The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-04-01
THE BUND BUILDINGS AT HoNGKoNG.

the rays OF the morning sun is showing
. unmistakable signs Of an awakening.
There was a vitality among her people
which even 2,0C0 years Of political apathy
could not ~exhaust-a sturdiness which CEN
turtles Of poverty aud superstition could
not entirely destroy. Increasing contact
with Europe and America is having its
influence, and the example of Japan is
even more potent, for the people Of Japan
are not only neighbors, but are more like
them in color and race characteristics.
Let me note some Of the evidences Of
this change:
The Government, SO long an absolute
despotism, is about to become a constitu-
tional monarchy. In 1893 the Emperor,
under the influence Of some radical re-
formers, prepared a programme almost
Evolutionary in its character.
y Recognizing that his aunt, the Dowager
Empress, would oppose him, he prepared
TO put her under guard while the change
was being made, but the old lady, learning
of his plan, promptly took him in hand
and made him a prisoner in his own palace.
Since tina time she has been the unques-
toned ruler of the empire, the nominal
Emperor afixing his signature to the papers
which she prepares.
So rapidly has the situation developed
that she is now instituting the very re-
forms for the suggestion OF which she
70 recently imprisoned her nephew. A
commission Of prominent officials Is now
abroad, some in Europe, some in America,
studying the constitutions and govern
mental institutions OF other countries.
What a concession when we remember
the self +suficienoy Of China, the char
a~cterization Of surrounding nations as
srnde tribes, " and the use Of the term bar
,barians" to designate even those with
whom she made treaties,
%, EMPRESS IN A HuRRY
1t Is reported that the Dowager Empress
recently called her councillors together and
asked how long it would take TO establish
a constitutional government. When told
that it would probably take twelve or
ffteen years she replied that it must be
done sooner than that, as she could not
hope to live much longer and wanted it in
operation before she died.
Whether she appreciates the full impor-
lance OF the change may be doubted, but
the fact that the great nations, with the
exception Of Russia, have Constitutions has
doubtless made it's impression upon her.
and Russia's defeat at the hands of the
Japanese, coupled with present internal
disturbances in the Cars domain, contains
it's lesson.
Az early as 1901 O commission was ap-
pointed to examine and report on all pro-
poeed measures affecting the organization
and administration Of the Government,
end In 1904 q general assembly Of the min
.isters Of the principal boards was provided
fer. While these newly created bodies
have no legislative power they indicate
the trend toward q more popular govern
.noent.
The Constitution, when adopted, as 1t
ultimately will be, will inaugurate a parlia-
lnentary system. There is therefore a
distinct advance along governmental lines,
and this In itself means much for China
and for the outside world.
A revision Of the criminal code is also
beine perfected. The Hon. WI Ting-fang
former Minister TO the United States, and
now vice-president Of the Board Of Foreign
Affairs, has been made a member OF the
Beard OF P~unishments. He and Shea CHA
Pan, the vioe-president Of the Board Of