consumption of large Cuban cigars. Zhang publicly announced that he would come home in his coffin if he was defeated in battle. When his troops were forced back during one campaign he was true to his word—he was paraded through the streets, sitting in his coffin and waving to the cheering crowd. It was also a matter of public amusement that he kept his aged mother with him at all times. Even on campaign he often kept her close, providing her with a well-appointed railway car to accompany his army. He also raised a well-armed army of thousands of teenage soldiers for his son to command. Notes References Works cited 1881 births 1932 deaths Politicians from Yantai Republic of China warlords from Shandong Assassinated Chinese politicians Members of the Fengtian clique