erly instituted
authorities, etc. As his words are so mournful and full of remorse
they must have been uttered from a sincere heart. Since it was not
his free choice to follow the rebellion, the fact that he has
returned the great power of administration to us shows that he knows
the great principle of righteousness. At this time of national
danger and uncertainty, he has taken the lead of the people in
obeying their sovereign, and decided before others the plan to save
the country from ruin. The merit is indeed great, and we are highly
pleased with his achievement. Li Yuan-hung is hereby to have
conferred on him the dignity of Duke of the first class so as to
show our great appreciation. Let him accept our Edict and for ever
receive our blessings.

Counter-signed by Chang Hsun,
Member of the Privy Council.

PRIVY COUNCIL

At this time of restoration a Privy Council is hereby established in
order that we may be assisted in our duties and that responsibility
may be made definite. Two Under-Secretaries of the Council are also
created. Other officials serving outside of the capital shall remain
as under the system in force during the first year of Hsuan Tung.
All civil and military officials who are now serving at their
various posts are hereby commanded to continue in office as
hitherto.

Counter-signed by Chang Hsun.

(Hereafter follow many appointments of reactionary Chinese officials.)

The general stupefaction at the madness of this act and the military
occupation of all posts and telegraph-offices in Peking allowed 48 hours
to go by before the reaction came. On the 2nd July Edicts still
continued to appear attempting to galvanize to life the corpse of
Imperialism and the puzzled populace flew the Dragon Flag. On the
morning of the 3rd, however, the news suddenly spread that President Li
Yuan-hung, who had virtually been made a prisoner in the Presidential
Palace, had escaped at nine o'clock the night before by motorcar
accompanied by two aides-de-camp, and after attempting to be received at
the French Hospital in the Legation Quarter, had proceeded to the
Japanese Legation where he was offered a suitable residence. On the
evening of the 3rd the Japanese Legation issued the following official
communique (in French) defining its attitude:

TRANSLATION

President Li, accompanied by two members of his st