Taiwan Today

Manchu rule was ended quickly in 1911-12 despite nearly insurmountable obstacles

As the Chinese say, hao shih tuo mo, meaning that good things never come easy. This was surely true of the birth of the Republic of China, Asia's first venture into the republican form of government.

The efforts of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the Founding Father, to formulate San Min Chu I (The Three Principles of the People), his trials and tribulations in founding the Tung Meng Hui (Society of the Common Cause) and his revolutionary campaigns against the Manchus culminated in the successful Wuchang uprising of October 10, 1911, which brought about collapse of the Ch'ing dynasty in less than four months. However, the achievement of stability was not to be so fast in the face of more than 4,000 years of dynastic rule. Confusion loomed large in the last weeks of 1911 and the first three months of 1912 under Dr. Sun's provisional presidency.

There were continued uprisings against the Ch'ing throughout China and diehard resistance by Manchu armies. There were disagreements among provincial revolutionary governments in trying to establish a provisional national assembly and to agree on the seat of national government. Yuan Shih-kai, who first represented the interests of the Manchu court, and Wu Ting-fang, who represented the revolutionaries, exchanged messages continu­ously in negotiating questions concerning amnesty for members of the court. Manchu generals were urging the Ch'ing throne to change the monarchy into a republican form of government. Yuan Shih­- kai sought to override decisions of the provisional national assembly on the seat of the National Government and conditions of amnesty.

Involved in this confusion were such men of dignity, farsightedness and wisdom as Dr. Sun, Huang Hsing, Chen Ch'i-mei, Sung Chiao-jen, Hu Han-min, Ts'ai Yuan-pei, Wu Ting-fang and Li Lieh-chun. There were also monarchists along with opportunists who were reluctant to give up the monarchy but could only go along with the revolu­tionary tide. Among them were Yuan Shih-kai, Tuan Ch'i-jui, Tang Shao-yi and Chen Chiung-ming.

These are the leaders who walked the stage of Chinese history from October 10, 1911, to April 1, 1912, when Dr. Sun resigned as provisional presi­dent:

Dr. Sun Yat-sen (November 12, 1866-March 12, 1925) was born in Tsuiheng village, Hsiangshan county, Kwangtung province. He went to Hawaii with his mother to study at the Iolani School in 1879 and was graduated with honors in 1882, when he entered Oahu College. He returned to his native village in 1883 and expressed dissatisfaction with Manchu rule. In 1884, he studied at the Diocesan Home in Hongkong and transferred to Queen's College in 1885, when he was baptized and took a wife. In the same year he was inspired with thoughts of revolution after China's defeat by France. In 1886 he began working at Canton Hospital and undertook anti-Manchu activities. He was graduated from the Hongkong Medical College and started practice in Macao in 1892. In 1894 he toured Northern China and sent a message to Prime Minister Li Hung-chang recommending steps for national salvation. He then went to Honolulu and founded the Hsing Chung Hui (Society for Rebuilding China). In the following year he founded the Hsing Chung Hui branch in Hongkong. He failed in the first coup de main of the revolution at Canton in October and went to Hawaii by way of Japan, stopping off to establish the Yokohama Hsing Chung Hui branch. In 1896 he toured the United States and then went on to London, where he was kidnapped and held in the Manchu Legation for two weeks. His release was arranged by Dr. James Cantlie, his former teacher in Hongkong. In 1897 he studied the political institutions of Europe and had his first ideas about San Min Chu I. In 1900 he went to Singapore and Taiwan. The second revolutionary campaign in Huichow, Kwangtung province, was directed from Taiwan. In 1902 he moved to Hanoi and founded the Hsing Chung Hui branch for Indochina. In 1905 he set up revolutionary groups among Chinese students and residents in Brussels, Berlin and Paris. He organized the Tung Meng Hui in Tokyo in August and was elected president. He publicly proclaimed the San Min Chu I for the first time in the inaugural issue of Min Pao (National Daily), his revolutionary newspaper. In 1907 he established headquarters in Hanoi and directed four anti-Manchu campaigns in Huangkang, Huichow, Chingchow and Chennankwan in Kwangtung and Yunnan provinces. In 1909 he founded the Tung Meng Hui branch in New York. In 1910, after the uprising of the Manchu New Army failed in Canton, he went to Japan, then to Europe and America.

Huang Hsing (October 28, 1874-0ctober 31, 1916), a native of Changsha, Hunan, was the son of a teacher. He received a traditional education in the Chinese Classics at the Yo La Shu Yuan and passed the examinations for the sheng yuan degree in 1892. He enrolled at the Lianghu Shu Yuan in Wuchang in 1897 and studied there for five years. This academy was founded by Chang Chih-tung to put into practice his belief in Chinese learning for fundamental principles and Western learning for practical application. Huang Hsing was graduated with distinction in 1902 and chosen by Chang Chih-tung to study normal school educa­tion in Japan. Huang arrived in Tokyo in May of 1902 and enrolled at the Kobun Institute, which offered Chinese students abbreviated courses in law, physics, political science and normal school training. In May of 1903 he helped form the Society for the Promotion of Military Education ostensibly to oppose Russian encroachment in Manchuria but with the real purpose of overthrow­ing the Manchu dynasty. Huang left Tokyo for China in June, 1903. Arriving in Shanghai, he accepted an appointment at the Ming Te school in Changsha headed by Hu Yuan-t'an. That autumn, he made full use of his position to spread revolutionary propaganda among students. In late 1903 and early 1904 Huang founded the revolu­tionary society Hua Hsing Hui, the Society for the Revival of China, in Hunan and the T'ung Ch'ou Hui (Association Against the Common Enemy) to maintain liaison between secret societies in Hunan and the Hua Hsing Hui. He and his associates planned simultaneous uprisings at Changsha, Yichow, Hengchow, Paoking and Ch'angte for the Empress Dowager's 70th birthday in November of 1904. The plot failed and Huang Hsing fled Changsha. He reached Shanghai Novem­ber 20. Later in 1904 he fled to Japan and in early 1905 returned to Hunan with firearms. These were discovered by the Manchu authorities and Huang fled to Japan again. In July, 1905, he met Dr. Sun Yat-sen through Miyazaki Torazo, a close friend and admirer of Sun. The two agreed it was necessary to unify the various revolutionary groups in China. On July 30, at a Tokyo meeting of revolutionaries, it was decided to form a new organization, the Chung Kuo Tung Meng Hui, which was inaugurated August 20, 1905, with Sun Yat-sen as head and Huang Hsing as second in command. A magazine founded by Sung Chiao­-jen, Huang Hsing's close associate, was renamed the Min Pao and became the party's official organ. Huang left Japan in 1907 for Hanoi, where he helped Dr. Sun and Hu Han-min make preparations for insurrections in western Kwangtung. He led several uprisings during 1907-1910. All failed. On January 18, 1911, Huang Hsing returned to Hong­kong from Singapore and set up a headquarters with himself as chief of staff. He led the March 29 Canton Uprising and lost one of the fingers of his right hand. After outbreak of the Wuchang Revolution October 10, 1911, Huang Hsing left Hongkong for Shanghai, arriving October 24.

Chen Ch'i-mei (1876-May 18, 1916), a native of Chekiang, was apprenticed to a pawnbroker at Shihmen near Wuhsing at the age of 14 and about 1900 went to work for a silk company in Shanghai. He arrived in Tokyo in 1906 and immediately joined the Tung Meng Hui. He returned to China to organize a secret headquarters in the international settlement at Shanghai to direct revolu­tionary activities. In July, 1911, he joined Sung Chiao-jen and Chu Cheng and formally established the Central China bureau of the Tung Meng Hui. He directed the capture of Shanghai in November, 1911.

