REFORM IN CHINA.
THE EMPEROR'S EDICT.
PREPARING FOR CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT.
By Telegraph--Press Association.— Copyright, - (Received September 3. 11.5 p.m.) * Pekin, September 3. The Emperor of China has issued an edict, in which he promises to grant a Constitution when China is ripe for it. .
He cites the report of the travelling commissioners, and says the cause of China's weakness is antagonism between the rulers and the ruled.
He orders the making of administrative and financial reforms, and adds: " When these are accomplished, and the people have been educated to understand their relations to the Government, a Constitution will be framed. " ,
The Times' correspondent at Pekin (Dr. Morrison) says the decree is an excellent one, and has created a good impression.
Tuanfang, on;- of the travelling commissioners, has been appointed Viceioy of Nanking.
Reform in China may bo regarded as a direct effort of the success of Japanese arms in Manchuria. The .Japanese- advisers of China, were able to point to that success as a result of sound political conditions. In June of last year it was announced, via Tokio, that, China had. decided to follow Japan's example in regard to constitutional reforms. Representative government was to be granted within 12 years, and in the meantime the Government would carry into effect, reforms preliminary to constitutional government. It will he a radical change for the people of China. The present government of China is based on the collected regulations of the Tsing dynasty, which prescribe that, the government of the State must be based upon the government of the family. Nothing is to be done contrary to the civil and religious laws of the Tsing dynasty, or to the teachings of Confucius. There are Ministers, and State Councils, and Depart' mental Boards, and an elaborate system of local government, but the people hove no place in the scheme of things except as taxpayers. A number of Commissioners have visited many countries with a view to advising the Emperor and the Empress Dowager as to the form of Constitution to be given. "■■
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Bibliographic details
New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13273, 4 September 1906, Page 5
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340REFORM IN CHINA. New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13273, 4 September 1906, Page 5
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