Naval Defences Reinforced -by Troops, but Little Cause for Apprehension Tsingtao, Sept. 25.
Although the Central Govern ment has seen fit to give consideration to Tsingtao's possible danger in the present Chihli-Fengtien 0 flict gnd provide for this city' adequate defence, there is little real apprehension felt here and it is the consensus of opinion that the troops that are being sent here from Tsinan and Weihsien are mak. ing a'needless journey General Cheng, Tuli of Shantun who has just been appointed Chief of the Defence forees of the coasts fof Chihli and Shantung, has notified Governor Kao En-hung of his intention. of sending troops here to supplement the Squadron under command of Admiral Wen Shou-teh. 'The latter, however, is preparing to invade' several har-hours in South Manchuria for the purpose of blockading the coast and preventing any of Marshal Chang Tso-lin's merchantmen from making any expedition against Chibli or Shantung.
These troops, it is learned, will be divided among Tsingtao, Chefoo and Lungkow, In preparation for the contingent coming here Governor Kao has ordered the El Middle School to vacate the Tatungchen Barracks, to which the troops. will be assigned. The pupils will resume work in the Huichuan Barracks. is felt here that barring crushing defeat of the Government. forces, Tsingtao is entirely safe. Tsingtao's strategic importance lies in the fact that it is the terminus of the Kisochow-Tsinan Railway and the only rail line in this region leading directly into the interior, Control of the railway is of extreme military importance and the pr tions taken by Peking and Tsi nan show that the Central Government is fully aware of the fact,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.