THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 1892.
an example for those that follow.' (Applause) Getlemen, I am afraid I have wearied you with my remarks, but still I do hope that you will frankly criticise our action as disclosed in the report, so that the new Committee that you will shortly elect may receive Instruction and encouragement in their conduct of the affairs of the Chamber that you delegate their care. report.
that source, they can get everything they want, far better than we could give it.. I know, I am assured that our particulars never could be any am not sure they give all details of imports, but thing like as complete or as rellable as theim. I exports they do, and that, too, without Interfering with tinde or hampering the local bouses. Therefore I beg to second the proposal of Mr.
sole use of their nationals' ther could give them tlemen, I beg to move the adop.ion of the Chinese Consul at Hongkong. The proposal consider the question. of the registration off proposition it would prore detrimental to their Belllos. (Loud cheers)
atlain their object. A rebuff may retard, but grandmoto Cargo Working Ordinance in crude tion the important services hitherto rendered
how
D
resting place in one of those adjacent elles close by. When this question was first mooted Gibraltar'stocd cut like ourselves, though there was no concerted action between us. We acted Individually without consulting each other or obtaining any exchange of views on the subject. As it turned out the community there thought the same as we did, that if they adopted the
Mr. Granville Sharp said that all along he had interests. They did not accede to the proposal, and therefore there has been a consistency of deen inclined to sympathise with the Chairman's feeling between the communities. Gentlemen, original opinion on this matter, but in the face I am not now speaking with reference to the of the very clear and candid returns presented in the yellow-backed Customs retorna It was not foreign shipping. Probably those vessels being accustomed in these affairs outside of Hengkorg necessary, he thought, to Impore any further mi/ht furnish these retams without the least harassment on the freedom of the port. At the othing could be done without legislation. They grudge, but the junk owners, the Chinese present time in Hongkong It appeared as though consignees, will look on this arrangement ar a kind of espionage estallshed to pry it to their had been overdone with legislation, and he cer private affairs Gentlemen, we know, and we tainly thought that this proposal ought not to have been told, that there is espionage now doing be urged until the way could be seen a little more clearly. They all knew well that there was espionage in the barbour at the present harm to thi colony; I don't think you are aware of the amount of damage espionage Ix doing to
thue. In spite of being a free port in name, this seriously bampered trade, and he thought the colony. Entall another espionage and you will rain the the colony. I maintain that
deal too much for their commodities in this port is a free port. We have laws and that the people of Hongkong paid a good regulations made consistent with the freedom of this port. Janks resort to us for trade; they live the market. Continued the speaker:-There is
something WTONK
In these gunboats with their I to our barbour in comfort and in peace. Make these laws stringent and you wil drive them white bulls, here and there and everywhere. away. The junk trade is of vital importance to don't blame them. I think the Customs are this colony. They serve as feeders to the foreign admirably conducted for the purpose for which ships. They bring to us cargo from all the nooks they are established and we must praise Sir where foreign vessels cannet go, being non-treaty fui affair for the benefit of China. But that and corners of this wide Empire, fram Places Robert Hart for the management of this wonder whe
there is something wrong all round there can be ports. Cut off this supply and you
will cut off the demand. If there junks do not come here no doubt. It is expressed in that good old the foreign vessels will have to find fresh fields French word which we should never forget, so freely. There a esplanage, and pastures new.. We know it to our cost that spionnage, upon which Mr. Bellion har this colony has been passing through a severe spoken
there ligament, a stricture somewhere In the inlets and outlets of this barbour, monetary troubles through over-speculation in
which I bope someone bere will live to sen shares. Apart from the disasters and calamities, crials. We have bad commercial disasters and
however, we have had depreciation in trade removed. I would fain see the Chincte con- sent to the withdrawing of these gunboats It was a mystery not only lo me but generally.
of and the cessation of the blockade of Hongkong 10 several old residents here as to the reason and
harbour. We must have nothing but free trails
cause of that depression. There was not that healthy demand for money for legitimate
poses.
a
here and therefore I thi: k that the Chaliman has rightly put before us the view that we must ask the Goverment to postpone or withdraw The Chairman then put the motion of the Hon. the proposed resolution, E. P. Belillos, which was carried unanimously.
