Avcusr 25, 1877
We have received a copy of a pamphlet containing "The Testimony of Mr. Francis P. Knight, of China, before the United States Silver Commission appointed by Congress," which contains some interesting particulars regarding the monetary conditions in China. Mr, Knight concludes by saying "information has reached him that it is the intention of the Chinese Government to establish a mint." We fear the wish, on the part of his informant, was father to the thought. No doubt the subject has been talked round and about, at Pekini as was shown at the last meeting of the Shan; hai Chamber of Commerce. But the Chinese Government takes a long time making up its mind on such matters, and there is little confidence in its possessing either the will or the power to put such a scheme in execution.
The prolonged dullness of the silk market has forced upon the Municipal Council the reflection that their revenue may very possibly suffer from the smallness of the export; and a judicious curtailment of outlay is proposed, until the way is clearer, A tender for cleaning out the Yangkingpang has been accepted, and work will be begun as soon as the Health Officer allows.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.