Sim,—On page 22 of the Rev. Grifith John's introduction to the Complete Picture Gallery" vcour the following words, referring to the Kolao Hui theory of the riots on the Yangtze:—"The same information was furnished to a learned and talented gentleman in Shanghai who is the trusted adviser of the Chinese high officials in all dificult matters, and by him communicated to the foreign press.
He, no doubt, was fully persuaded of its truth, as most people were when the iden was firet propounded."
In the Mail Supplement to the Hongkong Daily Press of 18th February, 1892, the above sentences are quoted xs "a reference to Mr, Drummond which it would be interesting tw sev answered by that gentleman."
Deorum injurice Diis cure! At the same time the following facts are perhaps not without interest in this connection.
On the 80th March 1889, two years before the riots, while on my way to Ninepo, I called at Mr, Drummond's office with intention of paying a five sninutes' visit. I stayed nearly an hour, listening to what then thought a most extraordinary story, and of which I took special note at the time. It was to the effect that foreigners in China were "living on a volcano" (actual words used), that " rebellion was imminent," and that "within a twelvemonth" startling events would occur in China, All this Mr. Drummond said he had gathered from Chinese sources.
Bishop Moule subsequently (on October 9th, 1891,) stated to me in conversation that Mr, Drummond had told him the same story about x year after my interview alluded to above.
Now that the Rev. Grifiith John raises the question of Mr. Druminond's inspiration," it is only right to put these details on record. I should have taken this course before, but that Mr. Drummond's own reply to ' Inquirer's" letter in the N.- Daily News of 17th October, 1891, seemed to amply satisfy all those whose only desire is truth.
Iam, etc., Herserr A. Gizzs. 21st March.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.