The Oskaloosa herald., 1901-04-25
HE URGES REFORM MS.
Minister WI Prepares Memorial
to China.

10 MAKE u move Oh ldT-FedcnlHR I'M
portance to the affairs of China and
one which cannot, it is believed, but
engage the favorable attention Of all
the foreign powers interested in the
affairs of the empire. He is prepar-
ing a memorial to the Chinese gov
eminent, based upon his intimate ac-
quaintance with the affairs of the
western world, and pointing out
wherein there is the opportunity for
China to adopt an enlightened and
progressive policy, which will bring
it into harmony with the sisterhood
of nations, and at the same time will
relieve it from the present perplexi-
ties which are crowding upon it at all
hands.
Many Questions Discussed.
The memorial is a comprehensive
document, covering 20 heads, dealing
with administrative, economic and
financial questions, and taking in
practically the entire range of gov
eminent affairs so far as there. seems
to be a present opportunity of re-
facilitating them on modern and
progressive lines. The document is,
however, most conservative in char
acter, and purposely avoids radical
ism and extreme reforms which have
interfered with previous efforts to
bring about change in the existing
order of affairs. Mr.. WI is a loyal
and devoted admirer of his country
and its institutions, and he has not
been in sympathy with past efforts
for excessive change. as in his iudg-
ment they went. so far as to invite
prejudice and opposition, not only in
imperial and other ruling quarters,
but also with the mass of the people
who are slow to realize the advantage
of sweeping changes. In the present
instance Mr.. WI has sought to find
a middle ground of conservative i'm
provement which would commend
itself both to the Chinese govern
ment and to the. world at large as
calculated to remove the most serious
obstacles in the way of progress.
Fnvors Conservative Reform.
Probably the most important fea-
ture of the document is it's general
presentation of the view that the time
is now at hand for China to adopt plans
of conservative reform. In stating the
need and advantage of this. the minis
ter's memorial will point to the lesson
Japan has given to the world. Up to a
few years ago the conditions in China
and Japan were almost ideu teal. But
by the gradual adoption of modern
methods of procedure Japan has
brought herself into close communica-
ton with the rest of the world and
now occupies an enviable position
among the other recognized great
powers. Minister WI holds that there
is nothing lacking in the resources of
China or in the character of her peo-
pie to keep her from securing the same
advantages which have come to Japan.
On HE own Responsibility.
In determining upon this course,
Minister WI is acting entirely upon
his own initiative and responsibility.
and without any reference to his
status as minister 10 Washington or
any suggestion from officials here.
temptation for some time, yet there
has been no occasion or opportunity
for giving expression to his plans
Now, however. this opportunity has
presented itself in the form of a re-
cent imperial edict inviting the high
officials of China. at home and
abroad-viceroys, governors and min
Igyfn oh Il II.
eminent every facility at their com
mand to aid in overcoming the pres
ent disastrous condition of affairs
The edict points out past evils, and
holds to severe account those mem
bers of the old regime whose conduct
has been largely responsible for the
distress through which the country
has passed. The government there
fore asks for every aid which its pa
triOtic citizens can bring to II in over
coming the evils of the past. and in
establishing a secure basis for the fu-
ture. Acting upon this edict. Mr.. Wu
has prepared his comprehensive me
mortal to the government. A me-
mortal of this character it is said is
the most important act a Chinese Of
fetal can take, for it is not resorted
to except on rare occasions when the
gravity of a cause warrants an Off
cial to come into immediate commuui-
cation with the imperial authorities
on high questions of state.
Points Out Specific Lines.
The memorial does not, however,
confine itself to generalization, but
specifies along what lines changes can
be made with advantage. As stated,
these cover administrative, economic
and financial conditions. In some re-