Frost Oun Own Connzsromext Lungchuan, Chok, Jan, 4. Wild rumours continue to circulate about the war with Japan, One hears that Nanking has been retaken bby the Chinese troops. So also has Hangchow, and the Japanese have abandoned Shanghai and returned to Sepan, The cause. of this sudden reverse of the Japanese success 1s, Jone Is told, the decision of Russia to feome to the ald of China, Her frst Jact was the bombardment of Tokyo fey a squadron of 300 planes. But the secu) populace are either too preoccupied with their preparations for the New Year, or are grovm too skeptical of such' sudden bursts. of good news, to be much affected. Not a single Ore-cracker hes been set off to celebrate what would surely be a great victory.
This part of the country remains quiet, calm and peaceful, more peace:
in fact, than in times of so called pence. For many years this section jot the country has been upset by bandits, but since the beginning of hostilities with Japan an amnesty thas been declared, and the bandits hhaye either been Incorporated into the army, or have taken advant Jof an excellent occasion to retire [with their spolls and enter once more the ranks. of honourable citizens, The Big Knife Society are still more Jor less active, in the next county, but so far they have confined their activities. to the smaller towns and villages,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.