ENEMY INFLUENCE.
REGISTRATION OF BUSINESS.
NAMES BILL,
THE HONGKONG DAILI PRESS, MONDAY, DECEMBER 4ru, 1916.
go back to the real nationality of the HINDENBURG AS PROPHET. man. I may say I entirely approve of that. It is one of the defects of thir Bill which I am glad to think will be remedied.
THE ADOPTION OF BRITISH TITLES,
There is another matter, I do not know whether or not it will come within the cope of this Hill, but it is a matter which I would be sincerely glad, and I am sure the public also would be glad, if it can
GERMAN DISAPPOINTMENT.
SEIZURE OF U, S. MAILS.
ALLIES REPLY TO AMERICA
the individuala registering. The penalty brought into the Bill. It is the ques enemies will allow themselves to be carried that might be detrimental to the I
LIJN
JAVA-CHINA-JAPAN
REGULAR FORTNIGHTLY SERVICE BETWEEN
JAVA, CHINA AND JAPAN. **
EXPECTED
ON FOR ABOUT
STRALIWAH
• TJIMANOEK
• TJIKINI
FROM
WILL LEAVE
ON OR ABOUT
JAVA
in port
8th Dec.
PHANGHAI
SHANGHAI
7th Dea.
9th Dec,
JAVA
***
Wireless Telegraphy.
The Steamers are all fitted throughout with Electric Light and have accommodation for a limited number of Saloon Passengers. All steamers carry a duly qualified surgeon. Cargo taken at through rates to all ports in Netherlands India and Australia."
For Particulare of Freight and Fassage, apply to the
York Building, 1st Floor.
JAVA-CHINA-JAPAN LIJN. Telephone No. 1574.
JAVA-PACIFIC
OF THE
LINE
JAVA-CHINA-JAPAN LIJN.
The Government of the United States There is another matter to which I
It appears that not every word issuing on May 24th last sent to the Allied In the House of Commons on October hope my hon. friend wil direct his at from the mouth of their idol is accepte Government a memorandum setting forth 31st, Mr. Pretyman, in moving the second tention. I hope he will see that thon by all Germans as an inspired utterance, its views concerning the holding up of reading of the Registration of Business registrations do not merely lie in the At any rate, Hindenburg's florid utter mails found oa mercantile vessels on the Names Bill, said the original object in offices in Sonierses House, but that they anoes to the Berlin correspondent of bigh seas. The reply of the Allied Govern the minds those who advocated a re shall be published broadcast so that the Viennese journal have been received in ments has now been issued. This docu- gistration system was mainly to protect public themselves may judge whether or one or two curiously diverse quarters in ment states at length the point upon sellers who sold goods to other traders, not they ought to deal with particular a critical spirit that does not lend witness which the Allied Governments and the but experience had convinced them that firms. He tells us that the companies are to the blind faith that is usually associat Government of the United States are in buyers also required to be protected. The already registered. If I want to knowed with idolatry, The Forwarts, for in agreement, and the polus upon which Practi buyer had the right to know with whom about a company I have to go to Some stance, is something like horrified at there is a divergence of views. he was dealing, his individuality, his rest House, wade through a file until I Hindenburg's prophecy of a possible" cally there is an agreement between the nationality, and his past business is get the latest return, which may be a decision only in 1917, for it concludes an
two parties as to the principles, but the
Government raises American
certain tory. There was also a national purpose year old, and then I may be able to emotional article on the subject of the objections as to the methods by which the to serve, which the war had forced un ferret out the names of the manager and interview with the exclamation. ***In
The Allied our attention. The Committee stage was directors. I hope there will be nothing the interest of Germany, France, Russia, Governments maintain that they are get-
principles are applied. really the important stage of the Biso unsatisfactory in this particular case, and England we wish for peace. Much ing within their rights in diverting and if the House would give it a second and I hope my hon. friend will assist us more significant, however, than this cut-mail-carrying ships to one of their own reading without very much discussion he in divining plan by which in every burst of the democratic organ is the ports for the purpose of examining the hoped to give gone time before Committee representation that these people make attitude of Major Meraht who, emphasis correspondence, and point out that ta in order to put down amendments. He they shall only be allowed to representing the recent French success at Verdun method causes less inconvenience aud would have some to put down himself themselves as what they really are, and by inference, criticises Hindenburg's view delay than inspection on the high seas, (hear, heat), which his Department con- not what they pretend to be,
of an impotent Frame. Quoting the As regards ships voluntarily entering an sidered necessary. The machinery clauses
Field-Marshal's declaration that it would Allied port, the examination of mail is provided that there should be registration
take the Allies thirty years to pierce strictly in accordance with a generally offices in London, Edinburgh, and Dab-
Germany's Westeru front, he writes:- recognized rule, Such vessels submit lin, and firms of persons liable to register
This glance into the future of the war themselves to the laws in vigour at those would have to deliver a form showing
will be disappointing to some of our ports either in time of peace or time of their business name, the general nature
enemy leaders, but the question is whether war, and it is legitimate that the authori of the business, the place of business, and
the Western army leadership of our should assure themselves that nothing is ties, before permitting the vessels to clear, the nationality and usual occupation of
tion of allowing foreigners, whether they taught. The answer is doubtful. They national defence. Such an examination is be enemies or neutrals, to usurp British reckon differently, and must continue to rendered all the mere necessary by titles so ny to put a fraudulent pretence run against our front, although, as Hin custom adopted by the Germans of abus before the public. There are many in denburg says, it stands firm as a walling neutral couriers and despatching even stances in which companies call them- The determination of the French, which oficial correspondence under an appar NETH. selves" British-sand-so company," and deserves respect, again appeared in the ently inoffensive cover.
