London, Apr. 23.
Discussing the triangular duel in China in the "Observer," Mr. O. P. Bland says the play is the same grim old struggle for place, patronage and power which has been played from time immemorial around the capital of China whenever the strong hand of established thority has been removed.
Mr, Bland refers to "three political adventurers who are at present the most conspicuous in disputing their right to misgovern and plunder the country," and he declares that as far as the country at large is concerned it matters little or nothing whether General Chang Tso-lin defeats General Wu Pei-fu or Dr. Sun Yat-sen defeats both, for none of the present groups of "word-spinning warriors" possesses the qualities or prestige sufficient to enable its leader to fill the position of dictator or re-establish Peking's authority over the provinces.
He predicts a final settlement of the present crisis will be reached not by battle ordeal but dollar diplomacy, decorously conducted by Isleek and subtle mandarins. Meanwhile, he says, civil war continues a lucrative profession, as the times go, for those who follow it at a safe distance.—Reuter's Special Service.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.