108
Article VIII. To charge the local authorities
with the duty of leading the movement among the lo-
cal kentry and heads of guilds, in order that it may
prove really operative.
The present measure depends entirely on the 10-
cal authorities taking the lead among the gentry
and heads of guilds in giving proper effect to its
provisions. Success can only be attained by a loyal
and conscientious effort in this direction.
The
High Provincial Authorities must therefore carefully
examine each year into the reports of their infer-
iors, and study the returns of the number of consum-
ers originally recorded and the number of abstainers,
besides seeing whether due activity has been shown
in the supply of anti-opium medicines, and in pro-
moting the formation of anti-opium societies.
comparing these various records they will be in a
position to apportion praise and blame as due.
They should also draw up an annual report for trans-
mission to the Council for State Affairs, and to
serve as a basis for examining the operation of this
By
measure.
As regards the city of Peking, the officers in
charge of all Police Stations, the Captain General of
the Peking gendarmerie, and the Governor of Peking
(Shuntienfu) will be responsible for the due execu-
tion of these provisions.
If before the expiry of the term of ten years it
can be shown that there are already no opium smokers
in any particular jurisdiction, the local authority
shall be recommended for promotion..
In carrying out the survey of opium bearing land,
the inspection of opium dens and oplum shops, and, the
issue of certificates and licenses, as well as in the
registration of smokers, the strictest injunctions
must be imposed on the official assistants, clerks,
and servants that no exactions whatever will be per-
mitted, under penalty for infraction of this rule and
upon information duly laid of the punishments pre-
scribed for extortion.
Article
measure
b.