During the transitional period before the three-pao system is en-foreed, readjustment of the land tax provides the only remedy. 'This tax {In Kiangs! should aggregate $9,600,000, Dut only $5,100,000 actually is col-ceted. The' rest, $4,500,000, has not been accounted' for. Analytically speaking, powerful' gentry refuse payment, collectors squeeze, and magistrates are inactive. If the entire land tax were collected, the Balance would be more than enough to maintain the Pao Chia which needs about $3,000,000 a year. This mal-administration must" be done away with altogether. Magistrates and" administrative area commissioners vigorously must enforce the Feadjustmant measures as resolved this conference. Large landowners who dare to oppose the enforcement of the readjustment measures shall have their properties confiscated and iven to the Pao Chia fund in addition to severe punishment, accord-Ing to the military law of the Pao The magistrates and administrative area commissioners must realize. that in the former period of our fighting for salvation, we depended upon three-pao policy of Pao Chia, Pao An Tui (rence preservation corps) and Tia Pao Cblockhouses), while now {in our struggle for existence we de-end upon another three-pao system, fas sources of revenue.
Stricter vision Formerly there was a lack of strict supervision. Henceforth, the Provin-lal Government will hold the administrative area commissionrs and magistrates responsible for the read-Sustment of land tax. Severe punishment will be meted out to those who maintain a laissez-faire attitude, while those who work hard will be given merits. From now on, the Provincial Government shall protect those who treat the land tax readjustment measures a the threatening gesture of the powerful Jandowners Who may appeal to the highest government. and military organs.
Concerning provincial authorities, I (Gen, Hsiung) and various com: missioners shall be responsible for the actions of our friends and relatives who are landowners. If any relative in my native district, Anyi, refuses to comply with the government orders, I will be responsible for and will submit myself to punish-
'Now, all provincial authorities and public' functionaries should all. take 2 positive hand in the readjustment of land tax. I hope we will all work strenuously toward its smooth enforcement, because upon it depends the first step in the promotion of economic reeonsiruetion which is the foundation in the progress of our struggle for existence. does not exist in the thought of millions of our fellow men But there is a real concern about the war in Abyssinia, and China probably feels that the League of Nations is again on trial. "At all events many folk in this district will find sincere satisfaction in the cessation of hostilities. It, is gratifying to dis cover the growth of a larger interest among thinking Chinese in such an interior place as this. War is not a subject on which the normal Chinese mind dwells with any pleasure.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.