REPUBLICAN INSTITUTIONS IN CHINA 605 



style. In 1898 the late Emperor, Kuang Hsu, realizing the futility 

 of such exercises, abolished the " eight-legged examination essay " and 

 substituted modern sciences. This measure found its reaction in the 

 Boxer uprising two years later. The disasters of the frenzy, however, 

 convinced all of the inadequacy of ancient literary lore, and the result 

 is seen in the marvellous intellectual awakening which followed it. 

 Western learning was snatched up with avidity; students were sent 

 abroad ; scientific works were translated and published ; modern methods 

 were introduced into government schools, whence they are now invading 

 the examination halls. 



From the literary class recruited through the examination system 

 the positions in the government are filled. The man with a degree at 

 once becomes one of the "headmen" of his village, and usually, by 

 common consent, holds the office of ti-pao, which corresponds to that of 

 our justice of the peace and notary combined. He authenticates deeds, 

 settles disputes among his neighbors, and acts as their spokesman and 

 representative in all that concerns the higher officials. Or he can 

 attach himself to some official in a clerical capacity, his subsequent rise 

 to the highest positions in the government being dependent upon his 

 industry, diplomacy and political acumen. Such statesmen as Li Hung 

 Chang, Chang Chih Tung, and the present Yuan Shih K'ai, rose from 

 humble stations. 



To the advocate of a republican China, the examination system is 

 the strongest argument that can be advanced for his cause. It so 

 intimately reveals the Chinese character. The man who is successful in 

 an examination covers not only himself, but his family and community 

 with glory. The Chinaman is not attracted by the demagogue, but he 

 has a profound respect for the opinions of those who by assiduous toil 

 and severe test have won their way to intellectual honors. He has for 

 centuries been accustomed to look upon these men as the logical 

 repositories of political power. 



The provincial assemblies, which have been held in the last two 

 years, proved a revelation to all observers. The discussions were intelli- 

 gent and revealed a sincere purpose on the part of the members to 

 promote the general welfare. They have proved that the hopes of the 

 revolutionary leaders are far from chimerical. The basis for republican 

 institutions in China is broader and safer than in many other countries 

 that enjoy self-government. The people are by nature and habit indus- 

 trious, peace-loving and accustomed to self-restraint. In the aggregate 

 of relations and transactions which make up social and commercial life 

 they have suffered less interference than the average American citizen. 

 The great mass of rules governing the relations of men they have formu- 

 lated themselves, and they have learned, moreover, the sobering lesson 

 of submission to law as the best guaranty of the rights of all. 



