Peiping, May 17.
The flow of contraband goods into North China continues at a terrific Fate, according to latest information from Tientsin, in spite of the adoption by the Customs authorities of what Was hoped would prove more effective anti-smuggling measures, Contraband goods now coining in include the following: artifilal silk, piece goods, sugar, cigarette paper, kerosene, gasolene. motor tyres, Tubber goods, cosmetics, and dried sea Products.
'The entry of these goods, however, seems not' to have reduced prices appreciably. most of them selling at the same prices demanded for legitimate imports. Merchants handling smuggled goods are reported to be reaping extraordinary. profits.
'The new anti-smuggling measures include the establishment of Customs stations at Tsangchow and Chinghai, both south of Tientsin. 'The Tlentsin~ Pukow railway, It is' stated, will in future refuse to accept artificial silk for transportation as nothing but con traband artificial silk is now enter ing through North China, It is also stated that the railway will refuse to undertake transportation of any goods unaccompanied by Tegal Customs documents, Chinese sources state that the Customs In North China lost. between Moy 4 and 10, the enormous sum of $1,800,000 in revenue on account through Chinwangtao, Peitaiho, Changli, Liushouying, and other places. The total loss to the Customs for the period of August 1 Inst to May 10, is stated to be over $30,000,000, Contraband goods entering North China are reported to have penetrated far west as Sianfu—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.