CO129-338 - Public Offices & Others - 1906 — Page 50

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to safeguard the State. On the other hand, the cause of the prosperity of other countries lies in their establishment of constitutional government, whereby the voice of the people is heard before decisions are made, and the rulers and the ruled are of one accord in seeking together the best that can be found among the opinions of all, while their respective powers are clearly settled and defined, The preparation of the national Budget and all matter concerning the administration of the government are also submitted to popular discussion, and one nation learns from the other, introducing modifications in its system in order to produce the highest degree of benefit of advantage, so that the wheels of government move easily and the people are at peace.

In the times we now live in it behoves us too to study these matters with all speed and earnestness, and to likewise establish constitutional government, wherein the supreme power is held by the Sovereign, but the affairs of government are submitted to popular discussion. For so the foundations may be laid of a State fitted to endure throughout the ages.

But at the moment the usages of the people and the polity of the State are not prepared for the change. The people have not been educated, and if this step were hastily taken it would only result in a form of words without practical result. How could we justify ourselves to the Empire in such a case or expect public confidence ?

Under these circumstances, aud with a view to thoroughly eradicating the accumula- tion of abuses which exists, and of clearly defining the degrees of responsibility, the beginning must be made with the reorganization of the public service. The prime necessity is that the organization of the public service be thoroughly considered and settled, and then other changes can be introduced in their proper order. All the laws must also be carefully examined and revised, while education must be developed, the financial system of the Empire must be remodelled, military preparations be reorganized, and a general police system be introduced throughout the country, in order that all classes of the people may attain to a clear understanding of the principles of government and become prepared for the establishment of a Constitution. Thus after the lapse of several years, when the new order of things has become fairly established, the condition of affairs will be considered, and a Constitution will be established on the basis of such institutions existing in other countries as may be accounted suitable to our needs. Notice will be given beforehand, fixing the time when such Constitution shall be promulgated, and it will depend upon the rapidity with which progress is made whether this date be in the near or distant future.

We therefore hereby command the Tartar Generals, Governors-General, and Governors of all the provinces to enjoin upon all classes of the people the necessity of zealously pursuing education, that they may all gain a clear conception of the principles of loyalty and patriotism. No petty resentments must be allowed to defeat the great project held in view, but all must respect and obey the injunctions laid upon them by their superiors and preserve an attitude of peace and unity, so as to raise the country to a standard fitted for constitutional government. Such is our profound hope for the future.

Let this be widely published.

Kuang Hsü, 32nd year, 7th moon, 13th day (September 1, 1906).

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Tu, Ko Pao Hua, Hsu Shih Ch'ang, Lu Jun Hsiang, Shou Chi, and Yuan Shih-Kai, to

These high officers ar embody their recommendations on this subject in writing. enjoined with faith and loyalty to dismiss from their minds all feelings of prejudice and to use their best endeavours to evolve a satisfactory system.

We also command Tuan Fang, Chang Chih-tung, Sheng Yun, Hsi Liang, Chou Fu, and Ts'en Ch'un Ilsuan to appoint representatives of high provincial standing to come to Peking to take part in the deliberation.

We also command Yi K'nang, Prince Ch'ing, Sun Chia Nai, and Ch'u Hung Chi to form a Superior Committee for the consideration of the recommendations made, and to then submit them to the Throne for the issue of a Decree.

September 2, 1906.

Inclosure 2 in No. 1.

(Translation.)

Imperial Decree.

YESTERDAY we issued an Edict on the necessity of preparing the country for a Constitution, and commanding that the reorganization of the public service should first be undertaken as the most important step in this direction.

With this end in view, the institutions of both the past and the present must be considered, and while the merits of the system in force under the present dynasty must not be lost sight of, the good points in the systems of other countries must be examined and a combination be made, fitted to the requirements of the occasion, and of a nature so complete that no advantageous change be omitted.

We therefore now appoint a Commission, to consist of Tsai Tse, Shih Hsu, Na Tung, Jung Ch'ing, Tsai Chen, K'uei Chun, Tich Liang, Chang Po Hsi, Tai Hung