Buick
Improvements in the Buick six- cylinder Valve-in-Head engine— long famous for its stamina- provide unmatched performance, new snap to getaway, and greater power than ever before.
"THE DRAGON MOTOR CAR CO., LTD. Telephone Central 1246 or 1247.
31, Wong Nel Chung Road, Happy Valley.
China Mail
BLISHED
1845
No. 25,753 HONG KONG, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1927.
CANTON "SAVED."
IRONSIDES GIVE UP THE CITY.
WEEK-END
DEVELOPMENTS.
Kwangsi Faction Now Waiting To Enter.
GENERAL LI CHAI-SUM DUE BACK AT THE NEW YEAR.
Unless absolutely unforeseen circumstances occur, the fate of Canton need not be decided by an open clash in the city between the two factions now at war.
To all intents and purposes, Canton has been “saved." Dramatic developments during the holidays have followed the tension which existed in the city last week.
For a reason which is best known to themselves, the Ironsides
INDIA'S TROUBLES.
Opening of National Congress.
PRESIDENT'S OPINIONS.
Demand For a Free And Self- Governing India.
MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Hong Kong in Festive Mood.
-
HOTEL CARNIVALS!
Special Treat For Service
Men.
Favoured by delightful weather,
PRICE, $3.00 Per Month.
BURMA EARTHQUAKE.
Residents In State Of Panic.
MANY BUILDINGS DESTROYED.
Minor Damage Suffered By Rangoon.
Rangoon, Dec. 18.
Your Eyes Are Safe With Us"
N. LAZARUS
Hong Kong's Only European Optician.
(Established Over Forty Years). Manager:-RALPH A COOPER, M.A.0.A., .... Registered Optometrist by Canadian Govt. Exam.
(Personal Attention).
CHINA IMBROGLIO.
PIRATES ACTIVE ON YANGTSZE.
BRITISH NAVAL PATROLS.
Missionaries Returning To Fukien Province.
Although up-country reports from certain parts of China are', disencouraging, missionaries are now finding their way back to the southern part of Fukien province.
Madras, Yesterday. Dr. Ansari, in his presidential Christmas was very enjoyably spent Burma has been shaken by the CONDITIONS NOW GRADUALLY IMPROVING, IN THE INTERIOR. address at the 42nd Indian National in Hong Kong this year, there be sovereat earthquake in years. Congress, urged the concentration ing numerous private parties as well according to reports here to-day: of their energies and resources on a carnivals and dinner-dantes or-and casualties are reported fighting communal and political dis-ganised by the various hotels and throughout far outlying districts. cord. He advised the Congress to restaurants, at all of which places The quake lasted for ten seconds. have nothing to do with the accommodation was fully taxed. It was experienced over a wide Statutory Commission. He re- At the cinemas, too, attractive pro-arca, with damage at many points. the demand for a grammes were offered, and they did Rangoon suffered minor damage iterated round table conference between not lack patronage.
and the inhabitants were thrown Indian and British pleni- Christmas Eve was celebrated by into a state of panic. They remain- potentiaries as the only method a large gathering of local residents in the streets all night, fear-
Conditions are slowly improving in the interior, thanks to fairly good efforts by the Government of Amoy which is administered by an Admiral of the Nationalist Navy there.
More trouble has occurred along the Yangtze River. In spite
have given up Canton without so much as firing a shot and the which they could co-operate with on the roof garden, of the Honging that another more severe shock of measures by British Naval påtrols, pirates have broken out again.
Kwangsi faction is now waiting to enter.
OPEN CLASH NOT EXPECTED.
The evacuation of the Ironsides was foreshadowed in the "China Mail" on Saturday.
bade all craft to leave. Pakkai and otherwise took steps which por- tended immediate hostilities against Canton.
Since then it has become appar- | ent that the Ironsides are not fruit. going to launch a "vindication
Great Britain regarding the settle-Kong Hotel where a brilliant func-might bring down buildings. ment of India's future.
tion was held. The venue was well A famous Buddhist temple suffer.
