Mr. Carroll leaves the office of Auditor for the State of Iowa to take the Governor's chair. It is interesting to note that the total vote for him ran about 20,000 behind the state vote for the Republican presidential candidate THOMAS R. MARSHALL, GOVERNOR-ELECT OF INDIANA The successful candidate in Indiana has not been a conspicuous figure in politics, and is therefore not hampered by factional affiliations. He is said to owe his election to a public recognition of his fine personal qualities Photograph by Harris & Ewing, Washington DEMOCRATIC GOVERNORS OF REPUBLICAN STATES JOHN BURKE, GOVERNOR-ELECT OF NORTH DAKOTA The first official position held by Governor Burke was that of County Judge of Rolette County, North Dakota, 9 91, 1896-98. In 1891 was elected member of the House of Representatives of the same state, and two years r became State Senat. He has been Governor of North Dakota since 1907 The United States and EVENTS OF THE MONTH Foreign Affairs The text of an agreement between the United States and Japan was made public by the Department of State at Washington on Japan December 1. The purpose of the declarations made simultaneously by both governments is to declare the policy of the two countries in regard to the Far East. As it is not a treaty, ratification by the Senate is not required. The terms of the declarations are as follows: 1. It is the wish of the two governments to encourage the free and peaceful development of their commerce on the Pacific Ocean. 2. The policy of both governments, uninfluenced by any aggressive tendencies, is directed to the maintenance of the existing status quo in the region mentioned, and to the defense of the principle of equal opportunity for commerce and industry in China. 3. They are accordingly firmly resolved reeiprocally to respect the territorial possessions belonging to each other in said region. 4. They also are determined to preserve the common interests of all powers in China by supporting by all pacific means at their disposal the independence and integrity of China and the principle of equal opportunity for commerce and industry of all nations in that empire. 5. Should any event occur threatening the status quo as described, or the principle of equal opportunity as above defined, it remains for the two governments to communicate with each other in order to arrive at an understanding as to what measures they may consider it useful to take. jingo talk of war between the two countries. The first suggestion for a declaration or agreement of this nature came from Ambassador Aoki, a year ago, and was later renewed by Ambassador Takahira. Almost simultaneously were issued imperial edicts concerning the succession to the throne of the Chinese Changes empire and the announcein China ment of the death of both the Emperor and the Empress Dowager. So sudden was the news that at first there were rumors of foul play, but these have not been confirmed. The late Emperor was childless and, therefore, his nephew, Pu-yi, a child of three years, is designated as heir to the throne. His father, Prince Chun, who is about thirty years of age, is made regent. Although the edicts were signed by the late Emperor Kuang-hsu, the succession is recognized to have been the dictation of the real ruler of China since 1861, the Empress Dowager Tsi-hsi. An interesting tribute to her ability will be found on another page. Owing to the antipathy to the Manchus, who have long THE WORLD TO-DAY held official rule, although they represent a minority of the population, it was feared that the Chinese might seize this opportunity to revolt, but apparently there is to be no disturbance. Prince Chun has not hesitated to act promptly and with a firm hand. He has issued edicts warning conspirators that arrest and summary decapitation will be their fate. Officials executing these orders are to be rewarded. The plans for reform are to be carried out by Prince Chun, in accordance with a recent edict of the late Dowager Empress. On December 2 occurred the ceremony of the enthronement of the infant EmEnthronement peror, Pu-yi. of the Infant music was Although ordered preEmperor pared for the occasion, not a note was permitted to be struck, because of the court mourning for the late Emperor and Empress Dowager. It must have been a pathetic sight when the baby monarch offered a sacrifice before the memorial tablets of their late majesties and then, without assistance- it is said ascended the throne, where he received the obeisance of all the imperial princes and officers. In accordance with ancient custom, promotion of one degree was given to all officials, amnesty was granted to all offenders, bounties were bestowed on soldiers in the service of the empire and scholars were advanced one degree. Persia's Either reports from Persia are contradictory or the Shah is a man of variable mind. On November 23 he issued a proclamation declaring that the Constiment convened. The following day he tution would not be restored or parliasent out urgent orders that the proclamation be withdrawn and all copies of it destroyed. Later still he is said to have stated that he will not call the mejliss or such an organization. He proposes in its parliament, as the Moslem religion forbids place a Council of State, composed of about forty members elected on limited suffrage. No executive powers would be granted to the council, however, so it is difficult to see how the Constitution is to be maintained. Russia has withdrawn her minister from Teheran, supposedly to avoid participation in affairs, because of however, is openly assisting the revoluher agreement with Great Britain. Turkey, tionary forces at Tabriz. The British recently, has decidedly negatived the will The House of Lords, for the second time of the people as expressed in the vote of the House of Commons on the Licensing bill. The lower house passed it by a vote of 350 to 113, the support of the Laborites and several Conservatives being given to it, in addition to that of the Liberals. Certain compromises had been made in the bill in order to make it more acceptable to the House of Lords. But that body exerted itself to the utmost to defeat the bill. Peers who had not attended the sessions of the house for years were brought in for this occasion. Some even who had never before been present or taken the oath, now did so, in order to defeat this "attack on property," as they styled it. The vote rejecting the bill was 272 against ninety-six. |