THE OPIUM TRAFFIC.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2190, 14 May 1908, Page 1

THE OPIUM TRAFFIC.

ACTION IN BRITAIN. CHINA’S EFFORTS. It is gratifying to read (says the “Evening Post”) that the House of Commons has at last taken definite action in seconding China’s praiseworthy efforts to free herself from the opium vice, which is estimated to hold in thrall eight imiMkms of her adult population. Since the Edict of last June British Ministers have expressed sympathy and promised co-operation, but the supineuess of Parliament and of the Administration lias been, a source of disappointment in China, which is terribly in earnest, realising ithat the matter is one of life and death to the people and the nation. 'The Edict came into force only last August, but it has heen 'administered so vigorously and effectively that its definite object, which at first seemed impossible—the extinction of the traffic in ten years—seems in a if air way of accomplishment. Tho closing of op in lindens'll as gone on apace, and now «. unanimous resolution of tlie House of Commons, urging the Government to terminate the licenses of opium-dens in Crown colonies, has heen accented by the Government, and should he speedily carried into effect. Jn fact, it seems a scandal that such licenses should have ever been issued by British authority. How 'China is dealing with the problem is set forth in recent reports by the British representatives in China. Each of the eighteen provinces is required to send in returns as to the manner in which the Edict is enforced, and methods vary greatly according to the judgment of the mandarin in charge. Some have dealt very severely with offenders; others have folmd. milder measures effective; hut each and all arc emulating with the rest in giving practical effect to the will of the nation. At Shansi there liavo been instituted free dispensaries, which are extensively availed of by victims of Etc habit. Tho treaties of Nanking and 'Tientsin are now China’s greatest obstacles ..in the way of reform. It is fifty years next month since the latter was signed, and it .is hoped that it will not long survive its coming anniversary.