Leaders Frequently in Shanghai for Purchase of Arms _and Blackmailing From Our Own Correspondent, Lincheng brought the bandit outrages very closely to our door, but recent investigation shows that they may be brought much closer still if matters are allowed to go on as at present, In the vicinity of Shaohsing—which, is almost midway between Hangchow and Ningpo, and less than 100 miles from: Shanghai as the crow flies—several gangs of bandits have been operating for about. two years, during which period about 2,000 Chinese have been killed by them, about 1,500 houses have been completely burned, and about $100,000 has been extorted fin blackmail. Recognizing the need for their own protection they spend a goodly percentage of their gains in the purchase of arms and ammunition and Shanghai is the centre of negotiations for that purchase. The recent captures by the Customs on two President -ships illustrate what is going on. The bandit leaders also come to Shanghai to blackmail rich people who have fled from Shaohsing.
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