A. S. WATSON & Co. WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DRUGGISTS,
GENERAL CHEMISTS, -
AND
Manufacturers of the following AERATED WATERS, viz: SODA, TONIC, SARSAPARILLA, AND POTASH, LEMONADE, GINGERADE, RASPBERRYADE, AND PHOSPHORIC CHAMPAGNE. Deliveries in Town and Harbour from
7 A.M. to 7 P.M.
SHIPS' MEDICIENE CHESTS REFITTED, PASSENGER SHIPS SUPPLIED.
Prompt Attention given to Coast Orders.
HONGKONG DISPENSARY.
HONGKONG. SHANGHAI PHARMACY,
SHANGHAL
CANTON"
FOOCHOW.
CANTON DISPENSARY,
THE DISPENSARY,
Notices to Correspondents. All communications should be addres- sed The Editor "Hongkong. Telegraph," 15; Wellington Street.
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Correspondents are requested to for ward their names and addresses with all
communications intended for insertion, not necessarily for publication, but as evidence of good faith.
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Birth.
On the 18th Jane, at. 12A. Praya East, the wife of J. S. NAZER, of a Son.
Deaths.
At Hongkong, on the 18th June, JOHN PATRICK LALOR, Esq., of the firm of Messrs. Mergesson & Co., Macao, aged 41.
At No. 9, Peddar's Hill, on the morning of the 21st June, WILLIAM RUDOLPH LANDSTEIN, aged 413 yenre.
THE
Hongkong Telegraph.
HONGKONG, 23RD June, 1881.
Since writing in our issue of the 17th instant, on the subject of the proposed Tramway Schemes, an en- tire change has been made in the preliminary arrangements, which de- mands immediate attention. At the meeting of the Legislative Council, to be held on Friday first, a bill to authorise "The Chinese Tramway Company of Hongkong to lay down and maintain tramways in the town of Victoria, and in the island of Hongkong, and to confer upon the said company certain other powers and privileges" will be submitted for the Governor's assent. It has been publicly announced that an amalgamation of the two projected companies has been arranged; but, singularly enough, the basis of this arrangement has not been made pub- lic, which, to say the least of it, is rather suspicious. However, the good citizens of Victoria (which is a full-blown city, not merely a town, as stated in the Government Gazette), need be under no alarm, for the whole of the details respecting the, Tramway business have been felicit ously arranged by the appointment of Mr. W. Danby, C. E. as engineer, Mr. R. G. Alford as surveyor, and Messrs. Brereton and Wotton as solicitors to the Company." The whole affair has been nicely cut and dried by "the professional gentlemen," so we may leave matters entirely in their hands, and thank Heaven for having favored this thrice blessed island with the possession of such paragons
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH—THURSDAY, JUNE 23RD, 1881.
of professional excellence, as Mr. W. Danby, C.-Ey Mr. R. G.Alford, and Messrs, Brereton and Wotton.
terday for the purpose of passing tion. Instead of having a lot of sentence on the prisoners convicted cripples and crocks" (purchased at on trial on Monday last, 20th instant.anctions in Shanghai) sent down, Ho Aju was sentenced to twelve as was the case last year, by entrust- months imprisonment with hard ing our correspondent with the com- labour for assult and wounding, and mission, to be executed in Mongolia, occasioning bodily harm. Prisoner we should undoubtedly receive a far- better class of ponies than wo have had three suminary convictions re-
ever had previously, and probably at corded against his name.
a lower price. At any rate the ex- periment is worth a fair trial. Will the gentleman, who has charge of the Subscription List kindly call at this office?
so easily and so felicitously adjusted. Their differences could not have been of a very serious character, that is if It was our intention to have delay they had any differences at all....... ed any further criticism on the pro- We are not blaming the engineer, posed introduction of tramways, nor the surveyor, nor Messrs. Brere- until after the meeting of the Legis-ton and Wotton, for using every le lative Council, as we wished to have gitimate means of securing a slice of the fullest information of the proposed of any "good thing" that may be. arrangements at our disposal, before on the market; nor do we believe initiating a crusade against what we that the adhesion of Mr. William' are bound to consider one of the Danby C. E., and Mr. R. G. Alford, most ridiculous so-called improve surveyor, to any practical scheme for ments ever offered, under similar the introduction of tramways into circumstances, to an intelligent com- Victoria, can possibly have any mor- munity. The amalgamation has up-al influence on the future prospects set our previously expressed inten- of the same, as these gentlemen pro- tion, and as we presume that His bably merely regard it as a simple Excellency the Governor will, in the matter of business; and it is perhaps event of the Bill passing the Council, rather unfortunate that the self same. Tan Acheung, a servant, convicted refer the scheme for the approval of "experts" should be so well remem of larceny, was sentenced to twelve last months to be in solitary confine- ment; the remainder with hard la-
cates of two different proposals for the formation of a railway to the Gap, in which they differed but to agree, as they have apparently done. in the matter now under discussion.
