The New York Times July 6, 1913
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YUAN STOPS OPIUM GROWING
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Relatives of the President of China Had Plantations in Ho-Nan.
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SHANGHAI, June 1. --- E.W. Thwing, General Secretary of the International Reform Bureau at Peking, has sent to the National Review, published here, an interesting letter in regard to certain statements that have recently been made as to the alleged connection of President Yuan Shi-Kai with the opium industry: Mr. Twing says:

"In February, 1913, Dr. Carr, a British medical man, who had been attending the China Medical Association at Peking, told me he had reliable reports that opium was being grown in Ho-Nan Province on the President's land, or that of his relatives. This was not far from Lee-l-Hsie, it was said, where a seventh brother of the President lived, who was also a relative of the Governor of Ho-Nan. I reported the matter to the President and he said he did not know of such opium cultivation, but would find out. I also telegraphed to the Governor of Ho-Nan, and on March 8 received the following telegram:

Regarding your telegram stating that poppy was growing in certain districts in Ho-Nan and also the report that my relatives were concerned therein. I desire to state that we are actively suppressing cultivation of opium, and that I shall not spare anyone, even my brother, if they are found connected with the opium trade. We are now making the fullest inquiries.

"The President also sent me a copy of his order that the matter should be fully investigated and also the reply that the Governor was doing so. About the same time a correspondent of The China Press wrote to that paper stating that relatives of the President were growing opium.

"In April The China Press printed another letter from the same correspondent saying that he was glad to report that the opium plants referred to had been dug up.

"I am positive that President Yuan Shi-Kai would permit no opium cultivation on any of his lands, and if any small amount exists it is without his knowledge. Any case that may be discovered will be severely dealt with. The President is most sincere in his desire to stamp out this plague from the Republic of China."