Mukden, Aug. 30.
More than'ever is money the subject of conversation in Mukden, and the first item of news that is sought] by most people in the morning is the rate of fengpiao as compared wi yen or dollars. Ever since the revolt last November of Kuo Sung-hing it has fluctuated violently, sometimes dropping as much as'80'points in one day in sympathy with report or rumour of Fengtien adverses, The lowest point was touched last: mont when it fell to 5.80 to the Mexican dollar. Then Marshal Chang Tso-lin took matters in hand fand in characteristic fashion, ness men who were foolish enough to attempt to carry on business as usual in accord with market conditions and ruling prices soon found that their style was eramped. Quite a number were arrested fend after interrogation by the Marshal himself were condemned—to death. The sentence was carried out, most of them being shot but several were strangled. Naturally, this procedure has not altogether Jenkanced the popularity of the Marshal, but it proves that he still' the "tiger" in Chinese phraseology. He will brook no disregard of his wishes. He is still the almighty. In accord with his wishes that fengpiao be increased in value 50 points per week until it reaches its original standard the quotation has steadily risen and to-day the rate was given as 2.90 to the dollar! so that fengpiao is exactly double in value what it was a month ago. Needless to say, no. business,—or practically no business is being done, ut that does not seem to matter the War Lord who has good reason for his present course of ction. he stands to gain 3 personally is obvious, but how long the people will submit to it no one! can say.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.