Page
WAR FEVER IN CANTON.
NORTHERN EXPEDITION OF "62,500 "MEN.
PLANS FOR THE INVASION OF KIANGSI.
GENERAL WONG SHIU HUNG IN
SUPREME COMMAND
Our Canton correspondent describes below the growing war fever in the Southern Capital. All available troops are being assembled for transportation Northward, and already large numbers are on the border.
A double advance into Kiangs, and possibly Fukien, is planned, General Wong Shin Hung being in supreme command. The arsenal is working night and day and railways come once more under the military Only a complete elimb down by Chiang Kai Shak and the release of Marshal Li Taai Hain can, according our correspondent, avert wur and the Canton Garrison : Commander admits that skirmishes have already taken place.
to
"
SECRET MOVEMENTS OF THE LEADERS.
(reox our CHINESE CORRESPONDENT.] ]
General Wong Shiu Hung, who will be Commander-in-Chief, is CANTON, March 23. going to Kwangsi to-day by sero Canton is rapidly assuming the plane, and will be back to Canton appearance of an armed camp. All in two or three days. General Hsu talk of demobilization is st an end King Tong will be in the East and war-like preparations are again | River districts, General Chen Tai the order of the day. The Govern. Tung, as stated, will be responsible ment Arsenal at Shek Cheng is for the rear, and General Tung working day and night on arms and Shih Tang, the "Canton Garrison ammunitions; troops are concen Commander, will be in charge at trating in Shiukwan and along the Canton.
of Kwangtung
northern border
4
THE PLAN OF CAMPAIGN.
and the Canton-Hankow Railway authorities have been busy day and night transporting troops up North. All the "available coaches and the The plan is to capture" Kiongsi two new engices which wore re first and the first objective will be cently received from the United Nan Hung, a strategic point on States have been reserved for the border. From here it is hoped troops. The Canton-Samahui and to invade Kiangsi through Nanan- the Canton-Kowloon Railways have fu and Kanchow. been similarly ordered to reserve: trains for military purposes. A big fleet of ships. sampans and junks have been commandeered and or dered to sail to outlying river ports, such as Kongmoon, Shishing and Dosing to fetch soldiers stationed there. Thousands of men are now
wing under
The Kwangsi troops on the left Yang, over 20,000 strong, will leave General Wu Ting wangsi from Kweilin and Wing chow and pass through Yungchewfu in Hunan. march to Liling, on the border line From here they will
THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS. TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 1929.
SAMPAN MURDER
MYSTERY.
GIRL'S BODY FOUND IN HARBOUR.
POLICE ON TRAIL OF FOKI.
What was the motive underlying the murder of respectable Chinese girls and a savage attack upon their brother, allegedly by a joki, in a sampan in the harbour on Monday evening? If robbery was the motive, then the foki fail- ed signally to achieve his object.
According to a statement made
to the police by Cheung Ping, the master of a cargo junk his two daughters and young
son went
aboard a sampan belonging to the junk at Wing Lok Street Wharf at about a p.m. The sampan never reached the junk.
Early the next morning, the anxious parents received a message from the police which took them to Kowloon Hospital where they found the son in a partially deli- rious condition suffering" from serious stab wound.
2
The Sampan is Found.
bedside they received a message to While they were still by the boy's
the effect that the
sampan-in reality, nothing but a small dinghy -had been found off Green Island. Lying on the bottom boards was the stabbed body of the younger daughter Cheung Fo Kam, aged
Chau Kau, the foli, and the other daughter were missing.
were able to recover completely Before the distraught parents from the shock of this discovery, the boy regained consciousness and union, the two girls. The boy was told a story of a murderous attack siso assaulted and stabbed but sayed his life by jumping over- board.
INSPECTOR LANE AND THE
FIRE ESCAPE KEY.
KING EDWARD HOTEL FIRE INQUIRY.
CORONER AND **ELUSIVE" AND " SHADOWY CLIENTS.
WITNESS WHO WAS NEARLY “SUFFOCATED.
Mr. E. W. Hamilton sat as Coroner with a jury consisting ̧. of Mr. N. S. Brows (Loreman), Mr. C. Little, and Mr. L. C. F. Bellamy at the resumed inquiry at the Central Magistracy yester day into the King Edward Hotel fire in which eleven people lost their lives.
Mr. Leo d'Almada e Castro, junz. held a watching brief for the proprietors, Mr. Hin Shlag Lo represented Mr. Witchell (the licensee), and Mr. H. C. Lee appeared on behalf of the owners Bl the building...
