Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-01-02
FirstAct Makes New Year
Conform to World
Date.
PEOPLE TO HAVE VOICE
Country's Affairs, He Says,
Will Be Directed by Gen.
trail Government.

Nanking, Jan 2.-Doctor Sun Yat
Sen today took the oath OF ONCE as
provisional president of the Chinese
republic, and was formally invested
with the powers Of the chief execu-
tive The ceremony was simple but
dignfhed. and was attended by all the
prominent men OF the revolutionary
party. Sun, after his arrival in
Shanghai ten days ago, was elected
president by a national assembly Of
reformers, representing the provinces
OF China proper. then in session here,
by an almost unanimous vote. At
Tien Tsin a strong movement exists
among the imperial government
troops garrisoning Lanchow. province
Of Chill, in favor Of a republic.
CHANGES CALENDAR
The first official act of President
Sun was to change the Chinese calen-
dar. He made New Years day the
first day OF his presidency, thus mark
ing a new era, making the Chinese
year begin henceforth on the same
day as the year begins IN most other
countries OF the world Accompanied
by numerous suites and protected by
a strong bodyguard, Sun left Shanghai
on a special train for Nanking. The
trip was without incident except for
enthusiasm at all principal stations.
CHEERS GREET NEW LEADER.
Sun reached Nanking at $3.50 and
was greeted with cheering. Many
prominent men among the revolution
aries escorted him to the government
house, the route TO which was lined
by 10000 soldiers. The whole town
was befiagged, warships and merchant
vessels dressed-ship and the presiden-
tial salute was fired from the forts.
At the government house he held a
reception and was greeted by high Off
cials in the audience chamber. The
delegates OF Is provinces witnessed
the administration of the oath Of Of
fee TO President Sun.
MANCHUs MUST GO.
Afterwards he delivered an address.
promising to disenthrone the Manchus
and reestablish peace; promote trade
and devote his entire energy to the
Chinese nation and aid the Chinese
people to realize their aspirations.
When the Manchus had finally abdi-
Gated and peace restored he would re-
sign his provisional Office. President
Sun issued a proclamation.
FOR STRONG GOVERNMENT.
He announced that a strong central
government would be organized. the
entire administration system remod-
eled and modernized. and a parliament
representative of the people elected.
The provinces would be autonomous as
regards local affairs and each elect
its own governor. The army and navy
will be made national institutions un-
der control OF a central parliament,
which would also deal with the coun.
try's finances.
OPTIMISTIC FOR FUTURE.
He was optimistic as to the foreign
relations OF the new government II
Is probable Liyuen Heng, republican
commander in chief, viii become vice
president, General Huang Sing pre-
mder, and HUI Ting Fang minister OF
foreign affairs.
President Sun has completed hi
cabinet. IL includes: Vice president
ii Yuen Heng; attorney general, DR.
WI Ting Fang.
THRONE Is RESISTING.
Pelxing. Jan. 2.-The empress dow
ager, who is desirous of carrying out
"a camnaicn a0ainst the ravoIutionists q
today advanced about $4,000, 900 L
Premier Yuan for that purpose
There are indications northern troops
are anxious to resume hostilities.
Lcndon. Jan. "A news agency dis
patch from Tien Tsin says Wang Wi,
TIE, who was sent 10 Lanchow as ;
delegate by Premier Yuan. has joineC
the republicans and has been elected
leader Of troops there. He declares
II Is his intention to began a marcl
with his army on Peking tomorrow
TO SUPPORT IMPERIALs.
St Petersburg, Jan. "A messag,
from Kalgan. in the Chinese provinc,
OF Chi Ii, says the princes OF southern
Mongolia have resolved 70 support tn
imperial government IN fghtinI
against the revolutionaries. They sa,
they will declare Independence IN tn
event OF the establishment OF a II
public.