Kidnapping for Ransom Still the Fashion: Blackmail and Marder part of the Business From Our Own Correspondent, Kongmoon, May I.
For three or four months, certainly until the beginning of April, the weather in this district was perfect—perfect from the point of view of those who have not to worry about farms. The latter worthies would certainly have found it more perfect had there been more rain. There has been much less rain than usual.
The sun has been like the poor, only in one respect, it has always been with us. But thunderstorms and heavy rains have begun at last, and are badly needed for the crops.
Two hours ago the sky was shaken by furious rumblings and the earth and river were being violently smitten by heavy drops of rain Now the sun is as unclouded as before, every palm and lily in the garden is outlined brilliantly, and the sails on the water are red bronze, lit up by its rays.
The tennis court, moreover, will be quite ready for direct action in a very short while.
GENTLE Art or Piracy, Kuangtung Province is in many ways the most progressive of the 18 provinces in China. In one skilful art she has never been backward; the technique of piracy has always been an open book within her boundaries. But it is discouraging to note that the Upp: Yangtze men are also now bec ing adepts at the game, and see te be seriously rivalling the Southern outlaws.
However,—these "pirates," "bandits," "brigands," "'"'contr:- bandista,"' call them what you will, continue to be very much of nuisance in the four districts of the West River Delta. They perhaps excel in. kidnapping, and the blackmail levied is not trifling. Re turned emigrants who have been in the States are very often the victims. Some time ago $10,000 was demanded of a man. The sum seemed a huge one to him, and he became adamant and _obstinately refused to pay. In return he was divided into two portions.
The two swiftest boats from Canton to Suncheong vid Kongmoon have lately been extremely unfortunate. Firstly, the Fai Sze Yap, a cheerful -and jovial little tub that used to fly down the river with her flags and banners and glorious name trailing and flapping excitedly in the wind, all the while puffing faster than a dog on a hot day.
On reaching Suncheong the other day she foolishly went on fire, and thoroughly ruined herself.
"Fowts" ror PLucKinc.
A day or two later, her siste, the Yuet Ho, feeling' rather im. portant having now to do the work
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.