10
two years, that they may look about in the meantime for some other profession. If the Governor should grant this request they will guarantee the sum expected to be raised by the increase of price; should he not, they will all close ou their own initiative at once. The remarks: "We imagine that every sound official will welcome this strike of
paper opium shops."
"Shen Pao," of the 12th April :
As the date for increasing the price of opium draws near the Soochow opium shops are uniting in a general closing of their shops as a measure of protest. Chi, a District Magistrate, in conjunction with the Chon Wen Magistrate, after discussion, drew up a petition to the Provincial Judge, who replied to the effect that he was doing his best to suppress opium, and the closing of the shops must come sooner or later, and it will be an excellent thing if they strike now and close at once. If the opium dens do not like the anti-opium movement they can do something else.
"Hsin Wen Pao," of the 15th April:
On the 12th April the keepers of the various opium dens in Soochow held a meeting. There were 1,900 present, and each agreed to contribute 10 cents towards legal expenses. The local police, the proctors, and District Magistrates tried to pacify them, but there were so many of them that they could not handle them. Their complaint was that the period fixed for compulsory closure was too short, and that they ought to be allowed some years in which to prepare. They bad the intention to collect and make a demonstration before the Governor, but the Provincial Judge, fearing a disturbance, directed all his subordinates to take precautions during the night to stop any demonstration. Eventually one Lang, head of the Soochow Guild of Opium Shops, was arrested, but the head of Canton Guild escaped. The rest of them were told that if they wanted anything they were to petition the District Magistrate in the ordinary way, and not to go to the Governor. Liù Taotai, head of the Anti-Opium Bureau, and the three District Magistrates have been in consultation, but have come to no practical solution of this difficulty. One Teng, a Prefect, has gone round the shops arguing with then, and it has been arranged to increase the price of opium only 40 cash per ounce in-tead of 50, and all dens have to erect counters, and at the end of six months these dens, which have hitherto been simply for opium smoking, will become retail opium shops. Many have been to the District Magistrate's yamên asking to be allowed to go bail for Lang, the man arrested, if he may be released, and Chang, the District Magistrate, has agreed to his being temporarily let out on bail; but if the opium-den keepers do not pay the extra price promised by the 17th April he must go back to prison and be punished. The proposal to reduce the increase by 10 cash per ounce, making an addition to the market value of 40 cash instead of 50, is said to be sanctioned.
"Hsin Wen Pao," of the 19th April:
The Anti-Opium Bureau and the three District Magistrates have summoned the Tipaos, ordering them to see that all the opium dens in their respective wards do not make any disturbances or resist the increase of price of the retailed opium, or else the Tipaos would have to bear the consequences. The Tipaos went to all the opium dens and impressed upon them that they would have to pay this 40 cash per ounce, to which the opium dens assented. The Anti-Opium Bureau has not yet issued any Proclamation, nor have the dens yet handed in their licences for cancellation and exchange. Lang is said to be still in custody.
"Shen Pao," of the 13th April :
The date fixed by the Anti-Opium Regulations for the closure of opium dens is the beginning of the sixth month, and no new ones may be opened. The Shanghae Taotai has issued orders to the police, ordering them to watch that this is obeyed. One Ch'en Ching-pao opened a den in the Shih-tu ward, north of the Sinza Bridge, and the deputy in charge of the police there ordered him to close. He did not obey, on the grounds that one Kung had done the same. This was found to be untrue, and the District Magis- trate gave orders that he was to be severely punished,
11
7. Anti-Opium Medicines.
"Hsin Wen Pao," of the 22nd Mareb :
The Central Anti-Opium Society in Soochow, fearing that the anti-opium pills on the market contained morphia and were calculated to do harm, are daily distributing between 9 and 10 A.M. pills made after the prescription of Lin Wen Chuna, and also ( lang grass.
It was decided at a meeting recently held to at once establish a hospital for those leaving off opium smoking. Over twenty chien opposite the club have been leased for this purpose. The hospital will contain wards for first, second, and third class patients, with Chinese and foreign medical men in attendance, Patients with any resolution will lose the craving within seven days, and it is guaranteed that no bad effects will be felt. Patients will be treated gratis. At present the premises are under repair, and when this is complete the hospital will be opened.
8. Effect on Foreign Opium.
Messrs. E. W. Sassoon and Co, communicate the following:
"With regard to the trade in Indian opium in Shanghae, during the past month prices have been pretty well maintained throughout the interval in all classes of opium, with some unimportant fluctuations now and then as the result of variations in exchange, or other minor causes. Deliveries during the latter part of March have again been abnormal, but have since receded, and is now normal again. Bengal opium (which forms the greater part of Indian opium) is under Government control, but Malwa is not.”
0
571
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.