The following Committee, was elected by ballot Hou, J. J. Keswick, Hon. T. H. White N. J. Ede, A. G. Wood, R. M. Gray, St. C. head, and Messes. E. Mackintosh, H. H. Joseph, Michaelsen, and H. Hopplus.
The Hon..E. R. Bellies preposed, and Mr. H. Hopplus seconded, that Mr. Edwin Mackintosh be re-elected Chairman and the Hos. J. J. Keswick vice-Chairman.
The motion was carried with applause. The Chairman-I have to thank you for the distinguished honour of electing me as Chairman, This is the third year now that I have accepted the office. I shall as in the past do my very best, during the short time that I shall be here, for the interests of this Chamber, and of the commerce of the colony. In that I yield to no one, but on my departure I am proud to think that you have selected a gentleman who I then myself famly believe is more capable to fill this position
cannot reasonably cxpect to have our energetic the same footing as China's? Great Britain
office to Chinese territory would not remove any is not to be excluded from the working and
evils, but it has cot been proved any exist, It Chairman always with us: (Applause).
The Chairman- no other gentleman has beachts of any advantages granted to the Chi-
is for those who propose the change to prove nese themselves, else the treaty privileges cons
that it will work better than the present arrange any further remarks to make I will propose that ceded by Chia would at any time he will
ment. Better I think leave well alone. The thpt and accounts, as presented, bendepied. M. Gray seconden the motion, which was that country's power tremle sugatory; for, by
Colony escaped a great danger when the Chinese simply starting independent Institutions for the
Government refused the conditions laid down by unanimously pixò.
The Chairman Gentlemen, we have now to the home Government for the catablishment of a * preference over all foreign traders, practically
was condemned by almost every man in the imparts and exports. You may remember that giving treaty concessions with one hand which
The Hon. T.. H. Whitehead-Gentlemen, Colony, Chinese as well as Europeat. A public on March qtb, 1888, we had a special meeting to consider this subject. The Government then, they withdrew with the other; the result of which would be that foreignes would be driven before the report and accounts are passed, it had meeting to protest was to have been held on the
as now, sert down tothe Committee a statement from the country. It cannot be that the spise tuinfalten stoly the a few temarke on 23rd July lagi, at which it was intended to move
of the Bill which they proposed to pass, and they tion of the treaties, with regard to these them, bat unfortunately the last few days I have the following five resolutions:-"(1.) That this dual Customs establishments, mexes otherwise had severa cold and have not been able to come meeting views with the greatest astonishment asked the Committee to give them their views on the subject. Then, as now, your Committee than that the Native Customs controls trade prepared as I would wish. I therefore hope and regret the retion of the Foreign Office in purely and simply Chinese, but where the Native you will pardon me if I refer more closely sanctioning, even experimentally, the appoint. considered that the points that had to be decided Customs come into contact with the Imperial to the few notes before me than I other ment of a Chinese Consul in Hongkorg without were of such great importance that they could not take upon themselves to give any opinion Maritime Customs, established in treaty ports, wise would have done. I beg to offer the having in any way consulted the Hongkong mer
Contite commurity, or taken their opinion in
whatever, but that the matter should be referred the treaty tariff and regulations which prevail in heartiest congratulations to the Chairman on
affecting thuir interests. (2.)
