication from the Japanese Foreign Minister.This is the process of Qingdao's withdrawal of troops and exchange of documents.那知后来巴黎和会竟引为攻击之借口，以为承认山东权益，岂非奇谈，真是风马牛不相及也。
民国七年冬，巴黎开（欧战）和平会议，与会者有二十七国，我国亦被邀派代表出席，以外交总长陆徵祥为首席代表，其它代表即派驻外公使施肇基、顾维钧、魏宸组兼任。南方军政府亦要求派代表，政府以对外不应示以分裂，商由军政府派人，政府加以任命，遂以王正廷为代表，一同同发。出发前，总统召集会议，商定应付方针，有关当局与段参战督办（祺瑞）均列席，余亦列席。合肥发言，以此次参战宣布过迟，有名无实，不应多提要求，除收回德奥租界，并取消在中国之权益法权外，拟提议撤消庚子条约驻兵一条，及修订海关税则。至青岛问题，日本一再宣言交还中国，谅不至食言，且看日本有无提议，随机应付，没有确定。众皆无异议，就此决定。
陆代表一行此次由海道赴法，须经过日本。日本政府即通知章公使转达政府，以陆代表经由日本，极表欢迎，俟陆代表过日时，隆重招待，日皇预定由避寒地回京接见等语。政府即转电陆代表，陆代表回电应允，请转日政府。后忽来电以途中受寒致病，属外部电辞日政府接待。政府不知何病不能接受招待，但只好照电章公使请婉向日政府辞谢。日政府深为诧异，但允取消宴会，希望与外相一谈。
陆氏到了下关，日本即派御医往诊，知系受寒，无甚要紧，当派专车接到东京，与日本内田康哉外相，晤谈二十分钟。后陆又来电云密件箱遗失，嘱再速抄一份即寄巴黎使馆，政府始有怀疑。余揣陆氏向来意志薄弱，易于动摇，此次同行者多是青年外交家，尚有南方代表，恐别有用意。及到巴黎，开会后来电谓，关于取消德奥租界，权益法权等项，均顺利通过。至庚子条约事不在本会议应议之事，不能提议。后又来电谓美国总统问中国与日本有无密约，盼速复。余在国务会议发言，陆氏以现任外交总长出席与会，有无密约，外交总长岂有不知，不即答复，反来电问，明明显示内阁不统一，且对阁员有不信任之意，虽未指明，暗中似有对我不满，且对外亦示以国内不一致，我恐这次和会将大有问题。钱总理即说，复他没有密约好了。后来一直没有公电报告，直到拒绝签字之前，由陆氏来电略言，奉职无状，电请处分。钱总理料知事情重大，回明总统，去电慰留，并令签字。余在国务会议未发一言。
章仲和（宗祥）此次请假回国，有人告我说，外边有谣言，说你们与日本接洽，将倒徐拥段，这次章公使回国，即是商讨进行方法。我说这真是无稽之言，从何说起，我们从来没有这种思想。他又说，你不知道吗？吴笈孙秘长（公府秘书长）半壁街有聚会之所，时常密商对付合肥，大约这谣言即从那方面来的。我听他说得有实据，似信非信，不以为意。仲和此次回国，想多休息，避免酬应，故我以天津特一区寓为其居停。
仲和来后三日，即五月四日，东海在公府设午宴为仲和洗尘，有钱总理、陆闰生与我作陪。宴到中间，承宣官告，吴总监（京师警察总监吴炳湘）来电话，天安门外有学生千余人，手执白旗标语，为和会失败，攻击曹总长诸位，请诸位暂留公府，不要出府回家，因学生将要游行。其时巴黎和会，我国代表不签字的消息已传到北京。我听了即向总统说，这次和会，来电报告很少，不知公府方面有无电告。今学生既归咎于我，总是我不孚众望，请总统即行罢免。总统一再慰留，且说学生不明事情，不必介意，即顾钱总理说，打电话令吴总监妥速解散，不许学生游行。