The Chinese are very much opposed to the increase in the postal rates. There has been for some time a private business letter carrier between here and Ichang and Pingshi. Not long ago, this courier was attacked and brought to Chen-} chow and thrown into prison. The Chinai postal authorities have had inspectors throughout the district and several instances have been reported of the holding up of those who were privately carrying letters.
The business "men hers went security for the Ichang courier. There is a good deal of criticism of the Post Office, not only for the increased rates, but also for the poor service given in country places. "here has been a general letting down in the service between the counties move remote from Chenchow and Kueiyangchow. It is true that the business is not heavy, but the poor service, combined with the increase in rates, is more than some of the more interested parties can stand.
There is a constant stream of ex-soldiers, carriers and other people passing through Chenchow from the south and even from Kiangsi. Most of these men are from the defeated armies of last summer and many are carriers who had been compelled to carry loads for the retreating army.
price and conditions, even with an Rice still continues to go 7 in abundance of sweet potatoes and!/ good crops of all grains, are almost! as bad as under the famine conditions of last year. Then, through the Intérnational- Famine Relief; Association, a good deal of rice was transported from down river.! oq This year little or none been coming up and many people are predi"''ng a shortage long before the rw actvest comes in.
Pexine, Jan. 15.—The Cabiret has sent a telegram requesting General Tsai Cheng-hsun to cease hiy opposition towards the Civil Governor, Mr. Hsieh. Yuan-han, as it is fostering disorder and preventing the establishment of settled conditions in Kiangsi.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.