Governor of Shanghai and Sungkiang, is endeavouring to aid the Chinese merchants in Shanghai as much as possible in their fight against the proposed goods surtax.
It will be remembered several days ago, the merchants held a meeting in the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and requested the chairmen of both the General Chamber and the City Chamber to approach General Ho to secure his support in their opposition. This request Was eventually carried out and it is learned that General Ho has telegraphed to Peking in the following terms:
"T have been approached by the chairmen of the both Chambers of Commerce with regard to their opposition to the goods surtax. They inform me that the ground for their opposition is based on the depreciated exchange. The price of goods have fallen, but the goods are stocked away in godowns simply because customers refuse to buy, regardless of the low prices. Insurance, godown charges, and interest amount to no small sum. Bankruptcies and merchants ab-scending are every-day occurrences. Should the government enforce a new tax, they—the merchants—would have no other alternative but to quit their business and starve.
"Tt has been decided that if the Government refuses to take heed of this demand, the merchants will strike on and from January 1.
"Shanghai merchants have done much in the way of voluntary contributions, even before approached by the Government. As an_illustration, they have promised $2,000,- 000 for relief work, "Therefore, in view of the above, I would request you to reconsider your former decision."
The Chinese press has published a telegram stating that the Govern-an increase of Tls. 3,500,-/ment has now decided to postpone '000 on the previous record collec- the enforcement of the tax for a].
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.