Anti-Foreign Revolt

Last week's major events in China's Eastern Provinces (TIME, June 15 et seq) :

Peking. An exchange of notes between the Diplomatic Corps and the Chinese Government brought the latter out into the open. The Diplomats charged the Government with wilfully misrepresenting the situation in China, and declined to accept responsibility for it. The Chinese Government retorted by demanding revision of all treaties with foreign powers. Such a demand was clearly impossible.

On Dragon Day--during which students dragged a monster illuminated dragon, several hundred feet long, through the streets--banners inscribed "Death to the English brigands" and "Declare War on England" formed part of the procession. No violence was reported, but tremendous activity in raising money for strikers in the Provinces was noted.

Shanghai. The foreign boycott, which has lasted some weeks, broke down, shops opened. Violence did not end. The Japanese Consul was beaten by an infuriated mob. Several students threw sulphuric acid into a passing street car causing injuries to the occupants ; a Chinese woman had to be carted to a hospital. Strikers remained out and shipping continued to be tied up.

Wuchow. Mobs attacked Japanese. Two were killed, several injured.

Ningpo. Rioting on a large scale began. Shops were looted and smashed. U. S. destroyers appeared on the scene. Calm followed.

Canton. An angry mob of workmen and students fired on the foreign quarter, Shameen. The fire was immediately returned and several casualties on both sides were reported. After a day's respite the Chinese again attacked and were again driven off. Foreigners erected emergency fortifications, opposite which the Chinese mobilized.

Washington. Chinese Minister to the U. S. Alfred Sze presented a note to Secretary of State Frank B. Kellogg asking that foreign treaties be revised. Conversations were continued for some time, but no statement was made. It was understood that Mr. Kellogg had told the Chinese Minister that the U. S. would act only with the other Powers.

London. Foreign Secretary Chamberlain, in a brief statement to the House of Commons, said: "I have evidence that the disturbances in China were fostered or aggravated by agents of another Government. His Majesty's Government is giving close attention to the situation thus created."