It goes without saying that the Government ie very much opposed to the scheme, and it was genuinely alarmed atthe support which it gained among the delegates to the Reorganization Conference.
For several weeks now Tuan Chi-jui and his advisers have been discussing the possibility of forestalling the Federalists by put through a proposal for the convocation of a new Senate composed of about 70 provincial representatives, or half the number of the old Senate: The Reorganization Conference having fulfilled its parpose of a shield for the Pro-Visional Chief Executive, it is felt that another shield must be created.
If a Senate could be appointed, or elected' by the Provinces, then Marshal Tuan would be able to.use his influence to obtain appointment Jas Provisional President, ins of Provisional: Chief Executive, Hix short reign as a political dicta without sanction except fror the' military chieftains, as' proneed some thorny problems, which hho does not feel can be faced without quasi-legalization of hia Status. One of them is the appoint ment of Ministers abroad, 'Two Tortant vacancies remain open, one to Norway and and' the other to Grewt Britain, The time has arrived when the post to London should be filled without delay, hut Tuan Chi-jui does not care fae a responsibility which accord= ing to past practice has been shared with either the Premier or Parlia~ fuent. If the present temper of the political parties and groups in: the, capital were not #0 hostile, he might take the course of making the appointments himself, but he feels That it would be better to create Senate to cover his extra-legal functions, and to give him an office which more nearly corresponds with legality. I understand the Law Codifiention Commission is now cygaged in preparing the way for the new step.
Tong Shao-yi's Prestige Tuan Chisjul has not yet com mitted himaelé to this ection. may. possibly decide to postpone it, in view of the frictional strife which simmering below. the surface, awaiting the opportunity to come to the top. The political Federal-isto. in Peking are. being directed by Tong Shavsyi, who, with Chang Ping-lin, is pulling many wires. in Peking," Tuan Chisjul's failure to persuade him to join the adminis-{ration was a grent blow to the Government, for not only did deprive Tuan of a go-between in foreign affairs, and a colleague of tunigue experience and considerable ability, but also the support of very important group which may in the nour future play wu active yurt in political life of the capital, Tong is a very strong influence in Peking. to-duy; and his follow:
has been largely augmented e the death of Sun Yatesen.
former members of the Left Wing of the Kuomintang are looking to him ar their logical leader, members who have lately become disgusted "with the Bolshevizing tucties of Wang Ching-wei, especial ly. in regard to Sun's memory, Yunnan and Hunan Combined Against Peking Poking, Mar. 31.
Marshal Tuan Chi-jui has tote-graphed the following reply to the recent communication from Generals Tang Chi-yao and Chao Hong-ti ad-Yocating the adoption of a provincial federation system: for the adoption of "a _provinc quite appreciate your prog
federation system. However, the chief object of recent political reconstruction efforts has been to lo the aims of national proial constitutions to be realized simultaneously.
"When I arrived in the Cai Lin November, I issued several telegrams announcing this, and the inauguration of the Reorgani tion Conference, I emphatically stated that the adoption of provineial constitutions must be encouraged. I think this does not differ greatly from the view you expressed.
"Our fellow countrymen therefore must hope that whatever organization is to draft a new constitution for the nation, it will speedily come into being so that the reconstruction efforts now being made may achieve Jsuccess. I have, however, referred your telegram to the Conference. Reuter's Pacific Service.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.