none of us would know to what pass matters would come. Hence,
unless we hasten to put our present wishes clearly before all, we
greatly fear that the petty yamen officials and their underlings
will put their own construction on what commands have gone
before, and create a ferment in the midst of the usual calm of
the people. This will indeed be contrary to our desire, and put
our reforms for strengthening and enriching our empire to naught.

"We therefore hereby command that the Supervisorate of
Instruction and other five minor Courts and Boards, which were
recently abolished by us and their duties amalgamated with other
Boards for the sake of economy, etc., be forthwith restored to
their original state and duties, because we have learned that the
process of amalgamation contains many difficulties and will
require too much labour. We think, therefore, it is best that
these offices be not abolished at all, there being no actual
necessity for doing this. As for the provincial bureaus and
official posts ordered to be abolished, the work in this
connection can go on as usual, and the viceroys and governors are
exhorted to work earnestly and diligently in the above duty.
Again as to the edict ordering the establishment of an official
newspaper, the Chinese Progress, and the privilege granted to all
scholars and commoners to memorialize us on reforms, etc., this
was issued in order that a way might be opened by which we could
come into touch with our subjects, high and low. But as we have
also given extra liberty to our censors and high officers to
report to us on all matters pertaining to the people and their
government, any reforms necessary, suggested by these officers,
will be attended to at once by us. Hence we consider that our
former edict allowing all persons to report to us is, for obvious