On Statecraft School Daoguang Six-year Water Transport Reform

During JiaQing (1796-1820) and DaoGuang (1821-1850) periods, Ching Dynasty had shown declining tendency. CaoYun (canal transportation), one of the most important imperial government affairs, accumulated evil malpractices which were difficult to remove and affected the control over Yellow River, agriculture and commerce. So CaoYun should and must be reformed.Facing the declining tendency. JingShiPai (men who wanted to save country and benefit people) tried hard to turn the trend. They advocated JingShiZhiYong (what have learned servcd country s needs), did concrete jobs, wrote political essay, discussed po1ic~es about administering the country and wanted to real!zc Iheir dreain~ that they would rule the country well and give the people peace arid security. At the same time, CaoYun that need to be relhrmed offered them a chance to put their thoughts into effect.In the 6t%pf DaoGuang period (1826). .JingShiflai adopted the attitudes of seeking truth from facts and brought the changeable spirit into play. They worked out schemes painstakingly, took many effective measures promptly. and organized resources systemically. Finally they didn抰 transport the tribute grain by way of the Grand Canal as usual, but by sea boats. The reform achieved great success.