Drug Abuse

I.—HISTORICAL NOTE ON OPIUM.
(Extracted from various sources.)

PREVIOUS to the Tang dynasty (A.D. 618) the poppy was apparently unknown to the Chinese botanists and physicians. The first mention in literature is in the " Supplementary Herbalist " of CHEN TSANG-CHI, an author writing- in the first half of the eighth century, who quotes from an earlier lost writer, SUNG YANG-TZ5 a statement that " The poppy has four petals, white or red. . . . The seeds are in a bag- (capsule described), . . . being like those of millet." At this time the Arabs had been trading with China for a full century. The second reference is in the " Book on the Culture of Trees," by Kuo TO-TO, a writer of the latter part of the eighth century living in the inland province of Shensi. The poet YUNG TAO, a resident of Szechwan in the closing years of the Tang dynasty (ended 906), wrote a poem describing the poppy growing in the plains near his home.

In the "Herbalist's Treasury," composed by order of the Emperor by a commission of nine in 973, is a reference to the medicinal use of the poppy: " Its seeds have healing power. When men . . . they may be benefited by mixing these seeds with bamboo juice boiled into gruel, and taking the mixture." About the same period the poet Su TUNG-PO says, in one of his poems : " The boy may prepare for you the broth of the poppy." His brother, Su Ciik, wrote "A Poem on the Cultivation of the Medicinal Plant Poppy," in which he says : " I built a house on the west of the city. . . . The gardener came to me to say 'The poppy is a good plant to have.' . . . Its seeds are like autumn millet ; when ground, they yield a sap like cow's milk ; when boiled, they become a drink fit for Buddha."

In the Herbalist of Su SUNG, prepared by order of the Emperor about the year 1057, it is stated that " The poppy is found everywhere. . . . There are two kinds, one with red flowers, one with white. . . . When the capsules have become dry and yellow, they max be plucked. . . . In cases of nausea it will be found serviceable to administer a decoction of poppy seeds made in the following way. . . ."

A medical writer, LIN HuNo, probably of the twelfth century, makes the first reference

NOTE.
As a rough guide, it may be mentioned that the Haikwan tael was in 1907 equivalent--
in English money, to    3s. 3d.,
„ America    „    „ Gold $o.79,
„ French    „    „ Francs 4.095
„ German    „    „ Marks 3.33,
„ Indian    „ Rupees 2. 42,
, Japanese    „    „ Yen    1.58,
„ Mexican Dollars, „    $1.51,
at the average Sight Exchange on London, New York, Paris, Berlin, Calcutta, Japan, and Hongkong respectively.
ioo Haikwan taels are approximately equal to 1'1.40 Shanghai taels or 150 Mexican dollars.
TABLE OF CIIINESE WEIGHTS.
I TAEL (Liting) = 583.3 grains (g oz. avoirdupois).
37.783 grammes.
16 Taels -= I CATTY (Chin)    lb. avoirdupois.
.= 604.53 grammes.
ioo Catties =    Picot, (Tan) -= 133;1, lb. avoirdupois.
= 60.453 kilogrammes.

to the use of the capsules, which contain the juice from which opium is prepared. He directs that the entire poppy head be taken, washed, and the juice pressed out and filtered, and then boiled and afterwards steamed ; the residue may then be taken out and " made up into cakes shaped like a fish." The result of this process is opium, mixed with the impurity of the vegetable substance of the capsule. Three other writers of the same period, YANG SHIH-YING, WANG CHIU, and WANG SHIH, refer explicitly to the merits of the poppy capsule in curing dysentery. Three writers on medical subjects of the thirteenth century, LIU HO-KIEN, LI KAO, and WEI I-LIN, and one of the fourteenth century, Ciiu ClaN-HLNG, also described the mode of preparing the " fish-cake " paste from the capsule and its use in the pharmacopceia. The last-named states: "It is used also for diarrhcea and dysentery accompanied by local inflam-mation; though its effects are quick, great care must be taken in using it, because it kills like a knife."

The first reference to scoring the fresh capsule in situ to obtain the inspissated juice, which by manipulation becomes opium, is in the writings of WANG Hi, who died in 1488. He says: " Opium is produced in Arabia from poppies with red flowers . . . after the flower has faded the capsule while still fresh is pricked for the juice." WANG HI was Governor for 20 years of the province of Kansu, where he would come in contact with Mahommedans, from whom he could learn of Arab arts and industries. In the "Eastern Treasury of Medicine," a Korean work of the same period, is given an exact account of the method of scoring the capsule, gathering the exuded sap, and drying it in the sun, much as practised to-day; and there can be little doubt that the preparation of opium was introduced into China through Arab channels by the end of the fifteenth century. The "Introduction to Medicine" of LI TING, in the middle of the sixteenth century-, gives an exact account of the method of preparing opium, under the name a-fu-yung. The Arabs, in taking the Greek name (iirtov), transformed it into afyun. In China the provinces along the coast have transliterated the name opium into ya-pien, by which the drug is generally known; but in the inland province of Yunnan, where the Mahom-medan influence has always been strong, and the Mahommedan population predominated up to the Panthay rebellion (1867) and the resultant massacres, opium of indigenous production is to this day referred to in official documents, tax receipts, etc., as fu-yung, which, except as a truncated form of a-fze-yung, is unintelligible in Chinese.

The poppy has therefore been known in China for at least 12 centuries, its medicinal use for nine centuries, and that the medicinal properties lay in the capsule for six centuries.

The art of extracting opium from the capsule has been practised for four centuries—for its medicinal properties only and long before the vice of smoking the drug was introduced. Tobacco smoking was introduced by the Spanish at the beginning of the seventeenth century, and the smoking of opium mixed with tobacco, through the Dutch, in the middle of the seventeenth century. There is no record to show when opium was first smoked by itself, but it is thought to have originated about the end of the eighteenth century, and to have coincided with the issue of the Edict in 1796 prohibiting the importation of all opium. Foreign opium was first imported from Goa by the Portuguese in the beginning of the eighteenth century, and the first prohibiting Edict against opium smoking was issued by the Emperor YUNG ClaNG in 1729, enacting severe penalties on the sale of opium and the opening of opium-smoking divans, and from this time on the sale of opium for the purpose of smoking became a criminal offence. In 1729 the arrivals of foreign opium were but 200 chests, but a constant increase followed each year, and by 1790 the importation had reached the fig-ure of over 4,000 chests. In 1796 an Edict formally prohibiting the importation of all opium was issued, and in 180o this prohibitory Edict was issued anew. From that date all trade in opium became contraband. Instead of diminishing, the trade flourished in spite of the prohibition, and by the year 182o the importation amounted to 5,000 chests. By 183o it had increased to 16,877 chests, by 1838 to 2°,619 chests, by 185o to 50,0oo chests, and in 1858 to 7o,000 chests. In November of the last-mentioned year the trade was legalised by China and a tariff rate of Hk.T1s. 30 per picul on opium was chargeable thereafter. While there can be little doubt that this legalisation of the opium traffic was contrary to the wishes of the Imperial Family and the enlightened classes in China, the country was then in the throes of the greatest rebellion ever experienced in its history and revenue was badly needed. It was recognised that as the contraband trade continued in spite of the Imperial disfavour, it would be best to legalise it as the choice of two evils, and this was accordingly done.

The next step in the history of opium is fcund in the Chefoo Convention of 1876, by which the British Government accepted in principle a proposal that inland taxation (likin) on the drug should be collected simultaneously with the import duty, i.e., by the Imperial, and not the provincial, authorities. This was made effective by an Additional Article signed on i8th July, '885, by 1,vhich the amount of likin was settled at Hk. Tls. 8o per picul, making, with the import duty, a total of Hk. Tls. lio per picul, which the Chinese Government now collects.

I I.—FOREIGN OPIUM.

(a.) TOTAL NET IMPORTATIONS FOR THE YEARS 1863 TO 1908.

THE appended table gives the quantities of foreign opium imported through the various Imperial Maritime Custom Houses throughout China for the years 1863 to 1908. In 1863 the amount was 50,087 piculs; in 1867 the quantity had risen to 60,948 piculs; in 1873, to 65,797 piculs; and in 1879, to 82,927 piculs—the largest importation of any year given in the table. In 1883 the quantity decreased to 68,168 piculs, to rise again to 82,612 piculs in 888—only 315 piculs short of the record year. Five years later (1893) it decreased once more to 68,io8 piculs, or 6o piculs short of the importation of to years before (1883). In 1898 the figure was 4.9,752 piculs, and in 19°3 it had risen again to 58,457 piculs. For 1908 the quantity declined to 48,397 piculs. The following shows the average annual importations :—

Previous to 1887 it is estimated that the quantity of foreign opium entering China each year by unauthorised channels amounted to about 2o,000 piculs. In that year the Kowloon and Lappa Customs were opened and stations established around Hongkong and Macao, to keep a check on the junk trade, with the result that opium smuggling was reduced by at least 15,000 piculs yearly. For the Canton delta alone the average annual importation for the six years before the opening of Kowloon and Lappa was 1,265 piculs, whilst for the five years following their opening it rose to t5,2o7 piculs. Since 1887, therefore, the amount of smuggling in the foreign drug may be considered as about 5,000 piculs annually; consequently, to obtain a more correct idea of the actual arrivals of foreign opium in China, 20,000 piculs should be added to each year's importation (given in the table) prior to 1887, and 5,000 for each year's since that date. The importation for 19°8 compared with that for 1907 shows a decrease of 6,187 piculs, or a little over per cent. The decrease in demand between the years 1888-19°6 is attributed generally to the replacement of the foreign by the native drug.

(b.) DISTRIBUTION.

The following table, compiled from the Customs returns, gives the distribution (net importations from all sources) of foreign opium in the various Customs districts in the five years 1904 to 1908:-

This table shows that in 19o8 the three northern provinces of China-Manchuria, Chihli, and Shantung-consumed 423 piculs of foreign opium, against 1,007 piculs in 1906 ; Kiangsu consumed 16,996 piculs, against 19,384 piculs; and Chekiang, 2,604 piculs, against 3,164 piculs. The southern coast provinces of Fukien and Kwangtung took 24,459 piculs, against 26,825 piculs. The total for the coast provinces is 44,482 piculs in 1908 and 5o,38o piculs in 1906, a decrease of 5,898 piculs. Of the Yangtze provinces, Hupeh consumed 239 piculs, against 363 piculs ; Hunan, 139 piculs, against 248 piculs ; Kiangsi, 1,494 piculs, against 1,459 piculs; and Anhwei, 2,o42 piculs, against 1,633 piculs. The total for the Yangtze provinces is 3,914 piculs for 1908, against 3,703 piculs in 1906, an increase of 2 I I piculs. Of the inland provinces, Szechwan took no foreign opium, against picul in i906, and Kwangsi took picul, against 33 piculs in 1906. No other inland province consumes the foreign drug. The decrease for the inland provinces was 32 piculs. The total decrease since the Anti-Opium Edict of September 1906 has therefore been 5,72o piculs, or per cent. The only provinces showing an increase in the consumption of foreign opium are Kiangsi (35 piculs) and Anhwei (409 piculs).

(C.) VARIETIES IMPORTED.

The following table, compiled from the Customs returns, gives the kinds of foreign opium imported at the treaty ports during the past five years :—

In 1863 Chinese consumers preferred the Malwa to the Bengal variety, and the ratio of consumption was as 7 to 3. In 1873 the ratio was reduced as 8 to 5, and in 1879 almost equal proportions of each kind were used. From that time on the Beng-al variety has been given the preference by Chinese smokers, and for the past four years the amount imported has about doubled the figures for Malwa. Consumers who are accustomed to smoke the foreign drug never change to the native article, unless forced to do so from pecuniary motives. The average net weight per chest of opium imported is as follows:—

The net weight per ball is as follows:—

( d.) PRICES, WHOLESALE AND RETAIL.

The table on page 8, compiled from the Shanghai Customs returns for the years 1868 to 1908, gives values of the different kinds of foreign opium imported. As Shanghai may be taken as the basis for values throug-hout China (other ports calculate prices on the cost of transportation from Shanghai), no attempt is made to g-ive values ruling elsewhere.
* The size of the balls of Turkey and Persian opium vary so much that it is impossihle to give weight.

The present retail price For the first quality of the prepared drug as sold locally is 80 dollar cents per Chinese ounce ( hang), and this is said to be inade up in the following proportions:—

The proportion of prepared opium yielded by the several kinds of foreign opium is said to be as follows:—

The second quality of the prepared article is sold for $0.65 an ounce, and is made up of native opium mixed with opium dross. The third quality sells for from So.5o to So.55 per ounce, and is composed of native opium and dross—adulterated with sesamum-seed cake. Wealthy smokers, who are particular as to the quality of their opium, generally buy the raw material and prepare it themselves.
The smallest quantity sold in the opium dens of Shanghai is 3 candareens weight (17 g-rains avoirdupois), costing 38 cash (about 3 Mexican cents), and this gives about two pipes, the quantity of prepared opium required for one pipe being estimated at from to 2 candareens. The yield of dross, or ashes, varies with the class of bowl used, but ranges from 40 to 70 per cent., and the amount of prepared opium that can be extracted from the dross itself averages about 5 5 per cent.

(e.) DUTY AND LIKIN COLLECTED ON NATIVE AND FOREIGN OPIUM,

III.—NATIVE OPIUM.

(a.) METHOD OF CULTIVATION.

OPIUM has for many years been the principal and most profitable product of the western provinces of China. Its cultivation does not interfere with the production of rice, for the poppy there is a winter crop, SOW11 usually in late autumn, after the rice harvest, and gathered before the ground is needed again for rice in the spring. Moreover, it thrives on sloping ground generally unsuitable for rice.

Though cultivated chiefly for local consumption in the provinces of Kansu, Shensi, Shansi, Szechwan, Yunnan, and Kweichow, the amount available for export is considerable. Where conditions admit, it is grown for sale or barter by the aboriginal tribes, who form a considerable proportion of the population in these provinces; but, generally speaking, these people are but little addicted to the vice.

After the summer and early autumn crops have been harvested the land is ploughed and cleaned, roots are burnt, ashes spread, and the ground sown during the ninth and tenth moons (Szechwan) with poppy seeds, in drills or holes some 18 inches apart. No special attention is given to the selection of seeds, but it is said that the white poppy produces a stronger and superior quality of opiutn, and the kind with red or variegated flowers a larger quantity.

The poppy is a gross feeder, quickly exhausting the fertility of the soil, and liberal dressings of liquid manure are required to ensure a full crop, so that wherever the soil is poor the poppy is grown near towns and cities capable of supplying the necessary fertiliser. In Kweichow and Shensi, however, valleys in retnote districts where such manuring is itnpossible are frequently given up entirely to the poppy, and in Yunnan, where the white and red flowers may be seen covering the hillsides far from any of the big centres of population, some rotation of crops is practised, opium being produced from the same ground only once in every three years.

When the plants are a few inches high, they are thinned out and earthed up, and some attention is thenceforth given to weeding and occasional stirring of the soil about the roots. The poppy blooms in the second moon (Szechwan). When the capsules begin to form, the plants receive frequent dressings of manure. During the third and fourth moons, as soon as the petals begin to fall, light vertical incisions are made in the capsules at sundown, and the sap that exudes during the night is collected in the morning. Mild, moist weather, with night dew, seems most favourable for the running sap. Dry weather diminishes the flow of the juice, and heavv rains wash away what has exuded during the night.

In North China, and especially in Manchuria, opium is a summer crop. The poppy is generally sown during the third and fourth moons, and reaches maturity by the seventh moon. There the climate, with its short, hot summer months, seems generally favourable to its cultivation; but the crops nevertheless vary greatly, requiring a combination of favourable conditions to ensure success—a late frost or too heavy rains at critical periods seriously injuring the harvest. There the incisions in the capsules are made horizontally, not vertically, and the sap as it exudes is collected at once, and not allowed to stand overnight, as is the practice throughout Western China.

The collection of sap continues for some 10 to 20 days, the plants being revived by fertilisation during this period, and the capsules retapped until exhausted. One pod, if of prime quality, will produce about mace (58 grains avoirdupois) weight of crude opium, and inferior plants, about half that quantity. The yield of raw opium per mou (about one-sixth of an English acre) varies from 32 taels catties) to 8o taels (5 catties), according to soil and cultivation, but 56 taels (3% catties) may be taken as an average (Szechwan).
The farmer expects to realise about 120 cash per tael weight for his raw product, which would be 6,72o cash per mou. In addition, he gets 2,7;o cash for the seeds and dry poppy plants. The former on being crushed yield an inferior sort of cooking oil, and the latter can be used for fuel and fodder. This brinf_Ys the gross return per mou to 9,470 cash. Allowing for the cost of extra labour and fertilisers, it may be stated that the profit to the farmer on land under poppy cultivation is three to four times that which it would be with any other crop; but it must be remembered that opium is an uncertain harvest and a bad year means a big loss to the growers.

The fariner disposes of his product to one or other of the many hundreds of collectors, who, as agents for the large opium dealers, range the province (Szechwan) for the purpose. A certain amount of skilled labour is understood to be necessary before the opium in its then crude state is ready for the market. Before it appears in the form of balls, each weighing from 32 to 36 taels, there is a loss by evaporation of from 3o to 40 per cent.

The raw opium of commerce can scarcely be found in an absolutely pure state. It is extensively adulterated, sometimes by the cultivator, but more usually by the wholesale dealers who prepare it for the market Among-st the ingredients said to be mixed with opium the most frequently mentioned are g-lue, beancurd, eggs, sesamum-seed cake, boiled apples, and burnt sugar.

The following extracts from the reports of the Commissioners of Customs give an idea of the interchang-e of native opium between the various provinces of China :—

MANCHURIA.—Newckwang states that importations vary according, to the outturn of Manchurian crops. The average annual importations through the Maritime Customs for io years has been 176 piculs, and through the Native Customs the average for seven years has been about 1,05o piculs, mostly Manchurian opium from Kirin and Heilungkiang. Antung states that two-thirds of imported opium in that district are from Shensi, but gives no figures.

CHIHLI.—Tientsin estimates, roughly, that in 1906 one-third of the opium consumed in the province was obtained from without, coming principally from Shansi and Honan, but also from Manchuria, Yunnan, and Szechwan ; and the estimated annual consumption being given as 15,000 to 20,000 piculs, the annual importations from other provinces would therefore be 5,00o to 6,700 piculs.

SHANTUNG.—Chefoo gives no estimate of importations, but states that until recently, the supplies of native opium at that port came from Western Shantung, Szechwan, and Manchuria. During 1908, however, the home production has been largely supplemented by Shansi opium, while the Szechwan and Manchurian kinds are now rarely seen. Kiaochow states that the native opium consumed in the province is nearly all locally produced, it being estimated that only one-tenth comes from Shansi (Hinganfu).

KIANGSU.—At Shanghai the gross importations through the Foreign Customs in 1907 (inclusive of Kiangsu opium) amounted to 10,550 piculs, of which less than half was retained for district use. The average annual quantity arriving under native control is estimated at 13,20o piculs, and of this, assuming- a proportionate re-exportation, some -,400 piculs remained in the district, giving a total of some 11,500 piculs. Of the arrivals through the Customs, it is stated that 69 per cent. is from Szechwan, 15 per cent. from Yunnan, and 16 per cent. from Kiangsu ; and, applying the proportion throughout, it would appear that 9,660 piculs entered the province through Shanghai, of which 7,935 piculs were Szechwan and 1,725 piculs Yunnan opium. Nanking estimates that " something like 10,000 piculs" of native opium are introduced annually into Kiangsu from other provinces. Besides Szechwan and Yunnan, the drug comes also from Honan, Anhwei, and Southern Shantung.

CHEKIANG.—Ningpo and Hangchow together report 981 piculs as imported in three quarters of 1908. No estimate for province.

FUKIEN.—Foochow reports arrivals yid Shanghai, in three quarters of 1908, of 817 piculs, mainly Szechwan drug, and states that there is no overlana' importation. Amoy states that in 1907 there were 1,082 piculs imported—half Szechwan and half Yunnan,—mainly through Shang-hai, and that little, if any, opium from other provinces is used in the rural districts.

KWANGTUNG.—Canton reports arrivals through the Customs, in three quarters of 1908, of 2,150 piculs, of which 8o per cent. was Szechwan, 15 per cent. Yunnan, and 5 per cent. Kiangsu opium. Swatow reports 2,100 piculs via Shanghai in three quarters of 1908, of which 1,892 piculs were Szechwan drug,. A certain quantity also comes overland from Kiangsi and Hunan. Kongmoon reports some 3o piculs a year from Kweichow and Yunnan yid Wuchow. Pahhoi also receives an unknown quantity overland from Kweichow and Yunnan. Kiungchow states that arrivals are now only by steamer from Swatow, and amounted, in t months of 1908, to 1,085 piculs, of which 143 piculs were Yunnan, 9o' piculs Szechwan, and 41 piculs Kiangsu, opium.

HUPEH.—Hankow states that the province is supplied from Szechwan, Yunnan, Honan, Shensi, and Kiangsu—chiefly from the first two. No estimate of total importations into the province. Ichang gives a total of 2,821 piculs as the net importations for 17 years-1892 to 1908—throug-h the Customs, an average of 166 piculs a year. Of late years, however, importation through the Customs have dwindled to almost nothing-. Through the likin offices it is estimated with comparative certainty that the annual importation averages 170 piculs. The bulk of the opium consumed in Ichang is smuggled. The total quantity of opium, practically' all from Szechwan and Yunnan, arriving at Ichang from up river in 1908, by likin junks and chartered junks, was 51,827 piculs, showing an increase of 12,285 piculs as compared with the figures for 1907. The greater part of this opium had been carried down river by steamer and likin junk before the end of the year. Some 7,000 piculs are stated to have passed overland to Shasi in 1907 by overland routes, chiefly vid Shihnanfu. [Judging the proportions of Yunnan and Szechwan opium annually imported at Ichang by chartered junk from Chungking from 1892 to 1907, and applying the proportion for 1907 to the whole arrivals by chartered and likin junks in 1908-51,827 piculs,—it would appear that of this total 11,920 piculs were Yunnan opium and 39,907 piculs Szechwan opium.] Shasi states that, as nearly as can be ascertained, 14,000 piculs of opium were imported during 1908, the opium being of Yunnan and Szech^^ an origin, with some from Kweichow, and arriving in native junks. Overland arrivals not referred to.

HUNAN.—Yodzow gives an estimate, made in 1901, that i0,000 piculs annually were imported into the province from Szechwan, Yunnan, and Kweichow, while I0,000 piculs more passed through on the way to Kiangsi, Kwangsi, and Kwangtung. The imported drug is mainly the Kweichow kind, which is cheaper than the others.

KIANGSI.--Kiukiang states that 12,000 piculs a year are said to be imported at Kiukiang from Szechwan and Kweichow.

ANHWEI.— Mani gives as an approximate estimate of native drug arriving in the province annually : Kiangsu opium, 400 piculs ; Shensi opium, 400 piculs ; Szechwan opium, 2,000 piculs ; and Yunnan opium, 150 piculs.

HONAN.—Hankow states that in the Siangcheng district, in the centre of Honan, no outside opium is imported, though it is believed that in the southern districts the drug is received from Szechwan and Shansi.

SHANSI.—No reliable statement.

SHENSL—Chuns,,king estimates importations into Shensi at 1,500 piculs a year. Out of 25 post offices in Shensi which have furnished statements, five mention Kansu opium as arriving in the province, and from one place (Shangchow) it is reported that several thousand piculs arrive in the province from Shansi yearly.

KANsu.—Chungking estimates importations at 1,000 piculs a year.

SZECHWAN.—Ckungking estimates the importations from other provinces at 7,000 piculs. Although Yunnan opium enjoys a superior reputation and is smoked by the wealthy, dealers give only a total of 1,500 piculs as coming to Suifu, the chief entrepôt of the Yunnan trade, and admit that the so-called Yunnan opium sold and exported in Szechwan contains but 30 per cent. of that drug mixed with superior local opium. Some Kweichow opium enters by the Yungning, Pingt`an, and Ch`i Rivers, and a little is heard of as coming from Shensi, but, the four provinces having such a redundance, there can be little profitable interchange. From the Wanhsien report it is gathered that all the opium consumed is of local growth.

KWEICHOW.—Chungking estimates importations at 2,000 piculs a year.

YUNNAN.—Mengtsz states that the small quantity of opium which entered the province from Kweichow and Szechwan is sent to the Tonkin market. About 690 piculs of Kweichow opium arrives yearly at Mengtsz for Tonkin, and in 1907 for the first time, owing to the scarcity of Yunnan drug, some 3oo piculs of Szechwan opium arrived en route for Tonkin.

KWANGSI.— Wuchow states that the likin office had cognizance during the 33rd year of KUANG HSii (1907) of 5,65i piculs of opium imported, as follows: from Yunnan, 97 piculs; from Kweichow, 4,519 piculs; and from Szechwan, 161 piculs,—in all, 5,651 piculs; and that of this total 976 piculs passed into Kwangtung Wuchow, while a good deal more may have gone into Southern Kwangtung. This leaves out of account the opium smuggled in for provincial consumption. Nanning states that in 12 months ending October 1908 4.40 piculs arrived at Nanning from Yunnan and 1,4.4.0 piculs from Kweichow, without reckoning what was smuggled. These figures show large reductions as compared with those of the year or two preceding.

O.) TOTAL PRODUCTION.
The total production for all China during the year 1906 is roughly estimated to have been in the neighbourhood of 584,80o piculs, and for the year 1908-two years after the promulgation of the Anti-Opium Edict-the output is roughly estimated to have been about 367,250 piculs, which shows a decrease in production of a little over 37 per cent. This decrease is ascribed partly to the restrictions enforced by the officials against the cultivation of the poppy and partly to the ever-growing public opinion, which is more and more condetnning the habit of opium smoking as being both disreputable and unpatriotic.

(c.) PRODUCTION PER PROVINCE.

The foregoing table shows the estimated production for each province. The second column gives MORSE'S estimate of 1905; the third, LEECH'S estimate of November 1907, forwarded from the British Legation at Peking to the British Foreign Office; the fourth column gives the Peking Board of Revenue's return for the 32nd year of KUANG Hsti, i.e., 1906; and the fifth and sixth columns an estimate for the years t906 and 19o8 culled and joined together from reports sent forward by the Commissioners of Customs at the various treaty ports of China. These reports are based on the personal investigations of the writers and assistance derived from inland postal officers, missionaries, and Chinese merchants, as well as an occasional recourse to official sources. It is acknowledged that accurate statistics about opium are most difficult to obtain in China, and it must therefore be understood that the figures given are in many cases only approximate and the result of sifting the scraps of information received here and there and the putting, of "two and two together" in the minds of the framers of the estimates. This is more especially true in regard to the estimates for the inland provinces-the greatest opium-producing districts in China,-where the taxation is irregular and, for the greater part, evaded, and where public or official returns are practically unknown. When, in addition, the percentage of an uncounted population, who locally consume the opium, is a matter of conjecture, the most carefully made computation may be easily controverted.

The following notes explain how the figures of production per province are arrived at:—

MANcHuRIA.--The Newchzvang Commissioner, assuming the population of the three provinces--Fengtien, Kirin, and Heilungkiang—to be 10,000,000 inhabitants, estimates the number of opium smokers at 2 per cent. of the total, i.e., 200,000 consuiners. The quantity of raw opium per smoker annually he takes at 4 catties, which gives a consumption for the province of 8,000 piculs yearly. Before the Anti-Opium Edict of 1906 the number of smokers was 5o per cent. greater, as since then there has been a decrease of one out of every three consumers. The local consumption was therefore at that tiine about 12,000 piculs yearly, to which should be added the amount exported, some 3,000 piculs, making a total output of 15,000 piculs. The export of opium from Manchuria has now practically ceased.

CHIHLI.—MORSE, in his book, "The Trade and Administration of the Chinese Empire," says that the opium produced in this province is probably i0,000 piculs per year, certainly, 5,000 piculs. The Tientsin Commissioner estimates that two-thirds of the opium consumed in the province is grown locally, and the total consumption before the Anti-Opium Edict was reported to be between 15,000 and 20,000 piculs yearly. Taking the mean, 18,000 piculs, g-ives some 12,000 piculs produced locally. Since the Edict the decrease in the number of smokers is said to vary from 20 to 50 per cent. Working on a safe average-33 per cent.,—the local outturn at the end of 1908 is about 8,000 piculs.

SHANTUNG.—In his report the Commissioner of Custoins at Chefoo states that opium is extensively cultivated in the south-western and southern portions of the province, and that the area under cultivation in the spring of the year (1908) is reported to have been 100,000 acres, viz., 600,000 inou. No estimate of the outturn is given; but assuming the average yield as 2 catties per mou, the same as for Manchuria, the total production should accordingly have been in the neighbourhood of 12,000 piculs. The Commissioner of Customs at Kiaochow reports that replies to letters of inquiry regarding production in the province give decreases in the area under cultivation during the last two years ranging from 40 to 70 per cent. It is therefore assumed that the decrease in the total land given to opium growing shows, since the Anti-Opium Edict, a falling off of fully 33X per cent. This makes an annual production previous to 1906 of 18,000 piculs.

