The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-14
Retirement of the Court to Jehol Will Take Place
 Immediately
900 MEN OF MARINE
 CORPS ARE IN CHINA
Murders and Looting by Bandits Reported-WOmen Commit Sp, 2 eide in Preference to Falling
 Into the Rebels Hands

Picking. January 1s-The abdication ol the emperor is expected to take piaee within three days, but events may occur 10 give the Manchus a new lease of ne as they often have in the past when mat tors seemed hopeless. Yuan Shi kas's secretaries make no secret of the proposi- tions, and the premier this afternoon con- ferred for two hours with IIsu Shin Chang and Shih Shu, the thrones guard fans. respecting measures to be undertake en.
 It is understood plans are being arrang- ed for the departure of the imperial family to Jehol. The imperial guard probably will act as an escort. unless the flight from Picking is secret. which is not improbable before the abdication procla- lnation appears.
 It is said that the Manchus have con sidered and have agreed to accept the terms offered by the republicans some days ago-protection and respect such as would be accorded to a retired foreign monarch residing in China, the retention of the palace in Jehol or the summer palace near Picking for use of the em- peror; other members of the imperial family to retain their personal wealth ana property; all Manchu pensions to continue for a fixed term and the payment Of large annual pension to the court, sald to be 10,0O0,O00 taels about $6ooo,OG3
 A difficulty has arisen in that the Man chus are unable to obtain guarantee that a future republican government would not repudiate the pledges. Yuan Obdurate Premier Yuan is still insisting upon national assembly, from which he VIII undoubtedly endeavor to obtain assurance for the safety of the imperials and their maintenance.
 The Manchus recognize that they can- not continue in power without furthers | financial aid while it is probable that even after the last treasure chest Is empty the republicans would still be powerful. As a consequence the Manchu princes have decided not to disgorge. They real ize that a liberal pension may not aeaiil he offered if the struggle IS cohunueu and the republicans are incensed. Many of the loyal leaders are anxious +o continue the fighting and Premier Yuan has been frequently petitloned 10 1 that end, but apparently he IS con | yinced that there Is no nope oi sue sre cess possibly realizing that large l,art of the imperiaiist army IS not 70 be depended upon ,,
 Tho diplomatic representatives held conference today with Brig. Gen. Y. | Cooper. the HrltlSn cViilildtiucA e 'rien Tsin. and discussed with ham ms abjlItv to keep open the Pe<ing-Chh nanr Tao railway. It is believed that nossible trouble In Peking was also taken under consideration.
 There is probably suficlent gar rfson in Picking for the defense of the walled legation quarter against any e,nercency but it is not sufficient 10 nrevent the destruction of the railway should a sudden and unforeseen attack be made. It is understood, however that sufficient force of Japanese are ready to embark on transports on brlel notice.
 Decide Upon Addiction
 The abdioation of the throne has been practically decided upon, and the retirement to Jehol Will take place almost immediately. pro louged meeting of the principal mempers of tbe governmental party arranged de- taiIs owing to the growing disorders fn the provinces the Manchu princes oi .he imperial elan. the Manchn officials ma the soldiery agree that this is the only course open to the throne
 The Empress Dowager, recognizing that the government Is powerless without for e,en financial assistance uf which there is no hope, has asked Yuan Shi kai to conclude the best possible arrangement in connection with the retirement of the imperial family.
 Government Leaders Meet
 Premier Tan Hsu Shi Chang, vice pres ident of the privy council. and other gov erpnlent leaders met this afternoon and discussed the best means for providing for the Emperor and the Empress loowager, and also outlined the necessary Communications which Will be made to the republicans.
 The premier intends to remain in Picking and maintain control pending final ar- ransements with the republicans.
 It is understood that the leading pow CTS are ready to support Yuan Shi Kai, believing he is the one strong leader cap abie of grappling with the situation, es- pecially in view of the discord among the republican leaders.
 Dispatches received today from the provinces report many murders and the ooting and burning of houses. Hundreds of women are committing suicide in fear .f bandits, who are committing all kinds of atrocous crimes. .
 The armistice will expire January 15. md it is therefore expected that abdica- ion will be completed on that date The palace at Jehol has been sufficiently re-
 tored to accommodate the imperial en- outrage. ..