The police are still very anxious to get into touch with wit- nesses of any part of the tragedy...
Cut Off by Flames.
Luggage Labelled "Burns."
Lau Hoi, the head baggage
he occupied room 402 in the King"boy," said he had been in the
Mr. Gerardus Woudenberg said
Edward Hotel. He was awakened service of the hotel for years. by the sound of police whistles but He was not sleeping in the hotel on did not attach much importance to the sound and went to sleep again
street. As the whistles continued, He thought it was a "row" in the
L
the night of the fire. Before lear- to two Europeans under the foot of ing, he saw some luggage belonging
the staircase.
As far as he could remember, some of the luggage was labelled "Burna" and consisted of two big camphor- wood trunks and a steel trunk. There were also two rattan boxes, a wardrobe trunk and a black box be- longing to Mr. Baille.
he knew something must be wrong.
He went out on to the verandah and looked over the parapet into Des Voeux Road and saw a few people staring up at the hotel." Witness went back into his room, opened the door, and found that the corridor was full of smoke, Realising that the place was on fre he ran down the main staircase until the flames, which were licking at the stairs, drove him back to Chang
Four Japanese rattan baskets and a bundle of bedding belonging to basket, two square-hat-boxes, "C. Lin," D wicker provision leather grip, and two other articles of luggage belonging to "F. Shee "were atowed in the same
encamped on the outskirts of Can.of Hunan and Kiangsi and then on palica officers have been searching the 4th floor where he met the child-place. The European's luggage was
ton. awaiting ships and trains for Shiukwad where the armies of the Liang Kwang Provinces are being concentrated. The situation is grave." War appears to be immin- ent. The people are alarmed and groups can be seen talking over the situation in
stores, and at
street corners.
to Ping Siang..
"
11
Both European and Chinese
high and low for the alleged mur
Early yesterday morning succeeded in evading arrest by, a he was traced to Aberdeen but few seconds. He is still at large.
Shortly after tiffin yesterday, a further development occurred when the body of the elder girl, Cheung Fo, aged 21, was found floating in wounds disfigured the tace and the the harbour. Two ugly knife- herd. The third, and probably fatal wound, was in the mall of the back.
derer. The right wing of the offensive' will be under General Hu King Tong, of the 5th Army, who will start northward from Swatow and Chaochow in the East River dis tricts along the Han River. This completes the lines of attack which will start simultaneously. If neces Anger is growing steadily strong aary the right wing will march into er at what is described as Mar- Fukien, another province support shal Chiang Kai Sk's wholly uning Chiang Kai Shek. justifiable and provocative impri- sonment of Marshal Is Taxi Hain," the leader of the Two Kwangs.
REASONS FOR THE WAR. In addition to the jewellery she Unless Chiang Kai Shek releases
was in the habit of wearing, a sum In an interview with local press- of money was found in her pockets, Marshal Li at once, war with the men General Tang Shih Tang, Therefore, it does not appear that Nanking group is inevitable. The local Government is thinking of Canton Garrison Commander and robbery could have been the sole sending a special envoy to Nanking things make this military expedi-theory is advanced it was a "love Police Commissioner, said that two motive of the attack and the
tion necessary. In the first place tragedy," Chiang har destroyed peace and unity notably by his detention of Marshal Li Tsai Hain. In the second place he has exploited, the Third National Congress for his own aggrandizement and acted con- trary to the principles of the Kuo- mintang.
to demand the Marshal's release.
LEADERS ASSEMBLE. General La Teung Jon, Com minder of the Fourth Group Army, arrived in Canton from Shanghai Tast Saturday. But his movements have been kept so secret that the general public did not know he was here until this morning.
How much will the Kwangtung Treasury be called upon to pay in the event of war with Napking?" the interviewer asked.
over
CANTON STOPS REVENUE
PAYMENTS.
The Wah Tez Yat "Pao learna
ren of Mr. Witchell. He stopped them from going downstairs.
Almost at that moment he saw
M. Witness going to the 5th floor, The party, led by Mr. Witchell, made their way down the fire
escape.
Ju His Pyjamas,
I felt partly suffocated and must have fallen down several times for my knees were grazed. The smoke was bad," he said in reply
at the bottom of the pile. Mr. C. Lin was occupying room No. 305.
&
Insp. Lane: Our examination of
the register does not show Mr. Lin's name, Your Worship. Room 305, as far as we gather, was occupied by Dr. Wong Yok Ying, who was kill ed.
