The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1901-02-09
Imperial Edict Will Lead to Re-
formation.
Leaders Are Instructed by Emperor
to Consider Necessary Changes
Action Is of Great
Import.

tnat eStaDlShed SOoo methodS OF Tor
eign countries should be introduced to
supply China's deficiencies. Past mis-
takes teach future wisdom.
Continuing, the edict says that
China's greatest difficulty is her old
customs, which have resulted in the in
sincere dispatch of business and the
promoting of private gain. Up 10 the
present time those who have followed
western methods have had only super
fetal knowledge, knowing only little
of foreign languages and foreign inven-
tons, without knowing the real basis
of the strength of foreign nations.
Such methods are insufficient for real
reform.
In order to obtain a true basis, the
emperor commands consultation be-
tween the ministers of the privy
council, the six boards, the Chinese
ministers at foreign courts, and all
the viceroys and governors. These
are intrusted to recommend reforms
in the seven branches of government
namely: The central government,
ceremonies, taxation, schools, civil
service examinations, military Of
fairs and public economies. They are
also to recommend what part of the
old system can be used and what
part needs changing. Two months
are given them in which to prepare
their report.
This edict bears marks of sincerity.
The leading ministers of China will
now have a free chance to express
their opinions. China's future hangs
in the balance of what her statesmen
can now suggest. 1t is considered
that this is the most important epoch
in Chinese history since foreign COM
merce began.
To Punish the Guilty.
Peking, Feb. 6.-The Chinese pleni-
potentiaries, Prince Ching and III
Hung Chang, had :. protractcd meet
ing Tuesday morning with the for
eign ENJOYS. Twelve names of prom
inent Chinese officials were submitted
with the request that China keep
faith with the powers and punish the
persons named commensurately with
their offenses.
The Chinese plenipotentiaries re-
piled that China's earnest hope was
to carry out fully the demands of the
powers and that she felt sure the
punishment which would be inflicted
would be satisfactory.
After a long conversation on the
subject of punishment it was decided
l-lat the foreign ENJOYS should draw
up a full list of all accused officials,
both national and provincial, with in
dictments specifying the guilt of each
and statement of the punishment
required, which would then be pre-
sented to the Chinese plenipoten-
tiaries for definite action.
Ii Hung Chang, who is very weak
from his recent illness, had to be
carried in and out OF the British le-
CATION. He is unable to walk, bu"
his head seems as clear as ever.
ENJOYS Impressed.
The foreign ENJOYS We're impressed
with the evident desire of both
Prince Ching and I'll Hung Chang to
come to terms. Prince Ching asked
whether, provided ,hina showed by
every means in her power a desire to
carry out the terms of the joint note,
the foreign troops would leave Pc
king. The foreign ENJOYS replied that
this was subject they could not dis
cuss beyond saying that, if every
thing were satisfactory they believed
the powers would ocgin to withdraw
the troops early in the coming spring,
but that this depended largely upon
the Chinese themselves.
Prince Ching and Ii Hung Chang
said they desired to know the names
of the places where guards would be
kept for the purpose Of maintaining
communication with the sea, in accord
ance with the terms of the joint note.
They were informed that this was
subject regarding which the military
authorities had more accurate knowl.
edge than the ENJOYS. but that at pres.
entno determination had been reached.
Prince Ching was anxious to know
what provision would be made to con.
troll the legation guards and to pre-
vent them from disturbing business.
He asked if the guards would be al.
lowed over all parts of the city. To this
inquiry the reply was given that the
guards would not certainly be allowed
to interfere with any avocations of the
Chinese. but would be merely kept ia
guard the legations in case of neces.
sity. Prince Ching was assured that
in whatever part of the city the lega.
ton guards might go they would be
required to conform to laws which
would be agreed upon, under pain OF
severe punishment for any infraction.
Goes to Apologize.
Shanghai, Feb. GA dispatch from
Picking says Prince Chun has started
for Germany to present the apologies
of China for the murder of Baron Won
Kette.er, the German minister at Pc.
king.
Burned to Death.
Columbia, Mo-, Feb. 6.--Henry Ar.
thur and Clifford Christian, two young
men who had been arrested for inter.
fering with a dance, were burned to
death in the Jail Monday night. They
were intoxicated. Not realizing what
they were doing, the men set fire to the
Jail and persisted.
Senator Wolcott BereaveA.