During the past three days, high fes-rival has been held in honour of the Empress-Dowager's birthday. If patriotism has to be judged by such outward signs as decorations, musical plays, etc., then Ningpo may be regarded as a most loyal city. Such occasions as these celebrations are indications of the progress the Chinese are making in national feeling and unity. Tt may be stated as an objection to this view that the Chinese have always been prepared to manifest the festive spirit given the occasion. But such manifestations of national rejoicings as have been layed here and in the chief Treaty Ports during the past few days stand out in marked contrast to those of past days, and are worthy of record as signs of the times. Another impression left by the celebrations is that in loyalty to the powers that be the Treaty Ports can more than favourably compare with the great inland cities. Contact with foreigners does not lessen the patriotism of the people. There are many evidences that foreign intercourse rather increases it. Much might be written on such a thesis, bat it is the duty of your corres pondent to confine himself to a statement) of local affairs.
In the city, the Gite along the main rine; 1 decorations were from the East thoroughfare, where are the chief business houses. The road was overhung with coloured cloths, under which were iting innumerable lamps. This gave a very pretty appearance in the day-time; but When supplemented by tle illuminations the effect wa truly Eastern i 1s of light and colour.
street particularly lends itself to such decorations. All the shop fro:
fully carved and gilded, thus easily lending themselves to other decor tive arts. At certain points stagys were erected on which music (2) was discoursed or plays enacted.
The Foreign Settlement als rose to the occasion, the whole length of the Bund being lit up each evening by xn immense number of multi-coloure! lanterns, and the main street from end to end had large glass lanterns of various shapes and colours. The most effective and prettiest illuminations were those in the Roman Catholic compound—The Bishop's house, a large three-storied building, was lit from base to roof. All the windows were illuminated with varied coloured designs and compliment' ary characters, The church was also decorated with plaza, A harmonium and a gramophone were additional attractions to the big crowd of sightseers. The Police Station was also tastefully illuminated, while at three or four ples on the Settlement musicians and actors catered for the amusement of the p-ople.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.