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Show 2 NORTH CHINA MISSION utmost diligence in sowing the fertile seed in his mind. It is incumbent on them to impart in fullest detail the causes from which has proceeded good government or anarch}- in ancient and modern times in all countries of the world, since this is essential to a sovereign's training, and they are to point the morals as circumstances require." September ioth. was the "auspicious clay" selected by the Court of Astronomers for the young emperor to enter upon his weighty studies. Exactly one month later the flames of revolution burst forth and the conflagration spread from province to province so rapidly that within four months the Manchu Dynast}- was swept from the throne, and the only responsibilities left for the young Emperor to prepare for were those incident to good citizenship in a republic ! There is only space here to recount brief!}' the significant stages in this momentous change. In what follows particular emphasis will be given to the events of immediate significance to North China. 1. The Beginning of the Revolution in Wu Chang. - On October 9th. the accidental explosion of a bomb in Hankow led to a police investigation which brought to light a revolutionary plot. The affair was reported to the Viceroy Jui Cheng who promptly arrested and executed the leaders. This in turn precipitated violent action on the part of those in sympathy with revolution, and on the night of October ioth. such a vigorous attack was made on the Viceroy's yamen that he was compelled to retreat and seek refuge on a gunboat. A popular young colonel, Li Yuan Hung, assumed command of the revolutionary forces, and the uprising spread with great rapidity. 2. The Re-instatement of Yuan Shih Kai.-The edict recalling Yuan Shih Kai to service was issued only four days after the outbreak at Wu Chang, and indicated how quickly the Court perceived the seriousness of the movement. By the time Yuan arrived in Peking, November 13th, honor after honor and power after power had been conferred upon him, so that from the date of his arrival he exercised an unparalleled influence. 3. Concerted Action of Northern Troops.-On October 29th. General Chang Shao Tseng, commander of a division of troops at Lanchott, with certain military associates, sent to the Throne |
