In my last report as to the extent of the plague, dated the 21st of September, I stated that the initial steps in the formation of a Sanitary Board had been taken and the matter referred to Peking, " reply being hourly expected by the Consular Body, on which grounds I was rash enough to base the conclusion that things looked hope: ful. The statement, however, calls for an unqualified withdrawal. Ten days have now elapsed without any reply from Peking, and the Taotai has twice been interviewed by the Consular Body, with the result that matters are not merely ata standstill, but, owing to the increase in plague cases, in tne worse state than when I lust wrote. On Monday, the 24th ultimo, another general meeting' of foreign residents was hield, at which, amongst other resolutions, it was decided that the following telegram should be sent through the Senior Consul to the Dojen of the Diplomatic Corps, Peking "Meeting of foreign residents of all untionalities appeal for help against plague. Urge pressure on Tsungli Yamen supply funds. Local authorities fatally procrastin= ating'
To this appeal no reply has been vouchsafed. The same afternoon the Consuls
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