Leaders with No Military Sense:
Popular Outcry Prevents Seizure of Rice Stocks From Our Own Correspondent.
Changsha, Hun. Oct. 19.
"Stalemate" seems to describe the present situation here. Tan's reputation has sunk badly. The military leaders on his-side do not seem to have an ounce of military sense among - them. Week has succeeded week with a line spread out along forty or fifty miles of the river bank, popping and being popped at by Chao soldiers on the other bank without a single useful: move. There is no doubt that the Tan men have had the advantage in numbers; but they have not the least idea, apparently, of how to use their advantage. It now seems doubtful whether they will have a chance.
Northern soldiers are on this side of the Milo river. and it is net clear why they have not entered the city. According to some reports they are crossing the Siang river nearer Siangyin and are going to work their way.along the west bank, clearing up the Tan troops as they come along The local papers have accounts this morning of a fight the other side of Chuchow (the rail-river station) and on to Lukou, 10 miles further south. A number of wounded were brought: back yesterday.
All sorts of rumours as to: the icings at Siangtan have been published—the burning of houses and general disorder. Experience, however, makes one very chary of accepting statements made in the local papers Some time ago the county magistrate ran away because he wes ordered to procure $8,000 within 24 hours. He was succeeded by a nominee of Governor Chac's who does his best to Heece all who come within his grasp. A few days ago inspectors appeared at all the rice shops demanding to know the amount of rice which was stored in each place. This was followed on Wednesday last, by the monstrous demand that half the stocks should be handed over to the authorities. Happily the outery raised against this outrageous order has brought about its recall. The demand was made in writing and the new _hsien stated that he made it under the direction of the military commanders. The sum of $20,000 was substituted for half the rice supply. The matter was very serious to the city as no rice is being brought in. No boats can come near and the stock in the city has already dropped below the normal amount needed to kee prices from soaring. Coal an other commodities are also getting scarce.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.