The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-01-22

THINKS MANCHU
CAUS E is LOST
If Yuan Shi Kai Resigns, His
Attitude Will Be Republican.
Abdication Of Throne Not
Yet A om pills h d, and
Younger Princes Continue
in Warlike Mood.

Tck'ne'. January 21.-A special train
has been held in readiness since Fri
dag TO take Yuan Shi liai to TEN
Tsin. 1t was evidently the Premiers
plan to transfer the provisional capital
to that city. where the danger from.
Manchus was slight. Apparently he
intended To escape from Picking as
soon as the cdict of abdication waS
signed. but the rcactienary princes
gained the upper hand temporarily,
and prevented the issuance Of the
cdict Meantime the republican ulii-
matum arrived, resulting in II con
siderable change of program. This
ultimatum demanded the abdlcation OF
the throne and the surrender of the
sovereign powcra, and set forth the
refusal of the republicans to permit
Yuan Shi kai 10 participate in the pro-
visional government until the repub-
lie had been recognized by the foreign
powers and the country restored to
peace.
May Need Train.
Premier Yuan still may have need of
the special train. because It Is eH
pected he will refuse TO carry on the
government at Peking without abdica-
ton. and his troops will he subject to
the gravest Manchu hostilities.
The ex-War Minister. Hin-rchang.
and the ex-presidcnt of the Board CT
War. Tch- Liang, are mentioned a pos
sible successors to Yuan Shi Kai.
Both are Manchus, and, therefore,
should the throne appoint either OF
them. it would be breach of one of
the nineteen constitutional pledges. but
national eNigepcies might be consider
ed a substantial excuse for such ac-
ton.
Many of the Chinese troops arc at
present loyal to Yuan shi Kai. 1t Is
not doubted that his attitude would he
republican It he resigned. The Manchus
without support.
Another meeting of the princes OF
the imperial clan will be held to-mor-
row. Those favoring favoring ahdica-
ton probably will absent thcmselva
so that 1t Is difficult to see how a
definite decision can be reached. Those
who desire to continue the lighting, tor
the most part. have nothing to lose
Prince Ching. the cx-Premier evil
IDENTIFY intends not to spend his wealth
In supporting armies which may not
be victorious. Ching has received
many threats from Manchu soldiers. 1t
is said that one OF them warned MIN
not to try to escape.
Prominent Manchus and Chinese are
deserving Peking hastily with their
families and seeking safety in the for
oSltithitittS 1T l1cn- SIN, IBlnG-
Tau and elsewhere. The foreign rep-
rescntatires have not yet assembled
to discuss measures against the fulfill-
mcnt of the republican ultimatum, al
though several of them anticipate that
intervention will soonsr or later be
forced upon them.
Younger Princes wnrIikc.
A night to the death Is the spirit of
the younger Manchu princes, and 1t
has resulted from the waverins of
the court on the question of abdica-
ton. Yuan Shi Nai's position is con-
sidered by his friends as considerably
shaken. Tho young bloods arc urging
the appointment of -Lians. who. in
addition TO his experience on the war
board, was Tartar general at Nanlsing.
to take command OF the northern
army, with instructions to march his
FORCES against the republicans. The
eX-regent. Prince Chun. continues a
strong supporter OF abdication.
The Manchu troops are Indifferent.
They are ready for war or peace.
whichever is decided upon. Yuan Shi
kais position Is unenviable, and he
appears to be satisfied that the Manchu
cause is lost