Since I have been stationed in this district we have always been more or less troubled with the bandits. This year has been a record in this respect. The second in July I was forced to pay a visit to the three counties to the east of Kueiteh. I informed the local officials, and was given an escort. Since the disbandment of the 7th Division, Chang Chin-yao's men, our robber bands have been very) much strengthened, A small band of soldiers will not venture out as they are unable to cope with the largo bands of the bandits. The following is one of the stories of how ie robbers treat soldiers who fall into their power. It was told me by a man who vouched for its truth. Seven soldiers were sent out to a certain village and fell into the hands of about 100 robbers. They were hung up with a pole, pierced through the palms of their hands, and burnt to death with kaoliang stalks. Does one wonder in the face of such a story that the soldiers refuse to go out into the country in small bands?
A Bavsu wim tHe Exesy.
My escort comprised 21 men. 1 was afterwards informed that the Chunmen had sent his own personal bodyguard. We left Kueiteh on Friday, July 9 and returned on Tuesday, 13. We had a very successful trip, although we had one skirmish with some 15 mounted robbers between Yungch'eng and Hweitingchi. The duoliany is very high, and there are forests of is everywhere. One comes along the road almost to the gate of a small town before the wall can be seen. This forms a splendid hiding place for these robbers. They can attack and retire at pleasure. We were nearly on to the bandits who were fighting some half-a-dozen soldiers before the gate of the town before they saw us. Our approach—we came at a gallop—put them to flight and we captured their spoil. This comprised a horse well saddled (they were all mounted,) a mule, two donkeys and an infant, evidently belonging to some wealthy home, whom they were going to hold for ransom. The people in the place were very glad at our coming. It is terrible what these poor country folk suffer, Jarasese Boycorr.
The present situation in Japan has been felt as far in the interior as our city. It is surprising the number of egg factories that have closed down during the last few aionths. No doubt the World War was the cause of the great boom given to this industry, but nevertheless the Japanese market was the real centre for distributing Chinese products. The other day there was a great gathering at one of
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.