The Szechuan merchants at this port suspended their import business for nearly two months on account of the advent of the Yunnan troops in their province. Since last week they have again shown great) activity, especially in purchasing and shipping cotton yarn to Szechuan. Why they should be in such a hurry is explained by the fact that every year the export of medicine and drugs from Szechuan to Shanghai is worth several million tael and the sale of these during this winter season brought in" very large amount, of which Tls. 1,600,000 in cash was locked up in the local banks without interest. Therefore, upon learning of the peaceful condition of Szechuan, except Suifu, Luchow end Chungking, they resolved to make a big deal in yama which are in very great demand in their province. Besides, the prospect of large profit wi can be confidently hoped for ju: fies what risk they are bound to run. Already over 1,000 bales have been shipped up river. But at present it is not possible to ship goods beyond Ichang, owing to the commandeering of all kinds of craft by the Government for military requirements. Goods will have to be landed at Ichang, from which port they will be taken inland, the cost of transportation being very high.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.