The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-05-27
.FEAR CHINESE
bR|GANOS WILL
KILL CAP TIvES
Situation Is Expected To Bring
Vigorous international
Action
BY THOMAS L. STOKES


the Chinese situation is expected
early this week, with reports com
ing from the mountain stronghold
that the lives of Americans and other
captives, now held for three weeks,
are seriously endangered through ac-
tivity of Chinese government troops.
| Threatened also by disease in their
filthy place of confinement. the pris-
oners are losing hope, as the fourth
week of their captivity begins.
Much concern is felt here. The OPP
Hughes to the cabinet at it's last
meeting has been dampened oy later
information from Picking of renewed
fighting between Chinese troops and
the outlaws. 1t is feared that the
| bandits, driven at last to desperation
as they are hard-pressed by govern
ment troops, may take the lives of
their captives and flee farther into
the hills. On account of the tense
situation, crisis, which may result
in vigorous international action, is
expected.
Foreign Affairs Clearing.
Except for the Chinese difficulty.
Americas foreign affairs are clear
ing up. Officials here are expressing
hope over the negotiations now going
OH in Mexico City, looking toward
recognition OF tHe OpIeeon govern
ment. They are confident that an
agreement will be reached by the
American and Mexican negotiators.
Settlement of the cost of the army
of occupation, after prolonged discus
sion by representatives. of the United
States and the allied powers in
Paris, ended another international
difficulty. 1t had also been reflected
in discord here, because of the atti-
tude taken recently by the republi-
can national committee. in one of it's
publications. which Hughes consid-
cred inimical to American interests
abroad by its expression of hostility
toward European nations.
Liquor in Foreground.
Liquor, with both international and
domestic entanglements, will be in
the foreground this week. Score
tary Mellon is expected to hand out
his regulations in the next few days,
telling just how the supreme court
decision. banning liquor from ships
in American territorial waters,
works. Treasury department officials
nave been worrying day and night
over the trying situation. 1t has been
delicate task, on account of its for
eign complications.
The department of justice Is also
expected to tell the President this
week whether navy vessels can be
used in chasing rum-runners. now
brazenly plying their trade along
American coasts. If the ruling of
the department is favorable a young
fleet of eagle boats. submarine
chasers during the war, will be fitted
out for dry agents.
Acting Attorney General Seymour
and his legal staff are busy at work
on the appeal to the supreme court
from Judge Knox's decision, allowing
a physician to prescribe liquor for
medical purposes as freely as he
chooses. Seymour is not in favor.
meanwhile, of getting a stay of ex-
ecution to prevent the decision from
going into effect. Let the supreme
COURT decide. he says.
Getting Ammunition Ready.
Senator LaFollette. progressive
leader, has been out in Chicago talk
ing with other progressives about
ready for the next Congress, when
transportation will be the center of
attention. The interstate commerce
commission here is completing its
hearings on consolidation, while
President Harding gathers material
Tor MS addresses on the railroad
question on his coming western trip.
Adherents of the League of Nations
boldly brought their campaign to the
doorstep of the White House last
week, with former Justice Clarke and
President Lowell of Harvard urging
the President to support entrance.
They spoke in memorial continental
hall, which overlooks the rear ground
OF the executive mansion, Clarke
went to see the President before
hand, and asked him to attend the
meeting.
DR.. Lowell. in his speech revived
the famous round robin signed by 81
republicans in Harding's campaign
days; which set forth that election of
Harding was the best way to get
this country into some kind of an
association of nations. And the old
question has been stirred up all over
again as to how far the President
agreed at that time with his 81
republican supporters. The President
mas Kept silent. He has made it
plain that he does not want the