In spite of difficulties, the change of the Commissioner of Finance has been effected, and Mr. Li Ha (as he is also named) Li Sha pin, has taken the place of Mr Huang Yuin-hsi, His proposal for solving the immediate problems of finance, is to borrow the sum of $1,800,000 from the British American Tobacco Company. This proposal was, in fact, one of the schemes conceived by Mr. Huang for relieving the stringency of the situation. But he was never abl tw carry it into effect because of the public opposition to the idea, of relying to so large an extent' upon the friendliness of a foreign firm. Mr, Li is likely to meet with Just' the same opposition. When. tone considers the situation, one cannot help seeing that there is considerable reason in the popular clamour. The recent boycott of, foreign goods was directed with special vehemence against the foreign tobacco companies. The semi companies have also been mai victims of an unfair and illegal tax. The proposal now to bor-vow a large sum of money from the B. A. T. is remarkably for favour to one upon whom the suppliant has inflicted a serious injury. Undoubtedly, there is much to be said against it, and Mr. Li will need all the force of official sanction behind him if he is to gain his end. Curiously enough, the question whether the B, A. T. will be willing to make the loan does not seem to enter into the calculations of either party,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.