DISTURBED CHINA

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1717, 25 January 1905, Page 70 (Supplement)

DISTURBED CHINA

MANY PROVINCES! PREPARING AN ANTI-DYNASTIC RISING. A special correspondent of the "New York Herald” telegraphing from Tientsin, says:— ‘T have just completed a journey through. South Chi-Li, North Honan, and Shantung provinces—a journey of 1000 miles. ‘‘These sections of North China I find are in a state of evident anti-dynastio unrest, which will probably culminate in an uprising against the Manchus. “This uprising will not be confined to the sections of China mentioned, but will include the majority of the 18 provinces. “This movement is not. ignorant Boxer fanaticism. It is widespread, well-or-ganised, and well-armed. Prominent wealthy men are members of it. “All the northern societies are controlled by a strong central authority, with headquarters in South China. They are in close touch with the Kolaohui, which leads the present rebellion in Kwangsi. The Ivolaohui was organised by soldiers after the Tai-Ping rebellion, as a patriotic society. It now leads the anti-dynastic movement, and includes among its members many soldiers from south of the Yangtze. “Among the anti-dynastic grievances are the indemnity tax and the immense forced contributions to the imperial army and Court. In Chi-Li the sequestration of temple properties for public schools is another grievance. ‘■Tlie anti-dynastic movement is necessarily anti-foreign. Premature overt acts are more probable in Honan province. Strong Government influence is evident in Chi-Li and Shantung. “There is no evidence of Japanese influence. “The situation is serious for the Chinese Government under the existing conditions.”