Having agreed to abdication in favour of a Republic, the Empress-Dowager issued a secret edict commanding Yuan Shih K'ai to prepare for the formation of a provisional Government and the drawing up of a preliminary scheme to carry it into effect. During January Yuan Shih K'ai had several conferences, with the result that the following scheme was organized:-- ARTICLE 1 deals with the necessity of a provisional and united government after the Emperor's resignation from government to assume all powers in preserving the status quo and to control foreign affairs, and it will be dissolved after the national convention has elected a President. 2. After resignation from power the Emperor shall remain in the Palace so as to preserve peace in the north. 3. The President's residence shall be built in Peking, or the newly completed Regent's Palace may be converted into a presidential house. 4. Owing to the depletion of the treasuries of the present and also the Nanking government since the revolution, while means should be devised for the southern provinces, provisions shall be made towards meeting administrative expenses in the northern provinces after the provisional government has been formed. {280} 5. The northern and southern provinces should remove prejudices and assist the central united government and remit reasonable amounts of money to it to uphold the situation. Contributions from provinces which have suffered greatly may be deferred. 6. All official administrative officers in Peking shall remain in office, but owing to need of funds for the provisional government all salaries will be suspended for six months. 7. During a few months the pay of the northern and southern troops will be provided and the officers will remain in office. 8. When the provisional united government shall have been recognised by the foreign Powers, foreign relations shall be directly in charge of that government. 9. When the government system has been determined all foreign loans and indemnities shall be paid when due and the provinces should continue to send their usual contributions. 10. The Edict by which the Emperor surrenders the government shall be printed and copies promulgated throughout the country. An Edict will also be issued to the soldiery so as to acquaint them and prevent mutiny.