The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-11-07
TO OPEN UP CHINA
Plans and Hopes OF the New
Chinese Government
Are Outlined by Wu Ting Fang,
Foreign Minister.
TO ABIDE BY TREATIES
And Pay All ObligatiOns:Incur-
red by the Monarchy.
He Yields to Popular Sentiment
FaYOring a Republic.

Shanghai, Nov 7.-Dr. WI Ting
Fang. who has been chosen director
of foreign affairs in the reform govern
ment established by the revolutionists
in the province of Kiang-Su, today
gave a statement to the Associated
Press in which he announced his ad-
herence to the movement designed to
establish a republican form of govern
ment in China.
DR.. WI Ting Fang has twice occu-
pned the office of Chinese minister to
the United States, in which he became
widely known He was first sent to
Washington in 1897. remaining there
until 1902, when he was recalled. He
returned to the same post in 1907 and
was again recalled in 1909.
For a time he appeared to have been
relegated permanently to private life,
but in August, 1910. he was made
councillor of the Chinese foreign Of
fee. His advanced ideas have not al
ways harmonized with the imperial
policy, and it has been no secret that
recently he has not wholly sympa-
thized with the throne.
He is the most important figure that
has appeared on the revolutionary
stage during the last few years. Ru-
mors that he had espoused the rebel
cause was received with incredulity.
When the revolutionists proclaimed
a provisional government at Shanghai
he was made head of the foreign bu-
reau, but the appointment was not
taken seriously, and as late as yester-
day he declined to acknowledge any
participation in the revolutionary ad-
ministration. His attitude as formally
announced today is expected to have
far-reaching influence.
Outlines the Plans.
At his residence within the foreign
settlement of Shanghai, DR.. WI out
lined the plans and hopes of the re
formers in China. We Tsung Yao,
formerly imperial resident at LHassa
Tibet, who has been appointed assist
ant director of foreign affairs in the
new government, was present when
the statement was made. DR.. WI said
that while he was lOath to accept office
and hesitated because of his former
close connection with the Manchu gov
ernment, he was now practically forced
to aid the cause of China. He an
ncunced that Cheng Te-Chuan. the
governor at 500 Chow and formerly
governor at Aukden, who was the first
governor to come over to the reform
ers. had been elected governor Of the
entire province of Kiang Su
Cheng TIE Chuan, he said. was
strong man and would be able to con
troll the revolutionists and guarantee
order and the safety of foreigners.
Ninety per cent of the population. he
said, was supporting the present status.
DIR. Wu continued:
PERSONALLY, I favored a limited
monarchy, retaining the emperor as a
figurehead. with a strong Chinese cab
met and constitution, but the prevail
ing sentiment appears to favor a re-
public.
''In each province q governor will be
selected, each city and town giving its
allegiance to the new government The
whole people of China. north and
south, are united against Manchu su-
premacy and the government at
Peking, which is corrupt and prone to
be oppressive
Il admit there are tremendous diff
culties before us but we must win. We