The Shantang and Taseah silk indastry has been seriously affected by the outbreak of plague in the North. Towards the end of January the local Chinese Association of Exporters was informed by a telegram from Chefoo that owing to plague at that j ort it was considered advisable to close the filatures for " month, This information was immediately conveyed to the Foreign Silk Association of Soanghai, which was informed at the same time that the closing of the tatares would probably result in failures to carry out forward contracts by the stipulated time. The Native Auocatin, therefore, requested Piho delay in delivery as a breach of contract.
foreign merchants not to consider
To these representations the Fo: Bilk Association is reported to have replied that it regretted the circumstances, and hoped that every effort would be made to make up for lost time when the filatores reopened; that every foreign firm would take " fair-minded view of the matter, but that sellers would have to be held respon the consequences arise delivery. The native exporters replied that they would do al in their power to fall their contracts, but that they took the that they should not be held responsible for any losses suffered by members of the Foreign Association.
On the 12th instant the Native Association received " telegram from Chefoo stating that the Taotai of that port had been interviewed, and that he was of opinion that, ax the matter affect. ed so many nationalities, the filatores ought not to be opened. Representa-res of the filatures met and decided that, as Isbonrers were not allowed to enter the filatures, even if they were. opened, and as Labour was scarce, and riy of the hands would as complications, the reopening of the filstares should be postponed, The message ended " For. ward cargo, blessed arrange with foreiga firma, who, w ill sympathize mith us and agree.'
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.