Sung Chiao-jen (April 5, 1882-March 22, 1913) was born in Taoyuan, Hunan. In the spring of 1899 he entered the Chang Chiang Shu Yuan and in 1902 a middle school at Wuchang founded by Chang Chih-tung. In 1904 he joined the Hua Hsing Hui and established the Ko Hsueh Pu Hsi She (science study group) in mid-1904 as cover for the recruiting of revolutionaries among students and soldiers of the Manchu New Army. Premature exposure of the plot to start uprisings at five places in Hunan on the Empress Dowager's birth­ day in November, 1904, forced Sung to flee to Japan, where he studied at the Kobun Institute from mid-December, 1904, to June, 1905. He founded the revolutionary magazine Erh Shih Shih Chi Chih Chih Na (Twentieth Century China) in June, 1905. This later became Min Pao. In February of 1906 Sung enrolled at Waseda University in Tokyo. At the end of 1910, he left Japan for Shanghai, where at the invitation of Yu Yu-jen he became chief editor of the Min Li Po. On July 31, 1911, he and others inaugurated the Central China Bureau of the revolutionary forces. After the revolt of October 10, 1911, Sung accompanied Huang Hsing to Wuchang and drafted a provisional constitution for Hupei province and took an active part in planning the convention of provincial delegates called to Wuchang to organize a provi­sional government. After the provisional govern­ment was established at Nanking in January, 1912, Sung was appointed head of the law codification bureau.

Hu Han-min (December 9, 1879-May 12, 1936) was born in Panyu, Kwangtung. He completed his basic education in the Chinese Classics at 10 and became a tutor in 1894. In 1889 he worked for a Canton newspaper as a writer and passed the provincial examinations for the degree of chu jen in 1900. He went to Japan in early 1902 and enrolled in the normal department of the Kobun Institute. He returned to Canton at the end of 1902 and worked on the newspaper Lin Hai Po. He attacked another Canton newspaper, Yang Cheng Po, and the monarchist cause of Kang Yu­-wei. Later he went to Kwangsi as an instructor at the Wuchow Middle School, where he disseminated revolutionary ideas. In 1904 he went to Japan again and enrolled in Tokyo Law College. He joined the Tung Meng Hui in 1905 and ac­companied Dr. Sun to Hanoi to establish a new revolutionary base. In July, 1908, he joined Dr. Sun in Singapore and became director of the Tung Meng Hui branch there. After the October 10, 1911, uprising, Hu returned to Hongkong and on November 9, 1911, was elected military governor of the Kwangtung provisional government.

Ts'ai Yuan-pei (January, 1868-March 5, 1940) was born in Shanyin, Shaohsing prefecture in Chekiang. He started his classical education at the age of 4 and received the sheng yuan degree in 1883 at the age of 15. In 1889 he obtained the chu jen degree and in 1890 passed the examina­tions for the chi shih degree, one of the youngest ever to pass. He became a scholar of the Hanlin Yuan in 1892 and was promoted to rank of com­piler in 1894. In 1898 he resigned his positions in Peking and left for Chekiang to devote himself to education. He served at Shaohsing as principal of the modern chung hsi hsueh tang (Sino-Western school). He left for Shanghai in 1901 and later went to Japan. In 1902, he returned to Shanghai and participated in an anti-Manchu organization, the Chung Kuo Chiao Yu Hui (China Education Society). He was its first president. In 1903 he returned to Shanghai from Tsingtao to found the Ching Chung Jih Pao, a continuation of the efforts made by such revolutionary papers as the Su Pao and the Kuo Min Jih Pao in publishing and dis­seminating anti-Manchu propaganda. In 1904 he was elected first president of the Kuang Fu Hui (Restoration Society) of Kiangsu and Chekiang. In 1906 he went to Peking and accepted a post as teacher in the I hsueh kuan (translation institute of the Manchu Imperial Court). In 1907 he went to Berlin and studied German for a year. From 1908 to 1911 he attended the University of Leipzig, returning to China in November, 1911.

Wu Ting-fang (July 9, 1842-June 23, 1922) of Hsinhui, Kwangtung, was born in Singapore. He received his early education in the Chinese Classics and was sent to Hongkong to the British Central School (later Queen's College), from which he was graduated in 1860. He served as editor of the Chung Ngoi San Po, which appeared in 1858 as the first modern daily newspaper published in Chinese. In 1873 he joined Wang T'ao and Huang Sheng in founding another Hongkong paper, the Tsun Wan Yat Po. In 1874 Wu Ting-fang went to London to study law and was called to the English bar in 1876, becoming the first Chinese barrister. He returned to China in 1877 and was the first Chinese to practice law in Hongkong. He was appointed by Sir John Pope Hennessy, the governor of Hongkong, as the first Chinese magistrate in the colony. In 1880, the governor appointed Wu to membership in the Legislative Council of Hongkong. With his brother-in-law, Ho Kai, he was active in establishing a college of medicine attached to the Alice Memorial Hospital. Dr. Sun was later a student at this medical college. In 1882 he left Hongkong to join the secretariat of Li Hung-chang at Tientsin and took part in the negotiating of the Sino-French treaty in April-June, 1885. He was active in establishment of Peiyang University, Peiyang Military Academy and Tientsin School of Telegraphy. In 1887 Wu was made director of the China Railway Company. In 1889, he went to Canton to mourn his mother's death and returned to Tientsin in 1891. He was active in diplomacy during the Sino-Japanese war and in 1895 aided Li Hung-chang in the treaty negotiations at Shimonoseki. Later that year he officiated at the exchange of treaty ratifications. Wu was appointed minister to the United States, Spain and Peru in 1897. In 1902, he was recalled and appointed a co-commissioner for the revision of treaties. Later he served as vice president of the Board of Com­merce, vice president of the Board of Foreign Affairs and co-chairman of the Fa Lu Pien Tsuan Kuan (Bureau for the Compilation of Law). The other co-chairman was Shen Chia-pen. In 1905, Shen and Wu proposed a series of changes including abolition of corporal punishment. These were accepted by the Manchu court. In 1906, Wu was appointed vice president of the Board of Punish­ments. In 1907, he was named Chinese minister to the United States. He was recalled in 1909. After the October Revolution of 1911, he gave active support to the revolutionaries. On November 3, 1911, he convened an emergency meeting of residents and officials in Shanghai to establish a revolutionary government with Chen Ch'i-mei as military governor.

Li Lieh-chun (1882-1946) received a Chinese classical education and was one of the first students to enroll at the Kiangsi Military Preparatory School when it was established in 1902. He was graduated in 1904 and was sent to Japan to enroll at the Shimbu Gakko Military Preparatory Academy in Tokyo and joined the Tung Meng Hui in June, 1906. In 1907 he enrolled at the Shikan Gakko Military Academy as a member of the sixth class. After graduation in 1908 he returned to China and received command of a battalion in the 54th Regiment of the Manchu Army stationed in Kiangsi. Early in 1910 he went to Kunming and served as an instructor and then as director of a provincial military school, where he promoted the revolutionary movement. In 1911 he was ordered to participate in the Manchu Army's autumn mili­tary maneuvers at T'aihu. He reached Hankow three days after the October Revolution and then went to Peking. At the end of October, 1911, he responded to a call from revolutionaries in his native province and left Peking for Kiukiang, where he became chief of staff to Chiang Ch'un, who then resigned in his favor.

