Peking to Lhasa : vol.1 / Page 348 (Color Image)

0348	Peking to Lhasa : vol.1

264 PEKING TO LHASA

Hsiung K'o-wu, lately the ruling spirit in Szech-

wan, and little or nothing of this comes back to

the State. In the same way the minor officials,

with no restraining influence from Peking, or fear

of public opinion, are out to make what they can,

and as quickly as possible, whilst their day of

power lasts. In the old days public opinion had

much influence over the officials, and if one tried

to overstep the recognised limits of squeeze, the

people rose and there was trouble. Now the

soldiers have increased so enormously in numbers

and power that they keep the people in subjection

and a state of terrorism. The merchants and

peasants long for peace and security in vain.

The break-up of the Central Power has been

the chance for adventurers, and now Provinces are

divided against each other and often a Province

itself is split up into factions.

In the old days the army was despised as an

inferior profession and a restraining influence kept

on it, but the rise of innumerable factions has

given the soldiers their chance. Each petty leader

is dependent on his men, and the men them-

selves now thoroughly understand their power.

Very few military officers trouble about discipline,

or take any pains about securing a regular pay-

ment for their men. As a result, the soldier is

generally owed a large amount of back pay, which

is sometimes made up for by encouraging looting.

If this is not sufficiently profitable, the soldier

deserts and joins a brigand band.

The students are, to my mind, an even greater

source of danger. It must be remembered that,

whatever his failing and lack of education, the

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