The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1911-11-18
YUAN RULES CHINA.
ACCEPTS PREMIERSHIP OF THE
EMPIRE.
"StrOng Man" Announces That He
Will Do His Best to Win Back
Erring Provinces.


Peking. Nov. 16.r1:35 A. M
1uan Shi Kai has accepted the pre-
miership and will resume office prob-
ably today Thursday. Yesterdays
official gazette" contained an ex-
preston OF thanks from Yuan to the
throne for his appointment but the
truth is that he did not underta
the task without receiving guarantee
that he would have practically a free
hand In conducting affairs while he
retained the official position.
The new premier yesterday re-
ceived several ministers, including
the United States minister to China.
William j. Calhoun, who only re-
Gently returned here. In conversa-
ton with a foreigner, Yuan Shi Kai
said he intended to form a cabinet
Immediately and endeavor to carry
on the government by gaining the
support of as many provinces as
possible, allowing the remainder to
retain their independence for the
time being. It would be his en-
deavor also gradually to win back
their allegiance to the throne.
Another important development in
the capital was the issuance Of an
edict yesterday ordering Hsi Liang,
formerly viceroy Of Manchuria, to as
sumo command in Jehol. where the
summer residence Of the emperor is
situated, in place of Pu Ting, the
Tartar general. This appointment
Rad led to belief in certain quarters
that the court may retire to Jehol,
leaving Yuan Shi Kai as chies execu-
tive until the opportunity arrives fer
the court to reassume a measure Of
athority.
San Pao Chi, viceroy Of Shantung,
has been elected president OF the
republic which has been proclaimed
IN that province. His acceptance 10
this Office is in accordance with the
governments advices. Several other
viceroys have gone with the people
In hope OF influencing the provinces
later to renew their allegiance The
provincial assembly of Chi Ii has
adopted a memorial to the throne in
favor of the establishment of a re-
public with Yuan Shi Kai as presi-
dent.
WI Ting Fang, secretary Of foreign
affairs in the provincial government
Of Shanghai, and other noted reform
ers have sent telegram to the Amer
lean charge here asking the good Of
fees Of the United States in connec-
ton with the delivery of a demand
for abdication.
This telegram is signed by WI Ting
Fang, Tang Wen Chih Of Kiang-Su,
former vice president Of the board of
commerce; Chang Chi En-, former ad-
visor to the board Of commerce, and
Wen Tsung Yao, former assistant i'm
perial resident at Lhassa and now as
sstant foreign secretary.
The legation made no acknowledge
ment Of the receipt of the telegram
and did not deliver it to the regent,
but unofficially permitted Yuan Shi
Kai to peruse it,
Adivces from Lanchau say a tele-
gram has been received from the
rebel leader Gen. L. Yum Heng, in
response to a message from Gen.
Chang Shao Tsin, commander of the
Lanchau troops, requesting a cessa-
ton Of hostilities and outlining pro-
posals for a monarchial constitution.
Gen. Ii says that the terrible condi-
tions prevailing are due to the cor
rupt government which there is no
hope Of reforming He asks what
guarantee is there that the promises
of the government will be fulfilled
and adds:
THE overthrow of the government
iS tho only cnnolpcio,,