CO129-317 - Governor Sir Blake - 1903 [4-6] — Page 310

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Kwang Si with my reply. The subscriptions here will be

about Forty thousand dollars.

2. Every assistance is being given to the gen-

tleman engaged in the work of distribution and the atti-

tude 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 constant 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, etc.

(signed) HENRY A.BLAKE.

Governor,

etc.

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