MEETING OF THE LEGISLATIVE
COUNCIL.
A meeting of the Legislative Council was held on the 19th last. There were present His Excellency the Governor, Sir G. WUllam des Voeux, K.C.M.G., (President); Mr, W. M. Deane, C.M.G., (Acting Colonial Secretary); Mr. N. G Mitchell Innes (Colonial Treasurer); Mr. J.
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1891.
H. Stewart Lockhart (Registrar-General); Mr. | Jay I can recommend this vote without any alienate the good-will towards the Mother very well know now where the great. the Straits, and more especially to China. The
S. Brown (Surveyor-General); Messrs. P. Ryrie, C. P. Chater, T. H. Whitehead, Ho Kal, and J. J. Keswick, (unofficial members), and Mr. A. M. Thomson, Clerk of Comells,
MINUTES.
|
The rainutes of the last meeting wers to necessity for, payment, of, the extra con- loyalty is a hardy plant, that it requires a Infr į ruption, if the places are not touched wo
and confirmed,
cost
It
THE GOVERNON'S REPLY.
burden of £20,000 a year on the rate-payers devised that would be peinlited by the Home the Sultan of Kedah and the Governor of Singora, disputetion of common commercial life, but fi of the Colony without any quid pro quo, and Government. For this reason, as the principle, and the concessionaire is Mr. Charles Dunlop, to be dragged into the moby fray. The clam- without giving them or their representatives an of the Bill has received a considerable amount of Singapore, who has been in Slam for some time durs of controversy are to be allowed a chance opportunity of discussing the new position and of support, not only in the Council, but in the That negotiating the terms with H. R. H. Prince of silencing the still small voice of truth which the new grounds taken up by the Right Honor Colony generally, I latend to proceed with ftaret, Minister of Public Works, and the Rail,morously volicits a hearing, and the car that able the Secretary of State. The proceedings of because it cannot make matters worse than they way Department, **
Has been attuned to the zither must henceforth the Imperial Government on this question are are, and may make them better. There la anly not characterised by reason and equity; they one point as to which I was fora long time doubt was pleased to give his approval to the scheme thking a razor to chop wood. The Instrument His Majesty when in Kedah in June last year the rough work of a Consul is something like
Brook the brazen trumpet. To put a Judge, to.. calculated to imperil good Government and must course the stricter you make the law, the greater in question, Singora is a large centre of trade will be spoiled, while the wood will be are arbitrary, and unjust; in my opinion they are fol, and that is the question of corruption. Of and is fally alive to the importance of the railway tend to weaken and impair the allegiance and apparently is the inducement to corruption, but on the castern side of the Peninsula and from badly cut. It is no disparagement to Mr.
the other hand it has been pointed out to me Colonies. There is a distinct breach of faith an gambling takes place, and we are always likely father of the present Governor was himself the Country of one, of the most loyal of H.M.
a far distant period has sent produce to Bangkok, Hannen to insinuate that he is not twe men, and if a man of inferior calibre the part of the War Office, and a glating violation to know a short time after it has begun. The
were placed in his difficult situation he would by the Imperial Government of a solemn agree only reason we cannot touch it now is that Singpra and China, and did a large trade. The Consul General cannot help engaging himself in
per of square-igged ships trading between
probably end by being no man at all. The ment of its own framing, and which was deli-the law in its present position does not berately entered into. It might be well for Her enable us to do so. This law will canble ingora is about seventy-six miles, and an im have to sit upon; with no one to administer the,.
distance between Kota Star and the town of
hatters which the Chief Judge will afterwards. Majesty's advisers to bear in mind that, as 441 touch this gambling at once, and though stated in the Singapore Council the other day, there may be greater inducement to cor
portant traffic in goods is carried on between the rymau's eath or to atter the warning against tive places. There is a fine broad road all the prepossession. The dilemma of the Chancellor field and no favor and that under Injustice shall know that corruption actually exists and
way over, and when his Majesty was down there in folanthe suing himself in his own / Court That year he traversed the whole length in his will not loyalty withers. Against such unconstitutional know where it exists. It has been suggested, I carriage. The distance to Kulem from Kota real life. In the case of Consuls it is true the be an edifying spectacle in dolog and such a serious injustice to the tax. payers of Hongkong 1 most earnestly and most large amount of corruption. Yet we are not the line opens up on this section some of the
fear not altogether without ground, that there is Star, the capital of Kedah is over sixty miles and combination of two incongruous offices has emphatically protest.
