The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-29


 five months after which the south would become disunited and province after pro- vince would return to their allegiance to the throne.
 Princes UnmOved
 But the princes were unmoved They pleaded lack of money although most of them are very wealthy. None has given any substantial amount to aid the gov- ernment with the exception of Prince Ching, who has handed over more than s1Oo,OOO for that purpose. The Dowager Emperess wept and Yuan Shi Kai showed signs of distress. Then he declared that he could not desert her and the child em- peror and agreed to continue.
 It is said tonight that Yuan Shi kai intends to make another attempt to ob- tain a loan of $1O,OOO,OO0 from the -four nation group of which three of the coun- tries signified their willingness to furnish a loan three weeks ago, England declining to participate. The premier says that ne will not use the money for a campaign of aggression, but will leave the repuo- lican provinces to consummate their own construction, only defending the north bank of the Yang Tse when attacked.
 Yuan Shi Kais appearance has changed greatly since his arrival iii Peking. He has aged rnaterialls, and sho'vs4 the. efeests of the continued strain. He says that lie does not understand the republican form of government and would not associate himself with the suggestion agreed to-
 The throne has agreed to Premlf Yuan Shi Kai's suggestion to refer the dues- ton of the future government of China to a national conference and to abide by it's decision whatever that may be-
 The Empress Dowager, Premier Shi Kai and the Manchu princes of the iin- periai can debated throughout the entire morning. hours the scheme for calling To- gether a convention of delegates from all parts of ;lle empire to decide on the form of government.
 Prince Ching and former minister of foreign affairs urged the acceptance of the proposal
 Prince Yu Lang, member of the grand council and Prince Tsai Tao, former minister of war, and brother of the present prince regent, on the other hand, strenuously opposed the scheme.
 Those among the Manchu princes present who were in favor of the ac- ceptance of the proposition finally pre- vailed and the uec1SlOn was Iedtu6u iO leave the settlement of the future form of government in the hands of the delegates selected by the nation.
 The cabinet has been instructed to draw up the regulations which shall govern the national convention.
 In view of the activities of the Shanghai grevolutionaries imperial off cials consider it to be doubtful wheth- CT the rebels will agree to the long dala b1a in the calling of national convention.
 The act of the throne leaves no room for doubt that the advisors of the re- gent and the Emperor are prepared for abdication should that course prove to be the only way of settlement.
 Conference Necessary
 The decision reached to submit the question of the future government to a national convention was followed quickly by an imperial edict read ing:
 .'Dr. Wu Ting Fang and others con tend that the people of China desire q republic. This question neither the gov ernment nor a section of the people are able to decide. Therefore. a national con ference Is necessary The princes and members of the imperial clan agree to let the cabinet inform the revolutionaries and then frame regulations for a con ference and arrange for an extension of the armistice.
 .'The empress domager sanctions the calling together of a conference, as she is desirous of avoiding bloodshed, and wants to bring happiness to the people of China. according to the wishes of the majority
 Picking, December 2S.-M. Shokine, Rus sian charge d'affaires, went to the Chi nese foreign office today and submitted a request on behalf of the Russian gov ernment that China promptly reassume control of Mongolia. He received the re- sponse that China was at the moment urable to comply.
 The Russians actions were taken In conjunction with the proclamation of in- dependence of Mongolia, and upon the reports of the Turkestan secession In- ability of China to assert her authority in Mongolia leaves the way open. accord ing to opinion here, for the extension of Russian influence and possibility of ulti- mate annexation.
 It is suggested that a Russo-Japanese alliance may result from the action of Mongolia, as this brings Russian and Japanese spheres of influence in Mongol,- and Manchuria side by side. Il