Ping-ching, in a memorial to the Throne represents that for the prevention of opium smuggling it is necessary that the three Brigade divisions wow guarding the passes of the province should be permanently stationed there, and should not be liable to be detached for service in other places.
The Regulations now provide that Szechuan opium shall pay a duty of Tls. 20 per picul on exportation from the province. Barriers have been placed on the roads leading to Hupeh, Hunan, Shensi, and Kueichow. One division of the Chang Sheng Brigade, and two of the Shou Tzi, have been tailed for duty at these barriers. They have done their work admirably; but as they are part of the local forces, they are rewired for military duties when any disturbance takes piece elsewhere. For instance, when the trouble at Ta'tsu occurred this year, several companies of these men were called sway from the barriers to put down the rebels. The effect of the relaxation of the preventive system was at once shown in diminished receipts of opium duty. The roads from Szechuan to the four provinces above mentioned in the aggregate several thousand (i, Bie thirty, odd sbecrieee which have been Hionted to the riddle of wild mountains ed upon them in important passes are
and intricate paths. The opium dealers are moreover rough, rude men, who travel in bands, and should they see that the guards have been withdrawn to other places, they evade the payment of duty y either baldy forcing their way past the barriers or by stealing through when opportunity offers.
The Governor-General points out that outbreaks are frequent in Szechuan and the troops at his disposal have more than they can do. Hurried from place to place, they can only keep part of the province in order. The proposal now made to station men permanently at the barriers is however necessary, and as their expenses will be paid out of the opium duty receipts, memorialist will be able to raise more men and by constant vigilance and movement of troops guard against any disaster.—Rescript. Let the Board concerned take note."
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.