Mao, with the 25th army, is now in power in Kueiyang and. very largely carrying out the old policy of Chow Hsi-cheng, with whom he worked as second in command. Mao's administration of the provines large armies. Chow Hsi-cheng ruled the province with a firm hand and things were therefore quiet for a time; then came Li Shao-yer's short lived ai-ministration, when the province went back to chaos, and this has been followed by Mao Dzen-ming, who is doing his best to-maintain law and order.
Li and his 43rd army now on the borders of Yunnan carried off both Smith and Pike, two ELM. masionaries, and held them both nutd enormous ransoms were forthcoming." This he did, mot so much for money, but to embroil Mao in complications with the Nanking government. Both men ere now free, but ling in Li's torvitory is liable any moment to find himself a captive. and while so, made to suffer untold hardship.
Mao has now put.out a strong anti-opium proclamation stating that all opium smokers must break off the habit, Those under 20 are allowed one month to break the habit; under 30 three months; under 40 six. months; "under 50 nine months; and under 60 one year. Those above that age are permitted to smoke till they die, The proclamation however is undated so one seems to know when it should take'effect. Mao has also a strong. proclamation out against cigare: te smoking.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.