He suggested that India should "dressed up" for the occasion with ed considerable harm and many cultivate cultural relations and seasonable decorations; and the native dwellings were destroyed.- maintain friendly contact with dancing, to excellent music, was
United Preas. Aaiatic countries being of opinion, fully enjoyed. that the best guarantee of freedom A similar function was held at In Asia and the peace of the world the Repulse Bay Hotel last night, would be free, self-governing India. when there was again large
Official resolutions would be sub-gathering of merry-makers. mitted favouring the boycott of the
Carnivals. Commission, sympathising with the A. Christmas Eve' carnival dance Chinese, demanding the recall of the was held at the Lane, Crawford Indian troops from China. Meso- Restaurant and was largely attend- potamia, and other Eastern coun- ed. The decorations were tasteful
Reports from all sources are given below...
CONCESSION EVACUATED.
Amoy, Dec. 20. There are now no foreigners of The political situation here re- either. British or American na- mains quiet. The Nationalist tionality in the town. Navy under the command of Ad- A visit to H.M.S. "Scarab" wAS miral K. K. Lin continues to con-paid by Spanish priests.--British trol Artoy. The administration is Naval Wireless. far from perfect but it might be| [Note: Anking is on the lower a great deal worse. Business is Yangtsze, 864 miles above Shang- permitted to proceed unhamper- hai.]
campaign" at all, or any other Samshui (where the West River tries, condemning Great Britain's If not elaborate, and the celebrants in regard to the fate of the occured except for several illegal Tax
campaign for that matter.
All along they had held their ground. Their opponents, the Kwangsi military faction, had
Refugees poured into Hong Kong and other places, but fears At first the Ironsides said that have now been allayed because, if they were going to clear out the there is to be any fighting at all,
"Soviet Government" in the Hoi-
MUSLIM SPLIT.
'Rival Opinions in
India.
-Lahore, Sunday.
LESS TROUBLE.
Conditions at Shanghai Now Improving.
Shanghal, Dec. 24. The transport services, includ- ing electric and railleas trama, are now being operated.
"DAWN" MISSING. SEARCH EXPEDITION SENT OUT.
ANXIETY IN AMERICA. This threat seems to have borne
London, Saturday. The pro-Ironsides outposts at
Anxiety is growing in America joins the delta) have been with- "militarist aggression again Rus- here had a very merry time in
pants of the Amphibian seaplane drawn, and the road from this sin," and urging the British Gov-home-like surroundings which made "Dawn," which left Roosevelt Bureaus and a certain amount of point 40 miles eastwards to Can-ernment to cease war preparations the function au the more end yule. Field last night for Harbour Grace suboid according to the trend of labour agitation rises and ton is guarded by "neutral" in India and the Eastern sens.—
The Cafe Regent also held a car with a view to making a trans- nival dance on Christmas Eve and Atlantic flight. troops, who are unlikely to resist. Reuter.
The occupants events. received excellent support from its are Grayson; Oscar Omdal, pilot; Then came the Ironsides' fare- steadfastly refused to compro-well messages to Canton.
patrons, the fun being carried on Brice Goldsborough, navigator,
· Missionaries Back Again. mise..
until midnight, when Hong Kong's and Fred Koehler, mechanic, no Successor Chosen.
Missionaries have all recently "goody-goody" law made it neces-news of the plane has been re- returned to their posts within the sary to stop the revelry, Į
ceived since it passed Cape Cod interior of south Fukien. Re- Service men were all catered for last night. The sea is rough and ports from them indicate that fung and Lukfung districts (be
by the management of the Savoy there is a strong wind-Reuter's conditions there are slowly im Hotel who arranged special attrac- American Service, A definite split has occurred intions on Christmas Eve at the Coal
proving. Banditry is not so pre- tween Swatow and Bias Bay).. Muslim ranks fundamentally on 'Ole. Good music was provided and
In Wireless Communication. Ironsides Outnumbered.
valent at it was. A certain de Then it was announced that the attitude the All-India Muslim sandwiches were supplied gratis.
Halifax, Yesterday. gree of law and order, in the There was no mistaking the at- they were to attack the Kwangsi League should adopt towards the The men were not slow
A wireless message from 'Sable larger centres at least, seems to titude of the Kwangsi faction. garrison at Swatow, having Statutory Commission and com- their appreciation of the fine treat communication with the
to show Island states that they were in have been re-established. Com- In spite of the revival of General found Canton untenable.
