Feng-lin, public announcement is. being: made of the fact that since ithe beginning of the war there has been a daily decrease in the amount lof taxes collected, and it is pointed font that funds ate badly needed to cover military expenses. It is notified that ju future rice dealers will required to apply for huchow {for the exportation of rice, and a fee per" picul will be charged. 'Banners-will be served out with the huchow, and these will ensure military' assistance against rice boats thieves.
'The Merchants' Union of the French Concession is reported to, have obtained permission Jorganize a volunteer force. Nantao volunteers brave just started drill-jing, but those of Chapel are await-ug' the arrival of rifts, only $5,000 fof the $15,000 required for the purchase having so far, been subseribed.
'A. Peking telegram states that French citizens are acting as aviators for the Mukden army, and. the Government has opened negoti tions with the French Minister with view to their withdraw
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.