SECRET SOCIETIES IN CHINA.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9392, 19 March 1898, Page 2

SECRET SOCIETIES IN CHINA.

The decapitation of the German marine - who was standing sentry in a village just outside Kiao-chau has, it is said, " disturbed" the authorities in Berlin. They are exceedingly well informed about the district, \yhioh they have placed under official microscope for pome years past, and may he perfectly right in their annoyance. The murder might be the work of any Chinese rough, but tho decapitation suggests that one of the seoret societies of China objeots to the Germans in Kiao' chau In that case the German authorities • there have their work cut out for them, ' and had better consult the Government of Java as to the course they ought to take. The latter are often worried by tneir Chinese subjects, and have, we believe, some rather strange laws passed to enable them to deal with the societies. Even we have been grave danger at Singa- , "pore once or twice from the wrath of the " Hoeys," and have owed ourseourity to the Chinese perception of the fact that from the position of the island escape from shells would be exceedingly diffioult. Ruling a Chinese district against the will of its inhabitants is one of those' things which look easy, and drive the very ablest to despair. The Chinese do not fight, but somehow the mortality in the ruling caste is apt to grow to a height which scienoe cannot explain.

The condemned man Charles Clements maintains, since his conviction for the murder of his wife, the same demeanour that was noticable during the trial,' says Tuesday's Otago Daily Times. So far he has expressed no contrition for the act the * penalty for which awaits him. On one occasion he attempted to do violence "to himself by knocking his head against the wall but did not infiist any serious injury. As is customary in the condemned cell, he is now watched night and day by two men, and so has no opportunity of selfdestruction, even if he desired it. His manner has not in any respect changed since sentence, and the only anxiety he has betrayed is with regard to the date of execution. He has been visited by the Yen. Archdeacon Robinson.

Cabbwe Gold Mine.— Carbine was the household word in Australia signifying unequalled ; but now people are swearing by Ogaen's Guinea Gold Cigarettes, mild, fragrant, and medically recommended, being unadulterated, and therefore uninjurioua. Obtainable everywhere in packets of 10 for 6d. Try them.