This part of China is so little known to the average readers that a few items about the Mohammedans in west central Kansu may prove of interest. These remarks refer to the old Siningfu district, comprising seven hsiens, with this city as the centre. It is gomerally agreed that the ammedan population comprises about one-third of the total population, and it is just as safe to say that they hold in their hands two-thirds of the power of the district. Your readers have doubtless seen the statement by Brigadier-General Pereira, in a recent number, concerning the increasing power of the Moslems. He made this statement after his trips through this district in his successful journey to a based on a comparison of his recent impressions with those of a visit here many years ago.
How has this reversal of tables come about? A little is due no doubt to the greater initiative: and activity of the Moslems as compared with the Chinese, but the greatest reason is the power and influence of the Mohammedan General located in Sining, who, besides besides being the almost supreme power in the whole district, is also High Commissioner for the Ch'inghai division of Tibet. There are wide religious divisions among the Moslems themselves and bitter feeling where the new sect holds a resented sway over the old sect religious leaders, but these cannot be looked on as a check to their power, as history shows that wide divisions will be bridged over on demand. The greatest check at present is the disaffection among the Tibetans, who, should an issue arise, would probably join with the Chinese.
ere are still many living who cannot forget past history and the Chinese seemingly will not trust the Mohammedans.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.