The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1912-02-03

Oh troops to the north of the /
river continues. 1t is esti- |
mated that the republican force Of all |
arms now numbers more than 100000.
PEKIN, January 22.-Premier Yuan
Shih Kai's efforts to bring about the !
abdication of the thron, have failed, |
and the situation in China has enter
ed a new and perplexing phase.
Prince Ching, the ex-Premier;
Prince Pu Lun, ex-president of the |
National Assembly, and Prince Tsai
Sum, brother of the ex-regent, alb
scented themselves from the confer
ence of the princes of the imperiar
clan today, which left the decision as
to abdication to the reactionaries,
who have been strengthening their
hand steadily since the Premier per
mitted the probability of abdication
to become known.
Curiously enough the Prince of
Inner Mongolia, whom the Manchus
consider inferior to themselves, raj
lied to the aid of the Manchus. At a
previous meeting the Mongols strong
| ly controverted Prince Ching's argu-
ment that the imperial armies were
unable to oppose the rebels. Appar-
emily preparations were complete for
"a provisional government; an abb
dication edict had been drafted, but
the announcement that such a course
was contemplated, which had been al
lowed to become public, with the
evident object of preparing the Man
chu troops against the shock, inspired
clansmen of all degrees to resist.
The Empress Dowager, being reluc-
tant to abdicate, has accepted the adj
vice of the reactionary Princes. The
matter of appointing Yin Tchang the
ex-War Minister, or Tioeh Lang, for
mer Tartar General at Marking to re-
place Yuan Shin Kai was discussed,
but the argument prevailed that the
nineteen articles of the Constitution
promulgated by the national assembly
last November should be observed.
Yuan's eluffIng Obvious.
Yuan Shin Kai's bluffing is becom-
ing obvious. He has held special
trains ready for his departure, but
now that the Manchus have accepted
his challenge, he remains in Pekin.
He has asked for a further so-called
sick leave, indicating that he has no
intention of relinquishing the Prem
iership. He is now recognized as
anti-Manchu; therefore this distrust-
full country accuses him of personal
designs. 1t may be, however, that he
only is following a patriotic deter
mination for the purpose of prevent
ing a division of the country with the
prospects of subdivisions.
The foreign legations including the
American legation, do not desire to
see Yuan Shin Kai retire, because
capable substitute is not available. 1t
is realized that Yuan's presence alone
prevents widespread disorders in the
north, which would endanger the lives
of foreigners. 1t is believed that he
will remain in Pekin, protected alike
! from Manchu attacks and rebel dyna-
mite, until the Manchus discover their
own inability to cope with the situa-
ton, whereupon he will resume con-
troll.
Attitude of Missionaries.
Many missionaries in the northern
provinces strongly resent the attitude
of the missionaries in Shanghai, who
are publicly supporting the revolution.
! Resident Bishop Bashford of the
Methodist Episcopal church and other
prominent American missionaries
have expressed to the Washington ad-
ministration the view that republic
| is inevitable, while another group, al
most entirely American, have tele-
graphed to the Empress Dowager and
the leading Princes, asking them to
abdicate.
The imperialists already suspect
that the missions, especially the
> American MISSIONS, are intoxicating
revolutionary ideas, American Minis
ter Calhoun has endeavored repeated
ly to persuade all the missionaries to
leave the interior, but many of them,
particularly the medical missionaries,
feel that their duty requires them TO
remain.
Millions Face Starvation.
WASHINGTON, January 22.-An
appeal for help declaring that over
. 100000 people are facing starvation
has been received at the headquarters