December 25.
1, Emperor of China, under instructions from Her Majesty the Empress-'Dowager Last year an Edict was issued to prepare for the establishment of a constitutional form of Government, bat as the matter is of #0 great importance and A sic eaten Soe to inaugurate the New System ly. A good policy must first in the Central Govern-meat which is the head, and the people most understand well to what extent) ued in what way they are bound by: their obligations towards the Govern-went. When this is done the drafting constitutional laws may be commenced, bat the present time can only be retion, and Sovereign @xsiatermen should keep our minds bent ea furthering this end in all we do, and order all things #0 that the constitution hastened and we may rejoice! ith the people. chief power is held by the Sovereign sad administrative body elected by the the constitution are not violated. The people of China have always been actuated by feelings of respect and courtesy and a strict distinction has been made between the various classes, and although some ideas and systems may be adopted from other countries we must still maintain the courteous traditions of our race. Uf recent years in almost every province there have been those who display great lack of intelligence, who do not understand the circumstances of the nation, and interfere with the domestic and foreign matters of administration according to their own ideas of what a constitution implies. They gather bands of followers and create needless alarm, and their mistaken ideas lead to other mistaken ideas, u1 we fear serious complications may ensue and the public peace be disturbed. How can we expect to increase the power of the country in this way? The people in constitutional countries endeavour to up-hold the dignity of the government, and leave no stone unturned to maintain the public peace by amicable measures, In forming ® parliament the opinions and desires of the whole population have to be ascertained, and there are certain methods by which this is done and how members are to be elected, and alex for the calling together: and dispersing this legislative body. These things can only be done in accordance with certain established methods. There fare also certain rales to govern the debates which take place, and what matters should or should not be discussed. It is not allowed for any one to speak when he likes nor is another mitted to interfere when a member speaking. Everything is done in good order and in accordance with tions, Now the Imperial Assembly in Peking and the departments for political discussion opened in each province are intended as the foundation of the fatare parliament, and sll matters suitable for parliamentary discussion mast first be dealt with in these provincial departments. If there is any matter of real importance brought forward the proposals made must be handied to the chief official of the province who will submit them to the Assembly for consideration, This procedure must be adhered to and no irregularity occur. The people are farther prohibited from circulating rumours and disturbing the public peace. Laws have been drawn up for the newspapers and Municipal regulations have been compiled, and the Municipal Board is directed to further select from any other countries matters which shall be desi; with by the provincial debating departments. If any one attempts to circulate false reports, create bad im- go pressions, or in any way disturbs the the country, he shall be and carried oat in all its details without evasion. Any Viceroy, Governor or other high official in whose district any disturbance or public calamity occurs not be allowed any excuse but be
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.