To fight or not to fight is the question that is puzzling the military chiefs of Szechuan. The whole military world. seems at sixes an! sevens. Hsiong Keh-wu is still top, but uneasy is the head that wears the crown. In a sense. may rather be a prisoner than Tuchun as the powers that do exist in Chengtu will not consent to his stepping aside and leaving the city to the mercy of the first general that may get his soldiers Bithin the gates, A proclamation by! of me rey as been issued that he will sti
dark and discouraging. The political situation is ver
governor who went away some weeks ago, ostensibly to attend a council that was called to discuss the present crisis, has not returned. The fact of his not returning has had a disquieting effect upon the People. He is, so to speak, the medium of Tang Chi-yao of Yunnan, and if any plans inimical to Chengtu were decided upon, it is felt he would not return. His absence ives rise to the fear that, notwithstanding the profession of the Yunnanese that they are neutral, that neutrality is only temporary' and are awaiting a favourable moment to march on Chengtu. Re-" verts of fighting are coming in, and the scene of strife is not far distant. The sth division is opposing Hsiong Keh-wu..
Pressep ror Mitrrary Dory.
Usually the first indications of trouble are seen in the pressing of coolies for military work. Every day raids are made upon the cool classes and a man never know when he goes upon the street, whether he will be driven off for government duties or allowed to go about his business.
From all parts of the province the news is bad. Bands of men calling themselves some __fani name. usually indicating that they are to he the saviour of the country. add to the unrest, a5 they must Kidnan and rob as preliminary. proceedings in the pathway of power.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.