An Analysis Of Constitutional Speech Of Takung Pao (1902-1949)

An access to seek the truth of the development of Chinese constitutionalism is to research in a historical perspective,for history is as reenactment of past experience.An analysis based on literature and historical data is the basic method to study the history of constitutionalism. Therefore,selecting appropriate and typical historical data which can replay the background and facts in the past,may lead to an analysis and explanation close to the history.Since modern and contemporary times, political comments in press had become a new way for intellectuals to save the nation from extinction and struggle for survival.With the development of running a newspaper,the newspaper which records the change of China,especially the one with serious content and profound influence,is obviously of great historical value.In the first half of 20^th century,Takung Pao is considered to be the most authorized and influential newspaper in China.Since started publication by Ying Lianzhi in 1902,it had enthusiastically joined in the enlightenment of Chinese constitutionalism and in full sail advocate the constitutional monarchy.In 1926,the new Takung Pao was restarted under presiding of Wu Dingchang,Hu Zhengzhi and Zhang Jiluan.From then on, the new Takung Pao became an important press to propagandize liberal constitutionalism.In the perspective of constitutional history,Takung Pao, during the period from 1902 to 1949,is a highly reliable historical material.Hence,this paper will systematically review and explain the main speeches and thoughts of constitutionalism containing in the Takung Pao of this period in the perspective of constitutionalism and history.In retrospect and analysis of the different speeches on the constitutionalism from different historical stages published in Takung Pao during the first half of 20^th century,it is clear that progressive intellectuals in China,to a large extent,considered the constitutionalism as a tool to solve the domestic intractable problem,fight against the enemies' invasion and finally realize the national rich and strong.As a result,Chinese constitutionalism emerged as an instrument to fulfill the final target of national rich and strong.And Takung Pao in the first half of 20^th century became a powerful annotation of this kind constitutionalism.