THE CHINESE STRUGGLE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3426, 18 January 1912, Page 5

THE CHINESE STRUGGLE.

RIVAL FACTIONS EVIDENT. PREMIER'S NARROW ESCAPE. ARMISTICE PROLONGED [UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT] PEKING, Jan. 16. Yuan Shih Kai’s route from the palace was lined by troops with loaded rifles and fixed bayonets. As the carriage approached Dr. Morrison’s residence, one of a group of twelve welldressed Chinamen threw a bomb from a distance of thirty yards. The bomb exploded 20ft. from Yuan Shih Kai’s carriage. Besides two being killed, twelve soldiers and three civilians were injured. The perpetrators took refuge in a tea house, which was surrounded. Reuter’s correspondent adds that the high executioner _is parading outside, smiling, and awaiting orders. The armistice has been prolonged for a fortnight. THE BOMB THROWERS ARRESTED PREMIER’S DEATH WOULD HAVE HAD DIRE RESULTS. (Received Jan. 17, 11.15 p.m.) PEKING, Jan. 17. Yuan Shi Kai was proceeding in semiRegal state when three bombs, about the size of condensed milk tins, and reported to be of Japanese manufacture, were thrown. One failed to explode, and the others fell behind the carriage, owing to the carriage man whipping up the horses. The concussion was felt 600 yards away. The bomb killed two body guards, and wounded eighteen. The terrified horses dashed at- a mad gallop and were stopped with difficulty. The police used whips freely and cowed the crowds. They established a cordon around the whole quarter until tne bomb throwers were arrested. They confessed they were revolutionaries. There were other arrests.

The outrage removes -the doubts that the Manchus hitherto entertained of Yuan Shi Kai’s loyalty. Foreigners believe his death would have thrown northern China into utter lawlessness, which would have demanded the immediate intervention of the Powers.