Rumour is not always right, but there is at least a good chance that persistent rumour may not be altogether wrong, and so, contrary to custom, this note shall begi with the recapitulation of a rumour. The indefatigable French Consul, M. Haas, who keeps energy and enthusiasm on draught, has, it is alleged, succeeded in purchasing what is unquestionably the very best building sita in the city. It is understand that his object is to erect upon it a suitable consulate. The site spoken of looks on to the city wall, is not far from the rented dwellings of the Customs stof, and practically adjoins the house at prevent tenanted by the lucky purchaser. The property stands high, thus commanding a magnificent sweep of the city, the river, and the opposite hills, while it is also within easy reach of the gate which communicates with our cemeterial open country—he boulevards of Chungking! It is further stated that the price paid is very small—the exact figure being not yet known to outsiders. Altogether, if the rumour is true, the French Consul is to be congratulated. The best site for a moderate sum! These are advantages not often found anywhere in combination, and he is 'a lucky man who can boast of having secured them at a stroke here; by what means or through what influence M. Haas has succeeded in acquiring so desirable a spot must be left to conjecture. It is, however, denied that the French missionaries assisted him directly in the matter, although possibly indirect help may have been given, and that would or at least might easily enough count fur even more than any openly rendered aid, The story is also definite in asserting that the old proprietor is not a Roman Catholic. But what do the native officials say to this transaction? It is averred that they are saying something which is not very pleasant, and this in the circumstances may be taken for granted, seeing that the local military officials regard the position of strategic importance. Indeed fortifcations (for want of a better word) exist in juxtaposition to the site, and for a foreigner, not to say a foreign nation, to possess a property of such value will, it may be assumed, prove to be too much for the patience or pleasure of the local authorities, No one need be surprised to learn that M. Haas has been asked to surrender his claim; while on the other hand _no one need be surprised to learn that M. Haas will positively refuse to do Let us hope that the battle will be strictly confined to the officials on either side. Should the previous proprietor be involved in the dispute it will, judging from precedents not hoary, be likely to go hard with him. In any case, whatever the upshot may be, it is clear that M. Haas may expect to spend many a weary day in diplomatic struggle before he is permitted to see the walls of his proposed consulate rise from the picturesque site. The right to buy and build wherever foreigners find it feasible is a question which must be 'Y fought out in the official arena sooner or later, and should it prove that the trumpets have already sounded for the fray, we Jlated aliens may congratulate ourselves that we have in the person of BINI. Haas a doughty champion, and one who will not rest satisfied with'an incomplete victory. All success to him
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.