But powerful influence is being exerted against the passage of the Constitution? a Tam aware of that. Still I think It is officially stated that the Government has actually paid the Navy $200,000 in the last few days and has promised to pay them $400,000 in future from the Salt Tevenue.—Reuter. it will be passed.
When?
I think within three or four months. My view is that there should be no Presidential election until the Constitution has been passed. y Are any further steps being taken, in connexion with the Port Arthur; please?
Yes. We are continuing to! negotiate in the matter.
Was there any truth' in the talk about an opium monopoly?
Not so far as I am concerned. No power on earth could make me} use the Presidential seal to re-legalize opium. Tell your friends! jat Home that they need have no fear on that subject. I am—pressing Parliament to debi all opium smokers of all civil rights. No Chinese Government could ever agree again to an opium monopoly.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.