At the present time when the country is struggling with burdens and difficulties we have come to the conclusion that if we wish to make ourselves strong once more there is no other way then to case away from us the old regime and inaugurate a modern one. Some time ago when it became apparent to us that our high officers in the Capital as well as in the provinces were for the major part inclined to the folly of preserving the semblance of old and obsolete institutions we issued to them an earnest exhortation to wake up and study modern requirements and post themselves on what was going on in the world and warned them from following the footsteps and faults of the antiquated Sung and Ming dynasties. Indeed we wrote so strongly on the folly of such things that the repeated issuance of special Jaws could not be framed more strongly nor more earnestly. But it may be perhaps that our officers, high and low, do not entirely grasp the scheme we have in mind. This scheme indeed is vast and profound in its scope and the mind naturally gets confused at the innumerable matters to be undertaken. Hence new subjects will always be'eropping up which require careful examination in order to give effect to the most feasible and practical suggestions thereon. therefore you meet such matters requiring your attention you should all earnestly try to grasp your subjects and determine upon the course to be pursued. Never resort to the usual habit of merely asking for superficial attainment and have a care how you still adhere to antiquated methods in order to save yourselves trouble. Beware how you put ona false mask, pretending on your faces to be eager to embrace' the practical way but in your hearts determined to disobey our commands and thereby thwarting our most earnest wishes. We cannot forgive such hypocrites who will only cause delay and embarrassment to our schemes for our country's welfare. Now China's weakness really lies in her lazy officials and the deep-rootedness of all ancient vices. Hence our officers, high and low, should earnestly seck to avoid following such faults or allow them to occur under your jurisdictions. Look, therefore, at Ch'én Pao-chen. Since his appointment to the Governorship of Hunan, observe how earnestly he has worked for Reform! See how by constant effort he has as it were, hammered the advantages of practical modern reform into the minds of gentry and literati of that province and has brought them to join him in his efforts in that direction, Yoit should all strive to follow that Governor's practical earnestness and diligent energy. If any there be who still try to follow the letter of antiquated usages such men should forthwith be punished for they have thus proved their unfitness to be entrusted with
who are requited to assist in reforming the Dosts of responsibility. As regards those customs and laws concerning the masses of the countrymen, young men of ability are urgently required in this direction. Last year it was suggested that the secret aries of the various classes in the Six Boards should be examined as to their attainments and abilities. We now command the high Ministers of the said Buards forthwith to set diligently to work in examining their secretaries and recommend to us those who are really brilliant and practical in their talents and ive will at once appoint such to the posts where they may assist us in our great scheme of reform; but we shall not hesitate to punish those who recommend to us useless men, We sco no other way to benefit the country unless we set earnestly to work in changing the present stagnant state of affairs and you all must sympathise with our trouble and extreme difficulties in getting things done in the proper way. We cannot explain in a short edict all our heart's desires and will once more in the near future try to enlighten our officers high and low, as to what must be done. In the meanwhile let each and all of you brush up, your faculties and assist us in our object. Do not try to follow the old custom of hiding facts from your superior officers. Let all.do their duty and their best for the advancement of their country and we can hope soon to sce a practical govern-day—athich is your Sovereign's most earnest ment gaining strength and life day after
wish.
(2) China began the establishment of a modern seagoing navy many years ago; but to obtain men of ability and with thorough knowledge of their work there must be efficient schools for the education and instruction of such men. This is the root of success. We therefore hereby command the High Commissioner of the Peiyang and Nanyang administrations and the Viceroys and -Governors of mari time provinces to consult on what must be done to attain this end, as well as the establishment of training ships, ete. Railways and mines being crying necessities of the present moment, as Chins is just on the threshold of these
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.