Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1911-11-10

Chinese minister to the United States
where he became widely known. He was
first sent to Washington in 1897, re-
naming there until 1902, when he was
recalled. He returned to the same post
in 1907 and was again recalled in 1909
For time he appeared to have been
relegated permanently to private life,
but in August, 1910. he was made coun-
cilor to the Chinese foreign office He
advanced ideas that have not always
harmonized with the imperial policy, and
it has been no secret that recently ne
has not wholly sympathized with the
throne.
INFLUENTIAL FIGURE
He is the most influential figure who
has appeared on the revolutionary stage
during the last few days. Rumors that
he espoused the rebel cause were re-
ceived with incredulity
When the revolutionists proclaimed a
provisional government at Shanghai he
was made head of the foreign bureau,
out the appointment was not taken Sc
riously, and as late as yesterday he de-
clined to acknowledge any participation
in the revolutionary administration. His
attitude as formally announced today is
expected to have a far-reaching influ-
ence.
At his handsome residence within the
foreign settlement of Shanghai, pr. WI
outlined the plans and hopes of the re-
formers in China DR.. WI said that
while he was loan to accept Office and
hesitated because of his former close con-
nection with the Manchu government he
was now practically forced to aiu the
cause of China. He announced that
Cheng Te-Chuan, the governor at 500
chow and formally governor at Muk-
den, who was the first governor to come
over to the rebels, had been elected gov
ernor of the entire province of Kiang-
Su.
Cheng- -Chuan, he said, was a strong
man and would be able to control the
revoluuonists and guarantee order and
the safety of foreigners. Ninety-nine
per cent of the population, he said, was
supporting the present status. DIR. WI
continued:
SENTIMENT FOR REPUBLIC.
Personally / favored a limited mon
archy, retaining the emperor as figure
head, with : strong Chinese cabinet and
constitution but the prevailing sentiment
seems to favor republic.
In each province a 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 supremacy
and the government at Picking, which is
corrupt and oppressive.
Il admit that there are tremendous
before us, but we must win.
We guarantee an adherence to foreign
treaties whether they were made unfair
ly or fairly. We will pay our obliga-
TONS to foreign nations and open up all
the ports of China to foreign trade
Thus Will be guaranteed an enormous
advantage to all foreigners as well as to
China"
EAGER FOR REFORM
DR.. WI said he fully understood the
reform movement might lead in any d.
rection, even to anarchy, but all the peo-
pie of China were now prepared to show
the world the real power of the Chinese
for orderly conduct, self-restraint and
loyalty to a fair and honest government.
Il believe that the Institution of re-
public is feasible. he said. IF 1 had
been asked this question a month ago,
would have answered that such an out
come was impossible. Now have been
surprised, but am convinced. If the
young emperor were allowed to remain
on the throne short time, perhaps it
would be better, but the selection of a
new dynasty head and a new emperor
would be certain to create jealousies and
produce reign of anarchy which would