Leung Akin Tsun, convicted on two counts of maliciously wounding, was sentenced, on the first count, to three months imprisonment with hard la- bour; and on the second, to two mon- ths, the latter sentence to commence on the formination of the first. This prisoner had been recommended' to mercy by the jury, and nothing was known against him.
bour.
the Secretary of State for the Colo-bered in the Colony as staunch advo-months imprisonment, the first and nics, it seems advisable that the true state of the case, so far as can be ascertained, and emanating from an independent and throughly unpre- judiced source, should be in the hands of our friends in London, who have interest in, and are perfectly acquainted with the requirements of Hongkong, by the first homeward, bound Mail.
We are at a loss to conceive what motive power has been at work to bring about the coalition of the two opposing parties, and can only hazard a shrewd guess that Mr. Ng Choy, finding himself unsupported by any important section of the leading Chinese, was glad to come to terms with Mr. Johnson and his.
followers. That the proposal, pro- ceeding from the last-named gentle man, does not and will not meet with general support from the Chinese excepting from those who have in- terests to serve by the construction of a tramway, or something to gain by carrying out the behests of the head of the great house of Jardine, Matheson & Co.--we can authoritati- vely state, having taken some trouble to obtain reliable information on this point. That the proposed introduc- tion of tramways does not meet with the approval of the majority of the European residents,--not reckoning the speculative class who have an eye to the future, and the "profes- sional gentlemen" above alluded to, who have both eyes wide open not only for the present but for the future, also can easily be ascertained by any sceptical unbeliever. We have during the past few days made a special point of eliciting the views of many of the most influential members of the community on the tramway question, without finding one single individual pronouncedly in its favor. Several gentlemen believed that in time it might become useful; but the great majority un- hesitatingly condemned the whole project as Utopian in idea, and quite useless practically for the particular requirements of our somewhat pecul. iar traffic.
a
Chan Afuk, also convicted of lar- ceny, was sentenced to three months Might we be allowed to suggest imprisonment with hard labour..
Cheung Wa Shing, convicted of to his Excellency the Governor, that, before in any way pledging the Gov-aiding and abetting the commission ernment to carry out the alterations of a felony, was sentenced to nine in our present system of passenger months imprisonment with hard la traffic, proposed by Mr. Johnson's bour. This man has borne a bad Tramway Bill, it would be advisable character for years past, and in this to obtain an independent expresssion instance his offence was agravated by of opinion from the general commun- bis having represented himself to be
a police constable. ity, Europeans and Chinese; and that he should also obtain the best
In the Telegraph of the 18th inst. scientific opinions from the officers' of the Surveyor General's Department we announced that preparations for on the suitability of our roads on the our next year's races had already proposed line of route, for tramway been inaugurated by the issue of cars, boaring in mind the large circular, soliciting subscribers for a number of property holders whose mob of Subscription Griffins. We interests are likely to be prejudicially should have stated that the circular affected by the innovation. It had been posted upon the notice appears to be the general opinion board in the Hongkong Club, where it still remains. How much longer that as our thoroughfares were never intended for a tramway system, they is this furce of playing at racing will be. found quite unsuitable for going to continue? It has been the purposes required. Nor should customary in previous years to send it be overlooked that the general the list round for signature to gentle men likely to become subscribers, traffic of the colony is conducted on a principle which cannot possibly and there is no reason why the old harmonise with tramways. The custom should have been departed question of the proposed undertaking from. We had a conversation yes- proving a safe and profitable invest- terday morning on the subject, with ment, from a business point of view, the most princely supporter of racing will have to be duly considered should in Hongkong, who had heard nothing the Bill get beyond the first reading; whatever about the circular, and but in the meantime we may place who was naturally enough greatly it on record that the Tramway Com- astonished thereat. What connection panics of England and Germany, man- is there between the Hongkong aged in the most economical style and Club and the Hongkong Races? By run with every possible advantage in what system of reasoning are mem- their favor, return dividends, accord-bers of the Club entitled to privileges ing to the latest home papers, of 6 which are denied to subscribers to the Race Fund, who do not happen per cent, per annum; and this is con- sidored, and doubtless is, a magnifi- to be on the roll of that admittedly cent result. A New Tramway Com-admirable institution? So far as we are aware the Club is not in the pany in Hongkong could hardly ex-
habit of annually presenting the. pect (for reasons which we may have
valuable prizes any to allude to by aud bye), and certainly Race Fund with
to be competed for at Wong-nei- would fail, to work so profitably as this; but even conceding the possi- chong, yet liberal patronage would bility of an almost impossible success, appear to be the only claim which would a maximum return of six per any institution could advance as a cent per annum provo a sufficient in reason why its members should be shown more consideration than out- ducement for the outside public to
siders. As Mr. Coxon is almost the embark in such an uncertain specu-
only one of the Stewards who cares to lation?
interest himselfin racing matters out of the season, we would suggest to him that the Griffin Subscription List be at onco sent round to old subscribers, and that an advertise- ment be inserted in the newspapers inviting the sporting members of the community to join in the movement, The columus of this journal are always open, free of charge, in the interests of sport..
