The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-12-19
PEACE IN SIGHT


Continued from Page One.)
between WI Ting Fang and Tang
ShaO vi opened with. surprising
smoothness and there was a complies
absence of any strain which might
nave seriously impeded the diplomatic
progress of the congress. It is unmis-
takably evident, however. that the
continuation of the Manchu rule even
as concerns the imperial throne at Pc
king, is considered unlikely by either
side. In this connection much signi-
ficance is alta ched to the statement of
Tang Shan Vi that he does not repre-
sent the throne, but rather the pre-
mier.
Coupled with WI Ting Fang's early
fnsistence on the establishment of a
republic this is taken to mean that
1 uen Shi kai is prepared to concede
the ending of the dynasty. Even
though the present dynasty is ousted,
the premier hopes to retain the i'm
perlal form of government possibly
the present emperor designated as the
first ruler of a new Chinese dynasty
and with Yuan Shi Kai as regent.
Empire or Republic.
The personality of Yuan Shi Kai
dominates the convention. The great
fight among the delegates will be as
to whether the form of government is
to be imperial or republic if an en-
pire Yuan will be regent; if a republic
Yuan will be the first president.
The revolutionary delegates believe
that they will be victorious in their
demands for a republic. Even the
staunchest of the imperial delegates
admit that Manchu rule is doomed
The meeting has brought from the
north many bureaucratic Chinese who
after "a hours in Shanghai express I'M
bounded establishment at conditions
south of the Yang Use. Chinese and
foreigners coming from the north alike
admit that within the past go days an
astounding political change has come
over the south
Tang Shao Yrs delegates are evident
ly deeply impressed with the widespread
demand for a republic but they still
hope that the combined authority of
Tang Shao vi and Yuan Shi Kai will
prevail.
The action Of the powers undoubtedly
will have considerable weight in press
ing to satisfactory outcome the nego-
tiatiOns. Much comment has been
aroused by the prominence of persons
of British nationality, both officials and
others, in connection with the confer
ence and the journey from Picking to
the south Of Tang Shao Vi. Both at
Shanghai and at HankOw the British
conSuls, acting presumably under in
structions from higher quarters met
the boat on which Tang Shao Vi was
travelling down the Yang Use.
Under British Influence.
Notwithstanding that Tang Shao VI
British consul here took a leading part
in his reception and persuaded him to
take UP his residence in his private
house. The British authorities also pro-
vided a guard for the house in which
Tang Shao vi is residing, and are as
Stunning the responsibility for all the
made for him during his
stay. Tang Shao Yis host sees all visi-
tors calling at the house and acts as
a censor on all communications sent to
or issued by Tang ShaO vi.
The leaders of the revolutionary party
express much chagrin at Tang Shao
Yi's refusal to accept the hospitality
which had been provided for him on
neutral ground.
The date of the next session of the
peace conference is quite uncertain. DR..
WI Ting Fang's associates assert that
the revolutionary leader will decline to
attend any further meeting Of the con-
ference until Yuan Shi Kai has with
drawn all the imperial government
forces behind the points they occupied
at the time the armistice was first an
nounced. A most significant move has
been taken by Yuan Shi Kai, who has
authorized WI Ting Fang to use the
premier's name in his kilograms, that
he may be able to utilize the telegraph
wires which are now in imperial hands,
while Yuan Shi Kai will use DR.. WI
Ting Fang's name in order to obtain
communication over the wires in re-
hands.