After the longest space in provincial history without a military governor, Liu Hsiang of Chungking has at last been elected as "Tsong Si Ling" or Generalissimo, This means he will be Governor of the province. The same despatch says that he will also for the present occupy the position of "Sen Chang"
Civil Governor as well.
Tt is difficult to forecast what this new move will mean. It was known formerly that Liu Hsiang was very close to Hsiong Keh-wu, and that at one time Hsiong was favourable to Lin succeeding him as Governor. But. since that time it is well known there has been serious disagreement between the two men.
Now Hsiong Keh-wu is in Kueifu with a strong force. He is still the most popular man in the province. At the capital, Lin Yiu-chin is safely ensconced for the present, and seems to be giving general satisfaction now that Liu Tsen-hou is gone. Rumour also says that Liu Tsen-hon has pulled the job of Civil Governor of Shansi.
It is rumoured that Lin Hsiang will come to the capital shortly to take office. Tt remains to be seen whether le_can accomplish—this peaceably.
He is not popular here. General Tan is not far away and has always been loyal to Hsiong, and is known as a dangerous man in a fight. Then, too, not more than a day's march away, is a strong force of irregular troops known to the troops in the city as "Pongkeb."" But the troops now here were once known by the same name. It is just a matter of who is and who is "out."
These irregular troops are well armed, well drilled and in good condition, and would prove practically a deciding factor on whatever side they were enlisted. They appear to be sympathetic to Hsiong. So the future is quite problematical. We are anxious to see what will be the next move. It hardly seems possible that Lin Hsiang will be allowed to march into the capital unopposed, when so many rivals are casting envious eyes on the premier position.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.