few days ago the Chung Yang news agency reported that the Government had decided to transfer the present Governor of Honan to the post of Tartar-General of Jehol, leaving the Tuchunship of Honan to be filled by General Chiang Kuei-ti.
This rumour in identical language appeared in the Chinese newspapers some time ago, but ai there was nothing in it the authorities took no pains to contradict it. The re-appearance of the rumour in foreign newspapers is apparently considered important, for the local papers are now publishing a statement, said to have emanated from the Governor's yamen, that the Peking Cabinet had sent word to the Governor that they were sorry this false rumour had arisen, and that they were doing what they could to counteract it.
The news agency stated that it was reported the cause of General Chao's removal was due to complaints having been made to the Government by the Diplomatic Body, against the Governor's encouragement of opium cultivation in Honan. Whether or not these charges were made it is difficult. to find out, but certainly the Tuchun is strongly backing up every effort of the local branch of the International Anti-Opium Association, and seems decidedly keen upon suppressing the growth of the poppy and the increase of the opium traffic in his jurisdiction.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.