Yuan Shih-kai (September 16, 1859-June 6, 1916) was born to a well-to-do family of Honan. As a student he was more interested in athletics and military drill than in books. In 1880 he became a staff officer of General Wu Ch'ang-ch'ing of the Manchu Anhwei Army. Two years later he followed Wu to Korea and later became a protege of Li Hung-chang. In 1885 Li appointed Yuan Chinese imperial resident at Seoul in charge of diplomatic and commercial affairs. Shortly after­ward, Yuan became commander-in-chief of the imperial army at Tientsin. In 1901 Yuan Shih-kai was made viceroy of Chihli. He built a model army, developed education and fostered the growth of industries and road building. With the aid of foreign advisers, he became one of the most progressive administrators of the Manchu court. He advanced from the post of viceroy to grand secretary and then president of the Manchu Board of Foreign Affairs. At the time of Yuan's rise to power, there was strife in the royal family and sporadic uprisings of revolutionaries. When the Manchu throne set up a cabinet to appease the Constitutional Monarchists, Yuan was given the premiership. Cabinet members consisted entirely of Manchu princes. After founding of the Republic and Dr. Sun's ascension to the provisional presiden­cy, Yuan's generals threatened to restore the monarchy. Dr. Sun agreed to yield the presidency to Yuan as the price of unification.

Li Yuan-hung (1864-June 3, 1928) who twice served as president of the Republic of Peking (June, 1916-Ju1y, 1917;June, 1922-June, 1923) was born in Huangp'i near Hankow. He began his education at a private school in 1879 and five years later became a cadet at the Tientsin Naval Academy. Upon graduation in March, 1889, he was sent on a six-month training cruise to Canton and back. Early in 1894 he was appointed chief engineer of the cruiser Kuang Chia, then stationed at Shanghai. The ship was ordered to Port Arthur soon after the Sino-Japanese war began in 1894 but was sunk before it reached its destination. Li, who could not swim, was washed ashore on the tide after being held up by life belt for three hours. He made his way to Port Arthur and remained there until 1895, when he went to Shanghai and took a position with Chang Chih-tung, the governor-general of Kiangsu, Kiangsi and Anhwei. He was charged with constructing fortifications at Nanking and completed the work within a year. In 1896 Chang Chih-tung appointed him a military adviser and sent him to Japan in 1897, 1899 and 1902 to observe and study military modernization. In 1906 Li received command of the newly created 21st Mixed Brigade of the Manchu Imperial Army. On October 11, 1911, the revolutionaries met with the Hupei provincial advisory council at Wuchang and named Li Yuan-hung to head the new revolu­tionary government. He agreed and became military governor of Hupei. Five days later, he took the concurrent title of commander-in-chief of the Hupei revolutionary army.

Tang Shao-yi (1860-September 30, 1938) was born in Hsiangshan, Kwangtung. At the age of 10, he was selected as a member of the third con­tingent of Chinese students to be sent to the United States to receive Western training under the pro­gram of the China Educational Mission. In 1882 he was appointed assistant to the new imperial customs inspector in Korea, P.G. von Möllendorff, and gained the approbation of the Chinese garrison commander, Yuan Shih-kai. In April, 1885 he went with Yuan to Tientsin for consultations with Li Hung-chang. Tang accompanied Yuan to Seoul in August, 1885, and stayed there to perform Yuan's duties when Yuan returned to China in July, 1894. Tang returned to China in 1896 to become secretary to Yuan at the headquarters of the newly created Manchu Army in Hsiaochan, Chihli, in Hopei. He also became managing director of the Northern Railways Administration. He accompanied Yuan to Shantung in December, 1899, and was named customs director at Tientsin in November, 1901. In September, 1904, Tang was appointed special commissioner for Tibetan affairs and later minister to the Court of St. James and still later went to Calcutta for nego­tiations with the British. He returned to China in September of 1905 and in November was appoint­ed acting junior vice president of the Board of Foreign Affairs and reopened negotiations on the Tibetan problem with the British minister at Peking. Sir Ernest Satow. On April 27, 1906, the British and the Chinese signed an agreement which acknowledged China's suzerainty over Tibet. By this time, Tang had become associate controller general of a new revenue council in the Imperial Maritime Customs and director-general of the Peking-Hankow and Nanking-Shanghai railways. In November, 1906, he was appointed senior vice president of the Board of Communications. He joined with other high officials at Peking to initiate anti-opium legislation proclaimed as the Opium Abolition Regulations November 22. In October 1910, Tang became acting president of the Board of Communications. In December of 1911, when Yuan Shih-kai was appointed premier of the Manchu cabinet and authorized to deal with the revolutionaries, he made Tang head of the imperial delegation charged with negotiating peace. Tang later became disillusioned with Yuan and became a responsible member of the provisional government in Nanking. He signed a loan contract with the Banque Sino-Belgique for ₤1 million on behalf of the provisional government.

Chen Chiung-ming (January 13, 1878-Septem­ber 22, 1933) was born in Haifeng, Kwangtung. He received his education at a family school and became a sheng yuan in 1898 at the age of 20. He was graduated from the Kwangtung College of Law and Government in Canton in 1908 and organized a secret revolutionary group in Haifeng that year. In 1909 this group published under his editorship the Haifeng Self Government Gazette in which the need for social and political reforms was stressed. In that same year he was elected a member of the Kwangtung advisory council established by the imperial government in preparation for promulgation of a constitution. At the end of 1909 he was chosen one of the three delegates from Kwangtung to a Shanghai conference of representatives from provincial advisory councils to urge the imperial government to accelerate its constitutional government program. He joined the Tung Meng Hui in Shanghai. Early in 1910 Chen returned to Canton and continued his revolutionary activities. In March, 1911, he set up a newspaper, the Ko Pao, to promote revolutionary propaganda among Kwangtung soldiers. After the October 10 uprising, Chen returned to Kwangtung from Hong­kong, raised forces and advanced upon Waichow. In early November he established himself as the head of a revolutionary army and hastened the fall of Kwangtung to the revolutionary forces.

Tuan Ch'i-jui (March 6, 1865-November 2, 1936) started to study under his grandfather's supervision at age 7. In 1881 at the age of 16 Tuan joined one of his father's cousins at the army camp at Weihaiwei, Shantung, and held a minor military post there until 1884, when he passed the newly established Peiyang Military Academy examina­tions and became a member of its first class. He was graduated in 1887 and assigned to supervise repairs on the gun batteries at Port Arthur. In late 1888 Tuan was one of the five graduates of the Peiyang Military Academy selected by Li Hung­-chang for military study abroad. Tuan arrived in Germany in the spring of 1889, studied military science in Berlin and later received practical train­ing in artillery engineering at the Krupp Armament Works. He returned to China in autumn of 1890 and was placed in charge of the Peiyang arsenal. In 1891-94 he served as an instructor at the mili­tary school attached to the army base at Weihaiwei. Later in 1895 he was transferred to the army camp at Hsiaochan, near Tientsin, as commander of an artillery battalion and director of the base. He contributed to the building up of the military machine that became known as the Peiyang Army. Later Tuan became chief military aide to Yuan Shih-kai and played an important role in the Manchu government program to expand and modernize China's military establishment. In 1906 he was appointed supervisor of the Peiyang Military Academy and at the end of December, 1910, he became acting commander of the Chiangpei region in Kiangsu. After success of the October 10 Revolution, Yuan Shih-kai appointed Tuan acting governor-general of Hupei and Hunan with full military authority in the Wuhan area. On March 20, 1912, he became minister of war at Peking.

