200 CHRISTIAN FARMERS BEHEADED IN CHINA FOR REFUSING TO GROW OPIUM
Shanghai, China (JFK+50) On January 23, 1925, the Associated Press reports military authorities in the Fukien* province have beheaded 200 Christian farmers "because they refused to grow opium**."
The source of this AP report is a prominent missionary's statement to a Reuter's correspondent, both unnamed by the press association.
Chinese officials have mandated the growing of opium but 1500 families refused to abide by the mandate.
*Fujian (Fukien) province is located in SE China & is known for mountains & coastal cities. The province is also known as "Golden Horse" after the Chinese character abbreviation "Kinmen-Matsu."
**Opium is a highly addictive non-synthetic narcotic extracted from the poppy plant. The opium poppy is a key source for morphine, codeine & heroin. In 1909, a law was passed in the US banning the importation & use of the drug.
SOURCE
"China Beheads 200 For Not Growing Opium Is Report," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., January 23, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
