CHINESE AFFAIRS.

Waikato Times, Volume 96, Issue 15360, 8 October 1923, Page 5

CHINESE AFFAIRS.

ELECTION OF PRESIDENT. MARSHAL TSAO-KUN RETURNED, STRONG POLICY EXPECTED. Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn. PEKING, October 0. Marshal Tsao-Kun, chief of the northern militarists, has been elected president of China. Observers declare that renewal of the demands upon China by foreign diplomats for an indemnity in respect of the recent bandit outrages virtually assured TsaoKun's election since tW electorate has been subtly advised of the necessity for forceful handling of Chinese '■ affairs.

Tsao-Kun, who is aged 60, entered - the profession of arms 35 years ago, latterly becoming. Wu_ Pei Fu's ally. He.. fought unsuccessfully in 1915 against the Republic, subsequently being rewarded for his Imperialistic efforts by the Governorship, of Chih La,, and afterwards commanding provincial troops against Dr. Sun Yat Sen's southern forces. The present election will cost the Chih"La party 4.000,000 dollars, 580 members of Parliament having been promised 5000 dollars each for entertainment.

COLOSSAL BRIBERY. Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn. Received October B', 9.30 a.m. . . .LONDON, October 5. "Money' talks." says the . Times' Pckln correspondent. "It has made Marshal Tsaokun president of China, and 480-members-of Parliament wili

paint tho town rod to-night in oele.brating on event which-'put 5000 pieces lot silver into each of their pockets. The party manager suddenly-announced .yesterday, and during the night, that ■the Presidential election would be : held to-day. The city was beflagged and troops occupied' the streets. A quorum was not obtained by midday, and it seemed once more as if members had their trouble for nothing. Diplomats .and,other foreigners faded homewards 'for; lunch, being sceptical as to whether-anything tangible would result. After lunch a special train arrived dramatically ' from Tientsin, bringing 38,. who had -been • pursued with the greatest difficulty at the last minute. They were motored to Parliament .In . the. most imposing style, entering- the precincts strutting conqueror-like amld-ing cheering and ringing bells. The voting lasted two hours, Tsaokun being an easy winner. The election means that China has turned a new ioaf, but it remains to be seen whether Ihe prospect lias been brightened bv the bribery used. It. was gross even for China, and will inoita ■ Tsaobun's a'ivals„t-> A cprnbin«.*!. •■-.."■...; ■•