These men could have worked together and contributed to the speedy unification of China if they had ignored their own advancement. This was not to be. The following chronology tells what happened from October 10, 1911, to April 1, 1912, when Dr. Sun resigned as Provisional Presi­dent of the Republic of China, and the parts played by leaders as China moved from dynastic to republican times:

October 10 - Chung Hsing Hui members Peng Chu-fan, Liu Fu-chi and Yang Hung-shen revolted against the Ch'ing Empire at Wuchang in Hupeh province in the early morning. Hsiung Ping-kun fired the first shot. Revolutionary armies followed up with revolts in the evening.

October 11 - Wuchang fell to the Revolutionary armies and Li Yuan-hung proclaimed himself military governor of Hupeh.

Dr. Sun arrived in Denver, Colorado.

October 12 - The city of Hankow in Hupeh fell to the Revolutionary armies and formation of the Hupeh military government was proclaimed in the year 4,609 of the Yellow Empire.

The Hupeh military government notified for­eign consulates in Hankow to remain neutral.

Anti-Manchu uprisings erupted in Chingshan, Hupeh.

The Manchu Court ordered Ying Chang, Sa Chen-ping and Chen Yun-ho to lead the infantry and navy to suppress the Revolution in Wuchang and Hankow.

October 13 - Huangchow in Hupeh fell to the Revolutionaries.

October 14 - Hanchow in Hupeh fell to the Revo­lutionaries.

The Manchu court commissioned Yuan Shih-kai governor-general of Hupeh and Kwangtung and Ying Chun-hsuen governor-general of Szechwan.

October 15 - Dr. Sun arrived in Chicago and celebrated success of the Revolution with Tung Meng Hui members.

Li Yuan-hung issued a statement to the elders of the nation.

October 16 - Some members of the Revolutionary army paraded in Wuchang while others fought a Manchu army at Liuchiamiao in Hankow.

Revolutionary leader Huang Hsing left Hong­kong for Shanghai.

October 17 - Foreign consuls in Hankow recogniz­ed the civilian army as the battle corps of the Revolutionary army.

Yenyang in Hupeh fell to the Revolutionaries.

Ying Chang arrived in Hsinyang with his Manchu army and Sa Chen-ping arrived at Hankow with the Manchu navy.

October 18 - Foreign consuls in Hankow an­nounced their neutrality.

October 19 - The Revolutionary army occupied the railroad station at Liuchiamiao. The Manchu army retreated to Niehkow.

Yichang in Hupeh fell to the Revolutionaries.

The Manchu court ordered the army and navy units along the Yangtzu River to take orders from Yuan Shih-kai.

October 20 - Dr. Sun arrived in New York and boarded a ship for England.

October 21 - The Manchu court signed a loan agreement with the United States to build ships.

October 22 - Changsha in Hunan fell to the Revol­utionaries.

Sian in Shansi rebelled against the Manchus.

October 23 - Kiukiang in Kiangsi fell to the Revolutionaries. Ma Min-pao became military governor.

October 24 - Huang Hsing arrived in Shanghai.

October 25 - Revolutionary Li Pei-chi killed Manchu General Feng Shan.

The temporary commander-in-chief of the Wuchang-Hankow Revolutionary army, Chang Ching-liang, was executed for collaborating with the Manchus.

October 27 - Hankow's Revolutionary army re­treated to Ta Chih Men (Gate of Great Wisdom).

Tengyueh in Yunnan fell to the Revolution­aries.

The Manchu court ordered Feng Kuo-chang and Tuan Ch'i-jui to command the First and Second Imperial Armies, respectively.

October 28 - Revolutionary leaders Huang Hsing and Sung Chiao-jen arrived at Wuhan from Shanghai.

October 29 - Taiyuan in Shansi fell to the Revo­lutionaries. Yen Hsi-san was named military gover­nor of Shansi.

The Manchu commander, Chang Shao-cheng, and the commander of the Second Mixed Brigade, Lan Tien-wei, submitted a 12-point proposal to the Manchu court urging the throne to establish a constitutional monarchy.

Yuan Shih-kai ordered Liu Chen-en to write to Li Yuan-hung for a third time to seek a conference between the Manchu throne and the Revolutionaries.

October 30 - Kunming in Yunnan rebelled against Manchu rule.

The Manchu court issued a public statement admitting mismanagement in domestic affairs.

Yuan Shih-kai left Chengte for the south.

October 31 - Nanchang in Kiangsi rebelled against Manchu rule.

Hengchow in Hunan fell to the Revolutionaries. Huang Hsing established a command head­ quarters in Hankow to direct the Revolutionary armies.

The Changsha Revolutionary army mutinied. Chiao Ta-feng was killed and Tan Yen-k'ai assumed command as military governor.

Yuan Shih-kai arrived in Hsinyang.

November 1 - The warships Hai Jung and Jai Tan were captured by civilian forces.

Ts'ai 0 became military governor of Yunnan.

The Hankow Revolutionary army retreated to Yutaimen. The Manchu army burned down the central city district.

The Manchu court approved the resignation of I Kuang and appointed Yuan Shih-kai as premier and Wei Kuang-sho as Hunan-Kwangtung governor­-general.

Yuan Shih-kai arrived at Hsiaokan.

November 2 - The Hankow Revolutionary army retreated to Hanyang.

Wu Chieh-chang assumed the governor-general­ship of Kiangsi.

Wu Lu-chen intercepted arms and ammunition of the Revolutionaries at Shihchiachuang.

The Manchu court commissioned Wang Shih­-chen as governor-general of the Hunan-Kwangtung area.

Yuan Shih-kai arrived at Niehkou.

November 3 - Shanghai rebelled against Manchu rule.

Huang Hsing was named wartime commander in chief of the Revolutionary army in a ceremony held at Wuchang.

The Manchu court issued a constitution of 19 articles.

November 4 - Kweichow and Kweiyang were cap­tured by the Revolutionaries and Yang Kai-chen was named military governor.

Shanghai fell to the Revolutionaries.

The Nantan and nine other warships went over to the Revolutionaries in Shanghai.

The Manchu court ordered Yuan Shih-kai to declare a ceasefire on the part of the Manchu army in the frontlines.

The Manchu court commissioned Wu Lu-chen as supervisor of Shansi.

November 5 - Hangchow in Chekiang fell to the Revolutionaries and Tang Sho-chien was named military governor.

Soochow in Kiangsu fell to the Revolutionaries and Chen Te-chuen was named military governor.

Sochow in Anhwei fell to the Revolutionaries.

November 6 - Sungkiang, Wuhsi, Chingkiangpu in Kiangsu fell to the Revolutionaries.

Ningpo in Chekiang fell to the Revolutionaries.

Wu Lu-chen was assassinated at Shihchiachuang.

The Manchu court commissioned Jeh Fong as governor-general of Szechwan.

November 7 - Kweilin in Kwangsi fell to the Revolutionaries.

Yangchow in Kiangsu fell to the Revolution­aries.

Chen Ch'i-mei assumed military governorship of the Shanghai Revolutionary army.

Li Yuan-hung asked each province for views on organization of a provisional government.

Kwangsi's Kweilin military government urged each province to support a federal government.

November 8 - Anching in Anhwei fell to the Revolutionaries. Chu Chia-pao was named military governor.

