The San Francisco call., 1896-08-14

birth, but had its origin nearly half CEN
tury ago. when society known as the
Hing Chung Woey was organized. The
movement had for its one purpose the
destruction of the present ruling house
and the restoration of the Ming ynasty.
The disasters encountered by the Chi
nese empire in the last three years have
not tended to Tighten the prejudice
against the Manchurian ruler, though the
present fight is directed mainly toward
the Emperor's right bower, Ii Hung
Chang. To this parsonage is attributed
China's defeat by Japan. and nothing but
his death or deposition can wipe out that
disgrace.
The fact that the Emperor took away
one of the Viceroy's peacock feathers was
made much of at the time, but this is for
gotten in the honors which have been
showered on Chang during the past eight
months. His triumphant visit to Russia,
Germ any, England and now to this coun-
try was too much for those who desired to
see the Ming dynasty again in power.
The Hing Chung Woey Society took on
new life. Some weeks ago eight agents of
the society reached this City. Just how
or from whence they came no one seems
to know, but that they have done good
work for the cause they represent not
even the supporters of the Emperor and
Ii Hung Chang will deny.
The fact is doubly emphasized in the
change of programme ordered by the
| Viceroy. 1t is given out on what appears
| to be good authority that he will return
| to China by way of Victoria. That Ii
Hung Chang should seek to avoid San
francisco, where there are to-day residing
more Chinese than any other spot outside
his native land, seems more than ordi-
narily strange. His journey therefore
/ toward the land where he has exercized
| such powerful influence Tor more than
half century will be watched with in
| terest.
From outward appearances, however. it
would seem that Ii Hung Chang had
heard of the presence in this City of the
HING Chung Woey. In his own country
the Vlceroy does not fear this powerful
political organization, because his follow
ers are numerically greater. But in a
strange country it is different. He does
not know the strength of his own follow
ers, consequently he will trust himself
only to his white friends. He knows that
price is on his head as we'll as that of his
masters, the Emperor. but he does not
propose to give any one in this country
a chance to collect it.
For several days past the dead walls in
Chinatown have been filled with bright
posters announcing the purposes of the
Hing Chung Woey Society and calling on
all Chinese opposed to the present ruler
to acquaint themselves with the principles
OF the new order and lend 1t their moral.
| physical and financial support. Ii Hung
Chang was attacked most fiercely. He
was charged with traitorous conduct In
connection with the late war with Japan.
| Facts which now are part of the history OF
Chlnas downfall are cited to show that
certain relatives of the Viceroy traded
their honor for Japan's gold.
The society further says that China,
properly governed. should submit to no
foreign power, least of all to Japan. 1t is
generally conceded that the majority of
the Chinese living in this City are vio-
lently and unalterably opposed to Ii Hung
Chang.
| There are many who believe he would
be virtually taking his life in his own
hands should he elect to visit San Fran
cisco. The persistent political movements
has greatly augmented this hatred for the
Emperor's advisor, and those familiar
with affairs in Chinatown say he certainly
would be taking a great risk by coming
here. 1t is stated that the Viceroy has
been notified of this local upheaval. hence
his determination to return home by way
of Victoria.
| At the Chinese Consulate they declined
to talk about the matter, except to give
! expression to a doubt as to the work ac-