The Government of the United States when you come to look into them you will district north of Verdun, where it attain. find there is nothing British about them, ed a tactical success which will not be objects that the practice followed by the but that they are companies to promote made good by German counter-attacks Allied Governments is contrary to the Gorman trade. Is not that a scandal for a long time. Our wall around Ver 11th Convention of The Hague. As (Cheers.) They use the word "Imperial" dun has given at one point.".
regards this, the Allied Governments The Bill defined. "the true surname
observe that in the first place the con- the name by which the person was for the or" British Imperial" or "London and
found at sea and not to postal matter sime being known. There, again, the Liverpool or London and some other
vention refers solely to correspondence Bill would need strengthening. The sur-place. Surely that is a matter to which
on board ships in port, It is further the Government might very well direct The great determination and resist. same might be one recently assumed. (Hear, hear:) A period of time would their attention. There is a great deal of ing power of the French had not, how pointed out that six of the belligerent Powers (Bulgaria, Italy. Montenegro, have to be fixed within which any changes feeling about the laxity of the Govern ever been broken, and now they have of game that had occurred must be stated. went in eliminating German and enemy been successful in taking Fort Donna Russia, Berria, and Turkey) have not signed or ratified the convention, which Experience pointed in like manner to the influence generally in this country. Let us mont and the country coramanded by it is therefore, of very doubtful legal value. necessity of any change of nationality not care about what was done in peace in the direction of Verdun. This part. As to the practice followed by the Powers being recorded, no matter how long ago time. We have had our eyes opened now. of ground was described in our semi-
in previous wars, it is difficult, the Allies? it took place. (Hear, hear) The Board Let us do what is necessary. The sooner official history of the battle of Verdun as memorandum declares, to find in it any of Trade was strongly of opinion that the Government devote their attention important, and therefore it will not du, general rule preventing belligerents from the sooner the Bill was brought into to this matter, not in a pettifogging es some German critics have suggested, exercising on the high seas the right of operation the better, but they were ad- Bill like this--the sooner they realize to characterise this event as insignificant, surveillance of mails, or, in appropriate Vised it would be impossible to bring it that we expect a Bul really dealing with if only because they in this way deprecases, their seizure and confiscation, and a number of former instances are quoted. into effective operation on January 1st-energy influence of this kind, the better ciste the sacrifices which our army made
According to the date mentioned in the Bill-as the it will be for this House and for the in this district in unexempled dreds of in support of this view.
international law belligerents have the machinery required would be very con- country. (Cheers)
right to prevent any acts by which siderablo,
neutral ships may lend their assistance to the hostile operations of the enemy. A few lines in a leffer carried to the enemy might be even more useful to his warlike operations than a cargo of munitions, and, as a matter. experience during the present war has demonstrated the truth of this observa tion Hostile acts which were projected in correspondence have been prevented, and douteous plots have been discovered and foiled
clauses, which provided for £1 a day fine alid declared that the rights of the faulter were not to be enforceable by action at law, would also need strengthen- mr, lecause the Brak penalty could not be imposed until the Board of Trade had found out the defaulter and ordered him to register, and in regard to the second the defaulter would not suffer until be brought an notion at law. (Hear, hear.)
SIR 2 CARSON'S ADVICE.
Bg
Sir A. Williamson pointed out that under the Bill enemy aliens who had recently become naturalized, would only Bir E. Carson said:The truth of the have to turn their businesses into com matter is the Bill as it stands is no good.panies. He thought the Bill would also (Heur, hear.) (^a de
be unworkable in regard to persons acting as agents of persons abroad
After reviewing the German spring operations at Verdan, Major Moraht says:-
heroism."