KIANGSU.—The Commissioners of Customs at both Chinkiang and Nanking- estimate that the annual production of opium in Kiangsu varies from 10,000 to 20,000 piculs, the latter amount representing a full crop; and the Chinkiang Commissioner states that for 1908, owing to restrictive measures and dry weather, the crop was reduced to 2,800 piculs, but the Nanking Commissioner estimates the quantity at 5,000 piculs. The Shanghai Commissioner quotes a letter from a Catholic priest to the effect that in certain districts in the north of the province the land under poppy cultivation some io years ago aggregated as much as 4o per cent. of the agricultural area; but during the past three years this proportion has much diminished, and for 1908 it was only 5 per cent.

CHEKIANG.—The estimates of the opium production in this province in Igo' crave the crop as amounting- to 14,000 piculs, and the Commissioners of Customs at Ningpo and IUenchow estimate that the crop for 1908 was in the neighbourhood of 9,000 piculs. It is grown chiefly in the Taichow and Wenchow districts.

FUKIEN.—Tht. Foochow Commissioner gives no estimate of the annual production, but simply says it has been large. The Amoy Commissioner estimates that $-,,000,000 worth of opium, at $500 per picul —4,000 piculs, is grown annually in the Amoy districts, and adding another 1,000 piculs for other districts, the outturn is some 5,000 piculs. In the spring of 1908 the Anti-Opium Society claimed that, owing to its efforts, the production of opium in the province had been reduced by 50 per cent.; so for 1908 the figure is put down at 3,000 piculs.

KWANGTUNG.---The Commissioner at Swatow reports that opium was formerly grown in eight districts, that the cultivation has been entirely stopped in five districts and reduced 75 per cent. in two, and that there has been little or no reduction in one. The Canton Commissioner reports that the poppy cultivation has practically ceased. MORSE gives 500 piculs as the annual production, and in consideration of what is stated above, the production for 1908 is estimated at not more than 200 piculs.

HUNAN. —The Commissioner at Changsha reports that the soil of Hunan is not suitable for poppy growing, though in a few districts a small amount is grown for private consumption only, none being for sale. An estimate made at Y ockozu in 19m gives the production of the province at 1,000 piculs. That amount is accepted as the estimate for 1906 and cut in half for 1908.

HUPEH.-- The Commissioner of Customs at Hankozo states that the cultivation of opium in the eastern portion of the province is inconsiderable, the soil generally not being suitable to its growth. One district, ho\\ ever, seven years ago produced from goo to ;.60o piculs a year, while to-clay both native and foreign sources report that very little, if any, land is given over to the cultivation of the poppy. Another district is reported to have formerly grown some opium, but of late years it has diminished very much in quantity. The eastern half may have therefore some years back produced in the neighbourhood of 1,50o piculs annually,. The /chan,;,,- Commissionei reports that he estimates the annual output of opium in that part of Hupeh as 1,500 piculs ; but Ile is also informed that the area under cultivation is steadily decreasing,.

KIANGsi.—The    uki ans- Commissioner states that very little opium is grown in the
province. ln some places, howevei, it is grown in gardens for private use.

AN HWEL—The 11-ithze Commissioner estimates the annual production to be not less than 3,000 piculs at the present time. He states that ,-,ince the Anti-Opium Edict there has been a reduction in the area under cultivation in some districts of from 5o to 8o per cent. His estimate is consequently doubled for 1906.

HuNAN and SHANS I .—No estimates are available. There can be little doubt, however, that the production in i906 amounted, at the very least, to is,000 piculs for Honan and 30,000 piculs for Shansi, as the Board of Revenue's return gives 5,283 and 9,666 piculs respectively for these two provinces. These figures are reduced one-third for 1908.

SHENSI.—The Chungking- Commissioner states that before the famine of 1873 Shensi is said to have supplied 3o per cent. of the native opium in China, and he estimates the annual production as 5o,000 piculs.

KANsu.—The Chungkins, Commissioner says opium is cultivated everywhere in the Kansu province, the drug being of superior quality and flavour, and estimates the annual production to be 34,000 piculs.

SZECHWAN.—The Chungking Commissioner also reports that the poppy for many years has been the principal and most profitable product of Szechwan, and estimates the quantity produced annually, to be 238,000 piculs. While giving statistics showing an enormous decrease in the number of smoking divans in both Chengtu and Chungking (Chengtu, over 7,000 in 1904 and less than ioo in i9o8 ; Chungking, over 1,60o in i906 and 85 registered houses in 1908), and stating that " The logic of the prohibitory Edict of September 1906 appealed strongly to the common sense of the people, and they are proving amenable to the enforcing regulations of the provincial officials," he gives no estimate of the decrease in the smoking habit. As the province of Yunnan reports a decrease since 1906 of fully 5o per cent. in the production of opium, the inference to be drawn is that Shensi, Kansu, and Szechwan, have likewise reduced their output. The estimates for 1908 have consequently been reduced, roughly, one-third of the figures for 1906.

YUNNAN. —The Mengtsz Commissioner estimates that the total production of opium in Yunnan two years ago amounted to 78,000 piculs, and that it has been reduced by not less than 50 per cent. since the promulgation of the Anti-Opium Edict in September 1906. This gives a total production for 1908 of 39,000 piculs.

KWEICHOW.—The Chungking Commissioner states that opium is produced throughout the province. The Miaotzti tribes grow it extensively, but smoke little. He estimates the production to be 48,000 piculs annually. Kweichow is under the jurisdiction of the energetic Yunnan Viceroy ; but being farther away from head-quarters, the 1908 estimate of production is reduced by one-third only instead of by one-half as in the case of the sister province.

KWANGSI.—The Wuchow Commissioner states that opium is grown in minute quantities in certain districts; and the Nanning Commissioner reports that the production, never large, has been reduced in recent years to zero. For 1906 the production is put down at 500 piculs and for 1908 at 15o piculs.

NEW TERRITORY.—The production for 1906 is placed at 500 piculs, and that for 1908 at 3oo piculs.

(d.) COMPARISON WITH FOREIGN OPIUM.
Opium as it appears on the market is not ready, for use until it has been subjected to a boiling- process, and all extraneous matter filtered from it, when it is known as prepared opium. The percentage of the drug in this prepared state yielded by the various kinds of raw opium is as follows :—

Malwa      6o    per cent.
Patna      53 to 55    „
Benares      53 ,, 55    „
Native      62 „ 65    „

Patna and Benares opium is covered with a thick husk, the weight of which is included in the above figures, so that the yield is less than in the case of Malwa, which has no similar covering. Generally speaking, a ball of Patna or Benares opium, weighing on an average 3 catties (48 ounces), will give 26 to 29 ounces of prepared opium.

A rather remarkable exception to the above average is provided in the case of opium grown in Manchuria, ounce of the first quality of which will yield, it is stated (Newchwang), as much as 8 Y2 mace of prepared opium. In addition, it is averred, a further 7 mace of good opium can be obtained by reboiling ounce of the first quality dross. r ounce of medium quality of the raw Manchurian drug gives 7 mace, and of third quality 5 mace, of prepared opium.

It is usual everywhere to add a certain proportion of dross to raw opium before boiling it down. At Hangchow as much as so to 6o ounces weight of the dross are added to every wo ounces of the raw product ; but the actual quantity varies considerably according to place and circumstances. At Shanghai first quality prepared opium is said to be made up as follows :—

Benares or Patna      6o per cent.
Malwa      to
Native      20
Dross

Second-class quality is understood to be prepared entirely from native opium and dross in the proportion of 4o per cent. of the former and 60 per cent. of the latter, whilst lower qualities are adulterated with sesamum-seed cake, burnt sugar, etc. The amount of dross yielded by the various qualities of prepared opium varies, as a rule, from 4o to 7o per cent.

The relative strength of Chinese and Indian opium is generally conceded to be in the proportion of 75 to ioo, which means that 4 mace of native opium are required to produce the same effect as 3 mace of the Indian variety. In a recent number of "La Revue," a writer—a practical chemist—compares the harmful and other qualities of Indian and Chinese opium, taking the Benares as an example on the one side and opium grown in China on the other. The harmful constituent, and that which gives opium the specific qualities sought for by smokers, is, of course, the alkaloid morphine, of which, he says, the Benares variety contains about 7 per cent. He continues: "Chinese opium contains, however, another alkaloid known as thébaine, the action of which is directly contrary to that of morphine in the ratio of 25 to 1." Assuming this analysis to be correct, opium which contained these two alkaloids in proper proportions would be practically innocuous. "Opium grown in China contains as much as o.o6 per cent. of thébaine, and but 5 to 6 per cent. morphine," and thus may be said to be less harmful than the Indian product. But this single experiment, whilst interesting, can scarcely be considered conclusive. The varieties of native opium appear to differ, and an analysis of Manchurian opium, for instance, might give altogether different results to that of the kind "grown in China" referred to by the writer of the article in question. The subject seems, however, worthy of further research.

(e.) PRICES, WHOLESALE AND RETAIL.

During the past 12 months the price of native opium has risen in a very striking manner all over China. The reasons given for this are (i) diminished supply due to reduced cultivation, and (ii) increased demand, confirmed smokers laying in supplies for the future.
Newchwang gives Hk.Tb. 960 per picul as the present wholesale price of Manchurian opium. The Kansu and Shantung varieties can be bought there for H k.Tts. 533 a picul.

At Tientsin the local product, which is of poor quality, is retailed at $0.7o to $0.6o per ounce (liang).

At Kiaochow the movement and sale of opium are under official control. The price of raw opium is given as $0,45 to $o.88 per ounce, according to quality. Prepared opium, consisting of Indian and native varieties mixed in certain fixed proportions, is retailed at the following rates per ounce: st quality, $1.50; 2nd quality, $1.25; 3rd quality, $1.

Tile market price of raw opium at Chinkiang is now Tis. 544 per picul; in 1907 it was Ds. 352 only.

Ningpo reports that the price of raw opium has risen lately from $4 to $8 a catty, and Hangchow gives the following rates:—

Chekiang opium      $850 to $890 per picul.
Yunnan   871 Szechwan   858 Kiangsu   884 Shensi 836

At Amoy wholesale prices for the raw product are as follows:—

Fukien opium   $50o per picul.
Yunnan   8io
Szechwan   800

Native raw opium realises Tls. 544 a picul at Canton, and when prepared it is retailed at Tts. 0.6o an ounce.

The price of Yunnan raw opium per picul at Hankow is Ds 672, and of Szechwan, VS. 544. In its prepared state the former is sold at $1.10 per ounce, other varieties costing only $0.95.

At Shasi $928 is paid per picul for Yunnan opium, and $800 and $672 for the Szechwan and Kweichow varieties respectively.

In Sha,nsz' poppy juice realises from ioo to 2oo cash an ounce; and the price of the raw product in Shensi is stated to be from Tis. i8o to Tts. 200, according to consistency and quality.

The cultivator in Szechwan expects to get 120 cash for every ounce of his raw drug when he disposes of it to the middleman.

At 21/engtss- the present price of raw opium per picul is $56o to $608.

The price of Kweichow opium at Anshun, in Kweichow, is Vs. 3 or $4.17 a catty. Conveyed to Chingyuan, in Kwangsi, it realises Tts. 5, or $6.95, a catty. At Chingyuan the sale of opium is a Government monopoly, and prepared opium is retailed at Tts. o.6o or $0.84 an ounce, i.e., $13.44 per catty.

The following table gives the Customs returns values of native opium at Shanghai for the years 1869 to 19°8 :—

SHANGHAI CUSTOMS RETURNS VALUES PER PICUL, 1869 TO 1908.

IV.—CONSUMPTION OF OPIUM.
IF to the figures showing the total production of home-grown opium we add the amount imported from India and elsewhere, and deduct what is exported to neighbouring countries, e.g., Burma, Tonkin, etc., we arrive at the quantity consumed within the Empire. The total production of native opium for i906 is estimated as 584,800 piculs, reduced in 1908 to 367,25o piculs.    Thus we have:—   

These figures, it is true, are merely approximate; but they are based on reports received from observers in 16 of the 18 provinces of China proper, and may be regarded as an impartial attempt to estimate the quantities of opium produced and consumed during the years 1906 and 1908 respectively.

Dealing now with the different provinces.

MANCHURIA.—The proportion of smokers throughout Manchuria is estimated (New-chwang) to be 2 per cent. of the total—or about io per cent. of the adult male—population.
In some parts of the province the proportion is very much larger than in others. Antung, for example, returns an estimated average of 2o per cent., that is, one in five of the population, and at many other places the proportion is calculated to be from io to 20 per cent.

CHIHLT.--Between zo and 3o per cent. of the adult male population of Chihli are calculated by the Tientsin Commissioner to smoke opium.

SHANTUNG.—The Chefoo Commissioner thinks that one-third of the adult male population of his district are addicted to the vice; whilst the number of smokers at Kiaochow is roughly estimated at 2,200 out of a total population of 44,400, or 5 per cent.

KIANGSU.--Reports from Kiangsu vary somewhat ; but missionaries in touch with the people concur in believing that in rich communities in the neighbourhood of Shanghai as much as 20 per cent. of the population smoke, whilst arnong the peasantry the proportion is nut more than 4 to 5 per cent. The Chinkiang Commissioner is of opinion that in cities about io per cent. of the men and or 2 per cent. of the women smoke, but that among the country people not more than or 2 per cent. of the men use opium, and none of the women ; whilst a report from Nanking, based on observation made by missionaries, states that only 5 per cent. of the adult population are considered to be consumers, as compared with nearly 20 per cent. previous to the issue of the prohibitory Edict and proclamations.

CHEKIANG.—The Commissioner of Customs at Hangchow considers that 5 per cent. of the total population of Chekiang are addicted to the opium habit, but that it is on the decline. In the vicinity of _Vinspo the number of smokers is thought to be nearly 2 per cent. of the total—or from 6 to 8 per cent. of the adult male—population; whilst for the frenchow and Chuchow prefectures, where a good deal of opium is grown, the proportion of habitue's is given as 20 per cent. of the adult male population in urban and fo per cent. in the country districts.

FUKIEN.—In and around Amoy 25 per cent. of the population are slaves to the pipe, though the number of smokers is believed to be diminishing. The proportion in other places is not so heavy. Information received from the Ch`uanchow prefecture is to the effect that in the cities and large villages between 2 and 3 per cent. of the people smoke opium, and in rural districts probably not more than per cent.; and a resident of the Yungch'un prefecture reports: "About one-tenth of the male adult population in this region smoke opium, swallow, or inject morphia." The Commissioner of Customs at Foochow writes: "Estimates vary very greatly as to the percentage of the population who use opium. The Anti-Opium Society has recently taken a census with a view to the registration and licensing of smokers, and by this means has arrived at the following estimate:—

"I. MeMbers of the gentry, teachers and students in Government schools, civil and military officials who still smoke but are under orders to stop within six months 2½  per cent.

2 People of the broader classes, who have owned to being smokers 1 per cent

3 Those who have no opportunity, or are afraid to smoke, and who are swallowing opium or morphine pills 1½ per cent

TOTAL      4. per cent.

"But there can be no doubt that an estimate arrived at in such a vvay must fall very far below the mark. For so long as opium is so readily obtainable as it is, and doubtless will continue to be for a long time to com, the average smoker will probably refuse, from one motive or other, to admit that he is addicted to a habit which is legally forbidden to the vast army of office holders and office seekers, and which has become the object of popular denunciation and widespread fear and dislike amidst all classes." The report continues: "A native observer, who has made inquiries of retail opium dealers and others, gives it as his opinion that about 2o per cent. of the adult population use opium more or less. Classifying the consumers according to standing or occupation, he estimates the percentage as follows: officials, 5 per cent.; yam'en people, 20 per cent.; gentry, to per cent.; soldiers, 2 per cent ; merchants, io per cent.; shopkeepers, 5 per cent.; farmers, to per cent.; carpenters, 20 per cent.; masons, 25 per cent ; chair coolies, So per cent." There exists, of course, some foundation for these figures, but it is admitted that the estimate is little better than guesswork.

KWANGTUNG.—Formerly, says a Canton report, 33 per cent. of the adult male popula-tion smoked opium; now not more than to per cent. do so. The Commissioner of Customs at Kongnzoon gives about 2 per cent. as the proportion of opium smokers in that district. He considers that consumption is decreasing, and observes that moderate smokers are giving up the habit. Samshui reports that less than io per cent. of the population smoke, and that the proportion is constantly declining. The Pakhoi Commissioner is of opinion that "as many people use opium in China as whisky in England," and thinks the consumption in his district is not sensibly diminishing. By comparing all the figures obtainable, the Commissioner of Customs at Swatow arrives at ihe conclusion that the proportion of smokers is 25 to 3o per cent. of the population in the larger centres, and about 5 per cent. of the country, people.

HUNAN.—According to reports from Changsha, the proportion of confirmed smokers in Hunan is not more than per cent. of the total population; but there are occasional smokers, say, 40 to 50 per cent. of the adult male population. The Commissioner of Customs at Yochozo observes that the estimates given vary considerably. Where opium is produced the proportion of stnokers to the population is very high—the Chinese say 20 per cent., and the missionaries 4.o per cent. Workmen apparently smoke most, next are the small traders and shopkeepers, then come merchants, and last on the list are the farmers. Less than 5 per cent. of those that indulge belong to the gentler sex.

HUPEH.—Basing his opinion on local observations, the Hankow Commissioner thinks that a low average of the proportion of smokers to the total population in that part of the Empire is 20 per cent., whilst a Siangyangfu correspondent puts the percentage at "15 for the smaller towns and villages, and anything from 45 to 6o for the big cities." Hupeh is, it would seem, a veritable hotbed of the vice, for the prevalence of smoking amongst all classes is further borne out by a report from Shasi, which says: "About 22 per cent. of the total population are opium smokers, amongst whom are inany young women." The Ichang- Commissioner estimates the number of habitual smokers in Ichang itself as one-third of the total adult male population; but he thinks the habit, on the whole, is decreasing. The medical officer of that port states that in the cases which come to him for treatment at the hospital not less than 5o per cent. of the men indulge in opium.

KIANGSL—"Before the Anti-Opium Edict," reports the Commissioner of Customs at Kiukiang, "4.0 per cent. of the adult male population smoked opium. Of these, 3o per ccnt. (mostly poor people) have given up the habit, 3o per cent. have substituted the drug in some other form, and 40 per cent. still smoke in their own homes."

ANHWEL—Widely divergent estimates were given to the Wuhu Commissioner in reply to many inquiries made by him regarding the percentage of the population that smoke, but he inclines to the belief that about five out of ten adults in the province of Anhwei use opium in one form or another. He adds that owing to the high price of foreign opium about 7o per cent. of those who smoke use the native drug. The consumption of opium has undoubtedly decreased amongst the middle and poorer classes, but only a very few of the well-to-do have given up the habit.

HONAN.—For Honan the proportion of smokers in the total population is given as 15 per cent. for cities, 5 per cent. for market towns, and 2 per cent. for villages.

SHANSL—No information has come to hand with regard to the consumption of opium in Shansi, but as the province produces a considerable quantity of the drug, the percentage of smokers may be assumed to be proportionately heavy,.

SHENSI, KANSU, and KWEICHOW.—The Chungking Commissioner is of opinion that 20 per cent. of the adult population of Shensi consume 2 mace of prepared opium a day. He also estimates that 12 per cent. of the adult population of Szechwan, Kweichow, and Kansu respectively smoke a similar amount, and he adds that these estimates, both as regards percentage and quantity, are lower than any supplied in answer to exhaustive inquiries. " Women," be says, "smoke as habitually as men, and youths of IS, especially in Shensi and Kansu, are frequently smokers." Referring more especially' to Szechwan, the home of opium, the same report says: "Replies received to the query What percentage of the population smoke?'—from officials, gentry, missionaries, and the people—range from 20 to 75 per cent., with an average of 34 per cent. An official estimate supplied after due consideration gives 3o to 4o per hundred of the adult population."

YUNNAN.—The i71-enstss' Commissioner estimates that two years ago, before the promulgation and enforcement of the Imperial Edict, 5o per cent. of the adult male and io per cent. of the female population were addicted to the opium-smoking habit ; but since then drastic measures have been taken, at the instance of the Viceroy, by the officials in most of the large centres to suppress the vice. These efforts have been so far successful that 45 per cent. of the smoking population are said to have given up the habit completely, 15 per cent. have been nearly cured, and 4o per cent. continue to use the drug. In 190I the Commissioner of Customs at 5::eniao calculated that 50 per cent. of the total adult population of the province were more or less regular smokers, and stated that missionaries many years resident in the province usually place the percentage at a much higher figure, the number of men and women using the drug in many districts being almost incredible. Writing from Szemao in October 19o8, the Commissioner of Customs reports that a house-to-house visitation in the town and suburbs had just been completed by the officials, who supplied him with the following figures:—

Number of male opium smokers     529
Number of female opium smokers      83

This represents, roughly, 26 per cent. of the adult male and 4 per cent. of the adult female population.

In his report from Tensyuek the Commissioner says that Ile is infortned that three-tenths of the total population are addicted to the vice; but public opinion against the habit is making itself felt, and the demand for opium is diminishing.

KWANGSL—The 1Fuchozo Commissioner thinks that 33 per cent. of the adult male population of Kwangsi use the pipe with more or less reg-ularity, and to an extent limited more by individual means than by actual craving for the drug. The percentag-e of smokers in the villages is much greater than in the cities, and there are more smokers in the northern and western prefectures than in the remainder of the province. In some parts the proportion is said to be as high as so and even 6o per cent. of the male population ; but at Wuchow it is believed to be now not more than 20 per cent. As to races, it is said that the proportion of smokers is about 20 per cent. among- the Cantonese, 5 per cent. among the Hakkas, 30 to 40 per cent. among the semi-civilised " Ch`uang-ku," and only to 2 per cent. among the Yao tribes,

Whilst attempting no estimates for the whole of Kwangsi, the Commissioner of Customs at Xanninç supplies some interesting information as to the number of smokers at that one centre. He writes: " According to the latest census, which was taken in 19o7, the population of the city of Nanning consists of 22,91i males and 14,971 iemales. The garrison, amounting to 1,000 soldiers, should be added to the male figures, thus making 23,91i, from which 2,500 children should be deducted. Children do not smoke, and the number of women who do so is altogether insignificant . . . The net result of careful inquiry pursued in many directions and by various methods gives the number of smokers in Nanning at 4,000, that is, io per cent. of the population, or 18 per cent. of the males. Certainly the percentage is a very high one, and certainly, too, the lowest that can be given. I gave the figures to one who has had a pretty extensive acquaintance with smokers here and asked him how Ile would classify the smokers. His classification is as follows :—

" 400 in whom the vice is most deeply seated ;
" 1,200 who smoke regularly and continuously, and are definitely committed to the vice;
" 600 who have acquired the desire, but who do not yet indulge to marked excess; " I,Soo who smoke in moderation, or only casually and irregularly.

" The course of the inquiry revealed more particularly the shopkeeping class and that section of the population given to sedentary pursuits as most prone to the evil."

The conclusion that one draws from these reports is that opium smoking is not a practice of the comparatively few, but of a very large proportion of the population, and that it permeates all classes of the community throughout the Empire. In some districts the pipe claims most devotees amongst the well-to-do ; in others—Foochow, for example—the lower classes are conspicuously affected. That the percentage of smokers in the west is so great is due partly to the extensive cultivation there of the poppy many decades before it became diffused throughout China; but the depressing climate, and the existence of a strong Mahommedan element in the population, to whom opium offers a solace during the long religious fasts and interdicted use of alcohol, may also be cited as contributory causes for the spread of the habit.

The proportion of smokers is usually greater in the cities than in the villages, but in one or two provinces where much opium is produced the reverse seems to be the case. But the impression left on one's mind by a perusal of the various reports is that there exists a preponderating- number of irregular or casual smokers, who only " hit the pipe" (to use an expressive Americanism) when circumstances allow, which is equivalent to saying, when they can a ord to do so.

This question of means is an important one, and it should be taken into consideration in any attempt to estimate the number of smokers in a population from any known consumption of the drug. It is exceedingly easy to assume, for example, that each habitue consumes 2 mace weight of prepared opium per diem ; but the cost of that quantity of the drug would be prohibitive in the case of many thousands of smokers amongst the lower classes, who by continuous labour only manage to gain a bare subsistence. At Shanghai the lowest quantity of prepared opium of the very poorest quality retailed is 3 candareens weight, which costs 38 cash-a trifle more than 3 cents, and this quantity affords sufficient for-at the most-three pipes. Another important factor that is not sufficiently allowed for in such calculations is the extent to which opium is adulterated. Even the best quality of the prepared article sold in Shanghai contains To per cent. of dross, that is, opium which has already passed through the pipe.

In view of the fact that the individual consumption appears to range from one or two pipes to as much as ounce and even more per diem, the proportion of smokers to the population is exceedingly difficult to determine. The ordinary smoker of the shopkeeper class usually sets aside Salo a day as the price of his indulgence, which is equivalent to saying that Ile consumes no more than mace ‘veight of prepared opiutn daily. A man who got through as much as 4 mace a day would be regarded as a confirmed and heavy smoker. It seems probable, therefore, that an estimate based on the hypothesis that half the total of the opium consumed is used by smokers who clo not exceed mace a day, while the other half is used by smokers consuming 4 mace a day, would nearly approximate to the actual facts. Proceeding on these lines, and allowing for the practice of adulterating the drug, we arrive at the following results-assuming that the figures quoted at the commencement of this article are approximately correct:-

The population usually assigned to China is 400 millions, of which it is fair to suppose that 5o millions are adult males. The proportion of smokers to the total population at the end of i906 was, therefore, according- to this estimate, a little over per cent., and to the number of adult males 27 per cent. During the past two years the consumption is believed to have diminished by about one-third.

V.-MORPHIA.

(er.) NET IMPORTATIONS OF MORPHIA FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES,
1898 TO 1907.

(b.) CLANDESTINE TRAFFIC IN MORPHIA.

That the clandestine importation of morphia is undoubtedly iucreasing to an enormous and alarming extent there can be no possible doubt, and the difficulties of controlling this illicit traffic is referred to in many of the reports received. Considerable impetus seems to have been lent to the trade in morphia by the action of the officials in carrying out the prohibitory Edicts, and by the anti-opium movement generally. The comparative cheapness of the drug, the facility with which it can be obtained, and the ease with which it may be administered—outbidding opium as it does on all three points,--constitute a very serious danger to the people, especially to the lower classes. So easily indeed is it imported on the person and surreptitiously disposed of, that, failing the adoption of special measures for its restriction, the smuggling of morphia may be expected to flourish. Its use subcutaneously is not yet to be found everywhere, and in the more distant provinces even the name of the drug is unknown; but there are strong reasons for fearing that morphia and instruments for its application are insidiously making- their wav into the very heart of the Empire. I-3y reason of their cheapness the products of Japan have a virtual monopoly in Manchuria and along- the lower part of the Yangtze Valley ; in the southern provinces they have to compete, it seems, with morphia and instruments manufactured in America, Great I-3ritain, and on the continent of Europe.

Passages from the various reports dealing- with this important question are given below. Attention is specially called to one aspect of the trade, referred to by the Swatow Commissioner, viz., the percentage of emig-rants addicted to the morphia habit, as it implies a possibility of the vice being spread by them to other countries.

MANCHURIA.—At Newchwang, although the Customs statistics show practically no arrivals, morphia is being sold by Japanese hawkers and druggists, either openly or under such euphemistic names as chih-shui-yao (a fi) or chih-t`uko,-yao (IL 1-4 A), Chinese shops are forbidden to deal in the drug under penalty of two years imprisonment with hard labour. The use of morphia is on the increase. For this the anti-opium crusade is partly responsible. Many smokers honestly desirous of breaking off the habit have been deluded into believing, that morphia would free them from the yoke; others, intitnidated or hampered by official restrictions, have merely substituted one vice for the other ; whilst many coolies resort to it on the ground of economy and convenience, $1 worth going as far as $3 vvorth of opium.

Japan is stated to be the chief source of supply, and the Japanese to be mainly responsible for its sale in Manchuria. The high tariff duty of Hk.17s. 3 per ounce hinders open importation, but smuggling is comparatively easy. In particular, the traffic across the extensive Korean frontier is reported by the Antung Commissioner to be very large. As proof of this he mentions that one Japanese merchant at Antung openly retails morphia in quantities of from one to ioo bottles, containing one-eighth of an ounce each. The price, roug,hly, is Yen 7 an ounce; but the wholesale price in Japan is about Yen 4.8o an ounce, to which must be added Customs duty, Hk.T1s. 3, or Yen 3.9o, and cost of carriage! The retail price at Newchwang, as given by a Japanese druggist, is $1.o3 for a small bottle, containing about one-eighth of an ounce. European morphia is stated to be just double these rates.

