C.O.
13950
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.)
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL,
[10453]
(No. 83.) Sir,
No. 1.
RECO Rcc 24 APR 09
[March 18.]
SECTION 3.
135
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received March 18.)
Peking, February 19, 1909.
I HAVE the honour to transmit herewith, for your information, copy of an interesting Report, which has been prepared at His Majesty's Consulate-General, Canton, on the reform movement as affecting moderu conditions in that city.
I have, &c. (Signed) J. N. JORDAN.
Inclosure 1 in No. 1.
(No. 7.) Sir,
Acting Consul-General Fox to Sir J. Jordan.
Canton, January 28, 1909. WITH reference to your Circular dated the 6th October last, I have the honour to forward a short Report, prepared by Mr. Vice-Consul Porter and myself, on modern conditions in Canton.
I am transmitting this Report under flying seal to the Governor of Hong Kong.
I have, &c.
(Signed)
HARRY H. FOX.
Inclosure 2 in No. 1.
Report respecting the Reform Movement in Canton.
Introduction.
THE prominent part played by the Cantonese in the Empire's affairs, both political and commercial, during recent years, and the considerable share they have always taken by means of their well-organized guilds and charitable institutions in the Government of the Canton Province, might reasonably lead one to expect that in this province, more than in any other, the awakening of political activity and the inauguration of administrative and social reforms, would form real and potent factors in the political situation in South China at the present time.
This expectation has not, as far as our experience goes, been realized, and the measure of reform that has been introduced in this great city is, compared with what has been effected in other parts of China, relatively inconsiderable and most disappointing.
The Self-Government Society.
Political activity, of a kind, is certainly not wanting in Canton, while the Provincial Government have, until quite recently, done nothing to prepare for the Constitutional Government promised in the Edict of 1906, the Cantonese formed some two years ago a popular Association, which has since become notorious under the name of Self-Government Society ("Tzu Chih Hui").
The raison d'être of this Society was ostensibly to promote the study of Constitutional problems, and thus enable its members to fit themselves for their future parliamentary duties. The real meaning of the name chosen for the Society is "Self- Discipline Society," but the transition from the government of self to the government by self as the guiding principle of the Society was not long in taking place, and the Society to-day stands avowedly for government by the people.
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