1 am writing from Chongkiang, a city about 43 miles from Mienchow. Che road along which I esme is comparatively quiet, being eff the high road to Chengtu. I was told, however, that robbers were about and prepared myself for a possible meeting. This did not take place, but I was informed that the place where I breakfasted had been twice robbed during the lax week or two. The road between Chengtu and Mienchow is infested. A member of the C.M.S. on his way through to Mienchow for conference was held up, and relieved of his superfluous dollars. He managed to conceal the fact that he had a watch and so did not lose it; also, not wish-ug to subscribe to the support of hose gentry, he had not maay dollars, so the robbers must have felt that robbing foreigners is not always a paying game. The Consul-General in Chengtu kindly made arrangements for our people returning along that road. I have not yet heard of their adventures. T am afraid consuls are having a rough time just at present.
Two ladies, Mrs, Hughes-Hallett, a visitor to the C.M.S. mission, and Miss A. Jones, one of the staff, appear to have had an unpleasant experience on their way down to Chungking, No particulars are to hand so far, but I am glad to report that a telegram from Chungking tells of their safe arrival at that city.
Tue Heavy Penarty or Prosperity.
Walking outside this city (Chang: kiang) this morning we saw about 2,000 soldiers drawn up. They are going away I understand as soon as they have squeezed $50,000 out of the city. I met a man yesterday afternoon here who has been drained of $14,000 for soldiers, as well as having a company them quartered at his house. doesn't do to be a prosperous merchant in these days. A few months ago this man was in prison, detained until $7,000 were paid.
At Mienchow an order is out to the effect that no New Year festivities are to be belt in_connexion with Chinese New Year. It is said that the authorities are afraid of an uproar among the people. When I think of what. New Year was like 15 years ago, I do not wonder if the people sigh for the good old days.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.