Rumours are flying thick and fast again: it is reported that news has been brought to this city from the Provincial Government and National Governments to evacuate as soon as possible. The immediate reason is fear of bombing this open city and fires that follow. The Government will transfer to the country and all the schools either closed or follow into some country fastness to continue. Since only" primary schools are open here, there is no doubt that ifthe order is carried out all schools will close at once.
Foreigners are advised, not off-cidly, that no protection can afforded them here, in case of fight. ing or bombing. The idea is that they should follow the into the country. The news of fighting fon the Hunan fronts has been hopeful, but there is no doubt that those in authority are taking no chances and preparing for the worst. The police department is to remain in-Sefinitely, and the hope is that as Jong as the police can stay, the foreigner can remain, The last evacuation saw the police among the frst to flee. It was probably rather serious, that since nothing happened, the police did not remain at that time now they are ordered to stick to the last.
No Railway Service:
In thd light of the past evacuation, tone' must feel that this is going to case' untold hardship to many poor people, even as that one did. Now there are no good roads nor' trains \-Kweichow Railway ran trains to the end of thei thousands away, connected with the army and ge ernment could go by bus. The roads to Paoching and Hengchow are not wholly dug up yet but are in such condition that' a few days will make them impassable. Walking and sedan chairs in limited numbers, are the only means of locomotion, that means great suffering for numberless old and sick people.
After the fall of Nanchang, a proclamation was issued, advising that goods and property should be removed, and that has gone on gradual-most. a month. Since many month ago, and also since new peo: ple have come in, merchants stuts have arrived. This process has seemingly been accelerated again by the latest word from the Provinciat and National Governments.
The city government started a programme of protection against fire and for the care of wounded in case of bombing. One meeting was held and committees were set to work Investigate all sorts of things as preeration against possible eventualities. No second meeting has been called, Dbut the two hospitals the Presbyterian Mission and the city's new hospital have been asked to make room for extra beds in case of need, and also let it be known what supplies might be needed. In case of fire, squads are to be called from every school. shop and institution, Hand pumps. ladders. picks and shovels are to be procured and kept ready for use.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.