Lo the whole body of the members of this Cham- the latter shall be uniform to both. Unfortunately the able and very interesting address which he matter so gravely the of the Hoppe in Caston, whose bas just made, and on the large amount of good That this community allies and endorses the ber. For this reason it is brought before you At that, meeting of the 9th of March, if presence special office it to collect revenue for the work done by the Chamber daring the past year. opinions expressed in 1870 and in later years by Palace at Peking-and whois one ofthese excres. With an active President, alded by an energe.ie the then Governors and Administrators of Hong-you will remember, a resolution was carrier, by majority I think of 2 to 1, of very nearly 3 to 7, cences sot fimiliar to western ideas causes Committer, it is in the reach of this Chamber kenng and by the inerchants of those days, that *klad of imperium imperio, which so long as to do a very great deal in the promotion of the presence in Hengkorg of a resident Chinese gainst the adoption of the Government's sug. It did not too glaringly prejudies British trade British and European trade, but our Interests Consul ls most objectionable and dangerous, and gestions. On that occasion I was in the minority stated that if a country or colony carried on its was allowed to remain undisturbed but when must necessarily suffer to no small extent by this community protesti vigorously against any It took the shape of riving favourable levies of such apathy and indifference has been per- such appointment being made or allowed. (3) trade without beɔks it was tantamount to itaud, duty to produce shipped by junks that had for. sistently exercised for some time past by the That the presence of a Chinese Consul in Hong That, as a matter of principle, 1 still maintain, years and years been uniformly charged alike Belilah Minister at Feking, Sir John Walshama, koag will have a bad effect on the resident Chi. but since that meeting in 1898 certain circum. by foreign and Chinese vessels, the encroach. The year under review has been unfortunate nese population, weakening their sense of the stances have recurred which, though they do not aff et t'ar principle, affect in my mind the and exceptionally disastrous, which has power and authority of the English Government, ment became so onerous that remonstrance was Imperative. The kindred question of likin been due in great measure to the violent setting up in their midst a rival authority to which application, of the principle in this color. As
of silver us movements in the value
they will be encouraged to appeal on all possible cors:quence" of the beles Convention we have had imposed upon us a branch of the aqberzes on goods properly transmitted into the Interior under transit piss is another form of measured by gold. Trade in all silver using occasions, tending to create a very dangerous im
evasion in the Southern parts of this vast countries has thereby been deranged and dis-perium in imperio. (4.) That in face of the Imperial Chinese, Maritime Castoms. The Empire that calls for prompt settlement in as located, and the latest telegraphle advices in- recent recrudescence of strong anti-foreiga feeling wonderful accuracy, care, and ability which cordance with a reasonable and equitable reading all probability be unfavourable to free coinage.
amongst the Chinese throughout the Empire, it that bady has displayed in the conduct of the timate that silver legislation In Americs will in
Is most unfortunate that a centre should be set Customs affatis of China have been quite ap- of the treatles. It must be remembered that in the North similar objections do not prevail, at There is a growing conviction that the lime
have rendered of the trade of stealirely, colony, so diffi- among the heterogenous mass of Chinese collect- least to the extent that are clearly apparent here; arrived for a serious attempt to modify the heup round which any feeling of that sort existing parent jo the statistical particulars that they
that to a very great extent, if not and.If official squeezing is so deeply rooted in the cultes by international agreement. The other ed in this color y must necessarily gather. (5)
That this meeting pledges itself to use all porsl the necally for the appointment of a depart Scuthern provinces that it abrogates treaties, H. day at a meeting of the Bimetallic League beld
to ble means to oppose the permanent appointment ment such as a proposed by the Goverment
be established here, is in
my opinion, done a away. some other form of native rsxstion, or a division movement bad made marked progress during the of the Chines Consutin Hongkong, and requests with For those who are leterested in commerce, M. representative at Peking might indicate that in Manchester, the Segretary stated that the of the taxes
at present collected, so as to provide past year la Great Britain, throughout Europe, the Chamber of Commerce to watch closely
A resolution over the interests of the community during the by the aid of these retains furnished by the provincial as well as Imperial requirements, India, and the United States. for be adopted, and not that treaty obligations was passed by the meeting that the interests of next 12 months." The Chamber asked the Chinese Customs, any one, I say, in commerce should be dally ignored. It is here that the in the Empire demand the establishment of a stable Government to produce the papers on the rab here may gauge very accurately any particulars action of the British Minister has worked: so par exchange between gold and silver, and that ject of the pronoset appointment of a Chinese that they may wish for. In addition, that, I detrimentally a British Interests These un- It was the duty of the Government and Palla Consul, but under instructions from Lord may say, in this document sent yound for our
ment to secure this immediately through an
Knutsford its reasonable request was refused, approval, are a number of suggestions which beard-of delays have emboldened the Chinese,
emanate from Committee appointed at home to with true Oriental instinct, to press on and on.
