Local$Bodies' Protest to Peking Delegation 3i%aa=!
In connexion with the shipment of arms, ammunition and money Peking on the Japamese str. Ogawa Maru for Kuangsi great activity prevails in Cantonese circles as a, result of the arrival of two delegates sent from Peking to secure the release of the shipment; which was_held up by order of General Ho Feng-ling, Military Governor of Shanghai and_ Sungkiang, and placed in the Customs godowns.
The " Shunpao" published Jast Friday a telegram from Peking stating that General Ho has given orders for the shipment to be released. Inquiries made last Friday afternoon failed to confirm this report. A letter was General last Friday afternoon by the Cantonese organizations in Shanghai asking him whether or not it was correct, and requesting him to see that the shipment is held in Shanghai.
Some 20 delegates of the five major Cantonese organizations—Canton Guild, Cantonese Merchants' Association, Chaochow Guild, Taipoo Residents' Union and the Kaying Residents' Union—called upon the two Peking delegates at the Tai An Chan Hotel shortly after tiffin hour lest Friday and explained to them the Cantonese point of view.
"Tt is not the wish of the Cantonese people that there is fighting between Kuangtung and Kuanssi,' the Cantonese gentlemen said. ''The
Ap-lof militarists and politicians present fighting is simply a stares who eco: ntruieating: for power, Wa. are, all brothers, no matter to which province we belong. How can we bear to see each other killed? Besides, commercial intercourse will be interfered with. We simply ask that the shipment be held up until peace has been declared, after which Peking can send it to any place it pleases. We do not wish to see it removed now because we are very suspicious, If Peking will obey the wishes of the citizens, it will see that the shipment of arms is held up in Shanghai."
After the Peking delegates, who, we are informed, were very reasonable throughout the interview, had promised to place the Cantonese people's point of view before the Peking Government, the deputation left.
An open telegram containing similar views was also sent out to various officials, military and civil, organizations, etc., throughout the country, requesting them to use their influence in having the shipment detained in Shanghai.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.