Abstract: There were theoretical differences between the “Civil Rights Theory” of the Reform Clique and the Western “Natural Rights.” The Reform Clique did not elevate the “citizen” to the same height as the “individual” nor did they appeal to property rights. However, the reform clique made great efforts to transform the “masses” and in the late nineteenth century, they generated the mass education campaigns for the improvement of the citizenry. After the Reform Movement of 1898,“civil rights theory”evolved new characteristics. The concept of the citizen changed qualitatively and civil rights developed beyond the “right of discussing official business.” The clique accepted the Western ideal of democracy and promoted the principle that citizens must realize the meaning of emancipation themselves.