We have received a memorial from the Censor Wang Pa-ying stating that the movement against the proposed Treaty with the United States by the handi-craftsmen and merchants of the various provinces of our Empire has now culminated to such a point that there is fear that troubles may arise, and. therefore praying that an Imperial Edict be issued commanding the high officials of the Empire to uso extra precautions to preserve the status quo.
'The other day, the Prince and Ministers of the Waiwupu informed us in person with reference to the proposed Exclusion of Labourers' Treaty with the United Stxtes that they, in conjunction with Liang Cb'éng our Minister at Washington, ad had repeated consultation with "the members of the U.S.
Government on the question and that the United States Government had consented to give the most favourable treatment to Chinese merchants, teachers, students, and travellers, and had further promised that as' soon as Congress had reassembled the utmost endeavours would be made to settle matters in a perfectly just and equitable manner. All these are record. In the said Cénsor's memorial it was also stated that since the indignation of our people against. the unjust treatment (of the Americans) was. 30 unanimous and unfavourable, and opinion against the proposed Treaty so: united, that none can guarantee that wicked and evil-disposed per will, not take advantage of the crisis to create distur. bance against the public peace. whereby the good order of the country might be endangered, ete.
Wo consider. it therefore to be of the greatest importance. that an Imperial Decree should bois sued clearly explaining matters, so that all misunderstandings shall be cleared away.
Now be it known that, China, and the United States have always been, most friendly towards each other and never we bad occasion to oppose one Since, therefore, the U, Government has consented to confer with us in a friendly amicable manner regarding the revision of the unjust clauses of the former Exclusion Treaty, it- behoves nil to quietly await the result of the Waiwupu's endeavours to settle matters equitably, and not. to use a boycott on American goods with the intention of opposing the proposed Treaty. For since such stops endanger the good relations and understanding between our respective countries they are also greatly harmful to the Chinese people and their trade. The Waiwupu has already repeatedly instructed the roys and Governors of provinces to issue proclamations exhorting the people to continue their daily avocations and business. as usual. so that pence may be assured to all. We now command the said Board to once more send instructions to the various Viceroys and Governors to uso their most earnest endeavours to exhort the people by pro: clamation and to keep watch over matters that our people may enjoy the bl ings of peace and continue happy in their daily avocations. Let no one fail in their obedience to our sincere and earnest commands and if any ignorant persons seek to stir up strife by taking advantage of the present state of things such must be immediately arrested and severely punished so that trouble may be nipped in, the bud, Lot this our command be made known to all our people, Respect thi 2nd September.
The Last Blow to the Old Style of Literary Examinations.
We have received a memorial from Yuan Shih-kai, Viceroy of Chibli pro-vinea, advocating the summary abolition ofthe old style of literary examinations for the Chijén (Master of Arts) degree, in order to allow the expansion of modern modes of education, In, this connection the said Viceroy has "also handed up his scheme for the successful accomplishment of the new. regime. Before the era of what is termed the Three Dynasties mon for office. were selected from the schools, and it must be confessed that the plan produced many talented men. It was indeed a most. successful plan for the creation ofa nursery for the disciplining of talents and. the moulding of character for our empire of China. Indeed the examples before us of the wealth and power of Japan and the countries of the West have their schools. Just now we are passing foundation in no other than their own
through a crisis fraught with. difficulties and the country. is most urgently in want of men of" talents and abilities (of the modern sort),
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.