The hope that Chiang Kai-shek would be able to main-
tain and speak for a virtually united China has not survived many weeks. Civil war is not only renewed, but is spreading. We do not know what else Chiang Kai-shek could have done than meet the challenge of the Kwangsi Generals supporting the Wuhan cities, when they defied the Nanking Governinent. . Disband- ment depended upon the payment of money by all the provinces to the central exchequer. - The Wuhan cities refused to pay. The attack on Wuhan by the Nanking troops was apparently a great success—the Kwangsi leaders hurriedly withdrew their armies. But the next step of these -rebels was to threaten Canton. When we write, the reports are so conflicting that it is impossible to say_ whether Canton is in danger or not. It would be a serious matter if it changed hands, particularly if it is true that the Kwangsi leaders, who have, hitherto been credited with moderate opinions, are now asking for support from Communist revolutionaries. * * **
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