The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1901-11-09
Earl LIS Life Said to Have Been
Shortened by Stormy Interview
With Russian Minister to China
Went Home III
JAPAN ASKED TO SEE
MANCHURIAN TREATY
To This Russian Minister Object
ed EmphatiCaIIy and Opposed
Lii When He Explained it Was
Empress Order That Powers
Should See Treaty

Pekin, Nov. S.-A violent dispute with
M. Paul Lessar. Russian minister to
China, over the Manchurian treaty, ap-
pears to have been the immediate cause
of the death of Ii Hung Chang.
The diplomatic events preceding this
tragic climax have enabled Japan for
a moment to Illustrate the designs OF
Russia. A fortnight ago the japanese
legation secured a reliable outline OF
the terms of the treaty and, thereupon
demanded that the Chinese plenipo-
tentiaries officially lay before them the
text, basing this demand upon the al
legation that Japanese interests were
involved nj any change in the status OF
Manchuria.
The Chinese plenipotentiaries refus-
ed to comply with the demand. There
upon the Japanese government from
Toxic communicated with the
southern viceroys and induced them to
use their influence with the empress
dowager against the treaty. In the
meantime the empress dowager in
structed Ii Hung Chang to communi-
cate the treaty, after certain modifica-
tions, to the ministers Of the powers
and, if they did not object, to sign the
same.
Ii Hung Chang visited M. Lessar and
explained to him the instructions. The
huSSldn UllIllbleT 6lIOuBlJ OOJEIlCA "
revealing the text of the treaty to the
ministers of the other powers, and a
stormy Interview ensued. Ii Hung
Chang went home in violent passion
and suffered a hemorrhage, which the
doctors attributed to the over exertion
of a weakened system
While these things were happening
| in Pekin, the southern viceroys sent to
| the empress doWager memorial
IN raOafxfiDer q q a
telegraphed to Ii Hung Chang, coun-
termanGing the order to sign. This in
struction came after Ii Hung Chang
| had become unconscious. When NJ.
Lessar endeavored to have Ii Hung
Chang's seal affixed to the treaty, Chou
Flu, provincial treasurer, had arrived
| from Pao Ting Flu and taken charge
of the seals as the temporary successor
Of Earl Ii.
The nag of the United States lega-
ton was the only one halfmasted in
Pekin today. The mourners and the
family of Ii Hung Chang win burn
paper offerings tomorrow, in accord
ance with custom, for the use of his
spirit In the other world. The street
| is hung with mourning emblems. AL
| the attendants at the yamen are richly
attired, and many Of them gaudily
dressed. Today musicians beat drums
/ dDOuL liiG
Ii Hung Changes estate will remain in
tact for the use Of his eldest son, who
will provide for the other members Of
the family.
Yuan Shi Kal's successor in the COVER
lnorship of the province of Shan Tung Il
an unknown man. who has been holding
an unimportant though lucrative position
as grain commissioner in one Of the in
land towns of the province. He will b
watched with the deepest solicitude, az
Of China will largely danpnf
upon his course.
Telegraphic communication with Prince
Ching was obtained today. He is hasten
/ ing to meet the court. after consultation
he will return with Wang Wen Shao, who
is accompanying the court. which IS nov
five days journey from Kai Fong tu-
/ Emperor Kwang Su. report says. is as,
serting himself and leading the imperial
cortege on horseback. Native papers de-
clare that he proposes to inaugurate q
revival Of the military spirit, assuming
the honorary position of commandment
chief, and wearing a Uniform