Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-06-07
YUAN SHI KAI DEAD
Continued from Page One)

of revolution were gathering in increas-
ing strength. The revolt broke out in
December, 1915. when the president an
monarchy, and ascending the throne as
the first Emperor of the new dynasty.
His coronation was set for early in
February of this year, but was post
poned indefinitely, owing to the revolt
in southern China. Several attempts
were made upon the presidents life and
perial palace.
The establishing of a monarchy was
strenuously opposed by Japan and the
final abandonment of the plan was
largely credited to the representations
made by TOXIC.
The revolt progressed however, and
in March the governors Of the Chinese
provinces demanded the resignation Of
the president In May the province of
Shansi and Shantung announced their
independence and a provisional govern
ment was established by the generals
commanding the revolutionary forces in
the south. President Yuan Shi-kai an
nounced on May 26 his intention to re-
sign when a suitable successor was
chosen. 1t was reported a little later
that the president intended to take ref
uge in Japan.
Yuan's Rise to Prominence
In recent years Yuan Shi-kai had be-
come the most conspicuous personality
of the Orient through his efforts to
bring his 10000. 900 fellow yellow men
into line as citizens of the new Repub-
lie of China.
He went into Korea as secretary
with the army, and there rose rapidly
through his display of military and dip
lomatic ability. The famous Grand
Chancellor Ii Hung-chang recognized in
him man of action and appointed him
Chinese resident at Seoul. This was the
highest post in the empire and Yuan
held it when he was only o6 years old
When the Japanese drove the Chinese
out Of Korea, he was one Of the few to
return to Picking still in the favor Of
the court.
He rose to great prominence through
his effective reorganization of the army
after the war with Japan had shown
it weaknesses.
With the death Of the Empress Dow
ager and the Emperor Kuang Hsu, al
most coincidently, and possible each by
poison at the hands of the other, the
child emperor, Hsun Tung, came to the
throne under the regency of Prince
Chun Yuan, presumably because he had
gained such a control Of the army was
dismissed in disgrace. although nomin-
ally on pretext of curing sore leg"
When the nti-Manchu rebellion broke
tn nntn
gency, in despair, urged Yuan to return
The latter replied that his leg was not
yet we'll. but when given authority as
supreme commander Of all forces of
the North, he accepted. He also be-
came the first premier of the "respon-
sible cabinet" which the regency offer
ed the rebels as a concession of peace.
But neither the rebels nor Yuan were
satisfied. The abdication Of the Man
chu rulers was forced. and the boy en-
peror. at the dictaton Of Yuan Shi-kai
authorized the premier to organize with
the rebel leaders at Marking a Repub-
lican form of government
sun Yat-sen, the provisional presi-
dent of the southern rebels, was forced
to retire and Yuan Shi-kai was elected
provisional president of the Chinese
Republic at Marking on February Is.
1912. He took the oath Of office at Pc
king the following month.