China relies on Confucius for instructing her people, and, on Laotze for her Principles of goverminent. These, two minds have held sway for niore than 2,000 yenrs, It is true Confucian scholars have frequently maintained that the doctrine of the classics is opposed to the principles of Taoism and superior to them. But through it all a government, more or Joss benevolent, has enlarged. Han Ti was the first' to initiate 'a scheme of stern repression. His policy was, sup-jert the Government and suppress the copie. The Tstian dynasty eagerly accopted this teaching: so did the Han. Ai succeeding Emperors have strengthened themselves and kept the people in ignorance. At times some would profess to follow the doctrines of Confucius to win back the people's hearts; they really desired to strengthen themselves and gag the masses.
Now, though China comprises400,000,000 and n' vast territory, she is as wesk as possible. The Emperor clearly apprehending the state of affairs, and the impending crash of the Empire, desired to change all this. But Sun Chia-nai, full of grief, said Certainly, foreigners are harassing us on all sides, nnd a change may be necessary, but not just at this time. Do you know what will follow? Your power will become nil." Sun Chia-nai spoke this because the newspapers had been advocating a republic. The Emperor had been advising a Parliament. Ho replied "Tmust save the people. My having, or not having power, is a matter of no importance." From this itis evident that the Emperor does not love power, but does love his people.
Many nations have sacrificed valuable lives and spilt much blood in order to secure a Parliament, 'The Russians, for example, during the list hundred years have freely given up their lives for th end, and have not yet got it. It. the fore stands to the glory of Kuang Hui that he has freely consented t" give the people a Parliament. Didu't he love the people?
But those who clung to the old regime, suid, The wisslom of the masses hasn't yet begun to bud. If you open a Pa at present you will you have "in view.
Emperor, "we will w: a few years." Yet he summoned around him all who could assist him, and purposely apaned the doors sides of his palace to encourage the advances of able and wise men, who would have saved the Empire. In this the Emperor el Ha Kung and a few others ancient worthies, and would have accomplished beneficent results,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.