Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-11-17
DEATH OF MONARCH
SPREADS UGLY TALES
Continued from Page one)

are not concerned in the government;
but officials decline to be interviewed,
though the statement made by the As
ISOLATED Press November IA to the eff
feet that it is not Japans intention in
the event of disorder or disorganiza-
ton in Chinese territory to take any
step until after a consultation of all the
interested nations and an agreement by
the powers, may be regarded as ex-
pressing the attitude of the govern
ment.
Endorsed by Press
This subject is Endorsed by the semi
official Kokumin, which in an editorial
says that Japan's policy must be the
maintenance by every means of the
status quo in China and adherence to
the concert Of the powers.
1t says that China policy must be to
go forward and not backward and that
the powers should combine to insure
the integrity of China.
Among many well informed persons
it is believed that the dowager has
been dead for at least many days.
The emperor undoubtedly was sick,
but the life of the dowager empress
was threatened by his adherence dur
ing his lifetime, as the emperor's well
known liberal views had caused the
dowager to deprive him of power.
The death of the dowager empress be-
fore that of the emperor would have
left him free to advocate a revival of
the reform movement which was dras-
tically vetoed by her, and therefore the
emperor's death is regarded as oppor-
tune by the Conservatives.
The leading Japanese officials I'M
doubtedly are closely observing the
situation in Pelzin.
There is every indication that Japan
is fully prepared for eventualities IN
ys, 10 hpFs iDfarngfg
should a repetition of history occur,
but it is believed she expects the ad-
vice and cooperation Of America.
Takes Firm Grip
PICKING, Nov. 17.-Prince Chun, re-
gent of the empire, in fear of the in
creasing excitement and revolutionary
movements, has taken a firm grip on
affairs and has adopted stringent mea-
sures that will result in the mainte-
nance of peace for time at least.
At noon 5000 gendarmes guarded the
streets and other military forces We're
held in readiness for any eventuality.
Every precaution was taken to prevent
a recurrence of the revolutionary tao
tics Of last April and May, which were
marked by widespread incendiarism.
The foreign legations are under guard,
special detachments of Chinese troops
keeping watch at the approaches.
The statement was made at the le-
cations that there was no fear that
the Chinese government would be I'M
able to afford ample protection, but
those within the legations were more
alert than usual and seemingly anxious
to have set at rest the doubts arising
from the swift movements Of events
in the last few days.
Outlook Is Dark
There were many occurrences today
to lead to the sinister aspect of affairs.
Rumors were current for time that
the new dowager, Ye Hon Ala, and
Yuan Shi Kai, the grand councillor,
and one of the most powerful men in
the empire, had committed suicide.
Though there was no truth in these re-
ports, they went far toward disturbing
the Chinese and foreigners alike.
Serious runs on banks occurred yes
terday and today, and fourteen native
banks closed. The crowds were wild
with excitement and toward the close
of the day the police interviewed and
drove them back.
one foreign concern, the Yokohama
Suecie bank, suffered big run on It's
Tien Tsin notes, but the British, Ger
man and Russian institutions were not
affected
Is is probable a number of other
native banks will be closed tomorrow,
and it is believed the government VIII
step in and endeavor to stop the imam
cial panic among the poorer classes.
As vet the causes of the death OF the
emperor and dowager empress nave
not been made public. There is no
reasonable evidence to show that death
in either case was the result OF any
thing but natural causes.
The emperor had been ailing for a
long time, and had been in feeble health
during the latter half of his life. The
dowager empress had carried burdens
of state for many years, and In the
last few months had shown signs OIL
declining health.
At the celebrations of her birthday
on November she took prominent
part, against the wishes of her advis-
ers, with the result that she was at
tackled with congestion of the lungs,
accompanied by high fever. Physi-
clans who had previously attended the
emperor and empress are of the opinion
that their physical condition was such
that they were certain victims of the
first extremes of weather, although in
their opinion also modern medicine and
treatment would have been efficacious.
Government Fears Reformers
The government entertains fears of
the KEN Ming Ting reformers, who are
reported to be assembling with a view
to taking advantage of the present
disturbed condition of the country.
While matters have an appearance of
tranquility, there are reports of dis
affection among the adherentS of half
a dozen rival candidates for the throne,
and to the minds of the foreigners the
government itself is disaffected
1t is contended by some that the eld-
est Pu-that is, Pu Lun-is the legiti-
selection of Pu vi was another of the
dowagers illegal acts.
An imperial order was issued today in
the name of Dowager Empress Ye Hon
Ala expelilng all palace visitors, which
who assembled during the period when
their majesties were believed to be dy-
ing and have remained within and near
the precincts ever since.
A conference of the diplomatic rep
resentatives was held today and it was
decided to ask the regent to name a
convenient time for the presentation of
condolences of foreign governments. 1t
was stated after the conference that
only this matter was discussed, but it
was thought the situation in the en-
pire was the chief subject under con-
sideration.
The belief is general here that Pu
Lun eventually will succeed Prince
Ching, president of the board of for
eign affairs, and that if his adherents
threaten sufficiently he will receive this
appointment at an early date.
The regent, although only 26 years
old, is open minded and ready for re-