Page
INTIMATION
WATSON &
LIMITED.
E81 ABLISHED A.D. 1841
CHEMISTS
on paying it and to have to increase the heavy burden already being borne by the Hongkong ratepayer, would seem sufficiently hard to warrant a comparison of our situation with that of the groaning rate- payers of Macao. We sympathise when we CO.,read of the exactions made there, for Timor,
ET APPOINTMENT TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR & HOUSEHOLD,
WATSON'S
YE OLDE ENGLISH LAVENDER
WATER In Elegant Bottles. A delightful adjunct
WATSON'S
to the Toilet.
GENUINE
EAU DE COLOGNE Cooling and Refreshing,
WATSON'S
TOILET SOAPS
Of the finest quality, guaranteed. OTTO OF ROSE
PEAU D'ESPAGNE
VIOLET OATMEAL VIOLETTE DE PARME
THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS,
TELEGRAMS.
["DAILY PERRY' EXCLUSIVE BERTICE] ANOTHER MUNIFICENT GIFT.
LONDON, 31st May. and for the rapacious officials of Lisbon, and Baron Mountstephen, who last we say such, injustice would never bewook added a lakh to his original tolerated in un English colony. Yet if the gift to the Hospital Fund gives Imperial Government does not excaso us
£26,758 to Aberdeen Infirmary. from further military contribution after making such a big hole in our income, we shall not be in much better case than the Maciovese, and the irony of the situation will be patent in the fact that Hongkong's ratepayers have been unjustly treated in the name and cause of moral reform,
The English Mail of the 2nd May was delivered in London on the 20th inst.
A special meeting of the Sanitary Board is summoned for this afterasou, for the purpos of considering the question of declaring the Dairy Farm to be free of infection.
tha
+
observed by Decoration Day Was American cruisers in port on Saturday, a saluta being fired at noon, to which the guas of the
***Tamor" replied.
mosty cases of plegue were reported during 24 hours ended noon on Saturday. Thirteen proved fatal. All the victims were Chinese with the exception of ons Indian.
AN INTERESTING BIRTH.
LONDON, 31st May A son has been born to the Duke of Norfolk.
A SHIPPING CASE.
LONDON, 31st May. The appeal against the judgment in favour of the Yangtse Insurance Company, Shanghai, in connection with the collision and damage done by the steamer"Nigretia" has been dismissed..
REUTER'S SELVICE,
NDAY, JUNE 1gr. 1908.
ORRESPONDENCE.
HE OPIUM QUESTION.
[TO. THE EDITOR OF THE DAILY PEERS."]
DEAR SIE-It is abundantly manifest from what transpired at the mosting of the Legisla tive Conocil yesterday (28th instant), and from the articles mad correspondance published during the past three weeks in the local papers that objection to the suppession of the opfam trade in the Colony is based chiefly upon the difficulty that would be experienced, in the event of our opium revenue being lost, in raising sufficient ravenue to meet the present requirements of the administration plus funda for the construction of much needed additional typhoon refuge for shipping and to meet the expenditure deemed requisite in oonnection with some other im portent publie worke
was requisite to meet the needs of the local administration. Fow, it sug, could perceive the smallest justifination for compelling the inhabitants of "Hongkong to raiss a large surplus romenvé in order that the surpins might |ba remitted to the wasthiest government in the
world.
I shall therefore be much obliged if you will kindly give further publicity to enclosed leitir which now contains the necessary correction,
Yours faithfully, N. E. NICHOLSON.
for Secretary.
Chamber of Commerce;
28th May, 19098. Sir, I am dirooted to acknowledge receipt
The percentage of revenue allocated to the payment of the Military Contribution is surpise
it is money wrang from the ratepayers in of your letter of 91st instant (No. 3173;1) H) excess of what is needed by the local authorities in which you refer to a provision in tho to keep the machinery of government in motion, Imperial Merchant Shipping Aot 1906 against provide for the necessary public works and so the employment of seamen on British Ships forth. The colonists are subjected to more faza-
unless they possess a sufficient knowledge of tion than is necessary, and this is due, as I have English to understand the necessary orders, just pointed out, to the demand of the Imperial and farther, in which you point out the non- Authorities that we shall annually pay a large application of this proposed regalation to anm of money designated a Military Contribu- | British subjects. tion.
