Comprehensive information has at last come to hand as to the nature and extent of the rock-slip below Wanhsien, and of the newly-formed rapid which is proving to be so serious an obstacle to the navigation of the upper river. It would appear that o large mass of rock on the north bank, loosened by the late heavy rains, fell into the river, at a spot where hitherto there had been only smooth and easily negotiable water, A fierce rapid has in consequence been formed whicl is said to be quite all in length. As the water falls the rush becomes more intense, and_the difficul correspondingly greater. Down and upriver junks are alike placed in jeopardy bj the terrific backwash which is strong enough! to make a plaything of even the largest and best-manned vessels. Many hat already been wrecked and wrecks are likely to become increasingly common unless the danger is removed. A fortnight ago there were not less than 500 boats moored above and below the rapid, while, with the speed of mushrooms, two thriving towns have grown up in close proximity to the place. Last' week the merchants of Chungking met in conclave to decide upon a common basis of action in view of this new and altogether unforeseen impediment to the riverine traffic. With the permission of the local officials they, the merchants, agreed to order general transhipment of goods and to levy a tax upon all cargo of 20 cash per package, for coolie hire. Up to date the charge nade is said to have been only 5 cash per package, but with the object of obtaining sufficient fands to keep the necessary coolie path in order, and of gradually doing something tewer-'s removing the fallen rock, it was unanimously decided to raise the charge. 'This important arrangement will, if carried out, react upon all shippers, and upon all travellers to and from this part of the country. On the other hand, it is alleged to-day that the Viceroy has vetoed the merchants' proposal, and has himself determined to appropriate Tls. 20,000 from the provincial exchequer to the work of permanently clearing away the obstruction. This would certainly be the wisest plan of operation, although one cannot quite divest oneself of a suspicion that the high officials of the province together with the lesser dignitaries are, in secret, rejoicing over a circumstance which will add material strength to their arguments against the introduction of steamers on this western part of the rivers
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.