menal electorates.. The trouble
aero munications in the form of good Chiang Kai-shek at Shanghai and Not in so many words, they began as to who should preside offered, and during the evening the plane "Dawn" to the effect that ronds on which automobiles are Nanking, the big four of the now withdraw from the Govern-at the League's next session. The place was visited by hundreds of something was wrong but had used are being rapidly improved ting the Police to arrest agita- Kwangsi group stuck to their ment of Kwangtung, but they Aga Khan declined and Sir boys in khaki and blue.
been interrupted by the storm. and extended. These activities tors, realising that risks of repri- policy, namely, that of re-taking "refuse to hand over to the Mushammad Shafi was then elect- A Christmas Eve dinner-dance It now appears that Sable are largely due to the work of the sals have passed off with the de Kwangtung province from the Kwangsi faction."
arranged by the management of Island received the communica- local Naval authorities in co-parture of Ironsides
Soviet members, ed. Lahore was first chosen as the the King Edward Hotel was a great tion from the "Dawn" on Friday operation with their allies within seventeen of whom, including had rebelled who
General Chen' Min-chu, who is venue but on December 1 it was against them.
friendly both to the Ironsides and changed to Calcutta, whereupon success. The place was full by 8.80, evening, since when nothing had the interior-An occasional cor- Kovlovski, sailed on the "Sishan" the Kwangsi faction, has been the Aga Khan intervened and sug-the time the fun was arranged to been heard-Reuter's American respondent.
this morning for Vladivostock. nominated by the Ironsides as gested Delhi or Aligarh, but Mr.start, and the hours ticked by sur Service.
Reuter. their successor. However, he is Jinnah, President of the League's prisingly fast for the revellers, who Council, insisted on Calcatta, were sorry when midnight came all
Consequently Sir M. Shaf has too soon. now resigned and there is a likeli hood of two rival sessions being held simultaneously at Lahore and Calcutta.-Reuter.
it will not be in the city.
General Li Chai-sum, the former
Governor of Canton, did not come down by the "President McKinley" but is expected by the New Year.
General Wong Shiy-hung in lead- ing an expedition down the West River, the vanguards being now
about 50 miles west of Canton.
Generals Pei Chung-hzi and Li Taung-jen are at Hankow, preparing to bring their armies southward by an overland route.
Even at present the Ironsides are sadly outnumbered.
Canton Not Denuded. Troop trains have left Canton daily on the Kowloon line (Chin- ese section) to carry the Tron- sides away to the East River and, incidentally, delaying the express to Hong Kong.
much further from Canton than the Kwangsi troops, and he may not risk a clash with the Kwang-
si faction..
Holiday Rumours. The Ironsides are likely to wheel northwards and make for
the interior where they are un- likely to meet any force unless they should invade some other province.
Rumours during the holidays suggested that the Ironsides were at grips with a pro-Kwangsi | expedition (westwards) from Swatow but such is not the case.
STUDENT'S DEATH.
RESULT OF ALLEGED HORSE-PLAY.
YOUTH ARRESTED.
Captain Whitely and officers of the RA.F., entertained a number of friends at Christmas tiffin on board the "Belgel," and a very enjoyable
afternoon was spent.
--
No News. New York, Yesterday. The aeroplane "Dawn" has not yet been located. It is now 48 hours since it left Roosevelt field. A search expedition left_Curtiss field this afternoon-Reuter's
American Service.
CONCESSION CLEARED.
No Troops Now in Chinkiang Area.
It is noticeable that the last few days have seen a big reduc tion in the number of armed rob- beries.British Naval Wireless.
Workmen More Sensible.
Shanghal, Dec. 24. The full tram service was re- sumed this morning.
Former strikers are now assist-
HANKOW CABLES.
Nationalist Forces to March on Canton.
Hankow, Dec. 26. According to a report received here,
Chinkiang, Yesterday. The British Concession (of about half a mile square) has been evacuated by the Nationalist
the Nationalist drive troops. British Naval Wireless.
against Canton by way of Chang- There is little hope now for the [Note: Chinkiang is a Treaty sha will not long be delayed. The on the lower Yangtsze report is to the effect that an
Little Hope Entertained.
Halifax, Yesterday.
