E. Lu Pao-chung, President of the Censorate, who was recently ordered to resign his post for the time being, on account of his opium-smoking habit, has asked the Throne to allow him to resign his post permanently, as he has, so far, not been able to get rid of the habit.' We understand his Excellency has been farther granted two months" leave of absence in order to enable him to free himself from the habit.
December 30.
It is reported from Peking that a large number of insurgents are causing trouble and committing acts of brigandage at Chuchou and Ichon, Shantung province, and that H.E, Wu Ting-pin, Acting Governor of that province, has received instructions from the Pekin; Government to suppress the bandits without delay.
It_is stated that Prince Ching, President of the Grand Council, intends to send in his resignation and will recommend Prince Chun (brother of the Emperor) to the Throne to be appointed in his place, It is believed that the Empress Dowager will not allow him to resign, as there are only a few men in the Council who possess ability and talon A telegram from Tientsin states that the Pel Government is reported to have obtained the approval of the British Minister to extend the government monopoly of the sale of opium in the various provinces of the Empire.
The opium monopoly bureau for Chihli province will, it is reported, be opened after the Chinese New Year, and Taotai Liu Shu-hung has been appointed Director of the same.
BLE, Hsu Chiieh, formerly Chinese Minister to Italy, has presented a memorial to the Throne advising their Majesties to float a public loan to meet the deficiency of revenue caused by the abatement of the taxes upon foreign and native opium. The memorial has deen submitted to the Ministry of Finance for consideration.
The Viceroys of Chibli and Hukuang provinces have been instructed by the Central Government to send in their regarding the redemption of the eking-Hankow Railway from the Belgian Syndicate.
It is reported that Acting Governor Wu Ting-pin, of Shantung, has issued proclamation prohibiting the students of that province to form societies of a revolutionary nature and to interfere in political questions. The order adds that, should any students be found opposing this injunction, they are to be summarily handed to the police to be dealt with. The Superintendent of Education has also been requested to keep a sharp look-out upon the movements of the students.
December 31.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.