been attended with wanderfully little mis certain about it. This law will enable us to be best planting and mining land of the province. carriage, but that has been mainly due to the certain. If the gambling in particular pisces is. We understand that Singom, which is at the fact that in most cases the officials have virtually tion exists, and either it will have to be corrected good port, and the island of Pulo Tikus gives it the supervision and frequent visitations of the got put an end to we shall know that the corrup-qutrance of the large inland sea, has a fairly suppressed one-half of their functions, and that,
It may be that the fuducements to gambling are co or the law will have to be given up altogether.. it some protection during the north-east mon-
Supreme Court has held them in wholesome sp great that no salaries we are able to pay will
check in regard to the other half." In the days'! be sufficient to procure men who will altogether
qf trial, and eccentricities of judgment sometimes preceding the existence ofthe Court the burlesques administer the law against gamblers with strict
reached a highly comical eminence at some of impartiality. Of course. I know there are in
the Consulates. Perhaps the personnel of to-day the present palice force men who, although they
enjoy the advantages of a beiter education that " are in a humble position, would firmly resist
their immediate predecessors, but with all that offers to be bribed. I know there are such
they would, flat to themselves, rash wildly into but taking an ordinary view it is a que
tread. It cannot be otherwise. Men with the men and that they have resisted such offers,
on whether men given in the Police Force within the means .such salaries as can ba
to realat, the large sums which it might pay of the colony would be able-the average man' gamblers to offer. However, this. Bill will tell us where gambling exists and if it is not put an end to by this law, we shall at least know where these reasons I propose on the next occasion to we are;, we do not know that at present, For
go on with this Bill. I do not do so, to-day, because at the last meeting. I felt in doubt whether the Government would go on with it, and I do not suppose, hoa, members have read the
about the responsibility of owners certainly a of amendmenti. I may say at once that the clanse details with the care necessary for the suggestion
requires amendment. received due notice that their houses are being At all events owners should not be made responsible until they have used as gambling establishments and take no steps to prevent it. It is not intended to press that part of the Bill in its present shape.
His Excellency aald, he hadlistened attentively to all that had been said. The potat made by Mr. Ryrie relative to the stoppage of the public works was the only Important point raised in the discussion. But it was by no means sure yet, that the telegram referred to was sent owing to the stoppage of works with the special object of thereby enabling the Colony to pay the military contribution. If that was so, then would be very serious matter and it would show that it would have been better not to proceed with those works until some ald had Heen obtained by means of a loan on the Tytan Waterworks or other productive works. He bad also devoted attention to the numerous heroics to which Mr. Whitehead had induced so largely. But he thought the lusses raised by him were beside the main point. Mr. Whitehead said that hon, members had had no opportunity of discussing the vote in the man- ner they, the unofficials, could have desired All he could say was that full opportunity had been given for discussion; and to say that no opportunity had been given in the way indicated by the hon. member na simply to
desirable-was sinte what was not true. despatches, he considered the demand just, and Apart from the unfortunate C. and W. O. could therefore, recommend it, and did recom- connection with the vote on the special grounds mend it. The feeling which had arisen to taken up for objections to it were not allogether unnatural feelings, but the promise to increase the Garrison was distinct from the principle of the vote altogether. The question must now ba put to the vote.
Mr. Ryle's amendment." that the question of arrives from England" was put to the vote, and the vote be postponed until further information lost by one vote-the whole of the unofficial members being in favour of, and the official mem- bers against it. The Governor cast his vote an is usual on such occasions.
tribution
The question of the "extra military con- resulted as follows:
was then put to the vote and
AVES. H.E. the Governor. Mr. W. M. Deane. Mr. J.H. Stewart-Lockhart Mr. S. Brown. Mr. N. G. Mitchell-1anes.
Mr. W. M. Goodman,
1
Nors.
Mr. P. Ryrie. Mr.T.H.Whitehead. Mr. C. P. Chater. Dr. Ho Kal. | Mr. J. J. Keswick.
{་
:
ADJOURNMENT.
The Council adjourned till Wednesday next.
FINANCE COMMITTEE.
A meeting of the Finance Committee was held on the 19th inst., after the Council meeting, the Acting Colonial Secretary presiding,
THE SALARIES OF THE VICTORIA COLLEGE MASTERS.
r।
one which largely concerns the Kingdom of The importance of a trans-peninsular line is Slat; and is also one of universal interest, as the delivery of mails from Earups to Bangkok, Saigon, China, and Manila should be accelerated by three or four days when this railway is com- leted Another important point is that the pro- Pulis which, we hear, are likely to be developed fected line will pass close to the cant fields of very shortly, but our contemporary hopes to give further information with regard to this open up for mining and agricultural enterprise. "Important railway and the country. It is likely to
the mbrass where a trained lawyer would fear to
THE BRITISH SUPREME COURT executive functions can have no satisfactory
staff.
