Governor Yen Chi-shan, the beneficent autocrat of the Republic, in his endeavours to establish an ideal democracy and bring about millennial conditions, is trying a great experiment in Shansi. Everywhere, by poster, tracts, books, lectures and by loving entreaty, officialdom is exhorting the masses to be good citizens. We are told that, at the recent conferences in the capital, the district magistrates, summoned from every hsien in the province, were rather astounded at the drastic measures tha Governor suggested. Punishment for the present, he told them, should be reduced to the minimum, and a vigorous campaign of exhortation should be tried. as a substitute for the severe measures formerly applied to law breakers, especially traders in and users of the golden pill, opium and other The magistrates were alarmed and raised objections. They doubted whether the people could ever be reached by moral suasion and crime suppressed. Thereupon, we are told, the Governor, with the roost earnest enthusiasm, guaranteed the ultimate revival of rectitude and patriotism by a trial of his suggestions. His loyal officials capitulated and the experiment is being tried, in some cases very impressively. Mr. Yen told them that, were it possible for him) personally to be the magistrate of every district and do everything himself, he was sure of the best results, and he asked them faithfully to represent. him in their methods.
To-day, you can see the officials in Shansi chatting with criminals in public rooms of the yemens, in tie role of big brother pleading with an erring youngster. Yn the temples, or on the streets, ths officials are likewise seen in the meekesti and gentiest. of moods, telling the parochial! officials to be sure to keep all the lowe and not to suffer any of the neighbours to smuggle, gamble or otherwise misbehave. The magistrates are also to pay personal visits to the accepted the post, which he still! private homes of rich gentry who advice in things that affect their defy the law and to exhort them daily living.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.