It is hinted that the Chinese themselves are more im-
pressed by the difficulties of the condition attached to the scheme than by the unprecedented good will of the scheme itself. It must be remembered that the Peking Govern- ment is in a very precarious position and may well feel doubtful of its ability to induce the provinces to consent to the abolition of the likin. In this respect we cannot but share the doubts of Peking, and we again offer the sug- gestion that it might be possible to bring about a truce in the civil war and call a conference of the provincial leaders on the ground that they would be asked to share in a general benefit instead of allowing—as they now fear will happen—all the benefits to go to the Peking Govern- ment. This proposal no doubt leads on to provincial autonomy, but it is probable that this could not be pre- vented in any case. * * * *
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