While the dispute over the renamed Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is far from over, the Judicial Yuan is planning to move out of its premises, which, unfortunately, have been designated as a historic site.Like the CKS memorial the Taipei municipal authorities made a cultural site, the Judicial Building next to the Presidential Mansion has to be kept intact by all means.The Kuomintang wants to thwart President Chen Shui-bian’s effort to create a National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall, while the Council for Cultural Affairs is trying to dismantle the fourth story of the building, which was erected with only three in 1934.
The fourth floor was added in 1977 to accommodate a larger staff, which now totals close to 1,000 personnel.The four-story building was designated a historical monument in 1999.The council insists that the addition be torn down to make the building look exactly as it did 73 years ago. The Judicial Yuan – together with its district, high and supreme courts and affiliated offices – has to move out to facilitate work to restore the “historical relic.”
Whether that 73-year-old building is a historical relic or not is a moot question.In a history-hungry Taiwan – the island has a history of less than 400 years – a building erected by the Japanese colonialists may be considered one of great historical importance.If that yardstick is applied, thousands of historical relics may be created across Taiwan.In fact, the Taiwan Railway Administration building has been so designated, and restoration work has already begun.Even a ruined beer brewery in Taipei was named a cultural site.So was a former girlie restaurant, “Black Beauties,” which was a favorite haunt of the rich and the mighty while Taiwan was working the economic miracle of the twentieth century.
Inasmuch as the Judicial Building is concerned, no dismantling is justified.The added 30-year-old story merges seamlessly into the original structure.Its being 43 years younger does not detract from the value of the entire “historical” building, if it does really deserve that name.
But the real trouble with Taiwan is a sudden proliferation of historic and cultural memorials.Since the council was set up, cultural affairs bureaus have mushroomed in cities and counties across Taiwan. As a matter of fact, they have long exhausted structures and sites that have to be kept intact because of their truly cultural and historical importance.These offices have to create new memorials and monuments to keep part of their staff busy.Monument designation must not be their only job.If it is, all of them must be deactivated, because they have outlived their usefulness.
（本文刊載於96.06.11 China Post第4版，本文代表作者個人意見）