The first spade-full of soil was dug up by Mr. Sze Shao-shang, representing Dr, Alfred Sze, Chinese Minister to Washington, on Saturday inioming to mark the beginning of building operations on the new Bureau of Foreign Affairs and Taoyin's _yamén, in the presence of many Chinese and foreign guests, on. the vacant piece of land in the new Chiaotao Road. There were present members of the Consular Body and the Shanghai Municipal Council, local officials, and prominent merchants and gentry.
In outlining the history of the Bureau, Mr. Hsu Yuan, Commissioner of Foreign Affairs, said in Chinese During the Manchu regime, the handling of local foreign affairs was entrusted to the Taotai. The Taotai's yamen at that time was inside the Chinese City. When foreigners desired to see that official they were put to much inconvenience. Realizing these difficulties, Taotai Tsai Nai-wang decided to establish a foreign department or a foreign office in Bubbling Well Road with a view to facilitating matters. During the past few years, the work of the Bureau has increased considerably and now we find ourselves sheltered in an old house with very limited space at our dispose]. Last year, we succeeded in raising funds and secured the approval and permission of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Civil Governor of new building, it is expected sity be completed in 10 months' Ame.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.