The Vorwärte, pointing out that Hindenburg, expressing himself as soldier, passed only a military judgment, continues:---
"Every sensible politician would pre fer a peace which could be realised on reasonable conditions before the opponent stands completely beaten, rather than a dearly-bought complete victory. Nobody in Germany wishes for a peare which would amount to humiliation or loss for the empire, but the question is if it is not possible to conclude peses as soon as the safety of the empire is guaranteed, and our enemies are prepared to stop the fight."
arms or of fact,
PROCEDURE IN EABLIRE WARS.
There has been an outcry in this coan try ever since the war broke out that amething ought to be done to eliminate Dorma influence from trade, commerce, and finance, which they had set up but unly here but in every other country not urely for the purposes of trade war; but as part of the general war they were going to wage. The great complaint against the Government is that up to this they have really done nothing. (Heer, heat.) The whole of this trouble will be found to arise from the little attention we have given to our naturalization laws. 1 am perfectly certain that one of the great difficulties in tracing enemy in changed their names and nationalities. This counsel will have more chance Allies' reply states that the attention of
THE QUESTION OF NATIONALITY,
Mr Butcher regretted the Bill had not boen brought in a long time ago. As an illustration of the practices that had heen going un, he said that many German arms in existence at the beginning of the war had by sonic agreement trang ferred their businesses to some of their clerks with English names. He was glad to see that a clause in the Bill would
Finding in Hindenburg's reference to compel men who were carrying on a busi ness as trustees to disclose the names of France bleeding herself to death advice But to her to listen to reason and not in the those for whom they were acting. the Bill did not meet the case of persons interests of her own existence to stand who since the war or shortly before, had in the way of peace, the paper adds: into English names and nationalities.
·DELAY OF THE GOVERNMENT,
The American Note of May 24th refers to the practice followed by the United States during the war with Mexico and during the Civil War, the practice, 1870, by the United followed by France States in 1898, by Great Britain during the South African War, by Japan and Russia in 1904, and at the present time by Germany. As regards Germany, the the American Government has already been drawn to instances in which mail
the
Morvaxy Siavics BerwEEN
INDIA, MANILA, HONGKONG & SAN FRANCISCO.
Next Bailoga for BAN FRANCISCO vis NAGASAKL
*Subject to Change Without Notice,
B.S. · TJIKEMBANG ".
6.9. "ARAKAN"
8.TJISONDARI"
104
*
194
***
14th December.
1917 11th January,
www
11th February.
The Steamers have accommodation for a limited number of Saloon Passengers and curry a duly qualified surgeon,
Cargo taken on through Bills of Lading to all Overland Points in the United States of America and Canada.
For Particulars of Freight and Pessage, apply to
York Building.
"JAVA-CHINA-JAPAN LIJN, Managing Agents.
94
CHINA MAIL S.S. CO., LTD.
FREIGHT - AND PASSENGERS
S.S." CHINA “
WILL BAIL FROM HONGKONG "YOK
SAN
FRANCISCO
VIA SHANGHAI,
1. NAGASAKI, KOBE, YOKOHAMA AND
HONOLULU TO SAN FRANCISCO,
JAN. 31 - APRIL 11 - JUNE 23, 1917. AN UNSURPASSNd Hrom-Class PASSENDER SERVION AT INTERMEDIAth Razes.
Shipbuilders,
Salvore, Repairers,
Boilermakers, Electrici
and Mechanical Engineers
of being heard the more clearly. It up luence in this country has been that we
pears that we ourselves are not wanting made no provision for dealing, when war
in the reasonable judgment we wish others broke out, with those on whom we had
any pretence at examination by the conferred the full benefits of British Sir Henry Dalziel said the only attrac. to have. If this war lasts for an inde-bags have been simply destroyed without sitizership, although at the time their tion the Bill had for him was whether nite period, then what Hindenburg holds German naval authorities. Quite recently sympathies might be, and probably would it was going to help them to find out out as the fate of France would be the there was the ease of the Swedish mail be, with the enemy who were trying to and kill enemy influences in this country same for all the belligerent States. Not steamer Hudikawall, which had 670 mail overthrow the British Empire. Thore When they were told not to expect it by only France, but the whole of Europe hage destroyed. As to the practice of ought to have been a law-I do not under January 1st, he doubted more than ever death; and America and the yellow tenments doubt if it is in opposition to their would be allowing itself to be bled to Hussie and Japan, the Allied Govern- stand even cow why the Government did the sincerity of the Government What
We with, there own procedure during the present war. nonclude that in Bill of this kind did the Government mean by screening would be our masters. there ought to have been a low giving German firms day after day and mouth fore, that Europe shall live, not Germany 2004 British and German ships were the Government power to review every after month? They had the names of only, but also the other nations which have contributed so much to the advance certificate of naturalization which had three or four hundred of taem, and they of human civilisation, and therefore can been given in times of peace when war would not give British manufacturers broke out. (Hear, hear.)
