This section of north Kiangeu has been famous in the past for its famines, but we can thankfully report that the crops this year are splendid, the best in 40 years many of the Chinese say. The wheat crop is all in and the beans are up. The kaoliang is high and of splendid colour, showing the depth of room and stamina given by the seasonable rains this summer. We have passed through the coolest May and June of years, which probably explains the fact that so far we have had few thunderstorms. The canal has risen 8 ft. during the past week due tu heavy rains north of us, and the launches which had been foreed to stop running have again started.
The Chinese uiembers of the local Presbyterian Church have recently started a campaign to raise funds for the erection of a now church building. They have made out five years' budget, and the results have been surprising. The people have given most liberally and the goal is already in sight, and they still have a number of members to-hear from. It is safe to say that the building will be started in the autumn and will be a welcome addition to the city. There is some talk of using the present building, which is owned by the mission, as a museum and reading room' and lecture hall. If the latter idea can be carried out it should prove a most popular move.
Gen. Ma, the local military official, has just returned from visit to Tengchow, but has been confined to the yamen due to a cold contracted on the trip. He has recently sent several companies soldiers to Chunghsing to fight the robbers who are increasing in numbers as the kaoliang grows im height.
We can truthfully say that we can report the most prosperous conditions that have existed here for years. This was shown recently by a big "whol" which the busin men of the city put out. It was the first of its kind held in 20 years and the half idolatrous, half playful procession was a source of great excitement among the people for many days.
Dr. Tsao, one of the Chinese members of the staff of the General Hospital here, is visiting his hoe in Mukden.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.