In the interior of Manchuria the use of the drug is not generally known, but, having in mind the quantities of morphia pouring into the coast ports, one may surmise that this happy ignorance will not long continue. The Antung- report states "that there arrived at Shin Wiju by parcel post during the three months of August, September, and October 1908, 498 ounces of morphia consigned to Japanese merchants in Antung . . . and 2 1 3 ounces for Shin Wiju merchants." The Commissioner is unable to say positively that all these consignments were smuggled across the river into Antung, but investigations point to that conclusion.

Instruments for the subcutaneous injection of the drug can be purchased from Japanese druggists for from $1.5o to $2 a set.

CiMiLL—The Commissioner of Customs at Tientsm reports that the subcutaneous injection of morphia is not generally prevalent in the province, but that in the few cases observed by missionaries the needles were of Japanese make.

SHANTUNG.—According to a report from Chefoo, morphine is said to be unknown in that district, whether as a substitute for opium or as a cure for smoking. None is imported into the province, and there are no means of ascertaining to what extent it is used in the various remedies sold. No morphia is openly imported into Kiaochow.

KIANGSU.—The following figures are adduced by the Shanghai Commissioner as proving that considerable quantities must be smuggled into the port:—
Home cost of morphia per lb Hh Tly 37,6o
Import duty p[er lb                                48.00
TOTAL VALUE (excluding freight or postage) Hk.Tls. 85.60

Yet the market price is only Hk.Tls.    per lb. Since the beginning of the anti-opium campaign, morphia has become the one remedy for curing the opium habit---with inevitable and disastrous results. "The coolie class pay as little as 14 cash for an injection, of sufficient streng,th to satisfy the ordinary consumer": whereas the least quantity of opium retailed costs 38 cash. The syringes met with are usually of Japanese make. There are some Chinese needles copied from a foreign model, and terrible wounds are sometimes the consequence of the use of non-sterilised needles by the morphinomaniac. Morphine and hypodermic syringes are hawked all over the country by petty Japanese traders. Large stocks are kept in smugglers private houses, and gradually disposed of to small Chinese medicine shops. Glass syringes cost $50 a dozen; those made of hornware cost $2o a dozen; while a native-made variety is obtain-able at $5 a dozen.

With regard to the sources of supply, a writer in the "London and China Express" of the 3rd July 1908 says: "By those who know, morphia can be bought in any quantity. It apparently comes in great quantities from the Austrian firm of AIELIIN'DROT, but some also is sent by German, English, and Scottish manufacturers." And ag-ain: "Orders for i,000-lb. weight have been given in one transaction. . . . This smuggling is wholesale, while Chinese returning from Borneo, Java, Malaya, and Siam in a large number of cases bring morphia back as saving-s to China." Dr. W. H. JEFFERYS, editor of the "China Medical Journal," writes: "The real fire business is conducted by Japanese largely—almost entirely,—although I know of at least one Shanghai British firm which sells morphine to Chinese in quantity and without prescription. . . . I believe that Korea is the centre of the most active doings in this respect."

Morphine is so easily concealed, owing to its small bulk, that in spite of very energetic measures in searching vessels and suspicious-looking persons the result at Shanghai has been almost ni/.

The Soochow Commissioner remarks that morphia has but few devotees in that district. It is used to a certain extent by the coolie class, and from the nature of the marks on their arms it would appear that very crude instruments, probably of native manufacture, are employed.

At Chinkiang morphia is not much used, and its import and sale are both clandestine.

Nanking reports similarly that morphia is not appreciably in favour there. Some smuggling goes on, but not much.

CHEKIANG.—The morphia that finds its way to Hangchow is all from Shanghai, and usually smuggled. It is not used as a solution for injecting, but in the form of pills. In most places in the neighbourhood of Ningpo it appears to be unknown. Where it is found, it is invariably smuggled from Shanghai by local carriers. In the TVenchow district morphia is not in general use.

FUKIEN.—Prior to 1902, and the increase of duty on morphia, the recorded importation at Foochow averaged 2,700 OU11CeS per annum. During the following three years only 8 ounces were imported, and since 1905 none whatever has been declared at the' Customs. There is reason to believe that large quantities are smuggled in along the coast in junks from Formosa and into the open ports by steamers from Hongkong. The consumption of the drug is reported to be just as great as ever Upwards of 3o medicine shops at Foochow deal openly in morphia, and some of these are believed to carry stocics of as much as t,000 ounces. Most of the bottles bear the labels of British firms. Instruments for subcutaneous injection are also found, but are not in great demand.

The Commissioner of Customs at Amov states that morphia is not manufactured locally. It comes chiefly from Germany, Japan, and Great Britain, and is all smuggled. 3 ounces only were declared at the Customs in 1908, as against 16,776 ounces in 1900. It can be bought in the Yungchun prefecture, where it is a terrible curse, from at least eight dealers, at $8 an ounce. Instruments for injecting are made there of bamboo, pewter, or glass, and cost 20 cents or so each. The points of these locally-made syringes are very crude. It is estimated that 7o per cent. of the morphia sold is used for subcutaneous injection purposes, and the remainder for anti-opium remedies

Amoy also reports that during the first nine months of 19o8 cocaine hydrochlorate, to the extent of Hk.77s. 2 i,000 worth, appeared—nearly all through the German post office. A good deal of morphia and cocaine brought into Atnoy is smuggled out again to the Straits and I3urma, as it is supposed that steamers from Amoy trading to those places will not be suspected of carrying such articles. Thus, lately, at Singapore 448 bottles of cocaine and 293 packets of morphia (weighing 50-lb.), were seized from the s.s. Hongmoh, running from Amoy and Swatow to that port.

KWANGTUNG.—Morphia can be bought at Swatow from respectable Chinese medicine and other shops for $6.8o an ounce, and hypodermic syringes at 90 cents to $1 each. The drug is mostly smuggled in by passengers, and the sources of supply are given as japan, America, and Europe. The subcutaneous use of morphia is not so general in Swatow, it is said, as a few years ago; it has, however, been replaced by the habit of taking- morphia pills--a vicious practice, said to be increasing largely. All reports received by the Swatol,v Commissioner from inland districts are unanimous in declaring that no morphia is used; but medical officers of the port assert that in every batch of emigrants examined by them there are about io per cent. who bear the marks of hypodermic needles.
Morphia is imported clandestinely at Canton, and may be purchased at most druggists, but the quantity consumed is not ascertainable. It is mainly used and sold by native shops dealing in European medicines and anti-opium remedies.

HUNAN.—At Changsha morphia is said to be practically unobtainable, but hypodermic syringes can be purchased at $3.5o each from the native shops dealing in foreign drugs. The Yochow Commissioner states that very little morphia enters Hunan, but what does is supposed to be Japanese, imported under the guise of quinine, etc.

HUPEH.—Licit importations of morphia into Hankow are small, and generally for foreign drug stores or hospitals. "But it is known," says the Commissioner, "that the drug is smuggled in from Japan in no inconsiderable quantity." It can be obtained comparatively easily by those who want it, and the practice of subcutaneous injection is considered to be on the increase. " The drug mostly found here (in the form of morphia hydrochloride) comes from Japan in small I-drachm bottles of cheap-looking glass, and is valued—before payment of duty—at $1.5o or so per ounce." Its retail price is given as $9 per ounce. The profits to be made by smuggling morphia are so great as to be well worth the slight risk of detection run. " Instruments for use when injecting the drug . . . now come mostly from Japan," many bearing the name of the manufacturing- firm in Osaka. The cost of a set of instruments varies from $2 to $5. Drug and instruments are no longer sold openly, but it is only a question of "knowing the ropes " to obtain both easily. In all the cities and towns on either side of the Han River the people are largely addicted to opium smoking, being, in fact, the best customers of the Hankow dealers ; but at Hanchwanhsien the morphia habit is also very prevalent, and the drug can be obtained on the streets.
Further up the Yangtze, at Shasi, morphia, said to be of Japanese manufacture, is imported surreptitiously and in apparently no small quantities. It is made up in packets of io grains, add is for sale at the opium shops at the rate of cent a grain. Its use hypodermically is not common, though syringes made in Japan are for sale at the medicine shops at 3,000 cash per set.
Morphia is apparently not known at /chang, except as entering into the composition of anti-opium remedies.

KIANGSI.—The Kiukiang Commissioner thinks that the subcutaneous injection of morphia has not yet been introduced into Kiangsi. But in the form of powder and pills morphine and other alkaloids of opium are being largely substituted for that drug. Cigarettes are also impregnated, he says, with some preparation of opium, and freely indulged in.

ANHWEI.—No reliable information can be obtained as to the extent to which morphia is used in Anhwei, but the Wuku Commissioner says that there is no disguising the fact that it is sold secretly by those who smuggle it into the port from Shanghai. This applies also to hypodermic syringes, which, like morphia, are easily concealed. Only those who are personally known to the dealers can obtain the drug or syringes. The drug is retailed at $0.07 a candareen, and a syringe set costs $2.5o. The medical officer of the port thinks, from his own observation, that the number of those who use morphia hypodermically is on the decrease.

HONAN,—It would appear that very few of the people of Honan know anything about morphia for injection purposes, though enormous quantities of the pills containing the drug are sold.

To the western and more distant inland provinces of China, e.g., Shansi, Shensi, Kansu, Kweichow, Yunnan, and Szechwan, morphia has not yet seemingly found its way. In Kwangsi it is " known in name only to readers of Canton newspapers," and there is no present demand for either drug or instruments.

LIST OF SAMPLES OF ANTI-OPIUM PILLS.

          

VI.—ANTI-OPIUM REMEDIES.

NOT less important than the spread of the morphia habit is the manner in which the so-called anti-opium remedies are gaining a hold on the people. The consensus of opinion from the provinces is that nearly all these nostrums—chiefly pills—contain opium in some form or other; and so great is the consumption that opium eating is clearly in danger of becoming, a regular substitute for opium smoking, one vice thus disappearing only to make room for another equally deleterious in its effects.
The following are a few extracts from reports received, dealing with this subject. In almost all, concern is expressed at the extension of the evil.

NEWCHWANG (MANCHURIA).

Anti-opium remedies of ‘arious kinds are freely sold. Here ag,ain the Japanese take the lead, although some of the Shanghai nostrums make a good second. All of them probably contain morphia.

TIENTSIN (CHIHLI).

Reports from all sides agree that these so-called remedies, containing morphia, or more frequently opium, are used to an enormous and increasing extent, and that they are a greater curse to the people than opium itself. The pills can be purchased of any trader, and their source of supply' is said to be, largely, foreign chemists of Tientsin. A large quantity is also probably smuggled in through this port.

KIAOCHOW (SIIANTUNG).

Most of the pills imported come from Shanghai. An attempt is being made to analyse them, \vith the view of discovering how much morphine they contain. The result will be reported later.

SHANGHAI (KIANGSU).

Dr. R. H. Cox gives the following information : " All effective remedies contain opium or its derivaties, e.g., morphia, the quantity of morphia varying from one-fourth to one-eighth of a grain to each drachm of opium smoked. . . . Since the recent Edicts, a remedy known as Peking Tea ' has been largely used by Peking officials. It seems to be ordinary black tea impregnated with morphia. It is taken as an infusion three dines daily, and at the end of a fortnight it is replaced by a syrup made of opium ash. The prescriptions of foreign doctors vary very little: opium or morphia, with belladonna to counteract its ill effects, and nux vomica and quinine as tonics, given generally in the form of a pill."

NANKING (KIANGSU).

Several kinds of medicines containing morphine—so-called anti-opium remedies in the shape of pills, draughts, cakes, and other preparations imported from Japan—are sold openly in the numerous druggists shops in the principal cities.

NINGPO (CHEKIANG).

Morphia is said to appear in all the anti-opium preparations in the market ; but the fact is not made apparent in any one of the advertisements concerning these nostrums. The directions say nothing about gradually decreasing the dose, and give no hint that smokers attempting to cure the opium habit may enslave themselves, by taking pills that contain morphia, to a habit more harmful than the one they wish to throw off.

HANGCHOW (CHEKIANG).

Morphia is not used here in the form of powder or in solution for injection, but is sold in the form of pills as an anti-opium medicine. These pills are made locally to some extent, but the g-reater number are manufactured in Shanghai.

AMOY (FuKIEN).

Any pills manufactured to remove the craving (opium smoking) may certainly be regarded as containing morphine or one of the alkaloids of opium.

SWATOW (KWANGTUNG).

The anti-opium pills prepared by . . . shop, which enjoy a high reputation for efficacy in Swatow, have been tested by the Customs medical officer, and found to give a slight morphia or meconic acid reaction, proving the presence of opium or its derivatives.

CANTON (KWANGTUNG).

There are different kinds of opium remedies : the average quantity of morphine used in each tael weight of such medicines is about o.oi tael.

YOCHOW (HUNAN).

Remedies of all sorts are in great demand ; only experience and education will teach their unreliability. Mission doctors say that no remedy will cure without firm determination on the part of the patient, medicine alone being of no avail. Given the will, even opium containing remedies may effect cures ; without it, the " pill " habit will supersede the opium habit, and the last state will be no better than the first.

HANKOW (HUPEH).
Anti-opium pills containing a small percentage of morphia, and of Japanese origin, are imported at Hankow. Native-made pills, containing opium, opium dross, treacle, etc., are exported in considerable quantities, and are valued on export at Tt8. is° a picul.
From Siangyang a correspondent writes: "Any amount of anti-opium pills, of all sizes, names, and colours, are for sale. All contain raw opium or opium ashes, flour, treacle, and native drugs."

ICHANG (HUPEH).

Anti-opium pills contain a minute quantity of morphine, as well as of a drug called codeine, which is also an alkaloid extract of opium. 15 per cent. of the pills come from Japan, the remainder from Hankow, Shanghai, and Canton.

KIUKIANG (KIANGSI).

The Customs medical officer took great pains to elicit reliable information concerning the opium habit generally, and to verify facts for himself as much as possible. He obtained samples of so-called anti-opium remedies, both foreign and Chinese, but they all appeared to contain too much of the drug to be the g-enuine cure they claim to be. Several men who have taken these pills in good faith, and with the firm intention of curing themselves of the habit, have derived no benefit after giving- them a fair trial, and have found the effect, in some cases, worse than stnoking. That these so-called anti-opium remedies are only a substitute for the pipe is well known to all Chinese. Many drug stores, foreign and Chinese, are doing a lucrative business by the sale of these remedies.

WUHU (ANHWEI).

Anti-opium pills are sold and largely purchased by the poorer classes in order to satisfy the craving for the drug, as they contain either opium or morphia. The officials frequently test samples of anti-opium remedies, and thus check to a certain extent the open sale of those containing opium or morphia.

SIANGCHENG AND JUCHOW (HONAN).

Multitudes are said to be sustaining themselves on anti-opium pills containing morphia

TUNGKWAN AND SIANFU (SHENSI).

A proclamation issued during the 9th moon orders smokers to register themselves, and adds that smokers have been effectively cured in other places by anti-opium pills, which are 110W on the market for sale at very cheap rates.

SININGFU (KANSU).

Anti-opium pills are stated to be in great demand.

KWEICHOW, SZECHWAN, AND SHANSI.

Reports from these provinces make no reference to anti-opium remedies.

MENGTSZ (YuNNAN).

Anti-opium remedies are being distributed gratis at Yunnanfu by the officials.

Wuciiow (KwANGs1).

Anti-opium pills come from Canton, Kweilin, and Japan. It is said that some are made of opium dross and that some contain prepared opium.

The following list gives the narnes of the remedies inost frequently mentioned :-- Japanese Remedies :
Ya-chih-nai-wan (RR A /ay
Ya-e'rh-wan    fu
Dr. EDEN'S g-old and silver coated anti-opiuin pills.
Shanghai Pills :
Shén-p`ien (
I-li-chin-tan (—    jf).
Wên-ming-wan (3Z OA ji,). Ping-ho-wan (2p ti -A).
Canton Pills :
Ou-chia-yiian (M    Dr.
Renzedies of which the origin is not stated
Ssti-ko-ts'ao (PIEI PZ V).
Tzil-hsin-wan (    tri
Li-ch'iang-wan (A
I-shou-chin-tan      a -it    ).
Ning-shên-wan    it).
Other Remedies :
0-lang-ts'ao (A% pis *.-) or Chung-hsing-ling--ts'ao rft    qz V:), also called
Yang-nai    Ph), a kind of grass.
Lu-so-kao    *).

VII.—ANTI-OPIUM MEASURES.

IN order to show how the crusade against the opium habit is being conducted all over the Chinese Empire, translations of certain Imperial Edicts (Appendix A), Government Regulations (Appendix B), and Provincial Proclamations (Appendix C), are appended. These have been selected from a mass of similar documents and could be multiplied ad infinitum ; but in giving the proclamations of one province it practically means giving the proclamations for all China, as every-where they resemble each other both in style and phraseology. In addition to translations of proclamations issued for the Fukien province (Foochow), a summary of those issued at Ningpo (Chekiang province) and at Tengyueh, in the far-away province of Yunnan, are added. There are also included some Memorials and Telegrams from the provinces re poppy cultivation and measures taken to suppress the same.

VIII.—EXTRACTS FROM THE REPORTS OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF CUSTOMS RE RESULTS OF THE ANTI-OPIUM MOVEMENTS.

MANCHURIA.—Newchwang reports : " The official measures taken in closing all opium dens, thereby lessening the temptation to indulge, and the growing public opinion, which is more and more condemning the habit, have undoubtedly had a deterring effect. Confirmed smokers now seek the privacy of their own rooms and conceal as much as possible the vice they are indulging in. This fact in itself is a very favourable indication of the public feeling against the habit, and the younger generation, no longer seeing examples of their elders smoking, are subjected to much less temptation than formerly. It is stated that during the past 18 months there has been a decrease of fully one-third in the number of opium smokers."

Antung reports : "From each source of information comes the report that the smoking habit is diminishing, worded in varying degrees from 'perhaps a little' to 'much diminished'." The Commissioner adds that Mr. Acting Vice-Consul RUSSEL'S statements under this heading have a valuable interest : " In the month of March of this year I travelled through Antung,

K`uantien, Huaijen, Tunghua, and Linchiang districts and also through Hsingchingting and Fenghuangting, I found that public opinion was generally favourable to the anti-opium movement. Opium smokers now as a rule indulge in the habit surreptitiously and as if they recog-nised that there is a certain moral and social stigma attaching to the habit. I did not see any opium dens open, but on one or two occasions noticed opium being smoked in the more remote country inns."

Cull-ILL—Tientsin reports : "It seems to be generally agreed that the number of smokers and the area devoted to poppy cultivation are decreasing, and it is admitted that the decrease is due almost entirely to the Opium Edict and official pressure ; but whereas in some districts the local officials have taken stern measures to put a stop to both consumption and growth of opium, in others the thought of the loss of revenue that will follow the curtail-ment of poppy cultivation has been too strong, and little attention has been paid to the Edicts. The main hope for the future \vould appear to be that under official pressure the growing of opium may be entirely suppressed in a few years, and that the younger generation may learn the evils of the habit and have the opportunities for indulging in it curtailed."

SfIANTUNG.—Chefoo reports : " Undoubtedly the number of smokers has greatly decreased, particularly amongst those who were formerly the worst victims of the habit—the educated class. It is saki that only those retain the habit who cannot give it up (a consider-able number it must be admitted), and none take to it for the first time. To the Imperial Edict of igo6 belongs, of course, the whole credit of initiating this reaction on the part of the intelligent section of the nation against a habit which had come to be regarded as part of the established order. But its force and duration must be ascribed to the prevailing temper and spirit of the people and the press, eager to revolt against abuses, real and imaginary, of all kinds."

Kiaochow reports: "The number of smokers amongst the respectable resident population has decreased since the issue of the Imperial Edict. Stnoking is no longer considered right or proper, and there is a general consensus of opinion amongst them that it must be stopped and will be stopped as soon as the growth of the poppy is suppressed."

KIANGSU.--Shanghai reports: "Since the Edict was promulgated against the poppy cultivation and opium habit, the effect produced has been to create an active movement on the part of the officials, civil and military, who have constantly exerted themselves by issuing proclamations embodying the Imperial Orders. The gentry, with the co-operation of the new student element, have also been very energetic in their efforts to exercise good moral influence on the public mind. Pamphlets that opium smoking tends to deteriorate the race have not been spared by the anti-opium leagues and societies. Opium apparatus has been burnt publicly."

Nanking reports: "The habit seems to be decreasing. This is due to the effect pro-duced by the anti-opium Edicts and official pressure, and to the moral influence exercised by well-thinking newspapers and pamphlets. Such publications profusely distributed impress the minds of the readers—

"The moral eject of the use of opium, \vhich is of the most pernicious kind, which tends to paralyse the moral sentiment and prostrate the will.

"The physical eject which impoverishes, often leads to crime and family feuds, causes untrustworthiness leading to loss of place and confidence, and lazy habits leading to financial embarrassment and beggary.

"There is a praiseworthy effort made on the part of some confirmed smokers to get rid of the evil practice, and the closing of the opium dens has proved very inconvenient to the consumers and lessened their number. The younger generation is almost free of the habit, and the future looks hopeful. The high authorities of the capital came to the conclusion that a Governinent monopoly of the trade in opium was the only remedy to save the people from degradation and ruin, and hoped, by having the full control in their hands, to diminish gradually the use of the drug. Unfortunately, the scheme of the Government had to be abandoned for political reasons, and the question now remains how will China extricate herself from the pitiable situation and eradicate from her soil the curse inflicted on her teeming millions?

The problem seems too arduous to be solved by the Chinese alone."

CHEKIANG. —Ningpo reports: "The smoking habit is undoubtedly on the decrease. In many places a strong public opinion supports the proclamations issued against opium smoking, and numbers of those who had recently formed the habit have thrown it off. The effect of the Anti-Opium Edict is seen in the closed opium dens and restricted areas used for poppy cultiva-tion. The results obtained vary in proportion to the energy displayed by local officials and gentry, and is largely influenced in different localities by the extent to which poppy growing has become an established industry, and the hold the smoking habit has obtained on the people at large. Ill Taichow, for instance, where young people in their teens are addicted to the pipe and where farmers depend greatly upon the opium crop, little has been accomplished in the way of reform."

Hangchow reports: " In this district the Edicts have undoubtedly produced some effect, but chiefly indirectly. In a few places they have produced a direct effect, i.e., have been enforced by- the officials. Mainly, however, the Edicts lia.ve been usecl by the gentry and merchants, who have in places called on the officials to enforce some of the regulations of the Edicts. In Hangchow city and neighbourhood the officials have done little, beyond closing (nominally at least) all the smoking dens and slightly reducing the number of shops selling boiled opium. From Kashing it is reported that before i906 it was the custoin among all classes to discuss business in opium divans; this is now not done. It is also said in that city that it is now considered bad form ' to offer opium to guests."

FUKIEN—Foochow reports: " It is beyond all doubt that the increase in the ranks of opium smokers has been practically checked by the combined influence of the Imperial Edict and popular will. Opium smoking- is no longer a fashionable pastime—a rakish habit which youth felt urged to acquire. It is IIONV regarded as 'bad form,' and is distinctly out of favour with young men. All opium-smoking establishments have been closed; overt smoking at least has been suppressed in restaurants, inns, drinking houses, and brothels; and in private houses, as well as business places, the opium pipe is no longer kept in the reception room or offered to visitors. That many light smokers have succeeded in ridding themselves of the habit is unquestionable; but it must be feared that the greater part of the vast army of confirmed smokers will lack the will power to break it off, and that inany in their pathetic efforts to find a cure are deluded by unscrupulous vendors of remedies containing morphia, and thus become the victim of this even more deleteiious form of the drug. In the attainment of these results the influence, vigilance, and unremitting efforts of the Anti-Opium Society have been of inestimable value. "fhe society has many prominent and influential men among its members; it has branches in almost every town and even in many villages; it is greatly trusted by the authorities in carrying out anti-opium measures, and it has, in the main, made good use of its influence. Small hospitals have been established by the society for the free treatment of opium smokers, and already, in March last, the society could report that over 2,3oo persons had stopped smoking through the help of their hospitals alone."

Amoy reports: " Over 25 per cent. of the total population in and around Amoy are reported to smoke, though the habit is said to be diminishing owing to Anti-Opium Edicts which, backed up by direct official action, have caused —(a) opium dens to be closed; (b) hotels and brothels to be prohibited from furnishing customers with the drug; and (c) an Anti-Opium Association to be established, which is said to have relieved many people of the craving."

KWANGTUNG—Swatow reports: " In Swatow itself the practice of opium smoking is discredited and is no longer indulged in in public. It is said that many smokers have already reformed and many more are breaking off a habit which has fallen into disrepute. In 14 out of 19 districts in this prefecture smokers are decreasing considerably, which seems to be due as much to their own efforts and the influence of local Anti-Opium Societies as to official pressure. In the remaining five districts smokers are decreasing very slowly, or not at all, in spite of proclamations, which, however, are not seriously enforced."

Canton reports: "The effects of the Anti-Opium Edict are as follows: (I) all opium dens have been closed up, and the consumption of prepared opium suddenly diminished by 50 per cent.; (2) prior to the prohibition, implements for opium smoking could at any time be got in restaurants, shops, and both foreign and Chinese vessels; now this practice is at an end, which has largely contributed to decrease thc number of opium smokers; (3) all officials, military and civil, as well as official servants, have been trying ardently to knock down the evil habit ; and (4) all young men not having acquired the habit are afraid of doing so, and many old smokers show a strong desire to diminish their allowance."

Samshui reports: " The smoking habit is diminishing constantly. The Anti-Opium Edicts have certainly had a moral effect, but the diminution of the habit should mostly be attributed to the energy of the officials in carrying out instructions."

Kongmoon reports : " Opium smoking is gradually diminishing, especially among the better classes. It is estimated by the Anti-Opium Societies that some 30 per cent. of the opium smokers in this district have given up the habit, which good result is to be attributed more to moral influence than to official action or pressure. At present, among the better classes, it is considered degrading to be known as an opium smoker, and serious efforts are being made to lessen the evil."

HUNAN—Changsha reports : " The opium habit is greatly decreasing in Changsha, perhaps by as much as zo per cent., such results having primarily been brought about by the Imperial Edicts, which have been taken seriously by the Hunan Governor, who, besides closing all opium shops, has given the anti-opium movement his strong support. All officials, and all those vast numbers who hang on to and get their living from or through officials, have been obliged to at least outwardly forego or modify indulgence in the habit. The so-called opium dens have been wiped out completely, and neither I nor my agents have been able to discover a single one in Changsha."

Yochow reports : " The Imperial Edicts have undoubtedly been the means of creating a strong public opinion against the use of the drug. Officials are removed from office for continuing to smoke, dens are nominally closed, and the evils of the habit are set out by the newspapers. There seems to be no doubt in the minds of the people that the Government is sincere in its avowed intention of putting down the practice ; but it is only to be expected that the orders are not always given effect to by all the officials, and that the new regulations are often evaded."

HUPEH—Hankow reports : "There is no evidence of any popular feeling against the smoking habit such as has been so pronounced in other provinces, and until quite recently no steps were taken by the authorities to carry out the Opium Edicts ; but in the principal cities measures more or less successful have lately been adopted to close the dens. These measures are, however, confined to the cities, and in the country districts the Edicts are a dead letter."
Shasi reports: " Evidence has been sought for, but none can be brought forward,.to show that the opium habit has decreased among either the official class or the people. Personal observation helps to substantiate the fact. On every side in the streets and purlieus of Shasi the opium couch with its lamps will be found in the houses of the rich as well as in the hovels of the poor. The man who smoked opium last year continues to smoke it. No pressure has been brought to bear on him to cause him the forego the habit."
Ichang reports : "On the loth September (1908) the opium shops in Ichang were closed by the officials, but the consumption of the drug still continues. Since the issue of the Imperial Decree forbidding the use of opium, a good many smokers have given up the habit ; but amongst the lower classes there has been no abatement, owing to there being no moral influence brought to bear on them. The interest of a very large section of the Ichang community being so much bound up in the growth, sale, brokerag-e, and shipment of opium, it is vain to expect a sudden change. In other places in the province, however, the people are bestirring, themselves to combat the evil."

KIANGSI.—Ki uki ang reports: " Since the Anti-Opium Edicts were issued opium smoking has certainly decreased, but it is difficult to state how far this is due to either direct or indirect official pressure or to moral influence. A considerable number have had to give it up owing to the increased cost. A large number have always had a great desire from a moral standpoint to give up the habit, but have not had the strength of mind to do so without some incentive. The Edicts have supplied this incentive. While the smoking habit is diminishing, the amount of opium sold during- the year has increased. This is said to be due to the fact that well-to-do people have bought more than they consumed, fearing it might be difficult to obtain the drug in the near future."

