Reforms under the Empress Dowager—­The Eclectic Commission—­Recent Reforms—­Naval Abortion—­Merchant Marine—­Army Reform—­Mining Enterprises—­Railways—­The Telegraph—­The Post Office—­The Customs—­Sir Robert Hart—­Educational Reform—­The Tung-Wen College—­The Imperial University—­Diplomatic Intercourse—­Progressive Viceroys—­New Tests for Honours—­Legal Reform—­Newspapers—­Social Reforms—­Reading Rooms—­Reform in Writing—­Anti-foot-binding Society—­The Streets.

“When I returned from England,” said Marquis Ito, “my chief, the Prince of Chosin, asked me if I thought anything needed to be changed in Japan.  I answered, ‘Everything.’” These words were addressed in my hearing, as I have elsewhere recorded, to three Chinese statesmen, of whom Li Hung Chang was one.  The object of the speaker was to emphasise the importance of reform in China.  He was unfortunate in the time of his visit—­it was just after the coup d’etat, in 1898.  His hearers were men of light and leading, in sympathy with his views; but reform was on the ebb; a ruinous recoil was to follow; and nothing came of his suggestions.

[Page 197] The Emperor had indeed shown himself inclined to “change everything,” but at that moment his power was paralyzed.  What vicissitudes he has passed through since that date!  Should he come again to power, as now seems probable, may he not, sobered by years and prudent from experience, still carry into effect his grand scheme for the renovation of China.  To him a golden dream, will it ever be a reality to his people?

Taught by the failure of a reaction on which she had staked her life and her throne, the Dowager became a convert to the policy of progress.  She had, in fact, outstripped her nephew.  “Long may she live!” “Late may he rule us!” During her lifetime she could be counted on to carry forward the cause she had so ardently espoused.  She grasped the reins with a firm hand; and her courage was such that she did not hesitate to drive the chariot of state over many a new and untried road.  She knew she could rely on the support of her viceroys—­men of her own appointment.  She knew too that the spirit of reform was abroad in the land, and that the heart of the people was with her.

The best embodiment of this new spirit was the High Commission sent out in 1905 to study the institutions of civilized countries east and west, and to report on the adoption of such as they deemed advisable.  The mere sending forth of such an embassy was enough to make her reign illustrious.  The only analogous mission in the history of China, is that which was despatched to India, in 66 A. D., in quest of a better faith, by Ming-ti, “The Luminous.”  The earlier embassy [Page 198] borrowed a few sparks to rekindle the altars of their country; the present embassy propose to introduce new elements in the way of political reform.  Their first recommendation, if not their first report, reaches me while I write, and in itself is amply sufficient to prove that this High Commission is not a sham designed to dazzle or deceive.  The Court Gazette, according to the China Times, gives the following on the subject: