Directory_and_Chronicle_1917 — Page 778

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CHINA

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 monarchy. In its desperation the Court turned to Yuan Shih Kai,"the one strong inan 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 done unanimously. Meanwhile the advance on Hankow had been begun, and on October 29 li 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, and consequently some 700,000 persons were rendered homeless. Whether this was done purely from motives of revenge for the disgraceful slaughter of Manchus 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 "Wu 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 success 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 Revolutionaries, and Tang Shao-yi, as the envoy of the Imperial Government; but the conference came to an end almost as soon as it opened, 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 Shih Kai, but on December 28th the Throne announced that it was prepared to leave the question of the future constitution of China to the decision of a national convention. 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 limiterl monarchy on British lines. The Republican con- vention had elected Sun Yat Sen as President of the Republican Military Government, and upon his installation at Nanking on January 1st, 1912, he appointed a Ministry and issued an appeal to the Powers to recognise the Republican Government. Terms of abdication 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 abdication was issued by the infant Emperor, as having been respectfully received from her Imperial Majesty the Empress Dowager Lung Yu An extract from the Decree reads: "It is now evident that tlie hearts of the majority of the people are in favour of a republican form of government

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of the people's hearts the will of heaven can be discerned. How could we then bear to oppose the will of the 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 decide in favour of a republican form of constitutional government

We and His Majesty the Emperor, enabled to live in retirement, free from responsibilities and cares and passing the time 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 terins of abdication 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 was permitted to continue in occupation of the Palaces in the Forbidden City until the Summer Palace should be ready for him. The nation 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 Nanking. It was expected of him that he would journey to Nanking to be installed; but after much discussion this ceremony was performed in Peking. The ambition of the Republicans was to make Nanking the capital of China. but there was much opposition to the proposal, and Peking continues to be the seat of government. Early in 1913 the National Assembly gave place to a Parliament of two Houses, and after the abortive second revolution, against what was regarded as dictatorship by Yuan Shih- kai, the "provisional" government was brought to an end by Parliament duly electing Yuan Shih-kai as President of the Republic for a period of five years, with General Li