The Churches. The various churches held sea. sonable services on Christmas Eve night, and were all well attended. At the Roman Cathelle Cathedral aeroplane "Dawn," though it is port Hie Lordship Bishop Valtorta cele-still regarded as possible that it about 150 miles above Shanghai. brated the Midnight Mass assisted may be sheltering on an island off Nationalist troops have occupied the coast. The last report came buildings therein for a long time by the clergy. An excellent feature from Sable Island wireless sta-end there have been several of this service was the excellent Alleged horse-play between stu- singing and music of the choir. A faint signals were received, prob-
tion yesterday evening when hitches in negotiations.] The lust batch were away from
Then there were reports that dents of St. Paul's College at the special Pontifical Mass was Canton on Sunday and the com- the Reds in the Bias Bay hinter-South
China Athletic Asso- held on Christmas Day, when the ably from the "Dawn," but their plete strength of the Ironsides and had followed the coast east-
ciation's Club Rooms In the choir, again gave a good account of position could not be determined. from 20,000 to 25,000 men-is wards and attacked the neigh-
The government has instructed all Similar services were held now between Sheklung (on the bourhood of Swatow.. East River) and Walchow (high-
night resulted in the death of at the other Catholic places of wor- stations to report any trace upon which, if feasible, Government ves- Han River basin have been over-a Chinese youth named Au Kwong, ship-St. Margaret's, St. Joseph's sels will be sent out immediately to er up the East River).
It is correct that parts of the
That does not mean Canton is run by Reds, but other rumours denuded of troops.
are unfounded.
The city is held by a General who sided with the Ironsides against the Kwangsi faction last month.
Scares About Swatow. -
China, Bullding
on Christmas
hof and the arrest of another on a charge of manslaughter.
itself.
and the Rosary Church.
also
AIR FATALITY.
At St. Peter's Church the Mid- find the 'plane-Reuter's American night Eucharist was well attended,
Service. The two youths and some others whilst at St. John's Cathedral there A vernacular report stated that gathered at the Club at about 8 was some excellent curol singing by p.m., on Christmas night, when the choir. At the Union 'Church, a B. & S. steamer missed Swatow some sparring took place between Kennedy Road, a feature of the ser because fighting had broken out the lads. One youth was struck on vice was a parade by the, K.O.S.B. in the port between the Reds and the left temple and became dazed St. Andrew's Church also held a Honam, on the opposite bank of the Kwangsi troops and that vill-for while. Then
A Fapersides who also deserted the flames. Kwangsi facton.
Frantic Requests.
he
went
the River, is controlled by the ages in the vicinity were in home to No. 16, Hollywood carol service, whilst, to cope with
This seemed inconceivable as!
FATHER AND SON BOTH KILLED.
".
PIRATES AGAIN,
Active on Upper Yanglaze River.
Shasi, Yesterday.
Pirates on this part of the Yangtze River are again active in the vicinity of this port. Bri- tish Naval Wireless.
[Note: Shasi is on the upper Yangtaze, 287 miles above Han kow. The country from Shasi to about 83 miles upward (to Ichang) has been the scene of several engagements with pirates during the last few weeks.]
Road alone. A few min- the large number of communicants,
AFRICAN TRAGEDY. utes afterwards he complained an extra celebration was held at
Six Meet Their Doom. It is difficult to think that Swatow is well guarded by the unconscious. At 1 o'clock in the
of feeling dizzy, and soon became 7.15 on Christmas morning..
Johannesburg, Yesterday
Chenglin, Dec. 25- Children sang the carols at 'the either of the armies in Canton Kwangsi garrison.
morning, his condition was so seri-services held at the Union Church, the Durban Turf Club, piloted British Naval patrol from HM.S. Mr. Oliver Davis, Secretary of The six pirates captured by a will flout public opinión 'which is now strongly in favour of Gen- "Haihong" denied the report.
Subsequently the Douglas Co.'sous that a doctor had to be sent for, Kowloon, whilst the anthem was his son and attempted to fly from "Cricket," all severely, wounded, and later the lad was removed to rendered by the Choir. Offerings of Durban to Johannesburg to at- have been handed over to the eral Li Chai-aum and the Kwang-
Inquiries were made at several the hospital, where the heat toys were made by children for the bend a big race meeting. The Chinese military authorities on si faction. And their attitude
a.m. yesterday. Death was caused hitherto suggests that they will places this morning, replies being by the bursting of a blood vessel in
sick and poor., be ready to co-operate with the unanimously to the effect that the side of the head as the result of winning factor once more
the rumour was unfounded.
· SIBERIAN MAIL the hard knock he is alleged to have received.