席散后，钱总理约到他公事室少坐，即拨电话告吴总监传达命令，闰生先回去。少顷钱总理又电问镜潭（吴炳湘）现在怎样了，吴说正在劝说不许游行，但学生加到约有二千多人了。又等了一回，钱干臣（钱总理号）又电问镜潭，解散了没有？吴答人庞口杂，颇不容易，恐他们定要游行示威，钱说请你多偏劳。有顷，吴总监来电话谓，正在劝说解散之时，香岩（段芝贵，时任卫戍司令）忽要出队弹压，如果香岩出队，即由他去办，我不问了。干臣又电请香岩说，这是地方上的事，不到出兵时候不必出队伍，由镜潭去办，请你不必过问。又等一回，香岩来电话谓照镜潭办法，不能了事，非派队伍出来，吓唬吓唬他们不可。又由吴总监来电话谓，香岩如定要派兵，我即将警察撤回，以后事情，由他负责吧，我不管了。钱总理一面劝吴妥速解散，一面劝段不要出兵，地方上事，应由警察负责，不必派兵弹压。香岩则说，照镜潭办法，不但不能解散学生游行，恐事情扩大更添麻烦。各执一辞，争辩不已。看钱总理两面为难，没有办法，我与仲和说，我们走吧，遂告辞而出。
回家时汽车不经过前门，没有看见学生，到了家门，警察厅派来三四十名警察，队长向我请示。怎样保护法？我说这是你们的事，怎么反来问我？队长说，上头命令“文明对待”，故连警棍都没有带，怎么好呢？我苦笑道，你们看怎么好，即怎么办得啊！警察们即找木板石块之类去堵大门。我家向无警卫，墙不高，门又不坚，正在这时，丁问槎（士源）大踏步而进，见我与仲和在客厅谈话，他说我刚路过东交民巷，学生游行队要进东交民巷，为守兵所阻，即向东而行，人数不少，看来即将到这里来了。他见警察在堵门，他说堵门有何用处？我说，他们奉的命令，是文明对侍，故连警棍都没带。问槎听了大笑道，好个文明对待！正说话间，听得呐喊叫嚣之声，渐渐清晰，问槎说，来了，你们应先躲避，不要吃眼前亏。我即到东面去看家父，见我父呆坐在廊下，有一婢一僮陪侍着。顷刻之间，呐喊之声，越来越近。有顷，见白旅一簇一簇出现墙外，父嘱我躲避，但我房的建筑，是西式一排平列，无处可躲。正在这时，忽有一石块对我父飞掷过来，幸婢将身一挡，打中背脊，肿痛了好几天，若中我病父，即不堪设想了，即扶我父进屋。
我于仓猝间，避入一小房（箱子间），仲和由仆引到地下锅炉房（此屋小而黑）。这箱子间，一面通我妇卧室，一面通两女卧室，都有门可通。我在里面，听了砰然一大声，知道大门已撞倒了，学生蜂涌而入，只听得找曹某打他，他到哪里去了。
后又听得砰砰蹦蹦玻璃碎声，知道门窗玻璃都打碎了。继又听得磁器掷地声，知道客厅书房陈饰的花瓶等物件都摔地而破了。后又打到两女卧室，两女不在室中，即将铁床的杆柱零件，拆作武器，走出了女儿卧房，转到我妇卧房。我妇正锁了房门，独在房中，学生即将铁杆撞开房门，问我在哪里？妇答，他到总统府去吃饭，不知回来没有？他们即将镜框物件等打得稀烂。我妇即说，你们都是文明学生，怎么这样野蛮？我在小室，听得逼真，像很镇定。他们打开抽屉，像在检查信件，一时没有做声，后又倾箱倒箧，将一点首饰等类，用脚踩踏。我想即将破门到小屋来，岂知他们一齐乱嚷，都从窗口跳出去了，这真是奇迹。
又到两亲卧室，将一切器皿打毁，对我双亲承他们没有惊动。打开橱门见有燕窝银耳之类，即取出了匣子摔了满地。我父即说，这是人家送给我的，我还舍不得用，即送给你们好了，何必暴殄天物？他们不理，还是践踏得粉碎而去。后到汽车房，将乘用车捣毁，取了几筒汽油，到客厅书房等处浇上汽油，放火燃烧。In an instant.火势上炎，问槎即将老父母扶到院中角落坐下。
