The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-01-04
FEAR IN CHINESE COURT
OF ANT|-DyNASTIC [LOT
Government Has Intmated That lt
Will Announce the Causes of the
Premier's impeachment
for Intrigue.

Pekin, January 9-Folowing the dismiss
sal from office yesterday of Yuan Shi Kai,
grand councillor and commander in chief
OF the force and the appointment of Ma
Tung as grand councillor an edict was
issued today appointing Liang-Tun- Yen
customs taotai, to the position thus made
vacant on the foreign board.
The British and American minister's
have reached an agreement that the dis
missal of Yuan Shi Kai should not pass
unnotced. The American, British, Ger
man and Japanese ministers met again
at the American legation this morning Sir
John N. Jordon, the British minister, join
ing with Mr.. Rockhill, the American min
lister, in submitting outline of repre-
sentations which should be made to tha
foreign board. The ministers disagree on
the question as to whether the welfare OF
foreign interests is technically involved
by the regents action, but they agree
that peace is endangered. The representa-
tVes of Great Britain, the United States
and Germany view the regents action
as tantamount to an affront to the DOW
ers on account of Yuan Shi kais position
abroad, he being recognized as a medium
OF fair and equitable treatment toward
the nations. The dissenting ministers are
of the opinion that unless other serious
events occur interference would not be
JUSTIFIED. Japan concurs In the opinion
that the dismissal is certain to result In
International injury but the representa-
tions to China will be difficult There is
a marked lack of unanimity among the
diplomats in the present situation.
Fear of Plot.
The courts action fortnight ago in
increasing the palace troops and for
bidding the entrance to the palace. even
OF the highest officials without passes.
was taken an indication at that time
OF the alarm felt in court circles and
1t is now believed that there was fear
also OF an anti-dynastic plot. Today the
government intimated its Intention OF
making public the impeachment gfvins
details of Yuan Shi Kai's alleged intrigue
upon which his dismissal was based. Ae-
cording to reliable information the i'm
peachment Is framed on charges against
Yuan Shi Kai In connection with the
coup detat of 1898 when the regency of
the Dowager Empress was restored and a
reactionary policy inaugurated The flight
of kang-Yu-Wei. the reforner, occurred
at this time.
The last minister who saw Yuan Shi
kai at the foreign board on December
Is states that he was at that time suf-
fering from no malady, but the reason
given for his dismissal yesterday was
that he is afflicted with rheumatism The
foreign ministers agree that Yuan Shi
kai $ restoration is impossible and that
the action of the government in eliminat-
ing him from official position cannot be
recalled Liang Tung Yen's' appointment
only serves to increase the feeling of
pesslmism at the legations as Yuan Shf
kaf exercised an authority with the vice
roys and governors which was his alone
Yuan Shi Kai must leave Pekin with
in four or five days, but nothing is known
of his plans. CONSERVATION among the
Chinese surpassss that felt by the for
eign residents. 1t is probable that among
the first changes both Yang Shi Skian
the viceroy of Chilli, and Prince Ching
president of the board of foreign affairs
will be removed. There is keenest in
terest as to the fate of Prince Tang.
Shao Yfs mission to the United States
as the source of his authority has now
been removed.