Tao Baichuan Papers (陶百川), 1956-2002

Summary

Abstract:

Writings, correspondences, personal diaries, photographs relating to politics and government, democracy movement in Taiwan in 20th century.

Extent:

11.33 Linear Feet 20 boxes (13"W) (3 boxes are stacked horizontally) 10 boxes (9"W) (2 boxes are stacked horizontally)

Language:

Chinese

Preferred citation:

Tao Baichuan Papers, EAL0002. Courtesy of the Stanford East Asia Library, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, CA.

Background

Scope and content:

30 boxes of personal documents, including diaries, correspondences, manuscripts, photographs, and memorial service materials

Biographical / historical:

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.

Acquisition information:

Tao Baichuan Papers collection was donated to the Stanford East Asia Library by Tao Baichuan family in 2010.

Arrangement:

Kept original order.

Physical location:

East Asia Library Special Collections, Stanford University

Physical facet:

Papers, correspondences, photos, CDs, etc.

Rules or conventions:

Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Indexed terms

Subjects:

China -- History
Politics and government

Places:

Taiwan

Restrictions:

Open for research; material must be requested at least two business days in advance of intended use. Contact the Library for assistance

Terms of access:

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.

Preferred citation:

Tao Baichuan Papers, EAL0002. Courtesy of the Stanford East Asia Library, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, CA.

Location of this collection:

Stanford University, East Asia Library

Lathrop Library

557 Escondido Mall

Palo Alto, CA 94305-3106, US

Contact:

(650) 725-3435

eastasialibrary@stanford.edu

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