IN CHINA.
"
ugh-and-ready habits of the work-a-day world Are” totally unfit for the exercise of › judicial- functions. Not more unfit, however, than a trained lawyer and a Judge of many years! standing is for the common work of a Consul. The unnatural combination of juicial' with
results, they will not blend, and while; the prestige of the Supreme Court will be impaired that of the Consulate is not Ukoly: to be raised''' by the attempt. It is a distinctly retrograde `· movement, hnd we sympathize with Mr. Hannen in being the first: corpus, by no means.uffe.on whom tho sorry experiment is to be, usted. Chinese Times.
....
MOUKDEN NOTES.
The winter blizzards with their numbing frosts Have forgotten to look us up this winter, having probably found their way to Dakota instead of paying their usual visit to Manchuria. Up t the present time the weather has been the mildest,of any winter known to the "oldest foha-
tant," We are told by alarmed astronomer that the earth has been tilted off its balance by the fraction of a second; does this affect the direction and force of the winds? The prevail- ing wind during the end of last, and beginning of.. this vear has been south instead of north,
There have been fewer cases of influenza here than the normal number. The disease is a chronic one in this province; sometimes it comes upon us with the force of a new epidemic, laying low all classes of the people, and not spar- ing the Foreigner. There have been a few Wolated cases of no great severity. Stallpox, which I suppose is another
on Chinese, He, bas taken off a few victims. here. But otherwise the season has been one of exceptional healthiness.
B agent. Recollect that in this case the beneficiary by our contribution is not the British Government, but the British tax-payer, and because a promise has been held out-it is got exactly promise but an inducement-with regard to this vote by the British Government, and that inducement proves fallacious, we are none the less morally bound to the British tax- the view I have taken of it very strangly, and payers to pay what is justly their due. That is these baing my reasons I can conscientiously
fature, at at the present ilme he could not help reluctance. He had sketched doubts of the thinking that the Colony ought to pay the imeant. He would be glad to hear what others might have to say on the subject.
Mr. Ryrie, said, he had fully considered the question together with his unofficial collea guer. But they could not satisfy themselves of
THE MILITARY (EXTRA) CONTRIBUTION,
tribution, or of the justice of the demand. was all very well to say this Colony The Acting Colonial Secretary moved "that should pay the money, but in face of the the vote for military contribution be considered." fact that all public works were stopped by His Excellency sald, before bonourable telegram and the colony was thus hampered members expressed their views on this vote heta Its progress he could not see the justice of thought it well that he should explain more clearly the demand. It appeared that the Colony could the observations which he made on the last only pay it by having something else cut off. Ifthe occasion, which might have bem somewhat | Government had kept faith with the colony there obscure or not clearly understood. It appeared would have been at least a quid pro quo for it in to him that the opposition had chiefly arisen the shape of security, but now it was asked to owfag to the unfortunate mistake of the In-pay without getting any return. At the present perial Government in making the increase to time the Garrison was not strong and unlesi the contribution provisional dependent, more materially assisted, in the hour of danger, or lens, on the augmentation to the strength by the, Nay it would be in a very bad of the Garrison. The question of whether the way Indeed. No doubt the Navy would additional vote was right and just depended on Assist in time of feed, but it would be unrea circumstances, and on the response; to two sonable to expect that all the fleet would be at questions: First, having regard to the relative our "beck and call we should have the vessels interests of the mother country and the that could be spared, and no more. He might add Colony, is the proportion of the whole which we that since the last meeting of Council he and are now asked to pay greater than it ought his unofficial colleagues had been in receipt of to be in reference to the Imperial advantages correspondence from Singapore and Ceylon, and which we reap by the connection that exists; it was a great pleasure to him to note that there between the two? Second, if not unduly great, the maofficial members had taken the part of is the amount asked for greater than we are able the ratepayers. They were not the servants of to-bear without serious injury to our own the Colonial Office, but of the public, who paid prosperity. He did not think it would require that, and worked in the public interest. The rate- much consideration by honourable members of payers of this cojany,wald, he hoped, be backed the Council to give a negative answer to the first Singapore and Carlon, and they intended to question. As far as he knew the promise of the oppose the unwarrantable demands of the Home Imperial authorities to increase the Forces Government to the last. If the vote were passed, here was aside from the real question at as propesed, a public meeting would be called laste; nevertheless, in as much as iko facidental and a petition to Her Majesty be drawn up and expense was for our own benefit here he forwarded at once. At that public meeting there could not think the amount, the Colony was Would We clear expression of opinion touching called upon to bear was an unduly large one, the breach of faith committed, by the Govern when it was borne in mind that it was only about meat-tas veice of the people would be heard one-fourth of the total cost of the Military, forces with no uncertain sound" It was a question in the Island-even after making large which should be dealt