Chenkiang in Kiangsu fell to the Revolution­aries and Lin Su-ching was named military governor.

Nantung in Kiangsu fell to the Revolutionaries.

Hsu Shao-chen led the Manchu army in revolt and attacked Yuhuatai in Nanking.

The Ch'ing Political Consultative Council elect­ed Yuan Shih-kai as premier of the Manchu cabinet.

November 9 - Kwangtung fell to the Revolutionaries and Hu Han-min became military governor.

Chiang Chun-kuei served as acting governor during Hu's absence.

Fuchow in Fukien revolted against Manchu rule.

Nanning in Kwangsi declared independence.

Li Yuan-hung urged each province to send delegates to Hupeh.

Ts'ai 0 urged each province' to send delegates to Wuchang to establish a unified government organ.

The Manchu court commissioned Yuan Shih­-kai as premier of the cabinet under the constitu­tion.

Yuan Shih-kai left Hupeh for the north.

November 10 - Shantou in Kwangtung fell to the Revolutionaries.

Hu Han-min arrived in Canton to assume the governorship.

November 11 - Governors of Kiangsu and Che­kiang sent messages to each province urging dispatch of delegates to Shanghai for establishment of a temporary consultative organ.

Hsu Shao-chen took charge of the Kiangsu­-Chekiang joint military command and attacked Nanking.

Sun Tao-jen became military governor of Fukien.

Yuan Shih-kai sent Liu Chen-en and Ts'ai Ting-kan to Wuchang to see Li Yuan-hung.

November 12 - Yentai in Shantung fell to the Revolutionaries.

Changchow and Amoy in Fukien fell to the Revolutionaries.

The Northeast provinces failed to declare independence and reorganized the local governments into a citizen's security society under the chair­manship of Chao Erh-hsun.

Lu Jung-ting urged Revolutionaries to con­firm his governorship of Kwangsi.

Peng Chen-wan replaced Wu Chieh-chang as governor of Kiangsi.

Yuan Shih-kai arrived at Paoting.

November 13 - Shantung declared independence and Sun Pao-chi became governor.

Lin Su-ching sent a message to the Shanghai military government suggesting a meeting to estab­lish the national government there.

Chen Ch'i-mei urged each province to send delegates to Shanghai to organize a provisional government and recommended Wu Ting-fang as minister of foreign affairs.

Yuan Shih-kai arrived in Peking.

November 14 - Chinlientao in Kwangtung declar­ed independence.

Huaian in Kiangsu declared independence.

Chen Te-chuan urged each province to invite Dr. Sun Yat-sen to return to organize the provi­sional government.

Anhwei Governor Chu Chiao-pao left the prov­ince. Huang Huan-chang became commander-in-chief of the military government there.

The Manchu court asked each province to send delegates to Peking to discuss national affairs.

The Manchu court commissioned Tuan Chih-kuei as governor-general of the Hunan-Kwangtung area.

The Manchu court sent these ambassadors to twelve provinces: Chang Chien to Kiangsu, Tang So-chien to Chekiang, Chiang Chun-lin to Fukien, Tan Yen-k'ai to Hunan, Liang Ting-fen to Kwang­tung, Chao Ping-lin to Kwangsi, Chiao Su-nan to Shantung, Hsieh Yuan-han to Kiangsi, Ko Shao­-min to Szechwan, Chu Pen-chiao to Shansi, Wang Jen-wen to Yunnan and Kao Chen-chueh to Shensi.

November 15 - The joint meeting of provincial military government delegates was held in Shang-hai.

Yang Tu and others established the National Affairs Mutual Assistance Society in Peking.

November 16 - Huang Hsing led the Revolution­ary army in a counterattack on Hankow.

Kirin established its citizen's security society under the chairmanship of Chen Shao-chang.

Yuan Shih-kai organized his cabinet.

November 17 - Yingchow in Anhwei fell to the Revolutionaries.

Heilungkiang established a citizen's security society under the chairmanship of Chou Shu-mo.

Huang Hsing's army suffered defeat and retreated to Hanyang.

The Manchu court commissioned Tuan Ch'i-jui as governor-general of Hunan-Kwangtung.

November 18 - Changsho in Szechwan fell to the Revolutionaries.

Chen Ch'i-mei asked each province to join in establishing a joint army for a northward expedi­tion.

Li Lieh-chun became temporary governor of Anhwei.

November 19 - Li Yuan-hung urged each province to send political affairs chiefs to Hupeh to organize a central provisional government.

Manchu warships which had gone over to the Revolutionaries at Kiukiang arrived at Hankow and bombarded the Manchu army. Manchu General Sa Chen-ping escaped to Shanghai.

November 20 - Hsinganfu in Shensi fell to the Revolutionaries.

A meeting of provincial delegates resolved to recognize the Wuchang military government as the central military government of China.

The Soviet Consulate in Hankow invited Manchu and Revolutionary representatives for talks.

November 21 - Dr. Sun Yat-sen left Britain for France.

Kiangsi Governor Peng Chen-wan left his post and was replaced by Ma Min-pao.

The military government at Kiukiang was dissolved.

Lu Jung-ting became Kwangsi governor at Nanning.

November 22 - Chungking in Szechwan fell to the Revolutionaries and Chang Pei-chueh became Szechwan governor.

Yenmenkuan in Shansi fell to the Revolution­aries.

November 23 - Provincial delegates at Shanghai decided to leave for Wuchang for further discussions to organize a provisional government.

Haichow in Kiangsu fell to the Revolutionaries.

November 24 - Dr. Sun left Europe for the Orient.

Provincial delegates decided that each province should maintain one delegate in Shanghai for liaison.

Li Yuan-hung answered letters from Chang Chien, Chen Te-chuen, Tang So-chien and Chen Fu-chen informing them of the date of a confer­ence of provincial delegates at Hankow.

Tan Yen-k'ai urged all provinces to join in recommending Dr. Sun Yat-sen as China's pleni­potentiary for negotiations with foreign powers.

Wu Ting-fang, Chang Chien, Tang Wen-chih and Wen Chung-yao asked the American ambas­sador to China to send a message to the Manchu acting emperor, Tai Fung, expressing their support for a republican form of government.

Sun Tao-chi abolished the independence of Shantung.

November 25 - Anlufu in Hupeh fell to the Revo­lutionaries.

Luchow in Szechwan fell to the Revolution­aries.

November 26 - Liaoyang in the northeast rebelled against Manchu rule. Lan Tien-wei became Kuantung governor (territory east of Shanhaikuan in the northeast).

The Manchu court issued the 19 principles to the throne.

The British government instructed the British consul at Hankow to mediate in a ceasefire be­tween the Manchus and the Revolutionaries.

Japan declared it would reinforce troops in Peking and Tientsin.

November 27 - Chentu in Szechwan fell to the Revolutionaries. Pu Tien-chun became governor.

Taichow and Lingwu in Shansi fell to the Revolutionaries.

Hanyang was lost by the Revolutionaries. Huang Hsing resigned as wartime commander-in­-chief and left Hupeh for East China.

Li Yuan-hung asked Chiang Ping-wu to take over as wartime commander-in-chief.

Members of the Hupeh New Army assassinated Tuan Fong at Tsuchow in Szechwan.

November 28 - Li Lieh-chun left Anhwei. The Anhwei provisional assembly organized an Anhwei central organ to maintain unity with the Revolutionaries.

November 29 - Chiating in Szechwan fell to the Revolutionaries.