International agreement with the leading com- Evidently they were of a nature that cannot' It should never be lost sight of that China's merelal nations, I think your committee might stand the light of day, and the bome Govern go into the subject. The suggestions and recom-
mendations made appear
colony. I policy is one of gradual and continual encroach-safely communicate with the eme Chambers of ment apparently had no compunction whatever ment, a litle here, a little there, steady pro- Commerce is support of this movement. Locally in proposing to sacrifice the interests of this totally unanited to the trade of this one to he we have suffered seriously from an overdose of Colony for Imperial considerations. I take this they were to be adopted their or ration would without regard to the time necessary to gres
Ul-advised, and hasty legislation. oppertunity of expressing our hearty appreciabe so drastic that instead of having a free port as we have now we should have a Custom house perseverance and a firm purpose which keep Its The Sunday
without any levy for Customa dues. We should alm steadily in view is the gaiding split which form wasrashed through the Council and passed to the Colony by the China Association In Lan- dominates the race. Knowing this, as our fato law within three days of the publishing of don. At its annual dinner six weeks ago the bave all the embarrassments without the revenue diplomatists should and no doubt do know, the the Bill in the Gasatie. Undoubtedly it has chairman, Sir Robe Jardine, in referring to the raised by dues. Now I appeal to you as business danger of paltering with just and clear cases of hit the Chlaese very hard. The new Bank mailitary contribution exacted from us by the men to say whether it is desirable to have that trealy breaches stands out in the strongest relief. ruptcy Ordinance is said to be a great improve Imperial Government, said "With regard to state of affairs in our midst. We would not sanc We should confine ourselves to not stralufàg in ment on the former law, but it is to be regretted Hongkong he thought it was an injustice the tion for a moment thelery of Custorns dues, though that the Government has not yet seen its way to Colony should be pressed to pay for something I have heard it whispered that the institution of the slightest treaty obligations but insist, and promptly too, upon the due observance of all coact a law making compulsory the registration which they had not got. The eniightened this departm at in our midst might e a very of individual partners in Chinese as well as Singapore Free Press in commenting on the convenient step towards ratsing further revenue to rights that our traders are entitled to, and see
European firis, The Chinesethemselves desire subject said "The policy that promises meet the enormous expenditure of this colony, that effect Is at once given to just demands for
way one slightest turn in rectification, Diplomacy I believe would be it and fo view of our recent experiences I hope delivery of a consideration, demands the price Now if we once hiyo ye to the freedoms of this
this directica, good bye Casier, and would certainly be more respected, if the Chamber will agitate In the matter during beforehand, regieets to supply the consideration, It be known and seen that in such matters we were the ensuing year. The new Opium Ordinance and declines to return the price on application, port and its trade. The freedom of this port is our birthright, and if we give that up we might We not to be put off but would instantly require cam- clothes the Oplum Farmer with legal powers in a policy far which, In the individual, the law pliance with treaty obligations. It was castomery which in Chinese hands become superior to the finds an appropriate p nalty." A truer expres as well setise from the place entirely.
short time age to decry the efforts of the British power of the Government; in fact the Govern slon, than this was never made. With your might as well be at Kowloon, on Chinese terri permission I will read a portion of the tory, a in Hongkong, Austher point is this: merchant in comparison with bis competitors of ment seems to have conceded all that the Oplum other nations; we twerel
cingging behind while they Farmer asked for, and the result has been that argument the Chamber put forward in Council supposing that these restrictions or suggestions Colonial for the carrying out of the espionage were applied were forging ahead. Latterly, we have not heard while greater powers, amounting almost to inter in support of our cause.
it would mean that they would have the power, so much of this decadence of our ability to keep ference with the freedom of the port, have been
according these regulations, to inspect and In the front rank of commerce, but if those who conferred on the Farmer, yet our revenue from wereready with this disparaging comparison could oplum has simultaneously largely decreased. A
examine cargo if they were under the impression at any time that the particulars tendered them only have thought of the enormous incubus more pitiable spectacle than that exposed in the
were inexact I want you to consider for a
We have at all events in th's part of the world's Colonial Treasurer's letter of 4th December
moment what that means.
