New-York tribune., 1908-11-18
4 FIRM RULE IN CHINA.
Strength Of Reform Party-Rumor
of Poison Discredited.

PekinE Nov. 17-Nothing has developed in
Peking to-day substantiate the reports that
either the Emperor Of China or the Empress
Dowa ger was poisoned or victim of foul
play. All the foreign legations here agree that
the Ernperor's death was due to natural causes.
Opinion varies, however. regarding the end of
the Empress Dowager. but all the deductions in
her case are negligible and not related TO
the sources from which the circumstantial de-
tails Of the deaths OF their majesties have been
derived
In view of the suspicious entertained abroad.
the Foreign Office to-day explained freely the
circumstances attending the deaths. and its
statement has been satisfactory to the powers
friendly to China
Disquieting rumors still current to-day
regarding the future relations between Prince
Chun. the Regent of the empire, and Prince Ching
and Yuan Shi Kai- Prince Ching is president
of the Board of Foreign Affairs. Yuan shi Kai,
Grand Councillor, one of the most powerful men
in the country. as head OF the reformers enjoys
the passive support Of the United States. Great
Britain and other powers which command re-
spect at court.
The local press began to-day to publish details
Of the occurrences OF Friday, Saturday and Sun
day. They have said practically nothing Of the
events at the palace and the promulgation of the
regency. The Empress Dowager. Ye-ho-
that the meetings of the Grand Council! be held
in her private apartments Here a plan which
already had been discussed was adopted without
loss Of time The councillors warned the princes
that the regency was final. and in terms that
were not open TO nisinterpretation they
pressed the opinion that any opposition thereto
would be promptly snd adequately met and pun
tshed-
The police succeeded to-day in stopping tho
the native bans-s here. The institutions
in the hands Of the authorities. Four
teen OF them have closed The government con-
tract business has been temporarily suspended
Quiet prevails in the city. and many gendarmes
and sentrtes have been withdrawn Four thou
sand soldiers are retained on duty the pal
sce where Te-ho-na-ls is in possession Pu VI.
the heir presumptive, and Prince Chun. the
Regent GO TO the palace daily. The Regent is
IN frequent conference with the members of the
Grand Council
The victory of the reform element and the fact
that reform Influences are well represented in
the new rule have alarmed the Manchu organi-
cations and Manchu influence and power are
thought 10 be in jeopardy.
Dispatches received here BY the government
from the provinces set forth that the regency
has everywhere been received quietly. The gov
eminent is in complete control of the situation.
An edict issued to-day instructs Prince Pu
I.un and Chen Pi 70 GO TO the western tombs
and select site for the grave Of Kweng-
There will be continuous funeral ceremonies at
the palace for twenty-seven days These OBJ
servances began yesterday and were attended
by the Empress Dowager and representatives
Of the various government departments
Honolulu Nov 1.-THE Hawaii "Shimho pub
fishes what purports TO be a text ot 4 new treaty
between Japan and the United States, the official
announcement which treaty, II will not be
made until next February The treaty, as pub
lished guarantees the integrity of China The
emigration Of Iaborers from either country to the
other is prohibited until further agreement is
reached