"General Li Yuan-hung has come to: Shanghai in an attempt to_ forestall the Presidential cop of the Northern Party and make his last strenuous effort himself," stated a Chinese gentleman well versed in politics to a representative of the "North-China Daily News'? on Wednesday.
When asked whether there was any significance in the fact that General Li and Sir Robert Ho Tung of Hongkong appeared in Shanghai simultaneously, our informant replied that it was a coincidence, and that it was mere chance that Li Yuan-hung should happen into the Settlement during the visit of the proposer of a "round table" conference among Chinese politicians, militarists and foreign officials. Sir Robert has been working continuously for the past three months to bring about this conference to provide some means to furnish a voluntary union and a cohesive form. of government to lead China from chaos to order. On Wednesday telephonic communication was established between him and friends of the President and it is thought that a conference may take place. It is'thought probable that if the M.P.'s of Shanghai cannot get together with strength enough to establish a third government, they may agree to the proposals of Sir Robert Ho Tung.
It is known that General Li called upon Mr Tang Shao-yi after his arrival in"Shanghai and. rumour has it that he wanted him to accept the Premiership under his Presidency. It will be recalled that more than three months ago Mr. Tang's name was presented to Parlaiment before the coup tat, but he refused to accept the nomination. As a matter of fact, he did net know that he had been put up for the office.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.