“We are almost beleaguered in Shanghai in these days. The shipping dare not move in case of being received in an unfriendly spirit, trade is at a standstill and we only get about twenty words from Reuter each day dealing with the European situation. To make matters really cheerful the Chinese, taking advantage of the absence of all warships from the port, have indulged in a little gentle rioting. . . . However, our troubles are as naught to yours, and I do trust that you folks at home haven’t been chastened by invasion or lack of food.” From ‘Bootham’ magazine