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Tao Baichuan Papers
EAL0002
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Table of contents
Contributing Institution:
East Asia Library
Title: Tao Baichuan Papers (陶百川)
Identifier/Call Number: EAL0002
Physical Description:
11.33 Linear Feet
20 boxes (13"W) (3 boxes are stacked horizontally)
10 boxes (9"W) (2 boxes are stacked horizontally)
Papers, correspondences, photos, CDs, etc.
Date (inclusive): 1956-2002
Abstract: Writings, correspondences, personal diaries, photographs relating to politics and government, democracy movement in Taiwan
in 20th century.
Physical Location: East Asia Library Special Collections, Stanford University
Language of Material: Chinese
30 boxes of personal documents, including diaries, correspondences, manuscripts, photographs, and memorial service materials
Born in 1901 in an ancient city, Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, Mr. Baichuan Tao graduated with dual degrees in literature and
law from the University of Law, Shanghai. In 1934, he went to Harvard University to study law and politics. Following his
return to China he published several dozen books on law, political system and international politics that introduced new ideas
and significantly contributed to the evolution of China's own political institutions. Additionally, Mr. Tao served on various
positions in the government and Kuomintang (the Nationalist Party). Mr. Tao was widely respected and served four consecutive
terms on the National Council prior to the National Government selecting him as a member of the Council during the Sino-Japanese
War (1937-1945). At the Council, he also served as a representative of the Nationalist Party in consultation with leaders
of other parties and political groups. Mr. Tao's meritorious service at the National Council won recognition at the highest
authority levels of the Nationalist Party. As a result, he was appointed Chief of The Central Weekly Magazine of the Nationalist
Propaganda Department - he was later promoted to be Chief of the Central Daily News [the Nationalist Party's opinion organization]
and executive officer of the Youth Corps of the Three Principles of the People [a major branch of the Nationalist Party].
In 1946, following the conclusion of WWII, Mr. Tao resigned from the National Council and became a member of Shanghai Municipal
Assembly. In 1947, he was selected as a member of the Control Yuan of the National Government. His service at the Control
Yuan is often considered to be the most prominent throughout this public career. He handled several high-profile cases, including
those of Premier Hung-chun Yu (俞鴻鈞), Chen Lei (雷震) and General Li-jen Sun (孫立人). In each case, he spoke out fearlessly for
what he believed, regardless of the risks to his life and career. Mr. Tao's courageous dedication to his principles earned
him the epithet of Tao the Clear Sky.
In 1977, Mr. Tao resigned from the Control Yuan and was appointed "Presidential Advisor on National Policy". He used his influence
and writings to promote democracy and human rights, and provided strong leadership in Taiwan's public opinion movement and
considerably advanced freedom of speech in the region.
Mr. Baichuan Tao passed away in 2002 at the age of 101.
Tao Baichuan Papers, EAL0002. Courtesy of the Stanford East Asia Library, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, CA.
Open for research; material must be requested at least two business days in advance of intended use. Contact the Library for
assistance
Property rights reside with repository. Publication and reproduction rights reside with the creators or their heirs. To obtain
permission to publish or reproduce, please contact the Head of the East Asia Library.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Tao Baichuan Papers collection was donated to the Stanford East Asia Library by Tao Baichuan family in 2010.
Kept original order.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Taiwan
China -- History
Politics and government