520
(Translation.)
Enclosure in No. 1.
The Earlier Opening of Parliament: refusal of the Throne.
Imperial Decree of June 27, 1910.
WE have given our fullest attention to the memorial presented through the Censorate, and prepared by Sun Hung-yi and others representing the various provincial assemblies, and by representatives of the bannermen stationed throughout the Empire, urging the earlier opening of the national Parliament. A joint memorial was presented on this same subject in January of this year by members of the provincial assemblies of Chihli and all other provinces, and we then clearly indicated our intention to issue an edict, without hesitation and without fail, fixing a date to convoke a Parliament so soon as the nine years' preparations were completed and the qualifica- tions of the general public were up to the required standard.
Every care has been taken by ourselves in this matter, it being our wish that our subjects should not hurriedly adopt an empty form and let slip the real benefits to be derived. At the instance of the Constitutional Government Committee, officers have. been sent by us this year to conduct an exhaustive examination as to the results achieved under the various items of the programme of reform, and orders were sent to the provincial Governments to prepare estimates of the expenses therein involved. In reply to our verbal enquiry made this day in the matter, we understand from the heads of the various departments of the State that the various items of the programme have not all been carried out as arranged within the prescribed limit of time.
We are anxious, on the one hand, to fulfil the responsibility which has devolved upon us from their late Majesties, and, on the other hand, we would comply with the earnest wish of our subjects. Day and night it has been our heartfelt wish that a constitution might be soon established, that we might be relieved the sooner of our anxiety. We therefore have no grudge against the opening of a Parliament. But it must be borne in mind that, in view of the importance of the State and of the complex nature of a constitutional régime, the date (and state of preparation at such date) of the introduction of this latter system will involve the peace of the Empire. To rush recklessly upon this new phase will only result in repentance, while anxious thought will give perfection. Again, if the position of the Parliament be considered, it will be seen that it will merely take an advisory part in the machinery of constitutional government. There are other matters which it is essential should go side by side with it to its completion which are not all matters requiring the advice of Parliament. There is no ground or precedent, either at home or abroad, for the contention that the mere opening of this advisory body will act as a panacea for every ill. In addition, the vastness of the country, the present impoverished condition of the Treasury, the frequent floods and famines that have occurred, the danger of outbreaks on the part of bad characters--all militate against an earlier consideration of a constitution.
For our part, we have never once relaxed our vigilance in seeing that the results have been worked out by the due date. Our subjects throughout the Empire proper should sympathise with our unremitting and untiring efforts towards a peaceful administration. October of this year is the date arranged for the opening of the Senate, and we have issued an edict ordering the members elected to assemble previous to that date. Provided this body works in sympathy with ourselves, aiming with one heart and mind at the best administration of the country, it will initiate not only the form but the spirit of the Parliament.
In pursuance, therefore, of the wishes of their late Majesties, we hereby declare our fixed intention to still await the completion of the nine years of preparation before issuing an edict fixing a date for the convocation of Parliament. We thoroughly appreciate the loyalty of you our subjects, but the question is an important one, and must be carried through methodically. The instructions in this decree are very clear. No further petition must be addressed to us on this subject.
Let this now be published for general information.
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