te Editor of the "Nors-Cuina Datty News."
'Sim,—In the leading article of to-Jday's issue of the "N.C. Daily News," and under the heading' "Visitors in Shanghai," I have fioticed such a curious statement: that I-fail to explain it otherwise than by a slip of the pen or of the. mind, The author of the said Jarticle, begins by stating, referring }to the actual status of Shanghai, that the Chinese Government (whenever there will be one worthy lof the name!) "will justly insist on being wholly master in its own house." This, Sir, you know it as well as I do is nothing but mere phraseology. Let us come to hard facts, the only thing that counts in this world.
For, a little farther on, you say that "we are willing to admit that it (the present status of Shanghai) Jconstitutes an anomaly which no self respecting and well ordered Jeountry would tolerate. A similar constituted city on the coust of England or America is beyond im-Jagination. (Italies mine.)
Well! Well! What about Gibraltar, for instance?
Is the gentle and noble land of Cervantes, Spain, in other words, 30 badly administered and so far from [being "a self-respecting "country" that it should have tolerated, for the last century half, a on what is hundred per cent. Spanish soil? Is not Gibraltar a British possession on. ithe Spanish coast? Is not the Spanisit coast worthy of as much consideration as the. China coast oF fany other coast? Furthermore, whereas Shanghai is an International Settlement founded on a vacant and filthy piece of land granted to the "western dogs" and not tern out from China by the force of arms; and whereas it is one of the leading ports of the world built for purely economical and peaceful purposes—what about, 'And what about the independent principality of Monaco, on the sunny coast of France? What about the Free City of Danzi the Baltic Coast? What about' the independent territory of San Marine, in Italy? Are not France, Italy, Spain and Germany as "sel. respecting" as any other civilized Now, now! Come, come! as our Jdctightful friend of the Little Club vould tay!
To sum up, Sir, it is, in my humble opinion, dangerous policy: encourage the unruled and childish modern Chinese politicians in their grotesque so-called aspirations, by making statements which geo graphically and historically speaking, are not correct, as I feel sure, fon second thought, you will admit with me. If there was any trace of courage, unity, and backbone in the representatives of the white races in China, it should be told to whom it may concern that, for the time being—and for a long time to feome—there is not the least prospect of Shanghai, its Courts of Justice, its Administration as well ax exterritorial rights. which are still in force, being surrendered or tampered with by irresponsible and speedy individuals. Quit Quite the con. trary, Shangh Hhould be declared Danzig... although, is more like Monaco.
Tam, ete,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.