Evening star., 1927-03-09
TREACHERY FEARED
IN SHANGHAI FIGHT
Chang, Defending City, Faces
Uncertain Loyalty Among
Adjacent Armies.
BY the Associated Press.


SHANGHAI, China, March 9.-The
result of Marshal Chang Tso-lin's at
tempted drive southwark through
Honan Province toward Hankow is
believed likely to be the deciding fac
tor in the struggle between the north
and south. if the conflict is decided by
force of arms. and not by treachery.
Changes Manchurian army must
pass through a hostile country and
deal with hostile armies before reach
ing the outpost of the Nationalist,
entrenched in Wushenkuan Pass. on
the Honan-Hupeh border.
The presence on the Honan-Shensi
border of Marshal Feng Yu-Hsiangs
kuomintung force, which is ready TO
move, renders the northerner's posi-
ton more difficult, while further
menace is the doubtful attitude of Yen
Shi-shan, military governor of Shansi,
whose cooperation with Feng Is con-
sidered probable.
Perilous Position Possible.
In view of these serious obstacles,
should Chang Tso-1in be compelled to
fall back across the Yellow River, the
position of the Shantung forces under
Chang Tsung- In the Shanghai
Nankin region would be almost un-
tenable, necessitating possible aban-
donment Of the entire Yangtze valley
to the southerners.
Efforts by labor agitators here 10
bring about a railroad strike have
been greatly assisted by the truculent
conduct of the Shangtunese troops,
who have in some cases assaulted
members of the railway staff and in
ferfared with the service.
Only two trains were able to leave
Shanghai for Marking yesterday IN
consequence of this interference,
which is bringing the Shantungese
army into disfavor with the railway
men. many of whom are joining the
Nationalists.
Moving Upon Nanking.
AS result of the detection OF the
Anhwei troops to the Nationalist
cause. the southerners are rapidly
progressing down the river toward
Nanking. An indication of the un-
easiness there is given by the transfer
of Chang Tsung- -Chang's Russian
division. estimated at 1000 men, with
several armored trains from the
Shanghai Nanking Railway to Pukow,
whence they could be withdrawn up
the Tientsin- -Pukow Railway in the
event of a successful southern drive
against Nanking.
The situation on the Sungklahg
front southwest of this city, is un-
changed. and there has been no fresh
development in the southerners at
tempt TO reach the Shanghai-Nanking
Railway at Soochow, east or Lake
Taihu.
The British cruiser Emerald salled
today from Nanking up the river 10
Wuhu. where a mob yesterday looted
the customs house following occupa-
ton of the town by the Cantonese.
American Vessels Ready.
All the foreign women and children
are aboard the steamer kuIWo, WHICH
apparently has not yet left for Shans-
hal although the authorities consloer
il impossible for them 10 return 10
shore in view of the situation.
The American destroyer Prepie Is
standing by, the destroyer Noa Is at
Nanking, within call, and others are
at Chekiang and Kiukiang.
The majority of the women ana
children had been evacuated from
Wuhu before the Cantonese TOOK pos
session. The American women known
to have remained prior to the rioting
include six attached to the Methodist
Mission and a few to other missions:
The normal foreign population OF
Wuhu is approximately 40.