October 29 is the Shansi Republican anniversary, This was celebrated in Taiyuanfu, the governor giving a banquet to a largo number of officers of the Shansi army. On the day he nounced the conferring of special anniversary medals upon 82 persons official life, ranging from district magistrates down to. village presidents, As on the preceding day, aeroplanes maneuvered above the city and scattered thousands of printed circulars.
In previous letters I have men~ tioned the movements of. troops to guard the western and southwestern borders of the province. It is reported that a hangar is to be erected and a flying field, or landing stage, provided in Lin Hsien, so that military planes may be able to aid in guarding the important. passes over the Yellow River in that neighbourhood.
Governor Yen has purchased of an American firm 200 motor cars for the use of the Shansi military. "Two of these cars have been sent up for trial, and if they meet the conditions of Shansi roads satis torily the whole shipment, which is said to have reached Tientsin ready, will be taken over, It is to be hoped that when these cars are in commission the service of passenger motor buses may be resum-fed. This service was discontinued fat the outbreak of war last autumn fand has never been restored, though rumours of its restoration appear from time to time.
Last week the foreigners who have been released from Sianfu passed through this city on their way to Taiyuanfu. They have heartbreaking stories to tell of their experiences during the long months lof the siege. They were, fortunately, able to make the, last stage two of the journey up to Taiyuant by. motor ear.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.