YUAN SHIH-K'AI (PEKING), Viceroy of Chihli; Minister of Army Council; native of Honan; Hon. Degree. Director General of Trade and International Relations in Corea; Wen-Ch'u Tao, Wenchow, May, 1893; Judge, Chihli, July, 1897; vacated post and appointed Expectant Vice-Presdt. of a Board with control of an Army Corps, Dec., 1898; junior Vice-President, Board of Works, June, 1899; acting Governor, Shantung, Sept., 1899; Governor, do., March, 1900; acting Governor -General, Chihli, etc., Nov., 1901; apptd. Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent, Dec., 1901; decorated with Yellow Jacket, Jan., 1902; in charge of affairs of Northern Railway, Jan., 1902; Consulting Minister to Council of Government, Jan., 1902; Minister of Army Reorganisation, July, 1903; head of railways, China Merchants' s.s. Co., and telegraphs; the man of power in China at present; opposed to boycott of American goods; granted privilege of wearing Sable Robe (worn by Imperial family), Nov., 1905.