Dec. 10.
Less and less does any observer of events in North China care to risk a forecast of how they will turn out. The situation in the capital is: plainly inflammatory. If Dr. Sun Yat-sen goes there, there appears every prospect a riot, That he is not wanted in Peking is evident from the interview given to the Eastern News Agency by Marshal Tuan Chi-jui, which we published yesterday. A notable snub Was administered to the apostle of Bolshevism in Chin We, who are endeavouring to enhance the national credit China externally, are "not able Dlindly to follow the startling suggestion voiced by Dr. Sun Yat-s that li unequal treaties entered Into between China and the Powers should be abrog:
And then a little later:
"Iam of the opinion that Dr. Sun in reality has no. intention again to try to put in force what he has done in Canton, for he ought to know distinctly the difference between Peking and Canton. may be observed that Dr. Sun will be at his wit's end how to make reply if impeached by Kuangtw provincials in Peking for his actions in Canton." merely a question of time. On this, however, it is necessary to enter a demur. No distrust or lack of courtesy to him is meant by that, If the situation were still what it was a week ago, before Marshal Chang precipitately left. Peking, we suppose that there would' have been as little difficulty about recognizing Marshal Tuan's administration aa with that of any man put in with the approval of leaders on all sides to carry over affairs from one era to the next. The fact of Marshal Tuan's government being appointed ad interim is nothing. But the position is quite different, now. There are, besides the dictatorship of Marshal 'Tuan which the provinces have accepted, at least two potential dictatorships in the capital, one of General Feng, the other of the Communists. "It is necessary for the Powers to know what' they are giving recognition to before they take any formal step. And assuredly it is necessary to know who is the real authority before any money is granted, whether a Joan from outside or those revenues, Customs and salt surplus ete., which certainly belong to the Government of China, but only as representative of her people. The only certain fact of the moment is that there is no Government in China, Marshal The English is not perfect but the meaning is clear. The rest of the interview is equally satisfactory, from the standpoint of reasonableness and a just appreciation of the nation's position and requirements. It is a bid for recognition and support at} home and abroad, which in Tuan has approval but no power, Feng has power but no endorse: ment. Momentous happenings appear imminent, Until they take shape, the custodians of China's moneys and the representatives of friendly Powers have but the one course to take, namely to stand steadily aloof. ordinary circumstances ought to be successful.
But is Marshal Tuan able to! act as he speaks? What are his relations with General Feng Yuhsiang and. what part is the latter playing? Why has he put machine-guns on the approaches to the railway station? Is it to, overawe Communist disorder if]
Dr. Sun comes, or for some more. sinister purpose? To do General Feng justice, he does not easily tolerate disorder, his troops are disciplined and well controlled, looting and other misconduct are not known where they are. Yet, so much is he mistrusted by Chinese, that it is impossible to think that any stable Government can be born in Peking while he remains virtually its dictator.
Already that dictatorship _has had the remarkable result— suggested in these columns oat week as a possibility—of can: Marshal Cheng and Marshal. Wa to bury the hatchet and make common cause. They renounce their ranks and Chang publishes an eloquent descant on the evils of the Inspector-General system.
All this is obviously aimed at General Feng' and an appeal to) the country for support against' him. Other provincial leaders. have accepted Marshal Tuan, but} one does not for a, moment imagine that they will accept Feng. Tuan is the "Old Master," Feng, in their eyes, a mere
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.