** In the opinion of my Committee the facla. I trust I have now made it suficiently olearion of such a clause in the local Merchant that the money paid over annually by this Colony to the Imperial Authorities is obtained Shipping Ordinance, and its enforcement, by taxing the inhabitants more than there is would practically soupel the feet of Batish any necessity too, the military contribution Coasting als engaged in the China trade to go out of Commission, for seapisu and fire- bing in fact, surplus ravens. It is not ex pended on the Colos, and that the Imperial with the qualification required are unobtainable, and the proof of British citizen- Authorities would not ba inconvenienced were
ship necessary to obtain exemption from the test we to fail to pay up the tribute is as vertain os that Hongkong would be retained as a Britisk cannot be given, for the very good reason that military and naval station were there not a probably ninety-nine out of every hundred mon single merchant or trader in the pince 80 employed are the subjects of the Emperor of
It was ocoupled as an outpost of our groat
world-wide Empire and such it will of course
always remain,
China.
I am directed to inform you that "No. 1". Chinese who do speak waffelent English are in charge of the natives working in every depart. ment on steamers carrying Chinese crews, and
Henry Fitzalan Howard, 15th Dako of Norfolk, is the promiar dake and earl of A great deal has, as I have just intimated, England. He was born in 1847, warried first a
bren said and written on the subject but daughter of Baron Donnington and after her unfortunately wadon's seem to be any nearer a death warried in 1904 the Hon. Gwendolin Coolation of the Abanchi diffoalty than we were stable-axwell, daughter of Baron Harrive.
when the discussion frst commenced, although wo are undoubtedly faced-as things stand at present with a problem of great magnitude. whleh cannot, I submit, be solved one moment too soou. This being the view which I in common with many other residents of various nationalities take of the situation I crave the favour of specs in your columns for publication of a suggestion which I make bold to hope may prave helpful in at least minimising the effects We have now seen that the Colony is faced
theas mon are the modiura for conveying orders of the blow from the sword of Damocles which with a grave difficult; that this is recognised is woual saer, is hanging over our heads. by all classes and people of all 'oreads, that the
by the British Offlcers to the sailors, Bremen My suggestion his direct reference to the policy of the Imperial Gorerament has been Military Contribution, or "Military Mulof adversely criticised, and that the large sam palu & It has been stated-ind truly stated that out of our revenue as a Military Coutribation under present circumetanses the problem of represents so much surplus of the Colony's income. Let us now pass on to consideration solve if we are to lose the revenue at presoat of ways and means of solving the problem which derived from opium amounting to fully is at present uppermost in the minds of most $1,500,000 unless retrenchment or increased ratepayers-How are we to make good the loss of taxation be resorted to. It is generally re- the opinn revenue? Condensed in the proverbial cognised that the Colony ginnot well bear out-shall, my reply is "Jastics. before Genero. any farthor taxation and that were the publicity." Let me explain, It being admitted that wa cntribute to the Imperial Exchequer called upon to make good the loss of opium we are to lose 31,500,090. oplam revenue; that revenue the resuite would assuredly prore
$1,250.000 as a Military Contribution, and that most dis strons. What then are we to do in
we are already taxed up to the hilt, it stands to face of the decision of the Imperial Authorities to close the opium divans and gradually, if not reason that the best way out of the difficulty is to rapidly, render the opium trajlis as extinct as cease to be generous enough to contribute to the the Dodo? In what direction can we best Imperial Government in order that fall Justice cok for relief? Asuredly in the direction of may be done to ourselves. In other words, an the Military Contribution, a heavy burden appeal for Justios must be made through the which it has been especially difficult to bear proper channel and in a manner best suited to
the occasion. daring the past for lean years,
The Master of the German ship "Phranang reports having passed a larga water-logged junk PRESIDENT FALLIERES VISIT TO financing the colony will be most difficult to showing: que must above water in latitude 14 degrean 47 North, longitude. 112 degress East
His Excelleney the Governor has been pleased.
to appoint Mr. W. F'. Ford to be a Suryayor of SKIN SOAP FOR THE COMPLEXION Boilers of Unlicensed Steamships ander 60 tons, during the absence on leave of Mr. Thomas Neave.
