It is with considerable regret that this journal records the death of a very old friend in the person of Sir Reginald Johnson. Sir Reginald had a most interesting and full life, as his famous book, "Twilight in the Forbidden City," clearly shows. Starting his career with the Hongkong Civil Service, in 1919 he became tutor to the young ex-emperor of China and guided his studies for the next six years, profoundly influencing the young man, as he in his turn was profoundly influenced. In 1927 he was appointed Commissioner at Weihaiwei a position which he held until the port was randited to the Chinese in October 1930. The representative of this journal, who was the only foreign journalist sent specially to cover proceedings, was able in the few days he spent there before and after rendition to ascertain how greatly Sir Reginald had added to Britain's prestige in that part of China. There was one small incident which greatly touched him during the preliminaries to the actual rendition ceremonies. The headmen the surrounding villages had been called into Weihaiwei so that the departing Commissioner could take leave of them. There were the usual speeches after which there was a presentation of scrolls from practically every village in the hinterland. The headmen in their speeches were obviously moved at the parting from a man who had ruled them wisely end fairly: they obviously did not want to pass without the British jurisdiction, but the fiat had gone forth and there was no option but to obey. The speeches, all of the same tenor came to an end. There was an uncom. fortable pause, when suddenly an old man moved from the back of the police court in which the ceremony had taken place, and, walking up a gangway between his fellows, was seen carrying a tray on which was a small white porcelain bowl filled with clear water. Sir Reginald flushed and tears came into his eyes as he made a speech to the gathering, thanking them in his own behalf, and in that of his country for the tribute which had just been paid. The white bowl filled with clear water was the silent tribute to the purity of the British justice with which the donors had been governed.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.