The difficulty of getting at the true state of affairs in Canton is emphasized by a report in the "Hongkong Telegraph" that Dr. Sun Yat-sen appears to be seeking a sanctuary in Macao. Certain negotiations between the Macao authorities and Mr. Sun Fo, Dr. Sun's son, are in progress and the question of sanctuary is apparently based on their outcome. It may be remembered that when the Macao riots occurred they were followed by an exodus of Chinese labourers from the colony, and so far attempts to induce them to come back have been unavailing, the Jabourers demanding compensation for those who were killed in the affair. Mr. Sun Fo is now said to be endeavouring to arrange for their return, and the report has gained currency that should he succeed' Dr. Sun Yat-sen will be able to take up his residence in Macao. Now the report that the troops supporting Dr. Sun are said to be getting daily nearer to Canton, having already achieved a certain amount of success over Chen Chiung-ming, would not suggest to the observer that Dr. Sun should be on the point of seeking an asylum. True, these reports have been qualified just a little recently, the view being taken that neither of the opposing armies finds itself strong enough to attack the other, hence bringing about a condition of stalemate, but even so that would not create the need for Dr. Sun to_take himself out of harm's way. Evidently things are occurring that we know not of, and Dr. Sun's continuance as a political power in the country is not the absolute certainty his supporters would have us belove.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.