For the first time in the history of missionary work in this port, it can be chronicled that the Chinese officials and representatives of each mission have met in social intercourse, At the joint invitation of the Taotai prefot and district magistrate the Roman tholie missionaries were entertained at dinner on Monday evening last. The following evening, the thres officials entertained representatives from five Protestant Missions, Two other guests were prosent—Mr, Pleyfir, ELBE Consul, and fr. Méllendorff, the Commissioner of Cus-
The dioner was served in foreign style and was a thorough success, it being evident that every care had been taken to secure the comfort of the guests. Viewed from the native point of view, the question hes been put by many: " What does this friendly overture of the officials mean To the foreigner, and especially to those engaged in mission work, it is one of the Signs of the Times:" an indication that a more tolerant spirit is gradually being created in high places towards those who have long Inboured for the of the masses with the only reward of being able to say with the arent Apostle: "We are fools for Christ's sake."
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.