Chengtu, May 31.
The past month has been full of interest in watching the effect of the northern successes of Gen. Wu Pei-fu on the local military authorities. Very early in the month, Gen. Yang's men caused trouble, as partly mentioned in last month's fetter. Lhey soon saw that they had little support here. When Gen. lan Chi-yn entered the city he soon made it perfectly obvious that he was not joining any party or, coalition. He graced the "fence" for a long while. Brigadier-General Wang very quickly came to the decision that he was not wanted in Chengtu and, without any formal leave-taking, made good his departure while the going was good. He evidently gave 'a very gloomy report to his chief, Gen. Yang Tze-wei, at Luchow.
However, very shortly after their withdrawal, long telegrams were received in the capital from Liu Hsiang, the Tsong Si-ling of the Province, stating that he was willing to resign in favour of Liu 1- chin. The local Chinese press interpreter this to mean a challenge. Gen Liu acted the part of wisdom, replying that he was "pub kan" to accept the position. So Liu Hsiang still operates in Chungking, while an unusually strong coterie of generals: are united in the capital. Gen. Yiu I-chin is City Governor General Lai Hsin-wei now occupies the Chiang Chuin's yamen formerly occupied by Hsiong Keh-wu. Gen. Tian is in the city with a strong following. Now Gen. Tan Chi-yn is the latest arrival and quite popular.
It is difficult to forecast the next line-up. It is felt in many quarters that Liu l-chin has held his post slong enough and should give way to another who ought to have a chance at the spoils of office. But tha question is, who? It is generally agreed that Lin I-chin has been uniformly fair and impartial. If only one rival was on hand, ready to take over, matters would be easy, but when four more eligible contestants are hovering about, each with a strong coterie of admirers, the problems are not 80 easy of settlement. The tendency now is to stand pat and see what Peking does. The local generals are loth to part company with the south, to whom they have sworn allegiance, until they see more clearly how the northern situation defines itself.
ANTI-RELIGION CAMPAIGN, Another chief item of interest and excitement throughout the month has been the development of the anti-religion campaign in the capital. The well known Peking
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.