"Information, Please ! "

General Wood is on the point of departing for China.

The American Government is obviously uncertain as to what is happening in the Celestial Republic, and has therefore despatched the General to find out. Leaving Manilla at an early date, he is expected to proceed to Peking where Minister Schurman will assist him in diagnosing the ills of China.

The American Government is immediately concerned with two disputes. The Coltman case: an apology has been received from the military governor in whose province the American, Coltman, was shot; but various phases of oriental psychology are delaying the demanded indemnity. The radio case: has the Mitsui Wireless Company (Japanese) the exclusive right to the air of China? If so, why?

The fact that a number of American prisoners (including Miss Lucy Aldrich and two army officers) were taken by Chinese bandits who wrecked a train on the Tsinan-Peking railroad, lends further point to the General's inspection of Chinese conditions.

But General Wood must probe deeper. He must discover who is the politically responsible power in China; or, rather, who is likely to be the power.

Just last week China applied for another vast loan ($15,000,000). If the American Government, as well as London and Paris, recommends that the banks float the loan, it must find some power in China which might be trusted to spend the money on something besides " civil" war.

Meanwhile General Wu, strong man behind the President, is not only attacked in the South by Dr. Sun's Cantonese, but is also threatened on the North anew by the Manchurian adventurer whom he routed last spring.