PRICKLY HEAT SOAP
(Arnica, C.mphor and Carbolie).
WATSON'S
AMMONIA
For the Toilet and Bath, Refreshing and Invigorating.
LIMITED,
The boy, in the employ of Moises
Ruttoujas and Sin who stole batter from th shop, &erated it in a commade, and afterwards sold it to a compradors was at the Magistracy on Saturday snutebond to taze mouthe imprisonment, a similar penalty. being inflotei on the compradors.
The following appointments are notified iy A. S. WATSON & CO.. the Gazette. His Excellency the Governor ba
been pleased to appoint Lieutenant G. B. Home, Srd Middlesex Regiment, as the Military Men ber of the Committeo for the Wong-nai-chong. and Queen's Recreation Grounds, vice Major H.. Kelsall, R.G.A.
THE HONGKONG DISPENSARY,
ALEXANDRA BUILDINGS, longkong, 27th May, 1908.
*4
NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS. ONET Communications relating to the news coun should be addressed to THE EDITOR.
+
Fishing with dynamite still-enti vies despite all the efforts of the police to stop it. The master of an Aberdeen fishing junk was o? Saturday at the Police Court fined $25 for being
ENGLAND.
LONDON, May 28th. 31. Pichon, accompanied by M. Cambon lind an hour's interview with Sir Edward Grey, at the Foreign Office, and found that they agreed all on political questions. Sir Edward Grey entertained President Fallieres at dinner in the Foreign Office; the Prince and Princess of Wales and Mr. Asquith were present. After dinner Their Majesties and President Fallieras attended a gala performance of the Upart, which was bower of roses and a blaze of diam vads..
May 29th.
President Fallieres entertained the King at the French Embassy, eighty-five covers were laid, and a service of priceless Sèvres from the Elysée was used.
LATER.
President Fallieres has left London,
THE INDIAN FRONTIER CAMPAIGN.
LONDON, May 28th.- Reuter's Simla correspondent wires that
The Military Contributios, amounting this year to 17 per cant, of the revenue, is anques tionably a very heavy burden to the Colony, while as regards the Imperial Authorities to whom it is paid it of course appears as a mere
drop in a vast ocean. Attempts have been frequently made to induce the Imperial Authorities to relieve us of the burden but hitherto without avail, presumably because we were unable to make out a sufficiently strong oase against it. Now, however, the position is very different from what it has ever been before and the alteration has been created, not by any Authorities based upon the policy of the British Cabinet which has seen fit to extend a helping hand to Chins la her efforts to eradicate the oplam habit. E
Assuming the Chinese Government is not only in earnest but is passed of the requisite power to fanforon ebdiense of the Imperial Anti Opiuni Dores throughout the length
My Committee, cannot too strongly support the opinion and endorse the action taken in the matter by His Excellency as stated in the lust paragraph of your letter.
I am to ask you to onnvey to His Excellency the Governor, the thanks of my Committee for affording them an opportunity of expressing their views on this very important subject.
I have, &o., (Sgd.) E. A. M. WILLIAMS,
Secretary.
A. 9, WATSON AND COMPANY
LIMITED.
The annual meeting of shareholders in A. S Watson and Company, Ltd, was held on Satur day at the offices, Alexandra Buildings. Mr. H. Humphreys presided and there were also pre- sent Sir Paul Chator, Messrs J. Scott Haraton.. H. P. White, J. A. Jupp (directira), L. Guy, W. T. Paddsphs G. Ropp, Machado, D. E. Clerk, E. D. Line, and J. Tarrant (secretary).
The SECRETARY having read the notice convening the meeting,
In this connection I would anggest that some of our leading citizens-who will, I trust accept my proposal in the spirit in which it is, tendered should organize a public meeting to be held in the City Hall at which query section. The
of the community should be represented, so that action taken at the meeting would in fact be movement made by the whole body of ratepayera. A. Chairman should be elected in the Hall in the usual way: The object of the meeting should then be briefy explained and the Chair"
CHAIRMAN said-Gentlemen.
