New Britain herald., 1924-09-03
No Naval Battle,

Waashington. Sept 3.--Rein- forcemens from the Asiatic naval squadrons of the United States, Great Britain. France and Japan have been ordered to Shanghai to protect their nationals during the clash between the rival Tuchuns of the adjoining provinces of Chekiang and Kisngsu.
 The vast harbor of Shanghai Is occupied by the ships of many na- tions, and Dr. Wellington koo. the Picking foreign minister, after being told that every means possible would be employed to protect the various nations, was advised further by the diplomatic agents of the four pow CTS, acting together. that a naval battle in those waters "could not be tolerated"
 Officials here familiar with the situation involving Shanghai have expressed fear that conflict be- tween the forces of the rival mili- tary governor might lead to general warfare in China, despite that the chief bone of contention appears to be control over the office of defense commissioner of Shanghai, now held by General Ho Feng-Lin, a relative of the Chewlang Tuchun. although the city Is in Kiangsu province. By The Associated Press.
 Shanghai, Sept 3.-Actual fight ing between the forces of two rival provincial military governors was in progress today In this district with Shanghai and the extreme eastern portion of Kiangsu province as the prize.
 Although reports received here yesterday from points along the line of the Shanghai-Nanking railway indicated the opposing armies of Lu Yung-Hsiang and Chi Shieh- Yuan had clashed, official confirma- ton of the beginning of hostilities came today from General Ho Feng-Lin, defense commissioner of Shanghai.
 Lu Yung-Hsiang, ruler tof the contested section of Kiangsu prov ince, is defending his territory against the aggressive forces of Chi Shieh- Yuan, ruler of the uncontest- ed section of the province,
 Before train service was de- clared suspended yesterday on the Shanghai -Nanking railway, more than 100000 refugees poured into Shanghai, the objective city in the conflict from the Chinese military viewpoint, and today. under the pro- lection of foreign governments, they awaited the outcome of civil warfare.
 A messenger, who reached Shanghai today from Quinsan told of hearing sporadic firing in the vicinity of Quinsan, the point where the forces of the rival Tuchuns were scheduled to meet along the line of the Shanghai-Nanking rail- way.
 War Craft in Harbor.
 More than 20 foreign war craft were assembled in the harbor at Shanghai awaiting any action on the part Of the rival military gov ernors which would place Shanghai in the line of fire and the lives of foreigners in jeopardy. On land the Shanghai volunteer corps and the Shanghai defense unit. which included British and American military units, were prepared to take up defense fighting positions on the boundaries of the foreign quarter.
 Besides the land forces of 10e,- 900 on both sides, the so-calIed in- dependent Chinese fleet, enlisted in the service of General Lu Yung- Hsiano. was reported anchored in the whsngpoo river opposite the Kisngnan arsenal, which is one of the obiectives of the forces of Chi Shieh-Yuan.
 The Fukien warcraft was report ed in the Chusan archipelago. off the coast, southeast Of Shanghai, today ready to intercept any aid which Chang Tso-Lin. war lord of anchuria and supporter of General Lu might dispatch to Shnchow by sea.
 Financial Strength.
 The financial strength of the con- tending armies was indicated yes-