New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-05-02

at least the official Chinese here In Picking
is losing much OF that which is most at
tractive 10 foreigners. but perhaps his
change of dress will work for greater ef-
fciency.
Panicky limo in Peking.
Picking was not entirely comfortable on
the dav Of the Inauguration. The city was
panicky. A little more than a week had
elapsed since the town had been thoroughly
looted and martial law stlll prevailed. The
very fact that Yuan Shih-kai was taking
his oath Of office here was an indication
of the bad conditions in Peking. He had
once promised to go TO Marking. there TO
assume office, but after the outbreak here,
when IL was seen how absolutely essential
his presence was 10 continued peace and
uulet in these parts. the reyoiuuonists OF
Marking receded from their former stand
and consented to Yuan's remaining in the
north. here TO take tn" oath ana here 10
remain until a government could be or
gained
The arrangements for the inauguration
were made with great speed. Pcking was
looted, and the revolutionary delegation
which had come from Marking 10 tell
Yuan of his election by the revolutionary
assembly there telcgraphed back TO head
quarters that Yuan could not leave Picking
at this time Then trouble broke loose all
over the north and there was trouble In
the south. The situation was indeed Sc
rIous and foreign troops began TO pour
into North China. Marking realized the
Importance OF speedy action and for the
first time almost since gaining control in
the south made concessions and agreed to
Yuan's Inauguration in Pcking. II took
about five days 70 arrange tine form Of oath
and other details. Marking proposed that
Yuan take the oath before the delegation
from Marking This was quickly agreed
70. and Sunday. March 10, was set ss the
day for the inauguration.
The President lnauqursted.
Sunday. March 10, was a pleasant day,
but Feking was decidedly nervous. Tho
town was fun Of rumors. II was said that
the members Of the miserable third divi-
sion. which started the looting OF Picking
and had been sent out Of town were fight
Ing their way hack into the city intent on
making trouble. II was said also that the
Manchu soldiers planned to break up the
Inaugural ton. InrouSnCut tue eflllfe city
there was not the slightest sign Of demon
stration or joy over this event, which.
nevertheless, fully marked the emancipa-
ton of the nation. In fact, most people
remained within doors and the shutters
were Up in front Of all the shops. Trouble
was expected by many and It would have
taken little to start a panic
The Inauguration was set for o'clock
and the guests were asked to he at the
splendid. new Wal Wu-pu building, whore
Yuan Shih-kai lives, an hour beforehand.
The diplomatic corps did not attend. An
invitation had been informally extended.
but at a meeting of the diplomatic corps
II was decided that attendance by the min
listers might be construed as recognition
of the new government
The most prominent guests were the dele
gates from Marking. 1t was primarily for
them that Yuan Shih-kai would read the
oath OF office They attended In body,
about fifteen men in all, every one clad in
black frock coat and with a Queueless