仲和在锅炉房，听到上面放火，即跑出来，向后门奔走，被学生包围攒打。他们见仲和穿了晨礼服，认为是我，西服撕破。有一学生，将铁杆向他后脑打了一下，仲和即倒地。问槎向警长说，现在学生已放火伤人，成了现行犯，还能文明对待吗？警长亦不理。适日友中江丑吉闻讯赶到，见仲和倒在地上，他亦认识，即推开学生，将仲和连抱带拖，出了后门，藏在对面油盐店，把门而立，说日本腔的中国话，这是我的朋友，你们要打即打我，我不怕！他虽知自卫之法，亦已受铁杆打伤多处，臂背红肿，经月余才愈。吴总监随即赶到，一声“拿人”令下，首要学生听说，早已逃得无影无踪了，只抓了跑不及的学生二十余人，送往警察厅。
我仍在小室里，吴总监向我道歉，将全家送到六国饭店。消防队亦赶到，东院一排西式房已将烧尽了，只剩了门房及西院中国式房一小部分，随即救灭。仲和亦由总监派车送入同仁医院，我即到同仁医院，见仲和面色苍白，闭目而睡，状很疲惫狼狈，我没有惊动他。医生告诉我，他全身共受伤大小五十六处，幸没中要害，后脑震动，故致晕倒，等静养两三天后再看。我又回到六国饭店，属部电京奉局速开一专车到天津，接仲和夫人来京。傅沅叔（增湘）总长（教育总长）来慰问，他说我听得消息，即到北大劝说，但已预备出发，阻挡不住，请你原谅，想不到学生竟如此大胆荒唐。府秘书长亦来，我因不满于他，对他很不客气。他问我火烧情形，我说我也不知道，你自己去看吧。后吴镜潭来，问他带了几个学生？他说：他们听了我汽车喇叭，要紧的学生都已逃光了，等我下令拿人，只剩了二十余个跑不及的学生，我看他们都不是重要的。我说，打人放火的都没有抓到，这些盲从的学生不必为难他们，请都释放了吧。他答应而去。
后我又到医院，因不知仲和伤势情形，即住在医院。仲和夫人来时，已在第二天凌晨了。我虽住医院，亦不敢去看仲和，怕他感触，于伤不利。他夫人告我，若无中江丑吉，仲和之命休矣。我听了凄然，很感中江丑吉之见义勇为，真够朋友。仲和说，有一小记事本，和皮夹钥匙，都放在曹家锅炉里，后都找着了。等仲和伤势渐愈，我才出医院。东海为我安置于团城，团城前有玉佛殿，后有住房十馀间，又有一斜廊通到一亭，下临北海。我即以住房住家眷，家父母已于翌晨送往天津寄住友家。亭名沁春，我即以作书房起坐室，殿前两旁，各有群房十对间，其时部中秘书，恐我有事，每日必来，即于右侧群房为休憩所。左侧群房，公府派一连兵护卫，跟我家仆役厨房等同住一起。
我到团城第二天，合肥即来慰问。此老向不做虚伪的敷衍，他说这次的事，他们本是对我，竟连累了你们，我很不安。又问仲和伤势如何？且说你们不必辞职，看东海如何处置。说了即辞出。我本已预备辞呈，因合肥属不必辞，只好暂搁。后仲和出院，东海安置他于北海北隅之静心斋。时北海尚未开放，静心斋亦有亭树楼阁，古松翠柏，风景宜人，外交部新修理髹漆，以备招待外宾，与团城一苇可通，不必经由外面。东海为我与仲和之安顿，倒是斟酌周到，煞费苦心。
在住团城数天后，东海忽傍晚驾一叶扁舟，由北海登城而上。我适在沁春亭，他直入亭中，时已夕阳西下，清风徐来，他说这里很凉快。又下亭同到前院，经过玉佛殿，说玉佛还是暹罗进贡的。见古松数十株，他说这俗名白皮松，只有北方有，团城特别多。且走且说我留一小舟，在城下北海，可驾游北海。北海鱼种很多，亦可垂钓消遣。又问你带书本来没有？答没有。他说，可送些书来，供你解闷，你有所需，打电话给秘书厅好了。走到北海边，即乘小舟而去。他谈笑如常，对学生事，一字不提，避开现实，真老于世故者也。随即送来一部东三省政书，是此老在东三省政绩奏折，与军机处往来书电很多，木版大本十二册，诚洋洋大观也。后又遣吴笈孙送我及仲和各五万元，一为盖屋，一为养伤。余报告合肥，合肥说，还了他，我们不是可以用金钱收买的。遂送交吴秘书长属代谢总统。后又要为我置买一宅，我亦辞谢。