with with great care, and allowances for the large areas and buildings if the Council voted this sama the Imperial Govern- occupied and apart from the afmeat should perform its part of the bargain. the up-keep of the fleet, for which the Mr. T. K. Whitehead aald:- have colooy paid nothing. He questioned whether endeavoured to give due consideration to the anyone, looking at it from that point of view, remarks and the...appasi made at the last would declare the demand an unfair one. Then meetlag of Council to honourable members as to the colony's capacity to pay, the, contribu. and the request not to place your Excellency tion; that was a question surrounded with more in the painfal position of being obliged doubt. After giving the subject very fall coast to do your duty in face of their views, deration he had no doubt whatever that the colony but I feel..compelled to emphatically oppose could pay it without rerious Infary, but he could this heavy money vole on its merits. only say that for the present, moment. In the Whether £40,000 per annum would be a fair course of a few years it might be very difficult to reasonable arst military contribution from this pay it, and the question would become a very Colazy is not the question before the Council. Important one especially as it was indicated in the The increased military contribution was de- War Office despatch that the sum new demanded minded from the Colony in March 1893, and would not be sufficient, later. The gravity adil is demanded on the ground that is the is the situation would be increased by that fact opletes of the Imperial Government. circum. If the present condition of the Colosy could not stances render it necessary to increase the be guaranteed for any number of fyears. As ft. garristin in Hongkong. Lord Knutsford's was clear that sie auch guarantee could be given, despatch of roth January, 1890, intimated the question of probable future increase was s very important one, as regards the fature. Thate the garrison was the Justification of the most unmistakeably that the proposed increase colony was unquestionably regarded by the demand for Tacressing the contribution from outside world as very wealthy: the figures to the £20,000 to £40,000 (Mr. Whitehead then read trade impressed the outside world very largely para 5, 6, 7, and last sentence of 8 of the and justly, Bat if must, of course, be horpe in CO. despatch also report on Hongkong mind that our wealth almost entirely depended Blus book for 1889.) The Increased contribution upon local circumstances. Our wealth depended was voted by this Council last year entirely on our trade, which was far more liable to be on the ground stated by Lord Kautaford, affected injuriously than was the trade of the vir: that the proposed increased garrison United Kingdom. The trade of Hongkong was would necessitate fucreased expenditure, and rather that of a great distributing centre-It, the vote was associated with and accompanied exported articles just in the condition in which by certain resolutions also unanimously they were received. But the trade of the United agreed to by this Council; that as soon as the Kingdom consisted largely in the production of Imperial Government perform their portion manufactures which were exported. The island of the agreement this Colony will readily of St. Thomas, in the West Indies, was a great execute its part. (Mr. Whitehead read resolu- distributing centre, 25 years ago, Fress, it the tions 1, 3, 3, & 4,and, para 9 of the despatch whole of the West Indies were supplied. To-day of tst April, 1309, from Mr. Fleming to Lord St. Thomas wai litle else than a coal depot for Knutsford). The resolutions state that the trading steamers-its function, had geos. The increated vote should only be availed of in immediate cause of the transition was to be found proportion to the increase in the garrison in the fact that the merchants of the Indies expenditure and were at one time warmly and found it to their advantage to deal direct with cordially supported by the Secretary of State for the old country, which supplied them with their the Colanlas. The Colonial Office despatch of imports. Now, as regards our relative poultion: asid May last to the War Office says The hon. to China which compelled all vessels, to pass member read pars. 1, 3, and 5 of the despatch, close to our own doors-Hongkong was in a which have already been published.) The War very much better, position than St. Thomas: Office has not sent say extre troops; the average He merely spoke of St. Thomas for it was a some simber of all ranks here was actually less in what analogous case, but what had happened go than in 1889, the Government has incurred there showed how a large emporium of trade no additional expenditure on the garrison since might, in a few years be affected-though Hong- the date of Lord Kautsford's despatch of 20th kody was, from a geographical point of view, January 1890, yet in spite of Lord Kuutsford's more favourably stated than St. Thomas At appeal for a concession. In our behalf, H.M.'s the present time Hongkong was suffering from Ministers persist in demanding from this Colony
The sums of: 8960 for the salaries of two depression attributable to three causes, namaly, a military contribution just double the amount
student interpreters : $2,800 as a supplementary (a) The restrictive legislation against the formerly paid without, giving us any guid pro
vote for Peak Water supply 8600 as compas Chinese in Australia and Americ
que si sereed upon. In acknowledging the
alonate allowance for the widow of the late Inspector Swanston of the H, K. Folies Force; Awise and upright Judge and one learned in Chins falch resulted in distintion of the War Office authorities shift their original grounds,
one year 2536.84, equivalent to £85 for ment of civilisation, and to produce kies and Colonial Odies espatch of the 23rd May, the
8840 for the Postmaster-General's quarters for the law rony be said to be the supreme attain which a foreign (Indian) oplam trade..
