The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-11-23

 ACTIVE IN CHINA Guards Are Constantly on
 Watch In Pekin
CEREMONIES CON TINUED
Better Feeling Has Been Engendered By Coalition of Factions and By the Institution of Gen
 eral Reforms.

Pekin, November 22.-While all is quiet at Pekin, half companies of Chinese reg ulars guard each of the city gates, and gendarmes are on duty at the approaches to the foreign legations. Revolutionists are spreading all kinds of reports. which might act like firebrands to the spirit of uneasiness underlying present conditions in China.
 There have been rumors of an insurrec- tionary movement in the south but this has proved to be only a minor out break amongst the artillery and cavalry stationed at Ranking
 It was owing to one of the disturbances that the edict of November 20 was issued: in which it was pointed out that lawless conspirators had tried to invade the in- terior. and all officials were ordered to arrest and summarily behead them wher- ever found.
 Stringent measures have been taken here to suppress any sign of conspiracy. and the government has ordered an in- vestigation of the governor of Ngan- Hwei province on account of a slight uprising that took place there. Two Pekin news papers have been fined, and one sup pressed, for publishing the details of the illness and death of the Emperor and Empress Dowager.
 In all of the provinces mourning eere- monies continue.
 The manner in which yesterdays cere- monial at the imperial palace was con- ducted has been the subject of high com nendation on the part of the representa- 4t,. success that attended this ceremonial and the unanimity shown by the various official factions induced a feeling of optimism with regard to the new govern ment
 The presence al the ceremony of Prince Ching. who for the first time since the death of their majesties appeared official ly as the head of the foreign board, and the unexpected coalition of the clan fac tions, have had much to do with the bet ter feeling that has been engendered, and there is an apparent desire on the part of the diplomats at Pexin to have this feeling of optimism known to the world. Reforms have already been instituted in the palace. The new Dowager Empress Yehonala has withdrawn herself to the ' eunuchs and others who were closely identified with her powerful and dominat- ing rule becoming alarmed at the evil dence of the reform movement, and antici- pating discharge. have fled
 Prince Chun's recent edict, in which he declined to permit any interference from the Dowager Empress Yehonala, has cleared the throne from any possible dom nation of the clan of women, at least until the new Emperor. Prince Pu Vi, assumes power. This edict, which order ed all imperial clansmen to give & greater degree of obedience to the regent than others. and which threatened dis. obeyng princes and officials with severe punishment, indicates the governments recognition of the present opportunity for palace housecleaning.
 Since the issuance of this edict criticisms of the government and wranglngs seemed suddenly to cease. It is believed here q that Prince Ching will be made the seapegoat of the dissenters and will re- tire from his office as head of the for eign board on the plea of age after the mourning period.