LI YUAN
HUNG.
(4) Dated July 3. To Vice-President Feng, Tu Chuns and Governors
of the Provinces, Provincial Assemblies, Inspector General Lu:--I
presume that the two telegrams dated 1st and one dated 3rd inst.
have safely reached your place. With bitter remorse to myself I
now make the statement that the political crisis has resulted in
affecting the form of government. Tuan Chih-chuan has been
appointed on the 1st inst. as Premier; and the Vice-President has
been asked to exercise the power and functions of the President in
accordance of office by the Vice-President. Premier Tuan is
authorized to act at his discretion. All the seal and documents
have been sent to Tientsin, and Premier Tuan has been told to keep
and guard the same for the time being. He has also been asked to
forward the same to the Vice-President. The body guards of the
President's Office have suddenly been replaced and I have been
pressed to give up the Three Lakes. Yuan-hung has therefore
removed to a sanctuary. As regards the means to save the country I
trust that you will consult and work unitedly with Vice-President
Feng and Premier Tuan. In great expectation, and with much of my
heart not poured out. LI YUAN HUNG.
Meanwhile, whilst these dramatic events were occurring in Peking,
others no less sensational were taking place in the provinces. The
Tientsin group, suddenly realizing that the country was in danger,
took action very swiftly, disclosing that in spite of all disputes
Republicanism had become very dear to every thinking man in the
country, and that at last it was possible to think of an united
China.
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