It is u matter for sincere regret that the opium question, at least as regards the situation in Shanghai, should not have been approached from a more reasonable standpoint and that considerations of justice, equity and the business standing of Shanghai as a whole should have been brushed aside as matters of no importance. That the trade in opium in the Settlement and the licensing of opium shops must be stopped, is agreed (Groth by the Council and the
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.