For some years there has been in existence' in the Huangyen prefecture, a society known as the "Society of Foreign Guns," formed by those who wished to defend themeely: The members of this Society were not of property from robbers infesting the district. very respectable character. The events of last year, which culminated in the death of Ying Wan-te, caused such a feeling of insecurity and unrest that the people throughout the district formed themselves into 2 Society known as "'The People's Society." Unlike the "Society of Foreign Guns," t new Society was -formed with the direct intention of protecting themselves from to have been too late; for a force of in- unscrupulous and tyrannical oppression pleased with their disappointment that they and so at its inception was defensive rather than offensive. Its members can be numbered by thousands, and it is sincerely to be hoped thet its leaders, whoever they are, will not take advantage of the present unsettled state of the country and seek to wreak vengeance for former wrongs, real or imaginary.
Affaire down here have, during the last few days, been assuming
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.