The little steamers are still gallantly battling with the currents of the upper river. The Hsiakiang met with an accident to her propeller on the way up short time ago, and so was detained for several days here to have it repaired. It is thought the Kiiangnan wil] not to go up again till the water rises a little.
Owing to the continued drought, the situation is. now. so serious that the officials have proclaimed a general fast, and nothing can be bought on the streets but vegetables. The fast is so rigid that it includes even eggs and fish. When present household supplies are exhausted the community will, perforce, have to become vegetarian. These stern measures are adding to the cost of living and causing much unemployment.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.