The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1912-01-22
THRONE REFUSES
TO ADVOCATE
Finnigan Methods Of the I'M
perial Clan Are Now in
Evidence

Picking, Jan. 22.-Another meeting
Of the princes, of the imperial clan
at which the empress dowager was
present. took place today. but did not
reach any definite result. Tho princes
who talked to the Associated Press
were unanimous in their opinion that
tho throne would not abdicate unless
1t was driven to by force.
A special train has been held in
readiness since Friday to take Yuan
shi, Kai to Tientsin. It was evidently
the premter's plan to transfer the
provisional capital to that city, where
danger from Manchus was slight.
Apparently he intended to escape
fro mPeking as 500 rs the edict Of
abdicattOn was signed, but the reac-
tionary princes gained the upper hand
temporarily and prevented the issu-
ance Of the edict.
Meanwhile the republican ultima
tum arrived, and resulted in a consid-
cradle change of program. This ulti-
matum demanded sovereign powers,
and set forth the refusal Of the re-
publicans to permit Yuan Shi Kat to
participate in the provisional govern.
ment until the republic had been rec
ognized by the foreign powers and
the country restored to peace.
Premier. Yuan may still have need
OF the special train, because it is ex-
peeted he will refuse to carry on the
government at Peking without abdi-
cation, after which he and his troops
will be subject to the gravest Manchu
hostility. h ex-war minister, Yin
Tchang, and the ex-president Of the
board Of war, Tieh Lang, are mon
tionedas possible successors to Yuan
Sht kai. Both are Manchus and
therefore. should the throne appoint
either of them, It would be a breach
OF one Of the nineteen constitutional
pledges. but now exigencies might be
considered a substantial excuse for
such action.
Many OF the Chinese trooos are at
present loyal to Yuan Shit Kai. It ID
not doubted that his attitude would
be republican II he resigned. The
Manchus and Inner Mongols would
then be left without support. Anoth-
er meeting Of the princes Of the i'm
Psrial clan will be held tomorrow.
Those favoring abdication will prob
ably absent themselves. 80 that it Is
dtnlcult to see how q definite decision
can be erached. Those who desire
to continue the fighting for the most
part have nothing to lose. Prince
Ching, the ex-premier, evidently in.
tends not to spend his wealth in sup
porting armies which may not be VIC
%torious. Ching has received many
threats from Manchu soldiers. It IL
said that one of them warned him not
to dare to attempt to escape.
Prominent Manchus and Chinese
are deserving Pektng with their fam
lilies and seeking safety in the foreign
settlements at Tintsin, Tsingtau and
elsewhere. The foreign representa-
tives have not yet assembled to dis
cuss measurs against the fulfillment
Of the republican ultimatum, al
though several Of them anticipate that
Intervention sooner or later be forced
upon them. -
"A fight to the death is the spirit of
the younger Manchu princes and 1t
has resulted from the wayering Of the
court on the question Of %abdication.
Yuan Shi Kai's position is considered
by his friends as considerably shaken.
The young bloods are urging the ap.
Of Tieh-Ldang, who. in adj
dition to. his experience on the war
board. was Tartar general at Nan.
king. to take command Of the north.
ern with instructions to march his
forces against the republicans. The
ex-reGents Prince Chun, continues q
strong advocate Of a~bdication.
The Manchu troops are Indifferent,
10 decided upon. Yuan Shi
Kais position 10 unenviable. and he
appears to be satisfied that the Man.
chu cause II lost.