Fowlinghsien, Jan. 27.
I have just returned from an extensive trip westward as far as Luchow, and, as you have no doubt heard rumours of trouble in these parts, it may be of interest to give an account of the trip. Everywhere there are Northern troops. The first three days of the trip were uneventful, in spite of the warning: of the officials, we did not see a sign of robbers, nor did we hear of any Yunnanese coming northward.
From Chungking, we travelled overland, and everywhere were challenged by the Northern soldiers stationed at all strategic points along the way. Every load had to be opened for examination, except those of the foreigner, who was exempt, because of the escort provided by the local officials. The authorities have gone on the principle that a stitch in time saves nine, and there is little chance for a local uprising now even if the people wished it, While there is some discontent at the change of government, this is not strong enough li these parts to start any pri if there is feeling enough to start it at the beginning of the new year, that feeling is certainly not being exhibited hereabouts.
The People and the Northern Troops.
All along the way the ple seemed pleased that the Northern troops had arrived. They say the troops are fine fellows, and they are glad to have them among them. Perhaps the upper classes are not as well pleased as the masses, because these fellows seem to know how to spend money and this profits the small shop-keeper. The sight of a medal on the breast of soldier, makes them feel that he not a tenderfoot, but a man who ha: "smelt fire.
Arriving at Luchow, some of our party had the pleasure of calling on General Liu, who has charge of all that district. He was genial and admitted that the Yunnan and Kueichow provinces had seceded. We had heard that the loyal troops had been defeated at the border between Szechuan and Yunnan.
He admitted that there had been news of the arrival of the Yunnanese there, but would not admit that there had been battle. But what had the General done? Knowing that his Northern troops had not a good chance against the Yunnanese,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.