to either to commerce-which we bad to support in last to the Oplum Farmer, published in one of
conduct this business with an enormous staff of local
papers the shape of passive resistance to
wondered at that such
Europeans, or we must trust to our friends the Chinese. With European trade I don't think a serious muddie was made in connection wth the acceptance of tenders. It is generally
the difficulty would be very great, but with the Chinese consider for a moment what it would believed that through a stupid blunder the
There is no doubt that we should have a highest fender was not accepted. The Share Bill was discussed at a general meeting of the
species of Chinese tidewalter, and I just leave it teeth. Fortunately the Foreign Office, bas Chamber held in June last, and was rejected by
to your fancy whether that would be desirable. March 9th, I find that according to their own called a meeting of the shareholders of each of decided to translate Sir John Walsham, and our large majority of the members, hur notwith
We have seen disclosures in the past even in the showing there was a decrease at Kowloon stationem to-day to receive the report and statement In the funk trade of 2.486.039 Halkwas tacks of accounts of the liquidators. Mr. C. S. Sharp who bears a standing as it was forced through Council by
police of this colony, the native police, and
The Chairman said :-Gentlemen, as there is most excellent reputation, will recovering the ground lost through the supine Phalanx, some of whom did not quite under
rottenness that we should deeply regret in the against my $4.173.000, odd. I have said "more no quorum present we cannot transact any of ness of his predecessor. I would now touch stand what they were doing. The passing of
future (bear, hear). Another polut which I would then corroborated, because in my statement Ibo formal business for which the meeting was xemark appears to me to weigh against the have taken an imaginary figure as representing called. It was intended to present statement briefly as an incident that has been most dis- that dragile Ordinance inio law, which was op
proposed to be cargo that would have been taken away by these of accounts and get them but this: can- tasteful to your Committee. I allude to the posed to the feeling of the community and
adoption of such a B!!! correspondence with H.E. Admiral Richards, strenuously condemned by this Chamber, sound
passed is the enormous expense which would be Junks, but the Customs have based their calcul not be done now, so it Passed, be held ver necessary to keep up this department,-$2000dations on the actual takings at this station. That until the final meeting, which will be held The correspondence places clearly before you the ed the death knell to any activity and life in the
I think, be certainly accessary shows the large deficiency in our junk trade, according to the Ordinancer. or $30,000 would, I entire facts and the views that induced the Com- local stock market. It is in the opinion of the
to conduct the business of this statistical depart. In the same paragraph they tell us that simul per share which remains to be retained is mitice to enter spon the subject with Admiral most experienced men at home in unnecessary
ment. There would be new billets and more acting taneously there was incréass at Canton of
to keep so very small that we proposed Richards, is discourteous answer, addressed interference with the freedom of contract, and
appointments, (laughter) and in the present state of 2,218,529 Haikwan facis, proving what I have it back until a final dividend could be to H.E. the Governor, I cannot but think, will cannot be carried into general practice. It meet the unanimous condemnation of the mem- scarcely possible to presume that the promoters
this Colony I don't think that we are in a position stated that if we kill the trade hers that trade declared, but there was a generally expressed bers of the Churuber. That answer, you will of the bill are now as sanguine on the point as
to make then, Another, and I think probably will find shelter in one of the neighbouring wish to have it distributed at once, so there will places near our harbour. Lastly, this requisi. be paid 21.75 on each fully paid share in the see, was not lutended for our perusal ; an inadvere they were at one time, and the sooner the bill
as far as I can see, the deal objection is this. vertency in the Colonial Secretary's office, bow so much in advance of legislation at home or
The deductions that might be made from these tion asks us to give them our opinion. For Sangel Koyal Co., $20 on each folly paid East what reason? There is no tangible season for Borneo share, $2.5o on each fully paid Lamag eves, permifited us to learn Admiral Richards elsewhere-is modified and amended, the better
reports, supposing the statistics were made, would
acquisition of this kind, because we can always | share and $1.25 on each half-pald share of that perhaps make us have to again ran the gauntlet actual views; and the Committee with confidit will be for all concerned. Lord Knutsford gave
This leaves about $25,000 margin Company. of epistles on the El Dorado of this place. We rely upon getting these returns and accurate ence-hough deeply regretting the entire Incid his sanction to the bill conditionally on the un-
# on each company, to pay expenses and tell us it is not wanted for raising revenue, the fical, dividend. ent, which it is difficult to obliterate-leave the official members approving, which they did not
have had gentlemen here who have failed to grasp information from the Customs authorities. They the surroundings and they have painted this
We propose to make. The new Merchant Shipping Ordinance generally. The abortive attempt to substitute a
oldent inhabitant failed to recoguise It. the
dollar of our taxes will be relieved. Therefore on Thursday next. I think beyond that state- Chinese Consul in the Colony will be fresh in into law with unnecessay haste, ahan ber. Ligned their suits in the Councell in a body, sughter and applause.) What has been why satisfy a few statesian in England apertly went we can do nothing else at this meeting, le run the of destroying the prosperity was not absolutely necessary to have called this your memory. When the proposal was sprung reiterated views and opinions of the Chamber.
