SPLIT IN CHINA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19968, 7 June 1920, Page 7

SPLIT IN CHINA.

LEADERS AT LOGGERHEADS PREDATORY MILITARISM. / ,—1 By Telegraph—Pres* Association—Copyright. Reuter's Telegrams. (Received June 7, 8.40 a.m.) SHANGHAI, June o. There has been a serious split between politicians in South China. A meeting of representatives and Governors of Shensi, Szedhuon, Cweiohow and Hunan decided to declare the independence of these provinces, and henceforth not to recognise the authority of tho Clanton Government. Till# Times" Service. PEKIN, June 5. Present conditions in- China supply a curious picture of predatory militarism. A quarrel among jealous northern leaders resulted in the retirement of the army, upon which the southern army advanced, breaking tho armistice Which had lasted for two years. The southern leaders are also cut loggerheudsj involving _ numerous minor conflicts. Meanwhile the Government troops in Shensi are turning bandit on a wholesale scale. Tlie central Government is powerless to secure obedience, and provincial satraps are scheming to promote , .heir wm interests. It is expected that the rival cliques will settle down mter regroupings, liko a menagerie fitter a thunderous hout of roaring and rampageousness. Further hostilities hro possible, but on a minor scale. The •leaders are all Vicars of Bray, lusting for power and profit, and none cares a tinker s curs© about China, while the rankers do_ not want civil war, but only opportunities for loot.