The Washington times., 1911-12-29
CHINESE REPUBLIC
BORN TODAY WITH
DR.. sun PRESIDENT
Promises to Bring Country
Out of Near Chaos-Wu
Ting-fang Adviser.

SHANGHAI, Dec. 29.-The new repub-
lie Of China sprang into being at Nam
king early today, when DR.. Sun Vat
Sen, who planned the revolution, was
elected President by the provisional
military assembly. Seventeen Of the
eighteen delegates voted for DR.. Sun on
the first ballot. Then the dissenting
vote was changed, ana the election
made unanimous
DR.. Sun was Immediately notified by
wire at Shanghai, and responded with
the Following message to the assembly:
Il consider 1t my. duty to accept tie
peace and stable government by the
promptest methods possible. My single
aim Is to insure the peace and con-
tentment of the millions Of my coun-
Eight thousand revolutionist troops
were sent from Shanghai to Nankin
yesterday to reinforce the guard there,
and insure protection for the republics
, officials
DR.. WI As Adviser.
DIR. WI Ting-fang. secretary Of for
eign affairs In the revolutionary cab
met. is expected to be DR.. Suns closest
adviser. DR.. WI, who was formerly
minister to Washington, and very close
to the Manchu dynasty, deserted the
throne at the first sign of rebel suc-
cess. He is very popular among foreign
officials, and Is recognized as a broad
gauged statesman.
The election Of Dr.. Sun to the presi-
dency foreshadows the absolute collapse
Of the monarchy. Already advices have
been received from Peking that the
members OF the royal family are prepar-
, ing for flight. They believe a resump-
| ton of warfare will mean the speedy
capture Of Peking and possibly the exe-
cution OF numerous Manchu princes who
| have been most active in attempting to
stamp out the revolution.
Advices from Peking state that Yuan
shi Kai has taken sick leave" This is
believed to presage the early retirement
Of the powerful premier, who has been
the chief obstacle in the way Of the
1t has not been learned whether the
revolutionists intend to extend the
armistice until after q national conven-
ton can be called to ratify the choice
There is no doubt expressed that DR..
suns election will be ratified II a ma
tional convention is called, as proposed
several days ago by Yuan shi Kai.
In the event 1t is decided to call a
convention. DR.. Sun ana his cabinet
will go ahead with the work Of govern
ment at Nanking, firm in the conviction
, that all of their official acts will be
| upheld by the people.
Eager For Battle.
Many Of the revolutionists, however
are eager for a resumption Of hostili:
| ties. They can see no reason for giving
| the Manchu princes time to escape
from Peking with the millions OF treas.
ure they claimed from the people. The
new government will be greatly han
dicapped by a scarcity of funds. and II
| the Manchu treasure could be seized, II
would aid greatly in the work of re-
| construction.
The election Of DR.. Sun Vat Sen to
| the presidency marks the elimination
Of dream of twenty years. For a.
| least fifteen years he has been actively
engaged In fostering the present re-
/ volt, making his headquarters In for.
eign countries and working in China
| through trusted lieutenants.
Ten years ago the throne began tc
be alarmed over DR.. Suns activities
and placed huge price on his head
Many emfssaries were sent to Amer.
lea, where DR.. Sun was then making
his headquarters, with orders to Kill
him at all hazards. None of the
would-be assassins succeeded.