AN FINN EL — Iruku reports : "That the consumption of opium has decreased since the Anti-Opium Edict of September 1906 there is little doubt, but to what extent cannot be stated with even approximate accuracy. The decrease appears to be only among the middle and poorer classes, while among the well-to-do there has been no appreciable falling off. It should here be noted that the importation of foreign opium into Wuhu during 1907 showed a large increase over the figures of the two previous years, but this fact does not necessarily indicate an increasing consumption, it being well known that wealthy smokers have been laying in large private stocks for future use ; some of them are said to be burying it, in view of further and more stringent legislation. Although all opium dens have long ago been closed in Wuhu small shops have been opened (not publicly) where opium can be smoked. Only those who are personally acquainted with the owners are admitted, strangers having to be guaranteed before gaining entrance. In most of the country districts ()pium shops and dens appear still to be open, the officials evidently being more concerned in suppressing the traffic in the larger towns and cities. It is difficult to form an opinion as to what is bringing about the diminution in smoking, but it is believed to be attributed to no small extent to the influence of those of the officials and gentty who have at heart the real welfare of the people."

HoNAN.—Hankow reports : " Several correspondents state that the smoking habit is decidedly on the decrease, and of late more rigorous measures have been taken to enforce prohibition."

SHENSI, KANSU, SZECHWAN, KWEICHOW,—Chungking reports : " The measures taken by the provincial officials in the four provinces point to an honest determination to suppress the cultivation of the poppy, and a confiscation of the land producing it is threatened if their exhortation be ignored. Its suppression is only a question of time.

" Reports received from postal employés scattered throug,h the provinces of Kansu and Shensi are rather conflicting. In places where the officials themselves are opposed to opium restrictive measures have been put into force with promising results; in other parts the Anti-Opium Edicts have produced no effect. The information received may be summarised as follows: In I 2 of the reports it is stated that the officials and a large proportion of the popu-lation have broken off the habit, and the area devoted to poppy cultivation is being much reduced. Eight reports from other districts assert that the smoking habit is not diminishing, owing- chiefly to the apathy of the local officials. Three other reports are of a neutral nature. On the whole it may be said that whilst prohibition is moving more slowly in these two provinces, something- is certainly being done, and so far the results may be considered encouraging."

YUNNAN.—Hengts..7 reports: "Since the promulgation of the Anti-Opium Edict in 19°6 the total production of opium has been reduced by not less than 5o per cent. Much has been done by the Viceroy to suppress the smoking habit, and drastic measures have been taken to prevent the cultivation and sale of the drug- on the market. Places far away from the direct eye of the Viceroy move in the suppression movement according to the energy and ability of the local officials. The efforts of the Viceroy have succeeded, inasmuch as 45 per cent. of the smoking- population are said to have given up the habit completely, 15 per cent. have been nearly cured, and 4o per cent. still smoke. It is admitted by everybody, and it seems beyond doubt, that the Viceroy is in earnest about the abolition of opium in his province and that he has obtained very favourable results within a comparatively short period."

Tengyueh reports : " Since the publication of the opium Edict and the circulation of the reg-ulations concerned, the smoking habit has appreciably diminished and the demand for opium has declined. Public opinion against the vice seems to be gradually making itself felt here, and the local official action, too, has been generally correct. The influence of the native press is also apparent in this remote part of the Empire, and all things considered the results to date are upon the whole encouraging. It is evident that the Viceroy is taking a very active and enlightened interest in the question, and that the ultimate success of the anti-opium movement in this province will be mainly due to him. At the same time it may be doubted whether events will completely justify the somewhat precipitate action taken, and it will be a matter for congratulation if friction is avoided."

Szemao reports : " It is thought that little or no land in this province will be placed under poppy this year ; but in case such cultivation should be attempted, the authorities are deputing officers to make tours of inspection with a view to enforcing the Viceroy's mandate. The anti-opium campaign has been very actively conducted at Szemao by the officials since July 19o7. All opium resorts have been closed and opium smoking has much diminished. It is thoug-ht that 80 per cent. of the smokers are making strenuous efforts to overcome the habit from a personal recognition of the evils accruing- from the vice. The remaining- 20 per cent., who comprise the old and the diseased, will, it is suspected, continue to use the drug surreptitiously."

KWANGSI.— Wuchow reports: "In the villag-es where newspapers are never seen and proclamations never read, but little is yet known of the crusade against opium smoking, and therefore no change is as yet apparent. But in the cities where prohibitory, notifications have been issued and where the people, stimulated by the reading of newspapers, have established societies for the curing of opium smoking, there is undoubtedly a tendency towards diminution among old smokers, who, for fear or for shame, cUrtail or conceal their habit. The younger generation, checked by parents and Magistrate, refrain from becoming smokers. The fact that smokers in the cities have to take out licences has sufficed to cause a decrease among such smokers as possess a regard for public opinion, and as far as those who care not for the qu'en elira-t-on or who fear not the Magistrate's threats, the increased price of the drug will force a diminution of smokers."

Nanning reports: "Speaking very broadly' the people who were addicted to smoking pursue the unbroken tenor of their wav apparently untouched and unmoved. Does this mean that the Anti-Opium Decrees have been fulminated in vain? Far from it! They have on the one hand achieved some very definite results, and on the other hand have created, away in these remote parts, a feeling of uneasiness and inquietude, such as would be produced had like Decrees been addressed by a Western potentate against any analogous pernicious habit of his subjects. Many who smoked only occasionally or who smoked very, moderately? discover a disposition to abstain altogether. There is not a particle of doubt that officials are awake to the importance of being up and doing. The Governor, a young and active man of enlarged views, recognises the need of energetic action, and during the current year has deprived of rank more than ro officials on the ground of their having failed to take adequate steps to overcome the vice. All opium divans in the city were closed in April last year (1907). Teachers and pupils in the public schools are forbidden to smoke. It is an open secret, however, that several of the teachers indulge in private; but it is credibly, stated that there is no contravention of the regulations on the part of any of the scholars. As to the garrison, there has been a good deal of smoking in that quarter, and it is not an unusual thing for an officer to make surprise visits with the object of apprehending offenders. In the course of the current year quite a number of 'braves,' detected flagrantly in the act, have been dismissed from the colours. The prohibition is rigorously, and strenuously enforced in respect of the new regiment, which is being formed and trained on modern lines."

APPENDICES.

APPENDIX A.—No. I.

IMPERIAL DECREE : DATED 20TH SEPTEMBER, 1906.

SINCE the restrictions against the use of opium were removed the poison of this drug has practically permeated the whole of China. The opium smoker wastes time and neglects work, ruins his health, and itnpoverishes his family, and the poverty and weakness which for the past few decades have been daily increasing- amongst us are undoubtedly, attributable to this cause. To speak of this arouses Our indignation, and, at a moment when \\Te are striving to strengthen the Empire, it behoves Us to admonish the people, that all may- realise the necessity of freeing themselves from these coils, and thus pass from sickness into health.

It is hereby commanded that within a period of io years the evils arising- from foreign and native opium be equally and completely eradicated. Let the Government Council (ChilIng-wu Ch`u) frame such measures as may be suitable and necessary for strictly forbidding the consumption of the drug and the cultivation of the poppy, and let them submit their proposals for Our approval.

APPENDIX A.—No. 2
IMPERIAL DECREE: DATED 7T1-1 FEBRUARY, 1907.

A MEMORIAL has been received from the Board of the Interior devising general arrange-ments for the prohibition of opium ; and whereas opium is injurious to the public health, We have already issued an Edict commanding every province to fix a limit of time for its strict prohibition. The Board having now recommended in their Memorial the extension of branch Anti-Opium Societies, and tha.t the opium dens throughout the provinces should be unifortnly closed and prohibited as laid down in the new regulations, it is hereby commanded that all Tartar Generals, Viceroys, and Governors shall take part, with their subordinates, in conscien-tiously carrying out these steps. But strict as must be the prohibition against smoking, it is even more necessary to forbid the cultivation of the poppy, in order to sweep away the source of evil. The responsibility is therefore placed upon all Tartar Generals, Viceroys, and Governors to see to it that cultivation is diminished annually, as prescribed by the regulations submitted to Us, and that within the maximum term of lo years the supply of foreign and native opiutn is completely cut off. There must be no laxity or disregard for this beneficial measure, which the Throne so ardently desires.

APPENDIX A.—No. 3.
IMPERIAL EDICT : DATED 26TH JUNE, 1907.

OPIUM is in the highest degree detrimental to the people. In an Edict of last year prohibiting the use of it the Council of Government were commanded to frame regulations a.nd to direct all yam'ens throughout the country to put a stop to it.
In the third month of this year a further Edict was issued, commanding that general instructions be given to act in strict accordance with the regulations, which had been sub-mitted to the Throne, alike in respect of the cultivation, sale, and consumption of opium.
The welfare of the people is a matter of great concern to the Court, and this is a matter which must positively be put through. The Governor of Peking and the Tartar Generals, Viceroys, and Governors of the provinces are commanded to issue strict instructions to their subordinates to put the prohibition into actual effect, to make it a matter of familiar knowledge in men's houses, to g-et completely rid of the evil. The Maritime Customs should keep a strict watch on the foreig-n opium which is imported, and the places in the interior which cultivate native opium must annually decrease the amount cultivated, in accordance with the dates sanctioned. It is further commanded that the relative merits of officials in' this respect must be recog-nised. If the instructions are zealously carried out by an official in his own jurisdiction, it is permitted to memorialise the Throne, asking for some encourag,ement to be shown him. If an official merely keeps up appearances and, while outwardly obeying, secretly disregards these commands, he is to be denounced by name for punishment.
It is also commanded that an annual return of the land under opium cultivation be made, by way of verification and to meet the desire of the Court to relieve the people of this evil.

APPENDIX B.—No. 1.
REGULATIONS PROHIBITING OPIUM SMOKING, COMPILED BY THE GOVERNMENT COUNCIL.

ARTICLE I.

To limit the cultivation of the poppy is the way to eradicate the evil. The poppy obstructs agriculture, and its effect is very bad. In China, in the provinces of Szechwan, Shensi, Kansu, Yunnan, Kweichow, Shansi, and Kianghuai, the poppy is widely cultivated, and even in other provinces there are places where poppy cultivation is largely pursued. Now it is decided to prohibit and root out the habit of smoking opium within io years. It is therefore necessary to limit the cultivation of the poppy so as to effect the prohibition. Viceroys and Governors of provinces have to instruct the Magistrates of departments and districts to report upon, after registering, the actual area of land used for cultivation of poppy. Unless land has been hitherto used in the cultivation of the poppy, it is not to be used for that purpose in future. For the land already being cultivated with the poppy special title-deeds must be obtained. Of the land at present in use for the cultivation of the poppy, one-ninth must be annually withdrawn from cultivation, and, if land is suitable, other crops are to be cultivated thereon. Magistrates of departments and districts are to pay surprise visits, in order to ascertain whether there is any violation of this regulation.

By this means the cultivation of the poppy will be exterminated in nine years.

Any person violating the rule will forfeit his land, and any person ceasing to grow the poppy and adopting- some other crop before the time required in the Decree shall be considered as meriting special reward.

ARTICLE 2.
The issuing of certificates will prevent the possibility of new smokers. The bad habit of opium smoking has now been indulged in for such a long time. About three-tenths or four-tenths of the natives smoke opium. Therefore we must be lenient to those who have already acquired the habit, but must be strict 'for the future. First of all, all the officials and g-entry and licentiates shall be prohibited to smoke opium, so as to show example to the common people. Those who smoke opium, without distinction, whether he be an official, one of the gentry, or a servant, shall report the fact at the local yarnên. If the place of their living is remote from the local yamén, they may report themselves to the police bureau or to the gentry of that place, who will collect such applications and send the same to the local yamên. The local officials will then issue a proclamation ordering them to fill up a form with their names, age, residence, profession, and the amount of opium each smokes per day ; such forms will be ordered to be sent in at a fixed date, according to the distance of the residence from the yamên. After the forms have been collected at the yamen a list will be compiled, and one copy of the same will be handed over to the higher yamen, and certificates will be issued under the official seal. Such certificates will be of two kinds : one for those who are over 6o years of age and the other for those who are under 6o years of age. Those who receive the second kind of certificate are not allowed to receive the certificate of the first kind when they reach 60. In the certificate the name, age, native address, amount of daily consumption of opium, as well as the date of the issue of the certificate, are mentioned, to certify that they are allowed to buy opiutn. If there are any who, having- no certificate, bu opium secretly, such persons will be duly punished. Once a registration has been made and certificate been issued, no future application will be allowed.

ARTICLE 3.
By ordering gradual redLiction of the amount of smoking opium, a cure of such habit may be effected. Those who are over 60 years old are treated leniently, because of their age ; but those who are below 6o and have received a certificate of the second kind are ordered to reduce the amount of smoking annually either by two-tenths or three-tenths, and to determine the date of ceasing to smoke opium. Those who cease to smoke and obtain the r-„uarantee of their neighbours will be presented to the local officials, who will also inquire into the case, and then the name will be erased from the book of registration and the certificate will be returned to the officials. A list of such withdrawals will be sent to the higher yame'n for record. The date of prohibition of opium is quite lenient, and, therefore, if there is anyone who does not give up the practice within term, such person shall be severely punished. If there is anyone who has a certificate of the second class and does not stop smoking, if Ile be an official, he will be cashiered ; if he be a licentiate, his title will be taken away ; and if he be an unofficial person, his name will be registered. These names will be sent up to the higher yarna to be placed on record, their names and ages will be put up in the street, and their residence will be made public, and no honorary positions will be given to them. They are not allowed to be reckoned as equals of the general public.

ARTICLE 4.
By closing the opium-shops, the source of the evil can be cleared away. Until the terms for the date of prohibition come it is impossible to close the shops where opium is sold. However, there are opium-shops where are many lamps for smoking, opium, and many young-sters are induced to come there and gather together with many bad characters. Therefore such shops shall be closed by local authorities within six months, and the owners shall be ordered to change their occupations. If they do not close their shops in time, these shops shall be officially closed by sealing the door. The restaurants and bars shall not keep opium for the use of their customers, and the guests shall not be allowed to bring in any opium pipe in order to smoke opium in these places. If there are any who violate the rule, they shall be severely punished. Those who scll opium pipes, opium lamps, or other utensils for opium smokers shall be prohibited from selling these goods after six months, or they shall be severely punished. The taxes on opium lamps shall not be collected three months after date.

ARTICLE 5.
By registering each shop where opium is sold, the exact number of them can be known. Though the shops where opium is sold cannot be closed at once, yet they can be gradually closed and no new shops be allowed to be opened henceforth. In every city, town, or village the shops where opium or opium dross is sold are to be investigated by the local officials, and their numbers shall be duly registered and kept on record.    Certificates shall be issued, which certificates will be reckoned as permits to follow that business, and no mop.; new shops shall be allowed to be opened. These shops shall show the certificates whenever they buy their merchandise, or they are not allowed to sell the same. These shops shall report upon the quantity of opium and opium dross they sell at the end of each year, and report the same to the local officials, who will keep the same on record. After calculating the total amount of opium and opium dross consumed in a district, annually, the proportion of annual reduction necessary for the abolition of opium smoking in io 3,.ears shall be calculated. Any sul plus at the end of that time shall be destroyed a.nd double its value forfeited as a fine.

ARTICLE 6.
The government shall manufacture medicine to cure the bad habit. There are many prescriptions for curing the habit of smoking opium, and each province shall select the best medical students to undertake research for the best cure suited to the circumstances of each province. Such cures shall be made in pills, and shall in no case contain opium or morphia. After being manufactured, such pills will be distributed to each prefecture, sub-prefecture, department, and district at reasonable prices, and then these will be handed over to the charitable societies or medicine shops, where the cure will be sold at cost price. Whenever they are any poor people who cannot afford to buy the medicine, the cure may be given to them gratis. It is also granted to local gentry to manufacture the cure in accordance with the official prescription, so as to have the cure distributed as widely as possible. If there is anyone who will distribute the cure for charity's sake, and if such cure has the proper effect, the local officials shall give him reward.

ARTICLE 7.
The establishment of Anti-Opium Societies is a worthy proceeding. Lately, many persons cured have voluntarily organised an Anti-Opium Society, and have endeavoured tb eradicate bad habits. This is really praiseworthy. Therefore the Viceroys and Governors of provinces shall instruct the local officials, with the local gentry, to organise Anti-Opium Societies, and to endeavour to stop the opium-smoking habit in the locality. Then prohibitions will surely have better effect. Such sOciety shall be purely for the anti-opium smoking, and the society shall not discuss any other matters, such as political questions bearing on topical affairs or local administration, or any similar matter.

ARTICLE 8.
The local officials are relied upon to use their utmost endeavour to carry into effect these regulations, and with the effective support of the local gentry there should be no difficulty in carrying out the prohibition. The Tartar Generals, the Viceroys, and the Governors of provinces shall make up a list of people who smoke opium, and those who cease to smoke, annually, and the number of pills which are used as cure, together with the number of Anti-Opium Societies. These lists, when compared, will easily give the comparative results of each province, by which the responsible officials will be either rewarded or reproved accordingly. The annual statistics shall be sent to the Government Council, where they will be duly dealt with. In the city of Peking the police authorities, officers of gendarmerie, and the officials of the city are held responsible. If in any district opium smoking is stamped out before the expiry of the io years limit, the officials of that district should be duly rewarded. The petty officials are to be warned to have no irregularities in reducing the area in which the poppy is cultivated, in issuing certificates for opium shops and shops where opium and opium dross are sold, or in dealing with those who smoke opium. Any such irregularity will be followed by severe punishment, and any who receive bribes will be punished on a charge of the crime of fraud.

ARTICLE 9.
The officials are strictly prohibited from smoking opium, so as to set example to others. The prohibition within To years is for the general public. The officials ,;hall be examples to common people, and, therefore, they shall stop such bad habits before the general public ; and such prohibitions shall be strictly enforced upon the officials, and the punishments upon them shall be more severe. From now all officials, without distinction of rank, metropolitan or provincial, military or civil, who are over 6o and suffering from opium-smoking habits, are exempted from the prohibition just as are the common people, for they are too far gone for cure. However, those who have not reached 6o years of age, princes, dukes, men of title, high metropolitan officials, Tartar Generals, Viceroys, Governors, Deputy Lieutenant Military Governors, the Provincial Commanders-in-Chief, as well as Brigadier Generals, being all officials who are well treated by the Throne and high in rank and position, are not allowed to conceal their affairs, and if they smoke opium, they shall report themselves and the dates when they should stop the same. During the cure of the habit these officials shall not retire from their official duties. Moreover, they shall not be allowed to take opium under the pretence of illness longer than the terms promised. The rest of the officials in metropolitan or provincial service, either military or civil, substantive or expectant, shall report themselves to their principal officials in regard to these matters, and they shall cease to smoke within six months, at the end of which time they will be examined. If there are any who cannot be cured in time, they shall give reasons ; and if they are hereditary, they shall retire, and if they be ordinary officials, they will retire with original titles retained. If any conceal their actual conditions, such officials shall be impeached and be summarily cashiered as a warnirq; to others. If there are any who are misreported by higher officials, they may memorialise and the case will be tried accordingly. Those who are professors and students of ordinary schools and colleges, or of military or naval schools and colleges, are also hereby ordered to cease smoking within six months from date.

ARTICLE 10.
The prohibition of the import of foreign opium is one of the ways to root out the source of opium smoking. The prohibition of cultivation of the poppy and of the opium-smoking habit is within the jurisdiction of the internal administrations. Foreign opium, however, concerns Foreign Powers. The Wai-wu Pu is hereby instructed to negotiate with the British Minister to Peking to enter into a convention to prohibit the importation of opium gradually within a certain term of years, so as to stop such importations before the term for the prohibition of opium smoking. Opium is imported from Persia, A nnam, Dutch Colonies, and other places besides India, and the Wai-wu Pu shall also open negotiations with the Ministers of these Treaty Powers. In case of a Power where there is no treaty, China can prohibit the importation by her own laws. The Tartar Generals, Lieutenant Generals, Viceroys, and Governors shall order the Commissioners of Customs to find a way to stop such importation from the frontiers either by water or by land. It is also known that morphia is injected, and the habit is worse than opium smoking. It is mentioned in Article XI in the Anglo-Chinese Commercial Treaty, and in Article 16 of the Atnerican Chinese Commercial Treaty, that except for medical purposes no morphia shall be imported to China, and it is also strictly prohibited to sell or manufacture morphia or syringes for injecting the same by Chinese or foreign shops, so as to stop the bad habit.
These Regulations shall be promulgated by the local civil and military officials in cities, towns, and villages for the information of the general public.

APPENDIX B.—No. 2.
MEMORIAL 13Y THE MINISTRY (JI. THE INTERIOR PROPOSING REGULATIONS FOR STRICT SUPERVISION OVER ANTI-OPIU M MEASURES AND FOR CAREFUL INVESTIGATION INTO THE DEGREE OF SUCCESS ATTAINED THEREBY.

On the 2oth day, 2nd moon (22nd March) the Grand Secretariat received the following Imperial Edict :--
" We are in receipt of the Memorial of the Wai-wii Pu setting forth the arrangements made with the Foreign Powers for the suppression of opium and suggesting measures for raising revenue to make up the loss of opium duties.
" Since the consumption of opium has become general, it has played disastrous havoc among the people. Those who are addicted to opiuin smoking waste their money and property shorten their lives, become habitually idle, and neglect their work. Moreover, iimmerous cases of suicide by taking opium occur in the provinces every year. It is also the cause of much theft and litigation. It violates nature's productive principal and is much to bc deplored.
"It furthermore weakens the people of our ancient Empire and wrecks their ambitions, rendering the work of national regeneration almost hopeless.
"Recently the officials, g-entry, fiterati, and people have been awakened to the danger of this vice and have formed societies to aid the people to get rid of it. Even smokers reproach themselves and resolve to get rid of it.
"Even foreign philanthropists have organised societies to preach against the opium traffic and its cultivation, besides prescribing cures for the craving. They deeply deplore the fact that China is not rid of opium, I I ow much more, then, should those who arc personally injured by opium smoking vigorously determine to eradicate the evil habit?
"Since the issuance of the Imperial Edict promulgating- the Anti-Opium Regulations and fixing io years as the limit of time for carrying out opium suppression, the British Govern-ment has agreed to the reduction of opium imPortation year by year, and other friendly Powers have also assured Us of their support. This has given Us much satisfaction. Great I3ritain has not put the reduction of opium import into operation, and it is ag-reed that it shall be experimentally carried out for three years. If substantial decrease in the plantation and consumption of native opium in China should be observable at the expiry of this period, then the import would be further reduced.
"Unless we try our best to suppress opium smoking and cultivation, three years will ere long have elapsed and we shall have accomplished nothing in return for the good intentions of the friendly nations or the pains taken by the foreign philanthropists in the matter. This opportunity once lost will not return, and should we allow ourselves to be for ever hindered with this curse, we shall not be able to stand as a nation. In thinking of this, how ashamed and discomforted should we the whole nation feel, and how much ought we to blame ourselves.
" Let the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Finance formulate without delay regulations for supervising anti-opium measures and investigating the successful results in carrying out such measures. Our consent to put them into general practice should then be obtained.
" At the same time let Viceroys and Governors of the different provinces direct their subordinates to carry out the anti-opium measures as memorialised by the Council of State Affairs and sanctioned by Imperial Decree, and report on the actual steps taken to reduce plantation and smoking. A statistical report of this reduction should be sent Us at the end of each year. The Ministry of Finance will consider means as to find the money to make up for the opium duties.
" As this is a matter affecting the strength or weakness of the nation and the longevity of its people, let all officials, metropolitan and provincial, together unite to carry it out effectively in spite of all difficulties, in order that opium may be entirely suppressed within the fixed limit of time."
With reference to the above Edict, the Memorialists Ministry would observe that the success of the prohibition depends on the strictness of the rules and regulations and proper supervision of theit enforcement. In order to prevent all malpractices such as deception and subterfuge, it would be necessary to draw up minute regulations for the supervision of opium suppression and for ascertaining the degree of success attained.
It is most important at the beginning of opium suppression to ascertain the area in wou under cultivation and to arrange for its reduction at intervals, as this affects the root of the matter. To ascertain the number of smokers, close all opium dens, and restrict the traffic should then immediately follow.
•This Ministry    draw up regulations as above mentioned for Imperial sanction and
for adoption by the Viceroys and Governors of all the provinces, who are to report results to the Ministry. They should also study local conditions with the view of curtailing the period in which to enforce total prohibition.
The rewards for success ;Attained in opium suppression as mentioned in the regulations are merely broad ideas, the details being left to the Ministry of Civil Office, who will decide on a uniform scale. Any high official smoking opium shall be dealt with by the Anti-Opium Commissioners.
The above is submitted by the Ministry of the Interior, in which the Ministry of Finance joins.
The following regulations in 23 Articles are submitted for approval. (Approved by Decree on the 24th day, 4th moon, 34th year of KUANG Hsil (23rd May, 19°8.)

SECTION I.—REDUCTION OF PLANTATION.

ART. 1.—All the provincial authorities shall direct the local officials to ascertain and make returns within six months of the area in mou of land on which poppy is planted in their jurisdiction, with the name of owner and the amount of crop, and submit them to their Viceroys and Governors for transmission to the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Interior to be kept for reference.

ART. 2.—The limit of 10 years in which to enforce prohibition is reckoned from the 32nd year of KUANG HSU. The reduction of plantation in the provinces should be carried out according to the regulations of the Council of State Affairs approved by the Throne. No land on which poppy has hitherto not grown shall be allowed to be planted with poppy. The amount of land which has hitherto grown poppy shall annually be reduced by one-eighth, based on the returned figures for the 34th year of KUANG HSU. The plantation of poppy should be eradicated by the 4ist year of KUANG HSU. Reports from time to time should be made to the Ministry, giving particulars of the land on which, instead of poppy, something else has been planted.

ART. 3.—The provincial authorities should print licenses permitting plantation of poppy, to be given to planters by the local officials, and to be renewed every year. All clandestine plantation without licenses shall be interdicted. Planters on applying for a license shall pay a fee of so cash per ntou, in addition to which nothing extra should be exacted.

SECTION II—OPIUM FARMS.

ART. 4..—Since a farm duty on native opium has been instituted, opium farms have been established in Anhwei, Honan, Shansi, and other provinces. Their licenses are granted by the sub-office of the Opium Duty Bureau, in conjunction with the local authorities, without charge. They are responsible for the payment of duty on all opium. All retail shops must purchase and planters must sell their opium through them or the transaction will be illegal, Stores must also collect opium through the farms, and are not permitted to do so direct from the villages.

The farms will enter into books the quantities of opium collected from the villages, and present the books from time to time to the Bureau's sub-offices for inspection. On any customer buying, opium for transportation elsewhere the required duty will be paid through the farm.
All provinces should establish these farrns, and the Duty Bureau's sub-offices should issue to the farms printed books, in which should be entered daily the quantity of opium dealt in in catties and taels, with the dealers names. These books are to be submitted to the Bureau's sub-offices for returns to be compiled and submitted at the end of the year to the Director General of the opium farm, to enable him to compile a general and concise- table, showing the reduction in the native opium traffic every year, and present it to the Ministries concerned to be placed on record.

With regard to the opium in the provinces of Szechwan, Yunnan, Kweichow, New Dominions, and Manchuria, which are not under the control of the Farm Duty Collectorate, the Viceroys or Governors in the respective provinces should follow the same plan. Stores collecting opium should also be given a license free by the sub-office of the Opium Duty Bureau and the local officials, as proof to enable them to collect the opium through the farm. Without a license, they should not be permitted to do so, and any violation when discovered should be fined.

SECTION III.—OPIUM SHOPS.

ART. 5.—Orders should be given by all provinces to the local officials to ascertain throughout their jurisdiction the number of opium shops existing-, with their addresses, amount of caP-ital, and names of owners, and to make returns within six months for submission to their respective Viceroys or Governors to be presented to the Ministries for record. No more new shops of this nature are allowed to be opened.

ART. 6.—The provincial authorities should print licenses for dealing in opium, to be given to retail opium shops by the local authorities, and to be renewed every year. Any retail shop opened without a license shall be prohibited. On application for such license, opium shops are divided into three classes-1st, 2nd, and 3rd—according to their amount of capital. Capital of $10,0oo or over to be ist class, and to pay an annual fee of $6; under $to,000 and over $5,000 to be 2nd class, to pay an annual fee of $4; and under $5,000 to be 3rd class, to pay an annual fee of $2. No other exactions of any amount should be made.