endeavour.to Justify the continuance of their Increased demand forether, ressons and on other
defraying the cost of analysing the observations sustain him some very special conditions have to grounds, which have not been submitted to this
and readings of the tides at Hongkong for be observed. Unlice the poet, the Judge has to Council and which we have not had an oppor.
1887-88 and making the results available for be made, by long and severe training, and he tudity of discussing. The very able despatch to
future predictions: $2,577.42 to cover paypients has to be continually supported by the potent It was also suffering from over-speculation the Colonial Office of the Office Administering
before the 31st: last: December, and for opinion of his peers, as well as of the intelligent for the undermentlaned works not completed! Influence of professional tradition, the even active nevertheless he was pleased to see, despite the the Government, the Hon. 7. Fleming, dated 10th
which no provision has been made in this year's public. Without these alds and riimuli no Judge grave causes of depression, that trade in aller September last, tos which we are most gratefis), fises had not fallen off: the toppage of the port states, our case very fairly and bears most for instance, had increased. The fall effect of the comprehensively on the whole subject of the
estimates, namely, re-drainage of Government Could maintain his character, kad, even with Civil Hospital $110.82, and construction of them his duties make a demand on mental and A curious story is just to hand in consection were seized and had short shrift given them?? thine above named adverse circumstances were incrassed milliary contribution. This despatch not yet estimable, to was quite possible that had been acknowledged bat it has act been
storm water drafa in Jublice Street: $3,437:60 moral resources such as probably no other with the same, subject of robbery. Several. the Colony's expacity to pay the amount now answered: The Colonial Office has evidently
The userpended balance from 189 was calling in life does. To be a Judge is no holiday thousands of tasis were being escorted from this demanded might be seriously affected in the sackled under to the War. Office, and ceased
$19,203,35 $2,500 to provide permanent amusement. Those who have tried it-they are city northwards by a company of 20. soldiers.. course of a few years and become 'graaf hard to support our just cause. Lord Knutsford
moorings for the new hospital ship Hygstas not too many know the extreme difficulty of Just at the frontier north of Kai-yuen they were the colony, and unless the circumstances appear to have forgotten and to have abandoned
also $29,300, re-vate, for the last two instalmegis being truthful, while to be furt seems so beset by a company of 6o armed men and all the i materially altered it would be very discals to what als torda alip tanded our reasonable claim,
to be paid for the building of the Hygeles | hopelessly...“ beyond the range of, common | silver was carried oupla ofthis province and pay it. However, he mentioned the matter as a and requests this Government to vote the
$188, being undrawn salary of the third caueavour that not one In ten thousand 22nd Septemberige, was voted to the Ars question of the future, and he did not believe that increased contribution, well-knowing, that no
bailiff of the Supreme Court frots 1st May to seriously attempts. From such considerations, for the surplus population, of Chibli and Shan
For the sake of the hon-members, taking everything into consider addition has been made to, and that no increased
by the Registrar, the first and second balline tearless imposed on a man whose business In life long ago I happened to ask the leaders of
derived from cally experience, copis conception tung it will cause of profound, regret if the allos,
and second bailiffs la proportions recommended rasy be forted of the moral and intellectual railway formerly, spoken of is not started. Not would regard fair demand. Oh the other hand he felt sure. Possibly the Government could not carry this
bailiff absconded until a successor was appointed concrete entity It or other than a just and openslaan kat been incurred on the garilor
having done the work from the time the birds per only to be just but to reduce Judge to could by are love returned god he reple
1 premise of the War Office referred ance with their convictions on this subject the
that not once and thers unofficial members would not officials have, hawaras kept the views very
CHTECT bout two month. They were going with opposed the vote. Heathered" that'
filter bed, and $485.59 the opposition depended almost entirely on the is indometar in the Singapore and Ceylon sacret hitherto, in strange and strikdeg contrast
