It Is to be hoped that the Itatian authorities realize the strong feeling. that some kind of statement regard-Ing the recent disturbances in which Ttalian sailors are reported to have Jbeen "involved should be promptly made. With the disgraceful exhibi-lon at the Isis Theatre editorial comment in this journal has already' dealt, "In putting forward the view that those strictures were milder than the occasion warranted a correspondent indignantly asks whether!
Italian et wrecked, the This consideration receives reinforcement from the disclosures of the affrays between Mahan sailors and men of the Loyal Regiment. Until the full facts are known it Is well to suspend final judgment. The cir~ cumstances preclude a ready epprelation of the actual course of events, It would seem that in the first clash fon Saturday, night, the Italians, although possibly keyed up by their afternoon's adventure, were not rircarily or solely to blame. The Accounts of that evening's excitements are confused. A frst encounter seems to have been followed by a second and more serious affray. It however be established it the next ly armed with the weapons as. they were reported to have used in beating up the Russian employees of the Isis Theatre, it Is evident that deli-Lueration, net impulsive reaction 13) the provocative atmosphere of a cabaret, marked their attack on the: British soldiers. In times past International service outbursts in cabarets: occasionally: occurred but most people have come to regard such behaviour: as inconsistent with the generally ood conduct of the modern service man in this oily. Supposing that the British soldiers were not altogether free from censure in the Sunday ineldent—which has yet to be proved the outrage at the Isis Theatre and subsequent ebullitions clearly suggest that the Italian sailors have no small measure of the onus of incitement.
well to. remember that. the representatives of no single Rationality Tave the monopoly fof the capacity to make themselves a nuisance. Those who take reprisals run the risk of inviting them. The matter should not be allowed to pass without some official statement and appropriate assurances that the commanders of disciplined forces will in future see that discipline is observed by those forees on their occasions in Shanghai. It cannot be said that the 'Commander of the Lepanto has made good impression. Independent eyewitnesses of the affair at the Isis. 'Theatre have given too circumstantial accounts of the deliberation of the sailors' attack to justify the apparent ly airy disclaimer which he seems to Ihave thought appropriate. Apart from the cowardly assault on the unfortunate Russian operators, the extreme gravity of the action in bringing am-'monia for release in the theatre, thus risking the possibilities of a terrible, panic, should surely point to the Recessity of some prompt pronouncement by the responsible authorities, hopes that both incidents will be speedily examined and measures taken to prevent the spread. of animosity. It 5 understood that Sout "of bounds" orders have been issued to obviate the risk of further lashes." What is needed Is some Suthoritative assurance that servicemen of whatever nationality have been duly impressed with the importance of observing the recognized. ules, of social conduct in this international city and consequently of eschewing methods which en only bring them Into "disrepute and foment bad feeling, Mr. E. O, Houser has joined the firm of Messrs, S. E, Levy & Company.
The Sua Manggis Rubber Ca, Lid. will hold its annual general meeting: oh March 12, The Kapayang Rubber Estates Ca, Ltd, will hold its annual general meeting on March 12.
Bakers have increased the price of bread to 25 cents for 14 oz, loaves and 18 cents for 10 02, loaves.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.