File No. 1518/74–76.
Chargé Fletcher to
the Secretary of State.
American Legation,
Peking,October 4,
1907.
No. 750.]
Sir: In continuation of Mr. Rockhill’s No. 742
of September 28 last, I have the honor to inclose herewith translations
of two imperial edicts, dated September 30, dealing with the subject of
representative government, the first of which emphasizes the necessity
for a higher standard of education throughout the Empire and a more
general understanding, of the principles of constitutional government
before it can be successfully adopted.
The second calls attention to the fact that the preparations must be made
for a “constitutional monarchy” as the form most suitable, and the
officials and people are admonished to distinguish between this and
other forms of government to avoid confusion.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure
1.—Translation.]
Imperial edict, September 30, 1907.
representative
government.
We have this day received from Her Imperial Majesty Tzu-hsi, etc.,
the following edict:
“Last year we issued an edict announcing our intention to establish a
representative government. Now, also, imperial commands have been
issued directing an investigation of the progress being made toward
the desired end, that a limit of time may be fixed upon for the
accomplishment thereof. The Throne is most anxious to grant
representative government, and looks forward earnestly to the time
when it will be established.
“We recently issued an edict creating the Tzu Cheng Yuan, or
‘constitutional assembly,’ to become the foundation of a parliament.
But the advantages or disadvantages of parliamentary discussion
depend entirely upon the individual capacity of the representatives
therein. And without universal education how is the wisdom of the
masses to be developed? Unless government by the people is started
locally, where are our competent men to get any training?
“The main object of education should be to foster loyalty to the
Throne and love of country, and to discourage corrupt ideas. As
regards the methods adopted for local government by the people, it
should be made the rule to select men of ability and worth, who will
earnestly work for the general good.
“Now, therefore, let the imperial board of education devise a
complete and satisfactory plan for universal education, and let them
compile and arrange text-books for general use throughout the
Empire.
[Page 196]
“Furthermore, let the board of home affairs draw up regulations for
local self-government and submit them to the Throne for approval.
The viceroys and governors will then be instructed to choose places
where these regulations shall be put into experimental operation,
such localities to be gradually extended. Moreover, the said board
shall from time to time make a thorough inquiry into the matter, and
shall be charged with the responsibility of bringing the scheme to
completion. Nor will empty words serve to discharge their
responsibility in the matter. Deliberative assemblies must be
developed whose high standing shall rise as time goes on. In this
way it will be possible to establish a national parliament at an
early date, representative government will be a reality, and our
earnest hope fulfilled.
“Respect this.”
[Inclosure
2.—Translation.]
Imperial edict, September 30, 1901.
representative
government.
We have this day received the following edict from Tier Majesty
Tzu-hsi, etc:
“Imperial edicts have already been issued directing that preparations
be made for the establishment of a representative government, or, as
originally explained, a constitutional monarchy. That is the form of
government which is especially suited for China, and the officials
and people throughout the Empire should most carefully distinguish
between that and other forms, in order to avoid confusion. The
numerous metropolitan and provincial officials are charged with the
responsibility of uplifting the people, so they should be especially
careful to explain this clearly to the people, that they may be sure
to conform to our wishes.
“It shall be the duty, therefore, of all the presidents and
vice-presidents of the boards in Peking, and of all the viceroys and
governors in the provinces, to make a thorough examination of the
administrative methods now in use in all foreign constitutional
monarchies, and to make a careful selection of men of good
reputation, who shall speak about them (to the people). The
above-mentioned officials shall also lead their subordinates to make
thorough comparative study of the question and instruct them to get
a correct and complete knowledge both of the subject itself and the
doctrine connected with it. Those who make an energetic study of the
essential principles connected with this kind of administration, and
who upon occasion make use of the knowledge they have gained, should
be recommended by their superiors for higher positions. Those who in
their study of the question can not grasp the principles of
representative government should be corrected and encouraged. In
that way everyone will make an effort to be enrolled among the able,
and there will be a general movement toward relieving the
difficulties of the time. Should a wrong start be made in some
locality, the initiator thereof might by his error put the country’s
affairs in confusion; so strict watch must be kept to avoid any such
error. We must avoid mistakes, that this movement may have a proper
start.
“Let this edict be proclaimed throughout the country.
“Respect this.”
