The morning call., 1894-12-15
PANIC IN PEKING.
The Son of Heaven Knows Not
Whom to Trust,

YOKOHAMA. Nov 29.-Edicts ara ponr-
ing out from the palace in Peking with
reckleSsuess and lack of conference which
attests the utter confusion that reigns at
court. Officials are exalted and cast down.
generals are rewarded ana disgraced, or
dinarily without the slightest understand
ing of the transactions iu which they have
been engaged. Occasionally, however. a
shaft is let fly which seems to indicate
that CLEANS of truth now and then pene-
trate the imperial precincts. General Wei.
one OF the masters of Fabian strategy in
Korea, has lost his head. General Yeb.
who ordered the murder of the French
priest Jozeau, is in prison. General Nieh,
another of the fugitives from Korea, has
been compelled TO disgorge the thousands
OF tsels prematureIy bestowed on him by
the Empress Dowager. Admiral Ting,
who was loaded with favors for having
been beaten at Taikosau harbor, has been
stripped of these unmerited honors aud
ordered to follow hereafter the instruc-
tlons OF an EnglshmaD, Captain Mcclure.
who accompanies MIN nominally as vice
admiral, but who really controls the feet
On the other hand, General Sung, whose
feats of poltroonery have not yet reached
his soverelgn's ear, is ennobled for dis
persinE the vermin and pacifying Korea,
and is ordered TO encamD on the banks of
the Yalu River, and await the arrange
ments for peace by the various powers.
LII Hung Chang is appealed to and reviled
In the same day. Prince Kung is for the
moment the nominal center of authority,
being appointed commander of all the
forces, military and naval. But before
any practical result can follow the enun-
citation of a decree. it is liable to be can
celed by contradictory rescript. The
Government is without form and void.
An unprecedented effort to conciliate the
foreign Ministers nassbeen made by invit-
ing them to meet the Emperor in audience
within the hitherto forbidden quarters of
the palace.
The report that arrangements have been
made for the flight Of the imperial family
from Peking in case of Japanese landing
at Taku, is so far confirmed that il is ac-
cepted as trustworthy by the Japanese
authorities. Chang-Chia is said to be the
chosen place of retreat.
Sedtious placards have been posted in
Ching -Kiang denouncing the Mancbu
dynasty and demanding its overthrow.
part of the reparation demanded by
Great Britain for the outrage on the sieam-
er Chung King has been given in the form
of a salute to the flag of that ship from
the Taku forts. Damages are yet to be
paid and the offenders personally pun
ished.
The best warships of the Nau Yang
squadron have been ordered to join tho
naval force in the Gulf of Pechili, but the
officers and crews are in revolt, alleging
that their service is due only to the Vice
roy of the Liang Kiang. and that they will
not fight the battles Of Ii Hung Chang.
The Central Government is offering strong
pecuniary persuasions to secure their CO.
operation.
The latest report from China states that
the Emperor is at last prepared to appeal
directly to his victorious foe, and Will ask
for an armistce. while Prince Kuug and
Ii Hung Chang will proceed to Japan to
make terms. This rumor is not officially
confirmed.