INAUGURAL STATEMENT OF 'HSIN-SHIH-TAI'

10 April 1923

[Text] This journal, founded by colleagues of the Hunan Self-Study University, can be taken as an organ to publish findings of their research.

This journal is different from other school journals which accept all sorts
of articles as if they were "groceries of words." This journal has certain
principles and purposes. We all have an independent and enterprising spirit
and unswerving determination. In view of the bad social system and inadequate educational institution, we pool our efforts to organize and establish
this "fugitive state of learning," to try to acquire practical knowledge,
and to prepare to carry out social reforms. At the initial stage of Self-
Study University, the value of our ideals has to be tested and the results
are not yet known. However, we believe our goals are correct. Based on
this spirit and determination, there is ample chance for success. This
journal can be a yardstick for experimentation.

The inception of this journal is of great significance. It is expected
that this journal will make a thorough study and present concrete suggestions to those issues such as how to reform the government, how to clean
up political practices, how to topple imperialism, how to overthrow the
warlords, how to renovate educational institutions and how to revolutionize
and renovate arts, literature and other branches of learning. It is our
sincere and earnest hope that this journal will urge those who have the
same ideals to study and implement these social reforms.

WU-SSU SHIH-CHI CHI-KAN CHIEN-SHAO (Introduction to Periodicals of the
May 4 Period) Vol 2, People's Press, April 1959

AHSIN-SHIH-TAI (New Era) No 1, published by Hunan Self-Study University,
10 April 1923