The wild and discreditable speculations which last week caused. the temporary closure of the Chinese [Cotton Goods Exchange have properly attracted the attention of the Government, In market speculation there is not necessarily grounds for criticism. "The speculator as his uses. He takes his risks and, at times, hhis operations, even if they funda~ mentally have little direct connection with the actual currents of trade, may be beneficial to the market. When, however, speculation is bosed on Fumour-monigering and, even worse, fon information which puts certain feperators in the invidious position of the manipulator of loaded dice, an Jentirely' different situation rises. [Scandal develops further when it is painfully clear that speculation has found a sinister link with unhealthy {influences which establish themselves Jey other than legitimate means. At {this particular moment, when the financial probity" of China and the rustwortiness of her institutions are feeing favourably canvassed abroad, it is highly regrettable that the Govern-lent should be menaced by such irresponsibility. An inquiry has been Jeet on foot and, at the Government's instance, the Vice-Minister of Finance Ihas paid a visit to Shanghai. It is to [be Roped. that his first impression that nothing can be done to bring the settlement of the market distur-Joance within respectable control will rove on reflection to be incorrect The Government will have the good. will and enthusiastic support of all Fight-thinking men if it takes its courage in both hands and decides to press. investigation to the point of exposure and thorough correction. No JGovernment worthy of the name can permit speculative adventurers with Impunity'to threaten its conduct of the nation's Snaneial affairs, A sigh of [relict would be heaved on all sides this disiracetat episode in the Co!- iten Yarn Market were taken as signal for drastic Government action cleansing the augean stables,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.