Evening star., 1901-04-22
MINISTER WU'S MEMORIAL
CONSERVATIVE REFORM Urged m
CHINA's AFFAIRS.
Progress of Japan since She Adopted
Modern Methods Pointed to
Argument.

The Chinese minister Mr. Wa Ting
Fang, is about to make move Of far
reaching Importance To the affairs OF China
and one which cannot. il is believed, but
engage the favorable attention of all the
foreign powers Interested in the affairs OF
the empire. He is preparing memorial
to the Chinese government. based upon his
intimate acquaintance with the affairs of
the western world, and pointing out where
in there is the opportunity for China 10
adopt an enlightened and progressive pol
Icy, which will bring it into harmony with
the sisterhood of nations. and at the same
time Will relieve II from the present per
plexities which are crowding upon il at all
hands. The memorial is a comprehensive
document, covering twenty heads deal
ing with administrative, economic and
financial questions. and taking in practf-
cally the entire range Of government af-
falrS so far as there seems to be a present
opportunity of rehabilitating them on mod
ein and progressive lines.
Views of officials Invited.
In determining upon this course Minis
ter Wa is acting entirely upon his own
responsibility and without amy reference
to his status as minister to Washington
or any suggestion from officials here.
While he has had the matter I'm contem-
pi'.lipf IbI SpUe Illlt, Yet 1hsrs mas been
no occasion or opportunity for giving ex-
preston to his plans. Now, however this
opportunity has presented itself in the
form of a recent imperial eiict inviting
the high officials of China at home and
abroad-viceroys. governors and ministers
abroad-to present to the government every
facility at their command to aid in over
coming the present disastrous condition Of
affairs.
Plans for Reform.
Probably the most important feature OF
the document is its general presentation
of the view that the time is now at hand
Tor China to adopt plans OF conserNa dive
reform In stating the need and advan-
tage of this the minister's memorial will
point to the lesson Japan has given to the
world. Up to a few years ago the condi-
tions IN China and Japan We're almost
identical. But by the gradual adoption OF
modern methods OF procedure Japan has
brought herself into close communication
with the rest of the world, and now occu-
pies an enyiable position along with the
other recognized great powers Minist,-
Wa holds that there is nothing lacking in
the resources of China, or i'm the chara.tor
of her people, to keep her from securing
the same advantages which have come 10
Japan.
The memorial does not however. coniine
itself to generalization, but specifies along
what lines changes can be made with ad-
vantage AS stated these cover admins
trative, economic and financial conditiurs
In some respects also Mr.. Wus recon-
mendations will take up lines Of reform
which have been brought forward by the
powers in the negotiations at Pekin and
VIII point out that instead Of resisting
them it will be to the advantage of China
TO go even further than the powers have
suggested.
Proposed Foreign Office.
For instance. one of the most important
subjects recently under consideration has
tlat
a foreign office at Pekin to take the place
of the Tsung Ii Yamen. The plan of the
powers, recently made known I'm dis
patches from Pekin. is that the old board
OF ten members shall be replaced by a new
board of five members, with a prince Of
the blood at its head. two ministers of for
elgn affairs and two vice ministers, the
latter to have knowledge of foreign Ian
guages. Instead of a board, Mr.. Wu will
propose that one official be given the au-
thority and responsibility of directing the
foreign affairs Of the empire. He does not
regard it as essential that this one off,
cial shall be q prince OF the blood. al
though if need be preference might be
given to prince If he had the other requi-
sites of ability for foreign administration.
The memorial will urge that the supreme
test in the selection Of this high official
shall be ability and fitness for the spe-
cial duties to which he is appointed. II
will be pointed out that by virtue Of his
position he should be member Of the
privy council, and thus able To secure
ready access to the emperor. While this
official would be charged with the rcspon-
sibility, yet for administrative purposes
he would have under him two or three
assistants. Mr.. Wu's plan is to confine the
responsible authority within narrow lin
its, leaving assistants, interpreters, etc,
to carry on the administrative work.
In other respects the memorial will pre-
sent in detail the best features of western
administration applicable to China