To the Eaitor of the "Norru-Cursa Datty News.
Sin,—It having come to my cars that great consternation has been caused among the Municipal Councillors owing to the fact of my firing off a revolver at_an early hour on Sundsy, the Sth inst., I write to give you an account of what actually took plice so that you and your readers may know the truth and put io credence in the absurd rumours being circulated in Shanghai and probably elsewhere. The facts are follows. At 2.20 a.m, T was suddenly awakened by the most piercing yells and cries, policemen's whistles shrilly blowing, anil altogether a regular Babel. I arose at once and found my husband already up and vainly trying to make himself heard above the horrible div. It was quite dark and nothing could be seen, but the shouts seemed to come from our head mafoo's house close to our dwelling. I thought at once of Boxers wud riot and the idea struck me to fire off my revolver just as a hint as to what might be expected by them if the mob interfered with us. I accordingly did so, carefully firing into an open space beyond our garden. The report acted like mayic. The frantic yells almost ceased and then our mafoo's voice could be heard and recognised. My husband rushed down to the village at once where he found four policemen wending their way, all attracted by the noise, it having been heard away down the Carter Road. It appears three thieves armed with long knives entered out mafou's house and on_ being discovered attacked him. By discharging my revolver I consider I saved his life as on hearing the report two thieves promptly made off, the third being captured and now undergoing " fortnight's cangue. The story of a near neighbour hearing the bullet whizz past his head and having had a uary row escape is absolutely false, as he himself admits, and simply adds one more to the already long list of sensational but lying yarns for which Shanghai has lately become famous. Befor+ closing, just a hint to our City Fathers. Is it dignified to listen to the gossip and tittle tattle that goes on at the bar of the Shanghai Club? Tam, etc., P.S.—What about the Gun Club, where shooting is constantly going on that solely for amusement? Althouzh not the Settlement ix it not under Municipal regulations?
18th August.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.