Hsiangyang in Hupeh fell to the Revolution­aries.

November 30 - Provincial delegates held their first assembly session in Hankow, elected Tan Jen-fung provisional chairman of the assembly and resolved that the governor of Hupeh should serve concurrently as chairman of the central provisional government.

December 1 - Acting Kwangsi governor Wang Chih-hsiang left Kweilin.

Huang Hsing arrived in Shanghai.

The British consul in Hankow sent delegates to Wuchang to negotiate for a three-day ceasefire (December 2-5).

Li Yuan-hung moved his troops to Hungshan; he himself traveled to Ketien.

December 2 - The Kiangsu-Chekiang united revo­lutionary army captured Nanking.

Provincial delegates passed the organic law of the provisional government.

Li Yuan-hung returned to Wuchang.

The Shunchih Advisory Council's security as­sociation urged the cabinet to proclaim a republic immediately.

December 4 - Provincial delegates remaining in Shanghai elected Huang Hsing temporary com­mander-in-chief and Li Yuan-hung as temporary deputy commander-in-chief of the Revolutionary army.

Provincial delegates in Hankow decided to establish the provisional government headquarters in Nanking and resolved to meet there in 7 days.

Hunan Governor Tan Yen-k'ai urged establishment of a chief-of-staff headquarters at the seat of the provisional government.

December 5 - Provincial delegates in Shanghai held a welcoming party for Li Yuan-hung, com­mander-in-chief of the provisional government.

The British consul in Hankow notified the Revolutionaries and the Manchus of another three­-day ceasefire (December 6-9).

Huang Hsing asked Kwangtung Governor Hu Han-min to assign additional troops for the northward expedition.

The National Affairs Mutual Assistance Society voted itself out of existence.

December 6 - Li Yuan-hung commissioned Tan Jen-fung as Wuchang defense and recruitment commissioner for the northward expedition.

The Manchu court gave acting Emperor Tai Fung permission to abdicate.

December 7 - The Manchu court commissioned Yuan Shih-kai as plenipotentiary and sent delegate Tang Shao-yi south to negotiate with the Revolu­tionaries.

Honan's Advisory Council asked the Manchu cabinet to recognize the republican provisional government in Nanking.

December 8 - Kiangsi elected Ma Min-pao governor.

Li Yuan-hung sent a message to Shanghai op­posing establishment of a commander-in-chief of the provisional government.

The Manchu court commissioned Fung Kuo­-chang as commander-in-chief of Chahar.

December 9 - Revolutionary and Manchu delegates signed a 15-day ceasefire agreement in Hankow (December 9-24).

Li Yuan-hung sent a message to Wu Ting-fang and 11 provincial delegates recommending him as delegate of the Revolutionaries in the negotiations with the Manchus.

Tan Jen-fung resigned as defense and recruitment commissioner and was recommissioned as a delegate to the negotiations.

Tang Shao-yi left Peking for the south.

The Manchu court commissioned Tuan Ch'i-jui as commander of the First Army and Fung Kuo-chang as commander of the Second Army.

December 10- Yin Chang-heng became governor of Szechwan.

Li Yuan-hung commissioned Wu Chao-lin as wartime commander-in-chief of the Revolutionary army.

December 11 - The Kiangsu-Ninghsia provisional assembly elected Hsu Shao-chen commander-in­-chief of the northward expedition forces.

Tang Shao-yi arrived in Hankow.

The Manchu court commissioned Fung Kuo­-chang as concurrent commander of the Palace Guards.

December 12 - Tang Shao-yi met Li Yuan-hung.

Sun Min-yu became Anhwei governor.

December 13 - The Manchu Army captured Niangtzukuan in Shansi and Ch'ing General Yen Hsi-san retreated from Taiyuan.

December 14 - Provincial delegates met in Nanking and elected Tang Erh-ho chairman and Wang Chung-hui vice chairman of the provisional national assembly and set December 16 as the date for election of the provisional president.

Ch'ing Kweichow Governor Yang Chih-chen led the Manchu Army southeast to aid Manchu forces in Hupeh.

Tang Shao-yi left Hupeh for Shanghai.

Fung Kuo-chang left Hankow to return to Peking. Tuan Ch'i-jui took over his post.

December 15 - Provincial delegates informed au­thorities of a delay in the election of the provi­sional president.

Yao Yu-ping, commander of the Kwangtung Revolutionary anny, began his northward expedi­tion against Yuan Shih-kai and remnant Manchu generals.

December 16 - Dr. Sun passed Singapore aboard ship.

Provincial delegates elected Li Yuan-hung as commander-in-chief and Huang Hsing as deputy commander-in-chief of the Revolutionary army.

Imperial China signed in Mexico City a bill demanding payment of 3,100,000 in Mexican cur­rency by the Mexican government for damage inflicted on overseas Chinese in rioting.

December 17 -Tang Shao-yi arrived in Shanghai.

Sun Pao-chi of Shantung was relieved of duty and the Manchu court commissioned Hu Chi­-su as Shantung supervisor.

December 18 - Wu Ting-fang and Tang Shao-yi met for the first time in Shanghai and decided to ask their respective sides to stop further military advance.

December 20 - British, American, German, French, Japanese, and Russian consuls in Shanghai met with Wu Ting-fang and Tang Shao-yi and asked them to reach an early peace settlement.

Wu and Tang met for the second time and decided to effectuate another 7-day ceasefire (December 24-31).

Provincial delegates elected Chin Yao-yueh as acting chairman of the Provisional National Assembly to replace Tang Erh-ho, who fell ill.

Li Yuan-hung refused to accept the position as commander-in-chief of the Revolutionary forces.

Huang Hsing commissioned Ku Chung-tan and Liao Yu-chun to negotiate with the Manchus.

December 21 - Dr. Sun arrived in Hongkong.

Li Yuan-hung answered provincial delegates, accepting the position as commander-in-chief of the National Government and commissioning Huang Hsing to act for him.

Sun Min-yu became Anhwei governor.

December 22 - Yin Chang-heng assassinated Chao Erh-fung.

Chingpu in Kiangsu feU to the Revolutionaries. Chang Chung-tuan and others planned a revolt against the Manchus in Honan. The plot was uncovered and they were executed two days later.

December 23 - Hu Han-min accompanied Dr. Sun to Shanghai and Chen Chiung-ming became governor of Kwangtung.

December 24 - Provincial delegates elected Ma Pa-yuen, Wang You-lan and Hsu Kuan-yao as representatives to welcome Dr. Sun.

December 25 - Dr. Sun arrived in Shanghai.

Li Yuan-hung sent messages to each province promising not to use the triple city of Wuhan as a battlefield.

The Manchu court commissioned ambassadors Lu Chen-hsiang and Liu Ching-jen to ask the Manchu Foreign Ministry to relay to the throne a request to delete the emperor's title in official documents.

December 26 - All circles in Shanghai held a welcoming party for Dr. Sun.

Provincial delegates decided to hold a meeting on December 29 to elect a provisional president.

December 27 - Huang Hsing arrived in Nanking from Shanghai.

Tang Shao-yi sent a message to Yuan Shih-kai urging him to call a temporary national assembly to decide upon the form of government.

December 28 - Chihmo in Shantung fell to the Revolutionaries.

Provincial delegates cast votes to elect candi­dates for the provisional presidency.

Yuan Shih-kai submitted a request to call a meeting of Manchu officials and princes to decide the fate of the empire.

The Manchu court approved a meeting of officials and princes to decide on the fate of the empire.

