Association under date of December 6: Compulsory opium cultivation and taxation are exercised under official force in our district. Funds collected from taxation. have amounted to over $1,500,000. The people here are living in miserable conditions but the authorities have no consideration for their sufferings. Herewith we forward you the original copy of the compulsory opium cultivation order issued by the local authorities. It is our sincere hope that a strong protest will be lodged with the Government, and an immediate telegram sent to stop them, also that a delegate be despatched to make an investigation in order to eradicate opium evils trid relieve the sufferings of the people.
Telegram from Lunghua, December 6: Yesterday the officials in person strongly urged the people to plant opium. People lave been arrested for planting grain. Ask the Consuls strongly to urge immediate action against the plantation of opium. Delay is serious.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.