In a belated letter the—Wuchow correspondent of the "North-China Daily News" writes that the frequent visits of Japanese bombing planes save had a disastrous effect upon the inhabitants of this southern pari. business is growing less and less each day. There was a time, when because of frequent bombing, the streets were practically deserted in the morning of each day, the people preferring to leave their homes anc wander out to the hillsides and seated under the shade of banyan trees, while away the first half of each day. The fear instilled by the few disastrous bombings has filled many a heart with dread, and a veritable exodus has taken place.
Tens of thousands of people have gone to the country and sought shelter with friends and relatives in remote country places where there is little danger of visits from the black birds of death which are so feared these days, Fully one half of the populace have left the city. Businessmen likewise fearing coming calamities have shipped their merchandise to other places. Their once prosperous houses are now closed and barred, and the rats and mice play inside unmolested by the sight or sound of à living soul, Business is at a standstill. Those who still have some wares to sell do not seem to be very anxious to do business. A feeling of depression, akin io despair has settled down over the city, and people go about like condemned prisoners solemnly awaiting the day of execution.
Many businessmen and mediants who must travel are arming themselves against attack along the road, and others will not venture to travel unless accompanied by a party large enough to afford protection.
Meanwhile so-called spies are being arrested and executed every few days. Some, it is feared, are just unfortunate enough to do these things that lead to suspicion and with the fealing against spies so strong, when once they fall into the clutches of she law it is difficult to get out again.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.