f
though the country is in a disturbed condition. The Kweishen magistrate assures me that he is prepared to guarantee the safety of Hongkong rice transported up the river and will forward it under such escort as will prevent any possibility of its seizure by pirates or robbers. Moreover both the Governor and the Kweishen Magistrato declare that the distress in Nanning is most acute. I am therefore leaving to-morrow on horseback in order to inspect the country as I go, and will report by telegram,
The harvest in Kweishen district promises well: the weather is favourable: seasonable rain has fallen and continues to fall. It is probable that relief will only be required until the next rice harvest at the end of July,
I am,
Your Excellency's obedient servant,
C. CLEMENTI.
P.S-I have this day sent the following to'egram to Your Excellency :--" After consul- | ting District Magistrate and gentry recommend free distribution daily in ten coutres Kweishen district of gruel made from otherwise
known as 粟米 This food is more
satisfying than rice gruel and the people are accustomed to it: price is considerably less. Estimate total amount of required at 490 plouls weekly. Rebet necessary till next harvest end July. Recommend also sale within Kweishen city of cheap rice of 10 cents a picul above cost price for the relief of those not actually starving but anable to purchase at famine prices. The additional ten cents. will cover incidental expenses and the roconver- sion of the rice into money will prolong the period of relief. Advise that central control te placed in bands of two Englishmen resident in Kweishen. Suggest co-operation for this purpose of one unpassed cadet and one missionary. Will telegraph name of missionary Juter. Meanwhile forward
to care of Fee at Ts'ara-chau for transnussion to Kweishen as soon as European can take charge. Hare highest opinion of Kweishes Dirtrict Magistrate who will give all assistance and is already distributing relief at several centres. Letter by post. Proceed Nanning to-morrow, Wuhu produces; it can probably also be bought at Canton or Hongkong.
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