To the Editor of the "Norta-Cuina Darty News."
Sir,—On various occasions during the past two years you have published' articles and letters from me in some of which occurs the expression, Prophet of Smooth Things"; and in some quarters the impression seems to prevail that in reality one has been in-bulging in veiled attacks on a particular individual, or individuals. - Anonymous attacks in newspapers are not only extremely. reprehensible, but it ought to be obvious to all concerned! that no responsible newspaper would publish them.
With your permission, Sir, I should like to explain that the expression in question is merely an attempt to personify the views of those—their name is "Legion"!—who are opposed, on one ground or another, to the adequate protection of private interests; of the man who cries, "Peace, peace," when there is no peace; of the people, to be found both among civilians and officials, who would have us believe that this withdrawal of the British administration and the direct protection of our flag will involve this sma]l community in no real loss. ere are even some—fit subjects, in my opinion, for medical examination**as to their mental condition—who would have us believe that phenomena of a miraculous nature are about to occur: that the loss of status as a free port will lead to no loss: that the measure of prosperity that has come to Weihaiwei as a British dependency will be maintained after the erection of a customs © barrier: that in the typical Chinese official a change of heart is impending: and that, mirable dictu, a group of celestials are about to take over the administration of the Territory of Weihaiwei who will be distinguished for their efficiency and, above all, for their honesty!
If ex parte statements and as-sections of this nature are to be allowed to pass unanswered and unchallenged, it has seemed propable that private interests might suffer more or Jess serious loss. However this may be, I hope you will agree, Sir, that nothing that has appeared in your columns from your Weihaiwei correspondent has exceeded the bounds of fair comment on a matter of public interest
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.