The herald., 1898-09-23
the EMPEROR OF CHINA
HAS CEASED TO BEEVEN A MERE
FIGUREHEAD
THE D0WAGER DUMPED HIM
If There Is Any Reforming to Be Done
the Old Lady Will Attend
to It
Associated Press Special Wire.

PEKING, Sept. 22.-An imperial edict
just issued definitely announces that the
Emperor of China resigned his power to
the Empress (dowager Empress), who has
ordered the ministers to deliver to her In
future their official reports
1t is difficult to obtain information In
regard to the proceedings, but the recent
rcformatory edicts probably caused the
change. While the Emperor was subserv-
lent and mere figure-head, the Dowager
Empress permitted him to come In peace,
but as soon as he attempted to act on his
own initiative. his practical deposition was
the result His principal adviser, Kang
Yumoi. the Cantonese reformer, fled In
spite Of the vigorous attempt made to ar
rest him, and 1t 10 said he is now on his
way to Shanghai.
The effect of the change must be great.
In all probability Ii Hung Chang will be
reinstated In power and Russian influence
will increase. The hopes of reform, so
ardently cherished by the intelligent fac
tons of the Chinese, are now impossible
of fulfillment.
The suddenness of the coup is said to be
due to the desire of the Dowager Empress
to prevent the mission of Marquis Ito
lIOii pcL6 SuCCcSSlui lie JdPuhSSe
statesman recently came to Picking with
the object Of trying to bring about an
alliance. offensive and defensive, between
Japan and China.
The new order Of things will undoubtedly
prejudice British interests In China.
1t Is reported today that the next edict
will give the full reason for the change.
The wording of the present edict Is not yet
obtainable, but it is to the effect thavthe
Emperor requested the Dowager Empress
10 assume power. this being the third
time the request has been made.
The Marquis Ito, In an interview before
the edict was issued, said the Emperor re-
ceived him yesterday in the most cordial
manner and said he hoped to have the ad-
vantage of the advice of the Marquis In the
reforms which His Majesty intended to
undertake.
The Marquis even then. feared that the
inaction and conservatism Of the Chinese
officials would nullify the reforms.
London Advices
LONDON. Sept 22-The Daily Mails
Picking correspondent. telegraphing We'd
nesday, says:
The dowager empress is greatly incensed
Chsrg's degradation and Sir Claude Mac
Donald's attitude since Ii Hung Chang's
fall. She had granted 20 NJ. Pavlof. the
Russian charge daffa res. several lengthy
audiences. Probably Ii Hung Chang will
return to power. but not to office. The
widest rumors are afioat- It is reported
the emperor has had alterations with the
.sung II yamen and the domager empress.
A Russian Agreement
LONDON, Sept. "a dispatch from
Hong Kong to the Globe purports to give
details Of the secret convention signed al
Pekin on March 9th 1t appears that Hsu
Wing K Quot of the Chinese Foreign Office
thereby concluded an agreemen; with st
Petersburg by which China ceded Por. Ar
thur and Ia Lien Wan, STIMULATING that only
Russian and Chinese warshps enter or
dock at Port Arthur.
Russia. 1t also appears, gets the exclu
sive use Of the inner harbor of Ia Lien Wan
the sole administr ation Of the coded terri
tories and a tract Of land north of Ia Lien
Wan is designated as a buffer belt.