Continuing, witness said that he understood that Mr. Lin was to have sailed by a Blue Funnel boat. of this luggage, who was apparent to the Coroner, "I think I mustly a member of General Li Tsai Witness had never seen the owner
case for I had stopped at the hotel day previous to the fire. have known there was a back stair, Hain's staff and had sailed on the
before. I was in my nightclothes and had not stopped to dress."
In reply to a further question from the Coroner, witness said they ran down the staircase at the back
from Canton that the authorities of the building and into a side have instructed the National Relane venue Bureau to hand over receipts
He did not see the fire
General Pei Chung Hiled
of the revenue to the Provincial brigade arrive. The clock in his recent whereabouts have baffled the public has arrived in Hankow.
Hancial Department, instead of sitting room in the King Edward to Nanking, beginning from Mon Hotel pointed to a few minutes be General Li Tsung Jen who has been conferring with the local "Prior to demobolization," the
day. Authorities on military prepara General replied,
A parley was held at the Military fore three when witness was first "military exHeadquarters on Sunday morning, aroused by the police whistles. tions, will shortly leave Canton for penditures. amounted Hankow by aeroplane.
$4,300,000 a month. Since the dia- Hung and L Taung Jen.
convened by Generals Wong Shiu General Chen Tea Tong. Combardment of superfluous troops afternoon, Generals Wong and Li yond the fact that it was a "mixed- In the He did not remember much be mander of the First Kwangtung this was reduced to 84,500,000. II Division, has safely arrived from war
entrained to Samshui, and will go Shanghai where he was warned by Mr. Wu Toe Fei not to proceed to Nanking. General Chen will take charge of the protection of the base in the event of war.
General Hau King Tong, Com- mander of the Kwangtung Second Division, is also reported to have izade good his escape from Nanking to Shanghai and Mr. Fung Cho Man, Commissioner of Finance is also clear of Nanking and will be coming hack to Canton with Gen- eral Hsu. The utmost secrety has been maintained to the more ments of the Canton leaders and the public is only informed after their safe arrival" at, their various destinations.
GENERAL MOBILIZATION. Conferences are constantly being held at Headquarters of the 8th Military Route and at the private house of General Wong Shiu Hung, who usually presides. A general mobilization order has been given and the following troops have sions under Lui Woon Im and gone up to Shiukwan:-Two divi-
Wong Kork Chu of the Mth Army (General Wong Bhi Hung); the entire 16th Army under General Fan Shek Shang, consisting of three divisions; two divisions of the 4th Army under General Chen Taui Tong; and several independent units. The local military author ities are despatching 25 tuans or regiments up North and of this number Kwangtung is to supply 15 and Ewangsi 10. As each tdan consists of about 2,500 men," the atrength of the Expedition will be approximately 602,500 strong.
į
Compradore's Story,
Cheang Trung Shao, the com- pradore of the Hotel, said he had a desk in the basement. He only slept there occasionally and was
where the keys to the doors of the not there on the night of the fire.
Witness said he did not know basement should have been kept but he understood the watchman should have been in possession of them to his desk since the fire. after 10.30 p.m. Witness had been
Inspector Lane: The watchman was taken down to the basement and was shown two deaks. He examined
They were broken open but no keys certain drawers which were locked. were found We searched all round were found beyond. an old key to which a wooden block was attached, outside gate and which had belonged to a back
with Nanking materializes, frein there to Wuchow by gunboat. up rush" to get out of the build-and searched the floor, bat no keys
the Treasury will have to pay, as before 84,500,000 a month."
"Is it true," the interviewer asked, that actual Sghting be tween Nanking and Hankow troops, has occurred in Kiangsit"
"I think skirmishes have already started," was the reply.
A temporary camp has been ing established at Shiukwaa.
When he was driven back by, the fre on the second floor it did not oecur to him to reach the fire escape from the third floor,
CHIANG'S JEALOUSY OF LI TSAI HSIN.
Saved by Firemen, "How do you propose to protect Kwantung now that so many troops Shek detein Marshal Li?"
