The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-01-26
DRAWN
 ID NEW ADVISOR Yuan-Shi-Kai Is Called Ii Hung
 Chang of China DIPLOMAT AND REF0RMER Is Chief Counsellor to the Empress. He Also Retains Command of
 the Army of the
 North.

Paris, January 25.-(Special Cabe.)- Chinas warlike move, the urgent order for quick-iring guns at the moment when the complications with Japan on account of the Hsiniintun- Fakumen railroad em- broglio are acute. calls renewed attention to Yuan-shi-Kai, grand secretary and advisor to the Empress of China.
 Yuan-Shi-Kai has been called the new Li-Hung- Chang, not only because he con- tinues that statesmans efforts to establish foreign-drilled army but because, like the late Chinese Bismarck he is both military leader and civil administrator, diplomat, reformer and-intriguer, if there is any need of intrigue.
 The fact that, in addition to his activ- ity as the Empress chief counsellor, he retains his post as commanding general of the Army of the North, makes him a doubly interesting figure to. America in view of the yellow peril.
 If there be war between China and Japan, or between Japan and the United States, Yuan-Shi- Kai's army Is bound to play the part for which it has been pre- pared ever since the Boxer uprising.
 Yuan-Shi-Kai is now 5S years old and has been chief of that part of the Chinese army, which Is drilled according to Eu- ropean methods. for nearly ten years. He is a stout little man with bright brown eyes, very affable and very energetic. His subordinates both fear and admire him and like Li-Hung- Chang and Bismarck. his capacity for work Is prodigious. r The reformers regard him as the hope of China since he advised the Empress, early last December, to prepare for grant, ing a constitution; he has the Empress full confidence and is looked upon as a pillar of her throne.
 Previous to Septembers22, 1898. the date of the Empress coup d'etat. Yuan-Shi- Kai was reckoned a supporter of the Elm peror. Indeed the latter instructed him to secure the persons of L-Hung-Chang and of Yung Lu, the viceroy of Chihli, and behead them without process of law.
 In order to carry out the Emperor's command, Yuan-Shi-kai proceeded to Tientsin, and assuming that the imperial
 order was unknown there, he went un-
 suspectingly to the viceroy's office. But just before he entered Yung-Lu, who Is
 a nephew of the Empress, had received
 word of Yuan-Shi-Kai's mission.
 You have been in Pekin, general, con-
 spring with the Emperor" he thundered.
 Who gave you permission to leave your
 post, and what orders did the Emperor give you?'
 "I perceive that I am your excellency's 8 prisoner" replied Yuan-Shi-Kai suavely, and will tell the truth, being convinced that nothing can remain hidden to Yung- Lu. Well, then, had orders to secure you
 and Li-Hung-Chang for execution" And why don't you carry out your l orders?" cried Yung Lu, at the same time sounding bell that brought a dozen 1 armed men for his protection. Here I am, murder me- Didn't the Emperor tell you to do SOP"
 q have changed my mind," answered the general quickly, land herewith offer my sword to your excellency and to her | majesty the Empress"
 1 Saying this, Yung- -Shi-Kai delivered to | Yung-Lu the secret decrees entrusted to l him by the Emperor. Yung-Lu placed the | general under formal arrest and instantly | departed for the summer palace, the Em- | press residence. After a conference be- | tween aunt and nephew. the Empress 1 drove to Pekn and made the Emperor a | prisoner of state. He has been prisoner 1 ever since and the Empress reigns su- l preme.
 | Shi-Kais s phenomenal career dates | from the time of his treachery to the | poor wear Emperor and of his joining | hands with the crafty and powerful old | woman who has ruled China so long and ! successfully Governor of Shantung, vice l roy of Chihli, commander -in-chief of the | Chinese imperial forces, grand secretary | and chief advisor to the crown-these are l mile stones in Yuan-Shi-Kais advance to | power.
 | If there be war, he is sure to make 1 the best use of the formidable army of 1 the north, and both in the game of war
 and diplomacy he promises to be com 1