ART. 7.—All retail opium-shops shall report monthly to the vame'n concerned the actual quantity sold. They shall neither falsely report this quantity nor' sell to any person not licensed. The yam'en concerned will at the end of the year compile returns and submit them to the Viceroys and Governors, who will transmit them to the Ministries for record.

ART. 8.—A time shall be fixed for the retail opium shops to engage themselves in other trades, which they should undertake gradually in place of the opium business, so as to entirely supplant it within the limited period.

SECTION IV.—OPIUM HOUSES.

ART. 9.—In the 32nd year of KUANG HSU the Council of State Affairs obtained Imperial sanction that all public opium houses should be closed by the local authorities in six months and they should be made to take up other business. Any remaining houses or tea-shops, restaurants, and brothels having opium divans should be prohibited on heavy fines.

SECTION V.—OPIUNI PARAPHERNALIA.

ART. I0.—The Council of State Affairs obtained Imperial sanction to close all shops making opium paraphernalia in six months. This period having expired, the Viceroys and Governors should order all their subordinates to strictly enforce the prohibition.

SECTION VI.—SMOKING.

ART. 11.—The provincial authorities should give general orders to their subordinates to ascertain correctly, within a fixed time, the number of smokers in their jurisdiction, with their names, addresses, and age, and submit them at the end of the year to their Viceroys and Governors for transmission to the Ministries for record purposes.

ART. I 2.—The provincial authorities should print licenses for purchase of opium, to be issued to smokers and renewed yearly. All smoking without license shall be prohibited. Smokers on application for a license shall state truly the quantity they smoke a day, which is to be stated in the license. They are only allowed to buy the fixed amount or less, but no more, so that within the limited time their smoking may be broken off.

SECTION VII.—CURING THE OPIUM HABIT.

ART. I 3.—The provincial authorities shall give general orders to the local authorities to establish official Anti-Opium Institutes, which will prepare medicines according to the foreign and Chinese prescriptions issued by the Ministry of the Interior, and send them to druggists and philanthropic institutions for sale at cost price. Poor people who are unable to pay for them will be supplied free. If any one conversant with therapeutics make up any other good medicine for curing the smoking habit, such prescription and medicine should be presented to the Viceroy or Governor of the province, who will transmit them to the Ministry of the Interior for examination.

ART. I4.—All local officials should instruct reputable gentry and merchants in their jurisdictions to organise Anti-Opium Associations and to publish pamphlets and magazines in simple language to exhort people to break off opium smoking. These publications should not interfere with politics or subjects outside of their province.

ART. I 5.—All local officials should take steps to examine the medicines at all druggists in their respective jurisdictions and prohibit the sale of any of them found containing morphia. The sale of morphia surreptitiously is also to be prohibited.

SECTION VII I.—DETERMINATION OF SUCCESS.

ART. I6.—All local officials who do not fail to submit the returns called for by these regulations shall, after every three years, be recommended to be referred to the Ministry for consideration of a reward.

ART. I 7.—All local officials who are found to have carried out the prohibitions set out in these regulations within due time shall be recommended by the Viceroys or Governors concerned to the Throne, to be referred to the Ministry for consideration of a reward.

ART. I 8.—All local officials who are found to have reduced the area of plantation of poppy in their district, the shops dealing in opium, or the number of smokers by 3o per cent. or over in a year, without any attending trouble, shall be recommended by their Viceroys or Governors to the Throne, to be referred to the Ministry for favourable consideration of a reward.

ART. I9.—All local officials who fail to submit returns as called for by these regulations in due time shall be referred to the Ministry for determination of a penalty, and for mis-representation in the returns, for a severe penalty.

ART. 20.—All local officials who fail in enforcing- prohibition of the various matters set out in these regulations within due time shall be referred to the Ministry for determination of a penalty, and for falsely representing that they have done so, shall be referred for a severe penalty, so also with superiors who connive at the offence.

ART. 21    local officials \vho fail to reduce in their respective districts the area of plantation of poppy, the number of shops dealing in opium, and the number of smokers by one-eighth, in any one year, shall be referred to the Ministry for determination of a severe penalty.

SECTION IX.—SUPPLEMENTARY.

ART. 22.—These regulations shall be adopted in conjunction with the regulations by the Council of State Affairs and sanctioned by the Throne. All the Viceroys and Governors may consider the requirements of local circumstances and obtain approval of the Throne to detail regulations in regard to operation.

ART. 23.—Reports of the amounts of license fees fixed under these regulations shall be regularly submitted to the Ministry, so that the moneys may be appropriated for expenses in connexion with the opium prohibition. No other sums besides these fees shall be allowed to be exacted. If future circumstances warrant an increase in the fees, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of the Interior will jointly memorialise the Throne on the matter.

APPENDIX B.—No. 3.
 

MEMORIAL FROM THE MINISTERS APPOINTED FOR TIIE SUPPRESSION OF OPIUM FOR-WARDING TEN PROPOSED SUPERVISORY REGULATIONS FOR TIIE PROHIBITION OF OPIUM SMOKING.

IN obedience to the Edict of the 7th day, 3rd moon, 34th year of KUANG HSii, declaring that a strict surveillance over the prohibition of opium smoking is necessary, public houses are therefore to be established wherein opium smokers ma), break off their habit within three months, under the regular supervision of inspectors.

The great harm that opium has done to our Empire has lasted a long time, but to-day there must be a turning, point. With this in view, a Decree was recently issued commanding your Ministers to establish institutes for the entire suppression of opium smoking in the capital, as an example for the whole Empire to follow.

In order to effect a complete eradication of the opium evil, cultivation of the poppy must be discouraged, while in the breaking off of the smoking habit, officials should take the lead, so as to set a good example for the people to follow.

Having received such g-reat favours from Your Majesties, your Ministers cannot but use their best endeavours to .supervise the prohibition of opium, regardless of resentment or com-plaint, with the hope that the eradication of opium may be effected at an early date, if not at once, thereby mitigating Your Majesties anxiety. The appended io regulations have been drawn up for Your Majesties approval.

Rescript dated the loth day, 4th moon, 34th year approves of same.

Special surveillance to be enforced.—All high officials in the capital of the second rank and upwards, and all high officials of the provinces above the rank of Commissioners, who have received such favours from their Majesties, should show a good example to their subordinates. Those who are accustomed to opium smoking ought to have long ago broken off their habit in obedience to the Imperial commands. Since a second order has been issued, all are required, whether they have got rid of the habit entirely or not, to report themselves, and if anyone deceives the Throne, he also deceives himself. Should anyone be discovered to have failsely reported himself, a strict inquiry will be instituted against him, and the offender will be severely punished.
In the capital the inspectors are to prepare a list, within one month a.fter receipt of the order, of all the opium smokers, while in the various provinces the Viceroys, Governors, etc., are to find out, within two months after receipt of the order, the number of opitun smokers and also of those who have given up the habit, which lists are to be sent to your Ministers. Whoever is suspected of smoking will be called upon to undergo a. test whenever deemed necessary.

2. Surveillance to be strictly carried out.--Whoever has given up the smoking habit cannot be sure that he has already clone so until Ile has been tested by a. doctor. He is there-fore required by the inspector to go to the opium refuge and remain there for not less than 3 to 5 clays nor more than 6 to 7 clays, where he is provided with food, etc. He is to be under strict supervision, so that whether he has really broken off his habit or not can be easily detect-ed. A certificate will be g-iven as soon as anyone has really broken off his smoking habit, so that Ile may return to his ditties again; but those who are not entirely rid of the habit are required to remain. Should any inspector be found conniving at opium smoking, he shall be severely dealt with, as well as the offender; but those who diligently attend to their duties, without showing the least favouritism, will be promoted as an encouragement.

3. Institutes for Inspection to be established in all Propinces.—ln supervising the suppression of opium stnoking concerted action should be taken, as better result comes from uniformity of operation. It is therefore suggested that the Viceroys and Governors of all the provinces be written to and a copy of these Regulations sent them, with an order that institutes be established and reliable officers appointed over them for the inspection of opium smokers.
Civil and military officials, both substantive or expectant, shall be under the supervision of the inspectors in charge of the institutes. Whenever there are suspicions against any official, his case should be carefully looked into, and should Ile not be able to get ricl of his habit of smoking within the fixed limit of time, or should he have no intention of doing so, he is to be reported for impeachment, and no favour whatever is to be shown him. All cases are to be referred to your Ministers for investigation. Should any provinces be found without any institutes for the prohibition of opium smoking, your Ministers will report such negligence as soon as the matter comes under their cognizance.

4. Supervision to be carried out at fixed periods.—Should officials who are sent by their superiors to the institutes show suspicion of smoking, the inspector must compel them to come to the institute for examination within ic) days, if in the capital, and if in the provinces the time shall be fixed according to the distance from the institute. Failing in their attendance at the fixed period, they shall be suspended from duty pending sentence from the capital.

5. Distribution of Forms in tobich Particulars shall be filled.—Printed forms will be issued by the head institutes to the various yam'ens in the provinces for them to fill in the particulars without any misrepresentations. As an example for others, your Ministers, as well as the officials of the institutes in the capital, have filled in all the particulars in these forms, which they have already submitted to the Grand Council for transmission. All the high officials of the various yarn'ens in the capital, as well as all high officials in the provinces above the rank of Taotai, shall fill in these forms within one month after receipt of same, which are to be re-turned to the head institute for reference. Failing to send in these forms within the time fixed, they will be reported for impeachment, and should any official be guilty of evasion or of non-compliance, he shall be reported fol- cashierment according to his rank.

6. Suggestion for prohibiting the Cultivation of Poppy under severe Penalties.—Your Ministers have received Imperial commands to establish institutes for the suppression of opium smoking, but prohibition of the cultivation of poppy is even more urgent, which measure must be enforced throughout the country in order to make the reform complete. Besides the measures taken by your Ministers for the inspection of all officials, with a view of making them g-et rid of their habit, your Ministers request that an Edict be again issued enjoining the Viceroys and Governors of all the provinces to carry out the JO regulations which have been approved, and also put a stop to the cultivation of poppy, in order to effect its complete eradication. Inquiry shall be made as to the quantity of opiutn produced within their jurisdiction, and whether its cultivation is to be reduced gradually in several years or altogether at once. Honest and impartial gentries shall be appointed t() g() round exhorting the people to discontinue the cultivation of opium. Such work must not be placed in the hands of yamen runners, for in waging such a crusade against opium we must take care not to entail any trouble on the people. I3esides the cultivation of g-rain in lieu of opium, the cultivation of other commodities, such as tea, mulberry, wood oil, varnish, etc., shall be encouraged, so as to make up the loss in their income. Viceroys and Governors of all provinces shall be called upon from time to time to instruct their local authorities to carry out the above reforms with their whole heart, so as to achieve real success.

7. All Anti-Opium ifedicines to be prepared in consultation zuith the Jfinistry of the Interior.—The preient Edict commanding the establishinent of institutes calls for the inspection of officials. Opium smoking, however, cannot be broken off exclusively by doctors without the help of anti-opium medicines. As hospitals have been established by the Ministry of the Interior both in the capital and the provinces, anti-opium medicines can be prepared by the hospital doctors for g-eneral distribution. Other anti-opium medicines will be prepared from time to time for distribution in the most economical way.

8. Discrimination between the Officials and Commoners.—All officials in the capital and provinces shall be under the charge of your Ministers as far a.s reg-ards inspection of opium smoking, while the suppression of opium will be carried out by the Ministry of the Interior among the people in the capital. In the case of the gentry and people in the provinces, the suppression of opium will be conducted by the Ministry of the Interior in concert with the Viceroys and Governors of the various provinces.

9. Bond to be required.—All officials, other than those already holding substantive posts, are, on being appointed to office, required to offer a bond, guaranteed by their colleagues, that they are not opium smokers. Such officials cannot mutually guarantee each other, to prevent fraud.

10. Rewards to be issued to Anti-Opiunz Institutes.—The names of all promoters of Anti-Opium Institutes, and doctors who are interested in the suppression of opium in the various provinces, are to be reported for record. Those in charge of institutes where a large number of persons have been cured of their smoking- habit are to be reported by the Viceroys for the bestowal of brevet ranks, honorific titles, medals, etc., as rewards, but such rewards must conform with the regulations of the Ministry of Appointments.

APPENDIX B.—No. 4.

REGULATIONS ISSUED BY THE NIINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR IN REGARD TO LICENSES FOR PURCHASING OPIUM.

I.—These regulations are based on what has been memorialised to the Throne, and before anyone is permitted to purchase opium (prepared or raw) printed licenses are to be first obtained.

II.—Opium licenses are divided into two kinds, raw and prepared opium licenses, which are to be renewed every three months.

Ill.—Opium smokers are to apply personally for the license from the nearest station not later than    , after which date no licenses will be granted.

IV.--After the date of issuing the licenses, anyone who purchases prepared or raw, opium must present the license.

V.—When applying for a license, one has to give the following particulars: name, age family home, business address, and the quantity of opium taken daily. Failing to give full information, no license will be granted.

VI.—When getting a license for prepared or raw opium, it is necessary to pay a license fee, calculated on the quantity taken daily, e.g.—

5 cents. For 5 candareens    
10 cents fro 10 candareens

Above the quantity of mace, the rate will be charged in due proportion.

VII.—Those who are not habitual smokers are not to pretend to be such with the view of obtaining a license for the buying of opium for others.

VIII.—Holders of a license should observe the following details:— I. When buying opium, it is compulsory to carry the license.

2. On every occasion of purchasing, the license should be handed to the shopkeeper for recording the quantity bought, and stamped by a chop of said shop.

3. From the date of issuing license, smokers should reduce yearly at least one-eighth of the quantity they take daily.

4. At the expiration of the license the holder must bring- it to the station concerned to be renewed.

5. The license holder may, at his option, purchase opium for several days or for one month, but the quantity can in no case exceed what is allowed for three months.

6. The license will not have any retrospective value for witting opium.

7. Those who obtain a license for buying prepared opitnn are not allowed to buy raw opium, and vice versd. It cannot be altered, even at the time of renewing. the license.

8. If opium dross is taken in exchange for prepared opium, it is necessary to present a license, in which the quantity obtained therewith is to be entered.

IX.—In spite of having- obtained a license, it is forbidden to place opium-smoking appliances in drinking houses, brothels, etc., and holders are not allowed to smoke in such quarters.

X.—With the exception of those staying in hotels, strangers who arrive in the capital can at any time report themselves to the station concerned, and a license will be issued after inquiries made prove them to be satisfactory.

Xl.—Travellers who are residing in hotels can purchase opium after obtaining a license from the station concerned.

XII.—Hotel-keepers should inform strangers of the regulations and apply for a license for them.

XIII.—Licenses for travellers hold g,00d for one month, and the fee charged will be calculated on the same basis as the foreg-oing table.

XIV.—Licenses for travellers will serve for purchasing prepared opium only. XV.—Travellers who apply for a license should observe the following:—

I. Anyone applying for a traveller's license should provide a statement giving his name, age, family home, and the quantity of opium taken daily, verified by the chop of the hotel. Without a chop, licenses will not be issued.

2. When a traveller arrives at a late hour, he is allowed to smoke until the next day, to enable him to have time to apply for a license. Anyone who obtains no license on the next day after his arrival will be fined and punished.

3. When a traveller leaves the capital, the hotel-keeper should present his license to the station concerned for cancellation.

4. When leaving the capital, should a traveller want to get opium for use on his journey, the quantity allowed will in no case exceed that for three days.

XVI.—If a license has been lost, a duplicate may be obtained from the station concerned. The original one will then be cancelled.

XVII.—After the death of a holder the license should be handed, by his relatives or others, to the station concerned for cancellation.

XVIII.—Anyone who breaks Regulations VIII (paragraphs 2, 5, 6, and 7) and XV (paragraphs 2 and 3) shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding five days and not less than one day, or fined not exceeding $5 or less than $1. He who breaks Regulations VII, XIV, and

XVII shall be punished with io days or not less than fiye clays imprisonment, or fined not exceeding $io or less than $5. Any violation of Regulation IX will cause the hotel-keeper and the smoker to be fined $30.

[Continuation of Regulations adopted by the Ministry of the Interior in regard to Licenses for purchasing Opium.]

REGULATIONS FOR DEALERS IN PREPARED AND RAW OPIUM.

1.—The object of these regulations is to place a limit on the sale of prepared and raw opium.

2.    Dealers in prepared or raw opium should apply for a license of the kind to be dealt
with, and this license should be renewed once a year. No opium-shop will be allowed to open without first obtaining- a license. Dealers when applying for a license should give these particulars: name of the shop and proprietor, address', amount of capital, sale of raw opium (or both prepared and raw), and the actual balance in stock.

3.—Dealers in prep trecl or raw opium who apply for a license have to p ty a yearly fee, which is calculated on the amount of their capital :—
Capital above $1o,000      Fee, $6
„    $ 5 ,000      $4
under    „    $2

4.—Dealers are not allowed to do other business beside selling opium.

5.—Dealers who have changed their business will be given three inonths time to get rid of their balance of stock before having their license withdrawn and cancelled.

6.—Dealers whose capital is under TIA ,000 are to have their business closed and to take up another trade.

7.—No new opium-shops are allowed to be opened. Existing shops are not to chang,e names and addresses. Those who have their business closed should hand in their license for cancellation, without the option of handing- it over to successors.

8.—Dealers should report to the central station the quantity of foreign or native opium they import into Peking.

9.—Foreign or native opium, when sold in wholesale or retail to customers, should be accompanied by a certificate, the form of which will be issued by the central station. The counterfoils are to be presented for inspection once a month. Foreign or native opium transported without certificates will be treated as smuggled articles.

10.—Smokers are pb^vided with a license., attached to which a record of the quantity of opium purchased is to be kept up to date by the seller.

11.—Beside keeping up the record attached to the license, shopkeepers are to prepare a journal for inspection.

I 2.—After filling in the qu,tittity sold on the record form of the license, shopkeepers have to affix their chops on the same.

13.--Shopkeepers shall be fined and punished for any of the irregularities mentioned bel,,w:—
Selling- opium to anyone without a license; taking- no notice of the quantity he should buy ; or neglecting- the duty of keeping up the record.

14.    1\To opium is to be sold to anyone whose license has expired, or to one who has
already obtained his full fixed supply,

15.—When opium ash is to be taken to be exchanged for opium, the quantity supplied should also be filled in the remarks column of the license. Without a license, oplum ash is not to be accepted for exchange.

16.—Dealers should make a monthly return of opium purchased and sold for the archives of the central station.

17.—A list of the market prices of different kinds of raw and prepared opium should be posted up at the counter of the shop for the infortnation of the public.

18.—Opium pipes are not allowed to be kept in dealers shops. Shopmen who are addicted to the opium habit, and have even obtained a license, ale forbidden to smoke in their opium shops.

APPENDIX B.--NO. 5.
 

PROPOSAL UV THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE TO INVESTP;ATE THE ACTUAL CONDITION OF THE SUPPRESSION OF OPIUM CULTIVATION.

SOME time ag-o the Ministry of Finance received a communication from KA) FANct-suiti, Commissioner of the Native Opium Consolidated Tax, inquiring as to when the branch tax offices in the provinces may be abolished. The Ministry has replied that this matter will depend upon the degree of success attained by the various provinces in the suppression of opium. In the provinces of Kiangsi, Anhwei, Honan, Shantung, and Shansi it has been decided that no opium shall be cultivated next vear. Those who have already planted their winter crops may, however, reap them next spring. 1 n the fear that some among the people, in their desire for gain, may continue clandestinely to plant the poppy, it is necessary that in the 3rd and 4th tnonths of next year, when the crops have cotne up, the matter shall be investigated everywhere in order to ascertain its real condition. It is proposed by the Ministry, therefore, that when the time arrives it will appoint special officials to travel through die various districts for the purpose of inspection. If ill1V local officials are found indifferent in the matter of opium suppression, they, together with the superior authorities, shall be handed to the Ministry concerned for the determination of penalties, in accordance with the fixed regulations. On the other hand, those officials who have thoroughly carried out the orders for opiutn suppression shall be recommended for the bestowal of rewards, as an encouragement to others. The ques-tion whether the branch tax offices in the provinces shall be abolished or not will be decided after the receipt of the report from the special officials to be appointed to tour the provinces for the purpose of investigation.

APPENDIX B.—No. 6.
 

MEMORIAL FROM THE GOVERNMENT COUNCIL REPORTING ON A PROPOSAL BY VICEROY. HSI LIANG FOR THE PROMPT TOTAL SUPPRESSION OF OPIUM.

ON the 3rd day of the 3rd month copy of a Memorial from Viceroy Hsi LIANG, of the Yun-Kwei provinces, advocating the total suppression of opium within a short period, was handed to us by the Grand Council, with the Imperial command that we should consider and report on the same.

According to the memorialist Hsi LIANG, after his arrival in Yunnan, he forthwith issued instructions to his subordinates to carry out our measures of opium suppression, and these measures, except in the remote districts near the borders, were to a large extent successful. He also states that in the opinion of the people the limit of thne allowed for total suppression is too long. He recommends that, taking advantage of the present opportunity, when the popular mind is so eag-er for reform, the time limit should be g-reatly reduced, so that smokers shall cease the habit and farmers shall stop growing native opium by the end of this year. At the same time, the sale of opium will also not be permitted after this ;,ear, so that beginning from the first of next year there will be no more srnolcing-, sale, or cultivation cf opium throughout the whole country.

With reference to the above we beg- to observe that, owing to the great importance which our Government attaches to the question of opium stippression, Edicts of the most stringent character have been repeatedly issued against smokers. The object of fixing the limit of time at to years has regard to the difference of local conditions and the varying progress of the people, the idea being. to avoid undue severity and to manifest the clemency of the Government. Nevertheless, it is set forth most clearly in the first and eighth articles of the adopted regulations, that wherever local officials succeed in totallv suppressing opium within the io years limit, they shall receive a reward; so that the wish on the part of the Government for a prompt suppression of opium is known to all, and should be carried out accordingly. In the matter of reducing the area of poppy plantation, instructions have been repeatedly sent to the various provinces to have this carried out and submit returns to the Ministry concerned ; but although a year has since elapsed, only a few provinces have submitted reports. In view of the great extent of China's territory, it is inevitable that many localities should be given over to poppy cultivation, and unless strict investigation be made as to the actual reduction of production, it would be vain to hope for eradication of the evil. Instructions should therefore be sent to the high authorities of all the provinces that they carry out the regulations proposed by the Government Council, and approved by the Throne, by ordering the officials under their jurisdiction to conduct a personal inspection of the localities devoted to poppy plantation. In those localities where opium production is prevalent, the elders should warn the people as to the seriousness of the situation and order them to plant grain in lieu of opium. This matter, however, should be carried out by exhortation as well as by prohibition. After returns of the reduction of production have been made out and submitted, the high authorities of each province should send officers annually to verify the returns, and rewards or penalties should be given to the local officials in accordance with their merit. At the same time, returns are to be sent to the Ministry concerned for facility of reference. An understanding has been made that the importation of foreign opium is to be gradually decreased for three years, and if at the expiry of this period China has made substantial progress in reducing the production and consumption of opium, the importation will be further decreased. This is, therefore, of the greatest importance, and it will depend on the results to be accomplished by the different provinces.
The province of Yunnan being noted for its earnestness in the matter of opium suppres-sion, it is natural to expect that it will not require 0 years for its accomplishment. This matter, however, rests entirely with the Viceroy of that province.
Rescript dated the 22nd day, 4th moon, 34th year of KUANG HSÜ approves of the above.

APPENDIX B.—No. 7.
MEMORIAL BY TFIE BOARD OF LAWS AND THE IMPERIAL COMMISSIONERS FOR LAW REFORM REPORTING ON A MEMORIAL BY THE GOVERNOR OF KIANGSU RECOMMENDING THE ENACTMENT OF SPECIAL PENAL LAWS AGAINST THE SALE OF MORPHIA.
(Extract from the Official Gazette of 3oth July, 19°6.) '

ON the i4th December, 19°7 a Memorial was submitted by CH`RN chili-t'ai Governor of Kiangsu, in which he proposed that special laws should be laid down providing for the punishinent of those convicted of selling morphia or of manufacturing needles for its injection. In accordance with the Imperial Rescript, " Let the proper department consider the matter and report," the Memorial was referred to the Board of Laws.
The Memorial of the Governor was as follows:—
" Morphia contains poisonous substances fatal to human life, but foreigners use it in compounding medicines for treating certain diseases, and its use has now spread to China, where it is taken by injection to satisfy the craving for opium. Its effects are very similar to those produced by opium, but whilst there is more chance of curing the opium habit, when recourse has once been had to morphia its use cannot be abandoned, and as time goes on, and more injections are constantly made, the whole body finally becomes corrupted and death ensues. In view of the fact that this drug is still more pernicious than opium, clauses were inserted in the commercial treaties with Great Britain and America prohibiting its importation except under special Customs permit and for medical purposes, and the loth Article of the Rules for the Prohibition of Opium, submitted to the Throne by the Government Council last year, provided that instructions should be sent to Customs authorities to call attention to this treaty provision, and that shopkeepers, whether native or foreign, should be strictly prohibited from manufactur-ing morphia or instruments for its injection.
"Unfortunately there are still unprincipled persons who, in their greed for gain, delude people into using morphia, and as all the opium saloons have been closed owing to the enforce-ment of the prohibition of opium, and the poorer people cannot procure the utensils for opium smoking, when they find that they can satisfy their craving with morphia at a fraction of the cost there are few with sufficient strength of mind to resist doing so. This being the case in Kiangsu the same conditions are probably to be found in other provinces, and it therefore appears advisable that special laws should be provided so that one man's punishment may act as a deterrent to a hundred others.
" By law it is an offence punishable with decapitation to manufacture or cause others to manufacture poisons dangerous to human life, and further, if a man be poisoned, the seller, if aware of the purpose for which the poison was bought, is liable to the same penalty as the murderer. Now if a person manufactures morphia, which is poisonous in its effects, and sells it to another to satisfy his craving for opium, if the latter finally dies through inability to abandon the use of morphia, the case is really similar to that of a man who manufactures poison for the purpose of committing murder. The law formerly in existence against opium provided for the death penalty, and as morphia is much more dangerous than opium the death penalty in accordance with the law against the manufacture of poisons would not be excessive. As, however, the object of its manufacture is not murder but gain, and as, too, the victims of the craving voluntarily bring their death upon themselves, the conditions are somewhat different, and I would therefore venture to suggest the Board of Laws should be directed to consult with the Commissioners for Law Reform with a view to drawing up special enactment on the subject."
We were instructed by Imperial Decree to report on this Memorial, and have the honour to observe, in the first place, that morphia is a natural salt, forming the essential constituent of opium, from which it is extracted by chemical processes and made into medicines for treating diseases. It possesses the property of producing sleep, whence its name morphia, from Morpheus, the god of sleep, is derived, and its effects are still more powerful than those of opium.
Last year an Imperial Decree was issued ordering the entire abolition of opium, and the regulations prepared by the Government Council contained a provision that arrangements should be made for the prohibition of the import of foreign opium, so that the evil might be cut off at the source. It was also provided that as morphia and the instruments for its injection were still more injurious than opium, full effect should be given to the irth Article of the British Commercial Treaty and the 16th of the American Treaty, and instructions be given to the Customs to prohibit the importation of any morphia not covered by a special permit and imported for medical purposes. Shopkeepers, whether native or foreign, should also be strictly forbidden to manufacture morphia or instruments for its injection, so that this evil might be completely eradicated.
These regulations were sanctioned by the Throne and circulated, but in spite of the stringent nature of this prohibition, it appears that there are still unprincipled persons who delude people into using morphia, and the trade has not been entirely suspended. The prohi-bition of opium is now being enforced; opium saloons have been closed; and the poorer classes having no other means of allaying their craving have recourse to morphia, being attracted thereto in the first place by its cheapness. As time goes on their consumption of morphia constantly increases and they cannot abandon its use, their system becomes full of the poison, and in the end their bodies become covered with sores from the injecting needles and their health is ruined. Seeing that the evils of morphia are so difficult to avoid even now before opium has been entirely eradicated, after the abolition of opium it is to be feared there will be still greater danger of falling a victim thereto, and we shall merely shift from Scylla to Charybdis.
The Governor's suggestion that a special enactment against morphia, founded on the law against the manufacture of poisons, should be laid down, springs from an earnest desire to extirpate the evil and preserve the lives of the people. The original law against the manufac-ture of poisons provided that whether any person was actually killed or not the maker was liable to decapitation, the punishment being thus more severe than in the case of ordinary homicide, on the ground that this class of criminal made murder their trade. Now in the case of those persons manufacturing instruments for the injection of morphia and selling them to people for the purpose of satisfying their craving for opium, the maker is on the same footing as a person manufacturing poisons, but as his object is merely gain, and not murder, and as, moreover, the victims of the craving bring about their own death, the conditions are, as the Governor has pointed out, somewhat different, and justice requires that the law should be made slightly less severe.
As regards the sale of morphia by shops, the Customs should be directed to enforce the provisions of the British and American treaties prohibiting the import of morphia except under special permit for medical purposes, and a punishment inust be fixed for any evil-disposed persons in the interior who may conspire to carry on an illicit trade in the drug. A person who knowingly sells poison is liable to the same punishment as the actual murderer, and a person who sells morphia, knowing its poisonous properties, should therefore be liable to the same punishment as the man who manufactures the instruments of its injections. Again, under the now obsolete law against opium, the person preparing and the person selling the drug were liable to the same punishment—strang-ulation,—and therefore, although the death penalty need not be decreed either against the person making instruments for the injection of morphia or the person selling the drug, the two classes of offenders should be treated as being on the same footing.
After careful deliberation we venture to recommend that those convicted of manufactur-ing- instruments for the injection of morphia should be sentenced in accordance \vith the law against the manufacture of poisons, the punishment being- reduced from decapitation to banish-ment to the most remote and unhealthy reg-ions of the Empire; those convicted of selling morphia. except under a special Customs permit being- liable to the sarne punishment in accord-ance with the law against knowingly selling poisons, and their shops will also be confiscated.
We would also pray that instructions be sent to the Customs authorities to enforce the treaty provisions and put a stop to smuggling, so that the evil mav be cut off at is root, and when definite regulations have been laid down we trust that the people will reverently obey them and that the prohibition of opium may then become really effective.
On receipt of Imperial sanction the I3oarcl will issue the necessary instructions to the Governor of Kiangsu, as well as the high authorities of other provinces, the Revenue Council, the High Court of Justice, and the Governor of Peking.
This Memorial has been drafted by the Board of Laws after consultation with the Imperial Commissioners for Law Reform, and the delay in subrnitting- it has been due to the time required for exchanging, correspondence on the subject.
On the t6th July the following Imperial Decree was issued: "A.pproved."

