A Host of Gloomy Forebodings From Our Own Correspondent, Peking, July 12.
Those who take a_ sentimental interest in seeing Peking maintain its character of mediaeval Tartar fortress are watching with the keenest possible resentment the growth of the new tram lines, the construction of which began in the North City and is now extending slowly but surely southward. Most caustic comment is passed upon the way in which the tracks are being laid and the gloomiest prophesies are being made of the future state of the streets and the consequent congestion of traffic; but nothing has aroused so. much antagonism as the removal] of the low pailous. These are ornamental or commemorative arches over the roadways. Some of them are very old and in dilapidated condition and should be repaired before they fall and do serious damage, but they are conspicuous and beautiful and contrast favourably with the hideous semi-foreign buildings which are going up on all the main thoroughfares, so that the entire foreign and Chinese populations resent their removal to make way for the trams; and with pouelat feeling, has been the municipality, in compliance
trying to force from the tramway company a pledge that they will be rebuilt. high enough to give proper clearance.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.