We, facing difficult living conditions and acting under duress, demand that wages be raised to 34 cents. We do not recognize the proclamation issued by the Magistrate of Changsha County on the fourteenth day of the eighth lunar month. This is the case concerning the strike and ensuing dispute. Following our previous petition, Chief of the Provincial Administrative Office Wu, acting on behalf of Governor Zhao, acknowledged the wage increase. As the employment relationship between laborers and employers is a matter of free contract, it should be determined by both parties themselves; unless there is coercion, government authorities need not intervene. We consider the Governor’s and the Chief of the Administrative Office’s handling of this matter to be highly reasonable and express our sincere gratitude to them. Under current living conditions, our wages must indeed be set at 34 cents. Should any employer refuse to pay 34 cents, we will not work for that employer. This principle of freedom of contract has long been enshrined in the provincial constitution; previously it lacked protection, but now it is effectively safeguarded. Effective tomorrow, all workers are to resume their duties as usual. This is hereby announced. Proclamation of the Joint Petition Assembly of the Masonry and Carpentry Trades. October 15, 192X.