To the Editor of the "Nonrm-Omiwa Day New:
Sm,—In your leading article of December 16 you characterize the action of the other side as unreal sonable and bring against us the severe accusation that considerations of justice, equity and the business standing of Shanghai as a whole have been brushed aside as matters of no importance."
The statement is unfair and untrue and descends below the level of correct argument and impartial investigation. I think, however, it may be taken to show that you are unmistakably on the side of the opium trade. It is so far well that we know where you stand. These opening sentences prepare us for the one-sided colouring of the remainder of your disquisition. You have put the opium side as well and as fully as can be done: I assume there is little more to be said in favour of the trade.
That the above charge against us is not a well considered one is evidenced by your next. sentence in which you state: "The point of difference thus narrows itself to one of the time to be allowed for complete suppression of the traffic."
I now come to grips with your giment. You state that opium is always the rich man's luxury be it remembered." I am afraid this betrays a lack of complete knowledge as to the actual conditions. Are you in this Settlement very day? People come every day from outside the Settlement To meet the pauper classes opium is put up in such minute quantities that ib Possible to buy one. copper cent's YE
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.