我在团城头几天，还有学生，手执卷了的白旗，三三五五行走，后来即没有了。北大蔡孑民校长，有简单谈话登于报上，记得有“民亦劳止，迄可小休”之语，亦是劝学生停止之意。我以为学潮已了结了，岂知不多几天，有友来告，学潮又起来了。这次似有背景，且像有组织，有名人在街头演说，不是学生，历数你们种种罪恶，中有一人，你亦相识（姑隐其名），竟抬了棺木在旁，大骂你为亲日派，甚至说你不但想出卖山东，连中国都要给你卖掉。说你签了廿一条还不够，将来必将与日本签中日合并条约呢，你们学生，怕还不知道。还说他有权力，可能杀我，我拼一条命跟他们斗到底，故将棺木预备在此。此人演说即在北大近处，顿时学生来听者数百人。学生大声说道，我们也非跟他拼命不可。于是这人帮助学生，设立学生联合会，派学生到上海联络。且运动商会，要求罢市。上海学校亦同时响应，但商会不很听他们的鼓动。上海有青年会会长朱某亦是好出风头的人，趁此机会帮助学生，向商会董事要求，且叫学生向商董磕头跪求，说得痛哭流涕。商董无奈，允开商会。报馆亦附和鼓吹，说和会失败，全因我们三人对日外交失败之故。学生联合会又运动商会联名电政府，请求罢斥曹（汝霖）陆（宗舆）章（宗祥）三人，以谢国人。政府接到此电，以为机会正好，即不等我们上呈辞职，竟下辞职照准之令矣。
以我的揣想，东海本拟借上海和会，抑制合肥势力，故南方代表，初提陕西及参战借款问题，都是针对合肥。若合肥不理，即以破坏和会之责，委之合肥，公之世论。乃合肥测知其用意，即令陕西画界停战，参战案件送阅和会。南方代表，乃提议裁撤参战军，同时提到国会问题，到此反关于东海自己地位问题。适发生学潮攻击我们，即利用此机以剪除合肥羽翼，断其日援之路，本非初意。又不敢直接下令罢免，于是绕了大圈子，达成目的，惜百密不免一疏，不先设法令我辞职，竟下辞职照准之令，反授合肥以口实，斥为命令造谣，成为政府笑话。
令下之日，合肥即来团城气呼呼的说，没有辞职，而捏造辞职照准之令，命令亦造谎言，天下尚有公论是非吗！东海为人敦厚，以前举动，亦许不是出之他意，这次命令，他尚能辞其责吗？此次学潮，本已平息，那班破靴党，以没有达到目的，又利用街头演说，鼓动起来，扩大到各处，惟恐天下不乱，东海知而不加制止；尤其对你们，为他冒大不韪，借成日债，这种举动，真所谓过河拆桥，以后还有何人肯跟他出力？他对我作难竟累及你们，良心何在，岂有此理！说罢不等我答复，竟悻悻而去。可见此老心中之忿懑，满腹牢骚。
后来政府下了一道命令，告诫学生，且说我们都是公忠体国，为国家效力，没有对不起国家之事，尔学生切勿轻信谣言等语。这是官样文章，为我们洗刷，但与免职令自相矛盾矣。继以钱能训辞总理，任龚仙舟（心湛）为总理，以表示钱引咎，且与段有接近之意。以东海素称为德高望重，为北洋元老，犹不免使用权术，可知政局之复杂阴阳。以我平凡向无机诈之人，何能适应此环境。自愧无能，从此退出政界，未尝再问政治，自号觉庵，窃比古人年至五十，而知四十九年之非，那时我年已近五十矣。
此事对我一生名誉，关系重大。学生运动，可分前后两段，前段纯系学生不明事实，出于爱国心，虽有暴行，尚可原谅。后段则学生全被利用，为人工具。那位演说之人，尽其毒舌之所能，任意造谣毁谤，学生幼稚心理，以为名人演说，一定