In spite of the constitutional differences in their respective positions, Dr.
C. Ferguson's suggestion that' the titular heads of Shanghai's three municipalities should hold monthly meetings to confer on their common Interests for the future progress of Shanghai deserves consideration, No} doubt the improved liaison now ox-isting between the three local governments has created a much better sense. of ce-ordination than was at one time Practicable, The direct. contacts, maintained by departmental officials have also been a useful development. Less is heard of lapses from neigh-Dourliness. Whether the meeting the Chairmen of the. two foreign municipalities with the Mayor of the City Government, over and above their usual means of joint communication, would increase unity of action may be open to doubt. Nothing like a triumvirate could be devised to give the whole of Shanghai a kind. of super-municipal polity; the chairmen and the Mayor draw their authority from such divergent sources that the true basis of discussion might some-mes be difficult to define. Probably the object which Dr. Ferguson desires fo achieve can be more readily secured by some informal understanding convenient to the daily prom gramme of exceedingly busy men. Nor is there reason to believe that fon essential points where joint interests are involved there is any! reluctance on their part to meet la the spirit of constructive ce-operation, impreing-chit-bnb-kan *% 4k Hit 97
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.