Nihilist Doctrines—Official Insubordination Rampant -—Disastrous Effects of the Spirit of Compromise —Counterfeit Public Opinion Further developments of a startling nature in the political situation have taken place as expected. The rival factions of the Peiyang, Chihli and Anhui Parties have come into open conflict, and troops have been mobilized on both sides at several places within striking distance of each other. All sorts of rumours have been current as regards the proposed declaration of independence by certain provinces, the grouping of this and that section of thy southwestern federation with either the Chihli or the Anhui faction, the commencement of fighting, and engagements, victories and defeats.
The rice market has become easier; but the price is still too high for the poor classes, though a new limit has been put to that of the best quality, namely, $13.5 Even for inferior rice, the price demanded still exceeds $10 per picul.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.