To the Editor of the "NonrH-CHiNA Datty News."
Sim—Your article in this morning's issue is both timely, and, in my opinion, hits the nail on the head. The magazines ure a silent menace to the safety of our port, more especially at this critical time. It is high time the Powers-that-be opened their eyes to the danger they, doors. are keeping right outside our
Your article states, that recently '4 launch has been put in constant attendance at the magazine, and that three Sikh watchmen are guard. On paper this sounds fine, but what would three Sikhs be able to do in ease the magazines should be attacked by one side or the other of the contending forces? And what, hopes would the Superintendent have of geting his family away safety? From your article, living at the magazine. Do the Powers-that-be consider it is fair to compel a woman and chi dren to remain in such a dangerous place (with no means of communication other than a launch), or have they made provisions whereby at the first signs of danger, they would be looked out for? In a previous letter, T pointed out the danger if the magazines happened. to be struck by lightning; now the danger is far greater, as, if the magazine fell into the hands of the Chinese, the Superintendent would not be' able to exercise his usual authority and forbid anyone entering before they were searched, and it is almost a certainty that through careless handling, a serious explosion would be bound to occur, as it only requires one stick to' detonate the lot.
Dynamite, as anyone who has had any dealings with it knows, must be treated with the utmost respect, ind should it fall into the hands of ignorant persons, it will, without doubt, do more damage to Shanghai than all the fighting" which might take place.
Your suggestion that the magazine should be declared a neutral zone, fand that an efficient guard be put over the place, is very sound. and wise, and shows that you at least realize the danger (even if the authorities do not), but there is still another suggestion which should appeal to the Powers-that-be, arid that fs, (if not already done) remove: the family of the Superintendent to some place of safety. Think of the strain it must be on the nerves of mother with her children around her, to be constantly exposed to. danger which is both ruthless and sudden, more especially at. this critical' junction. It must be bad in ordi but what!
Rot bel able to tell from hour to hour what is likely to happen. Ifa raid took place, Would the raiders. show any respect for the foreigners living at the magazine? I'am certain they' would not.
Tam a married man, and would rot care to have my wife exposed to the danger of a raid from Chinese rs, however well behaved or disciplined they might be, especially if T was living at such @ place a the magazines, and I am certain those in authority would not like to have their wives and families placed {in a like position; they should therefore have some jeration for their subordinates. No apology is needed for asking you to give space to this letter as it is a subject that of vital importance to the welfare of our port, far more to-day. than it was when I wrote you before, Tam, ete
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.