CHINESE REFORMS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 993, 7 December 1910, Page 5

CHINESE REFORMS.

SUPPRESSION OF OPIUM TRADE. By Telegraph—Press Association—CopyrightPeking, December s'. The Army and Navy Boards havo been transformed into Ministries, preparatory to tho issuing of a Constitution. Tlio Cabinet has approved the reduction of tho' poppy cultivation, which heretofore has represented 25 per cent of tho Customs revenue. ,T'he National Assembly, by a largo majority, recommended the total extinction of tho poppy cultivation after a short period. Tho Imperial Government considers it impossible to summarily suppress the trade in opium. DEMAND FOR A PARLIAMENT. A SCENE OF" ENTHUSIASM. Amid scenes of great, even tumultous, enthusiasm the National Assembly, wrote tho Peking correspondent of "Tho Times" on October 23, has unanimously endorsed the popular demand for the early convocation, of a full Parliament. According to tho programme laid down by the Government there are still seven years to 'como before the transition from an autocratic to a constitutional system is completed by the establishment of a Parliament on tho Western model. The agitation in favour of curtailing the period of'constitutional preparation . has grown rapidly during the last few months both in extent and intensity. It has been stimulated by tho success of tho Provincial Assemblies, and the authorities, who at first discouraged the movement, have recently shown themselves more favourable. All tho Viceroys except two— the Viceroys of Tientsin and Nanking— havo supported tho petitioners, though some rather half-heartedly. The deputation who a few days ago visited Prince Ching to solicit his advocacy were much encouraged by his cordial, if non-com-mittal, reception.

China's Only Hope, Besides approaching the Regent anil high officials, tho promoters petitioned tho National Assembly to uso its influence. The subject was discussed yesterday, when all tho speakers declared strongly in favour of tho speedy inauguration of a full Constitution, which they described as the only hope of saving the country from its present deplorable situation. A motion to make an immediate representation to the Throne to this effect was supported by. all sections of the House, including the t Mongol Princes, Manchu nobles, and official members, as well as the elective 'representatives of tho provinces. When it was put to tho vote it was carried by acclamation, every member rising in support. This cmjjiatic result produced a remarkable outbreak bt applause, in which tho crowded galleries joined. Cheers were given for China and the. Constitution for fully fivo minutes before the House resumed its normal aspect.

Arguments for Acceleration. The prospect of a modification of the original cautious programme will probably bo received with somo misgiving abroad. But there is much force in the arguments used in tho Assembly yesterday that the situation of tho country is too grave, to be remedied by the official classes alone, that the control of the finances, by national, representatives is urgently needed in order both to check wasteful expenditure and to open fresh sources of revenue, and that tho Provincial Assemblies have been sufficiently successful to justify the extension of the representative principle. I may add that the. provincial members present in tho Assembly made a most favourable impression on all who watched the proceedings or have come into personal contact with them. They seem to bo men of keen practical sense. ■ It is of the happiest augury that they express their determination to concentrato their energies on securing reform of the financial administration as the most urgent need of tho country.