רודד
losure 3.
Play,
1903.
297
Canton. I have the honour to enclose a copy of a letter received
by me from the Governor of Kwang Si with my reply. The subscrip-
tions here will be about Forty thousand dollars.
2.
Every assistance is being given to the
gentlemen engaged in the work of distribution and the attitude
of all the Officials, the Gentry and the people is cordial
and grateful.
3.
The state of the whole Province of Kwang
Si is very bad. In the Northern and Western Districts robber
bands in some cases driven by want have collected under
certain leaders, each of whom dominates certain Districts from
which he collects tribute. These bands are in a state of con-
stant internecine warfare, the stronger seeking to absorb or
destroy the weaker, while all are prepared to carry on a
desultory struggle with the Government levies who are generally
worse armed than the robbers, or rebels, the terms being
synonymous. When not engaged on a predatory excursion the
members of the bands return to their villages and resume the
role of ordinary country folk. It is to be hoped that a good
harvest in July may produce a general amelioration of these
conditions.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient
Humble servant,
Governor, &C..