THE GAMBLING ORDINANCE, 1891,
'makes perfect, good mental habits like prosperous town north of the
Sengad unfortunate representations made when the vote; Legislatures on the same question! but what of the day is the Committee on the Bill entitled were voted N
slogats allowance to the wide and children of had ones acquire strength is going, and judges. Nonni falls into it. They were to bring back
after they His Excellency The next item on the orders the late H. L Mather, secand lighthouse keeper it must be owned, usually carry the cares of their load of beau-oil and so heavy are. was first urged on their attentios, He had he ever their opinions may be they are allowed to the Gambling Ordinance, 1891. Now! I may
the expenses bui doubt but that the increase of troops was pet (a chaice Inghamatter, and will be required to vote state at once that after fall consideration of this proceedings to a close,
The passing of these votes brought the that however, but the result of the long special exchange two cattles of salt for one of oil thay
han good office lightly and live to a rips old
What is of carriage pyer, this long route that they were to the foreground, and therefore it was the more as the Government directs
training without which this great product of unfortunate that the protalse was not fulfiles Lowever, to problem. The ocials, matter I have determined to proced with the But if the demand was just one--and views and opinions? If the Government press peither this Ordinance not any other will have AN IMPORTANT SIAMESE" RAIL! nacessary mental abstraction cannot be attained would be were there railway, communicating he
stating their Ordinance, I have the distinct opinion that
modern civilization could never be produced ? he believed-ke-had-shown walld reasons this question and take the extra. 20,000 from any great effect upon gambling in this Colony,
how The Judge must in short be a specialist. The | dearer is, salt in that, northern, spot, than Itiny that it was then appeared to him that the Colony by mass of the more numerous the Instinct for which is so ingrained in the com the mare falfare of the promise had nothing off al vote, I think the
WAY CONCESSION, A KOH Kplaced far above the reach of any sordid tempts to Kirin would open up the southern half of
an any easier terms. He must not only be and how much cheaper, is oll... A railway even for to do with it there was, doubtless, ground for become so serious and to grave is to render it beginning legislation I should decline to do any. position of misiters may stitution of the people, and if it were a question of
best flow, but he must give a very wide berth to all Taltalker (or Hihingilang) province to very, 12 but no ground for refusing to vote the advilable for the Undmeid Members to take thing in the absence of a
A PROPOSED, RAILWAY ACROSS THE MALAY” thead political and social passions which seize remunerative Agricultural employment, and money
instructions. But have voted but for "the mistaks veered to propriety of their continued presence here where have at present on the
Upon and sway the common man. Imagine for provide comfortable homes for seven millong To put the matter in an abstract farm'
moment if A
Booklaw which: An Iesportaat rallway concession, to which Crane what sort of Judges persent of Mr of people. The soll of the sorbern, province lair are so completely disregarded and overridden, lens. Whether the decisions To Correct or was, says the Bangkok Tester, sigued on Thurs all the
J. G. Blaine's antecedents vary, rum is fairly due, is as Jess morally bound to and to over them to sumalt to Her Majesty not, I do not know, but the result is that by day last by: His Majesty the Kinga It for touch them with the tip of his finger, on palm of
Well adapted for all the ordinary 21:11 he must be removed from
Hanchuria, and, there is, I understand.12 pay that debt bocaue supererogatory the ava by peilion a statement of their reasons these decisions..the law has been rendered railway acmas the Malay Paniaguia from Sidetracting from the purity of his erminis, Nor grossing concerns of life, must not
cultivable land there than in either rent promise by C which has not been failailed 1. No, for bentemplating such a course of action. I almost utterly ugless. Now, it can be said of the to the town of Kete Starrdy Halburety and frou Now the step which the British, verament
two southern provinces. Irrespectiva eng say he is equally Bound "Inples of the submit thle would be the kinlyxenectiva protest Bill before the Council that it affords a better; thence in Kalem, a sadistrices on the southern host taken wing clear-counter 13. All such
