Word has just been received of the kidnapping of two American lady missionaries of the Reformed Presbyterian Mission, stationed at Dosing, in the province of Kuangtung. Dosing is situated on the left bank of the West River, som: 20 miles south of Wuchow. Dail steamers plying between Wuchow and Hongkong call there regularly and a brisk business is carried on in native products. Several years ago, the Reformed Presbyteriaa Mission opened up work in the city, and for a time a doctor was stationed there. More recently, however, the work has been in charge of a lady missionary, Miss Adams and she and a colleague hava made their home there.
Details are not to hand as to how the kidnapping was effected, but it is supposed they were travelling in_ the country, as report states. They are being held in the Mountains, awaiting the payment of a large ransom, which the robbers have demanded for their release. It-ig to be hoped that the release of Miss Adams and her ce! league can be secured without this large ransom, otherwise missicnaries working in the interior will be marked men and will carry on their work at great personal risk. If kidnapping a missionary becomes a lucrative employment, more may expect to travel the lonely roads that lead to robber rendezvous.
Seeing that the chaos in the province of Kuangsi continues to increase on every hand, the. British Consul has recently issued orders that British subjects are not allowed to travel until conditions have changed. It is expected that the American Consul will take similar steps. At present, all the roads and rivers are blocked to traffic and Kuangsi is fast reaching the condition where it will not be necessary to lock the doors at night, for the simple reason that nearly every one has been robbed clean already and need not fear any future visits.
Most of the government schools in the province have been closed, as there are no funds with which to pay the salaries of the teachers. Many have been in arrears for months, and since the closing of the schools several teachers have been stranded and cannot reach their homes. Meanwhile, all funds that the province commands are being sed for military purposes, but still peace seems to be as far off as ever, and what the clow of the year mar bring. in suffering and hard chin to Kuangsi's—un-harv millions, is not hard te predict.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.