p. 16 | A Reaction in China

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 18, 1907

A Reaction in China

THE signs of the times indicate a halt in the reform movement in China. The stream of imperial edicts continues to flow, but for several months it has followed the channel of the reactionary party. Confucius has been deified, that is, raised to the rank of Heaven and Earth, so as to require the grand sacrifice; a school has been ordered at Chou-fu, the birthplace of Confucius, in honor of the sage, and it is directed that all schools pay special attention to inculcating his ethics; Buddhist schools are to be established in all the provinces, in order that pure Buddhism may be taught; the old Chinese learning has been reaffirmed as the fundamental factor in national education, the Western knowledge being only auxiliary thereto.

The degrees of foreign universities and colleges are now disallowed, the intention of many of the reform edicts is being ignored, and the system of awarding appointments by patronage, irrespective of fitness, is undisturbed. Yuan Shih Kai, viceroy of the imperial province of Chi-li and a leading reformer, has been shorn of many powers.

It is not clear just how seriously all these recent events are to be regarded. The fact is, no one knows exactly how to interpret them or how much weight to put upon them. Those who have known China long and well write that it is impossible to prophesy what will happen, because no one can tell with certainty what are the real opinions and motives of those who stand behind the Dragon Throne, how much is done for effect, and how much with changed purpose. It was inevitable that some reaction should follow the wild rush of reform measures in 1906. Perhaps it is desirable that there should be pause and review. It may be that missionary work will suffer again some hindrance. But no more Boxer uprisings are apprehended. And the reform movement is not overcome. It may be delayed; it can not be permanently stopped; in the end it will conquer. Young China is awake and determined. It may pause to strengthen and realign its forces.— The Missionary Herald.