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loss-bringing vice, ruinous to the health, disastrous to
บ
the household, and injurious to the whole population, the
prevalence of which has long been deplored both in China
and abroad. The Imperial Edict for the eradication of the
evil having now been received, it is absolutely necessary
to carry out the fixed regulations with the utmost sincer-
Excellency then proceeds to observe
ity and zeal. His
that there is a class of oplun-smoking
Divans to which
young men are greatly attracted, and which are frequented
by worthless persons of no occupation. These places are
most noxious.
It is essential first of all to put a stop to such
establishments. The Viceroy therefore holds the Tientsin
City Polica Commissioners responsible fer ascertaining the
number of these Divans in Tientsin City and Suburbs, and
for closing them absolutely before the end of the present
(tenth) moon, viz: by the 15th December!
Ils Excellency further directs that a rule shall be
enforced in future that Restaurants and Taverns shell not
provide their customers with the facilities and apparatus
required for smoking the drug.
Finally, the Viceroy instructs the Customs Tactai to
consult