and had the colonists refused to accept the result of this treatment? As our friend
of this colony? On these grounds if you wifi upon us there was an almost unanimous con- | 21 is:gratifying to think our new Governor is appointment” in the Counci! by way-the-hon-member-for-the-Chamber has told sensus of opinion, embracing the entire commu- diaposed to modify the bill, but I do not think
The proceedings iben terminated. nity, respective of nationality, that such an His Excellency the Governor can be congratu- of protest against the Imperial Government's us, I think that we may put down the military permit me I will propose the following resolting at al
con- contribution to that. We are not is position, flan "That this Chamber is of opinion that in and going out of this harbour test was organised which would have clearly which was recently permitted an interview with increased rollitary contribution until the arrival demonstrated the grave injury that would resnit Sir Was. Robinson. The severe restrictions la of the additional regiment. Futhermore, I am We midst, but fortunately China apparently declined to accept the restrictions Imposed by
red by the British Government that the appointment should be teatative, subject to its being found to work satisfactorily. Our protests therefore were not needed, but doubtless you will, in referring to this point of the Committee's report, like to add your opinion as a supplement to the Chamber's views against the appointment of Chinese dated 11th Consul In the Colony. The trade of the past, he regarded as either accurate of Government 30,000, mostly négioca, can be so trusted, surely measure that is likely in hamper or harass orītis the Chinese, The reason was that they did Hotel, the only first-class hotel in the lower year chows no diminution in volume, but it was greatly to be deplored that the
permalited para. 17
וי
our
Our
War Office,
The
trade from those whose doty it was supposed Innoined, andh A#legraf3 can scarcely be increased contribution well knowing that no
to be to foster our efforts, compared with the ready compliance of the officials of other nations, who promote their subjects requirements in every possible way, we would not have had this carping criticism cast in our
bc.
I am
Vessels CLIR? and went out without
cargo. It has been their full complement of mystery to know the cause of that depression. I say that our thanks are due to the Harbour Master for having upravelled that mystery, for having dis- covered and brought to light the cause of that depresster. He sells us in his report that in 1891 face of an increase in the foreign shipping there was a decrease in the Junc trade in the decrease of 358,961 tons. Now, that is incon sistent with our experience of the past. We know it for a fact that whenever there was an increase in the junk trade there was an increase in the foreign trade niso, and vies versa-they In 1891 It went hand in hand together. Considering that leaves us to infer that there was some this decrease did actually take place, extraordinary cause at work. Later on he tells us that it was due to the espionage practised and exerched by the authorities con- accted with the Maritime Customs in our bar bour. Taking 1890 as a basis we find in that year with the increase in the foreign shipping there was also an increase in the Junk trade of 154.748 tons. Add these figures of 1890 to the decrease of 1791 and you have a total of 468.709 too. That is to say, under ordinary circum of this colony would have been better in 1791 stances had there bern un espionage the trade by 463,709 tons. Now we all know that these junks never go away empty. They take some sort of foreign merchandise. Allowing that they went away with ball their capacity of cargo
say we have 231,854 tons, making a grand total of 695,563 tons. To give it a value ton for those cargoes, we have is money value 34.173,378 This, sir, represents the deficiency | in the junk trade of 1891. A very good reason for the depression, and that is the result of one explonage. I have not drawn on my imagination for these figures; my statement is based on facts, and moreover it is more than corroborated by statistics published by the Customs authorities 1hemselves. According to the Daily Press
of 16 a
ol
The Hon. T. H. Whitehead--I think that before
pose a hearty vote of thanks to the Chairman for we go I'must say one word, and that is to pro- the invaluable services which he has rendered this Chamber, and the trade and commerce of the Colony.
Mr. Gray seconded, and the compliment was This concluded the business of the meeting. accorded with acclamation.
SONGEI"ROPAH, EAST BORNEO, AND LAMAG PLANTING COMPANIES.