The
report and statement of accounts having been in your hands for soine days, I will, with your permission, take them as read. The result of this year's working does not, I regret to say, compare favourably with resant years. We have not only had to contend with general depression man should go on to suggest that the proceedings of trade, bat increased competition in several which would be representative of each section has been particularly noticeable in Shanghai, should be limited to the election of a Committee dapartments of the basiness. The falling off
found in possession of a quantity of dynamit, the campaign on the Indian frontier isot oa-our part but by a decision of the Imperial of our large cosmopolitan community, the duty Tientsin and Manila, where our returns were
and a number of fusos and detonators.
Correspondents must forward their names and ad- dresses with communications addressed to the
Captain A. E. Hodgius is preceding Home Bastor, not for publication but as evidence of geor
to bring out a new steamer for the Douglas faith:
publication should be written online, Captain Hodgins who is accompanied by All letters for
side of the paper only.
Mrs. Hodgins and their little son left o's No
to anonymously signed communications that have
Friday for Vladivostok where they take the already
appeared in other papers will be inserted.
train for Europe.
Пе
Orders for extra copies of BAILY Pass should be sent beforell a.m. on day of publication. After the hour the supply is limited. Only supplied for Cush
Telegraphic Address: Pres.
Ordes A.B.C. 5th Ed. Lieber.
P. O. Buy 34. Telephone No. 12..
HONGKONG OFFICE: 104, Dae VEUX ROAD C LONDON OFFICH: 191. FLEET STREET. E.
The Daily Press.
HONGKONG, JUNE 1st, 1908.
Ir does not seem to us an unreasonable suggestion that the Imperial Government should be asked to compensate the ratepayers of this Colony for the loss of revenue caused hy their order to close the opium divans, and a comfortable and quite feasible way of doing so, would be to forgive us the annual military contribution. The same Govern wout that so hastily decided to deprive u of a million and a half dollars a year would possibly just as promptly decide to grant a petition asking for euch a simple method of restitution. The reformers at Home by
whose desire the instructions were sent to Hongkong would possibly appreciate auch an opportunity of proving their good faith, and be glad, having chosen the tune, to pay the piper. At any rate, they should be given the chance; it is not like sending them a scolding; there could be no possible harm in asking;- and it is almost certain that if we ask for nothing we will get it. There is little to be gained by going over the old arguments to show that we have been paying
|
من
A coolie who received injuries while st
has just died in the Government Civil Hospital. He was sliding down a watersport with a bundle of clothing stolen from the house when he lost his balansa end fell to the street where he was found in an nnconsciens condition..
Large numbers of the public took advantage
of the facilities placed at their disposal by the Toyo Kisen Kaisbs on Saturday afternoon. to visit the new turbine steamer" Tenyo Mara." Everybody was delighted with their inspec tion of this bandioms ship. The hospitality of the company-was also appreciated.*
practically over, the Bazais being the only section of chre Motmands who are still obstinate. The troops return on the 1st June,
GREAT BRITAIN AND FRANCE.
LONDON, May 28th.
London papers, the idea being unanimously disapproved.
PRINCE FUSHIMI IN LONDON.
LUNDON, May 28th, Prince Fushimi who was accompanied by Baron Komura was yesterday received in audience by His Majesty King Edward.
