Fifty-four trade guilds and practically every Chinese school in: Chefoo participated in the celebrations to commemorate the anniversary of the founding of the Republic in China. We are accustomed to big Chinese processions marching through the streets on special occasions, but yesterday's affair was huge. Chefoo has not seen its like before and whatever opinions may be held as to the wisdom of China's substituting a Republican form of government for that of the Manchu monarchy, it is impossible not to realize the Chinese in Chefoo are determined to celebrate their country's National Day. The immense procession marched through the streets in most orderly fashion, saluted by fusilades of crackers, which made most deafening reports, much so that it was not surprising to find people were wondering whether warships had again entered the harbour and were saluting the port. The Republican flag was everywhere visible. Chinese houses, shops and hongs were flying tha country's emblem, and' the city had the appearance of celebrating a national holiday, Last year's cele brations were on a big scale, but. then the Chinese realized the Washington Conference was to be held and the prospect of the Shantung question being discussed; and the probability of the former German territory coming back into her possession made the proceedings more important than formerly. But this year there was nothing special on, yet the monster procession, 90. splendidly organized, was greater than that of-a year ago. The local Chinese are loyal to the Republic, and the national holiday of yesterday demonstrated the growing interest which the people are taking in their country and its affairs. It is questionable whether any of the pupils of the numerous schools which joined the procession were absent.
Mr. Sherwood Eddy is expected to arrive in Chefoo shortly and arrangements have been made for him to address a large number of meetings. He can be assured of big audiences and attentive disteners to what he has to say, for there is an ever-increasing demand amongst the Chinese in Chefoo for education. The native schools are well attended.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.