Conscription of the civilian popula tion to join the local military forces and move to Quinsan, began in this city lust evening and' has continued throughout the day. The order was given to conscript 2,000 men. This Work was begun by the solders, but tas these were preparing for departure this afternoon, the local police were ordered to continue, each of the five Branch police stations Using called upon to bring its quota up to 400 me Seizure of pedestrians, mostly of the lower class, began lat night, Early this morning a large number of farmers who had entered the city with their vegetables, were grabbed while on their way home. Small merchants and tradesmen were also taken, Groups of these drafted men were to be seen on the streets, several soldiers preceding and following them, Fear seized the public, many stores were closed and women alone deemed it safe to be seen on the streets. Men of the upper class remained close to their homes or places of employment as the report went round thut those wearing long. gowns were not exempted. Large numbers erossed the Grand Canal last night fleeing to places of safety in the country, and it is stated that one ferryman accustomed to earning a few hundred cash a day, had realized $20 at this time.
The auto company which operates between Yangchow and Chinkiang, after several employees had been conscripted, sought exemption for the rest, offering to make a car available for officers, with free transportation to Chinkiang.
Solders seized five tankers of oil belonging to the Asiatic Petroleum Company, at the junks were sailing down the Canal past the Negotiations were being entered into this evening for the recovery of the oil, worth thousands of dollars, and it was hoped these efforts would be successful, since the military forces had no use for the oil but wanted the junks for transportation purposes, Avg. 26.
Conscription continues. to-day. 'The auto and launch companies are not operating, the launches being: used to transport soldiers and equi tment. Very few junks are to be seen' along the Canal. It is safe to say that no farmers' will be enter~ ing the city with their products, and business in general will be at a Tow ebb until conscription, ceases.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.