Suggested Compromise by Joint 1 Administration The Chapei Municipal Councit is till the subject of a heated controversy between the Kiangsu authorities and the local councillors, Dut it is expected that an early ttlemient will be reached as both sides are desirous of an amicable settlement and to avoid as much Publicity as possible.
Tt will be recalled that, owing to the taxes derived from this district, which are about $600,000 annually, Marshal Sun "Chuan-
Tupan, and Chen Tao Governor of Kiangsu, ordered Fu Chiang, Taoyin of the Shanghai and Haichow Districts, to take over control of the council without further delay.
Mr. Fu wrote to the Council demanding that all archives should be sent to him and armed mon were despatched to carry out his order but, as Br. Shen' Lien-fang, the chairman, was in Nanking negotiate. ing on the matter with Marshal Sun and Mr. Chen, the councillors refused to hand over. Mr. Fu w therefore, unsuccessful in his efforts and the' matter is still one of negotiation. However, Mr. Fu has issued an order, that all ratepayers must pay their taxes to him and rot to the council and says that he will appoint special officers for this Purpose. Strong protests were accordingly lodged by the councilors and the Chapel peopl Tt has been suggested that, in order to maintain the dignity of both sides and to respect the rights of tthe peopl, the council should be jointly administered by the officials and representatives of the people. This plan has found favour with both sides and is it is expected that it will be found acceptable.
AcconoinG to Chinese inform the provincial authorities of Kiang-ssu wish to take over the Chapei Municipal Council because there an annual income amounting $600,400. By taking over the Council the authorities will "benefit financially and a number of positions will be thrown open to unemployed officials. Members of the Council are still opposing the move and appeal to the people to remain firm 83 the chairman, Shen Lien-fang, is in Nanking conferring with the authorities on the subject. They say that if the Council is taken over they will refuse to pay taxes.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.