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"IMPORTANT EDICTS AND GOVERNMENT CHANGES. 27ted that resignation was the only possible step for them.The wisdom of never resigning, however, was fullyjustified a little later. In July appeared Tuan Fang sEpitome of Politics," of 133 chapters, consistingchiefly of translations of documents obtained by theMission of Five. The appearance of this volume, underthe joint authorship of Tai Hung-tzu and Tuan Fang,aroused immense enthusiasm in the Chinese pressand amongst the student classes, coinciding with considerable unrest in the provinces that culminated in themurder of the Governor of Anhwei on the 6th July.This enthusiasm and unrest combined to stir up Peking,and a number of Government changes took place thatappeared to foreshadow the abdication of the Empress-Dowager. Prince Ching, that ever-ready go-between,was to retire from public life ;Prince Chun was tobecome virtual prime minister, and Chang Chih-tungand Yuan Shih-k ai were called to Peking on AugustI4th, it being understood that they were to act as jointdeputy prime-ministers. On the i2th August, in response to a memorial by Chang Chih-tung, a decree hadbeen issued whereby it was enacted that "if there beany difference between the Mauchus and the Chinesesuch difference shall be totally wipedout." Yuan Shihkaihad included the same point in a memorial two daysearlier, and in this memorial he had also urged otherreforms. On the I4th was issued the decree by whichthe Commission of Constitutional Reform was created,and this finally committed Peking to at least a semblanceof reform. On the 26th July, Yuan had sent in amemorial regarding the preparation for representativegovernment. The arrival of Yuan Shih-k ai and ChangChih-tung in Peking gave rise to considerable speculation. Would the two work together or at cross purposes ?For a time at any rate they worked harmoniously.They had each been rapidly promoted, and both becameGrand Councillors in the early days of September, theolder statesman being at the same time made Comptrol-