Frantic requests were made by the Ironsides of the Yunnanese mercenaries up the North River but the Yunnanese asked for terms which could not be fulfilled. Reports reaching the "China Mail from various sources in- dicate firmness in the Kwangal leaders now that they are so near Canton again.
Threat Bears Fruit, B
Only on West River.
Movement of. Kwangal troops against Canton is con-
"LADY HELD UP.
| OVER-FIFTEEN HUNDRED
BAGS HELD UP. {..
aeroplane crashed at Dundee and this part of the Yangtze River both men were killed. Reuter.
EUROPEAN VICTIMISED.
· Mr. R. J. Paterson, staying [at]
and were all shot to-day-Bri- tish Naval Wireless.
[Note: Chenglin is not far] from Shasi and Ichang.]
Casualties on French Ship.
Shanghai, Yesterday.
agreement has been reached be- tween General Ho Chien, com- manding the 8th, 35th and 36th (formerly pro-Hankow and anti- Nanking) Armies in Hunan and the commanders of the National- ist forces. British Naval Wire- less.
General's Anti-Red Policy.
Hankow, Dec. 28. The arrival of General Pei
Chung-hai with a bodyguard of several hundreds of well-armed troops from Shanghai is causing much speculation. It is common- ly reported that he has broken with the Nationaliata at Nanking,
Three Communists were executed yesterday, including the leader of the recent Communist rising at Tungshan, in the south- west of Wuchang city.
Arrests of labour leaders on the charge of being Communistic agitators.continue.--Reuter.
RACIAL FEUD.
THREE MEN SERIOUSLY INJURED:
· FIVE KILLED..
Johannesburg, Yesterday."
Five natives were killed and 26
fined to the lower West River Miss Gladys Lee, a school teacher The Post Office In Shanghai là in
A telegram from Ichang states injured in a fight between rival fac and no other body is on the living at the King Edward Hotel receipt of the following report from
steamer tions in Western Township, Three march except the Ironsides has reported to the police that the Postal Commissioner Harbin, Potts No. 2 Bungalow at Sheung that the French going away from Canton, now whilst she was walking in Queen's dated December 14:
shui, has reported to the Police that "Shuheng," while proceeding, to of the injured men are not expected already 60 miles distant: Road Central yesterday, a sneak Siberian Mails Information his room was entered during Shasi, was pirated below Ichang to live. A policeman was also in
jured, but not seriously.-Reuter. thief snatched her handbag con has been received from Man Christmas evening and property on the 22nd instant. taining two passports, money,
choull to the effect that over worth $225 stolen. Jewellery and two cheques worth
Swatow, Dec. 24.
1,500 bags, presumably · printed
matter and newspaper mails, aro
✨ held up at Irkutsk for inch of ac-
commodation in mull van, and
28
forwarded by goods train sible for the numerous thefts from
that they are being gradually A Chinese alleged to be respon-
The pirates thoroughly looted | the vessel, killing and wounding many of the passengers-Heuter. Bandita Further Down.
Anking, Dec, 24.”“
The work of loading and un- Shortly after recovering Kong considerably delayed on account
loading all cargo ships is: being $375. moon, the 18th division of of the large number of Chinese Kwangsi troops threatened Gen- coolies which are being impressed nection with the shooting affray in The fourth man arrested in con- eral Li Fook-lum of the Paper by local troops as baggage car which Verrenutation and It is believed that this informal shops recently by breaking theThe appearance of handita in sides with an attack unless he Tiers, alded with them.
several members of a police picket tion provides an explanation of the showcase, was arrested by the this vicinity has been noted, but ** There has been no interference were wouded by Chinese gunmen in delays and irregular prrival of police last night when he broke the there are 10,000 Nationalist sol with British firms or British sub Wing Lok Street, had been charged mails via Siberia, about which com- showcase of a shoemaker's shop In diers here, commanded by Gen- respondent writes that on Christ- jects and the situation remains and will make his appearance in plaints and inquiries have been Wyndham Street and stole some eral Chen Tiao-yuan, and the mas Fre the 19th division for quiet, Britsh Naval Wrelss. Court to-morroW, DON
lately heard from several quarters, shoes,
town is quiet
* The "China Mall Pakkai cor-
FRENCH FLIGHT.
THE GEORGES GUYNEMER
AT "ALEXANDRETTA.SE
Paris, Yesterday. The aeroplane “Georges Guy- nether" landed at Alexandretta on See Sunday. Reuter