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hina's leading teachers. All this inclines one to conclude that a rapid transformation in this ancient empire is to be counted on. [Page 195] The Chinese will soon do for themselves what they are now getting the Japanese to do for them. Japanese ideas will be permanent; but the direct agency of the Japanese people will certainly become less conspicuous than it now is. To the honour of the Japanese Government, the world is bound to acknowledge that the island nation has not abused its victories to wring concessions from China. In fact to the eye of an unprejudiced observer it appears that in unreservedly restoring Manchuria Japan has allowed an interested neutral to reap a disproportionate share of the profits. [Page 196] CHAPTER XXIX REFORM IN CHINA _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
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