Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-03
Development Not Radical.

= This arrangement Is In striking contrast
to the radical changes OF government
that have recently taken place in Rus
sia. Turkey and Persia, where the people
were not prepared for the responsibilities
thrust upon them. and where everybody
has suffered because Of their inexperi-
ence. The wise statesmen OF China real
lie that II Is necessary to educate the
people to understand and appreciate the
benefits Of self-government and the meth
DDS by Which 1t must be carried out be-
fore they are permitted to try the expert
ment.
In every province an onicial bureau was
established to carry on an educational
campaign by the publication Of litera-
ture, by instruction in the schools and
by courses of popular lectures, free to
the common people. In which the science
Of government has been discussed in
terms that the most ignorant can under
bureaus charged with this duty have
been carrying on a successful propa-
ganda. but the actual application OF the
principle Of self-government has occurred
only in few of the most progressive
and modernized cities.
For example. in 1907 the first city cleo
ton ever held In China occurred In Tien-
tsin. when common council was selected
by limited suffrage. only educated men
and property holders being allowed to
vote. About 700 ballots were cast In q
population Of about 10000.
The councilmen then chosen have been
sitting regularly for two years with re-
stricted authority. but have shown en-
ergy, enterprise and intelligence in the
mana cement Of taxation. sanitary meas
ures and some other propositions closely
affecting the welfare of the people. The
experiment in Tfentsin has been a fair
success. and similar experiments have re-
suited in similar encourage cement in other
cities. although little is known about the
matter.
Elections in Provinces.
This year there were elections for men,
bers Of legislatures In several provinces.
including Kiang-su. Of which Shanghai is
the principal city: Kuang-tung CCanton).
Hupeh Hankow) and Chill Chemistry.
Representative legislative bodies have
been in session at these capitals for some
weeks Little IL known about their pro-
ceedings. No report Of their conduct has
been received In Washington. Indeed.
there has scarcely been time for such re-
ports to reach this city.
The cablegram above quoted. which
says that their sessions will be continued
for another month and that their DELHI
eratfons indicate general opposition to
the government plans OF taxation and
foreign loans. Is the first intelligence that
has come across the ocean concerning this
important advance in the direction Of de-
mocracy.
1t has been known. however. that the
people at large have not taken much inter-
est in the movement. The ignorant classes
do not comprehend IL and the educated
classes shrink from responsibility.
The experience of generations has
taught Chinese business men not to in
terfere with the administration Of on
cial affairs. It would be dif1cult to in
duce them to run the risk OF offending the
authorities
1t appears. however. from the dispatch
quoted that the first legislators chosen
have developed an individuality and have
expressed opinions. upon financial matters
at least that were unexpected.