THE RIOTS IN CHINA.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 42, 30 May 1910, Page 5

THE RIOTS IN CHINA.

A MISSIONARY'S ACCOUNT. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Perth, May 28. Mr. Sanders, a Perth missionary in one of the inland provinces of China, writing on 21st March, throws light on the recent rioting. He says a comet suddenly appeared •and remained a few evenings, but it was not Halley's. 'which was not due to be seen by unaided l vision for some weeks. "A comet here," he says, "is the sign of Woodshed and rebellion. Its appearance has greatly excited the populace. When HaHey''s is visible the fears and unrest will become intensified. Secret societies and revolutionaries may cause such fears and unrest, and use"them as opportunities to play on the popular superstitions and stir up trouble. China is honeycombed with such societies.

Unfortunately foreigners invariably come in for the first shock and the brunt ■of any trouble whatsoever, be it comet, pestilence, or increased taxation. The blame is laid on us that railways are beinc built, and common rumors in China point to its being sliced and divided amongst the Powers. Yuan Shikiai and Tuan Fanp, China's two most able statesmen, have been summarily dismissed from office, and now comes unexpectedly one comet and the promise of another one more brilliant.

What with these and other omens, coupled with the superstitions of a bloodthirsty people ensilr (aroused, we are in for' a year which might hring anything. Should popular isrnorance .prevail Kind panic arise, we shall be in dire peril."