APPENDIX C.—NO. I.
PROCLAMATION ISSUED BY TfIE ACTING PREFECT OF FOOCHOW: DATED KUANG
liSCL 32ND VEAR, I ITH MOON, 29T11 DAY.

OPIUM has been imported into China for several hundred years, since the middle of the Ming, dynasty. At first it WaS used for curing sickness; 110W, inversely, it has become the cause of sickness. Formerly only foreign opium was sold in China; IlOW there is the native article also. Its poison is spread amongst our 400,000,000 people, and its malign influence atnongst the 2 1 provinces. First it devours the property of the individual, then it affects the race, and finallv it will destroy the whole country.
Svmpat.hising with the miserable condition to which our people have been reduced, the Throne has increased the duties on Opium, in the hope that such increase might hinder the consumption; and now an Imperial Decree has been issued fixing a date for the entire prohibition of opium smoking. This will mean that a loss of revenue to the extent of several million dollars a year will be incurred for the welfare of the people. Both Eastern and Western countries will bear this loss, which fact ought to encourage our people.
Now those who wish to better themselves are willing enough to stop smoking opium, but the rnore ignorant are entirely overcome by the vice. The fault lies entirely with the opium divans, which entice men to smoke and are pits for their destruction.
Let us consider the reason why people become opium smokers. At first they accompany their friends to the divans, and play with the vice in their leisure hours; but they soon become habitual smokers. Truly we have but little wisdom in contracting a habit that will trouble us as long as we live. The poisonous effect of opium being- so obvious, why will not the people bestir themselves? We repeat that the fault lies with the opium dens, and unless they are closed it will be exceedingly difficult to prevent opium smoking.
Acting in accordance with the Anti-Opium Regulations received from the Board concerned, the authorities in Chihli, Shanghai, and some other places have already ordered all the opium divans in their jurisdiction to close within a period of six months. I, the Prefect, hope that my people will, in the matter of opium, loyally obey the wishes of the Throne, in order that the eradication of the vice may be brought about.
Besides issuing instructions to the Fu-fang Ping, the Bureau of Police, and the Anti-Opitun Society to forbid the opening of opium dens, I have now to direct the owners of all divans inside and outside the city to find other means of obtaining a livelihood. After the issue of this no additional divans may be established, and all dens are to be closed before the end of the 3rd moon of next year. If the dens are not closed by that date, or if opium lamps are secretly lit, the owners will be punished and their properties confiscated. Owners of shops used for the purpose of opium smoking after that time will be fined and their shops confiscated. Restaurants and brothels burning lamps for the convenience of their guests, whilst not in the same category as dens proper, ought to stop the practice before the end of the year, otherwise the owners will also be liable to punishment.
We hope this prohibition will have the necessary effect. If our words fail to have a g-ood result, action will follow.

APPENDIX C.—No.
PPoCLANIATIoN ISSUED    TIIE TARTAR GENI RAE    FUKIEN: DATED KUANG HSO,
33RD YE1R, 2ND MOoN, 9TII DA\ .

OPIUM, since it was introduced into China, has become one of the principal causes of our weakness. In consequence the Throne has determined, for the strengthening of our country, to put an end to opium smoking within to vears. Those having, the habit ought therefore to awake and heal themselves. We have received from the Cheng-wu CI-1'u Anti-Opium Reg-ulations consisting of to Articles, which have been handed to the Provincial Treasurer, for publication in the arious districts of this province, and all people must obey these directions.
We further understand that the reason why opium smoking; is so prevalent amongst the people is that they are attracted to the opium dens; also, those who wish to give up the habit cannot obtain the proper antidotes. The General Commercial Association of Shanghai has lately submitted to the Board of Agricultnre for approval a list of anti-opium medicines, with drawings of the grasses required for making them, and a copy has been transmitted by the said Board to this province. As it indicates clearlv the manner of taking these medicines and of breaking off this pernicious habit, we have nOw to publish it for general information, with the hope that those of our people addicted to the vice may free themselves from it at an early date. All opium divans inside and outside the city walls and in the various departments and districts of the province are to be closed by the end of the 3rd moon of this year, and no additional dens must be opened. Anyone disreg-arding these instructions will be severely punished bv the local officials and their divans sealed. House-owners who continue to allow their property to be used as opium divans will be liable to a fine.

APPENDIX C.—No. 3.
PROCLAMATION ISSUED ( oNJOINTLA BY PREFECT CHANG ANI) SUB-PREFECT YAO, OF FOOCHOW, TIIE YÜAN, ANI) THE HOUKWAN MAGISTRATE CFEEN : DATED KUANG IISÜ, 33RD YEAR, 3RD MOON.

WE have now to jointly instruct you owners of opium dens that opium has caused us great harm for several hundreds of years, and it impossible for us to count how many of our people have lost their property and their lives, all for the sake of opium smoking. The Imperial Decree of the 7th moon of last year prohibiting the smoking- of opium was welcomed by the whole world. During the loth moon of the same year we also received from the Chêng-wu Ch'u regulations for the suppression of opium, consisting of to Articles, one of which ordains that all opium divans should be closed within six months, and proclamations were issued by our several superiors ordering all divans to be closed bv the 3oth day of the 3rd moon. In doing this they were only following Imperial instructions, which forbid the smoking- of opium.
As the date on which all opium dens are to be closed is now drawing near, we have now to instruct the owners of all such establishment inside and outside the city walls, and in the various villages, that in addition to being a cleadlv poison opium causes us to lose a great deal of money, and that the date for closing of all divans having once been fixed it can never be extended. It will consequently be best for you to find your livelihood by other means. If vou are unable to do this owing to loss of capital or outstanding accounts, ‘ve advise you to seek a suitable shop for the sale of opium in accordance with the reg-ulations proposed by the Ts'ai Cheng Chil, for you will not be allowed to deal in opium at your original shop, or merely change your hong name.
All opium divans, large and small, are to be closed before the 3oth day of the 3rd moon, and any persons having- their places open 011 the 1st day of the 4th moon or secretly setting out lamps will be severely punished and their shops sealed. House-owners letting their premises as opium shops should request their tenants to close within a few days, otherwise we shall take necessary action, etc.

APPENDIX C.—No. 4.
JOINT PROCLANIATION ISSUED BY THE PROVINCIAL JUDGE, THE FINANCIAL BUREAU, AND THE CENTRAL POLICE STATION OF FUKIEN : DATED KUANG HS1Ü, 33RD YEAR, 3RD MOON, 26TH DAY.

PROCLAMATION iS hereby given that since opium has been imported into our country it has been the cause of much waste of money and a source of weakness to our race. An Imperial Decree was issued last year forbidding the smoking of opium. Proclamations have also been respectively issued by the VicerPv, Provincial Judge, Prefect, Sub-Prefect, and Magistrates to the effect that all opium dens are to be closed by the end of the 3rd moon, and an Anti-Opium Society has been formed by the local gentry for the distribution of anti-opium medicines to the public. Although the higher class of people, who know that the linperial Decree must be obeyed and the habit of smoking opium broken off, have one after another stopped their opium smoking during the last few months, those who smoke opium on account of sickness can hardly stop doing so at once. We have therefore decided, in consultation with the members of the Anti-Opium Society, that, although all opium dens ought to be closed at the appointed time, a certain number of opium shops should be allowed to exist, in order that those who have not yet stopped their opium smoking may obtain the drug from them. As this is a measure we are compelled to take, it is necessary to draw up regulations for the guidance of such shops.
The regulations given by the Financial Bureau for such opium shops are as follows:—
I. That all opium dens are to be closed by the end of the 3rd moon, after which time people are allowed to establish only opium shops for a period of three years and on the expiration of that period such opium shops also are to be closed.
2. That 110 opium shop is allowed to be opened in a place where an opium den has formerly been established; should it be found out by the Financial Bureau or the members of the Anti-Opium Society that an opium shop is established in an old opium den, the shop will be sealed by the Magistrate and its owner punished.
3. That if an opium shop is to be established, the name and address of the shop and the name of its owner should be five days previously reported to the Financial Bureau for registration and license ; if not, the shop will be sealed by the Magistrate.
4. That the license given to the opium shop by the Financial I3ureau should be examined quarterly and changed yearly.
5. That the opium shop is only allowed to be established in a conspicuous place for the sale of opium only, and is not allowed to have any room for smoking opium; should anyone disobey the above he will be severely punished and his shop sealed.
6. That the tax on opium originally levied by the Financial Bureau is to be separately paid by the opium shops.
7. That should any opium shop be established, it should be reported to the Financial Bureau for registration before the end of the 5th moon.
8. That all opium shops are to be inspected by the police officers and the deputies of the Anti-Opium Society from time to time, who will ascertain if there are any opium lamps on the premises.
9. That the opium shop is only allowed to sell opium, but is not allowed to boil opium for others.
io. That when an opium shop is removed or closed, it should three days previously be reported to the Financial Bureau, Central Police Station, and the Anti-Opium Society, for a change of license; and if not, the shop will be sealed.
Should any of the opium shops disobey the above regulations, the owner and the assistants of the shop will be punished accordingly as soon as the matter has been reported to us by any other shop ; and all properties of the shop will be confiscated and the proceeds handed to the man who reports the matter, as a reward.
 

APPENDIX. C.—No. 5.
PROCLAMATION ISSUED BY HIS EXCELLENCY CHU, SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE STATIONS AND PROVINCIAL JUDGE OF FUKIEN : DATED KUANG HSU, 33rd YEAR, 3rd MOON, 26th DAI'.
SINCE opium was first imported into China it has clone great harm to the country. We have been instructed by our superiors to issue instructions for all opium divans inside and outside the city, as well as in the various districts of the province, to be closed at the end of the 3rcl moon. Proclamations to this effect have already been issued by us, and all police stations inside the city and at Nantai hp.ve been directed to instruct all opium dens in their respective jurisdictions to close their establishments by the appointed time, and to inform those concerned that if they disregard these orders they will be punished. The area of this provincial capital is very extensive, and the opium divans numerous. The time for closing such divans is now approaching, and we fear that some of them will only make pretence of closing and still carry on their business inside. Should any of the dens do this, the owners of the houses or any of the public may report the matter to the nearest police station. If on investigation the report is found to be true, the dens will be immediately sealed and the proprietors punished. If the owners of houses do not report the misconduct of their tenant to us their shops will be confiscated ; those who do so report will be liberally rewarded.
Besides instructing all the branch police stations to carry out these orders, I am issuing this proclamation hoping that all the proprietors of opium dens and refuse shops will obey and close their premises by the end of the 3rd moon, and turn to some other business. If they still dare to set out lamps clandestinely after the time limit has expired, or the house owners protect them, they will be arrested and punished and their premises sealed. When once they are detected or reported on no mercy will be shown them. Let this be obeyed.

APPENDIX C.—No. 6.
PROCLAMATION ISSUED BY HIS EXCELLENCY CHU, PROVINCIAL JUDGE, SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE OF THE PROVINCE OF FUKIEN, IN THE MATTER OF OPIUM SUPPRESSION : DATED KUANG 33RD YEAR, 5TH MOON, 8TH DAY.

THE effects of the opium evil will impoverish a family, weaken the whole race, and cause people to waste their time. At present the Government is trying to strengthen the country and will suppress opium smoking within a period of io years. Therefore I hope the people who are already addicted to opium smoking will reform and try to abandon the vice. The habit of opium smoking is mostly contracted in the opium dens. Therefore the previous Acting Viceroy has sent me a proclamation and a number of regulations to be posted up, and has ordered all opium dens and opium dross shops, both within and without the walls of the provincial capital and in other districts of the provinces, to close their business at the end the 3rd moon. The time for such closing has arrived, so it is the duty of the proprietors of of the opium dens and opium dross shops in all districts of the 'province to close their business in obedience to the Viceroy's order and find their livelihood by some other means. It is difficult to prevent all the opium dens which are situated far away from the provincial capital from setting out lamps privately, though outwardly they appear to be obeying the order. Therefore we again instruct the different local authorities to arrest and punish such offenders and to seal up their premises. House owners who allow their houses to be used as opium dens will be fined.
Besides instructing the various Magistrates to inspect the different places, I now issue this proclamation, hoping that all the opium dens and opium dross shops will obey the order to close up and revert to some other trade. If they are found still doing business privately they will be punished and their premises sealed.

APPENDIX C.—No. 7.
PROCLAMATION ISSUED 111 TIIE PROVINCIAL JUDGE OF FOOCHOW IN THE MATTER OF OPIUM SUPPRESSION : DATED KUANG HSU, 33RD YEAR, 6TH MOON, 5TH DAY.

THE importation of opium into China has done great harm to the people. I received instructions some time ago to order the closing of all opium dens and opium dross shops before the end of the 3rd moon.
On investigation, though the various opium shops and opium dross shops have obeyed and closed their shops within the limited time, yet I hear that the different sedan chair shops in the city still set out lamps and retail opium to a number of men to smoke, under the pretext that it is for their own use. If the report is true, they are violating the prohibition. I therefore ag-ain order all the sedan chair shops to stop this practice by the end of the f fth moon—a limit of six months from the 1st of the 6th inoon,—after which no one will be allowed to smoke. Ever within the prescribed time they are only allowed to smoke themselves and not to retail surreptitiously to a great number of men. This is aimed at ending the cause and eradicating the opium evil. Besides giving orders to the different police stations to issue special proclama-tions and to constantly inspect such places, I now issue this proclamation to prohibit such practice within the above specified time.
I therefore hope all the sedan chair shops in the city will obey and break off their smoking practice at the prescribed time, and not set out lamps or allow smoking again. If anyone is found to disobey this order, or has been petitioned against, he is to be arrested and punished without mercy.
 

APPENDIX C.—No. 8.
PROCLAMATION CONJOINTLY ISSUED BY YüAN, TIIE ACTING MAGISTRATE OF THE MIN DISTRICT ; CHANG, THE PREFECT OF FOOCHOW; CEPEN, THE ACTING MAGISTRATE OF HOUKWANHSIEN : DATED KUANG HSU, 33RD YEAR, 8TH MOON.

SINCE the closing of the opium dens a number of lawless smokers have been found smoking in temples and in boats. A proclamation forbidding such practice has already been issued. We have now again heard of a number of law-breakers setting up divans and lamps and smoking in private families, making very little difference from the former opium dens to be found in ahnost every city and village. Besides making private investigations for the purpose of arresting and punishing such law-breakers when found, we now again issue this proclatnation, hoping all classes of the people will realise the infinite benefit to be derived from the suppression of the opium habit, and not remain ignorant as hitherto and suffer punishment therefor.
After this proclamation every offender should reform.
Tipaos and house owners should exercise special vigilance to see that their houses are not converted into opium dens. If such practices are again detected, we will first seal and confiscate the house, and then punish without mercy such Tipaos and house owners who fail to report such cases as if they were smokers and the proprietors of such opium dens. We have repeatedly issued proclamations to this effect, so we think sufficient warning has been given.

APPENDIX C.—No. 9.
PROCLAMATION ISSUED BY HIS HONOUR KU, THE MAGISTRATE OF HOUKWAN DISTRICT, FUKIEN: DATED KUANG    33RD YEAR, IOth MOON, 23RD DAY.

OPIUM has done a great deal of harm to China. It has wasted her money, enfeebled her subjects, and degenerated the race. One of our ancient Ministers, LIN WEN-CHUNG, tried to suppress opium, but to our sorrow he failed; but we are fortunate in seeing our misfortune now disappearing, and happiness is dawning just like one awaking from a long sleep.
Successive Imperial Decrees and official exhortations have been promulgated to you, and I do not know how you are going to exert yourselves in suppressing this poisonous drug.

I hear that a number of men have reformed and are cured of their habit, but therc are also a number of men privately selling opium and setting up lamps in private families and enticing men to smoke. To such class of people suppression is only a name. Are those classes of people insensible to honour and shame ? Are they wood that they should not be affected by such exhortations ? After much consideration, I came to the conclusion that they are the uneducated class and strangers to self-honour. They thought that they could deceive the Magistrate, who is far away from them, forgetting that they cannot deceive their immediate relatives—fathers, brothers, etc. So if such family members will advise and stop them at the beginning-, I think they, can be easily persuaded. If they still dare to disregard the family advice, the case should be reported to me, and I will use all kinds of methods to arrest such nnen and punish them. If the village elder.s and family fathers can work conjointly with the officials, I cannot see that there should be any difficulty in stamping out the evil. If the village elders and family fathers can found a society and entirely suppress opium smoking in their own village, I should think it would be also to their advantage. I know that the method of resting such responsibility on them is generally used.
Therefore I will also use this method. In future, when anyone is detected by the members of the Anti-Opium Society opening opium dens and retailing- opium without a license, I will at once make the elders, etc., hand the man over to me for punishment.
Besides writing to the Committee of the Anti-Opium Society to make strict investigations, I now issue this proclamation, hoping that the village elders, etc., will obey and carry out my wishes.
 

APPENDIX C.—No. 1o.
PROCLAMATION ISSUED BY THE FOOCHOW TAOTAI IN THE MATTER OF INCREASING THE OPIUM TAX : DATED KUANG HSÜ, 33RD YEAR, Ii.TH MOON.

OPIUM is a very poisonous drug. Successive Decrees have been received, ordering the suppression of opium. Foochow has proved to be the first in closing the opium dens. Though the various opium dens both within and without the city have been closed, the number of opium retailing shops is yet great. If their number is not strictly controlled, I am afraid it will be difficult to foretell the day of entire suppression. Therefore, in order that I may carry out the orders of the Throne and relieve the sufferings of the people, I have consulted with the local gentry on the matter. The result is that it has been decided to send out deputies to clearly investig-ate the position of the present 2 4 shops, to forbid any future addition to those already established, and to impose an additional tax of No cash on every ounce (liang) of opium from the 6th of 1st moon, 34_th year of KUANG HSO.
I will further select some officials to go round with books to the different shops with the Committee of the Anti-Opium Society- to ask the different proprietors to undertake to write in the said books the amount of tax they have to pay. The least amount they may enter shall not be under the present tax on 2 ounces of opium. An official will collect the amounts so promised when they are due. A list of the money collected will be posted in front of the Bureau of Finance, Central Police Station, and its branches for the information of the public and to discourag-e frauds. If any shops are found to report less than the amount actually sold, they will be severely punished. In short, the present additional tax is not intended to impoverish the people, but to give some hindrance to smokers in the way of raising the cost of their vice. Such an obstacle to the sellers and buyers may gradually rouse them to reform and lead to the entire suppression of this harmful drug.
I therefore issue this proclamation hoping that all opium-shop proprietors will obey.

APPENDIX C.—No. II.
PROCLAMATION ISSUED CONJOINTLY BY YÜAN, THE ACTING DISTRICT MAGISTRATE OF MIN DISTRICT, AND CHtN, THE ACTING DISTRICT MAGISTRATE OF HOUKWAN : DATED KUANG HSÜ, 34TH YEAR.
THE poisonous effect of opium has circulated everywhere. Though the different opium dens in the city and country were closed and business stopped in obedience to orders, I yet hear upon inquiry that a number of lawless country people dare to hide themselves in country private families, temples, monasteries, and boats, and there they set up lamps and entice a number of people to smoke; and we really felt very angry to see such ignorance. Besides holding the village elders, inspectors, monks in monasteries and temples, and the respective Tipaos responsible, we now issue this proclamation conjointly, hoping that all classes of people will note that the present opium prohibition was ordered by Imperial Decree: we must therefore try to remove the root of poison. There is no reason why they should obey outwardly and disobey privately, so as to throw themselves into the arms of justice. Therefore after this proclamation, if any man is found setting out lamps or being petitioned against to that effect, in private families, temples and monasteries, or in boats, enticing a number of men to smoke, he will be arrested and severely punished.
If house owners, monks of monasteries, and boatmen are discovered to be accessories to such practices and fail to report same to the authorities, they will also be arrested and punished and their premises sealed. Tipaos who fail to report what they know about these matters will also be punished.

APPENDIX C.—No. 12.
PROCLAMATION ISSUED BY HIS EXCELLENCY CHU, THE PROVINCIAL JUDGE AND THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE POLICE OF FUKIEN : DATED KUANG HSU, 34TH YEAR, 3RD 1\400N, 29TH DAY.

FOLLOWING the receipt of the Imperial Decree concerning the suppression of opium, the various opium dens ancl opium dross shops wore closed under orders from this office last year. The restaurants, brothels, etc., were also prohibited from furnishing lamps for their visitors. But among the vast number of smokers residing in this capital, there may be some people still arranging utensils for smoking in their own house, presumably for themselves, but in reality making a good profit from them. I have therefore sug-gestecl a set of regulations to the Viceroy for the purpose of obtaining a list of smokers. As my suggestions have been approved, I now issue this proclamation hoping that all classes of people will give their true name, age, address, occupation, and daily consumption to the police inspectors and members of the Anti-Opium Society-, who will make a proper list of such smokers for the purpose of future investigation, and will also distribute licenses to such smokers.
The purpose of the said registration is to prevent fresh smokers and to exhort confirmed smokers to break off the habit.
If a smoker is found to report less than he actually consumes, or falsely that he is a non-smoker, I will at once treat him as a violator of this order and liable to punishment or fine.

APPENDIX C.—No. 13.
PROCLAMATION ISSUED BY THE VICEROY OF FUKIEN IN TIIE MATTER OF PROIIIBITING POPPY CULTIVATION: DATED KUANG HSU, 34TH YEAR, 6TII MOON, 23RD DAY.

THE cultivation of opium has done g-reat harm to the soil. I regret to say our nation has been reduced to a state of weakness and poverty, due greatly to the excessive cultivation of poppy and to the unusual number of opium smokers.
Since the 8th moon of the 32nd year of KuANG Hsù orders were repeatedly received that poppy cultivation must first be reduced gradually, and cease entiiely at the end of nine years, in accordance with the approved regulations drawn up by the Cheng-wu Chru. The above order has already been made known to you in the form of a proclamation.
At present the Board of Foreign Affairs has obtained the consent of the different foreign Ministers to reduce the importation of opium for a trial period of three years, beginning from this year, and to commence further negotiations at the end of three years after seeing the actual reduction in cultivation and smoking made by China herself.
Even the different foreign nations show a great sympathy in our movement; why should the Chinese themselves, who are directly affected by the harm, not feel concerned and do away with the evil entirely ?
Furthermore, if more land is devoted to poppy cultivation, less land is devoted to cereals. Consequently, in case of necessity wc are affected by the price of food and the shortness of supply ; in order to prevent such hardship all opinm-cultivated fields should be planted with other crops. The original order for reduction gives a time limit of nine years, so the present cultivated area should be 20 per cent. less than formerly, as it is two years since the issuing- of that order. Whether that order was obeyed or not, no report has been received from the District Magistrates. I 110W learn that the cultivation in the province of Yunnan and Kiangsu, etc., where the greatest amount of opium is produced, will be entirely prohibited within this year. The province of Fukien should also imitate such an example, and it is a much quicker way to prohibit such cultivation in one year than to gradually reduce it in nine years. Therefore the poppies that were planted last year may be harvested this year. After the present crop, no further planting is to be made. The land must be sown with some cereal. Henceforth no inore poppy-cultivated land is to be permitted in the whole Fukien province, and the farmers are further commanded to throw away their seeds so that no trace of the plant will remain. At a certain time I will despatch officials to make investigations together with the District Magistrates. If anybody is found cultivating the poppy, his land will be confiscated and the plants destroyed.
Besides instru.cting the different districts, prefects, etc., to strictly prohibit such cultiva-tion, I now issue this proclamation, hoping it will be obeyed by all classes of people.

APPENDIX C.—No. 14.
SUMMARV OF VARIOUS PROCLAMATIONS ISSUED AT TENGYUEFI, YUNNAN.

NO. I (25th July, t9o7).—Proclaination of Tengyueh Magistrate, notifying the instructions of the Viceroy HSI LIANG that all officials are to give up smoking at once (the instructions of the previous Viceroy having been disregarded), and that hninediate returns are to be forwarded of the acreage under poppy, the number of persons engaged in the cultivation, and the measures proposed.
No. 2 (7th August, I9o7).—Proclamation of the Provincial Treasurer, Provincial Judge, Commissioner of Education, and the Taotais of the Shan Hou Chii, notifying the rules of a Provincial Anti-Opium Association which has been formed by the order of the Viceroy HSI LIANG.
[The first four rules are not notified, being concerned with the Association itself.]

RULE 5.—INVESTIGATIONS.
I°. A complete list of smokers in the city and suburbs to be made within a month. The smokers will obtain medicines from the Association, or buy those approved by it and cure themselves. The young and strong to be given six months and the old and weak one year.
2°. In country places the duty of reporting smokers will rest with the T`uan Chang„ who will be responsible for all concealment.
3°. Existing dealers in prepared opium in the city will be required by the police to take out licenses within half a month, and at the end of a year will close. No IleW shops to be opened.
4°. Dealers in remedies will submit their remedies to the inspection of the Association and will not be allowed to sell without a certificate of the Association.
5°. All smokers who have given up the habit to be reported periodically.

RULE 6.—CURE.
I°. A hospital to be attached to the head office, in which smokers without homes will be received, 20 at a thne, and for a period of 20 days. Cost of food to be paid by patients.
2°. Those who, the number being complete, cannot be admitted to hospital may, in accordance with Rule 5, 1°, register their names and receive medicines and medical
attendance.

RULE 7.—LIMITS OF TIME.
I°, Registers of civil and military officials who smoke will be made by the Provincial Treasurer and the Ying-wu Ch`u respectively, and all, in accordance with previous instructions, and whether much or little addicted to the habit, will be required to abandon it by the end of the 6th moon of this year. Those who fail to do so will be reported to the Governor and Treasurer and will then be given an extension to the end of the 8th moon. If still unreformed, they will again be reported and punished. If over 6o years of age they be dealt with leniently, but must rctire from the public service.
2°. In the Education Department investigation will rest with the Education Commis-sioner, and in mercantile circles with the guilds, and lists are to be returned to the head office within a month. Smokers to be allowed six months to cure themselves, after which, if uncured, they will be ineligible for any educational office, will not be allowed to open any business, and will not be recognised as members of any companies or associations.
3°. People of the lower class being difficult to supervise, opium divans will be required to close in six months from the establishment of the Association.

RULE 8.—PROHIBITION.
1°. In the vicinity of the provincial capital the Magistrate will call for a return of the people growing opium, with the acreage cultivated and the quantity expected to be reaped by each in the present year, and report to the head office. The Magistrate will also by proclamation admonish growers to reduce the quantity grown year by year, and after three years cultivation will be forbidden altogether. In outlying ina,zistracies the procedure to be similar.
2°. In the suppression of poppy planting the local authorities will confine themselves in the first year to injunction, in the second they will forbid it, and in the third they may forcibly put a stop to it.
3°. The sale of opium-smoking implements to cease, as before ordered, by the end of the 6th .moon, and such implements to be considered as contraband after that date and destroyed wherever found.

