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CHINA-PEKING
The insurrection which broke out in Yunnan towards the end of 1915 quickly spread to the adjoining provinces, and this led in time to the formation of a confedera- tion headquarters at Canton. Even though the coronation was postponed and later the monarchical movement was cancelled, these concessions failed to satisfy the Revolutionists. Lack of money afflicted both parties, but chiefly the Southerners, who, otherwise, might have achieved greater success. By April and May a deadlock had been reached. However, the tension was relieved when on June 5th, 1916, Yuan Shih- kai died in his palace, a broken-hearted man. Peace was restored by Li Yuan Hung becoming President and assuring the resumption of republican institutions. Though the Revolution ceased with dramatic suddenness on the death of Yuan Shih-kai fighting did not end in Kwantung till several months later, rival generals contending for Canton and the power which its possession conferred in negotiating with the Central Government.
Parliament, which was reconstituted in August, has failed to accomplish anything. Its policy so far has been obstructive rather than constructive. It declined to approve of two nominations for Minister of Foreign Affairs, actions similar to those which forced Yuan Shih-kai to suppress the National Assembly. Friction between the
Chinese and Japanese Governinents arose over a fracas in the Mongolian border town of Chengchiatun, and the questions developing therefrom are still being negotiated. Another unfortunate incident took place in October between the French and Chinese Governments respecting the extension of the French Concession in Tientsin, the French authorities, becoming weary of Chinese procrastination, forcibly taking posses- sion of the area in question. This matter, according to instructions from Paris, is to be settled amicably. The election of Vice-President was debated for some time, and, finally, Fung Kuo-chang was elected.
PEKING
Shun-tien
The present capital of China was formerly the Northern capital only, as its name denotes, but it has long been really the metropolis of the Central Kingdom. Peking is situated on a sandy plain 13 miles S. W. of the Pei-ho river, and about 110 miles from its mouth, in latitude 39 deg. 54 inin. N. and longitude 116 deg. 27 min. E., or nearly on the parallel of Naples. A canal connects the city with the Pei-ho. Peking is ill- adapted by situation to be the capital of a vast Empire, nor is it in a position to become a great manufacturing or industrial centre. The products of all parts of China naturally find their way to the seat of Government, but it gives little save bullion in
return.
From Dr. Dennys' description of Peking we quote the following brief historical sketch: "The city formerly existing on the site of the southern portion of Peking was the capital of the Kingdom of Yan. About 222 B.C., this kingdom was over- thrown by the Chin dynasty and the seat of Government was removed elsewhere. Taken from the Chins by the Khaitons about 936 A.D., it was some two years after- wards made the southern capital of that people. The Kin dynasty, subduing the Khaitans, in their turn took possession of the capital, calling it the 'Western Residence.' About A.D. 1151, the fourth sovereign of the Kins transferred the Court thither, and named it the Central Residence. In 1215, it was captured by Genghis Khan. In 1264 Kublai Khan fixed his residence there, giving it the title of Chung-tu or Central Residence, the people at large generally calling it Shun t'ien-fu. In 1267 A.D., the city was transferred 3 li (one mile) to the North of its then site, and it was then called Ta-tu- the 'Great Residence.' The old portion became what is now known as the 'Chinese city,' and the terms Northern' and 'Southern' city, or more commonly nei-cheng (within the wall) and wai-cheng (without the wall), came into use. The native Emperors who succeeded the Mongol dynasty did not, however, continue to make Peking the seat
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