File No. 1518/430.
Minister Calhoun to
the Secretary of State.
American Legation,
Peking, July 9,
1910.
No. 49.]
Sir: I have the honor to transmit to you for
the department’s information the translation of a recent imperial edict
regarding the second memorial presented soliciting the earlier opening
of parliament.
The memorial which had been presented by delegates of the provincial
assemblies, chambers of commerce, educational societies, and
[Page 337]
Chinese abroad prayed that as
a remedy to the existing crisis the period of constitutional preparation
be shortened and the date of the opening of parliament hastened.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure—Translation.]
imperial edicts.
We have perused the memorial presented through the medium of the
censorate by the members of provincial assemblies and the
representatives of the Bannermen of the various provinces praying
for the speedy opening of the national assembly. Let it be
understood that in the twelfth moon of the last year when the
members of the provincial assemblies presented a joint memorandum on
the same subject, we distinctly decreed that as soon as the nine
years’ preparation were completed and the qualifications of the
general public were up to the required standard, we would without
hesitation issue an edict to fix a date for calling a meeting of the
parliament. Every care has been taken by the Throne in the matter in
the hope that our subjects would not adopt a superficial form and
overlook the substantial results to be achieved. Furthermore, we
have this year ordered officials to proceed to all the provinces for
the purpose of conducting an exhaustive investigation into the
various items of the program to be carried out and making an
estimate of the necessary expenses connected therewith. In reply to
our verbal inquiry to-day the high ministers of the various Yamens
assured us that the various items of the program are not yet all
carried out in their consecutive order. Being anxious to execute the
responsible duties entrusted to us by their late majesties on the
one hand, and to comply with the earnest request of the officials
and people on the other, we feel that our trouble will only be
relieved when a constitution has been established. Such being the
case, why should we grudge to grant the opening of a parliament? But
it should be borne in mind that while the administration of the
Government is important, a constitutional regime will introduce
numerous matters on the method of carrying out of which peace or
revolution will depend. Recklessness would bring about sorrow, while
prudence would result in perfection. With regard to a parliament, it
is only one part of a constitutional government, while there are
many other important matters essential for its completion. How
absurd it would be to assert that perfect peace would at once follow
the opening of the parliament. Besides this, the vastness of the
Empire, the present financial position and disturbances consequent
on disasters, form stumbling blocks to the progress of a
constitutional government. Nevertheless, the Throne has never for
one moment relaxed its responsibility in the matter, and all the
subjects within the Empire should sympathize with our eagerness in
aiming at peaceful administration. The opening of the Chicheng Yuan
will take place in the ninth moon this year, and members have been
selected and ordered to make preparations for the forthcoming
meeting, which will form not only the foundation, but initiate the
spirit of the reform parliament, provided the members act in harmony
and aim at peace with one heart and mind. In pursuance of the scheme
of their late majesties we hereby adhere to the system of making
constitutional preparations for nine years, at the expiration of
which period another decree will be issued fixing a date for a
meeting of the parliament. We appreciate perfectly the loyalty of
you subjects; but this affair is very important and must be carried
out in a methodical manner. The instructions in this decree are very
clear. You people shall not memorialize us again on the matter. Let
this be published for general information.
