or their representatives, hoping that I would be instrumental in settling the internal dispute and bringing about peace within the country. The different leaders are, so far, not prepared to discuss terms.
"One of the most important causes for China's present-day troubles is Parliament. Those for and those against Parliament declare that the law is on their respective sides. This is not surprising since we have no uniform laws. The misunderstandings that result are not surprising. Té is necessary, therefore, that the laws should be so changed so as to meet. the real needs of the country. It will be difficult to revolutionize all these at once so, like the erect tion of houses, steps will have to be taken one by one. Laws ior the provinces must first be made after which national laws may be enacted.
"It is absolutely essential," continued Genera] Lu, "that we should be united, not divided. Let me tell you, most of the present trouble has been stirred up by political mischief makers, parties who really have no connexion with the country as a whole. You see, the Central Government (Peking) instead of dividing its power tries to hold all itself, but it will not take upon itself any responsibility. If the Central Government would share its powers instead of trying to grab everything there would be no trouble, for it must be remembered that though the country is outwardly divided into North and South, the people are one and united. Evervbody in China, with the possible exception of a few, favour peace and unity. Those opposed are a few selfish persons. The people all want peace, and if they demand it. they will in the end secure it. What the future will be, I cannot foretell but the citizens of-the country may depend upon me to do my share."
Resutr or Suspicion.
The question of reducing troops was then discussed. Genera] Lu said: "I have great hopes that the number of troops throughout the country will be reduced, and _personally, T have been working hard toward this end, If there is-to be reduction there must be general reduction and uniform plans must be made. One military leader cannot reduce his troops while his neighbour increases, for the stronger one is almost sure to bluff the weaker one. A few military leaders have reduced their troops, others have neither increased or reduced theirs. but still others have been increasing their armies by thousands. However, we must wait for ai united country before we can successfully reduce cur soldiers. It is a national question and if one leader reduces his troon the others must all do the same."
"Did you not advocate the abolition of the Tuchun system last year?"—"I_ did,"—renued General Lu, "and as soon as there is unity the system will be aboli ished. The South has abolished the system and they did) not find it difficult, but, somehow, the North seem to find it hard."
"T understand that certain Tuchuns have planned to send a telegram to the Peking Government stating that they will not interfere with politics hereafter and that the President there may call upon whoever he pleases to form a Cabinet. I understand also that they have asked you to attach your signature to this telegram."—"Military men should never interfere with politics. They should work for the benefit of the country. T have always made it a rule to mind my own business in connexion with these matters, T have never interfered with the affairs of the Central Government
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.