During the time the Sanmen Bay affair twas 50 acute, your correspondent was in the near neighbourhood of the proposed Italian concession. The people were completely ignorant of the proposed change. Speaking different times with certain military officials, they invariably displayed remarkable unconcern as to how the affair would end! Tt almost seemed as though they would be glad rather than otherwise, if a foreign Power would sume the Government of that part of the const; for it is noted as being one of the most' piratical nests in China. In all the remarks about the Italian demand, there has not been any reference to the Island of Nantiien which is next in size and ultimate importanes to the chief island of the Chusan archipelago. This island, situated only six miles from the important town and roadstead of Shihp'u, would most certainly be included in any concession such as was originally demanded by Italy. The Fungpao, " Chinese newspaper which was established in Ningpo last, winter, has tried to keep the people informed of the progress of events, its latest effort taking the form of a map of the part of the const which would be affected by any concession to the Italians.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.