Much Uneasiness Yet Trade Better: The Elusiveness of Public Funds From Our Own Correspondent.
Kashing, Che., Dee. 22.
Rumours of war between Ché- kiang and Kiangsu are _spreading. Years ago, the mission compound was regarded as the most dangerous place; later, it was considered the sacest spot in the city in the revolution; now, real security from soldiery or brigands is nowhere to be found except in places like Shanghai under foreign protection.
The common people say they fear the soldiers, winning or losing, and the rowdy element locally acquainted with those who have property or money are ready to begin looting as soon as disorder begins.
Foreigners are not absolutely safe anywhere in the interior, but some places are less risky than others. The Chinese are at the mercy of their own organized or disorganized oppressors.
Money is already tightening, women and girls uneasy, men hoping in spite wf rumours, that the war-clouds will pass away.
Chinese Christians are exploiting the Christmas season, Trade has improved since: the rice crop came in, even farmers admit that this year is better than last, excepting the southern and western sections of the district. Water is so low that heavy boats are constantly grounding in the Grand Canal at the North Gate. A motor launch plying to and from Sinchang was reported as burnt and sunk after_an explosion at the landing. Passengers all escaped, A reaction kas set in since our progressive magistrate left us. A section of the city wall near East Gate came down, but those in charge of the funds say there is not enough money left from the sale of stone and brick to open a new street and build the bridge to give a short cut to the railway station. It is reported that the annual repair fund for old city walls has been set aside but is not available. Public funds, like sheep, sometimes wander away and get lost. There seems to be no demand for expert auditers or chartered accountants.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.