Peking, May 11.
A few weeks ago the International Anti-Opium Association conveyed the information to the Chinese Foreign Office that an opium monopoly had: been established. in Vladivostok with the authority of the Vladivostok Government. The Waichiaopu at first questioned the accuracy of the report but has since made its own inquiries and - ascertained that the conditions are. even worse than was originally stated by the Association.
When the territory in question was under the control of. the Russian Monarchy a_ certain amount of land was leased to Chinese and Koreans for cultivation of poppy along the Eastern Coast and in districts bordering on Kirin Province. But after a protest had been lodged by the Chinese Consul-General against such cultivation the Russian Government issued an, edict entirely prohibiting such leases.
This is in striking contrast to present conditions, for not only is the Vladivostok Government deaf to. all protests but it appears determined to raise money by opium taxes. The so-called - monopoly docs not in reality restrict the trade, but allows the farming out. to business interests which are encouraged in making the traffic as. successful from the monetary point. of view as it is pernicious.
Inquirics made by the Association show that there are 62 licensed opium dens in Vladivostok.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.