CHINA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2352, 19 November 1908, Page 4

CHINA.

THE LATE EMPEROR.

SUGGESTION OF FOUL PLAY

SCOOTED

United Piiess Association. Copteight

PEKIN, Nov. 17

The dying Emperor’s valedictory decree urged "the diligent- execution of reforms, and that an order be prepared to inaugurate a constitution in nine years’ time. The Dowager Empress's valedictory decree also refers favorably to constitutional reform.

It is officially announced that the Chinese scout the suggestion of lout play inTegard to the .Dowager Empress or Emperor. Owing to Yuan Shili-Kai’s admirable precautions, no disorders occurred. He advocated the selection: of a new Emperor.

The Emperor and Dowager Empress died alone, the Emperor’s uncles fearing to approach owing to the sacredness of their majesties’ persons.

Chinese in London and British Columbia are mourning, and close their shops for three days.

A RUN ON THE BANKS. PALACE REFORMS. PEKIN, Nov. 17. There has been a. serious run on the Pekin banks; otherwise all is quiet. Prince Chun is firm in his action to maintain order. He has introduced palace reforms and abolished eunuchs, and’ resolved on modern methods of public business. Puyi’s education is to be on modern lines. A PRUDENT PRINCESS. ACTION OF THE NEW EMPEROR’S MOTHER, (Received Nov. 18, 9 p.m.) PEKIN, Nov. IS: There are allegations that Ze-he-iia_ la, mother of Puyi, with great presence of mind, immediately the Emperor and the Dowager Empress died, convened a meeting of the Grand Council in her apartment, and arranged her plans. The Councillors were warned by the Princess that any opposition would be promptly punished. The fact that the reform clement is well represented in the new regime is causing alarm'to the Manchu organisations.

[NuTE. —The Manchus, originally the people from Manchuria, the prolying outside the great wall of China, are the descendants of the armies' wbk/li conquered the Ming emperors over three centuries age, and established the present dynasty. Formerly’ the various high offices in Pekin were supposed to be allotted to equal number's of Manchus and Chinese. The progress of the reformed ideas among the latter lias, doubtless. caused the Manchus to fear uiat their privileges are in danger.]