Mongolia declared its independence.

December 29 - Seventeen provincial delegates elected Dr. Sun provisional president of the Re­public of China.

Dr. Sun sent a message to Yuan Shih-kai asking him to make an early decision on the fate of the nation.

Wu and Tang met for the third time and decid­ed to hold a national congress to decide on the form of government.

Provincial delegates asked each province to name delegates to the provisional assembly.

The Tung Meng Hui held a meeting in Shanghai to welcome Dr. Sun.

December 30 - Wu and Tang met for the fourth time to discuss procedures for a national congress.

Provincial delegates sent a message to Wu Ting-fang informing him that the nation preferred the republican form of government and asked him not to insist on the holding of a national congress.

December 31 - Provincial delegates decided to revise the organic law of the provisional government and to adopt the Gregorian calendar.

Wu and Tang held their fifth meeting to discuss time and place of a national congress.

Dr. Sun was invited by the Brotherhood As­sociation of Kwangtung Hsiangshan Hsien in Shang­hai.

January 1 - Dr. Sun arrived in Nanking from Shanghai and became Provisional President of the Republic of China. He issued a declaration adopt­ing the Gregorian calendar.

Kiangsu Governor Chen Te-chuen fell ill and was replaced by Chuang Wen-kuan.

Tang Shao-yi and others asked the Manchu court to withdraw delegates to the negotiations.

January 2 - Provisional President Sun asked Yuan Shih-kai to declare his allegiance.

Provincial delegates elected Chao Shih-pei and Ma Chun-wu as chairman and deputy chairman of the Provisional National Assembly, revised the organic law of the provisional government, took over assembly duties, approved Provisional Presi­dent Sun's nominations of Huang Hsing as com­mander-in-chief of the army, Huang Chung-ying as commander-in-chief of the navy, Wang Chung­ hui as foreign minister, Wu Ting-fang as president of the Legislative Yuan, Chen Ching-tao as finance minister, Chen Te-chuen as minister of the interior, Ts'ai Yuan-pei as education minister, Chang Chien as minister of industry and Tang So-chien as transportation minister.

Yuan Shih-kai approved resignation of Tang Shao-yi as delegate to the negotiations and engaged in direct negotiations with Wu Ting-fang.

Yuan Shih-kai asked Wu Ting-fang for a cease-fire of 15 days (December 31-January 15).

Yuan Shih-kai told Provisional President Sun he was unwilling to interfere in the affairs of the provisional government.

Chiang Kwei-ti and other Manchu military commanders told the Manchu court they would fight the Revolutionaries to the death.

January 3 - Provincial delegates elected Li Yuan­-hung provisional vice president.

Wu Ting-fang informed Yuan Shih-kai that the negotiations signed by Tang Shao-yi should remain valid.

Luanchow in Hopei revolted against Manchu rule.

January 4 - Yuan Shih-kai presented to Wu Ting­-fang 17 articles in 6 chapters as principles of elec­tion to the provisional national assembly.

January 5 - Provisional President Sun issued a statement to friendly nations.

Provisional President Sun held a ceremony for newly appointed officials.

The Luanchow revolt failed. Wang Ching-min and Shih Tsung-yun died.

January 6 - Wu Ting-fang answered Yuan Shih­-kai, explaining the reasons for establishment of the provisional government in Nanking.

Provisional President Sun met reporters to explain appointment of Wu Ting-fang as president of the Legislative Yuan.

January 7 – Ili in Sinkiang declared independence. Kuang Fu became governor.

Provisional President Sun issued a statement of advice to the northern soldiers.

The Ministry of the Army issued limits on recruitment of soldiers by provinces and established the Chinese army uniform.

January 8 - Provisional President Sun and the Provisional National Assembly approved a budget of 10 billion yuan needed for military buildup.

Provisional Vice President Li Yuan-hung as­sumed office.

Manchurian official Liang Pi organized the Chung She Party.

January 9 - Provisional President Sun commis­sioned Huang Hsing as concurrent general chief of staff and Niu Yung-chien as deputy general chief of staff of the national forces.

January 11 - Provisional President Sun assigned Hsu Shao-chen as governor of the Nanking defense forces.

Wu Ting-fang and Wen Chung-yao were reliev­ed of their diplomatic duties.

Chekiang elected Chiang Tsun-kuei governor.

January 12 - Provisional President Sun visited defensive artillery at Lion's Mountain and Navy ships with Army and Navy commanders-in-chief.

Provisional President Sun answered questions by the Provisional Assembly on the form of the national flag and requested more deliberation and a delay in promulgation.

January 13 - Provisional President Sun inspected defense establishments around Nanking.

January 14 - Provisional President Sun asked each province to report truthfully on those who had once served the Manchu court and urged that they not arrest them upon suspicion.

Wu Ting-fang asked Yuan Shih-kai for a cease­-fire of 14 days (January 15-29).

January 15 - Tsen Chun-hsuen, Yuan Su-hsun, Tang Wen-chih, Ting Pao-tsai, Yang Wen-ting and Shih Chao-chi asked the Manchu cabinet to speed formation of a republican government.

January 16 - Chang Hsien-pai, Yang Yu-chang and Huang Chih-min failed to assassinate Yuan Shih-kai. They were arrested and executed the following day.

Yuan Shih-kai secretly suggested that the Manchu court establish a republican government.

January 17 - The Manchu court held a meeting before the throne.

January 18 - Provisional President Sun sent a message to Wu Ting-fang presenting five conditions of amnesty after abdication of the Manchu emperor and ordered that no form of government should be established in Peking.

Wu Ting-fang informed Provisional President Sun of conditions of amnesty toward the imperial family and Manchurians, Mongolians, Huis and Tibetans.

The Ministry of the Army proclaimed a military code of conduct.

January 19 - Provisional President Sun told Wu Ting-fang the five conditions of amnesty effective after the abdication of the Manchu emperor had been reduced to four.

The Ministry of Education promulgated a temporary mass education law.

Lu Chen-hsiang asked the Manchu foreign ministry to relay to the throne a request for immediate abdication of the emperor to make way for a republic.

January 20 - Provisional President Sun told Wu Ting-fang that abdication of the Manchu emperor meant destruction of the monarchical system and that Yuan Shih-kai could not be further commissioned by the Manchu throne.

Wu Ting-fang informed Yuan Shih-kai of the conditions of amnesty upon abdication of the Manchu emperor.

January 21 - Provisional President Sun ordered the Ministry of the Army to promulgate the mili­tary code of conduct to discipline soldiers.

The Provisional Government held its first cabinet meeting.

The Ministry of the Interior promulgated procedures for official documents.

January 22 - Provisional President Sun asked Wu Ting-fang to present to Yuan Shih-kai a five-point peace plan approved by the Assembly and ordered publication of these in the newspapers.

The Manchu court commissioned Ambassador Wu Chung-lien to tell the Manchu cabinet to declare a republic.

January 23 - China, Germany, the United States, Britain, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Persia, Portugal, Russia, Thailand and France signed at The Hague a treaty prohibiting the use of opium.

Tuan Ch'i-jui told the Manchu cabinet the republican movement was an irresistible eventuality.

The Manchu court commissioned Chang Hsun as governor-general of Kiangsu and Chekiang and Chang Kuang-chien as supervisor of Shantung.

January 25 - Yuan Shih-kai submitted to the Manchu court revision of the election law for the National Assembly and conditions of amnesty for the imperial family.

