The manager of the Bank of China has not handed over his post after all, the reason being, 1 understand, to prevent any Hreciation in banknote exchange that might—likely would—result from such a step. Both he and the Kueiyang Taoyin, Mr, Ho, have returned to the city, but the latter is now living in retirement.
An advisory body called in Chinese Of AFT has been formed to advise the Sheng Chang (Civil Governor) in cases. calling for advice. The Chairman is Mr, Jen Ko-cheng, ex-Civil Governor of Yunnanfu and afterwards nominate ed as Minister of the Interior in the Canton Government, while the membership (between 10 and 20 I am told) will be equally divided between nominees of the Sheng Chang and those of General Wang Wen-hwa, representing civil and military interests respectively, might be reasonably asked what particular interests the military party has in civil affairs, but of course it aims to get civil control.
probable t when this Advisory Board begins to function, the three Taoyin posts in the province will be abolished.
No doubt this latest step is taken in the hope of averting further trouble and dispute as to the control of the Civil Administration, but, frankly, I am dubious as to its success.
Dear Rice axp Stanvatioy.
To-day the "Fair-price Rice-selling Society" begins operations at five places in the city. Price fixed is 70 small copper cash per pint, but only those who obtain tickets will be able to buy at those places and at that price. This plan does not meet the case of the very many starving people who have no money. Quite a lot of beggars are dying of starvation; now and again one totters, falls and dies on the street. Kueiyang just now should be a fruitful field for Bolshevist propaganda: the rich seem richer than ever and the poor poorer than ever, News to hand to-day of Mr. and Mrs, Hayman of the C.1.M. in the Trovinces having been robbed about one day's journey thig side of Chenyuan, They were bringing goods for other missionaries as well as their own, and had an escort of 15 soldiers who were at the rear of the cavalcade when the robbery took place. I understand that the loss is serious. Not long before, the robbers on same road and not so ye-y far from the same place, kidnapped five people and held them for ransom.
If the military leaders who are now contending for power in this city, would be content with the humbler but more beneficial work of clearing the province of robbery, the people would have reason be grateful to them.
Hitherto Kueichow has rather prided itself on the fact that robbers do not attack foreigners and their goods, "showing a patriotic desire not, to involve the country with foreign countries," but wa can no longer say this, We are getting as civilized as some other provinces that might be named.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.