The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-13

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 Picking. February 1o-After occupy ing the throne of China for nearly three centuries, the Manehu dynasty repre- sented by the child Emperor, Pu Vi, abdicated today. Three edicts were is sued. the first proclaiming abdication; the second dealing with the establish ment of the republic, and the third urging the maintenance of peace and approving the conditions agreed upon by the imperial premier, Yuan Shi kai, and the republicans
 The text of the first imperial edict issued by the throne today follows:
 Abdication Edict
 we, the Emperor of China, have respectfully received today the follow ing edict from the hands of her ma Jesty, the dowager empress:
 Tn consequence of the uprising of the republican army, to which the peo- pie of the provinces of China have re- sponded the empire is seething like a boiling cauldron, and the people are plunged in terror. Yuan Shi Kai was therefore commanded to dispatch com missioners in order to confer with the
  of national assembly to decide on the future form of government.
 Months have elapsed and no sew tlementt is now evident.
 "grhe majority of the people are in favor 9r 2 republic. From the pref erence of the peoples hearts the will of heaven is discernible. How could we oppose tho desires of millions for the glorihcation of one family?'
 Republic Recognized
 Therefore, we the dowager empress and the Emperor hereby vest the sov- eregnty of the Chinese empire in the I people.
 Let Yuan Sh Kai organize to the fun the powers of the provincial re- publican government and confer with the republicans as to the methods of union, assuring peace in the empire and forming a greater republic with the union of Manchus, Chinese. Mon- gols, Mohamm edans and Tibetans.
 We, the empress dowager and the Emperor, will thus be enabled to 1iv, in retirement, free of responsibility and cares and enjoying without interruption the nations courteous treatment"
 Al an audience yesterday the emress dow ager touchingly thanked Yuan Shi kai for his successful efforts in obtain ing good treatment for the imperial fam fly from the republicans.
 The publication of the edicts has given profound relief to everyone in Peking both foreigners and Chinese. The ar engagement Is considered to be 6 skilfu compromise and it is believed the terms will satisfy the republicans. The first edict provides that the terms shall be
 
 transmission to their respective govern ments. the object being to record world wide the republican pledges.
 Pledges to Emperor In consideration for abdication, the re- f 4publicans make the following eight I pledges to the Emperor: "The Emperor shall retain his title and l shall be respected as a foreign monarch '.The Emperor may observe the sacri- grant of 100000 taes until the currency is reformed after which he shall receive Sf,O01, 600 Mexican. "A temporary residence shall be pro- vided in the forbidden city and later the imperial family shall reside in the sum- mer palace. ten miles outside of Peking. 1.-The emperor may observe the sacri- fices at his ancesteral tombs and tenn pies, which will be protected by repub- lican soldiers.
 .'rThe great tomb of the late Emperor, Kwang Su will be completed and the funeral ceremony fittingly observed at the republics expense. .sThe palace attendants may be retain < ed, but the number of eunichs cannot be ' increased
 1.-The Emperor's property will be pro- tected by the republics.
 "The imperial guards will be governed by the army board, the republic paying their salaries.
 "A contended point as to whether the 1 throne shall be perpetuated or will de- terminate with the present Emperor's s death, is not mentioned. Other Pledges
 Four pledges for the treatment of the imperial kinsn1en follow:
 The princess and dukes and others having heredity titles shall retain their ranks.
 The nobility shall have the rights of ordinary citizens.
 Their private property will be pro tected
 The nobility shall be permitted ex- enption from military service.
 Seven pledges are given Tn the inter est of the Mongols, Manchus, Moham- medans and Thibetans. They shall have rights and privileges similar to the Chinese. Their property will be respected.
 The nobility will retain their heredity I ranks.
 The state will find employment for such of the nobility as are in financial difficulties.
 The Manchus'- pensions will continue until the state finds them occupations. l Restrictions of occupation and dwelling places will be abolished
 They shall be accorded religious lib- erty.
 In concluding the second edct the En- press Dowager says: Our sincere hope is that peace will be