73
To turn from speculations regarding the future action of the southern agitators to the actual political position occupied by the provisional President at the moment, it inust be conceded that this is stronger than at any period since Yusu's accession to power. About the 4th August the first steps were taken by him to overawe his opponents of the Kuo Min-tang party, who remained in Peking and continued to fulfil their functions and draw their salaries as members of the National Assembly. Some days later rumours were current that some form of compromise had been arrived at between Ynan and the above-mentioned party. Military successes having intervened, it is probable that the President considered compromise no longer necessary, and determined to resort to sterner measures. Round about the 20th August it was reported that numerous arrests were being made among the President's political opponents. These culminated on the 27th August with the arrest of a number of senators and deputies belonging to the Kuo Min-tang. For a time there was talk of adopting measures of retaliation against the unconstitutional action of the President, and a deputation of the two Houses even went so far as to visit the Winter Palace and ask Yuan for a categorical statement regarding his intentions of ruling the country with or without Parliament. It is not known what reply they received, but all opposition may now be said to have collapsed, and there are signs that the definite election of Yuan as first President of the Chinese Republic will not now be long delayed.
I have, &c.
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No. 147.
B. ALSTON.
Mr. Alston to Sir Edward Grey.—(Received October 6.)
(No. 226.) (Telegraphic.) En clair.
Peking, October 6, 1913. YUAN SHIH-KAI elected President of the Chinese Republic to-day.
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(No. 230.)
No. 149.
Mr. Alston to Sir Educard Grey-(Received October 12.)
(Telegraphic.) R.
YOUR despatch of 24th September.
Peking, October 12, 1913.
I would deprecate coming to any decision for reducing garrison in North China until effect of formal election of President and of foreign recognition of his Government has been seen, say until the spring of next year. At present martial law still prevails in many centres in China. Chinese themselves are by no means confident as to political outlook.
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