The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1924-04-28
BY JACK ARMiTAGE.
(ExcIu>ive to the Daily Worker,)

|
figure in present day China.
Born in 1873 in the province of
Shantung, WI Pei Flu took his B. A.
degree at the age Of 81. From his
earliest days he was a follower Of
Mars, and in 1898 he graduated with
honors from the Kai Ping Military
Academy. After brief service in the
/ field he again became a military stu
dent, entering military school of
which Marshal Tuan Chi Jul was d.
rector. From here he was promoted
to battalion commander and partici-
pated in the campaign in Shansi, Szeu-
chan and Honan. Early in 1916 he be-
came commander of the Sixth Brigade
OF the Third Division, Chinese Army.
When General Tsao Kun (the present
President at Peking) was made mill
tary governor of Chilli, WI took his
place as commander of the Third Di-
vision, taking part in the fight against
General Chang Hsun's monarchical
movement in the summer of 1917
Corrupt Picking Politicians.
A year later we find him in the field
lagainst the Southern Constitutional
lists. He was successful in recaptur-
ing Yochow and Changsha. His re-
turn was opposed by Marshal Tuan.
The conflict resulted in the downfall
of the Anfu political club.
For the better understanding of this
three-cornered situation it is neces-
sary to explain that the Anfu Club
was a coterie of corrupt Picking poll
ticians who illegally retained their
seats in the Picking Parliament, as
indeed do all the present politicians at
Picking. The public became incensed
at the action of these political bandits
and the Chilli party (who at present
control Peking) saw an opportunity to
seize the reins Of government. Both
parties are equally corrupt and equal
| ly unconstitutional, so that North
China has benefited nothing by the
overthrow of the Anfu party, most of
whom took refuge in the Japanese le-
cation. 1t is significant that every
corrupt politician in Picking who has
been exposed has sought refuge in the
Foreign Legation Quarter.
On his return WI Pei Flu was ap-
pointed vice inspecting general of the
three provinces of Chilli, Shantung
and Honan. Since then WI Pei Flu
has steadily strengthened his hold
over the northern capital, largely, so
it is asserted, with the backing of for
eign financiers.
China Resents Foreign Exploitation.
In this very powerful backing lays
his weakness. Any suspicion Of for
eign exploitation is deeply resented by
1-the Chinese people, who realize that,
for any assistance given, the foreign
fnancier will demand his quid pro
quo.
The active support being lent this
general is illustrated by one incident.
refer to the recent sale OF $500, 900
worth of arms and munitions by Italy
These were loaded onto trains in the
Italian concession, Tientsin, under the
supervision of Italian marines. Os-
tensibly, they were sold to President
Tsao Kun. but their destination, and
the fact that WI dictates the policy
of the present corrupt Picking govern
ment go to show that they were in
tended for the Chinese Mussolini. 1t
is in the nature of things that the
Italian Fascist should lend assistance
to the Chinese gentleman of the same
ilk. Wu's ambitions are quite evident.
For years past he has steadily extend
ed his sphere of military control, and
at present he retains a firm grip on
the provinces of Honan, Shantung and
Chilli, with some support from Hupeh
and part Of Human.
DisobedIent Servant.
| Militarily he is supposed to do the
bidding of Picking, but there is abun-
dant evidence to prove that he is far
from being an obedient servant. BY
far the most powerful of the Tuchuns
military governors), he does not hest
tate to impose his will upon the CEN
trail (Peking) government, even in
matters which apparently are outside
his domain, and many bitter COM
plants are heard regarding his AFRO
gance of action and demeanor. Yet,
in spite of the fact that he is the head
of the largest and best organized strik-
ing force in China, he is unable to
suppress the brigands which infest
the provinces of which he is military
governor. Here again we see the
hand of the foreign fnancier, who
reaps rich profits from the traffic in
arms. Among the best customers are
the brigands.
A Remarkable Immunity.
The Lingcheng outrage, with the
holding Of foreigners to ransom, will
be fresh in the minds Of most people.
1t will be remembered that the foreign
powers displayed strange reluctance
to act against the brigands. This at
titude is also evident with regard to
Chinese pirates. who enjoy most re-
markable immunity from attack by