It is satisfactory to perceive that the "Model Settlement" has so far advanced enifs way to Municipal perfection, that none among the Ratepayers saw any reason to ruffle the even tenor of events by giving notice of motion in any form for discussion at the late Annual General Meeting of Ratepayers—to the Council, the elected representatives of public opinion, was left the satisfactory task of filling the agenda of the business to be brought before the meeting. This shows there must be a full measure of satisfaction existent in the community,—and no wonder, when the sanitary progress of the Inst two years is considered—improved drainage, widened thoroughfares, rounded corners, &c., all of which are actual proofs that those to whom have been entrusted the "watch and ward" of the Settlements generally, have fulfilled their trust and provided a legacy of good local self-government which will leave a comparatively smooth task to their success sors. It is said to be easy to follow a bad example, but not so a good one, not only in public but in private affairs; and in a place like Shanghai, where so much depends on good example for future progress among the native inhabitants who surround us in tens of thousands, how necessary it is that the fine results of Home advancement in Municipal affairs should be exhibited to them in the shape of public works. This merely following the example of those nations of antiquity from which we ourselves obtained the knowledge of local self-government, and whose edicts and laws pretty generally form to this day the basis of our own. Tostir, in any way, the inert mass Chinese official neglect and obstinacy should be one of the chief objects of our Municipal authorities, and it affords an example worthy of all praise that a great advance has been made in the "outward appearance" of the streets of the Settlement—to say nothing of the imposing buildings erected on every side for the purpose of furthering trade and commeree—that cannot fail ultimately to bear fruit, even among the apparently obtuse but really sharp and far-seeing people among whom we live. Like those nations of old, to whom reference has been already made, let us do all we can to improve these lines of progress in the same amicable way that has marked the advance of the last few years, so that as time rolls on and, past records are studied, it will be said that even the "barbarians" knew what things were nocessary not only for the advancement of trade, but also for the furtherance of civilization and the welfare of mankind generally. That the Municipal institutions of Shanghai and the Outports will, if carried out properly, of a certainty accomplish this, is as clear as that the residents have already taught the astute natives the way to embark in, and take much from, that commerce which it was at one time thought they were incapable of understanding.
There can scarcely be but one feeling experienced throughout the community, and especially the ratepaying portion of it, at the amicable way in which the Municipal Government of the Settlement for the ensuing year was settled at the Annual General Meeting. Public matters are working so smoothly, that—although there may be a little jerk fole now and then, like that of the wheels of a railway train catching a slightly projecting point, but passing onwards in safety—there remains little to carp at or find fault with. This satisfactory state of affairs is the natural outcome of the toils, troubles, and Gisputes of younger days, arising from the pardonable eagerness of the "Early Fathers" to let it be seen in later days how earnest they wore in their endeavours to make the Settlement of Shanghai a monument of Western enterprise, civilization, and skill. That the task carried on from year to year, at times in the face of thoughtless opposition, both native and foreign, has been successful, we can only say in proof to any sceptio—first read the records of the early meetings of ratepayers and then, " Circumspice!" Still the success so conspicuously wrought must not be allowed to induce either inaction or repose. The laurels won must be Kept watered, or they will fade,—a fate that would have to be deplored; and upon this especial topic we shall have something more to say on an early date. The readiness with which the Ratepayers voted the funds necessary to maintain the good government and sanitary condition of the Settlement, clearly showed how thorough is the confidence they repose in their chosen representatives; and that their confidence has never been wilfully abused by a too lavish expenditure or careless administration, is as clear as noonday. There were two incidents at the meoting which, we think, deserve special allusion—the first of these was the graceful compliment paid by the instrumentality of Mr.
Thorne to the Garden Committee, the honorary conservators of a Public Garden which he rightly described as " the pride of Shanghai and one of its institutions most talked of by visitors." This, by the way, was the first time the Garden Committee received a public recognition of their unobtrusive but valuable services. The other incident was the ready concession made by the Bund lot-holders to the representations of the Council, so ably enunciated by Mr, Hart, as to the necessity of removing the unsightly structures and accumulations from the Bund foreshore, and restoring that whilom breezy expanse—now virtually o nuisance—to its normal condition. There were other matters of importance to the well-being of the Settlement discussed and decided; but these two incidents stand out in relief, as showing that while the more burdensome portions of the task of local self-government are borne on strong and willing shoulders, thought is at the same time given to the pleasing task of doing all possible to beautify and embellish our surroundings. Is it too much to look forward to—to hope—that, in a few years, say—the fancy picture which is now to be seen pretty frequently on the stage of the Lyceum Theatre, will be an accomplished fact?—and that the opium hulks will some day be removed? However, these are presumably distant visions; and leaving them, we take leave of our subject, by congratulating the Ratepayers on the amity that prevails in regard to public ited without permission.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.