Evening star., 1934-02-28
PU-Y PREPARED
!. TO MOUNT THRONE
Thousands Mass in Hsinking
to See Emperor En-.
throned Tomorrow.
BY JAMES A. MILLS.

(Copyriaht, 1894, by the Associated PresSO
HSINKING (CHANGCHUN), Man.
chukuo, February 28.-Henry PuYi,
Emperor-elect Of Manchukuo COM
pleted his pre-enthronement purifica-
ton ceremonies today and immedi-
ately thereafter received American
and foreign newspaper men for the
last time as plain "Mr. Pu-Yi."
On behalf Of the press, this writer
as the senior correspondent, felicitated
the young monarch-to-be - former
child-ruler Of all China-upon his
coming ascension to the throne.
Pu-Yi, who will be elevated to En-
peror OF the Japanese-advised state
in elaborate ceremonies of regal
grandeur tomorrow, was dressed In
his field marshal's uniform.
Appreciates Interest.
He said he deeply appreciated the
fact that newspaper men had come
from all parts of the world to wit
ness the enthronement.
II would like to speak to you all
individually" he said, but I am so
deeply engrossed in preparations for
tomorrow's ceremonies that I have
only time to welcome you and wish
you we'll "
A group Of woman writers and Wsi-
tors accompanying the newspaper
men created a perplexing problem for
court officials. who feared presenta-
tion of women would break down CEN
turies-old court traditions.
The democratic young sovereign,
however, promptly relieved their anxi-
ETY. by ordering that all Of the women
be admitted.
The American women granted an
audience by Pu-Yi included:
Miss Ruth Emeline Bush Of Chi
cago, Mrs. Amanda Boyden Of Bos-
ton, Mass; Miss Fay Gillis of New
York and Mrs. Bruce Hopper OF Cam
bridge. Mass.
Has Three Days Seclusion.
Pu-Yi secluded himself Monday on
his 28th birthday anniversary and
began the three-day process of puri-
hcation for his enthronement.
He spent the period in fasting,
prayer and meditation-a process
deemed necessary to fit him to wor-
ship at the altar of heaven during
the ceremonies.
While he remained hidden from
the public eye, however, the popula-
ton of Hsinking was swollen with
the arrival of thousands Of visitors
and soldiers and detectives delegated
to guard the new Emperor.
An army Of 5000 soldiers was
marshaled to guard against possible
assassination during and after the
rites at the altar of heaven.
High Manchu dignataries, who are
thoroughly versed in the 3,OOO-year-
old rites of the ancient Chou dynasty,
began coaching Pu-Yi days ago that
there might be no slip-up in the cere-
monies.
Pu-Yi himself selected the rites be-
cause he believed they reflect the
period of China's greatest spiritual
and philosophical development. Be.
sides, he considered them simple and
hence in keeping with his ideas for
simplicity in the new empire.
All save the Emperor
participated in an out-of-doors re-
hearsal of the enforcement cere-
monies, despite the bitter cold. Tues
day
Today Mr.. Pu-Yi carried out his
final full dress rehearsal for tomor-
rows imperial drama.
Precautions Are Taken.
In the interest Of the Emperor's
safety the rehearsal was confined to
the palace, omitting the, smile
journey which he will take tomorrow
to the altar Of heaven.
Today's rehearsal was the first time
Pu-Yi has donned the gorgeous Man.
chu robes Of ancient patterns in which
tomorrow, as Emperor Kang Teh, he
will worship heaven.
On one red and blue gown, embroid-
cred with dazzling golden dragons and
orchids, are the Chinese ideographs:
"Oh, majesty! May you live for
ever like the sun, moon and stars"
The city of Hsinking Is in its gay
est garb to celebrate the second an
niversary Of the establishment Of
Manchukuo and the birth Of . new
empire.
City Gayly Decorated.
Triumphal arches sprang up over
night and miles Of bunting, flags and
posters appeared as If by magic. Por-
traits of Pu-yi are exhibited In shop
windows and newspapers issued spe-
cial enthronement editions.
The Chinese slums adjoining the
imperial palace-recalling the old
shacks which formerly lined Pennsyl-
vania avenue near the Capitol In
washington-were curtained of by
vari-colored bunting 50 that the En-
peror, en- route to the altar Of heaven
tomorrow, will not be saddened by the
sight Of such poverty.
CHINA STANDS FIRM.