Tsinan, May.
Apart from the crowds of military people everywhere, conditions seem {fairly normal in and about Tsinan. JOne notes a sense of relief as though [the city had been spared the rigours; Jof a strenuous siege, for Chang] JTsung-chang would not have lost /Tsinan without a hard fight.
'A month or so ago the northward rush of the Nationalists had an alarming aspect which caused Jo number of influential. Chinese families to begin evacuating their Jwomen and children, but the majority fof these are now back a All Americans and British have, with or two exceptions been moved Jaway to the coast, but the two gov-Jernments' representatives still ve~ main at their post of duty. The JGermans and Japanese and the White Russian families are all here Jearrying on as usual, while the Roman Catholic priests and nuns} fare also in evidence. The Germans [discussed the question of evacuating their families but decided that the) political situation did not warrant such a stey Military losses on the Southern front ave being made up, judging by the drilling of new recruits that {8 proceeding. The soldiers seem fairly well equipped, but they have fan ill-fed. appearance. Some resi ments are officered by Russians, and five noticed Russian youths of 17 oF 18 years in the ranks." In conversation the Chinese soldier willingly testifies to the fighting qualities of his white alben but has little to say ay t their moral when we tually engaged in fighting. War is rath-few sand lust breeding' wherever waged.
"A'few nights ago a company of soldiers tried to bolt, making for the hills south of Tainan. They were Jquickly followed and many were rounded up and brought back, but it is said that "several tens" were Killed in the shooting.
As a warning to others who might {feel home sick half a dozen ghastly heads have been tied up over the gateway to the southwest suburb of the city. It is a sickening sight for the pilgrims to the shrine of the all merciful Buddha on the "Thousand Buddha Mount."
Keeping British out Indefinitely Bandits Now that the attention of the [Southern leaders seems to be fully) taken up elsewhere, the question of keeping the British indefinitely out lof Shaatung should be re-considered.
Bands of robbers still infest the hill country and regularly swoop gown on the more or less helpless villages, In some districts the Jauthovities have made earnest Dr. Harold Balme, interviewed on rival in London by the se goid, "too great a price may Ibe paid for present, security." Chinese are everywhere asking why the British do not return. "They gue that this continued absence, Jand the despatch of further troops, points to Britain's determi ation to make war on China, The Gove wor Chang Tsang-chang and all the minor officials declare their ability and willingness to protect foreigners nationality. of whatever Hons in the north int from those in the south and centre, and your correspondent would earnestly suggest that the situ: jon here should be dealt with less drastically than else-absence means loss of attempts to out this scourge, [with but partial success however.
In one village of South Changehin" Hisien about 100 captives wore carried off carly in the year, of whom the greater number still remain in the hands of the robbers. A trustworthy. eye-witness described the passing of a large band of these rascals through. a village in broad daylight. Before the village way entered most of the Jwomen and children and the aged men had been assisted to a neighbouring hill stronghold. The bandits fired a few shots and set fire to a house or two for effect, and then marched boldly through the village. The captives they were dragging along outnumbered their captors, and it was noticed that children in rms were being earvied off to be held for national prestige.
Tt does not give] Jour government any assistance and rather preju es the question of protects Chinese eyes. They say there is no need to bother about protection, for your people have all fed.
ur' absence means isolation whic what Britain should try to avoid. The return of British merchants and. missi help the Chinese to believe assurances that we stand for a lof friendliness and reeoncili ransom.
In a village recently visited by there organized outlaws the head Iman of the place is a prosperous look= ting and well built fellow. He ws Jeaught and put on a stolen horse, as being a man of means. He protested against this honour. "My masters!" said he, "I am only worth a fow acres." '"Ho" replied his captors, then you ave riding on false pretences. Down you conic!" And
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.