The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1900-07-12

For the benefit of some of our readers
who have not access to the daily papers
we present this week a brief account of
the Chinese difficulty. The late Emper-
or, Kuang- Hsu, having the interests of
his country and his people at heart, en-
deavored to institute certain reforms
toward the advancement and elevation
of his people, mentally, morally, and po-
litically. Though but twenty-seven
years old, he displayed considerable
ability as a statesman. and if given a
free hand would undoubtedly have laid
the foundation for the permanent up
lifting of his people.
First among the reforms was the
establishment of a great University. and
also a system of Primary and Intermedi.
ate schools, modelled on the best west
ern plans. Next an order was issued
for the establishment at a Medical COL
lege, a Railroad Commission, Naval
Training School. and a commission for
Agriculture Manufacture and trade.
These and many other innovations were
received with more or less satisfaction
and everything pointed to a permanent
maintenance of these reforms, which
would turn the people from the dark
ness of the past to the light of the
future.
But the next reform on the Emperors
list was a dose too bitter be to swallowed
1t was a decree for the suspensin of the
famous six Boards, a series of yener-
able sinecures whose duties nominally
were to look after the education of the
Royal Prince, of the imperial banquets
etc. These officers were of course mere
ly ornamental, and every European
court has a set equally useful: with this
decree was another striking at the root
of what is certainly the greatest evil in
the system of Chinese goverment-the
diversion of the revenues to the pockets
OF the officials, instead Of applying it to
its proper use, the payment of obliga-
tons. The taxable capacity of China is
almost unlimited, yet the government is
always bankrupt, because of this pecu-
lation.
These last two DEGREES had the effect
arraying the entire Civil Service against
the Reform programme and the Conser-
~vatives, under the leadership of the
Dowager Empress Tshu Chat, forced
the young Emperor to revoke the edict
and to postpone the reforms. Next it
was declared that the Empire would be
governed according to the principles of
J. Confucius. Then followed the Emper-
ors go called suicide" and a series of
, vigorous measures directed against his
/. chief advisers.
. But before this the Boxers, a revolu.
tionary society for the purpose of fight.
ing reforms and driving out foreigners
; had begun their rioting. Scenes of muir.
der and pillage followed, the chief sui.
, ferers being the native Cinnamon who
. have been Christianized. These Boxers
it is thought, have the sympathy of the
: Government, and many believe that they
are secretly encouraged be it..
Reports as to loss of life among for
eign residents are conflicting. but theil
: danger is very great. The Great Powers
0 including our w country, have landed
!: troops and have taken every precautior
to protect the lives of their citizens
Just now the plan seems to be tina
Japan shall land an army sufficient t.
: put down tho instruction. the othe,
t Powers bearing a proportionate share o
the expense. For obvious reasons Rus
{ STA objects to this arrangement, but sh'
lie liable to be oyer-ruled.