Hardships of the Populace From Our Own Correspondent, Kueiyang, Kuei., Sept. 11.
His Excellency Liu Hsien-shi was in readiness to proceed to Pichieh in the northwest of the province to meet Tang Chi-yao on his way to Chungking, when a wire was received from the latter to say he is staying at home for the present. is reported that hostilities have opened between the Kuangsi and Yunnan troops in Kuangsi, and also that General Liu Tseng-hou has arrived at Mienchow (Szechuan). Generals Hsiong and Liu are joining hands and uniting forces' for the purpose of driving the Yunanese and the Kueichowites from Szechuan.
'A telegram has also been received from General Wang Tien-lun stating that his health is not at all good, so he desires sick leave in order that he may take a trip to Japan. He asks for $200,000 to be remitted to him in order that he may settle all accounts before leaving. The Kueichow government has not yet raised the money.
Matrs Six Moras Late.
The business folk are finding martial law somewhat of a hin-france to trade, for animals and men are taken at a moment's notice' without respect of persons. News to hand from Chenyuan states that at least 70 pack animals in the employ of the Post Office have been commandeered for the military people. It is significant that the mail bags were removed from 53 of the animals when they were taken. The military officials are often overbearing and haughty, so that those in charge of animals and men are afraid to cross them. Some business houses in Kueiyang are still "waiting" for parcels despatched from Shanghai in April. However, they are content to wait if only the things come through eventually. Delays are unavoidable when a certain kind of law prevails in Hunan and the other provinces.
The city of Shihtsien 60 miles to the north of Chenyuan has been rutfilessly looted by a band of robbers numbering several hundred strong. The report received here says the official fled, but the officer in charge of the armed police was shot dead in the skirmish with the robbers. Women and girls were abused, and all removable booty was carried off.
Oriva is Ptace or Toon Harvesting operations have commenced, and there is new rice on the market. The price of rice is high, and the new rice is dearer than the old. Now that opium may be taken to Changteh, Changsha, and even Yochow, the opium trade is still flourishing. Caravans arrive daily from Anshun, and it is a wonder where so much of the drug comes from. There is every prospect of the government encouraging the cultivation of opium again this year, and the outlook in the foodstuff line is decidedly ominous.
A graduate from one of the middle schools in the city has conceived the idea of turning his stock of English to good account and is about to open a school for the teaching of English. The age limit is 12 to 20 and students of all grades are invited. Lessons are to be given in composition, speaking, etc., and the fee is fixed at $2 per month.
Up. o-date marriages are gradual-y becoming popular and we have lately had one celebrated at the Hingi guild hall. Admittance was by invitation and a number of the officials graced the marriage hall with their presence. Brig.-General Ho was the chief witness.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.