As a counter-blast to these extraordinary and mischievous rumours, Gen. Ho has sent thd following telegram to Gen. Chi at Nanking "At this time of crisis, thd people are greatly alarmed and are seared at the prospect of war. While numerous rumours are bet ing circulated we have here been! attempting to maintain tranquillity. I have been doing my best to pacify the merchants, but they are greatly scared at a report which is being circulated td the effect. that a brigade of your troops had been moved to Quinsan. This is very strange, but can only assume it is another rumour.
"Maybe there are people whd do not wish to see us at peaed together, whose desire it is to sed trouble break out between! Kiangsu and Chekiang.
"The result is that the people are thrown into a state of cons fusion, because they are scared. We must remember that it is our duty to stop these rumours, especially at this time. Every! action of ours is watched by the people. Whenever there ard movements of troops in our districts, the people here ard alarmed. Is it true that your troops have been moved? If so, I would pray that you desist in! order to avoid a panic, "Our friendship hitherto may he likened as to the hands and feet on the body. We must ce operate. We cannot work in op+ posite directions. I am surd that there is no suspicious work! on your part, but I am afraid of! misunderstanding. The people may misinterpret the meaning of the movements of troops. Instead of maintaining peace and order we will only be causing unrest and panic if we move our troops. If you desire to mevd your troops at any time, please let me know and IT shall do my utmost to keep the people in~ formed in order that there will be no misunderstanding."
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.