TRUCE IN CHINA.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 287, 2 December 1911, Page 5

TRUCE IN CHINA.

s TO CONSIDER YUAN'S TERMS CONSULTING THE PROVINCES. CONGRESS AT SHANGHAI. (By Cable.— Association.— PEKIN, December 1. The British Minister, Sir John Jordan, has arranged for a three days' ■truce between the Imperial troops and the revolutionaries at Hankow and Wuchang. | During the three days the leader of, the revolutionaries, General Li-yuan-, hung, will ascertain the views of eight j rebel provinces as to whether there j should be an armistice of 15 days, in order that delegates of the revolutionaries might meet Yuan-shi-kai's delegates at Shanghai. CONCERTED MEDIATION. AUSTRALIAN CRUISERS FOR CHINA. LONDON, December I. The Government, having consulted Sir John Jordan, decided not to land troop's in China. It is announced that Britain. Japan, and the United States have arranged to act in close consultation with reference to concerted mediation in China when the opportunity arises. In the House of Commons, in answer to a question asked by Admiral Lord Charles Beresford (Unionist member for Portsmouth), the First Lord of the Admiralty, Mr. Churchill, stated that the two cruisers which Australia recently ordered would join the China squadron temporarily, with a view to possible developments. THE REGENT'S EDICT. t DISASTERS LOOM AHEAD. A PARDON FOR REBELS. (Received 9.10 a.m.) SYDNEY, this day. The "North China Daily News" publishes a translation of an Imperial edict '■ issued by the Prince Regent, in which he states: "I have reigned few three years conscientiously, but not having the political skill have not employed men properly. I have employed too many nobles in political positions and on railway matters. I have been fooled by some I have trusted. When I urge reform, officials and gentry seize the opportunity to embezzle. On several occasions edicts promulgated laws, none of which have been obeyed. "Disasters loom ahead, the whole Empire is seething, the spirits of our nine late Emperors are not able to properly enjoy the sacrifices made to them. All these things are my fault, and I hereby announce that I swear to re-form the Government and carry out constitution faithfully, developing the interests of the people, and abolishing hardships. "Rebellious soldiers and people are innocent if they return to thei' allegiance. I excuse the past, and I repent greatly. The finances of our diplomacy have now reached bedrock. Even if all unite there is fear of falling; but if our subjects are not united, then the future of China is unthinkable." REBELS HOLD WU-CHANG. (Received 11.20 a.mi) PEKIN, December 1. The rebels still hold Wu-chang. . The reports that they had capitulated were based on erroneous official information. MANCHU REBELS ACTIVE. (Received 11.20 a.m.) TOKIO, December 1. The revolutionaries in Southern Manchuria are active. The Imperialists were defeated at Wa Fan Tsen, and their commander captured and beheaded.