It is asserted in the vernacular press that the Postal Commissioner was present at the meeting mentioned above and, after explaining the reasons for the increase, '"'intimated his willingness to accede to the wiser decision of the local Military Governor."
These statements, however, were declared on Thursday afternoon by Mr. ©. H. Shields, the Postal Commissioner, to be absolutely false. Mr. Shields denied the statement that he was present at this or any other conference at. Ho's yamen. The fact was that Mr Shields, in an interview with Mr. Hsu Yuan, Commissioner of Foreign Affairs, held in the post office. explained the reasons for the increase and strongly protested against Gen. Ho's contemplate action which, he said, would disrupt the working of the whole postal service in China.
"Tt is untrue to say that Parlia~ ment is opposed to the new rates: Parliament is not opposed to them at all. Neither are the various provincial authorities opposed to them, for the new rates are being enforced in every province of China. Only Chekiang has not acceded to the increased rates, but all letters from Chekiang are taxed double the amount lacking at destination.
"The proclamation. and telegrams mentioned," said Mr. Shields. "were issued before the alleged discussions took place. I have, however, in accordance with Gen. Ho's request, submitted his proposals to Peking for action."
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.