Reliable information confirms the report that the railway from the new German territory to Chinanfu is an assured enter prise. "The survey is now being vigorously pushed and the rails are on the way from Germany. There seems to be a total eclipse of Kiaochou Bay with the cities of Chimei and Kiaochou as a sort of corona, while the penumbra in the shape of Chino-German sovereignty, extends 50 kilometres (100 Zi) beyond the limits of the foreign territory, We are assured also that the port will be open to the world's commerce, and doubtless this city will (in time) become the hub of the universe. The Weihsienite may one day find himself within an easy two days of Shanghai (the other hub), instead of having to travel weary six days to Chefoo, only to find himself further from his destination than when he started. Think of it! This somehow reminds the writer that either a slip of the pen or a freak of the compositor some days ago caused him to propose that the railway traverse the district of "Pohsing." He meant to say Poshan, for no more hope-Jess route for the iron horse could be selected then the swamp-infested country of the former name. We hope the German Empire may not have been misled by that little blunder. We heard that a serenade was played in honour of the first foreign Indy's arrival at Chingtao a few days ago. We do not wish to pluck the honourable lady's laurels, indeed we congratulate her upon her unique distinction, but on the 19th of February, 1895, the writer witnessed a procession of five foreign women wending their way over the sandy beach of the said locality to board the USS. Yoritown. That was during the war with our neighbours from beyond the Yellow Sea.
THEY OBJECT TO THE SQUEEZE, The natives of Longanhsien are greatly erg over the exorbitant tax levy to which they are being subjected. As is well beg arg og potees China are rated in sycee, but the landholder must pay in ce pereash. This for reasons best Pnown the yamen. Hence two silver rates are usually quoted, one the street rate and the other the yamen rate. When it comes to paying taxes it happens'that the yamen rate for the tael generally far exceeds that of the street or cash-si A moderate
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.