The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1900-03-23

China from her lethargy. kwang Yu
Wei was the leader and soon next to
him ranked Leung Chi-tso
fhe government objected to the aims
of the party and took steps to break
it up. Leung went to Shanghai and
started the Chinese Progress, which
he edited for a year and a half, and
made powerful organ of the reform
lists. Under his able management it
attained a wide circulation, and fell
under the ban of the government.
Leung Chl-tso next became principal of
Human College, and when the Emperor
espoused the principles of the reform
party, Leung was called with others to
Pekln. Here he was second to Kwang
lu Wei in the gallant band of reform
leaders who, through the Emperor,
secured the startling series of edicts
which, il carried into effect, would
have turned topsy-turvy the Chinese
governmental, educational and indus
trial systems.
But the corrupt ofilcialdom of China
was not to be driven from the oppor-
tunities for power and wealth h.ch
had been theirs for centuries. The
Emperor was practically dethroned;
soldiers were sent to seize the reform
ers, and six of them, who were unable
to flee in time, were beheaded This
was in September, 1898, and Leung
Chi-tso with Kwang Yu Wei, owe their
present existence to quick decision aid
action on their part.
He threw himself on the protection
of Count Ito. the Japanese Minister
who was also of the advisory boaru to
the Emperor of China. Leung was
hurried TO Japanese warship in the
harbor of TienTsin, the treaty port
of Pekin, and sailed for Japan. he
staid there until December, 1899, when
he came here. In Yokohama he edited
the Chinese Discussion, shaved of his
queue, adopted European clothing, be-
came Japanese citizen, and Planned
his present trip to the United States and
probably to Europe.
He tod all this yesterday in reply
TO questions. He smiled when relating
his hasty exit from Pekin and his mar
row escape from the two-nanaed swo.d.
When he related the aims and hopes
of the reform party his face grew
grave and earnest.
I'VE of China" he saiu, will have
the change We desire in the near future
We want the power in the hands of the
people ana uou'L want 70 NC IuIeu W
a despotlsm. We want a constitutional
the right to vote on impor-
tant issues, safety for person and prop
erty, advanced educational ideas, and
pure and honest administration of all
offices.
"lnis must all come about soon.
The people are fast growing into re-
form channels of thought. The old re
gime must pass, but we seek no revolu-
ton. We are men of peace and believe
that public sentiment will bring about
our ends without the letting of blood
In Honolulu four-fifths oil the Chinese
are of our party. Bright Chinese here
have educated them. 1 feel in no dan
ger here. My head Is OF course valu-
Chi-tso put his hand on
his cranium-"but my friends look out
for me. i intend to so to the United
States soon but want first to visit the
other Islands and have been waiting
for quarantine to permit this. My work
In life is to push on the reform plans.
shall go wherever my presence can
help"
Leung Chi-tso impresses one who
does not understand his language as
a fearless, broad-minded celestial
conceit but not without guile
He has not learned the white mans
habits OF thought nor unlearned the
Chinese's manner OF reasoning. Hi
features are expressive and not I'M
handsome in a Chinese fashion. H.
is courteous. appreciative and shrewd
But he knows the worth OF his shock
head and his friends watch 1t care
fully,