American Legation,
Peking, July 19,
1905.
No. 34.]
[Inclosure.—Translation.]
Imperial edict.
[Peking Gazette, July 16.]
Just at present public interests encounter many difficulties, and
there are a hundred matters awaiting adjustment. The court has
repeatedly announced in plain speech that earnest efforts must be
made to introduce reforms with a resolute purpose to restore
prosperity. During the past few years plans have indeed been made,
but as yet no actual reform has been accomplished. The reason for
this may all be summed up in one, the officials responsible for the
execution of the plans not having informed themselves have not been
able to thoroughly understand what had to be done. How can they ever
raise China from her present condition of weakness, and deliver her
from the dangers into which she has fallen, if they continue to
cover up their deficiencies by a mere show of words, as they appear
to be doing.
We now therefore expressly designate Duke Tsai-tse, Tai Hung-tz’u,
Hsu Shih-ch’ang, and Tuan-fang, accompanied by the necessary staff
of officials, to separately visit various foreign countries, East
and West, to inquire into their methods of government, in the hope
that we may thus be able to select and adopt the best. Hereafter we
shall elect other companies of officials and send them abroad also.
Each official so deputed shall choose subjects for investigation, as
circumstances may suggest, make their investigations with care, and
prepare a report, making recommendations of the measures that should
be adopted. Let there be no failure to execute the work intrusted to
them. Let the board of foreign affairs and the board of revenue
consult together and report to us the best method of providing the
expenses of these officials.
