The Journey to Mokanshan Norway's Capital effectively; and we say that something of-the same kind necessary here in Shanghai. today. We do not doubt that} hundreds of young. men - and. older ones. too would respond with the, greatest alacrity to such a call on their services; and it is probable that the mere Knowledge that these men were being trained to expert use of the revolver, with a view to their using it instantly in an emergency, would send the armed robbers packing elsewhere.
We foreigners all, not only! the Municipal Council, have a double duty as regards Shanghai. It is the place set aside for our residence which we govern and defend, It is thus a well conducted city where life is in the main peaceful and secure. And accordingly it is an Alsatia for the armed robber. In order to keep Shanghai peaceful and orderly we must stamp him out; and because we are responsible for the government of the Settlement it is to our' wonder if you have been to "We arrived up here yesterday (ie. last Saturday) afternoon only four hours late. The train was good, but its boys were evidently Bought over by another traveller and his gang and we could not get any breakfast to speak of. (We travelled on the night train). The motor-boat Comet only broke down thirteen. times and eventually was towed into Sanchiaopu. The sedan chairs were out of repair and it appeared to be no one's business to look after them. The Comet's engines are only fit for the scrap heap and her hull is totally unfitted for the service. So journeying to Mokanshan just now is not all as it should be." It is a great pity that the attentions of the Shanghai-Hangchow-Ningpo, Railway which' is doing a great deal to popularize 'Mokanshan should be neutralized by want of care in details. Last year new sedan charts' were introdced, well designed and with good covers and aprons. But already by the end of the season they were in sad repair, footrests broken, aprons missing, hoods out éf order. The accumulation of repair work necessary then must have been own efforts we must look and|heavy. It is another case of not to the Chinese, The situa- stitch in time."
A little regular tion is not less serious now] inspection the chairs woul obviate big expense and many com-than it was in the epoch which plaints; and there are quite enough culminated in the Battle of|tmployees in the Rest' House for Muddy Flats.
All able-bodied such inspection. Both the launches foreigners then made common|are of the wrong build. The en-cause to secure the Settlement ines aye forward, the passengers and once again the same duty aft, the bows are built up high into cabin shutting off air, and when confronts them. If their help the awnings are down against the can be admitted, we do not sun the heat is stifling. The engines doubt that it will' be abundantly' wre probably all right if only the given and we are convinced that ygincer would let them alone. He it will be effective. Incidentally, is for ever tinkering with them un we do not see why the Volunteers necessarily, the result being break-might not be invoked to patrol downs and stifling fumes. One reform can easily be made and it roads and search all Chinese. is highly necessary and would cost. That measure would at first nothing. Start the Saturday. mo cause offence and inconvenience ing launch at 4 am. instead of 6. to many respectable citizens, Voyage over before the heat comes. but they would soon realize the on. We pleaded for this before. purpose of it for the common.
We urge it again. welfare. But the principal mea sure employed should be that which the Irish Free State China Coast Piracy Government found so successful.
We are aware that many people will say at once "Oh but we could never do that in Shanghai!"
Of particular interest is the letter which is reproduced in another part of this issue, stating that H. 'M. Government has decided to ap-
"The answer is simply, Why not?}Point a committee to inquire into the whole question of the prevalence An unparalleled evil has grown of piracy in-the waters adjacent to up amongst us which calls for'
Hongkong. Apparently the Commeasures of equal force or it mittee will meet as soon as a report will grow to such bounds that from the Governor of Hongkong life in Shanghai will become received. It will be remembered impossible. The mob has armed that when questions were asked in itself against society and the the House some weeks ago on the subject of piracy, Mr. Thomas was only remedy is that society very non-committal, stating that no should be armed against the definite information could be given mob, out until a report, for which the Governor of Hongkong had been
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.