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characterised the previous six months was checked, in view of the pending elections for the Provincial Assembly. The primary elections, which took place in December, only served to confirm the prevailing opinion that the Chinese were insufficiently educated for so radical an alteration in their system of government. Bribery and corruption, impersonations, and other malpractices were the chief features of the Riangsi elections, as of those of other provinces. The native newspapers reported numerous instances in which many scores of voting papers were handed in by the same individual, and many cases were mentioned in which a voter arrived at the polling station only to find that his name had already been marked off as having voted. In the wrangles that ensued with the superintending officials, ballot boxes were broken up and the voting papers scattered. On the whole, His Majesty's consul reports, more interest was shown in the elections by the people generally than might have been anticipated; but it is unlikely that the majority understood the meaning of political parties or the aims of the particular party to which they professed adherence. As an example, a prominent man in Kiukiang is chairman of the Conservative party, but at the same time a member of the committee of the Progressive party.
For some time past a general feeling of uneasiness and impending trouble has been current at Nanchang. On the 10th December a number of fires broke out simul- taneously in different parts of the city, and the soldiers dispatched to maintain order and assist in extinguishing the flames were met by hostile armed crowds. So soon, however, as the Tutu realised that an organised outbreak was taking place, he took vigorous measures and quickly restored order. Some fifty of the rioters were shot out of hand, and subsequently another sixty or so were executed. Foreigners here as elsewhere did not suffer from any molestation. There have been two or three minor outbreaks at other places in the province, in each case in connection with dis- banded troops, but none on a large scale, and order was speedily restored on every
occasion.
Wuhu has remained fairly quiet, except for one or two small mutinies, due to the troops having received no pay for over two months.
Hankow.
The general situation throughout the consular district of Hankow during the last quarter of 1912 has been peaceful, and in spite of financial difficulties and trouble with refractory soldiery the republican authorities have been successful in maintaining a fair degree of order and in inspiring more confidence in the new régime. General Li has been the main factor in keeping peace between the rival political parties, and there can be little doubt that the stability of the administration in Hupeh depends in a large measure upon his continuance at the head of affairs. In spite, however, of the vice-president's personal popularity, the danger of his falling a victim to assassination is so great that General Li is practically a prisoner in his own yamen, where the most stringent precautions are taken to prevent the admission of unauthorised visitors, and which he leaves only on very rare occasions. These precautions are by no means unnecessary, as several plots against the vice-president's life have come to light, and there is a widespread feeling that General Li's political rivals are making desperate efforts to effect his removal.
The finances of Hupeh remain in a chaotic condition and great difficulty is being experienced in finding the necessary funds for the upkeep of the military establishment and the immediate needs of the administration. The large quantities of Hupeh Government notes which are still on the market and are negotiable, if at all, only at a very heavy discount, are a very serious obstacle to the return to sounder financial conditions.