fensible, and requesting his Majesty's Government to take steps to bring it to a speedy close. Having arrived at this conclusion, it behoves us to come to a decision as to the method of procedure best calculated to assist towards the attainment of the desired end—namely, the gradual but, if possible, complete eradication of the vice from China. In order to form a rational opinion upon this point, some understanding of the feelings of the Chinese upon the question, both in the past and at the present time, is essential.
Opium-smoking was introduced into China from Java early in the eighteenth century, and has steadily grown in favour among the people until at the present day the habit has undoubtedly assumed immense proportions. In the early days some efforts seem to have been made by the central Government to suppress the vice, but of late years no attention has been paid to the original edicts penalising the habit, nor, until the past two years, have any steps been taken by the Government to deal with the evil. Indeed, the members of the Philippine Commission reported in
