Innovations from the South reach us slowly, as we have no water-way, but at last the new copper currency (10 cash pieces) has been introduced. It is a neat coin and very convenient. There was some opposition at first as was to be expected, but when the officials are in earnest about a reform they can make it go. So one man who refused to take his "change" from the shop in the new currency was summarily arrested and cangued. The opposition was short-lived consequence. It would be an even great. er boon if it were made obligatory that 10 were full count (1,000) and At present every locality has its own custom in this matter. Ifa bill is exchanged hero and one hundred pieces of the new coin paid, then twelve cash must be returned, asa tiao is only 988 cash. Then often there are small cash and a shortage beside. The confusion is something that only a patient and long-suffering people would tolerate.
Opium.
The opium merchants from the South are in the city now making their annual purchases. AS they can' only collect small quantities at a time it is necessary for them to remain for several months to get their supply. Tht quality is poor this year Tam told. It is very extensively grown in this Prefecture, and large quantities shipped elsewhere, the tax on which is the source of a very large income to the officials. The use of it is almost universal amongst the men, and not unfre~ quent amongst the women.
The School for Western Learning to be opened up by the Magistrate is at a standstill apparently, although some buildings on the "Cloud Dragon Mountain" outside the South Gate have be fitted up for the purpose. Lack of funds seems to be the difficulty.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.