Mr. Soong gave the reasons for' the appointment of Gen. Hsiung as new Garrison Commissioner Shanghai and stressed the importance of Shanghai in regard to military, political and commercial matters. Gen. Hsiung had already proved his ability as an officer in the army and as an administrator, and he was sure that, under him, tthe residents of Shanghai would be able to have peaceful times.
Dr. Kung, former Minister of Industry, was the next to speak. He stated that it had been rumoured that he was there as per Sonal representative of Gen. Chiang. announcement was made that Gen.
Haiung had been appointed to his Present post, Gen. Hsiung was a man of considerable ability and initiative and ho was a man who believed in action rather than. words. Shanghai was such an im-Portant place that it was essential that a man of his calibre should be appointed to direct military affairs here, since they had such a largo) bearing on. the political and commercial situation in China generally, Dr. Kung hoped that Gen. Hsiung would exert the whole of his efforts in the welfare of the people and hoped that the people would give! him just as much support as they had given to Gen. Pei Chung-hsi.
On behalf of the merchants, Mr.
Fung, representing the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, stated that the financial situation at the present time was in an extremely precarious position. Merchants were on the verge of bankruptey and it was of utmost importance that something should'
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.