RULE 9.—REWARDS AND PENALTIES.
1°. Local officials and gentry who establish societies and in six months or a year succeed in completely suppressing the evil will be recommended for rewards.
2°. All who offend against the rules laid down by the Association will be punished as misdemeanants.
No. 3 (7th September i9o7).—Proclamation in colloquial by the Viceroy of Yunnan, Hsi LIANG, earnestly and forcibly pointing out the destructive effects of opium smoking and foot-binding.
No. 4 (13th September 1907).—Proclamation of Tengyueh Magistrate, notifying the chief of the 10 regulations of the Government Council, prescribing forms for reporting smokers, and adding recipes for anti-opium remedies.
No. 5 (8th October I9o7).—Instruction from Tengyueh Magistrate to local officers, calling for complete lists of inhabitants showing the number of smokers and non-smokers, and of poppy cultivators, with acreage, as required by the Viceroy.
No. 6 (i8th October I9o7).—Joint proclamation of Chungking and Kiinmin Prefects, warning opiutn divan keepers that soldiers will be sent to arrest all who have not closed.
No. 7 (9th September I9o7).--Instruction from the Viceroy to the Teng-yueh Magistrate, ordering him to post the Viceroy's colloquial proclamation against opium-smoking and foot-binding throughout his district, and to report the date on which the copies of the proclamation have been received and the places at which they have been posted.
No. 8 (no date).—Telegrain from head office of Anti-Opium Association, requesting that it be applied to at once for various remedies named, including A-chili-flat'.
No. 9 (11th November 19o7).—Proclamation of Tengyueh Magistrate, notifying that all divan keepers having agreed to adopt other callings, the public are required (t) to pay their debts to the said divans, and (2) to refrain from fut ther buying at the divans.
No. to (3rd April fgo8).—Short proclamation by Tengyueh Magistrate, re closing of divans and licensing of smokers.
No. It (3rd April 1908).—Tengyuell Magistrate notifies that the Viceroy will soon send deputies to inquire into the carrying out of regulations, and that if it be found that smokers have not been reported or that divans are not all closed the local officers will be held responsible.
No. 12 (no date).—Proclamation by Tengyueh Magistrate against the extortion of fees for smokers licenses.
No. 3 (i3th May 1908).--Proclamation by Tengyueh Magistrate, stating that evasions of the law regarding the closing of divans and the registration of smokers have come to his knowledge, and that such evasions will by severely punished.
No. 14 (3rd March 19o8).—Memorial to the Throne by Viceroy HSI LIANG, praying that the term for the abolition of opium be shortened, and that after the end of the current year it be forbidden to smoke opium, to grow opium, or to deal in opium and opium-smoking accessories.
No. 15 (t7th July 1908).—Viceroy's instruction to the Teng,yuch Magistrate to post the proclamation, of which copies have been sent to him, and to report the date of receipt and of posting and the places in which posted.
No. 16 (no date).--Telegram from Viceroy to local officials, calling on them to carry out the new instructions to the letter. Hereafter there must be no poppy planters. From the beginning of next year there must be no opium smokers, and no merchants who store, buy, or sell opium. If these instructions are disobeyed, the offenders will be severely punished immediately on detection, and the local officials reponsible will be rigorously dealt with.
No. 17 (no date).—Proclamation by Viceroy in six character lines, to the same effect as No. 16.
No. 18 (no date).—General order by' the Viceroy, who states that the Government Council has reported in favour of his proposals for immediate and complete prohibition. There-fore after the autumn of this year the poppy is no more to be planted on any land. Smokers, of whatever age or sex, must one and all abandon the pipe by the end of the year. Dealers in crude or prepared opium must by the end of the year dispose of stocks outside the province, retaining not the smallest quantity. After the first day of next year if any plant opium they will meet with immediate punishment, and the land, whether of large or small extent and whether owned or only rented by the planter, will be summarily confiscated; and if dealers retain stocks, they will be punished in addition to the confiscation of their stocks. Officials in whose jurisdiction planting or dealing in or smoking opium is allowed to continue after the time fixed will be impeached and punished without mercy, while the Viceroy will certainly re-commend to the Throne those who carry out instructions so that not a vestig,e of opium or a single smoker can be found under their rule. Measures taken and progress made are to be reported, as also the date of the receipt of these instructions.
No. 19 (no date).—Viceroy confirms the decision of the Fumin Magistrate in the case of a tea shop which has kept a divan against regulations. The offender to be bambooed and put in the cangue, the landlord to be deprived of his rank, and the house to be confiscated and sold for the benefit of the anti-opium funds.

APPENDIX C.--NO. 15.
REGULATIONS FOR THE CONTROL OF THE BUYING AND SELLING OF PREPARED OPIUM IN THE PROVINCE OF FUKIEN.

HAVING completed their inquiry and registration of all the opium smokers in the provincial city of Foochow, the Chu To Hsi (an Anti-Opium Society) has drawn up some regulations which have been approved by the Provincial Judge and by him ordered to be
observed by all concerned.

I.—The regulation providing for the buying and selling of prepared opium under a pass only must not be allowed to become a dead letter. Hence all the opium smokers as well as dealers are to observe the following rules from the 26th day of the 12th moon :—
I°. No opium smoker will be allowed to purchase prepared opium without a pass, nor may any shop sell opium without first inspecting the pass.
2°. When buying opium during the regular hours, the pass shall be handed to the shop and the shopkeeper shall stamp it with the date when the opium is sold.
3'. Each pass contains 90 spaces for as many dates, and at the end of every three months the pass shall be sent in to the Chu To Hsi in exchange for a new one. Failing to have it exchanged at the expiration of the period, the pass shall no longer be valid.
4°. When a buyer wishes to purchase opium under a pass for several days or a month in advance, he is allowed to do so, but it shall not exceed the number of days as indicated by vacant spaces in the pass.
5°. Should anyone be found buying opium without a pass, or should any shop sell opium without inspecting the pass, he is liable to a fine of not more than $io and not less than $5, or to hard labour for not more than io days and not less than five days.
2.—Opium smokers shall be required to pay dues on opium which they keep for their OW11 use. When they happen to possess a large stock of opium, they must report its exact weight to the Opium Tax Office, by whom a tax at the rate of 3oo cash per ounce shall be levied on the net weight of the opiutn as weighed by the said office. After the smoker shall have finished smoking this opium, as calculated by his usual daily quota of consumption, he shall be allowed to buy more opium from the opium shops with a pass.
3.—All places or depôts for the preparation of boiled opium shall be registered for the purpose of inspection, and every shop selling opium may have a place for preparing opium annexed thereto. To prevent fraud, all opium shops are required to report to the police station in their district or to the Chu To Hsi, for purposes of identification, their opium-cooking rooms, and should any such place be found not corresponding with what is reported, the case shall be dealt with as one of unauthorised preparing of opium.
4.—The rule for the inflicting of a fine is made with a view to preventing the secret keeping of opiutn or the clandestine preparation of opium. Opium smokers shall truly report the quantity of opium they have in stock and pay the prescribed dues. They shall not be allowed to have any opium prepared by themselves. Infringement of this rule will entail confiscation of the opium and a heavy fine besides.
5.—A reward will be given for information leading to the discovery of opium clandes-tinely kept. A reward will also be given to anyone who supplies information leading to the discovery of any place illegally used for the preparation of opium. Half of the price realised on the sale of opium confiscated will be given to the informant, and the other half to the Government. The name of the informant shall not be made known, in order to save him from trouble.

APPENDIX C.—No. 16.
DESPATCH FROM THE SZECHWAN VICEROY TO THE PROVINCIAL JUDGE, ORDERING THE ISSUE OF INSTRUCTIONS TO HIS VARIOUS SUBORDINATES TO SHORTEN THE TimE LIMIT FOR REDUCING POPPY CULTIVATION, AND TO PROHIBIT ENTIRELY ANY FUTURE PLANTING IN TIIE VARIOUS FAMINE DISTRICTS.
(Undated, but known to have been issued in the sunzmer of z9o8.)
I NOW address you on the question of the reduction of poppy cultivation. Since His Majesty's approval of the various regulations submitted by the Min-chuan Pu, orders have been issued to the different provinces to investigate and shorten the time limit of poppy cultivation in accordance with local conditions. Yunnan has memorialised the Throne promising to suppress the entire poppy cultivation there within a year. As this method is going to be followed by other provinces, I am afraid the time limit will soon come only to find the evil here not entirely eradicated, a fact which may lead to great complications in our foreign relations and to the payment of a heavy indeinnity. On investigation I find more opium is grown in this province than elsewhere. In some districts there are tens of thousands of mou and in others thousands of 711011 of land under poppy, cultivation.
If we reduce them little by little, the growers will pay very little attention, to say nothing of the insignificant amount reduced. If growers continue to cultivate them privately, or the investigators mistook the plant for some cereal, it would never be possible to stamp out cultivation entirely. There are places in various districts which have been rendered unproduc-tive by prolonged droug-ht or excess of rain and floods. Such places, if they were originally poppy fields, should be ordered to plant cereals, so that more food will be raised in the pro% ince and famine be less severe in time of scarcity.
I trust that you will at once start to make fnvestigations and to keep a list of such famine-stricken lands or fields haying a poor harvest this year, and to prohibit them from being sown with poppy seeds, if they were previously poppy fields, and they are further forbidden from sowing poppy seeds in future. Such fields should be ordered to plant beans, Al heat, or other cereals, or any kind of useful trees.
The non-famine-stricken lands should be ordered to reduce cultivation by one-half and, if circumstances will perinit, to entirely cease cultivation by next year. In short, the earlier the poppy cultivation finishes the earlier it will be po.ssible to reap cereals, etc., from such fields, and less of the people's money will be wasted.
The different District Magistrates should be instructed to issue proclamations to the planters, and to organise methods of investigation in order to prevent fraud and private cultivation. Any diligent Magistrate who can exhort the people to cease the entire cultivation within this or next year without inflicting undue hardship on them will be recommended to the Throne for reward in accordance with the area of such cultivated lands under his jurisdiction ; while those who fail to carry out this order energetically and to send genuine reports will be dismissed when detected or petitioned against.
Besides instructing the Ag-ricultural and the Police Departments, I now write to yOH, trusting you will at once investigate and instruct the different District Magistrates to prepare a detailed report of the scheme to be used within 50 days dating from the arrival of this despatch

APPENDIX C.—NO. 17.
SUMMARY OF PROCLAMATIONS ISSUED AT NINGPO.

For the compilation of the above report information has been collected from travellers and from postal employés in various inland places, as well as from native merchants through members of the Chinese staff; official sources of information have not been available.

APPENDIX C.—No, 18.
PROCLAMATION BY VICEROY HS6 AND GOVERNOR TANG :
12T11 NOVEMBER, 1908.

OUR people have gradually become more enlightened during the past few years. None of them would not detest the evil of smoking opium whenever opium is mentioned, but inany persons are still addicted to the evil habit. The reason is not far to seek. It is due to the cultivation of the poppy, which has not been entirely abolished. As a rule, the planters think only of the profit to be derived from it. Why should it be so? Why should you, who have fields to plant, plant the very thing which does harm to other people?
If you will think over the matter carefully, you will then understand the reason why opium must be strictly prohibited and why our Government, with its exchequer nearly empty at a time when money, is needed to pay for Boxer indemnity and to carry on the work of reform, foregoes the large amount of opium revenue. It is because of the great havoc wrought on our people by opium.
Opium is a chief staple of China's imports from the British territory. The British Government has willingly consented to reduce gradually its import into China until totally abolished within a certain prescribed period. If the foreign opium has ceased to find its way into China, and at the same time the native opium continues to be grown as before, will this not be a matter for foreigners to laugh at us? It will also furnish the neighbouring Powers an evidence of our inability to abolish opium.
As regards yourselves, it can never be said that without planting poppy you have no other means of getting your living. Before the opium was brought into China you certainly were never in a position to be without sufficient clothing and food. And is there anyone of you at the present time, without planting the poppy, who suffers from hunger and cold ?
We have received instructions from the Ministry of Finance to the effect that, in accordance with the Opium Memorial, the cultivation of opium must be strictly prohibited in the Fengtien province after next summer.
In addition to the present proclamation, instructions have been issued to the various Magistrates with orders to enforce the prohibition. It is hoped that all of you will remember that the fields now planted with poppy must be planted with grain after next summer. As it is feared that you may not fully understand the opium prohibition and opium evil, so we will not shirk our duty in earnestly admonishing you beforehand : you are not to regard the present notification as a mere paper. It is hoped that all of you will advise each other not to tread again the forbidden path, and that you will not disobey the prohibition order.
When the time arrives we will send competent officials to go round and make strict investigation re poppy fields. If any new poppy be planted, the field will be confiscated and its owner punished in accordance with the opium regulation. After the issue of this proclama-tion the prohibition will be strictly enforced and no leniency will be shown to the offenders.

AI'PENDIX C.—No. 19.
MENIORIAL FROM YUAN SHU-HSUN, GOVERNOR OF SHANTUNG, DENOUNCING A NUMBER OF OFFICIAI.S FOI: THEIR NON-COMPLIANCE WITH TIIE ANTI-OPIUNI REGULATIONS, AND RECOMMENDING THEIR DEGRADATION AND CASHIERMENT.

ACCORDING to the Memorial of YUAN SHU-HSUN, Sub-Perfect TSAI SSI.J.' -YUNG, Magis-trate KUNG TUN-AN, and three others have not yet got rid of the opium habit, and their reputation is not enviable. Expectant Prefect Mu Wu-Km and 17 other officials in various capacities are still deep in the opium habit, and are most ingenious in concealing their vice. All these officials are to cashiered without exception.
HUANG NAI-HAN and LIU PANG-YEN, while acting as inspecting officers to detect opium smokers, have been guilty of intentionally trying to hoodwink their superiors, and they should be dismissed from office, never to be employed again. Expectant Prefect TANG SHIH-HSUN and to others, who are unenergetic in the discharge of their duties on account of their opium habit, should be relieved of office. Expectant Prefect HSIA CHIN-SHEN and two others, who have contracted the opium habit and are devoid of ambition, are ordered to vacate their posts and return home.
The above Memorial was approved by the Prince Regent, December 1908.

APPENDIX C.—No. 20.
PROPOSED REGULATIONS OF THE ANTI-OPIUM HEAD BUREAU OF CHIHLI CONCERN-ING MEASURES TO BE TAKEN FOR THE EVENTUAL SUPPRESSION OF THE USE OF OPIUM.

THE Anti-Opium Bureau considering the measures to be taken pursuant to the proposed regulations already submitted to and approved by the Throne, have made the following conditions:—
E.—No opium shop shall be allowed to open without a license, and in case of any illegal opening, of such shop it shall be immediately sealed and its property confiscated. Upon any shop being found to have been newly opened under cover of a license it shall also be forced to close up, but its property shall not be confiscated. The license will be valid within the period of one year, at the expiration of which it shall be renewed. The fees payable monthly for each license will be invariably $6 for the first class establishment, $4 for the second class, and $2 for the third class.
2.—From the commencement of the operation of the Tientsin Anti-Opium Head Bureau, on the 25th of the 1st moon, all opium shops shall within one month apply for a license. Any shops taking license in the znd moon shall be required also to pay the fees for the 1st moon from which its payment is to commence. Though the operations of local branch bureaus in the various sub-prefectures and districts may be tardy, as a measure against dilatoriness and other irregularities the payment of monthly fees should commence from the month its operation comes into effect, and not from the month- when the application for license is made.
3.—Opium shops are distinguished by three classes. Any shops having in the first instance obtained the third class licenses, and desiring to substitute them for the first or second class, shall be required to make good the payment of the first or second class fees commencing from the month of its operation, but not from the month When such application is made, so as to stop the irregularities.
4.—Every license before it is issued must be properly stamped with a chop, showing that the fee for the commencing month has been paid, and another bearing the inscriptions that in case of non-payment for zo days after it is clue the holder of the license is liable to a fine not exceeding twice the amount of the fee.
5.—Opium smokers are not allowed to purchase any opium without having obtained a license. Failing to do so, the purchaser, as well as the seller, is liable to a fine not exceeding fifty times the value of the opium thus illeg,ally purchased, or he shall be called upon to undertake heavy labours as his punishment if Ile is unable to pay the fine. The license is not transferable. In case of any smoker being found to be holding for his own use another's license, the offender, as well as the rightful holder of the license, is liable to a fine not exceeding twenty times the value of the opiutn he uses, or Ile will have to undertake hard labour for his punishment.
6.--The licenses for opium smokers are classified into A and B license. ..-I is for those who are above 6o years of age, and who, being too far advanced in years and too feeble to speedily give up the habit, are not obliged to do so ; but they must not keep up their habit after the expiration of the period allowed for the suppression of opium. License B is for those under 6o years of age who are obliged to reduce the use of opium to a degree of 20 or 3o per cent. and in the course of time before the expiration of the limited period to give it up entirely. Those who have taken license B are not allowed to apply for license A in exchange when they come to the age of 6o.
7.—The smokers licenses shall be issued quarterly.    I3efore being issued, they
shall be first stamped by this Bureau, numbered and divided into two classes, A and B, by chop, and into four quarters, as spring, summer, autumn, and winter (by chops also), so that there will be no confusion, If any smoker who has already got his first quarter's license comes to get the second quarter's license on or after the t5th of the 3rd month, the first quarter's license shall be endorsed " Not to be used for the second quarter and to be returned for cancellation in the third quarter." For the third and fourth quarters the procedure shall be the same. If any smoker comes to get a second quarter's license on or after the first of the 4th month, the first quarter's license shall be demanded back by this Bureau and cancelled.
8.—As the smokers license is issued quarterly, so subscriptions shall be paid quarterly. Should any smoker come at the middle or the end of the quarter to buy that quarter's license
Wle shall pay that quarter's whole subscription without deduction. If it happens that the year has an intercalary moon, the smoker shall be allowed to buv one month's opium more than usual, but the subscription for that quarter which has the intercalary moon shall be no more than an ordinary quarter.
9.--In selling licenses to the smokers of districts, sub-prefectures, or prefectures other than those of the provincial capital, the Magistrate, the Sub-Prefect, or the Prefect should write clearly the quantity of opiutn which the purchaser daily smokes on the middle of the official stamp which is affixed to the license, in order to avoid any possible alteration.
io.—The local opium dealer of the third class wishing to buy opium from the opium shop of the first or second class shall show his certificate and opium bill to this Bureau, which will give him a warrant permitting him to buy opium from the shop. This warrant is used for the purpose of recording the exact amount of opium sold in the market, and is supplied free of charge.
1.--For the convenience of the outport opium merchant who comes to Tientsin to buy opium before Ile has received the license, a kind of outside dealer's license is issued to him. This kind of license is entrusted to the opium sellers of the first and second classes to be given to those who are outsiders only. To prevent the local smoker from assuming to be an outsider and getting the benefit thereof, the merchant who buys less than Tls. 36o worth of opium shall pay the license fee the same as a local smoker, e.g., for every Tls. 18 worth of opium he shall pay io cents as license fee; for more than Tls. IS worth he shall pay 20 cents; for more than Tls. 36 worth, 3o cents ; and so on. Should any outsider buy more than Tls. 360 worth of opium he will be treated differently Irom the local smoker, and need not pay any license fee.
I 2.—The outsider's license shall be issued only temporarily. When all the smokers and dealers in other prefectures, sub-prefectures, and districts have got their licenses, this kind of license shall be cancelled.
13.—When the opium dealer gives out the outsider's license (which is in triplicate) to any non-resident merchant, he should first put down the date, the number, the quantity of opium, and the names of himself and the merchant on each part of the license. The merchant should then bring- the license to this 13ureau, which will register and stamp it with a chop especially provided for such purpose. After that, the holder is permitted to buy opium from the shop. Failing compliance herewith, or if the number or quantity on the license does not tally with the counterfoil, the merchant will be punished severely upon detection by the inspector or police.
ig..—The outsider's license should bear a stamp declaring "No fee charged if the opium purchased is worth over Tls. 36o," in order to prevent the opium dealer getting any license fee from the outsider.
15.—A kind of transient smokers license is issued especially for travellers in the hotels, but these licenses are non-available outside of the hotels. Small inns in which persons have no lug-gage and pay only or 2 cents for their lodging are not permitted to get this kind of license for their customers ; but hotels conducted on a large scale and keeping account books which can be inspected are allowed to make use of this kind of license, subject to certain regulations.
16.—The transient smokers licenses are bound in book form of two kinds, one containing ioo and the other 5o forms. The former are for the larger and the latter the smaller hotels.
In issuing transient smokers licenses the location of the hotel should be written on the cover of each book of tickets to avoid confusion.
17.—Every hotel-keeper applying for transient smokers licenses should get a shop to furnish security.
18.—Hotel-keepers, when paying in the fees for the transient smokers licenses to this Bureau, should bring a pass book, in which the Bureau will enter the amount received and put its stamp thereon, to save trouble of giving receipts. Hotel-keepers coming to get transient smokers licenses should give a receipt to the Departtnent Bureau for future reference.
19.—On delivering the counterfoils and fees of the transient smokers licenses, the hotel-keeper should state the number of licenses sold and the amount of copper coins received.
20.—Hotel-keepers should receive 5 per cent. commission on the licenses sold.
21.—When issuing transient smokers licenses, the Bureau should first examine the municipal license of the shop which furnishes the security, as well as the municipal license of the hotel.
22.—There shall be a fixed time for issuing licenses to the local smokers. Beyond the fixed time no purchasing of licenses will be allowed. Anyone, however, who returns from outside and applies beyond the time limit may get the license if Ile can provide a bond ; but the fee for the same shall be double the regular rate.
23.--After the issue of the various licenses every quarter, all the names, addresses, number of the smokers, and quantity of opium sold should be recorded in a book, which is to be kept for reference for the next quarter.
24.—Those who take out smokers licenses are not allowed to smoke in hotels, restaurants, or brothels, but at home.
25.—The accountants and employés of hotels, restaurants, or brothels are allowed to purchase smokers licenses for themselves, if they have got the habit of smoking, but they are not permitted to let others smoke.
26.—Smokers shall buy their license from the office where they got it before. 27.—The opium dealer's license is good for one year, but its fee shall be paid monthly.
28.—As the number of smokers is uncertain, and sortie of them are living far from the office, from five to ten days grace are allowed them for changing their licenses; but the dealers must get their licenses on or before the fixed date.
29.—Since the Police Department assists the Anti-Opium Bureau in its exercise of supervision, half the fines, if any, shall be retained by this Bureau and the other half go to reward that department.

APPENDIX C.—No. 21.
PROPOSED REGULATIONS OF THE ANTI-OPIUM BUREAU OF CHIHLI FOR INVESTIGATING THE OPIUM SMOKING HABIT OF OFFICIALS.

1.—THis Bureau proposes to establish an institute for discovering whether officials are opium smokers or not. All officials who are opium smokers, upon the fact being- ascertained, shall be required to come to this Bureau to undergo a test. Taotai WANG HSUEH-TSENG having been appointed director of this Bureau, the responsibility of investigation is devolved on him, and he must carry out his duties faithfully.
2.—Provincial officials of the higher ranks, both civil and military, shall be examined by officers appointed by the Viceroy, and their certificates of non-smoking shall be deposited in the yamén of the Viceroy. Whether records of their cases are to be kept in this Bureau or not shall depend upon the decision of the highest provincial authorities.
3.-0fficials, holding either substantive or acting posts, shall be examined by their superior officers as to whether they are smokers or not. If not a smoker, he must file a certificate signed by himself to that effect, and this must be supplemented by another certificate of endorsement from his superior officer. If any favouritism is shown by shielding any offender, upon this being discovered the matter will be reported to the high authorities, and the offending official will be required to come to this Bureau for undergoing a test, and the officer shielding him shall be given serious black marks.
4.—Officials of expectant rank in Government service shall be examined by the director or co-director of their respective departments as to whether they are opium smokers or not. Smokers will be removed from their posts, while each non-smoker will be required to submit a certificate of non-smoking signed by himself, in addition to another certificate of endorsement signed by the director or co-director. Should a smoker be allowed to smoke through the
favouritism of his superior officer, upon the case being reported to this Bureau and duly verified the informing official will be rewarded with meritorious marks, while the question of punish-ment for the negligent director or co-director will be considered.
5.-0fficials of expectant rank and not in Government service must also each submit a certificate of non-smoking. If anyone cannot submit such a certificate lie shall not be given any post. Besides submitting his own certificate, each one must hand in an additional certificate signed by a high official of his own province, for the purpose of verification. This Bureau will also appoint reliable Prefects, Sub-Prefects, and Departmental Magistrates to direct the making of inquiries among the expectant officials of their respective provinces. If any favouritism is shown, upon the same being- reported and the case duly verified the offending smoking official will never be taken into the Government service, while the official of the same province as the culprit who was his endorser, and the official whose duty it was to find out smokers, will both be given serious black marks.

APPENDIX C.—No. 22.
MEMORIAL FROM VICEROY TUAN FANG REPORTING ON THE SHORTAGE OF REVENUE DERIVED FROM THE LIKIN ON NATIVE OPIUM.

ACCORDING to a report by the director of the Consolidated Likin Bureau at Hsfichow, the amount of native opium production has, in consequence of Imperial instructions which were duly circulated throughout the various districts, considerably decreased this year. In addition to this, a number of people who had clandestinely planted the poppy, but were afraid afterwards of detection and punishment, uprooted their crops and planted grain in their stead. Besides, many of those who had planted their poppy and duly reported same had their crops considerably damaged by drought. In consequence the total production for all the districts was lessened by over 3o per cent. This fact was established by the reports of all those officers who had been sent to investigate the matter.
As a result of the shortage of the opiutn crops, the quantity of new opium put on the market has been small and its price abnormally high. Dealers have had perforce to go else-where to purchase their opium. All this has resulted in the loss of considerable revenue to the Consolidated Likin Bureau, which has been further accentuated by the facilities for smuggling opium into Shantung, Honan, and Anhwei, which three provinces are conterminous with the districts of Hsfichow. Most stringent preventive measures have been taken against this smuggling, but it is most difficult to adopt totally effective steps.
Rescript dated 25th day, iith moon, 34th year of RUANG HSÜ (I8th December): "Noted."

APPENDIX C.--No. 23. ANTI-OPIUM MEASURES IN CHEKIANG.

RECENTLY instructions from His Excellency Tsf:NG, Governor of Chekiang, were sent to the various Prefects of his province, to be passed on to all the Magistrates of the districts. These instructions state that owing to the comparative cheapness of native-grown opium and the ready facilities for procuring same, the number of those who smoke and cultivate the drug has increased. It is now proposed to enter into an official register the particulars of all land under poppy cultivation, and this registration must be completed within one month after receipt of instructions. After the returns have been submitted for examination, the farmers will be required to plant other things instead, and by the 4th moon of next year plantation of poppy must entirely cease. When the returns have been received by the Governor's yamen, he will appoint officers to make a tour of inspection for the purpose of verification and to prevent fraud. Those who smoke opium, whether they be gentry, merchants, students, or commoners, must be found out and their names registered as opium smokers. Anyone wishing to rid himself of the habit must do so within one or two years, and after he has done so he must present a certificate signed conjointly by the elders of his clan or the directors of his business. He may then petition the local authorities to have his name deleted from the register of opium smokers.
But if even after two years a smoker should still be found addicted to the habit, he will always be regarded as an opium habitué, and be treated differently from the general class of people.

APPENDIX C.—NO. 24.
TELEGRAM FROM THE GOVERNOR OF SHENSI.

HIS Excellency tN SHOU, Governor of Shensi, telegraphs as follows regarding the condition of the opium problem in Shensi:--
In 1905, 530,991 mom of land were under poppy cultivation in Shensi; in 1906, 537,617 mou; in 1907, owing to the inauguration of the Native Opium Consolidated Tax, when no likin was paid, no record was kept; in 1908, 356,374 mou. The above returns were reported to the Board concerned and are on record. Reg-arding the number of opium smokers, returns have only been received from 4o odd districts, while 48 more districts have yet to send in their reports. No figures can, therefore, be given for this. There are in Shensi seven prefectures and five independent sub-prefectures, with a total population of 9,000,00o. Taking- the head prefecture as example, it is found that over half of its 900,00o inhabitants are habitual smokers, Since the issuance of the strict Anti-Opium Edicts, over 106,500 smokers have given up their habit. At this rate, there is no doubt that opium suppression can be successfully carried out within the ten-year period. The conditions of the opium problem in Kansu are similar, and the officials there are also most earnest in the matter.

APPENDIX C.—No. 25.
MEMORIAL FROM IISI LIANG, VICEROY OF YUN-KWEI, REPORTING ON THE SUPPRESSION OF NATIVE OPIUM AND THE A130LITION OF OPIUM LIKIN.