"Why did Marshal Chiang Kai
Mr. Leon Miguel Heras said he have marched northward1
Chiarig feared Marshal Li's occupied a room on the second floor. Practically all the bandits inability and foresight." the Province have been suppressed Tang replied, "and has long doen
General He heard shouting and police and there is very little need for a
whistles. large number of soldiers in the Wuhan trouble gave him a pretext entered the hotel so he picked up wanting to get Hd of him. The
He thought thieves bad province. Everything will be taken for detaining Marshal Li and the poker. He opened the door good care of. You need not worry." charging him with conspiracy with
"How about the protection of Canton 1" the interviewer asked.
the Wuhan group against him.” slowly and, observing that the cor- that the military lenders of Hunan back to the verandah. He knew In conclusion General Tang said ridor was full of thick smoke went and Hupeh are entirely united and will co-operato Kwangs.
mình thê two where the fire escape was but the condition of the stairs and corridor warned him that he might be aut focated if he tried to reach the escape.
My own regiment and the city Police Force will maintain peace and order here," he replied. "Per haps a detatchment of the 13th Army will be ordered back to Canton for patrolling the city."
"Is it true that the Communists have captured Tingchow i south- ern Fukien ?”
"Yes," was the rely." GENERAL CHEN MING SHU
11
"What is the attitude of General Chen Ming Shu in regard to this matter the interviewer naked
"He is not satisfied with Chiang i She's action, the General replied. He is a sick man in Honig Kong and the authorities did not that it might aggravate his Ulnem want to tell him everything for fear
declared war on Canton yet?" the Has Chiang Kai Shek formally interviewer asked
"We have not received any off- cial report to this affect."
(Continued on next Column).
Coroner; The watchmen were engaged and controlled by the Chiféle manager and hîn assistants. according to this witness. Are these the
somewhat shadowy pro d'Almeda No, Your Worship. prietors of the Company, Mr. Tour clients are somewhat clusive
Court. people Up to the moment they have not been required by the
How many clients have you Three, so far as I know,
the names of their clients aléas re- Mt. Lo submitted that Counsel were not in "4" position to disclose quired to do so by the Court..
Cotoper: No, I know that. I sm merely trying to straighten up things. There were two who con- trolled the staff -I don't know.
To witness If you were being discharged who would give you the sack, Mr. Witchell, I think, but night watchmen. Cheung Hing wong engaged the
RUN ON THE BANK. “
The 'run on the Central Bank of He ran out on to the verandch Kwangtung is still going on us and shouted for help. The fire abated. From morning to night brigade put an escape up for him humanity clamouring for redemp Indian police sergeant what was the whole building is besieged with to reach the street. He asked an
Government has issued a set of tion of their banknotes. But the the time and was told "Three Wets you under any agreement orders that no one shall be per
bours." mitted to exchange more than one becn rather an epidemic of slow of your clients, Mr. d'Almada.-1
or security i—No,
t Coroner: There appears to have Interpreter: He claims to be one hundred dollars at a time. Those wanting more than this must sign watches in that neighbourhood! have never sobh him before. (Laugh- an application form, stating their The fire brigade did not get the ter reasons. The application blank is alarm until six minutes past three Coroner. I think there are 27 Benk to see if the silver money is that the Indian police sergeant gave then examined by the officials of the Mr. King: It is quite obvious | of them! (More laughter.)
Money changers will have their Your Worship. really needed by the applicant this witness the approximate time, Coroner: Do you mean you have na share in the Company-Yes, I Jiscenses taken away if they try to Witness said he lost everything hare & small interest in it exchange money for "no good but a suit of pyjamas în which he The inquiry was adjourned at purpose. Some ten money chan-esenped. He owed his life to the this stage until 2.15 p.in, on Wed- gers were arrested here yesterday fire escap
Witness: I'don't'khów,"
nesday, March 2.
Wm. POWELL, Ltd.
10 Ice House Street.
SUN. HELMETS
OF
REPUTE.
It is not safe to have something that looks like a
Sun Hat and in reality resepibles one only in
shape. Our Helmets are GUARANTEED Sun
Proof as well as Rainproof. They are all made
眬
on selected bodies, treated with special Sun- resisting properties which assures absolute protection against the Sun's Bays.
Stocked in Cork and Pith, in White, Khaki and Solara Clothe suitable for Civil, Naval and Military Wear.
THE WORLD'S MOST PERFECT PIANO
SPECIALLY BUILT FOR THE TROPICS.
GROTRIAN, STEINWEG
Acknowledged on every band to be the Finest Quality Pianoforte in the world, and possessing & Unique Construction Principle which ensures absolutely uniform purity of tone throughout the full compass.
Full Details, Prices, etc., from
Anderson Music Co., Ld.
Proper lighting
is essential
to
good eyesight
Use Edison Mazda Lamps in proper
lighting fixtures