The Tayeh mines which supply the ore have for some time been kept going at only half their former speed of production. They will soon have to stop altogether if the railway strike which began last week continues. The railway employees have chosen the present inopportune moment, when the company's money is scarce, to go on strike. Their demands are sixfold (1) Increase of wages; in some eases of dollars instead of strings of cash. (2) The payment by the company of $150 a month to the men's Union. (3) Workmen to fe treated on an equality with the staff as regards payment during sickness and holidays. (4) Apprentices to be paid at full rates at the end of three years, instead of continuing as improvers. (5) No workmen to be engaged except those recommended by the Union. (6) Workmen not toibe discharged. until convicted thrice of misconduct or fault and then only discharged if the Union consents. No sabotage has occurred yet, though no one dare be a "blackleg." Many have gone home. We: fear we shall be without trains till after the Chinese New Year.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.