China Revolt Grows. Russia Suspected.

New York Times 100 years ago today, July 20, 1913:
Japanese Intrigue Also Seen — Uprising in the Capital Is Feared.
Special to The New York Times.
    WASHINGTON, July 19.— Official advices of the State Department from China to-day indicate a serious condition of affairs in the republic:
    This indication of a grave situation, coming from a trustworthy source, is coupled with persistent reports, current in the Chinese capital, that the present revolt in the southern provinces is the result of intrigues by Japan and Russia, who take this way to disturb the situation following the break-up of the concert of the powers, all in the hope of gaining territorial advantage.
    Americans in Peking are said to express gratification at the attitude of this Government in the present juncture, and to believe that President Wilson's policy has relieved the United States of a great embarrassment in view of the struggle that seems impending.
    Mr. Williams, Secretary of Legation and Chargé d'Affaires, cabled to-day that "considerable anxiety is felt in Peking." This is thought here to refer to possible outbreaks in the city by elements opposed to the Yuan Shi Kai Administration.
    The dispatch also reported that Shanghai had declared its independence of the Peking Government, and that it was understood that four interior-provinces had joined in the revolt.
    Delegates from the provinces are said to be at Nanking trying to effect an agreement on which they may organize an independent government.
    To accentuate the anxiety many members of the National Assembly have left Peking for their homes in the southern provinces.
    Reports from the northern army in Kiang-Si Province indicate Government victories, but the rebellion is apparently spreading.
    The declaration of independence by the Governor General of Kwang-Tung province is taken here to show the influence of Sun Yat Sen, former Provisional President of China, who last April was on the point of leading a revolt against Yuan and his following.
    What this Government fears mostly is that the revolt will lead to disorders that will cause foreign powers to send troops into Chinese territory for the protection of the lives and property of their subjects, and that the resulting situation may once more endanger the political and territorial entity of the nation.
    The blocking of the Hong-Kong railway by the disorders in the South is thought here to be a serious matter. It is regarded as certain that Great Britain will be swift to act if this railway, which belongs to British capitalists, is seriously impeded in its operations for any length of time.
    The United States Government has always taken a paternal interest in China's welfare. It is largely through the effort of the United States that China has not been disintegrated, and the policy of past Administrations will be continued by President Wilson.
    The President's interest in the Chinese nation has been demonstrated by the care he has shown in selecting a Minister to Peking. It was only this week that he succeeded in finding a man who, in his opinion, would measure up to the requirements of the situation and accept the post.
    Unless something unforeseen occurs, the next Minister to China will be Prof. Paul S. Reinsch of the University of Wisconsin. While no official announcement has been made of the selection of Prof. Reinsch, it is pretty clearly indicated in official quarters that he will go to Peking.

CANTON GOVERNOR REBELS.
Head of Kwang-Tung Province Proclaims Independence of Peking.
    HONGKONG, July 19.— The severance of the Province of Kwang-Tung, of which Canton is the capital, from the central Government at Peking, was proclaimed by the Governor General of Kwang-Tung to-day. The Governor General says that the Provincial Council has appointed him Governor General and Commander in Chief to lead the Southern troops against those of Provisional President Yuan Shi-Kai. This step has been taken, he says, on account of Yuan Shlh-Kai's despotism and policy which are calculated to ruin the republic.
    The Governor General says he will guarantee the protection or property in the district under his control.
    Business between Hongkong and Canton has come to a standstill.