Yuan Ch'i-jui told the Manchu cabinet that rations and arms for the Manchu army were lacking and collapse of the Manchu empire was inevitable.

January 26 - Peng Chia-chen gave his life in killing Liang Pi, Manchu palace guard commander.

Tuan Ch'i-jui and 42 other Manchu generals sent a message to the Manchu court supporting the republic.

The finance ministry ordered the Great Manchu Banks of each province to change their name to the Bank of China.

The Interior Ministry told each province to prepare election listings for cities, townships, vil­lages and special districts to implement local self government.

January 27 - Hsueh Chen-hua failed to kill Manchu Governor of Tientsin Chang Huai-chih in a bombing attempt. He was captured and killed.

January 28 - The Provisional National Assembly was established. Provisional President Sun spoke at the opening ceremony.

Provisional President Sun instructed each province to cease vengeful killings of Monarchists, told Chen Chiung-ming and the Tung Meng Hui to settle disputes with the Kuang Fu Party and asked Mongolian princes and nobles in Peking to elect representatives to participate in the Assembly.

Chang Jung, chairman of the Northeast China Chi Chin Hui (Progressive Party), was assassinated.

Shansi supervisor Chang Hsi-juan and others urged the Manchu cabinet to establish a republican form of government.

January 29 - Provisional President Sun asked Wu Ting-fang to make public the crimes of Yuan Shih­-kai against the Republic and urged Wang Tsan-yuan and other Manchu generals to support the Re­public.

The Assembly elected Lin Sen chairman and Chen Tao-yi vice chairman.

The Provisional Government published the first issue of its bulletin.

A Bureau for the Disposal of Captured Weapons was established with Wen Chung-yao as chief.

January 30 - Wu Ting-fang asked the Republican authorities to report on details of the Manchu­ Republican negotiations.

January 31 - The Foreign Ministry instructed each province to protect foreigners.

February 1 - The Honan Advisory Council sent a message to the Manchu cabinet warning that if the Manchu-Republican negotiations failed it would sever relations with the Manchu court.

February 2 - The Ministry of the Army reissued orders prohibiting recruitment of soldiers by provinces.

The Ministry of Industry instructed each province to establish an industry bureau.

Chentu and Yuchow military governments were merged into the Szechwan Military Government with Yin Chang-heng as governor.

Chiang Kuei-ti and others asked the Manchu commander-in-chief to merge Manchu armies in the north to strengthen their position.

February 3 - Provisional President Sun announced that annual fiscal reports of all commercial and financial agencies should be filed by the 17th of the second moon.

Wu Ting-fang told Provisional President Sun that Yuan Shih-kai had been authorized to negoti­ate with the Manchu court concerning conditions of amnesty and asked for a one-week ceasefire (February 4-11).

Yuan Shih-kai sent a message to Wu Ting-fang concerning revision of conditions of amnesty toward the Manchus.

February 4 - Wu Ting-fang and Tang Shao-yi received the conditions of amnesty from Yuan Shih-kai and left for Nanking.

Fung Kuo-chang and 60 others and the Mongo­lian Alliance Society sent a message to Wu Ting­-fang presenting the same conditions of amnesty as Yuan Shih-kai.

February 5 - The Provisional National Assembly revised the conditions of amnesty.

Tuan Ch'i-jui urged Provisional President Sun to expedite an overall guideline for the nation.

Tuan Ch'i-jui and others urged the Manchu cabinet to send troops to Peking to declare a republican form of government.

The Manchu court commissioned Liang Chen and Liu Yu-ling to urge the Manchu Foreign Minis­ try to declare a republic.

February 6 - Wu Ting-fang forwarded conditions of amnesty as revised by the Provisional National Assembly to Yuan Shih-kai.

The Provisional National Assembly elected members to take charge of legal, financial, diplo­matic and petition affairs.

The Manchu court commissioned Shen Jui-ling to ask the Manchu Foreign Ministry to urge that the Emperor decide the future of the nation.

February 7 - The Provisional National Assembly drafted temporary provisions and elected Li Chao­-pu as inspector-general.

February 8 - Yuan Shih-kai asked Wu Ting-fang to revise the amnesty conditions again.

The United States and Germany announced opposition to Japan's military intervention in China's internal affairs.

February 9 - Provisional President Sun asked Chen Chiung-ming to continue as governor of Kwangtung.

Wu Ting-fang presented final revised amnesty conditions to Yuan Shih-kai.

The Ministry of the Army issued orders prohibiting soldiers from roaming the streets and gambling.

February 11 - Yuan Shih-kai told Wu Ting-fang the amnesty conditions had been approved by the Manchu authorities.

Yuan Shih-kai sent a message to Provisional President Sun on procedures to unify China.

February 12 - The Manchu Emperor abdicated the throne.

February 13 - Provisional President Sun issued a public statement setting the 15th as the day to celebrate unification of China under the Republic.

President Sun ordered revision of postal service laws.

Yuan Shih-kai requested the Foreign Ministry to notify foreign embassies of changes under his title as plenipotentiary organizer of the Provisional Government.

Peking issued its first Provisional Government bulletin.

Li Yuan-hung sent a message to Wu Ting-fang suggesting representatives from north and south meet in Hankow to discuss national guidelines.

Chang Ping-lin asked the Provisional National Assembly to establish the nation's capital in Peking.

February 14 - The Provisional National Assembly accepted the offer of President Sun to resign, set the date for election of a new Provisional President and decided the seat of the Provisional Government would be at Peking.

February 15 - Provisional President Sun led government officials to the Min Hsiao Lin (Ming Tomb) for an ancestral worship ceremony.

The Provisional National Assembly elected Yuan Shih-kai as Provisional President and decided that the seat of the government should be at Nanking.

The Provisional Presidential Office held a ceremony celebrating the unification of China under the Republic. President Sun spoke.

Chuang Wen-kuan issued a public statement advocating that the seat of the unified government should be in the north.

Li Yuan-hung announced his resignation as Provisional Vice President and commander-in-chief of the Provisional Government.

February 16 - Wu Ting-fang and others resigned as revolutionary representatives in negotiations with the Manchus.

Yuan Shih-kai sent a message to the Provisional National Assembly asking the Nanking authorities to send a special envoy to Peking for negotiations.

February 17 - President Sun approved Wu Ting­-fang's resignation as representative in the negotia­tions between the Revolutionaries and the Manchus and asked Chen Ch'i-mei not to resign the governor­ship of Shanghai.

Yuan Shih-kai issued a public notice ordering official use of the Gregorian calendar.

February 18 - President Sun sent Ts'ai Yuan-pei to Peking as special envoy to escort Yuan Shih­-kai south to assume the provisional presidency.

February 19 - The Ministry of the Army told each province to abolish local military govern­ments.

February 20 - The Provisional National Assembly elected Li Yuan-hung Provisional Vice President.

Provisional President Sun sent letters to overseas Chinese and the Kwangtung authorities ex­plaining his recommendation of Yuan Shih-kai as Provisional President.

Shantung elected Chou Tse-chi as governor.

February 21 - Provisional President Sun asked his brother Te-chang not to assume the governorship of Kwangtung.

Ts'ai Yuan-pei and others boarded ship at Shanghai for the north.

Yuan Shih-kai established a preparatory organ for the presidential office.

The Hupeh Provisional Assembly issued a public statement advocating organization of another provisional national assembly.

February 23 - Provisional President Sun issued a public statement asking the people to do away with the concept of regionalism and asked the Provisional National Assembly to discuss estab