It is reported that in Foochiatien there are at present 100,000 Manchus who are waiting for the chance to sail down the river to different agricultural centres.
"The navigation of the river is not only affected by the want of water, four' the islands and shallows that Ihave been formed along the river channel make it very dangerous for steamers to make their way alani If, even in the day time, while night traffic is completely stooped The Sansin rapids, os they always have done on the occasion of low water, will not permit of any steamers or barges to pass through, and foods have to be transferred from light craft beyond the rapids at Jeach end and carried across by men lor horses.
'A couple of shallow steamers have left for the Amur with the intention of trying to make their way as far as Sakhallan, but whether they will be able to reach this Amur port is stint 2 question.
There is now sufficient work for the whole of the Sungari fleet dur-jing the present season, as there is much cargo walting for shipment st the different river stations, but It is doubtful whether can be moved to Has month of July, and it will be late the autumn before such goods can_be brought up the river.
The great fall in the river gives the chance of repairs being effected fo the various bridges and landing sations, as they are at present much higher out of the water than in an ordinary year, but this by no means makes up for the loss of tratisport which falls heavily on the whole of the merchant classes.
In consequence of the water being so low and steamers and barees not being able to navigate the stream, the whole of the crews bf these vessels have had their salaries reduced by @) per cent, and. they wil not receive full pay until such lime as there is sufcient water in "he river for the vessels on which they serve to float
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.