A Military Import of Crushing Dimensions and Apparently No Justification Japanese Complaining to' Consul on Score of Breach of Restoration Treaty row Our Ows Tsingtao, Oct. 6.
The now likin tax continues to be the topic of the hour in Tsingtao and one that interests every business man in this thriving port Many firms have declared a virtual boycott, against the Kino-Tsi Railway, whose freight: tariff is subject to the hated impost, ranging in the matter of percentage from five to 'a hundred per cent., depending upon the commodity of the shipment.
Efforts have been made to unite the merchants of the several nationalities to show a common front against the tax, which, of course, is designed to raise revenue for military purposes, but th have not boom strikingly successful. Tu fact there has been a tendency during the past several days for some merchants and shippers "to that they have [11 finally ceased struggling against the tax and have ended by paying' it, There is a growing belief that, more and more of the shipping public will conclude matters by doing the self-same thing.
However, scores of firms, and by far the majority, stil' remain adamant and declare they will not pay the line one cent in shipping charges, going to any lengths to avoid using the railroad and paying what they term an uncalled-for Sin: position The Cattle Question One company in particular stands out as a strong example of these "bitter-enders." This firm operates the house and from point in. Shantung.
As soon us the tax went into force the members of the company met and soon reached the firm decision not to ship another head of cattle over the railway. Than the point arose as to just how the cattle would reach Tsingtao.
"Make em walk," ejaculated one of the directors, gritting his teeth. The idea caught hold of the others tuntit finally the whole group, were unanimous on the point. So "fake em walk" has been the slogan ever wince and now it is being carried out into actual practice, The cattle ave "walking" and the slaughter house is saving 50 cents a head. OF course, that is no great saving, the profit being cut down by the necessity of paying mafoos and providing far more feed, but it is the principle of the thing that appeals to the company heads and they will continue to follow this of action until such time as the tax is repealed, Tu connexion with the tax it is interesting to note a news item from. Tsinan which affirms that Admival Wen's sailors and marine are soon to receive their wage! which ave four months in arrears, According to report, although there appears to be a: contrary opinion locally on the latter point. The story goes on to say that Governor Hsiung. Ping-chi will shortly hand over $800,000 to the squadron for the, purpose of settling up all back wage:
The railroad appears to be working under a big handicap, as it mi levy the tax on all shippers and suffer the consequences if, indeed, the effects are unfavourable. at present the result is all that, in {fact the daily decrease in revenue runs into the thousands of dollars this continues it is apt to strous to the railway.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.