While these proceedings were tak-1 ing place informal negotiations were in progress between representative, Chinese and foreigners. Unfortunately they came to naught, the Chinese expressing the opinion that the time is not yet opportune for the efforts of business men to make their influence felt. In this connection it has to be emphasized that judi informal talks have been carried on in the most friendly way, and there is little doubt that they would be of considerable moment, but for the influence of the agitator We have noted only one public meeting of any size—that about 41,500 strong at the Chinese Public Recreation Ground and another meeting at which about a score of men were present. It is of importance to note the numbers." In one case the decision of less than two dozen men seems to have been sufficient to influence the situation, while the other——a mass meeting—less than 2,000 people were pres: ent, an insignificant quota when the great industrial and labouring classes of Shanghai are'considered. There are two distinct opinions Jebout the value of these meetings and demonstrations. One is that they are sufficient to terrorize such a body as the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, and there i xno doubt that that body has been terrorized, "Another is that such {terrorization is the result of quiet work by an cutiely different set of men who operate im. secret, sending their emmisaries to bring an evil in-, flugnee to bear op the merchants, and members.ef the Chamber.. The probability is that both have their were of the Iabouring classes. The|effect, and that shopkeepers and value in dollars returned.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.