Transcription:
3 by firing guns they can frighten him so that he will leave it alone. Of course the educated ones know what it is but the
coohe class fully believe it, and the officials keep up the old custom of firing to satisfy them. I asked an official today,
why, if he knew what caused it, did he still fire the guns would it not be cheaper to teach the poor people what it was? His
answer was If the poor people knew too much they would not be able to control them And that answer I think answers the question.
Why dont the Chinese advance ? I am afraid I have already taken up too much of your time so hoping you will forgive me I
will close. With many good wishes and kindest regards I remain Yours most Sincerely M. Seeley Husted J. M. C Hankow
China P.S. I am writing to people at Ping Shan trying my level best to procure some specimens for you. M. S. H. 03816