OCR Text |
Show CIGAR AS OPIUM SUBSTITUTE Aiding In Redemption of China, Where Natives Are Now Frequently Seen Smoking Their Cheroots. The clgnr Is doing n large part In the redemption of China. It is no uncommon un-common tiling to see a native smoking bis cheroot, which promises to enjoy the favor once bestowed on opium. The Import of cigars into various Chinese ports has been greatly on the Increase in the last few years, 'and now amounts to about $"50,000 annually. Of this trade four-fifths normally is through Hongkong. There has been a marked Increase In the quantity of Dutch-made cigars used in Soulli China : and other portions of the Far . East during the last year or more, where, for various reasons, Philippine cigars have been losing in favor. Previous to the outbreak of the war , In Europe considerable quantities of ; cheap cigars were sold In China and ' the Far East through German firms in j Hongkong, and a German cigar fac-: tory was operated in Hongkong for the ; manufacture of cheap cigars for the i Chinese trade and also for export to ! Europe. This factory Is still operated ! under Chinese control. |