Ningkuofu An., July 14.
A month has passed since the timely discovery of the plot to overthrow authority in this city. During the days that immediately followed, the city and surrounding country were thoroughly scoured in search of those implicated in the affair. Quite a number of persons were arrested.' Of these six have been executed; some still remain in prison; and others who could find reputable persons to become their security have been released. In the view of many this last class is much too large, and this opinion finally took shape in a threat on the part of the military commander to return with his troops to Wuhu, unless a certain, individual who had been set at liberty was at once re-arrested. The man is now in custody at military headquarters.
It seems pretty clear now that the plot was hatched by persons in the employ of the Canton government and that, had it succeeded as planned, it would have served the same purpose as the invasion of Kiangsi—which by the way, was also in full swing in the early part of June. In fact I, was told in conversation the other day on unquestionable authority that during the past few months, large sums of money had been judiciously distributed by persons claiming to represent the South. Had their scheme been successful in Ningkuofu, the smaller cities—its hsiens—would quickly have followed, as south of the Yangtze River the only troops in the province were at Wuhu. The constantly soaring price of rice throughout the district has doubtless favoured their propaganda, especially among the poor. Although yearly large quantities of rice are export-from here, the dollar will now only purchase 15 catties of the commonest poor rice.
Among the leaders in the game, however, there are names mentioned that surprise one, as they indicate persons intimately related to some of the most respected official families in the province. These gentlemen are making prolonged visits to the coast, where "extrality? makes them com paratively safe. A few who fancied Wuhu sufficiently distant have been captured and executed there.
Ssverest Fioops ror cz Years.
Waning interest in the "revolution" has been sharply turned in another direction through the unusually heavy June rains causing such floods as have not_ been known here in 40 years. Several large dykes northwest of the city!
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.