再论土司制度的终结

Rediscussion on the Ending of Tusi System

元明清时期,中央王朝在西南等少数民族地区推行土司制度,利用少数民族地区的贵族实施统治。明清时期,中央王朝对土司地区改土归流,土司区日渐缩减。清末,土司制度已名存实亡。1911年3月,民政部发布《各省土司一律改设流官》,是土司制度终结的标志。中华民国成立后,颁布《临时约法》,规定"中华民国人民一律平等",从法理意义上不再承认根植于专制制度的土司制度。民国时期,中央政府从未承认土司制度。但在土司制度终结后,还有许多土司个体继续存在,在处理地方民族事务时,他们仍发挥了一定作用。

During the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, the central dynasty implemented Tusi system in Southwest ethnic minority areas of China. The local nobilities were appointed to the chieftains who governed the ethnic minority areas. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the central dynasty carried out "Gai Tu Gui Liu" in Tusi areas. Therefore, the Tusi areas gradually reduced and the Tusi system had been empty by the late of Qing dynasty. In March 1911, the Ministry of Civil Affairs issued a decree"the government officials take the place of all the provincial chieftains", which was the symbol of the Tusi system ended up. After the establishment of the Republic of China,"Provisional Law" was promulgated and provided that"The people of the Republic of China are equal", which meant the Tusi system rooted in autocratic rule was no longer recognized in the law. During the period of the Republic of China, the central government never admitted the Tusi system. However, it is well known that many chieftain individuals existed after the Tusi system terminated and they still played a role in dealing with the local ethnic affairs.