New-York tribune., 1911-12-28

[B, The Associated Press.
peklng. Dec. 27.-The Empress Dowager
has summoned the leading princes of the
imperial clan 10 meet Premier Yuan Shih-
ysi in order TO discuss the proposal made
At the Shanghai conference.
his considered 20 be not improbable that
Premier Yuan will endeavor shortly to
withdraw from active politics, i'm which
case the power of the Manchus Will not
last many weeks.
The attitude Of the imperialist delegates
10 the Shanghai peace conference, coupled
With the discomfort Of certain Manchu fac
tons which profess 20 doubt the loyalty of
Yusn Shih-ka are the motives given for
tie possible retirement of the Premier.
Representative members of the imperial
court according TO an authoritative source,
have sicnifed TO the premier their willing
ssss 10 agree to an abdication. The court,
The same authority states. realizes that
there is no hope for IL I'm the retention OF
three or four detached sections of the
country and semi-loyal provinces, and
hopes to obtain better terms ny agreeing
to the proposed referendum on ;he ques-
ton Of the form of government.
Premier Yuan fully realizes that the re-
publican spokesmen gathered at the peace
conference az Shanghai are not likely 10
accept his proposal for a carefully elected
assembly. representing the entire empire.
He is Of opinion that the republicans are
aware that time will favor his plans.
The Premier is certain that he could win
several battles with the modern army at
bis disposal which is better equipped than
and greatly superior to the rebel forces,
but as he is unable 10 obtain any loans he
would be unable TO recOnquer the lost prov
inces.
In all probability, therefore, Yuan Will
resign his office after making the best
terms possible for the throne. lie has eX-
pressed regret for what he considers TO be
Tang Shao-yis desertion. lie suggests
that Tang might become president of the
republic The Premier also regrets that
foreign nations have withheld the financial
support with the help Of which he could
have reconquered the country.
London. Dec. 9S.-The Picking CORE
spondent of The Daily Telegraph says
that Yuan Shih-kai on Tuesday handed
10 the imperial clan a memorandum re-
viewing the situation and stating that II
the clan desired TO fight TO "a finish mill
tsy expense for six months must be found
Immediately: otherwise he would mtrust
The nations fate 90 the national conference.
Vague r1imors. continues the correspond
mt are current that the Emperor's abdi-
cation is imminent Renewed efforts are
oeing made simultaneously I'm many quar-
ters to induce the foreign governments to
sanction the issue OF loans by Premier
Yuan
It is reported from Shanghai that revo-
lUtonary troops recently lured Prince Min,
sX-CroWu Prince OF COrea. and therefore
Jtpanese subject from hotel In the
French concession 10 the native city, where
they compelled him to sign check for q
srge amount TO assist the revolutionary
VA fund before they liberated him. Prince
Mn is very wealthy.
Shanghai. Dec Z7.-An informal meet
ing between WI Ting-fang and Tang Shao-
yl the leaders OF the revolutionaries and
imperlalists at the peace conference, took
place to-day when Yuan Shih-kais proposal
10 submit the future form Of government OF
China 10 a special national assembly was
considered There Is reason to believe that
While In principle the rcyolutionaries agree
10 this proposal they think the best plan
VII be not 10 agree 20 the delay that Pre-
mier Yuan urges, because they fear that
tbs imperaliets will take the opportunity
to strengthen their forces and finances.
The arrival Of Dr. sun Yat-sen has inn
portsd an entirely new and forceful element
mo the ranks and councils Of the reyolu-
uonsres There is every evidence that DR..
Sun Is receiving more consideration than
II, other leaders Of the rcvolutionaries here.
Hs residence is crowded from morning till
evening with representatives, Of all the prov
ihees, generals and governors, with whom
he has continual consultations
The delegates from the provinces Of China
proper vino have been attending the Nan
uhg convention came In a body to Shang-
nat whore they met Dr. sun Yat-sen, re-
'uning TO Nankng to-day. There is reason
70 believe that they will meet on December
and elect Dr. sun Yat-sen president of
me provisional government of the united
No'inces Of China proper by a unanimous
vote o. the delegates Of the eighteen prov
"oes After that has been done the pres
thl plans II the revOlutOnaries comprise
me selection Of cabinet by Dr. Sun fat-
sh' who will then issue a proclamation set
ing forth the terms offered by the revolu-
uonsries TO the Manchus and the imperial
court in the event Of their peaceful sur
rthder
Should this not occur the campaign
Vslns' the Manchus and the imperialists
VA be continued and Peking will be taken.
pL Sun evidently does not regard the
%see conference here seriously. and will
.foceed with his plans without regard 10
r"ing No decision has yet been reached
' 10 whether the 'armistce is to be con-
unues
Toxic, Dec 27,-Yuan Shih-kai's pro-
possi 10 decide the form OF government
'leh shall prevail under the new regime
NAiha By means Of d convention OF del
ssss from all over the empire is regard
~ mere as shrewd move. but opinion IL
.iped as 10 whether il can be success
'S carried out. Many prominent Jap
se believe that the proposal will be ac-
aped by the revolutionary leaders In or
10 make il easier for Premier Yuan
impress upon the court That abdication
Unavoidable
-" ue other hand, many Of the well ~
"eo here think that the great body OF
80, eVoiulionists is too impatient for ac-
=" await the tedious outcome Of