Spanish Fork Press | 1905-09-28 | Page 5 | China's Bows and Arrows

Chinas Bows and Arrows Though an attempt was made two years ago to abolish bows and arrows as the national weapons of China the work has only been accomplished within tho last few weeks The Imperial Im-perial archers have existed up to tho time the royal edict put them out of business about a month ago Tho emperors em-perors decree Is as follows Our dynasty dy-nasty was established by means of the bow and arrow and the art Is still therefore kept up In the examination of officials and the drilling of troops Lately however military science has Improved and weapons are being modernized mod-ernized every day and we must imitate imi-tate the martial spirit ot our ancestors ances-tors by using our best endeavors to es tabllsh a strong government hereafter Here-after the princes dukes and ministers of the eight banners must all earnestly earnest-ly I practice military art and attain the utmost proficiency which will leave no time for the observance of mere forms nnd we order all officials In future fu-ture not to carry the bow and arrow when they attend state ceremonies nor are Imperial bodyguards or tho I palace guards to use them but the I best weapons must be provided for them Let the board of war draw up the necessary regulations for the proper prop-er testing of military efficiency for tho soldiers and let ttio said hoard report thereon