completed, and that there would be a further I am a firm believer in British Justice and in addition under this beading during 1987. Owing the love of all Britons for Justice, and I refuse to the stagoant condition of trade in the Philip- to believe that were the British Government pines, the extra revenue which we expected to approached by the people through the obtain from increased sublettings has not no far good olives of the people's
chosen come up to our expectations; consequently it may take a little longer than I anticipated to representatives a deaf ear would not be turned to the plss for fair play. The Imperial completely write off the whole of this expendi- Authorities which imposed the Military Con- ture. Though all these changes should eventual- tribation upon us have the power to withdraw it, ly prove of great benefit they have as they were and it would in my humble opinion be an bound to do, caused temporary dialotion of impertinence to assume that notion of the kind business and a decreased turnover. The loce indicated would amount enly to crying in the on subsidiary coins for the year amounts to wildernes?,
$18,508,56 Turning to the accounts the item It must be borne in mind that the Imperial "Building Improvamsate" shows an addition holiese to be good net only for China bat for of Bianlia, as above mentioned. The increase Authorities aro ondoavouring to do what they during 1907 of $34,040 83, mainly on account the British Empire me a whole, and it may in aerated water machinery and plast therefore, I think, he safely taken for granted smoanting to $19,948.81 has been mostly that as soon as the Premier and bie distinguished incurred in Manila and Shanghai, Your colleagues realize that their flat re the opium General Managers, with the approval of the trade is under present conditions, calculated Consulting Committee, decided nearly a year to entail great hardship to the public ego to take staps with a view to closing the and no litila embarrassment to the Icos! Focohew Branch. In this course they were authorities, they will accept the situation ipfaenced as much by the decline of Foochow they find it and cease to exact from Hongkong, sea centre for trade, as by the working results contribution which it can no longer afford of the branch, which had been satisfactory The foregoing is just an outline of my ideas
of the Committee being the sagagam ent of farther adversely affected by change of pro- some member or members of the legal professionizes, or alterations thereto. Ia Shanghai to draw up a Memorial to the Secretary of Hongkew braust) and also in Tientsia, those Stats setting forth clearly the financial position changes were unavoidable owing to the ex- of the Colony, proving our inability to continnspiration of our leases and the owners desiding contributing to the Imperial Treasury, and to pull down and rebuild our promisse, appealing for Justice pare and simple.
necessitating our going lato temporary quartera The Memorial would of course he signed by elsewhere. With regard to Manila I mentioned The suggestion of an Anglo-French and breadth of the neighbouring Empire, I haudreds of firms and individuals and be in my speech at the last antal meting that tempting to commit a burglary in Second Streat alliance has been generally discussed by the laclive to the opinion that the policy is forwarded to London through the good offices the building improvements there were not yet.
wise, for Hongkong depende chiefy for ita of His Excellency the Governor.... prosperity upon what is styled the foreign trade with China-the transit trade-and the good will, the friendship, the trade to be done with the 400,000,000 of shrewd, in Austrions, thrifty and enterprising Inhabitants bf far Cathay is unquestionably a matter of the biggest importance to what Napoleon was pleased to style & "antion of shopkeepers," But I am digressing and may be am indulging in reasoning which will not meet with general acceptance, though I confess to entire inability to peronies in the setion of the British Govern ment any other motive than the seising of what was deemed to be a golden opportunity view to the development of trade and friendly to coment one friendship with Chins with a interecares with an awakening Empire.
To return, then, to the main question at issue the solution of a serious difficulty created by the Imperial Authorities. In view of the fact that the Home Government has decided upon a policy which will soon result in a loss to ms of upwards of a million dollars per annum how are we to make two ends meet in these hard times unless we place Justics bafora Generosity? Generosity!" you exclaim. "Where does any question of Generosity come in?”. It is, submit, not only as clear as day light but is in.
on a subject which I gather from Dr. Ho Kai's for many years. The doors of the branch were extricably involved in the decree of the Imperial and other speecher delivered at the Council closed to business on the 28th February last, Authorities compelling us for years prat to meeting yesterday is exercising the minds of and the final stages of its liquidation proceeded contribute a large percentage of our revenue to the general public of Hongkong to a very with. I am glad to be able to state that there the Imperial Exoloqter. The mum paid to the
considerable extent. I have not time to elabor. will be little or no loss to the Company through Imperisi Authorities anually is officially styled tohome and zaust therefore leave it at the cloning of this branch. Before moring the
contribution. It is Tribute pure and simple, It is supposed, or alleged, to be due from us for stande trasting to you, Sir, and to others who adoption of the report and statement of
quations. farther into the matter if the suggestions to the Navy sa car right arm of defence and which 1 have ventured to submit are deemed inasach as tribute is money paid by a worthy of careful consideration, conquered tribe or nation to gain pasos or pro-
His Excelleney the Governor has given his
RUSSIAN NAVAL DISASTER.
