To-day is St. Patrick's Day and will be celebrated all over the world where the sons of Erin have settled or congregate. In Shanghai, due consideration td the unusual conditions prevailing has been paid and the observance of the day will be on a quiet and dignified scale but yet keeping in mind the great traditions associated with the day. There will be the usual wreath-laying at the War Memorial but the ball will be replaced by a luncheon at the Shanghai Club, Distinctive of the racial sentiment which characterizes the Irish there will be a pilgrimage to Bubbling Well Cemetery when wreaths will be placed on the graves of the five members of the Royal Ulster Rifles, who were killed on the British Perimeter in the western district last October during the difficult times accompanying. the Japanese occupation of the Shanghai area, Since last March when Irishmen celebrated their patron Saint's day great changes have occurred not only in China but in Ireland. The new state re, which has caused much verbal speculation in pronunciation but is said to rhyme with Sarah, has been brought into existence although Northern Ireland remains true to its traditional spirit of aloofness politically. Mr. Eamon de Valera and his ministers are now negotiating in London and these negotiations have ended in a deadlock but this should not be interpreted as an indication of friction. It is merely a question of differing points of view, and the fact is reported that far from antagonism these talks have led to great improvement in relations between the Ministers of the two countries. The political field produces all sorts of harsh differences but these are on paper and not personal and will mot interfere with other members of the British Commonwealth of Nations extending their congratulations to Irishmen on this, their national day.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.