CO129-353 - Public Offices - 1908 — Page 511

507

If the responsibility for shares is entrusted at the

outset to the merchants of Hanikow, then the main profil

will entirely fall into the hands of men from other pro-

vinces, which could be of no interest to Tupei's people.

By earnest desire is concentrated on the preservation of

Hupei's intereats, and I am, in consequence, engaged at

this moment in discussing with the Board of Communications

the desirability of leaving the management to Rupel in-

dependently. I am, however, afraid that the scheme for

perpetual equal official and mercantile share-holdings is

diametrically opposed to the wishes of the Board, and I am

still uncertain ae tu whather this arrangement will braz

200 ble op ot. Is there eiy dance then that the Tourd

of Comunications woulo consent to complete control by the

comercial claspe8?

All 1g thougghie and endeavourt are being directed to

the advantage of Kupel, yet the loading men of the province

deliberately flout my views, for some reason which all my

thinking cumot fathom.

I eagerly await an early reply by telegraph, giving

your views of the situation subsequent to the mass meeting

of the gentry and stating the measures that commcnd then-

Belves to Your Ixcellency, so as to enable me to negotiate

with the Board of Communications.

(81/med)

September 25th, 19

Please repeat the above to the officials under your

jurisdiction for their informtion.