Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-16
CHINA IS IN EARNEST
Present Reign to Carry Out
Plan of Reforms.
FAVORS CONSTITUTION
Imperial Edicr Urges 0fF'ds1s to As
sist in the Work of Carrying
Out Preparations.
CONSTITUTION

Further expressions of the earneStness
of the present reign in China to carry
out the reforms inaugurated in the last
reign are continued in a translation of
an imperial edict of November %, just
| received at the State Department from
| Charge dAffaires Fletcher at Pekig.
The edict says that the reports from
the presiding officials of the various min
| istries and viceroys and governors of
the provinces of the preparations for a
| constitution. show that these prepare
tons have been carried out in a satisfac-
tory manner. But if they would only
| throw their hearts into the work." says the
edict. land devote their energies toward
carrying out those reforms in the due
! course success might be expected
1T is. apprehended. however. that COM
hitting the long-standing error, some of
them may seek to discharge their respon-
sibiity by presenting mere memorial
without taking any real action. They
| should bear in mind that these measures
are of the highest Importance, and are
| to be carried out i'm compliance with
plans of the preceding emperor as well
as TO satisfy the hopes of the people
Should Bestir Themselves.
'Henceforth officials should bestir
themselves and seek to effect improve
ments with energy in undertaking the
tasks intrusted To them. They should
neither exaggerate their dongs nor hide
| faults. If obstacles arise in the way
of accomplishing any object. they are
permitted to memorabilia and devise
such means as may be necessary in the
circumstances. They are desired. how
ever. firmly to pursue their course. and to
carry through their aim in spite of diff
| ficulties. They should neither quail be-
! fore difficulties nor evade responsibilities
The present troublous position of af-
fairs has been a source of constant and
great solicitation to the throne, and the
minister's having received bounties from
the state should do their utmost to
shoulder the responsibilities. If matters
are presented with the least falsity. and
the constitutional reforms in due time,
can they bear the consequences?
No Evasion of Responsibility.
The commission of constitutional re-
forms is commanded to supervise the
preparations as reported. and in the event
of any delay or perfunctory efforts Or
misrepresentation being discovered. to
make denunciation to us. giving the
full facts. We will reverently obey the
edict issued on the first of the eighth
month last year. and mete out penalty
to those guilty, according to the rules
against negligence in office. With the
established regulations before US. we shall
show no lenience. In snort, IL must
be pointed out that responsibility can
not be evaded, while cooperation Is
necessary to insure success.
1T is hoped that the ministers. both
within and without the capital. Will OBJ
serve harmony and Danish private feel-
ings. that they will, neither form factions
to oppose different views nor begin any
measure in diligence and end it In idle
ness 1t is only by such means that
unity of mind can be established between
sovereign and ministers and benign gov
eminent can be secured"