LONDON, May 28th, The Russian battleship Peter the Great sassat, in the name and on behalf of His Majesty went ashore on a reef at Raval, and is the King, to the following Ordinances passed badly damaged. by the Legislative Council-Ordinance No. 8 of 1908-An Ordinance to extend the provisions of The Liquor Licenses Ordinance 1863 and to provide for the grant of browery licenses, Ordinance No. 9 of 1908-An Ordinance to amend The Evidence Ordinance 1889, 7
May 29th.
The Battleship Peter the Great has been re.floated.
THE CHINESE RAILWAY LOAN. LONDON, May 28th. The Government tender "Stanley " had an The new Chinese 5 par cent Railway loan The exciting experience during the week end. It has been largely over-subscribed. towed a junk to the vicinity of the Gap Rock Lighthouse for the purpose of laying down quotation on the closing of the lists stood
rings for the tender, but on arrival thers the at three quarters per cent premium. jurkmen refused to, vark and turned for Hong kong. The "Stanley" followed and again took the jurk in tow, but the Chinese eut the for line and sailed for Hongkong. The matter will be investigated at the Marine Court.
STEAMER OVERDUE.
Considerable anxiety is felt in shipping cirales regarding the British steamer
KING EDWARD'S VISIT TO RUSSIA.
LONDON, May 29th,
Sir Edward Frey, referring to the King's visit to Russia, anid that the relations of the two Governments are those manifested military protection-although we of coures look bave the welfare of the solony at heart to win sccounts, I shall be pleased to answer any
by the Anglo-Russian Convention, no treaty or now convention was under discussion nor was it intended to initiate negotiations for
fur too much in the abape of military con Kalgan" which is overdus several days. On one owing to the visit, which, be trusted tection" this so-oiled contribution is de facto tribution, and we do not think the argume her voyage from Iloilo she probably aaocan- / would contribute to the good relations tribule-it is dus from so we have been
LATER
given to understand-to easist in defraying the of our correspondent, that we ought not to tered the typhoon of last week and fears are existing,
expense incurred in insaring to the inhabitanta have been paying it at all, will impress the
the entertained as to her safety. We learn that
When of the Colony peace and protection. Government very much, though it may the British craiser "Astrea" is under orders A number of Labour and Radical M. Pa business was furishing, when all was going elicit ejaculatory approval from the rate to proceed to day towards Manila to soarch have signed a memorial to the King, wall with as we murmured not about the Mili- payers. The position is so much altered for the missing-steamer.
in Russia and the nature of the Govern- trade in various ways many and loud have been increased and plague wrought havoo with our now by the loss of the revenue from opium The "Kalgen" is a steel screw atommer of opining that in view of the terrible events tary Contribution, bat finde our urgent needs
2981 gross tonnage, built in Greenock in 1895,
an official or of a state character
Yours faithfully, G.A. WATKINS,
Hongkong, 20 May, 1908.
CHINESE ON BRITISH SHIPS.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "DAILY FREE]
Chamber of Commerce, Hongkong, 80th May, 1908, DRAR SIE-With reference to the correspond ence sent you yesterday on the subject of the
tently crept into one of the letters.
There being no quutions,
The report was adopted on the motion of the CHAIRMAN, saconded by Mr. MACHADO,
Mr. JCPF proposed, and Mr. CLARK seconded, that Messrs. F. Maitland and W. Hatton Potts be re-elested auditora: Carried.
The CHAIRMA That concludes the business of the meeting, niet Dividend warrante will be ready angoday. Thank you for your attendance,
How to BABIAUTIFUL-Keep your com- plexion, Mrs, Ellen's Crème Charmante. Lait Charmant and Special Skin Tonis and Poudre Charmant will enable you to do it. Her
litetime. A. §. Watson & Co., Ltd., Sole Agenia
authorities at Home that we can no longer Her port of registry is London. She is owned ant, His Majesty's visit should not be of the protestations against compulsion to pay Merchant Shipping Aot 1908, ar error inadver- Specialities for the Stin are the study of
that it cau fairly be represented to the
afford to make such contribution. To go
by the China Navigation Company, Limited.
is rates and taxes a great deal more than