the political importance,, of this ralled st promise, and he wenld be 10" Wheld" avan "if" to be made to the arbitrary policy of the Home chance of doing some good than the present law, most part of tow provides di Kadangths than 18th Formaldavations, The Jaden in hot to be fait in
ÞE, K. 2004. Ovestment for the n the promiss was made by: instead of by. Goteransens and its decision to impose a fresh" or I believe any other that veeld ní pravém belare Ki Mascoty the Ning of Siam, together with
up that grast; verion with lo linen" from the congested proj kis verene abriraction Brena the Stirisol), sa
(.) The decline in the expert trade of Chinese tea, owing to the competition caused by the Ceylon and Indian tea, 1995 Di
The Chaimsar-Hon. members, will remem- ber that a minute recommending a vote for additional pay to the masters of Victoria College was held over from the previous meeting, order that further inquity might be made." A doubt arose as to whether due consideration had The Government thus "swamped" the un-
been given to the matter of quarters. It has officials by the usual ons (official) vote. Doringbeen found that consideration has been given to the voting there was a good deal of titter that point, and therefore there is no undue ing, and "under-breath" remarks, and it increase in the amounts recommended by the was preceded by Mr. Ryrie (the seator unofficial Secretary of State. The history of this vote is member) getting out of his seat and speaking to
that the $1,830 for the increase of salaries of the Mr. Whitehead. Mr. Rycle lasked like goin out masters of Victoria College arose from a petition to save himself and colleagues the annoyance of
sent home by the masters last year, asking that going through what they knew would be a they should be allowed the same rise as the degrading larce,
other members of the Civil Service, and the Secretary of State has been pleased to approva of the petition with the small modification that the whole increase is not to be given at once, but by a gradual increment from year to year unil the maximum is reached. I have therefore to move that this sum of $1,830 be voted.
THE PROPOSED INCREASE OF SALARIES. Mr. Whitehead aired: Are the Govern- ment officials now drawing the enhanced rates of pay recommended by the special or select Committee of this Council; or are they still drawing the old rates of pay and allowances pending the Secretary of State's approval ?"
The Acting Colonial Secretary. They are drawing the old rates of pay.
The Colonial Treasurer seconded. Mr. P. Ryrie-If we are to have an increased litary contribution we cannot go on increasing salaries too. I will vote against all increases. On the vote being put a division took place. The Registrar General asked if he was com
A HIT, AT GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, ing motion; That In consequence of the
Mr. Whiteheadthen gave notice of the follow-pelled to vote, or if he could remain neutral. eahanced Military Contribution still demanded by the Imperial Government this Colony is not in a position to pay the increased salaries recently that the Secretary of State be req tested by recommended by the unofficial members, and telegram to withold his sanction."
The Chairman said that as the hon. member was at the table be thought he must request him to vote.
THE MILITARY CONTRIBUTION.
The votes were recorded as follows :-
For.
-AGAINET, Mr. T. H. Whitehead!! Mr. Ho Kal
The Surveyor-General The Registrar General The Colonial Tresser Tha Attorney-General Mr. C. P. Chater
Mr. I. 1. Kurwich MF, P. Ryrie
VOTES PASSED,
the military contribution.
Mr. P. Ryrie-I give notice of a protest agafast The rate was therefore paused. The following despatch relating to military contribution was laid on the table:-
DOWNING STREET;
13th February, 1891. SIR.I am informed by the Secretary of State year 1800 has not yet been paid, and I have for War that the full military contribution for the accordingly telegraphed to you this day request. fog that the balance of the amount should be possible. paid to the Military Authorities as soon as
now been voted for this year, and you will of I observe that the increased contribution has course see that the proper amount is paid at the ead of the current quarter.
I shall address you separately in regard to the protest on this subject of the unofficial members of the Legislative Council, enclosed la Mr. Flem Ing's despatch No. 449 of 22nd December last.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
KNUTSFORD.
Governor Sir G. W. Des Vœux, K.C.M.G., &C.
dtc., ice, THE PRINTERS AND PUBLISHERS ORDINANCE. Printers and Publishers Ordinance of 1885" was A Bil extitled an "Ordinance to amend the
the first reading.
