story of his death is told in the _China Press_ of June 7, 1916:

According to news from the President's palace the condition of Yuan
became critical at three o'clock in the morning. Yuan asked for his old
confidential friend, Hsu Shih-chang, who came immediately. On the
arrival of Hsu, Yuan was extremely weak, but entirely conscious.

With tears in his eyes, Yuan assured his old friend that he had never
had any personal ambition for an emperor's crown; he had been deceived
by his _entourage_ over the true state of public opinion and thus had
sincerely believed the people wished for the restoration of the
monarchy. The desire of the South for his resignation he had not wished
to follow for fear that general anarchy would break out all over China.
Now that he felt death approaching he asked Hsu to make his last words
known to the public.

In the temporary residence of President Li Yuan-hung, situated in the
Yung-chan-hu-tung (East City) and formerly owned by Yang Tu, the
prominent monarchist, the formal transfer of the power to Li-Yuan-hung
took place this morning at ten o'clock. Yuan Chi-jui, Secretary of
State and Premier, as well as all the members of the cabinet, Prince Pu
Lun as chairman of the State Council, and other high officials were
present.

The officials, wearing ceremonial dress, were received by Li-Yuan-hung
in the main hall and made three bows to the new president, which were
returned by the latter. The same ceremony will take place at two
o'clock, when all the high military officials will assemble at the
President's residence.