Peking, June 7.
The report that General Wu Pei-fu visited Tientsin to urge General Li Yuan-hung to come to Peking—a report circulated by Mr. Kao En-hung—proves to be untrue. Wu Pei-fu is still in Paotingfu and retrains from interference. Li Yuan-hung's lengthy manifesto demanding the resignation ofthe Tuchuns, their assembly in Peking and submission to him, has created a bad impression here, not because of his opposition to the Tuchunate, but for the reason that his protracted bargaining, both public and private, is considered impertinent in view of his illegal position. It is felt that, if he intends to take office temporarily, he should not bargain, while, if he regards his position as being illegal and is prepared to await parliamentary sanction, the conditions of his return should not be dictated of himself, but should be in accordance with the constitution and the will of parliament.
There is a rumour current that he is hoping for election by the Rump to a full term of office, and that therefore the real reason for his present hesitation is not opposition to the Tuchunate, but fear that acceptance of a stop-gap position may compromise his chance of election for a long term. Many of Wu Pei-fu's partisans are now hoping that he will withdraw his support from Li Yuan-hung, which
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.