與友人參觀翠亨村“中山故居”

與友人參觀翠亨村“中山故居”，少不免要走進禮品部看看，我隨手拿起一本关於翠亨村典故的書籍翻了兩翻，見書内收録了一篇英文書信。细看内文介绍，是一位檀香山華僑鄉梓写給孫中山的賀文，信函是用英文寫成，恭賀孫中山辛亥革命成功，就任臨時大總统。信函写於1912年，距今103年，這封海外来鸿倒引起我的兴趣，於是與吾友袁智明硏究起来，誰不知他突然来一句：“我買了！”，好吧！你財大氣粗，不過可否用手机把書信内容拍下來whats app给我。不數曰，智明兄果然满足我卑微的要求，只不過蝇頭小字，真考人眼力，可幸我眼睛还好，再加上我還有一些耐心，於是我将信函内容重打一次，為的就是同大家分享一下，如果大家都想感受103年前海外華僑欣闻辛亥革命成功的心情，不妨花一点時间讀一讀吧。 

 Dr. Sun Yat Sen, President Chung Wah Republic, Jan 10 1912 Dear Sir: My name may seem strange to your eyes and cause your mind to recall, one by one, the many acquaintances you have made in this country, yet I am glad to say that I once the honor of conversing with you personally, of affaire concerning our country, at Hilo Hawaii, during your last visit in these islands. Now that you have, practically, accomplished your object, and are unmistakably placed at the head of our newly established and longed-for Republic, you are not only a benefit to the four hundreds million souls of our country, but also an honor to your family and our “Choy Hang”Clan. I sincerely congratulate you for your success, and for the noble work that you have done for the future happiness, prosperity, and strength of our nation. The minds of our fellow-countrymen in this country have greatly altered since the beginning of the revolution. Many, who were formerly supporters of the worthless Manchu emperor, are now helpful Republicans. The revolutionary movements have been closely followed by all, and it has given us great joy to hear of the rapid success of our Fellow- Revolutionists. Masa-meetings were held to show our interest in the cause, parades were directed to show our joy, and red-white-and blue flags were raised to show our sympathy. You have, undoubtedly, already heard of this rising sprit of our Chinese people in Hawaii nei. Your further information on the subject, your worthy son, who has so kindly consented to carry this letter to you for me, is in a far better position to tell you. Without doubt, when the Republic is firmly established, Chinese will be in need of men of various occupations. In this case, if you should see any chance for me to render my humble service to our dear country, will you kindly write to me at the address given above, or wire to me at the Liberty News, if it requires my immediate action? I am, at present, under employment in one of the steamers of the Inter-Island Steam Navigation Company, with Whom I have worked for twenty year. Thanking you in advance, and wishing you continuing success, I am Your obedient servant Young Tong (桐楊), 翠亨村 P. S.- A. H. Wong (雲慶王), who is a member of the Tong Ming Society, and who has the honor to be called upon to write this letter, sincerely joins in all congratulations and best wishes. (Y. T.)

本篇文章在多年前完成，原載於Yahoo blog