New-York tribune., 1911-11-15
REPUBLIC DECLARED IN
PROVINCE OF SHAN-TUNC
Former Governor Selected as
President at Chi-fu, Which
Yielded Without a Struggle.
LARGESSE TO LOYAL ARMY
Foreign Warships in Chinese
Waters Now Aggregate 112,
81 Being British, 20 French
and 10 American.


cording TO John Fowler. the American
Consul at Chi-Fu. who reported to-day
70 the State Department that the former
Governor Of the province Of Shan-Turg.
Sun Hao-Chi, had been selected as head
Of the republic of Shan-Tung, which
Welded to the revolutionists without
struggle.
on twenty-four hours notice Captain
Knapp. the naval photographer, to-day
rroduce6 an excellent map Of China
showing the location of the American
ana foreign warships at the different
ports. There are altogether 112 foreign
warships of various types in Chinese
waters England stands first easily with
thirty-one vessels of various types, from
the great battleship Minotaur, of 1850
tons. down 10 some submarines.
Numerically France comes next, with
twenty vessels, but as these include
large number of extremely small craft
the French tonnage is not nearly so
formidable as the American naval rep
resentation Of nineteen vessels. Ger
many has fourteen ships, Japan thirteen,
Russia eleven, Portugal two and Austria
and Italy one each.
Peking. Nov. 14.-While the imperial
government is endeavoring to force the
Premiership on Yuan Shih-kai, Chinas
"strong man." in his various conferences
to-day with the Prince Regent, the act
ing Premier, Prince Ching and other
members Of the nominal Cabinet, took
occasion TO point out the insecurity of
that office, the retention of which de-
pended upon the caprice of the National
Assembly. Yuan Shih-kai, if he ac-
cepts the Premiership at all. desires
fixed term Of office, and he so stated 10
the Regent He must obtain this. how
ever, through the National Assembly. as
an edict would be likely to arouse sus-
picion.
! 1t is not considered probable that Yuan
will undertake the gigantic task set for
him unless he considers the chances
favorable to carrying ii 10 a successful
issue There is still another possibility
he may be considering the alternative
o. a republic and may himself recon-
mend the abdication of the Emperor,
He reports that the rebel leader, Gen
erll Ii Yuen-heng. is ready 10 obey his
orders if Yuan would consent TO become
President. but would not recognize him
as a Manchu Premier. In his opinion il
would not be difficult TO reconcile the
prnviEces. most of which were giving the
sttongest evidence OF 4 desire for
pEl,e. The complete constitution al
ready pledged would satisfy the revolu-
tionaries, except for the fear that Man
cha intrigue would begin Immediately
arms We're laid down.
The Imperial Government issued an
edict to-day ordering the Viceroys and
Governors of all the provinces to Sc
lect three or five able representatives
10 come to Peking and consult con-
cerning the state of affairs The edict
also appoints delegates 10 visit the six
teen disturbed provinces and pacify the
people. and announces that the throne
makes a gift Of one tael TO each and all
Of the soldiers and .police of Peking,
presumably in the hope Of purchasing
their loyalty
General Chang Shao-tsen, commander
of the troops at Lan-chow. has not yet
arrived, and apparently is awaiting as
surances Of his safety in the capital
a prominent member Of the National
Assembly informed a legation attache
to-day that although the Assembly had
committed itself to a constitution under
the Manchu dynasty. a majority Of the
Assembly would prefer to reorganize the
government on the lines Of a republic.
The president Of the TEACHING Gov
ernment Bank has deserted his post and
fed from the city The vice-president,
Chang Chin-Tao, who was recently in
Europe in connection with a currency
loan. is endeavoring to conduct the
wrecked institution. AS the provinces
secede the various branches Of this gov
ernment bank have been confiscated. At
only one or two treaty ports were the
deposits saved by hasty transfer to for
elgn banks.
Financial stress is being felt by the
administration The board Of finance
has only about 100000. while the late
Empress Dowager's, boarded silver and
gold is thought not TO amount to more
than 100000. the palace. it is pointed
out, having contributed largely to famine
funds and other charities, as we'll as for
the Hankow and other campaigns. For
eiZn capitalists still hold aloof.
Consular dispatches from several places
have reached the legations. one from
Chi-Fu SAYS that the rebel authorities
have notified the consuls that they have
taken over the administration and that
they intend 10 protect foreigners They
ask that they be not interfered with.
At New Chwang the foreigners are or
ganizing a defence league.
A Hankow dispatch SAYS that the i'm
perialists are deserting steadily. some Of
them becoming rebels. while others are
proceeding northward with their loot.
COULD EMBARK 5000 TROOPS