The arrest of Lapraik, Cass and Oo.'s compradore, Si Tonz-cook, which occurred several days ago. was a great surprise to the foreign community. TheJapanese accusehim of aiding the rebellion with money, but no details regarding the case have made public. No doubt the authorities consider the proof at band sufficient to justify them taking the man through the street like a rebel and throwing him into the Japanese prison, but it is the universal opinion among the foreigners that he is not guilty, but is the {victim of an unsuccessful blackmailer or the subject of a deliberate plot concocted by some of his Chineseenemies. The man [has been connected with the firm of Lapraik, Cass & Ca. for many years and has always b-en a favourite among the Horeigners, who considered him bright and clever, careful and well posted in business. That such " man, who had everything to lose and nothing to gain, ~hould aid°a rebellion in which he could' not have other than realised its futility does not seem reasonable, and we trust that his trial will prove him guiltless.
Taipehfu, 24th February.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.