The most serious factor in the situation is the growing shortage of coal. Hupeh depends upon the Honan mines for a great propo. tion of its coal-supply. possible now to procure coal in Wuhan at any reasonable price, Hankow, anthracite commands $42 ton, Soft coat can be bought cheaply, but still at an exor-Ditant price. In consequence this shortage, many of the factori are threatening to close down, and 0 throw many poor people out of employment, A deputation of factory-owners has requested the Tuchun to take some measures to procure supplies of coal. But it is difficult to see what he can do under the eireumstanc There is till some fear in people's minds lest the Provisional Militar Government designed by Wu fu should be actually established Wuchang and several associations have sent out telegrams protesting against. the iden. In accordance with his recent policy, Tachun Hsiao is doing his best to placate: all parties. Soon after Marshal Wu had left for Honan, Hsiao Yao-nan, as in duty bound, sent out circular telegrams to the other provinces, and notices to the press to the effect that the Provinsional Govern. ment would shortly be set up in this jechtre. A fow days later, however, with a view to setting at rest the minds of the people, a further announcement was published, to the effect that all outside troops will be kept: from entering Hupeh, and that nothing is being contemplated which will disturb the public peace.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.