LOCAL AND GENERAL.
owing to many persons not being able to gain admittance who desired to be present, a third performance will be given on Saturday evening,
If the majority of the community, and a not uninfluential majority be it understood, are opposed to tram- ways, in whose interests and for whose advantage is the scheme being matured? Mr. F. B. Johnson is, without the shadow of a doubt, far above suspicion. His action has H. M. S. Pinafore again occupied the stage at the Garrison Theatre been dictated unquestionably by au honest conviction and belief that the last night to a crowded and appreci- introduction of his system of loco-ative house, and we understand that motion will benefit the Colony at large; a mistaken idea, we assert, but Mr. Johnson has doubtless a per- fect right to believe that that is a mere matter of opinion. Mr. Ng Choy is
The Midge, 4, tender to Kestrel, somewhat differently situated; but who behind the scenes, can doubt Commander W: M. Lang, went out that his Tramway Bill was originated yesterday for a trial trip under the for the express purpose of running immediato supervision of Mr. R. H. opposition against the measure pro Sleeman, Inspector of Machinery. moted by the European faction, and The trip lasted about six hours and the results are reported, to be of a without the remotest hope of ever receiving on its own independent satisfactory character. She proceed melts, anything approaching influed to Canton this morning where ential or general support? Is it she will probably remain about a then for the sole benefit of the "pro- week. fessional gentlemen" that we are to hava a tramway system in Hongkong? It is really charming to think that the rival claims of the experts were
Elis honor, the Acting Chief Jus- tice Mr. T. Snowdon, sut in Criminal Sessions in the Supreme Court 'yes
Mr. Li Hong Mi, second clerk at the Magistracy, has been appointed Assistant Interpreter and Translator to the Supreme Court. Mr Li Hong Mi has held a clerkship in the Ma- gistracy for many years, and was. only recently promoted to his pre- sent position on the transfer of Mr Seth to the office of the Colonial Secretary. He was the only one in the Government service who could accurately interpret several of the inland Chinese dialects, and his serv ices were frequently called for in the Supreme Court, but since his promo- tion to the second desk in the office he could not so well be spared from his duties there, and much delay and inconvenience was consequently the result. The present appointment however, by making him entirely an official of the Supreme Court, will obviate all unnecessary friction between the two departinents in future. Mr. Li Hung Mi's succes- sor to the second clerkship has not yet been named, but it is hoped that the promotion will not descend through the offico, as if that princi- ple were carried out in its entirety the management would ultimately fall into the hands of Chinese clerks, who, although useful and valuable in their present sphere, it is no dis-, paragement to say, are not suited to occupy the responsible position filled by the chief clerk. We also hear that Mr. T. R. McBean, Usher and Bailiff to the Supreme Court, has been appointed interpreter in Hin dostanee. Mr. McBean is an old and tried public servant and has already deserved well at the hands of the Government, having for many years interpreted in several lang uages, in addition to his other duties,
for which he has not received the
slightest remuneration: Although appointed interpreter simply in Hin- dostanee, Mr. McBean's services will be made available in Portuguese and in Japanese, as litigants speaking the former of these languages very frequently appear for redress of their grievances in Summary Juris- diction.
LATEST COMMERCIAL
INTELLIGENCE.
Thursday, June 23rd, 1881.
One o'clock P.M.
As usual on mail inorning our bus- iness report must be of the most meagre description. Since our last issue a few trifling transactions in Banks at 104 and 105 have been booked; but the last named quotation has not been main- tained and plenty of shares are on offer at 104, without finding too many buyers.
Docks still roumain nominally at 54. without loading to business; but we think something will be done in this stock before long, as it is impossible that the shares can remain at a nom-
inal quotation so near the end of the half year, which, by the way, may be safely predicted as the most remuú- With reference to the Subscription crative one the Company has known for Griffins we had a letter from Shang-the last ten years. A few Hotel shares bai yesterday on the subject, and have changed hands at-92), and thre
figaro. now append an extract, which is stock may be considered firm at that worthy of attention
Is there anything doing about subscription griffins at your port? I have a first class, experienced buyer. going to the Mongolian Fairs in a month's time, and if I secured the order from Hongkong I could get. down a fine lot of ponies for your races.'
The writer is a gentleman of wide experience, who would certainly do his utmost to give us every satisfac-
In other stocks absolutely nothing has been dono. A list of Intest, quota- tions is apponded, /
Shares.
Hongkong and Shanghai Banking
Corporation Sharos-104 per cont. promium, sellers. Union Insurance Society of Canton-
$1,625 por share ox dividend. China Traders Insurance Company's
Shuros $1,700 per share.