After all the stories that have been going round of the negotiations ant intrigues behind the scenes, one may bbe allowed to doubt this thesis in fis entirely. At any rate, the main mason why the Japanese apparently are unable to find one of the better-known leading men to carry out the change of government for them would seem to be due to the Jealousy existing among these comparatively subordinate persons and the distrust that they feel for each other.
That the independence of the greater part of North China is now only a matier of time seems to 9° the general opinion both in Chinese jand foreign circles. The only ques tions now remaining are in how many gulps the Japanese intend 10 swallow the feast they have been Preparing. and how long it will take them to digest it properly.
It is, actually. an entirely unnecessary piece of self-delusion, as neither foreigners nor Chinese are in the slightest deceived by the numberless proclamations, declarations and hand-Bills of the advocates of autonomy. The attitude of the Chinese masses appears to be one of complete indifference, tempered in the shopkeeping and menied classes by the fear that the constant attempts 10 stir up trouble in the cause of Jautonomy may in the end lead 10 Jarmed clashes, destructive of their Jown particular business of means ¢f livelihood. Certainly there is not the slightest sign of any enthusiasm for the independence of North Chins.
On the other hand it must be admitted that there has been growing 8 certain distrust of Nanking and the feeling that the Government there has long ceased io Interest itself in the fate of the North and will do nothing to prevent Its being absorbed by Japan. As a result the general {feoling of the public, except perhaps among a few of the educated classes. cannot be said to be one of patriotic {fervour or indignation.
Another reason for the confusion in the North at the present time ie the lack of any outstanding personality. Jor even of a central administrative [body around which an independence movement could centre. For this, 100, the Japanese are to blame whose
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.