Travellers from Chengyuan and the eastern part of the province have stories to tell about the soldiers and the way they treat the people. Instead of going to the proper inns the soldiers had a special liking for private homes. Furniture, doors, windows and other woodwork made firewood when the wood provided was not sufficient to meet their requirements coverlets were demanded, and when not forthcoming the "apologies for men" took steps to help themselves. No private home was too sacred for them to enter, and when the people heard their banging on. the doors they immediately tried to hide the coverlets from view. Upon _entering the soldiers commanded the owners of the homes to open boxes and cupboards, and in some instances coverlets were discovered and taken away. Many complaints have been made, but few coverlets have been returned.
Mew anp Boats ComMANDEERED.
Any pedestrian was in danger of being taken to carry a load, or wait on the soldiers. Finding they were likely to be marched off, the Knowing ones gave the soldiers a present of money and were released from.active service. Those who were ignorant of such devices, or minus the ready money, were forced to carry, and not a few will long carry scars to remind them of the treatment they received at the hands of the soldiers.
At Chenyuan and other places boats were ruthlessly commandeered both by the officers and men. A
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