New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-10-31
CHINESE THRONE
HUMplY GRANTS
A CONSTITUTION
Emperor in Edict Pleads his Po'
Iitical Inexperience, but
Recognizes His Errors.
DROPS MANCHU OFFICIALS
Imperialists Reported to Have
Set Fire to Hankow, After
Capturing 1t, Hundreds OF
Wounded Rebels Dying
in the Flames.
CANTON'S REPUBLIC FALLS
Government Pardon for Rebels-Cab-
met Will Be Formed Forthwith,
Without Mobiles - Railroad
Lines Must Be Cut to
Safeguard Peking.
DROPS MANCHU OFFICIALS
cANToN's REPUBLIC FALLS
[Ry Cable 70 III. Tribune !

IBv Gable TO The Tribune
Peking. Oct. 31-The throne Welded
last night absolutely and completely 10
the demands OF the National Assembly
for power TO frame q constitution. A
decree cmbodying this decision and an
other excluding members OF the imperial
family from the Cabinet have been is
sued
Bereft OF the courage and virility OF
their conquering ancestors, the Manchus
show themselves to-day practically the
puppets of the Chinese, who finally. 1t ia
certain. will control the destinies OF their
own land.
The surrender 10 tho Assembys de-
mands is complete. for. with regard to
an early Parliament and to the imme-
date reorganization of the Cabinet, two
things not specifically granted to-day.
these will perforce come shortly.
The mutiny at Lwan-Chou demands
the presence of the disatfected troops
elsewhere. This was the last straw. and
came close Home TO the throne. which.
thoroughly frightened conceded every
thing, hoping to save the dynasty through
forfeiting much control
The greatest problem now is whether
the rebels to the southward, flushed
as they are with victory, will not de-
mand the complete deposition OF TN.
Manchus. Quite possibly they will be
unwilling to accept a compromise. and
in that case the chaos will continue.
However, Yuan Shi-Kl. who is in com
plete control. will probably be able 10
adjust matters. especially II he becomes
Premier shortly. as is confidently an
ticlpated. II is reported that he eng-
| neered the affair OF the reform pro-
gramme, which in any event is consid-
cred his.
1t is alleged that he inspired the Ma
tional Assembly's demands, while certain
Assemblymen grasped the opportunity
presented by the mutiny Of the troops,
| thus forcing the throne 10 succumb APP
parently to a coup d'etat. Chinese here.
taking account of the threats Of the hot
ter blooded young Manchu princes 10
wreak vengeance are terrorzed ana
| fleeing.
Diplomats believe in the promised re-
forms and think there is excellent hops
for the new regime il the rebels desist.
1t is reported that Chao Pins-Ch
has been appointed Minister OF the In
terror. giving Yuan shi-K control Of the
| government police.
| The provisional Republic Of kwanS-
| Tung, with Canton for its capital, has
apparently fallen as a result OF its re-
pudiation by the Viceroy and the prn-
cipal civil and military authorities. Tbs
troops remained loyal to the Niceroy
again indicating that revolutionary suc-
cesses are possible only by imperialist
desertions.
| peNng. Oct. 30.-The demand Of tho
National Assembly for a complete con-
stitutional government has been ac-
coded TO ty the Throne. An imperial
edict was issued to-day apologizing for
the past neglect OF the Throne and
granting an immediate constitution. A
second edict grants pardon TO political
offenders connected with the revolution
of 1898 and subsequent revolutions. and
20 those compelled to join in the present
rebellion.
Text OF the Edict.
The imrerial edict. which is from the
hand of Emperor Shun-Tung, says:
| have reigned three years and have
alvays acted conscientiously in the IN
terests of the people. hut | nave not
employed men properly. as l am withou'
political skill. | have employed too many
mobiles In political positions, which con-
trayenes consttutionalism.
ON railway matters one whom trust
ed deceived me. Hence public opinion
was antagonized. When l urge reform
officials and the gentry seize the oppor-
tunity 70 embeZzle. Much OF the peoples
money has been taken, but nothing 10
benefit the people has been achieved.
| on several occasions edicts have
promulgated laws. but none OF them has
been obeyed The people are murmuring.
vet do not know. Disasters loom ahead,
but do not see.
The whole empire is seething. The
spirits OF our nine deceased Emperors
are unable to enjoy the sacrifices prop
erly. while II IL feared that the people
will suffer grievously.
All these things are my own fault. and
| hereby onnounce TO the world that
swear T. reform. and. with our soldiers
n and people. To carry out the constitution
faithfully modifying Legislation, promot-
ing the interests OF the people and abol-
ishing their hardships. all In accordance
With their wishes and interests.
The old laws that are unsuitable will
| Continued on third psSa