1842.
Last Ten Years, from 1832 to 1841.
13
robberies and thefts therein. Streets and lanes are never tranquil. Daily, have I led the local officers to search and seize, so that we have not had strength for anything else; but the spirit of robbery has not, even till now, ceased. This has arisen from my defective virtue, the smallness of my ability, and the inequality in my conduct of majesty and mercy. I feel ashamed of myself. But, I consider, that luxury and extravagance are the causes of hunger and cold; and from thence robberies and thefts proceed. The learned gentry are at the head of the common people, and to them the villagers look up. If they do not sincerely issue educational commands, to cause the public morals to revert to regularity and economy, so that sons and younger brothers may gradually learn to be sincere and respectful : then, where is that which has long been considered the best device for a radical reform and a source-purifying process in a country? Availing myself of this doc- trine, I shall select a few of the most important topics, and proclaim them perspi- cuously below. That which I hope is that all you learned gentry, and all old men among the people, will, from this time and afterwards make a work of stirring and brushing up your spirits, to become leaders of the people ; and to assist and supply that in which I am defective. When there are native vagabonds in a district, who oppose what is good, and plan with acts of disobedience, I shall order the local magistrate to punish them severely, but still scribes and policemen must not be allowed to make pretexts, and thus create disturbance. Alas! those who will not be concerned about the future, must one day have trouble near at hand. This, I, the lieutenant-governor, distinctly perceive, is the source of nefarious conduct. My mind is full of regret on the subject, and I will not be afraid to iterate instructions, and issue my commandments for the sake of the land. Ye learned gentry and elders of the people, respectfully listen to my words. Despise not! A respectful proclamation.
“First. Exhortation and persuasions ought to be extensively diffused. The national family has appointed officers from provincial governors and lieute- nant-governors down to district magistrates, who hold the station of guides and shepherds; and whose duty it is equally to renovate, and to lead the people. How can they throw their faults off on other people! Although sons and
younger brothers may be deficient in respect, it is because fathers and elder brothers have not previously taught them. And how can the learned gentry in villages and hamlets, lanes and neighborhoods, shut their eyes or view occurrences as not concerning them! The teaching of the magistrate is interrupted by his being sometimes presentand sometimes absent. The teaching of a learned gentle- man is continuous by his constant presence. Here he was born, and grew up. He is perfectly acquainted with the public morals-what is beneficial and what is prejudicial. Moreover, he knows perfectly the roots of the mulberry, which join neighbors' houses; and the altar tree, whose shade is common to all. And, still more, he feels every pain and pleasure that is felt by any of his clan. To fathers, he can speak of tender heartedness; to sons, he can speak of filial duty. He can exhibit his instructions appropriately to every man, and convey them deli. cately in the slightest conversation. With half a word he can dissipate an intri- cate feud. It is easy for him to avail himself of his influence, and persuade to what is right.
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Learned gentry read the useful books of sages and worthies; and for the na- tional family they should be useful men. If to-day they are living in the coun- try, instructors of morals and examples of propriety, another day they will fill offi-