one. Was that sincerity and vigour instill do much for it. We will that France killing German influence or a desire to shall live, and would see with sincere crush it? The Government were half grief this country, which we have never to which my hon, friend briefly referred everything else they only acted when of Germany, France, Russia, and Eng Mind you, this question of nationality hearted about this, as they were about hated, Lloeding to death, In the interests one of the most vitally important, and they were kicked into action. It was a land, we wish for peace-peace for the you will see even now the difficulty of private buember's Bill, and the Govern whole bleeding world." dealing with it. Take the case he gavement were only acting from pure shame; You describe a man as a British subject they knew that if they did not do it who may have been born in this country public opinion would force them to do of German parents, which makes him, ait. (Hear, hear.) If they were too busy British subject, although he may never they could open a new department. They have lived here for a single moment of wanted to keep the business in a few Mr. Houston presided at a meeting of
They over 30 members of the House of Com his life after the time of growing up, and hands, and the result was chaos. you cannot treat him as otherwise. But, might alter the Bill in Committed sad muna last month in favour of the recruit in addition, and after all this is a most make it a mally effective, not a stop. |ing of coloured troops. The following "mejortant and difficult, point, a uno may window, measure. (Hear, hear.)
rasolution, moved by Commander Wedg go and register himself a national in Mr. Elli, Griffith said there ought to wood and seconded by Mr. Ellis Grifitb, America, and under their naturalization be a modification of Clauss 3 so that a was adopted That this meeting of laws may become an American subject,mad should be compelled not only to put members of Parliament, in view of the and come hack here and pose as not a down his nationality and his name, but urgent demands for men for the Army, German, though he may have naturalized all his nationalities and names from calls upon the Government to take in for the very ubject of gaining a footing start to finish, (Hear, hear.) The mediate steps to recruit for the Army in this country and carrying out opéra-penalty was ineffective and preposterous the coloured subjects of his Majesty throughout the Empire, and more espe- Viona damaging to our trade. Hear, Beur.) I wish the Government had taken
cially in Africa,"
MH, PRETYMAN'S DEFENCE.
that matter up, and had also incorporat Mr. Pretzman said his Department would consider the suggestions which bad been made. He thought the attacks on
ed something in the Bill dealing with it.
RECRUITING OF COLOURED TROOPS,
the Guvermilent and the Board of Trade the Government of want of patriotism be
held up by a Russian cruiser and searched for Japanese correspondence. From the British steamer Calchas, captured by a Russian cruiser, sixteen bags were taken, which had been put on board at Tacoms by the postal administration of
nusumilated official enemy morrespondence to contraband of war, and prescribed the United States. The Japanese prize rules examination of mail bags on board a ship unless there was on board & postal official who would give a worn declaration that the bags contained no article of contra-
According to the French practice in the war of 1870 official telegrams were in principle regarded as contraband, and captured ships had to be sent immediately official or private betters found on board to the Ministry of Marine. During the South African War the British Govern- ment was able to limit its interference with the forwarding of mails as far as as permitted by the circumstances of that war, but it never ceased to exercise a control over correspondence destined for the chemy. In connection with the pro cedure of the United States Govern- ment, the Allies memorandum quotes the following instructions given by the Secretary of State on the subject of the Peterhoff affair: I have therefore to recommend that in this case, if the dis- triet attorney has any evidence to show, the mails are simulated and not genuines it shall be submitted to the Court; if there be no reasonable grounds for that belief, then they shall be par on their way to their original destination.
0. H. BITTER, Freight and Passenger Agend
Prince's Balldlogs, Ios House Birven"
Graving Dock
787ft, by saft. by 34ft. Bin. Patent Blipways taking
Vessels up
to 3,000 tons.
Electric Cranes lifting up to 108 Tous.
SHIPS
ENGINES
TAIKOO DOCK
BOILERS
MOTORS.
Agent, for John 1, Thornycraft & Co., Limited.
Hongkong and may be won Representative, is of present in
Mr. Boxburgh, Messrs, Thornycroft's
by appointment.
