Directory_and_Chronicle_1913 — Page 779

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CHINA

in Government circles in Peking. The Minister of War, General Yin Chang, himself made preparations for an advance on Hankow, to re-take the cities of which the revolutionary troops had so easily possessed themselves. Meanwhile news was constantly arriving of the success of the Revolutionary movement in the provinces. Within six weeks fourteen out of the eighteen provinces of China had declared their independence of Manchu rule. Edicts streamed from the Throne yielding every demand in the Revolutionary programme short of the abolition of the morirchy. In its desperation the Court turned to Yuan Shih Kai," the one strong man of China," who had been driven into retirement two years previously for reasons which are familiar to everyone acquainted with the history of the Reform movement in China. Yuan showed no eagerness to take the position of Generalissimo and Viceroy of Hupeh, but, after a month's consideration, went to Peking, presumably satisfied that all the authority and help he required to deal with the situation would be given to the operations. By Imperial Edict he was appointed Premier. Yuan asked for this appointment to be endorsed by the National Assembly, and this was don' unanimously, Meanwhile the advance on Hankow had been begun, and on October 29:h General Yin Chang reported that the native city of Han- kow had been taken by the Imperial army. The Imperialist Commander-in-chief deemed it necessary to the success of his plans that the entire city should be de- stroyed by fire, aid consequently some 700,000 persons were rendered homeless Whether this was done purely from motives of revenge for the disgraceful slaughter of Manchas which marked the beginning of the war, or was, as is represented, a military necessity to ensure a successful assault on Wuchang, is a question which need not con- cern us here. After desperate fighting the "Wa Han towns" were re-taken by the Imperialists. There was severe fighting also at Nanking before it capitulated to the Revolutionaries, and became the seat of the Republican Government. After the Imperialist sucen-s at Hankow there were overtures for peace, and negotiations were opened at Shanghai on December 18th between Wu Ting Fang, as the representative of the Revolutionaris, and Tang Shao-yi as the envoy of the Imperial Government; but the conference cayne to an end almost as soon as it opene 1, because on behalf of the Revolutionaries the abolition of the monarchy was insisted upon as the basis of negotia- tion. This was firmly opposed by Yuan Shil Kai, but on December 28th the Throne announced that it wis prepared to leave the question of the future constitution of China to the devision of a national e nvention. That was the position at the end of the year. Meanwhile Prince Chun had resigned the regency, and by Imperial Decrees the monarchy had been made a limited monarchy on British lines. The Republican convention had elog, od Sun Yat Sen as President of the Republican Military Govern- ment, and upon his installation at Nanking on January 1st he appointed a ministry and issued an appeal to the Powers to recognise the Republican Government. Terms of abidication were offered to the Court at Peking, and Yuan Shih-kai was invited to assume the position of Provisional President of the Republic. After many Palace conferences à Decree of abidiention was issued by the infant Emperor, as having been respectfully receive 1 from her Imperial Majesty the Empress Dowager Lang Yu An extract from the D-ree reads: It is now evident that the hearts of the majority of the people are in favour of a republican form of government

From the preference

1

of the people's heat the will of heaven can be discerned. How could we then bear to oppose the will of tie · millions for the glory of one Family? Therefore, observing the tendencies of the age on the one hand and studying the opinions of the people on the other, We and His Majesty the Emperor hereby vest the sovereignty in the people and device in favour of a republican form of constitutional government

Weand His

•

Majesty the Emp ror, enabled to live in retirement, free from responsibilities and cares and passing the tim in ease and comfort, shall enjoy without interruption the courteous treatment of the Nation and see with Our own eyes the consummation of an illustrious government, an ideal state in truth to be admired." The terms of abidication provide that the Emperor may retain the title of Emperor of Ta Ching and shall be treated in accordance with the etiquette which would govern relations with a foreign monarch on Chinese soil. An annuity of four million taels is payable to him, and His Majesty is permitted to com inue in occupation of the Palaces in the Forbidden City until the Summer Palace is condy for him. The uation undertook to maintain the tombs of the Imperial dead. In due course Dr. Sun Yat-sen resigned the Presidency in favour of Yuan Shih-kai, who was practically unanimously appointed by the National Assembly at Sanking. It was expected of him that he would journey to Nanking to be installed; but after much disen sion this ceremony was performed in Peking. The ambition of the Republicans is to make Nanking the capital of China, but there is much opposition to the proposal, and Peking continues to be the seat of government for the present.

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