A NATION IN EARNEST.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 13105, 2 May 1908, Page 9

A NATION IN EARNEST.

Letters of an interesting nature in reference to the Chinese boycott have teen received from Canton by Mr Tong Chai Chin, editor of the "Tung Wah Times," Sydney. Following the release of the Tateu Maru, an enormous gathering, estimated to . number fully 500,000, assembled in Canton, and conducted a demonstration hostile to the Government. At its conclusion tens of thousands walked in procession, carrying tho national flag, on which were inscribed Chinese characters, meaming "The national honour of China has been outraged." The procession marched to the residence of tho Viceroy, Chang, who was commanded to say why ho had authorised the release of the Tateu Maru to the Japanese. Hβ replied that ho, too, was ashamed # of tho whole proceeding, and would willingly resign his position. Ho nad merely obeyed the orders of the Foreign Office, and was helpless. The date of the incident was called "The sorrowful day,|' by which name it will be known in Chinese history, and the demonstrating concluded by all the Chinese burning cheir Japanese-made garments in the open street. The Chinese employees of Japanese firms came out on strike throughout China, and there was absolutely no demand for Japanese coal. On account of tho extreme pressure brought to bear by the people, the Chinese Government has determined to establish a strong navy, and Princo Pu Nan is ti bo sent on a mission to Europe to study Continental naval schemes.