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The financial situation in the province remains highly unsatisfactory, though some attempt is being made to redeem the enormous issue of war notes with which Szechuan has been flooded since the revolution of 1911.
Yünnan.
The Apostolic Faith Mission has opened a branch in Yünnan-fu, and the workers include Canadians, Dutch, Norwegians, Danes, and Swedes, to the number of nine. Three members of this sect, of whom two are ladies, are proceeding to Likiang, where they will establish their headquarters, in the hope of getting into touch with the Yunnan Thibetans.
Through communication between Yünnan-fu and Tonkin, on the French railway, is promised for the first days of the present year. A serious landslide in May 1910 completely carried away the line at kilometre 328, and repairs have been proceeding. ever since. Goods have been transhipped and carried by a small decauville from one side to the other. The summer of 1912 was remarkable for its dryness, and only one interruption occurred in October at kilometre 337, when a large rock fell on to the line and delayed traffic for eight days. More serious landslides are expected to occur next annmer, as the cliffe which overhang the line in Pataho Valley are in a most dangerous condition.
Paper money succeeded in maintaining its par value at Yünnan-fu throughout the past year.
Kuangsi.
The political situation in Kuangsi calls for no special comment. After a session of about two months the provisional Provincial Assembly was dissolved on the 18th October without having accomplished any work of great importance. Primary elections for the new Assembly, as well as for the Peking parliament, were held during the latter part of December. Great rivalry exists between the Kung Ho Tang and the Kuo Min Tang, but the latter are likely to gain the majority of seats. There have been the usual complaints of irregularities in the issue of voting papers, and hints of bribery, but interest in the elections has not been sufficient to cause any public enquiry into such charges. The Central Government have further extended their nominal authority in the province by confirming by Presidential Mandate the six heads of the Government departments, but the appointments of the Tutu have not been interfered with. Brigandage still exists in many parts of the province, though not to an unusual extent. In addition to the troops, which are stationed in the country districts to maintain order, a number of petty officials have been sent to each district, whose special duty it will be to search out bad characters, and keep track of bands of robbers. They will call on the military to assist them if necessary. No cases of piracy have been reported on the west river, above or below Wuchow, during the past quarter, and the riverine districts appear to be practically free from robbers. The British motor-boats continue to take guards supplied from the river police, but Chinese boats have to hire their own. Lack of funds has recently caused the Prefect to reduce the river police force, and the acting British consul has accordingly requested that men may be detailed at Nanning for the new British boats running to that port.
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