In my preceding article, titled Penang Philomathic Union Society, I had given you a quick brief of its history. It will not be complete if we do not apprehend the importance of its series of meetings that salvage the nation after the decadence and impotence of the Qing Imperial government. As a result, it made China an easy victim of foreign invasion resulting in humiliation and loss of its sovereignty. Having suffered internally under feudal imperial rule and coupled with the external bullying and subjugation of the foreign powers, the Chinese people could no longer tolerate such a situation. Enough is enough for them. They knew they have to act. They rose and joined in the revolution to salvage the nation. It was a solution for them to do so to safeguard their own future.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SERIES OF MEETINGS
I) PENANG CONFERENCE
Penang Conference, chaired by Dr Sun Yat-Sen, held a historical meeting on November 13, 1910 at number 404, Dato’ Keramat Road in Penang, after he endured several consecutive defeats in his uprisings.
This was a regrouping of members of the Tong Meng Hui, an organisation with the mission of overthrowing the Qing Dynasty. In the meeting, they came up with a new direction and strategy which received enthusiastic support from the Overseas Chinese. It serves as a turning point of profound historical impact as it brought the ebb of the revolutionary tide to new heights, and aroused the fighting spirit of the people. This again reaffirms our belief that there is always a solution which accompanies a crisis. This is not exceptional but rather general rule to the crisis. Therefore, be brave and do not bow down to the crisis.
II) EMERGENCY MEETING
This meeting was held by the revolutionaries at 120 Armenian Street, Penang, the headquarters of the Nanyang Branch of the Tong Meng Hui and also the office of the Penang Philomathic Union, the day after the "Penang Conference (PC)". This follow up meeting is to find ways of the implementing the decisions of the PC. The meeting resolved to launch a worldwide campaign amongst the overseas Chinese communities to raise funds for "The Battle of Huang Hua Gang" or the "Yellow Flower Mound Revolt".
III) THE BATTLE OF HUANG HUA GANG
The above battle which lasted for one day and one night, half of the rebel fighters were either killed, wounded or captured. 72 fighters scarified their lives and were subsequently buried in a mass grave in Huang Hua Gang, east of Guangzhou. The grave has then named "The Grave of the 72 Huang Hua Gang Martyrs".
The blood and bitterness of this battle led to stir a widespread of sympathy for the cause and hatred for the enemy. Thus, this laid the foundation for the success of the Chinese Revolution which sparked off the "Wuchang Uprising" on Oct 10, 1911. Success breeds success. It finally put an end not only of the 200 years of Manchu autocratic rule, but also the end of 4,000 years of feudal rule by emperors in China. The Chinese society then entered into a new era with the democratic system of government - that advocates the people would be the masters and the nation would be ruled by the people and for the people. There are three fundamental principles behind its concept.
Trust you find it very inspiring as I did. These exhibits can be used to serve as a good model for us to follow. This is because it well reflects our normal process of life, filled with ups and downs situation. Be mindful that down does not mean an end, but just a process of moulding us to be stronger. To succeed in any venture, you should not give up. From our above discussion, you can see that the series of meetings and struggles, led Dr Sun to succeed in bringing new era of government to the China.
That's the reason why I describe these exhibits can be well served as educational programme for all walks of life. I must conclude that my visit to the centre was very fruitful, far beyond my expectation.
Thank you and we shall discuss more of some other inspiring exhibits in our forthcoming articles. So, stay tuned and seeing you again.
Your Chief Servant,
James
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