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No one has a good word to say for the new arrangement by which the British Foreign Office Has merged the functions of the Consul General
botched and bungled job. Great principles Court: View it on whatever side we may it is in Shanghai in those of the Judge of the Supreme
and it is hard to believe that the matter could and far-reaching national interests have been. sacrificed to a paltry economy in this case, ever have been fairly considered by the heada of the Foreign Office. Twenty-six years ago, under the wise govemment of Lord Palmerston, who of all British statesmen of his own days, are or since, had the most accurate appreciation of the country's interests in China, a British Supreme Court was established In Shangbai with a competent and well-paid judicial The extraordinary vagaries of what were called. Consular Courts had been for years crying aloud for remedy, and the Supreme Court for China and Japan was the answer to the appeal. The success of the movement has been most conspicuous; the administration of justice where British aubjects were concerned has been without a flaw, and the Judges have earned for themselves the same bigh and immaculate character which a thrown a halo over the Beach in England. Nor have British interests been the only gainers. "Among all foreigners resident in China the con- caption of pure justice has been promoted, and the proceedings of the consular courts of all the Traily powers have been consciously or uncon- aclously elevated, and ton considerable extent In- fluenced by, if not actually modelled on, the great example of the British Supreme Court in this matter Germany in particular has played a very worthy part, her Consular representatives being mostly men who have at least enjoyed a thorough legal education. As for the Chinese, the purity of the Eogilah Court has been the means of revealing to them for the first time the idea of abstract justice, freed from political con aiderations, from the bias of official Interests, from corruption, and the pressure of publlo opinion. The Judgment given by Sir Richard Rennie le one case alone was received, ne we have good reason to know, by the- higher Chinese Officials with sheer astonishment. We refer to the collision case between a P, and 0. steamer and a Chinese man-of-war, in which the Iatter was sunk, In the estuary of the Yangtze, That a British Court should deliberately condemn a powerful English Corporation to pay heavy damages to an alien was a conception wholly new to the Chinese, and the proof of it raised the character of British justice and the credit of the British name Immeasurably in their estimation. From the, point of view of international good. will and mutual conciliation, therefore, the Supreme Court has without doubt rendered most valuables service. In supplying the immediate requirements of British subjects no less than in raising their general reputation, and promoting the permanent Interests of the country, the Supreme Court has been a national hoon, and it can hardly be doubted that the miscellaneous body of foreigners has gained something by the dignity reflected from the Judicial establishment of Great Britain./
On the plain in the immediate neighbourhood of this city and towards the south, the tall millet- was attacked in its green state and fell growth by the green fly, which made the laxuriant.. looking crop so very bad that prices, as harvest came,on, were nearly doubled. Fortunately for the poor and the farmer elsewhere, the pest wis local though extensive. The valleys escaped. and the great North never produced a richer harvest.. Prices therefore, crept downwards, but, not to the low figure of last season. The innkeepers on the road tell me they never had so many cats pass with grain within the period preceding Chinese New Year. This promisca well for Newchwang shipping."
Having
In so extensive a country as this the men who find their native, place, whether Shantung or Chill, uncomfortable, and who came over hero without giving hay address for their letters, sometimes find it difficult to get the kind of fond they like. A few of them band together,, and in the early morning waylay carts or travellers among the northern mountains. secured a horse and a musket, each man becomes a mounted robber, a character walch, without the niceties of a trial, entitles him to inst ant execution when the mounted and armed man is apprehended. Every winter these men lo larger. of smaller bands prowl the more sparsely peopled roads of north and especially of north cast Kirin. It appears that, this winter bas let, loose a more than usually bold
And active lot, just east, and north of the Songari as it passes Kiria. They became ambitious as well as bold, and were satisfied.. only, with solid silver or good far, and slike us spoil; and they discovered that the most accessible way of possessing these was by a sudden onset on some pawa-shop in a town or driving carts or owning the produce carried were village where they were not expected. The men not afraid, as the robbers did not condescend to molest such travellers. Robbery without the law in this country as in Europe is treated very differently from robbery within the law. So, fortably for a time at the expense, of those who many of these, mounted gentry, living.com were diligently attending to ordinary business,
that had if not befï¬ for the unfortunate, | vote if all the feficial tæembers voted in accord- introduced by flie Attorney-General, and passed †·$3,254-4, Pokimand balance in 1890. but continuously throughout his winna zain, would be are they returned, and the reply was wi
ta
have
compch hon, members would undoubtedly fate the Marankention the utility and it is not a question legalitou, Wa.
account of
excess over estimated costatsd $888 as a compass practedly in this 'as in all other occupations loads of salt from Newchwang.tox & new, and m
receiving a beheft" from!B for which a certain!"/Puki weten, thelṇeplalons, and their resolutions has, I may say, now become almost utterly use.-) we alluded in a previous fame of the 7th inst," "would make | NO J'
the open ws, the prices; of these articles at, ***