It is freely recognised here, says our native correspondent at Peking, that the-radical changes decreed by the Emperor in the matter of future examinations for literary degrees was influenced greatly by the several private audiences his Majesty gave, since May last, to Mr. Kang Yumei, a native of Canton and one of the iginal founders of the Reform Asso-in the Capital, shortly after the Into war with Japan. Mr. Kang, who holds the rank of 3rd-class Secretary of the Board of Works, presented his Majesty with several translations of standard works Inst March, such as he Life and Deeds of Peter the Great, The Reformation of Japun since the Restoration of the Mikado, ete., a8 was noted in the V,-C, Daily News at the time. His Majesty is said to have rend the above-named two works with great avidity, and even read them twice over so us to imprint their contents upon his memory, The result was that private audiences were granted Mr. Kang in the Palace, one of which lasted over eight hours. Tt need hardly be stated that Mr. Kang: seized avery opportunity he could to earnestly impress upon his Majesty the necessity of reform inthe manner and subjects of exnmination for literary and military degrees. Mr. Kang cited in proof the life of the grent Peter, whose reforms and establishment of Reassin what she is to-day. "Were China tactical schools and colleges have made
tobe blessed by his Imperial Majesty's following in the footsteps of the Russian Emperor," continued Mr. Kang, "succeeding generations will indeed glorify your Majesty's deeds und loudly aim the name of Kuang Hit for all time." Mr. Kang advocated at first only n very few reforms, but they were of the most important nature, requiring immediate action, thereby giving his Majesty time to Gigost' his teacher's words. The first result is, as we know, a complete revolution of oh-time methods in literary examinations. The others, it is expected, will gradually follow the first step of reform, from what can be gathered from his Majesty's verbal acknowledgment, thay "they were certainly necessary if China really desired to be strong and independent." Itis also asserted that had Wong Tung-ho not put his spoke into the wheel, the Emperor would have issued the frst-named edict in May last; and that the old conservative's arrogant manner in speaking to the Emperor on the foolishness of listening to ""mad scholars" was one of the causes of Wéng's downfall.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.