CHINA: Changese War

Dramatis Personae:

Super-Tuchun Chang of Manchuria, overlord of the Provinces of Fengtien, Kirin and Heilungkiang, allied with Dr. Sun-Yat-sen, of Canton and Tuchun Lu of Chekiang. Driven from Peking, where he was Pooh Bah in 1922, by Super-Tuchun Wu, Chang seeks to oust Wu and President Tsao Kun and resume his lordly sway in the Capital. Like all Chinese leaders, he interprets his ambition as a step toward reunifying China. Possibly the whole trouble with China is that there are too many leaders trying to do the same thing. It was rumored during the past week, that he was 'being financed by Japan; but, naturally, this was denied.

Super-Tuchun Wu of Chihli, Shantung, Honan, Kiangsu, Shansi, Shensi and Szechwan, greatest power and most brilliant military genius in China. He is the military power of the Peking Government and is allied with Tuchun Chi of Kiangsu against Chang and his cronies. His precise strength was not known, due to the fact that it was not certain that all the provinces under his sway would permit themselves to be swayed his way. In China, as elsewhere, every man is first and foremost for himself.

President Tsao Kun, Tuchun of Chihli, all of which is now over-lorded by Wu, is one of the Chinese wonders. Bordering upon 60 years of age, most of his career was necessarily made during the Manchu regime. It was, and still is, considered a marvel that Tsao, once a lowly coolie, should have risen to the power and riches (he is said to be worth about $40,000,000) that he has.

He was formerly considered the most powerful man in China, but the obligations of office have forced him to place much of his power in the hands of his friend Wu. The full story of Tsao's meteoric rise is long; but it is significant to remember that he, Wu and Chang once combined to oust from Peking the Anfu clique (political party charged with accepting bribes from Japan). In 1922, however, Wu waged war on Chang, drove him from Peking into Manchuria. Tsao Kun aided Wu with soldiers but took no part himself in the war, as Chang was his brother-in-law. Many rumors have circulated concerning a prolonged disagreement between Wu and Tsao Kun following the events of 1922. This may have been, but it was generally believed that it was part of Tsao's policy to have Wu support the Presidency of Li Yuan-hung until he was ready to take the Presidential chair himself.

Tuchun Chi of Kiangsu, who started the Chinese war by opposing Tuchun Lu's dominion of Shanghai, which is in his province.

Tuchun Lu of Chekiang, defender of Shanghai.

Military Commissioner Ho of Shanghai, puppet relative of Tuchun Lu.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen of Kwangtung, self-styled President of South China, known as the "perpetual rebel." He is the intractable foe of Tsao Kun and has joined forces with Chang and Lu in order to crush the power of the central leaders and through victory to "reunify China."

Last week, heavy rains delayed movements of troops and little decisive fighting took place in China's great war (TIME, Sept. 8, 15).