The Chinese readers of newspapers have been full of a tale of brilliant strategy on the part of General Wu which Iced to the release of Miss Darvoch and Miss Shanp. The facts published in foreign papers do not- in any-Way support this story.
With the exception of w few windy days, Shansi has been having a magnificent Autumn, and an air of general prosperity has. added to the joys of life in the Model Province. But sinister rumours are rife that perhaps these blissful days may be nearing an end if it is true that any change in the administration of Taiyuan is anticipated.
For long criticism has been directed to the Governor on account of his holding both the Civil and Military Offices. His defence is no doubt quite valid that this is the way to avoid friction and successfully unite interests that are too often con-fioting. At the same time it is not strictly in order and quibblers who ignore the present good results seem ready to risk the peace of a Province for a technical point.
No doubt the merchants of Shansi are well aware that their immunity from brigandage and disorder is due to Governor Yen, and they would be. willing to protest and prevent any change that might risk the peace of the province, if they could act promptly. But they need to bear in mind that official changes are made suddenly sometimes and should be ready with their plans in view of this.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.