The strange thing seems to be that for almost three weeks there has been only one air alarm. But the fear reinaing very vivid that they might come anytime. Three weeks ago scouting planes dropped handbills assuring people that if they left, nothing would hurt them, but that twelve county seats near by, including Siangtan. would be- bombed. It is not strange that fear remain:
As long, however, as the planes do not come people do not want to remain in the country. There is nothing to do, it is lonely and nothing much but rice to eat and there is constant fear of robbers.
Consquently many people have returned and many others are frantically asking questions relative to returning. These evacuations are expensive. The Hunan-Kweichow Railway has almost completed the job of tearing up the line from here to the end of the road at Lantien and then from here to Chuchow. where it connects with the Canton-Hankow line. There are still some materials not shipped southwest, and it is r ported that a few men will remain here indefinitely or until occupation to look after the railway's interests.
The Presbyterian Mission buildings, rented for two yea) will be kept indefinitely.
The Kiangsi line has been running trains from Liling or beyond to Chuchow until May 28, when all trafic stopped and the road was torn up, and the materials were transported to the southwest for building in that section. Great quantities of Birthday Honours for
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.