File No. 1518/92–93.
[Inclosure.—Translation.]
Imperial edict in re establishment of provincial
deliberative assemblies.
We have this day received the following imperial edict from Her
Majesty Tzu-hsi, etc.:
A decree has already been promulgated calling for the establishment
of a constitutional assembly (Tzu Chêng Yuan) in Peking, which is to
be the foundation of a national parliament. But the provinces should
also have some means whereby an expression of public opinion could
be obtained. The people should be given an opportunity to point out
and explain in what way the province is weak and in what way it is
strong; they should discuss means of maintaining the public peace;
and they should have some organization that would serve as a
stepping stone to the imperial constitutional assembly.
Therefore it is hereby ordered that the viceroys and governors
immediately establish deliberative assemblies (Tzu-i-chü) in their
respective provincial capitals, selecting honest and admittedly
clever officials and gentry to assist in the organization thereof.
These officials and gentry selected from various places for their
honesty and ability shall elect competent and efficient men to
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act as members of the
deliberative assemblies; and under no circumstances shall men of
evil reputation or local “bosses,” who seek only their own
advantage, be chosen by them.
These assemblies shall then deliberate upon all matters relating to
new institutions or to changes of any kind, and it shall be the duty
of the high provincial officials to take the decisions of these
assemblies into consideration when acting upon any matter discussed
by them. In case of matters of great importance such officials shall
prepare a memorial thereon for presentation to the Throne.
In the future when members are to be elected to the imperial
constitutional assembly, the members of these provincial assemblies
may be chosen for seats in the national body.
When the imperial constitutional assembly finds it necessary to make
an investigation or to inquire into any subject, it shall be their
duty to write both to the viceroy or governor concerned directing
him to order an investigation and also to the provincial assembly,
asking that a report on the matter in question be made. The
provincial assembly, likewise, shall communicate, in case of
necessity, both with the viceroy or governor and with the imperial
constitutional assembly.
Councils for deliberation shall also be established in the various
prefectures, departments, and districts, and the members thereof
shall be progressive men of ability. In this way our progress will
be quickened, and the country will approach the point where it will
have administration according to the general will of the majority of
the people, and that is the result so ardently desired, so fervently
prayed for, by the Throne.
