THE COUP D’ETAT IN CHINA.

Evening Star, Issue 10783, 18 November 1898, Page 2

THE COUP D’ETAT IN CHINA.

LI’S RIVAL APPEALS TO THE POWERS TO INTERVENE. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright SHANGHAI, November 17. (Received November IS, 1898. at 9.30 a.m.) Kang-yu-wci, tire fugitive member of tho Chinese Council, states that he has forwarded a memorial to tho foreign Ambassadors at Pekin asking them to assist tiro Emperor to destroy the power of the Dowager-Empress. Ho points out that tho .self-appointed Regent has been guilty of murder, usurpation, and regicide. Tho Chinese authorities have transferred troops from tho province of Kang-su to the scene of tiro Black Flag rebellion in Chi-chou-fu, on the right bank of the Yang-tse-kiang.

Kang-yu-wci, the leader of the Reform parV in China, who had to fly for, his life from Pekin on Iho Doivagcr-tniprSui assuming the reins of government, was interviewed by the China ‘Gazette’ of Shanghai on bis arrival at that port. Ho slated that, finding his place dangerous, aud aciicg on tho advice ot tho Fmperor, wi hj whom lie was ou the closest terms of intimacy, he left Pekin on September 20, the day preceding tho coup d'dal. For months before that the i mperor and the Empress-Dowager had been on Gr from friendly terras, owing to the young Emperors progressive ideas, In April last tae Kmpre s Dowager oi ealy threatened to dethrone tho Emperor if he persisted in his schemes cf reform. He persevered, however, and only iho week preceding the coup lie contemplated tho issue of a decree ordering the people to cut their queues and assume foreign dre-s, and exhorting thorn to adopt a cm ions form of Christianity, which Kai g yu wri an i his fob lowcr-i had cvolvul from the teaching of the English mis nonaries. As apn liraiuary to the last-mentioned sten tho young Emperor promulgated a decree in July last, tiro ( If-.ct of which was to close about two-thirds of tho Buddhist temples in the Empire, Jlie Empress-Dowager then warned him that he was going too fast, and was throwing thousands of officials idle. All through, according to Kang, tho Emperor has displayed wonderful strength of character. In fact, the deposed ruler himself is the real leader of tiro Reform party, and in consequence i- cordially hated by both tire old Mauclui and the ('lnncso official classes. Kang believes that, afraid lest the Emperor should return to power, the Empress and Li Hung r hang will not content themselves with the Kmpuroi’s abdication anil cffacoment, hut will certainly kill him. Ho claims to have in his possession documents which prove that Russia is dominating the Empre.-s-Dowager and 1 i, wiro hopes by Russia’s aid to defeat the Emperor’s schemas, I run Pekin com-.-s intelligence that warrants have been issued tor the arrest of Kang, who is now- under tho protection of the Governor of Hongkong, on charges of high treason and plotting against the Dowager-fingress. The leaders of the Reform party in China arc appealing to Britain for help, and are anxiously seeking asdstanceto combat the intrigues of tho Dowager-impress and Li Hung, who are declared to bo acting in the interests of Russia and Fiance.

All tho executions of persons suspected of reforming sympathies have been curled cut secretly. All the Chrne-e seou-lavies of tho principal Yamons who speak FiralMi have been seize i ami hani.-he 1, and adh'runts of the FinP'e.su have ho n appointed to the chief posts in

tiro Government. 'Jbe Fi.nrdi nod Russians are openiy jubilant. The ling i.-di j’ros.i in the Far East unanimously u-go the arrest and deportation of the Empress aud ).i 'lung (.'hang, a po'icv with which educated Chinese opinion coincides. The Japan's.; Press advocate j dnt action by England, the United States, and Japan, in op-position to the new rO/hne and Piissiii, which is accused of instigat-ng the coup il dal in order to privent tie Marquis Ito’s scheme for an alliance with Chinn, the officering of the army, etc., b.ing rcaliw-d. Tho pro- ' i ices—especially Kwang-dung, Kwang-Si, HuKan, ami tu-Ghuaa-arc dwcubed as in a state of rebellion, and if tho Viceroys are at all loyal to the Emperor, or lukcw-nn in tluir support of the now Government, a dangerous movement on Pekin is considered not improbable. ■— ‘ Dal-zit-I.'