The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1908-11-21
RECENT FOR
CHINA
DEATH IS ANNOUNCED OF
BOTH EMPEROR AND
DOWACER.
Choice of Prince Chun as Ruler
introduces Modern Element In
70 Government and Respects
Rule Of Succession-Young Son
OF Chun Heir Apparent.

OF Chun Heir Apparent.
Pekng, Nov. 1.-THE emperor died
shortly after 5 O'Clock this afternoon
huang Hsu's later life was a pitiable
spectacle to his attendants. His feeble.
ness had rendered him mere nunnet
ana ne had suffered long from ill
health, which was combined with fear
and despair. Laterly he showed marked
signs of mental disturbances and even
went SO far last August as to declare
himself mad.
Pek1ng, Nov. 15.-Tsze Hsi An. the
dowager empress of China, autocratic
head OF the government, which she di-
| rected without successful interference
since 1861, and without protest since
1881, died at 2 o'clock this afternoon.
The announcement of the dowager
empress death followed closely upon
the announcement that Kuang Hsu, the
emperor, had died yesterday at 5
O'Clock in the afternoon, but it is be-
lieved the deaths occurred considera-
bic time before that set down in the
Official statement. An edict issued at
O'Clock this morning placed upon the
throne Prince Pu vi, the three-year-
old son of Prince Chun, the regent Of
the empire, in accordance with a prom
Use given by the dowager empress soon
after the marriage of Prince Chun in
1903. An edict issued on Friday made
Prince Pu vi heir presumptive.
Troops have been in readiness for
several days to quell any disorders that
might arise on the death of Kua1ig
Hsu. The possibility of uprisings was
made greater because of the fact that
the death of the dowager empress was
known to be close at hand
Prince Chun, the regent, has ordered
the viceroys and governors to take pre-
cautions for the continuation of the
administration Of the provinces as
heretofore, and he has ordered hun
dred days of mourning. The court will
60 into mourning for three years.
Peking has already been greatly
transformed. All red objects have been
removed and blue substituted. The
people learned this evening of the
death of the dowager empress, and the
Chinese are profoundly impressed by
the passing of their powerful ruler.
The foreigners in the city are watching
the strange ceremonies with great in
terest.
Deathbed observance in vogue three
thousand years ago marked the passing
of the emperor and dowager. They
died alone and unattended, although
surrounded by circle Of abject specta-
tors, who remained rod distant, as,
on account of the sacred persons of
their majesties, they could not be ap-
preached The emperor died as he
lived, without ministration Of what
ever kind or scientific aid. For months
he had refused to permit the services
of foreign physicians.
The dowager empress has success
fully established the Chun regime,
which is the Manchu regime.
Until word of the death is spread
broadcast no disorders are apprehend-
ed China is quieter now than at any
time since 1900. Local disorders in
the south are possible on any pretext,
but the north is more inclined to
peace. There are few signs OF antag-
onism to foreigners, and there is no
manner of doubt that Prince Chun will
! be able to meet the situation. He IS
recognized as thoroughly progressive,
and is the most acceptable man that
could have been chosen to those most
disposed to cause trouble-the reform
ers. Antagonist on the part OF ne
conservatives, and even an insurrec-
tionary movement is conceivable, be-
cause the death of the powerful wo-
man who dominated all, and the weak
ling emperor, sweeps away the OLD
palace corruptionists.