In the Shanghai Settlement there fare numerous pawnshops which take pledges on short time-limits at heavy interest and fleece the poor. The Authorities have frequently dericed measures to restrain them, but so far without definite outcome. A mode of procedure has now been arranged between the President of the Board of Foreign Affairs. Sun Pao-chi and the Foreign Ministers. Directions for its enforcement have been given to Mr. Yang Tscheng, and he is discussing it with the Senior Consul, Its main features are 1. Investigation of the number of Pawnshops in the Settlement.
Pawnshops already established or! rabonitto be established bond of alternative recused Shanghai, November 18, 1914.
Sin,—In reply to your letter of the 12th instant with enclosures I have the honour to inform you that the Consular Body has not received any communication from the Chinese Authorities in reference to the pawnshops in the Settlement, nor has the matter been discussed between the Special Envoy for Foreign Affaire and myself.
T have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, T. Raascnou, Consul-General for Denmark, and Senior Consul.
C. Peance, Esq.,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.