__(IN LIQUIDATION.) The Equidators of these three Companies
carncat hope is that his saccess succeed in means of the more numerous Tote of the Official Contribution in those Colonici; but whatever afraid we should be building up an amount of | Reducing this into dolları, you have $3,080,0 Presided and there was a very small attendance,
lently knuckled under to the lice has evidendy koned to support tur just cause. Lord Knutsford appears to have forgotten and to have abandoned what His Lordship at one time termed our reasonable claim, and requests this Government to vote the addition has been made to, and that no lacressed expenditure has been incurred on, the garrison, Possibly the Gmment-rould not cany-tbls vote if all the official members voted in accor dance with their convictions on this subject the officials have, however, been reticent as to what their views are, in strange and striking contrast to the officials in the Singapore and Ceyion Legislatures on this very subject of Military their opinions may be they are allowed no choice in the matter and will be required to vole as Go
If the Government vernment directs them, press this question and take the extra £20,000 from the colony by means of the more numerous official vote, I think the position of matters may become so serious and so grave as to render ft advisable for the unofficial members to take into their serious consideration the utility and here priety of their continged presence bere, where their votes, their opinions, and their resolutions are so completely disregarded and overridden and to compel them to submit to Her Majesty the Queen hy petition 2 statement of their rea- sons for contemplating such a course of action. I submit this would be the only effective protest to be made to the arbitrary policy of the Home Government and its decision to impose a fresh burden of £20,000 a year, on the ratepayers Gentlemen, Ead the unofficial members re
The amount
Issue to your judgment and that of the public do. hurried throuzh Council, and, passed of the Colony without any quid pro quo." | place in terms of such brillfancy that the therefore if we farnish these returns apk ont these returns (which form, the second dividend)'
WAR
any
appointment would be most disastrous to the lat'd on bin reply, claver though it may be, to nebltrary, and unjust demands, I feel con- we don't desire—at least I don't--to air our- † the proposal to obtain returns of cargo from Clony's best interests. A public meeting to pro-the remarks and arguments of the deputation fideat the Colony would not bave had to pay anyves as great, grand people in a big Colony, vessels comprove detrimental to the in
of and SCO
therefore it recommends,
THE HONGKONG HOTEL.
from the establishment of such an official in our the bill do vol facilitate the shipping and trade | equally sure we would have had a majority of simply say, "Here is the place, pterests of this Cobandon the idea of enacting | visitors to Hongkong when entering the port
what we de
will, if
The first object that attracts the attention of As far as knowledge of those who want to know can the Government goek
or approaching Pedder's Wharf from vessels easily find out and get up the particulars from such a measure as law in this Colony, the Maritime Customs return. Beyond that Mr. Ilo Amel begged leave to mention the in the harbour is a conspicuous pile of scaffold- nothing is required. I shall be glad to hear any letter from the Colonial Secretary, about the ing, which encloses a huge, square mass blog further on the subject from any gentleman, registration of imports and exports, in which he of masonry on the water front, towering far The Hon. E. R. Belllos-Sir, referring to this sald the original BUI was objected to, by the above all other buildings in the city, and by its question which you have just placed before us. Chinese, and was consequently withdrawn, size malding the mean little insignificant principal maintela that it is the duty of this comfurfead of saying, as he ought, that it was landing stage of the colony even meazer and munity to foster the trade we have in this objected to by the Chinese and by this Chamber shabbler in appearance. This building, now barbour rather than molest It. Therefore any because the Chamber sent is a petition, as well rapidly nearing completion, is the Hongkong levels, and with the possible exception of the "Australian" in Sydney, the largest as it is the best appointed hotel is Asic
I
of the post. They do the very reverse. Ak unofficial members in the Council to-day. A your Chaimman has told you, the Chamber was constitutional change has just been brought instrumental in getting a commission appointed about in the Colony of Bruish Honduras for to enquire inta our quarantine laws which did far less strong reasons. After two years' persist- good work, and the Government promises to ement agitation the home Government have been body its recommendations in an amended Ship brought to recognise the principle of an unofficial ping Ordinance. The figures la the Acting Har majority in the Legistative Council there. If bour Master's report on the junk trade for 18g1 the Colony of British Honduras, whose trade
January cannot, I
