Last September the prospect of a peace conference between North and South was interesting. While the chance existed of a constitutional party emerging out of the rival military and political factions, the outlook deserved attention. Unhappily all bopes were very rapidly dissipated when it became evident beyond doubt that any peace conference which might take place would simply be a blind for the machinations of opposing Tuchuns. So the position has remained ever since, and a weary public has been content to ignore announcements and opinions, and to treat run: our witha masterly scepticism. On the: face of it the situation is not one whit better to-day, for the Tuchuns are pursuing—their ambitions with as much disregard of the public weal as ever they have shown. But some profess to see a new under-current; and if their beliefs are correct, it may once more be worth while to pay attention to peace conference rumours. If we are correctly informed peace negotiations of a kind have actually started. In view, however, of the fact that under the burden of Little Hsu's increasing power, some of the Tuchuns are showing uneasiness—and perhaps an inclination to link themselves with other forees—hope may flicker up of an amelioration in political conditions.
Shanghai at the moment swarms with members of parliament, both of the North and South. It is known that they have been meeting, and not only have they discussed the situation among themselves, but they have sent out feelers to military leaders
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.