IN a former Memorial the writer proposed that smoking and production of opium might be totally suppressed at the end of the current year, and the dealers in raw and prepared opium be compelled to export the balance of their stock at the end of the year and take up other business or trade. During- the past months the officials have been carrying out opium suppression with sincerity, and the people, repenting of their error, are obeying with earnestness. In consequence, at the end of this year all the native opium will have been exported from the province of Yunnan, and the Opium Likin Collectorate will be closed. A proposal is submitted by the officials of the Consolidated Likin Collectorate of Yunnan that, from the 1st day, 1st moon, 1st year of HStiAN PUNG, all the stations in the province shall cease collecting likin on native opium, and if any further stock is found after that date still unexported, the same shall be confiscated and destroyed, in order that the province may be entirely rid of opium.
The above proposals are fully approved by the memorialist.
The loss of the opium likin, amounting from Tts. 400,000 to Tts. 5oo,000, on which the expenditures of Yunnan have hitherto so largely depended, however, should be taken into consideration. If the loss is to be made good simply by the extra tax on salt, a large deficit will be inevitable. The officials of the Consolidated Likin Collectorate should therefore take the general situation into consideration and devise other measures for recouping the loss.
Referred to the Ministry of Finance by Decree dated 25th day, all moon, 34th year of KUANG HSU ( I 8th December 1908).

APPENDIX C.—No. 26.
THE OPIUM QUESTION IN SHANTUNG.

His Excellency YUAN SITU-1150N, Governor of Shantung, reports telegraphically as follows to His Excellency Viceroy TUAN FANG, regarding the present condition of the opium question in Shantung:—
In the provincial capital an institute for testing opium-smoking officials has been estab-lished. Already over I,Ioo officials have been tested as to their smoking habits, Opium-cure institutes have been established in all the districts of the province, and in one district alone over io such institutes have been established. The number of opium-cure institutes thus far estab-lished and reported is 193, but this number is being- increased. Those who have already been cured in these institutes number 49,573. Following the practice adopted in Chihli, opium smokers are required to take out a license before they can purchase opium. The exact figures of the number of smokers cannot yet be obtained, owing to the shortness of time since the anti-opium movement went into operation. According to the statistics of the Native Opium Consolidated Tax Bureau, in the 33rd year of KuANG HSU Shantung- produced for home consumption 242,105 catties of opium, and in the first io months of the 34th year, 95,679 catties, thus showing a reduction of 6o per cent. In the 33rd year the native production for export was 72,730 catties, and in the first io months of the 34th year, 52,557 catties, making a reduction of 30 per cent. Again, in the 33rd year, native opium imported into Shantung was 6,816 catties, and in the first io months, 585 catties, making a reduction of go per cent. All these diminished quantities of consumption is a clear proof of the reduced number of opium smokers. But the ultimate success of the anti-opium movement depends upon the suppression of the home production of opium. Instructions were issued, therefore, that the plantation of opium must entirely cease within this year, with the exception of those who had planted their opium late, who would be allowed to reap their crops next spring. In the prefecture of Wuting no opium has ever been cultivated. In the: Taian prefecture opium planta-tion has entirely ceased. In 16 of the sub-prefectures and of the districts of Tsinan opium cultivation has been entirely suppressed. The sarne is true of the io sub-prefectures and nine of the districts of Tengchow ; also of io of the sub-prefectures ancl seven of the districts of Tungchang; also of the same number of sub-prefectures and the same number of districts in Yenchow. In the above-named four prefectures the majority of the districts have already ceased opium cultivation. The reduction of area under opium cultivation is 6o or 7o per cent. In a few of the worst districts which are noted for the opium industry reduction has been effected to 20 per cent.
After next spring it is confidently expected that opium plantation will practically disappear throughout the entire province.

APPENDIX C.—No. 27.
TELEGRAM FROM THE GOVERNOR OF CHEKIANG TO THE GRAND COUNCIL REQUESTING THE LATTER TO MEMORI A LISE THE THRONE.

ALTHouGH the Jo years period allowed for the total suppression of opium is ample for its purpose, still steps must be devised to bring about success in their proper order. The prohibition of opium cultivation is much harder than the suppression of the opium habit. According to the plans proposed by the Ministry of Finance for the suppression of opium cultivation, each province must investigate into its own conditions and adopt uniform measures for the entire province or separate measures for each district. In the province of Chekiang the two prefectures of Tai and Wan, the two sub-prefectures of Yuwan and Tinghai, the district of Shangshan, where Ningpo is situated, and also the Yuyao district, in which is Shaohing, are the centres for opium culti-vation. Since the suppression movement was started cultivation in the district of Shangshan has entirely ceased, and in the other districts it is gradually decreasing. At the present moment it is estimated that a reduction of 30 to 4o per cent. has been effected. People growing poppy were persuaded to plant cereals in their place, and as soon as they find this to be as profit-able, poppy cultivation will automatically ceast-. Judging from present prospects, it will not require to years before the cultivation of opium will have totally disappeared. It is proposed that in the 1st year of HSOAN 'DUNG an attempt shall be made at the suppressi.on of poppy culti-vation throughout the province, and that in the 3rd year the said cultivation must absolutely cease. During the remaining four years steps will be taken to find out if there are poppy crops still g-rowing clandestinely, and to do whatever else may be necessary to bring about a complete abolition of the opium problem.
Dated 13th January 1909.

APPENDIX C.—No. 28.
TELEGRAM FROM THE GOVERNOR OF SIIANGTUNG TO THE VICERoV AT NANKING.

YOUR message of the 2nd inst. to hand. The remarks made by the British Commissioners concerning this province perhaps refer to the condition of affairs to months ago. Since then suppression of opium cultivation has been energetically carried out, and as far as has been reported, the whole poppy area has been taken up by other crops, with the exception of two districts. There are districts which have not yet reported, and orders have been sent to their officials to be energetic in suppressing-cultivation. A table is prepared, and will be forwarded, showing the area ot land under poppy before and the area that is to be planted with cereals in their place, in accordance with the prepared schedule. This plan will be duly carried into operation the coming spring, and in the 2ncl moon officials will be sent to investigate the real condition more closely. Should any districts be found to be still disobeying orders, the officials will be impeached and cashiered, according to the degree of their culpability.
Dated 25th January 1909.

Ai'PEN1)ix C.—No. 29.
TELEGRAM FROM THE VICEROY oF SZECHWAN TO THE VICEROY AT NANKING.

YOUR message of the 2nd inst. is received. Forty odd districts in this province have been reported as being entirely free of opium cultivation last year. Every effort is being put lorward to suppress cultivation. Strict orders have again been sent out to investigate the poppy areas thoroug-hly. This province has been noted for opium ciiltivation, but to say that there is still as much opium grown throughout the province as formerly is erroneous.
Dated 35th January 1909.

APPENDIX C.—No. 30.
TELEGRAM FROM THE GOVERNOR OF HONAN TO THE VICEROY AT NANKING.

YOUR message of the 2nd inst. is to hand. My last report referred to the suppression of opium cultivation, and not reduction. Capable officials have been sent out to the different districts to investigate carefully this rnatter in conjunction with the local officials. Efforts will not stop short of uprooting all the crops. The planting of poppy is a matter which can be seen and heard of and cannot be concealed. The Indian merchants are trying- to rnake difficulties for us by their criticism, but I beg you will state the true facts to them.
Dated 3oth January 1909.

APPENDIX C.—No. 31.
PROGRESS OF THE OPIUM WAR IN FUKIEN.

1st. In the 32nd year of KuANo Hst..5, the Tith month and 29th clay, a proclamation was issued that after a period of six months from date all opium dens in the city of Foochow must be closed.
At this time there were over 820 opium dens in the city and immediate suburbs. As the time drew near for the going- into effect of this proclamation every effort was put forth to influence the officials to give a further extension of the time or to wink at the violation of the order, but on the 4th month and 1st of the month in the following year, the order was put into effect and all opium dens were closed and have remained closed from that time.
2nd. KuANG HSU 33rd, 2nd month, 9th day, the Viceroy issued a proclamation establishing- opium hospitals, to aid those who desired to break off the habit. Arrangements were made whereby those who were poor could have the benefit of these hospitals free of expense save for their food.
At this time there were six of these hospitals opened in Foochow, while other places in vicinity also established such hospitals.
3rd. On the 26th of the 2nd month, 33rd year of KUANG Hstj, a proclamation was issued establishing certain places where opium could be bouç,dlt by those who were tillable to immediately break off the habit and a limit of three years was fixed for the complete cloiiing out of these places. No place. of sale was allowed to be opened where opium was smoked.
At first there opened 430 of these places where opium was allowed to be sold. In the i2th month of that year officials were appointed to examine into the-;e places of sale and a tax of 3o cents per ounce was levied upon the opium with the result that the number of places of sale were reduced to 214. This number has since been reduced to 155.
4th. 29th of the 3rd month, 33a1 year of KUANG HSÜ, an Edict was issued that anyone found guilty of inviting a friend to sm)ke opium with him should be considered as opening an opium den and his property should be confiscated and he severely punished. 452 families have been punished and 17 shops have been closed under this regulation. The effect of the prohibition was that opium smoking must become solitary and not in company with others. This proclamation is also effective and is enforced.
5th. Immediately following the above proclamation was another, to the effect that any person detected in selling- or using opium in violation of the above proclainations should have his property taken from him and sold. He should not be allowed to hold the property even for legitimate purposes.
6th. Sth of the 5th month, 33rd year, an Edict was issued that all opium dens in the province should be closed in the same manner as those in Foochow had been. This proclamation is being enforced where the authorities at Foochow have the knowledge, but in spite of their efforts there are many opium dens still running full blast in outlying districts, though they are steadily being closed.
7th. In the Stli month, 33rd year, a proclamation was issued forbidding coolies from smoking opium in their stands or in company.
Sth. 2 ist of the Sth month, 33rd year, a proclamation was issued forbidding those who were smokers from going on board boats where they might be out of the way of the officers, or of using temples for their purposes, a heavy penalty was placed upon the violation of this order and the owners of the boats or priests of the temples were held responsible.
9th. 4th of 12th month, 33rd year, a proclamation was issued exhorting all heads of the salt establishments and all people to break off the habit.
loth. The Anti-Opium Societies had already appointed committees in all parts of the city, whose business it was to use every means in their power to detect the illicit use or sale of opium, and they were very much hampered in their work by lack of authority, until the 2,9th of the 3rd month of the 34th year of KUANG Hsi:7, when an Edict was issued giving these committees full authority to enter any place for examination and placing at their disposal officers to enforce their demands for admittance or to make arrests where ordered by such committees. These committees have been busy every night and have accomplished much in enforcing the above decrees. At times they have been attacked and some of them severely beaten, but nothing has deterred them from their purpose. They are still warring nightly.
'all. About this time the Anti-Opium Societies were authorized to make a careful canvass of the city with intent to determine the number of opium smokers and their location. At this time each house was marked as either having an opium smoker within or as being clear, and a close record was kept. F_ach opium smoker was furnished with a certificate giving his name, age, residence, business and the amount of opium he consumed in a day. Fraudulent statements in this matter on the part of the parties were punished by imprisonment or heavy fines. In this way a fairly correct record was secured of those who were using opium, and of the amount consumed each day and by each person.
12th. Many proclamations were issued along the above line and are summed up in the following conditions for the sale and use of opium, as set forth in a proclamation issued 24th of the ioth month of this year:—
(a) These certificates shall be in triplicate, one form to be deposited in the hands of the proper official, one form to be deposited with the Anti-Opium Society, and one form to be left in the hands of the opium user.
(b) Without this certificate, it shall be impossible to buy opium; without this certificate before him, the licensed opium salesman is forbidden to sell opium under any condition.
(c) There shall be a blank space on each certificate for the entry of the daily amount of opium used and the salesman must stamp the amount into the blank as the daily sales are made. The amount each may buy as a limit, daily, is stated in the face of the certificate, this amount may not be exceeded.
(d) This certificate is issued for only three months, after which it must be renewed.
(e) In case the person cannot come daily to buy, he may buy the supply once per month, but cannot exceed the daily allowance for the month.
( f ) In case opiuin is sold without the presentation of this certificate the saleman shall be fined $30 for each offense. The purchaser shall be fined or imprisoned.
(g) After the first three months, upon the renewal of the certificate it must be for a less amount each time.
(II) The licensed saleman must reg-ularly report the amount of opium sold and make the proper returns in cash for the same including the tax of 3o cents per ounce.
(i) The place of preparation of opium for sale and its sale must be fixed and cannot be changed from place to place. This is to avoid fraud.
A heavy penalty is placed upon the violation of these reg-ulations. These regulations are being well enforced. A reward is offered for anv information which will lead to the con-viction of any who rnay secretly engage in the opium business in violation of the above.

PROCLAMATION AGAINST CULTIVATION OF POPPY.

Whereas the Viceroy of the Fukien Province has received instructions from the Imperial Government at Peking, authorizing him within the present ^ ear to entirely prohibit the cultivation of the poppy, it is 110W ordered that all ground formerly given to the cultivation of this plant be hereafter devoted to other uses. If anyone is reported to have violated this injunction and is found guilty, not only shall the opium plants be destroyed, but the land also shall be confiscated.
Fearing that some of the remote country places rnay not have seen the notices that have been published in the papers, we therefore are issuing this proclamation and posting it everywhere, that all may be informed regarding these regulations. We hope that all the people will take notice and thus avoid incutring the punishment that will surely be visited upon all offenders.
Issued by the

" FUKIEN ANTI-OPIUM SOCIETY"
In the seventh month, KUANG Hsti, 34th year.
In the carrying out of this proclamation against the growing of poppy the Government is very strict, and the poppy has been practically given up in the whole province. One may travel for days and in any direction without seeing a single poppy plant. This is the report of missionaries who are penetrating- into all sections of the province. Fukien practically has no poppy growing, as a result of the proclamation and its strenuous enforcement.
The above are practically the proclatnations and somewhat of the statement of their contents. These proclamations are being generally enforced at least about Foochow. Below are some of things which have been accomplished by the Anti-Opium Societies up to date.

WORK OF ANTI-OPIUM SOCIETIES.
The Anti-Opium Societles have put out 56 letters and documents at different times urging the people to give up the opium habit and striving to create a sentiment against opium.
Among other things this Society has put forth three illustrated reports of their work and circulated them largely. They are now at work on the fourth.
In the hospitals for breaking off the opium habit much has been done and five out of the six hospitals report 4,4.14 persons as having been discharged cured of the opium habit.
There are seven headquarters for the committees appointed to nightly inspect certain territories for violations of the laws. Outside of Foochow City there are 61 Branch Associations actively at work.
In addition to this all officials are compelled to appear before a regularly appointed official for examination as to whether he is an opium user       
There have been eight burnings of opium and opium fixtures amounting as follows :--       
Pipes      43433       
Pipe    bowls     43482       
Lamps     3,693       
Boxes      33497       
Plates      3,6-o       
Needles      8,971       
Cooking vessels, larg-e     427       
33    small     87       
Opium    destroyed      (r/..    3,138       
Opium deposits from pipes      33    577       
At first there were 6,585 certificates in use. Of this number 483 have been taken up leaving but 6,1o2 certificates 110W in force.

EXTRACTS E.ROM TELEGRAPHIC REPoRTs TO HIS EXCELLENCY VICER01 TUAN FANG, GIVING LATEST RESULTS IN THE PROVINC ES RE oPIUM CULTIVATION. MANCHURIA:—
Fengtien. —The cultivation of the poppy has been entirely suppressed.
Kirin.—Cultivation already reduced by 25 per cent., and will be totally suppressed by end of 1909.
Hcilungkiang.—Cultivation slightly reduced, but will be totally suppressed by end of 1909.
CHHILL—Cultivation has been reduced by one-third, and will be totally suppressed in 1909.
SHANTUNG.—Cultivation reduced by 6o per cent., and to be totally suppressed by end of 1909.
KIANGSU.—Cultivation already reduced by 7o per cent.; the remaining 3o per cent. will be entirely s nppressecl by the spring of 1909.
CHEKIANG.—Cultivation reduced 3o per cent., and to be totally suppressed within three years.
FUICIEN.—Cultivation in the spring of 1908 showed a reduction of 20 per cent. After the crop for that year had been gathered no more poppy was allowed to be planted; con-sequently, cultivation totally suppressed by end of 1908.
KWANGTUNG.—Never produced much opium, and what little was formerly grown is now entirely suppressed.
HUPEH.—Cultivation reduced 25 per cent.; will be totally suppressed in 1909. HUNAN.—Cultivation reduced by 60 per cent.; will be totally suppressed in 1909. KIANGSI.—Cultivation, never large; will be totally suppressed in 1909.
ANEIWEL—Cultivation is being energetically reduced, and will be totally suppressed in 1909.
HONAN.—Cultivation reduced 65 per cent., and will be totally suppressed in 1909.
SHANSI.--Cultivation reduced 48 per cent. From the beginning of 1909 no poppy be allowed to be planted.
SHENSI.—Cultivation reduced 34 per cent., and to be totally suppressed in three years time.
KANSU.—Cultivation reduced 45 per cent. It is proposed to suppress the cultivation
within a year's time.
SZECHWAN.—Over 40 districts have already totally ceased cultivating the poppy, and the balance of the districts will suppress cultivation within the prescribed limit.
KWEICHOW.—The cultivation has been reduced 40 per cent.
YUNNAN.—The cultivation has been reduced 80 per cent:and will have totally ceased
at the beginning of 1909.
KWANGSI.—The cultivation of the poppy, never large, ceased entirely in 1907.
NEW TERRITORY.—The cultivation, never large, has decreased by 20 per cent,

QUESTIONS PUT TO THE CHINESE DELEGATION (SIXTH SESSION).

I.—BY THE BRITISH DELEGATION.
i.—Can the Chinese Delegation state whether trustworthy returns of the acreage under poppy and of opium smokers in each province will be compiled and, if so, when they, will be made public in official documents ?
2.—Is the Table of distribution on pages 5 and 6 of the Memorandum an accurate statement of the distribution and consumption of foreign opium in the provinces of China ?
3.—Can the Chinese Delegates state or ascertain for the information of this Com-mission the total amount of revenue, Imperial and Provincial, derived from native opium in 1906 and i9o8?
4.—Do the Chinese Delegates consider that the Returns given in the Memorial of the Board of Revenue approved by Imperial Rescript on October 4, i9o8 are a trustworthy estimate of opium production in China ?
5.—When was the Imperial Maritime Customs Return of Opium Production in China for i906 compiled ?
6.—In Article 2 of the Regulations prohibiting opium smoking framed under the Imperial Decree of September 20, 1906 (see page 49 of the Chinese Memorandum), it is stated that " about three-tenths or four-tenths of the natives smoke opium." On page 28 the proportion of smokers to the total population at the end of igo6 is given as a little over
per cent. and is said to have diminished during the past two years by about one-third. Which estimate do the Chinese Delegates expect the Commission to accept ?
7.--Can the Chinese Delegates furnish a return of the retail prices of prepared opium showing prices in pence (English) and weight in grains (English) at the following ports:—
Canton, Swatow, Amoy, Foochow, Ningpo, Shanghai, Pakhoi, and Hoihow.

II.—BY THE FRENCH DELEGATION.
i.—How is it that, leaving- decimal numbers aside, the figures for likin collection on native opium, page io, are so low, compared with those under the heading "Duty on Native Opium"?
2.—What are the names of the 4o districts referred to in the telegram from Szechwan to H.E. Viceroy TUAN FANG, as having- already totally ceased cultivating the PoPPY ?

REPLIES TO QUESTIONS OF THE BRITISH DELEGATION.
February I 5zh, 1908.
t.—In reply to the question of the British Delegation whether trustworthy returns of the acreage under poppy and of opium smokers in each province will be compiled, and, if so, when they will be made public, we beg to state that no definite date can be fixed for the compilation of trustworthy returns, owing to the enormous difficulties involved in obtaining such returns under existing circumstances. It is too well-known that under the present system of local and provincial administration, there is neither proper Government machinery for the compila-tion of statistics nor proper survey and land records out of which statistics can be compiled. A number of the provinces have attempted to make such returns, but for the reasons given above, the Chinese Delegates do not consider them of much real value. In regard to the number of opium smolcers in each province, the remarks given above as to the difficulties of obtaining trustworthy returns of the acreage are equally applicable here, and only estimates can be given which we have done according to the best of our ability in our Memorandum on Opium. For our shortcomings in these respects, we can only repeat that we crave the indulgence of not only the British Delegation, but of all the Delegations of this Honourable Commission.
2.—The table of distribution given on pages 5 and 6 of the Memorandum is an accurate statement of the distribution of foreign opium as far as is known to the Imperial Maritime
Customs. It is an accurate record of the importations at the Custom Houses in the provinces mentioned, but whether the opium actually imported is really consumed in the provinces under which it appears in the table is as difficult to affirm as it is to deny. While a portion of the opium in any given province might filter into one of the neighbouring provinces, opium from neighbouring provinces might just as well filter back into the first-named province. On general principles, therefore; the distribution shown in the table can be accepted as the nearest possible approach to accuracy.
3.—The Chinese Delegates regret that they cannot give the actual revenue, Imperial and Provincial, derived from native opium for the years 1906 and 1908, but they are of the firm belief that the revenue of neither year much exceeded, in round numbers, the sum of Kuping Tls. 25,00o,000 and the reasons for this belief are arrived at in the following manner :—
Taking the estimated production for 19°6, 584,800 piculs, and deducting 25 per cent. of the output (assumed to escape all taxation) there remains a balance of 438,60o piculs, on which we may base our calculations. Of this balance only such opium circulating between certain provinces is liable to the Consolidated Tax of Kuping Tls. 115 per picul. For the year in question, the tax being, inaugurated only in the fourth Chinese month (May), we put down the quantity paying- the Consolidated Tax as not more than 100,000 piculs, which gives a revenue of Kuping Tls.11,5oo,000. In the provinces of Szechwan, Yunnan, and Kweichow and in the three provinces of Manchuria the old system of taxing opium was retained and this was also the case for the first third of the year in all the provinces. We feel perfectly safe in saying the average rate of taxation according- to the old system was not over Kuping Tls. 4o per picul and the remaining 338,600 piculs at that rate give a revenue of Kuping Tls.i 3,544,000—making a total for 1906 of Kupimg Tls. 23,o44.,o0o. For i9o8 the estimated production was 367,250 piculs and deducting 25 per cent. there remains a balance of 275438 piculs, on which we may base our calculations. Of this balance the highest possible figure to assume would be 15o,000 piculs, as payin,9,- the consolidated tax of Kuping Tls. 115 per picul, and that quantity gives a revenue of Kupiug Tls. 17,25o,000. The remaining 125438 piculs, owing to a general increase in the rates collected in the provinces not belonging to the Consolidated Tax Arrangement, may be said to have averaged Kuping Tls. 6o per picul instead of Tls. 4o in i906, and the revenue from this source was in the neighbourhood of Tls. 7,526,28o, making a total of Kuping Tls. 24,776,28o for the year 1908. The Chinese Delegates, therefore, submit to the Honourable Members of the International Opium Commission that in their opinion the loss in revenue to the Chinese Government, should the cultivation of the poppy be entirely stopped, will not exceed the sum of Tls. 25,000,000 yearly. This amount distributed amongst the 400,000,000 of Chinese people means an increased taxation of only WI. canclareens, or less than fourpence per capita. This, considering the beneficial results that will surely follow, is not a great sacrifice for either the Government or the people to undertake, both of which are ready and eager for the trial.
4.—This question was practically answered in Mr. TONG KUO-AN'S opening speech on the 8th of February, when presenting China's report. The answer is as follows :—" With regard to the figures reported by the Board of Revenue, Ile stated that about 25 per cent. of the total quantity of opium produced in China escaped taxation, and that the Imperial Exchequer received not more than one-third of the revenue actually collected, the remaining two-thirds being retained by the different provinces for local administrative purposes."
5.—The Estimate (please note that it does not profess to be a Return) of the production of native opium in China for the year 1906, page 15 of the Memorandum, was based on reports from the Commissioners of' Customs made during the autumn of 19o8. The notes given on pages 16, 17, 18, and 19, of the Memorandum try to explain how the figures of the production per province are arrived at. The Memorandum duly acknowledges that accurate statistics about opium are most difficult to obtain in China, and the estimate for 1906, and 19o8 as well, can only be considered an attempt on the part of foreigners, who have had considerable experience of Chinese affairs and have lived many years in the Empire, to come as near as possible to the probable production of native opium in China. However, the most carefully drawn-up estimates in any country in the world can be easily controverted by those who wish to do so, and in China, where for long ages no reliable system of keeping statistics has been followed, we unfortunately have practically nothing but Estimates to rely upon.
6.—The British Delegates, after quoting an extract from Article 2 of the Regulations prohibiting opium smoking, framed under the Imperial Decree of September 20, 1906, to the effect that " about three-tenths or four-tenths of the natives smoke opium," compare it with the percentage of smokers to the total population, i.e., per cent., as given in the Memorandum (page '78), and ask which Estimate do the Chinese Delegates expect the Commissioners to accept. The Chinese Delegates wish to reply as follows :—
The Regulations referred to, it must be remembered, were drawn up in the beginning of the Anti-Opium Crusade, and undoubtedly the writers had in mind the adult population only of China. No one could credit that the Chinese officials concerned, even as inexperienced as they are known to be when dealing with figures, ever intended the round numbers given should also apply to the 240,000,000 of children the Empire is supposed to contain. Were such an assumption possible, then after excluding children, the three-tenths mentioned would mean 75 per cent. of the adults in China were smokers, while four-tenths would mean that every adult in the whole Empire was addicted to the habit. The Chinese Delegates must ask the Commission, therefore, not to lay too much stress on the three-tenths and four-tenths mentioned, although the conditions prevailing in some of the western provinces, where even the most reputable foreign travellers have estimated a very high percentage of smokers, might be said almost to justify the round numbers used. The Chinese Delegates trust, therefore, that the Commission will accept the estimate given in the Memorandum, which wa.s purposely put down at the lowest possible figure. If we accept the eleven-year record of the daily consumption of opium per smoker given in the Japanese Report on Formosa (page 63) as a reliable figure (the consumers of the drug in Formosa being mostly Chinese, it is quite justifiable to assume that this average is equally applicable to smokers in China itself), the one mace average of prepared opium per day applied to the quantity of opium mentioned on page 28 of the Chinese Memorandum will increase the number of smokers from 13,455,699 to 21,529,118, which makes over 5X per cent. of the total population, instead of per cent. given previously. The percentage of smokers to the total population of Formosa is stated by the Japanese report (page 48) as being 3.91, and it ought to be taken into consideration by this Commission that statistics from such a source are the most reliable ones that it is possible to gather, Japan being noted the world over for her admirable system of collecting data. The new number of smokers worked out on the Formosa average of the daily consumption gives a total of, roughly speaking, 13 per cent. of the total adult population of China, taking Sir Alexander Hosie's estimate that 2 out of 5 persons may be considered as adults. Going further with this new figure and accepting 13 out of every hundred smokers to be women (Japanese Report, page 47) we find there are
18,730,333 males, and
2,798,785 females
smoking opium in China. Again dividing the adult population of the Empire into two parts
for males and females we find over 23    per cent. of the total male population, and almost
3    per cent. of the total female population were addicted in i906—before the Anti-Opium
Edict was issued—to the vice of opium smoking, a really alarming figure and one which exonerates the seeming exaggeration of the znd Article of the Regulations brought into question by the British Delegates.
7.—The Return asked for cannot be supplied at once, but the Imperial Maritime Customs will collect the desired information as soon as possible and the result will be communicated to the Commission later on.

REPLIES TO QUESTIONS PUT TO THE FRENCH DELEGATION TO THE CHINESE DELEGATION (SIXTH SESSION).
1.—The figures of the likin collection on native opium on page io represent only the small fraction collected by the Maritime Customs from such native opium as, when passing through the Customs, cannot produce proof of payment of Inland Dues. These figures bear no relation to the " Duty on Native Opium " in the column immediately preceding, which consists mainly of Export Duties at Chungking and Mengtsz, and which, before the introduction of the Kaochuan regulations in 1906, included also arrival duty at Ichang on opium from up-river.
The collection of Kaochuan and Tungshui on behalf of the Collectorate, mainly at Ichang, for the three years 1906-1908, is not shown on page io, and was as follows :—
Kaochuan, Hk.T1s. 369,996,960
Pungshui, KAT1s. 641,864,661
Teyanghsien Fenhchihsien Shuchingt`un Lochianghsien Yent`inghsien Lukot'un Shihchuanhsien Leipoting Ch'ungninghsien Shiushanhsien Panghsien Yahanhsien Lungch'anghsien Chiachianghsien Chaohuahsien Ch'ingfuhsien Tayihsien Hochianghsien Mienchou Shehunghsien Chinghuat'un
Of the above, 31 are districts, one is a department, two are sub-districts, two are independent sub-prefectures, and six are rural districts.

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