The Taikoo Dockyard and Engineering Co., of Houg
China and Japan, Agents Telegraphic Address: "TAIKOODOCK.” kong, Ltd.-Butterfield & Swire, Hongkong,
Telephone 212.
the Allied Governments, the memorandum receive in this manner money which declares, have given their authorities would strengthen its power of financial instructions not to stop them, but to send resistance, them on with as little delay as possible.
Such are the arguments adduced by the Lists of orders for payment (monty Allied Governments against the objections Regarding what should or should not orders), however, to which the United raised by the Government of the United
the... character of postal correspondence, the
REMITTANCES OF MONEY-
e considered as recognized as having the States Government attributes
character of simple correspondence, are United States Government admit that regarded by the Allied Governments 28 pity to shares, bonds, coupons, cheques, drafts, lists, addressed from the United States quite a different estegory. These being in
other negotiable effectá to Germany And Austria-Hungary,
States.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS.
I do not believe it is impossible to deal with either of those cases I have mention ed Probably, it will be seen that this for the method in which they had brought cause they did not succeed in a short Bill, even with the amendments that may in. the l were misconceived. Bir E time in auprooting, the whole, structure of be made, unless my hon. friend proposes Carson, with his great experience, should enemy influence in our trade, but those x alter the title of the Bill, will really know that to attempt to alter the roots were very deep down and were everynsuficient for the purpose of naturalization laws in the compass of intertwined with British trade, and they doing what the public are asking for this Bill would be wholly foreign to its might do more harm to British trade every day-the elimination of those purpose. The original object of the Bill then to German in dealing with some German and other alien influences was a commercial one, and the Bill was particulur case in a hasty and ill-con (Cheers.) There are one or two matters not now a way measure in the sense of sidered way. It would be with regard to the Bill to which I should being introduced for the direct destruc-overload the Hill, and if they succeeded notes, and like shortly to refer. The Bill as at pretion of enemy influence: That was not in avoiding that they might makes god which might paas as equivalents for correspond, it is pointed out, to deposits sent framed does not go back on nation: what the Bill was, and if they tried to Bill of it in the Committee stage. ality at all. If a man was naturalized make it into that they would get into Mr. Stuart Wortley said the Bill money, when anch articles are enclosed in of money made in the United States, and
postal packets, can be considered as or had assumed for a year or so, I sup difficulties. Ele thought they would be touched only the fringe of a great ques having the same nature as merchandise, payable by the postal administrations of
Germany and Austria-Hungary. pose even when the war broke out, a wise to confine the will to the purpose tion, and should be regarded as but hand consequently can be submitted to the lists inform administrations in question particular name, ander the Bill at for which it was designed, that was te
prelude of more searching and extensive exercise of belligerent rights. On the what sums have been deposited, and what framed he is not bound to disclos: what give a real register of the exact identity legislation to get rid entirely of enemy other hand, such things as maritime consequence they have to pay to the
documents, even when they refer to enemy his name was before. I understand the of the persons and firms trading in this influence
destinees. Practically this payment is at Si F. Banbury thought it would have exports, should be treated as correspon the disposal of the latter, and is made to hon. gentleman will be sympathetic to country. The speeches made showed how wards the proposed amendments in that difficult a matter that would be. It was
been much better if the Government had dence, and allowed to pass freely, unless them direct as soon as lists arrive, and respect. That, of course is absolutely
the same ship. As regards maritime necessary, and I was glad, to hear that easy enough, he reminded Sir H. Dalziel brought in a simple Bill enacting that they refer to seizable goods found the lists, therefore, are in reality money Friday, 15th Dec.
to stand up and say this, that, or the every person trading in this country
In the opinion of the Allied payees. will be without limit as to time. It other ought to be put down and to arcuse should put his soul in one documents and commercial correspondence orders sent en toe, in favour of several basing no serious interest for the war Governments, there is nothing to justify would not go back merely to the date of the war or avo years previously, but we (Continued at foot of next Colusın.)
a liberty given to an enemy country to (Continued at feort of hext Column.)
paper, invoices and office, door.
The Bill was read a second time,
On
The
TO-DAY 10.30 am Auction of Oil Paintings at the
·City Hall, by Mosers, Hughes & Hongh, 2.30 pm Auction of Valuable Household Furniture at No. 21, Conduit Road, by Mr.
Gea. P. Lammert.nl
Saturday, 9th Dec.
Entries close for. Wodehonse Cup (Ladies"
Foursomes, Fanling),
Entries close for Ladies Championship,
B. H.K. Golf Club.
9.15 pm ADC. Performances of “ Klin
in aid of "Star and Garter”! Fund.