File No. 774/617–618.
The edict is of particular interest, as it shows that the attention of
the Government is turning to the financial difficulties which the
carrying out of the reform brings with it, and emphasizes the fact that
no scheme has as yet been devised to meet the deficit in the revenues
which will probably very shortly confront the Government. The
determination of the Government to carry through the reforms seems,
however, firmly fixed, to judge from the terms of this edict, “though
the Government is in straightened circumstances,” it says, “It will
neither seek to satisfy its hunger nor quench its thirst at the expense
of this harmful poison, so that it may rid the people of this great
bane.”
[Inclosure.—Translation.]
Opium suppression is a necessary measure to the strengthening of our
Empire, as well as the mainspring of the development and instruction
of the people, involving, as it does, questions of hygiene, of
enriching the people, of developing terrestrial profits, and of
arresting a drain on the national wealth. All eyes are turned to
this subject and much universal sympathy and assistance have been
exhibited.
On the question three steps are closely interrelated and dependent,
and these are: Prohibition of smoking and of plantation, and
devising of means to raise revenue to fill the deficit caused in the
opium duties. Should any one of these be inefficiently carried out,
the other two will in consequence be hampered and success would be
looked for in vain.
In recent years though officials addicted to the smoking habit have
been examined and denounced on repeated occasions by the antiopium
commissioners and viceroys and governors of the Provinces, there
still exists a number of them who trifle with the interdict and
veneer their faults in that respect. With regard to the prohibition
of the poppy plantation in the Provinces, it was first decided to
decrease the plantation gradually in 10 years. Later, the
authorities of Yunnan, Szechuan, Shanse, Chihli, Heilungkiang, and
other Provinces asked permission to forbid plantation entirely in
one year. This, no doubt, shows great energy of purpose, but whether
their intention is thoroughly carried out in all their Provinces,
and whether the local officials succeed in inducing the people to
plant other profitable products on their soil to yield them a living
so that they gladly submit to the suppression, remains to be
seen.
The duties and likin on this drug are required for the bulk of the
army estimates. Recently the ministry of finance memorialized us and
obtained permission to increase the price of salt to make up for
these duties and likin. This plan, however, only aggregates four or
five million taels and there still remains a large deficit.
We are eagerly bent on introducing a better government and between
our agitation at the long weakness of our people, in whom it is
difficult to infuse energy, and the fear that the expectations of
the friendly powers may not be easily satisfied, we are filled with
constant and pressing anxiety. We hereby reiterate the prohibition
against smoking. The antiopium commissioners and
[Page 103]
the high officials in the capital and
Provinces are held responsible to forbid, faithfully and with
energy, all officials, civil or military, to smoke. Those in command
of troops or in charge of educational institutions are made
responsible for suppression of smoking among soldiers and students.
As to merchants and the people, the responsibility must rest with
the ministry of the interior, the viceroys, governors, military
governors, and the governor of the imperial prefecture of
Shuntienfu. They will try to obtain the best, prescriptions,
establish antiopium institutes, and distribute free medicines when
necessary. They should encourage their sense of honor and adopt the
plans and practices of foreign countries so that the people’s vices
may be gradually lessened and finally eradicated.
As to the prohibitation of plantation, viceroys and governors, the
governor of the imperial prefecture of Shuntienfu and military
governors are commanded to direct their subordinates to carry out
the suppression with care and thoroughness. They should also cause
other grains to be planted in place of the pernicious drug, and they
will be rewarded according to the degree of success they attain. The
ministry of the interior will supervise these measures being put in
operation.
In regard to devising means to fill the deficit of duties and likin,
the ministry of finance is desired carefully to consider the
question. It is, undoubtedly, an important point to be dealt with,
but it may be disposed of by weighing advantages and drawbacks and
considering all possible resources. Viceroys and governors who may
have valuable suggestions on the question are ordered to memorialize
the Throne for their adoption, so that those carrying out the
suppression need not be hampered by financial considerations. Though
the Government is in straitened circumstances, it will neither seek
to satisfy its hunger nor quench its thirst at the expense of this
harmful poison, so that it may rid people of this great bane.
Dividing, in this way, the responsibilities and actions, no evasion
of burden will be permitted and all concerned are commanded to put
forth their best energies to aid us in securing prosperous rule by
taking natural advantages to ameliorate the condition of life among
our people. After receipt of this edict each office in the capital
or provinces is commanded to make a careful report of its plan of
operation in this affair.
