日治初期葫蘆墩區保甲實施的情形及保正角色的探討(1895-1909)

Abstract

This paper is primarily based on information obtained from the Diary (Diary of the Master of Shuichu Residence) of Chang Li-chun, a Pao-cheng (a head of pao), with the scope of the study confined to the Hulutun District (around what is now Fengyuan). It is a regional case study on the implementation of the Paochia system in the early period of the Japanese occupation of Taiwan. The social status of a Pao-cheng in this period will also be studied, including his role in the history of the Japanese occupation. With the goal of building an efficient colonial system in the early stages of the administration of Taiwan, Japan introduced reforms in the Paochia system, which consisted of community self-government and self-protection measures. This system as a consequence became an auxiliary institution for grassroots administration. Through the Paochia system, the Japanese colonial government controlled and influenced grassroots Taiwanese society. Shortly after obtaining control of Taiwan, the Japanese colonial authorities abolished both the existing grand rent household and the civil service examination system. Small rent household, Pao-cheng, and other Paochia members thus became the new leaders in Taiwanese society. They served as an influential social core. More so because the Pao-cheng was the link between the colonizers and the general populace. The intermediating role played by Pao-cheng helped prevent or buttress many direct conflicts between the officialdom and the population. Owing to their broad understanding of people, things, and events in the local community, Pao-chengs were looked upon by both the common people and the colonial authorities, notably in solving conflicts through decision-making and arbitration. From the Diary (Diary of the Master of Shuichu Residence), we realize that the Japanese colonial authorities also took advantage of the Paochia system to carry out and promote their colonial administration policies.