The Ministry of Communications has taken a very proper step in rejecting the demand of the Shang-thai Chinese Pilots Association "that no certificates should be issued to foreigners" engaged in the mereanile marine profession in this cou try, "because they are encroaching on China's sovereignty and preventing Chinese officers from obtaining, employment." The Chisotungpt reply, briefly, is that China does not possess sufficient mercantile officers to take over from foreigners, that foreigners are not encroaching on 'China's sovereignty, and, last but! not least, that experienced men are necessary for the safety of life and property at sea. This reply'
perfectly sane and reasonable. The Chiaotungpu well realizes that the protection of life and property {is of more importance than the how!
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.