Omaha daily bee., 1911-12-30
rbe AwaI.eninr OF china.


Events OF vast import mark the years
history OF the old world. Constitutional
government scored an epochal triumph in
Great Britain, diplomacy and bluff
sverted a triangular war in Europe, the
republic OF Portugal survived the first
attack OF rnonarchlai restoration, changes
we're wrought In the map of North Africa,
two jue-handle wars we're inaugurated
and the throne OF the Manchus Of China
overturned by revolution. With a soil
tarS exception these events make for
human ,prosress and human betterment.
Reacdonaty to the limit Of brutal tyranny
stamps the conduct of Russia In destroy
Ing the Identity of Finland and its un-
provoked war on Persia. The upheaval
In China overshadows all other events
In world interest. The awakening OF the
great empire OF the east. prophecied since
the triumphs OF Japan, already exceeds
In political results the expectations Of
the shreWdest prophets. In less than
three months beginning October 10, the
revolt against the Manchu dynasty swept
through fourteen provinces, embracing
the large cities of Wuchang, Hankow,
Nanklng and Shanghai. Fourteen d.
visions Of the army and the whole navy
Joined the rebels. Prince Chun, regent
for his son, the emperor retired from the
throne after pennlng abject apologies for
the incompetency of himself and coun-
cillors. The solitary. survival of the
Manchu government is Yuan Shi Kai,
premier, who Is striving to rescue a rem
nant OF the mOnarchiat system from the
present. ruin.- Peace. negotiations are now
proceeding the rebels insisting on a re-
public, Premier Yuan holding out for
limited monarchy No matter what form
the new government takes, 1t is fairly
certain the Manchu dynasty is down and
out after reign Of 333 years.
A Revolution. in Great britain.
A century-old struggle against the CO.
ordlnate" legislative power OF the heredi-
tary lords Of Great Britain was brought
to a close last June when the House of
Lords was forced to approve the restricted
veto Ill passed by the House Of Com
mons. The certainty Of the creation of
enough new peers to overthrow the two
thirds unionist majority convinced the
members that resistance was Useless and
that 1t were wiser to preserve the pres
tige OF the peerage from the threatened
deluge OF robodies than fighting to the
last ditch. Under the new law measure
passed by the House Of Commons at
three successive sessions becomes a law
with royal assent regardless of the op-
position Of the House of Lords. Restrict
Ing the veto power Of the peers opens the
way for the enactment OF popular
msas asures advocated by the liberal party
representing the democracy of the United
Kingdom. Chief OF these is the promised
home rule for Ireland, which the ministry
is pledged 10 introduce next March. I'M
portant constructive legislation Of a social
and economic character marked the two
sessions OF the year. These include COM
pulsory Insurance against sickness and
unemployment, fixing of store clerks
hours, with weekly holiday; prohibiting
boys and women from working under
ground, ana extending the copyright act
to fifty years after the death OF the
author. The crowning Of King George in
London and as emperor of india at Delhi
gave regal pageantry a double opportunity
10 display its splendors and impress the
multitude with a pornp and'power OF those
born to the purple" A-,