An Imperial Edict in the Peking Gazette, a translation of which appeared in. these columns a few weeks since, possesses a certain interest for those who wish well to China, and to its present rulers in their difficult task, A Censor named Kao Hsieh-tang presented to the Throne a memorial, in which he suggested that the Emperot should re-establish the turmer practice of having the Classics and other historical records daily expounded to him, The Emperor deals with this question in a somewhat comprehensive manner, and ina which shows that he has opinions of 'He remarks with apparent ad-to truth, that since he undertook the charge of governing in person, he hus daily received in audience the officials of the metropolis, and of the provinces, and has done his' utmost to pass a correct judgment upon men and their actions, his would seem to leave very. little leisure for a youthful monarch of twenty years. But the Ewperor adds that after tending to the multitudinous affairs of te, he has been in habit of devoting such time as remains to the study of the Classics and historical records, often engaging in discussion with the Imperial tutors, and never allowing himself 4 moment to indulge in luxurious ease, The implication seems to be that the propo instruction is already attained by the erations of the Emperor himself, rendering it unnecessary to put others to the trouble of doing what he is able todo either alone or with such assistance as is at his command, If the Emperor chose tu make it do so, this reasoning would of course prove his point. But Majesty condescends tw enter into th arena of debate, and argue the matter upon historical basis. This he does by showing from documents doubtless accessible to him, that this very question has been de: bated in previous reigns and that his predecessors Ch'ien Lung and Chia Ch'iug, have repeatedly expressed themselves upon the subject with commendable clearness, In an edict of the former of these emperors, issued in the year 1747, it is remarked that "the. original intention with which we instructed the menibers of the Hanlin College, and the supervising Censors tu expound in rotation the Classics and historical records, was to attain to a clearer understanding of the teachings conveyed in the former, and raise the standard of moral virtue." 3
From the citations from the edict of Ch'ien Lung, as well as from two others issued by Chia Ch'ing, in the years 1810, and 1820, it appeare that the objections which these emperors entertained to the proposed practice, were two-fold. In the first place it appeared that the officers appointed to the- duty were not competent. to its satisfactory performance. a singular allegation to make agai long succession of masters, but. the charge is supported by quotations from the edicts themselves. We find," said Eh-ien Lung, who.was. undoubtedly one of the ablest rulers that ever sat, qu the throne of China, and: who enjoyed the almost unique honour of ruling for sixty years, that these officers make use of this opportunity to tender their advice upon things in general, which, were this advice of a kind likely-to benefit government, would be quite in.orver, when they solely wish to air. their private views, such proceedings must be at once put a stop to." The object seems sd.to be. to convey a warving to the. lea red expounders, to cease pursuing the poli ey of Herr, Teufelsdrdckh, and no longer to: talk of **thinge in general." But if such was the end in view, the intimation wasin, effectual, for three years later, we tind the. sume Emperor issuing another decree in y vhich he declares that "after listening forte. years and more tu. their irrelevant comments on public affairs, which, were by no. aucans characterised by any enlightened, or statesmanlike views, His Majesty had decided to suspend theee expositions for the fature." This complaint of inconxpetence is still more explicit and sweeping, in the edicts issued by Chia Ch'ing, who went far as to say that, "the experience of public affairs possessed by members of the Hanlin College could not be very great, and as it would be quite exceptional to find any ove she had w thorugh understanding of ancient and modern politics, x. re-introduction of the old practice would be highly expedient." The other objection to the professional exposition proposed is of an even note serious character. His Majesty Chia Ch'ing declared that the practic "sould only lead to attempts on the part of those concerned to advinee their private interests or to seek by flattery to obtain an undue influence. (The italics are, of cause, ours.)
This opinion is expressly confirmed by the present Emperor, who says of the plan that it "at first aight appears a wise mode of calling together the best talent and developing " knowledge of the art of Government, but it is in reality a sham, and the abuses connected with the system In conclusion His Majesty we Emperors have thus expressed their views with regard to this matter, and the conclusion, they arrived: at was thnt these expositions were a mere fraud, thut they did not advance true understanding of the principles of government, that thuse concerned endear youred to put forward their private views and by flattery carry out their false designs. well were the Seoser reverently to peruse We see all this quite clourly, and it. would be the views of former sovereigns in regard to this matter. His manx is moreover in vary respects obscure, and his arguments not be entertained. "rhe emperor also not to the poi position need
he inforhyation, that the custom been, abolished for more than 140 years 'We have quoted thins, filly from this edict of Kuang Hsii, because to us it appears to bea very interesting document, and one of deep significance from two' different points of view. The Classics are and always ave been the guide of China, politically, philosophically, morally. They. constitute an, armory of principles and of precedents which has always been held to be adequate to all. possible cases, in all imaginable conditions. Yet no mou of adequate experience combitied with adequate, knowledge, can be found s" to explain these Classics as "'to advance a true understanding of the principles of Government." And on this account for nearly a century anda half, thie natural exposition of the Classics has been pretermitted. One needs but ty tum 4 page or two of the very first text book put into the hands of those who commit the Classics to memory, to find the aunouiicement that "The Master said; to, rule a country of a thousand cliarioté, thera must be reverent attention to business, and sincerity; economy in expenditures and love for men; and the*éuployment of the, people at the proper seasons," How lia that textbooks coutwiuing euch precepts us. ut, longe, catinot, be the chief ruler of "three "bar fifty. millions of subjects Bossuse, as and
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.