Finally the Association explained that the coming Opium Conference would be a test of China's sincerity. Would she prohibit, where she has the power to do so? The six Northern Provinces are under the control of the Central Government.
Energetic action could clear these. provines in six months, and less China does be tale for hor to talk of the Southern provinces where sh has no control, The crux of the whole eradication problem is the opium obit astongst officials. President, some Cabinet Ministers, Members' of Parliament, Tuchuns, Governors Civil and Military, are Known opium smokers. Every one knows it, and yot these mon make the mandates and issue orders, which the public is expected to obey. During the Inst five years the opium habit is proportionately. more apparent amongst the official classes than the peasants, and reform can be permanent which does not commence at the top
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.