Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-01-02
Goes Over to Republicans.
President Sun Takes Office
as Chinese Republics Head

NANKING. China, January 2-The first
official act of DR.. Sun Vat Sen, president
of the new Chinese republic was to
change the Chinese calendar He made
New Year day the first day of his presi-
dency. thus marking the commencement
of a new era and making the Chinese
new year begin henceforth on the same
day as the year begins In most other
countries Of the world. Accompanied by
numerous suite and protected by a
strong bodyguard. DIR. Sun Vat Sen left
Shanghai in a special train for Nanking.
The trip was made without accident ex-
cept for the enthusiasm OF the greeting
accorded to the new president at all the
principal stations.
DR.. Sun reached the new Chinese capi-
tai at half past o'clock In the evening
and was greeted with loud cheering.
Many prominent men among the revolu-
tionaries met him at the sta ton and ac-
companied him to the government house,
the route to which was lined by 10.o00
soldiers.
Demonstration Of Approval.
The whole town was beflagged, the war
ships and merchant vessels along the
river dressed ship and a presidential sa-
lutte was fired from the guns Of all the
forts in the vicinity.
Government House was reached at
O'Clock. The gates, the inner avenues and
the courtyards surrounding il were deco
rated with myriads Of multi-colored elec-
trfc lights DR.. Sun, who was dressed in
khaki uniform on his arrival held a re-
ception. which was attended by gov
ernors general and other high officials
In the audience chamber, an immense
apartment in Government House. dele
gates representing eighteen provinces OF
China proper took up their positions
around raised platform. When DR.. Sun
entered the apartment all bowed their
heads. The president-eIect proceeded TO
the central platform and there took the
oath Of Office.
President Makes Promises.
Afterward he delivered an address. IN
which he promised to disenthrone the
Manchus to re-establish peace, to pro-
mote trade. and to devote his entire en-
ergy to the Chinese nation and aid the
Chinese people to realize their aspirations
When the Manchus had finally abdicated
and peace was restored to the nation he
would. he said. resign his provisional
Office.
The chairman Of the delegates from the
provinces then handed the new president
the seal Of office.
President Sun delivered a long address
he announced that strong central gov
ernment would be organized, the entire
administrative system remodeled and
modernized and a parliament representa-
tive Of the people be elected.
Program for the Provinces.
The provinces, he said would be au-
tonomous as regards local affairs. and each
would select its own governor. The army
nd no irlfi-
tutions and be under the control Of the
central parliament. which would also deal
with the finances Of the country. The
whole fiscal system would be readjusted.
but he was sure that the income OF the
country was sufficient to discharge its
liabilities and to defray ordinary ex-
penses.
After giving many details as to his pro-
gram for the development Of the re-
sources Of China. President Sun referred
to the relations Of China with foreign
countries. He expressed on behalf Of the
new republic the feeling OF thankfulness
that prevailed at the consistent neutrality
foreign feeling which had previously
existed would not appear in the new
China
The government, he concluded. was re-
sponsive to the will Of the people. and he
was assured that unity would prevail
among all the provinces in supporting the
central governmen of the republic BY
doing its duty as a nation he hoped that
the new republic would be recognize in
the council of nations. and he could prom
ise that the foreign policy Of his govern
ment would be conducive to the peace Of
the world.
The New Cabinet.
President Sun has completed his cabi-
net. The list is not yet officially avail
able but il is substantially as follows:
Vice president Ii Yuen-Heng: finance
ministtr, Chin Chin Tao; premier and
war minister. Huang Sing; attorney gen.
eral, Dr. Wu Ting-fang; foreign minis
ter. Wang Chung Wei: marine minister.
Capt. Wang; chief Of staff. Gen. Hsu.
1t is uncertain who will receive the
other minor portfolios and some changes
in the list are possible. The combina-
ton as 1t at present stands is regarded
as q strong one.
President Sun this morning held q
reception Of the principal generals I'm
command of the revolutionary troops
In Nanking, which will remain the seat
of the provisional government for the
present 1t is possible that the capt.
tai will afterward be changed to W.
chang, but II IL certain that PekinG
will not be selected. After his arrival
e., Chap0haf some ten dav9 aDa np