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Star (Christchurch), Issue 7417, 31 May 1902, Page 6

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! (Pall Mall QatetU.) Undoubtedly the Imperial Court of China is converted to Western civilisation, and a. world which looked on uncharitably sceptical while the Dowager wept upon the necks of the ladies of the Diplomatic Corp*,, or signed decrees of execution against all her old friends, can <no longer fail to accept conviction. , In a word, China is to be metamorphosed, and in certain proof thereof the movement is forthwith provided with, an "organ." This creation of the Fourth Estate in the heart of the Flowery Land shows a just ap- - preciation in the mind of the Empress-Dow* ager of the root principle of civilisation*. A Shanghai native paper, in announcing! tie advent of the new "Imperial Gazette/ devotes some space to dilating on its raisoa . d'etre and prospects of success. In regard; to the latter, the Chinese journalists' comments furnish, incidentally, an admixabia suggestion to any enterprising Western, proprietor having interest with political leadera. No fear of limited circulation n*ed harass the brain of such an. one, success is so simple ! Here is the substance of tibe Celestial editor's pronouncement on the j£qJE£sS •'• Seeing that the "Gazette "' will contain M that it is fit to know concerning the . Government and will of the Emperor,all■mamJarins and officials will of course hasten/to purchase it; and it will further -be^to'eir obvious duty to make sure that every .jfolwrdinate also becomes a regular suteiSfjfgp. In its infancy, the new journal will be "protected "by the Court ; subsequently, if the venture is profitable, the protection will pass, by easy stages, into proprietary righte. The chief object of the "Gazette," it. is explained by the authority, to whom 1 refer- : ence has been already made,' is?' the enlightenment of the people, therefore nothing political or trifling will be permitted to appear." The humour of the phrase is the ; ./;> more delicious in that it is wholly manL- . scious. Other matters strictly to be atbboed ate "jokes, detraction of character, improper discussion of State affairs, and all - things strange and improbable;" \ " f The contents will, however, include Imperial edicts, memorials to the Tbroije^Ta- ■> men documents,, foreign telegrams, Router's despatches, important editorials from :^rV eiga papers, agricultural and commercial \ matter, and "miscellaneous items suscept- ' ible of proof." . / ■ „. -i In view of. the prohibitions Ttt]i^,aomo considerable amount of sub-editAdg wilC^o4 bably be called for in the handling of these subjects, and the gentleman appointed to the chief editorial chair will undoubtedly, carry his. life on his pen— a fact which will make for circumspection if not- for blatant truthfulness. Finally, in crowning distiidction, "bribes will not be extorted." '; P*ra,- ; phrased,, this ket sentence might run X "Parish the thought of corruption;, yet if a man be moved to friendly generosity, let him . enter by the side door." ' . The "Gazette" will issue within three 4 months, and, as the native paper naively; . remarks, "is awaited with much interest and curiosity." r ,' ■?