New Policy?

The Chinese Government, in its answer to the Diplomats' note of protest regarding the bandit outrage near Tsinan (TIME, Oct. 15), stated that three of the officials whose punishment was demanded (TIME, Aug. 20) were dismissed, that a Presidential mandate had also dismissed the Military Governor of Shantung from his post and that further orders had been sent to provincial authorities " to redouble their efforts to suppress brigandage." The Government said, however, that it could not commit itself to a scheme for policing the railways. The demands for an indemnity for the victims of the bandit outrage were accepted in principle.

The reply was considered in Peking as fairly satisfactory. Coming soon after the new President's inauguration, the note was apparently indicative of a new regime of responsible government; it is too soon, however, to say whether the Government will be able to exert its authority over the provinces, as that will depend largely on the outcome of the struggle between Tsao-Kun and the other Tuchuns for power.