regret to say, safely is a little over half a million sterling per annum, It while the population of the Colony is only some to be published. some change in the same direction raight be to in the least degree adversely affect the not want, trade to be harassed, so they raised commerce of this island should be thrown out opposition. They did not want trade to be causes are not far to seek China's main staple-
from bad to worse, and with the con causes of the depression of the junk trade areales Ceylon, Singapore, and Hongkong. In by this meeting, and not adopted, (Cheerf) harassed in any ways for instance, take tea-goes tioned indifference of the Central Government to the suppression of the system of espionage any case I earnestly submit that the time has When it was brought before the Chamber before the new Opium Laws. There were serious ty so hope for the industry. An abolition of ill. kong and the preservation of the neutrality of the Legislative Courell here should only tau firmas me in my belief that I was right in voting and also the harassing and annoying of pas the future of that article, there is apparently llte established by the Chinese Customs in Hong now come when all the unofficial members in I voted with the majority, against it. Several objections, which the Chairman and Mt. White, have gone by and this lapse of time con head bad brought to the notice of the meeting, duties and likin would doubtless resuscitate the British waters," Such a grave and serious their seats by copular election, and not by Go trade in this once important staple, but the leas charge as this, even if it could be supported with verament nomination or appointment, as is now as I then did, and I think I shall be wanting in sengers and others all over in the Colony, and of revenue from such a radical step Is an ugly proof, should not appear inthe Harbour Master's done with three out of five of the unofficial mynty to the Colony. If I do not vote against if ever any case had been brought to the notice
of the Government, of course the Government missionaries, tourists of all sorts and ded to, how raport. I helleve it cannot be substantiated. It members. Sir Alfred Dent, at the recent meeting it again te-day. The address I then made to fact to face if it be not quickly attendees is discourteous to the Imperial Maritime Customs of the China Association referred to, said he † the Chamber is on; recaid, and - I will now 'sup:') was bound to take the part of the Opium Farmer, ¦ tios; et koc pinus omna, that scores of people
that the improbabia
far from profitable to thoso' engaged in it. The reads as follows the only controllable|troduced in the case of the Eastern Crown Color:
For years past the hotel business la the colony.
some seasons the hotel was falf-empty, whi has been somewhat erratic, the stream of visitors... being such an uncertain element that during at other times the Ials of Fragrant Streams has been so completely swapped with globe-trotters, nationall
through
ever, it seems not
bave had frequently to be turned away for lack will simply die out through a cessation of exports and to a friendly Power. The able and influen hoped to sea similar izstitutions to the China plement it with a few farther remarks, Gentle This was highly objectionable an also was the
of sleeping accommodation in the old Association started in all the ports of Chins. I men, it seems to me that we are arrogaling to Registration Bil This Bill provided that To the serious Ructuations in exchange may be til head of the Customs, Sir Robert Hart, is
could be summoned and and In of and the attributed much of the unsatisfactory results of known too well by old residents China for theta am quite of this opinion, but perhaps what might ourselves a position which virtually does not the past year's trading. An unsteady waite, to think for a moment that sound tolerate bajor more diren, bene it to me at the spoment belong to us. This is a rocky island aduate on mprisoned for any mlalake, in the reinser, increasing stream, of visitors from all gaps of particularly when that unsteadiness is all in one such proceedings as the Harbour Master assertp. would be a Ratepayers' Association or a Muni- the outskirts of a vast empire, and yet we pre-which was scandalous. Besides all this, the the globe who are constantly passing direction, none of the "ups occurring to alleviate Sir Robert has rendered over a lang perked of cipal Council with a strong and active Committee, sume to make laws in order to regulate our Bill would be of no earthly use to the Colony, Hongkong, the Directorate of the Hongkong Important services to British Interests to One of its first duties should be to agitate for commeres with the outside world without in the or to traders, or to anybody whatever It was Hotel Co, decided to provide exple and first the monotony of the coniunal "dewas," IS K
class accommodation for all-comers, and Least thinking whether or not it will suit the not, the Government said, letended to raise any
same time adorn the city with a handsome and disheartening feature in commerce. This is what China, and bar hitherto been loyal friend of popular representation is the Legislative Coun has been experienced; the few hulls have only this colony. The paragraph in question should ell. The Cest of administration of the Govern convenience of those outside as to abide by them. money by it, he that it would be no tis
ment at present is excessive and is constantly This is not a port of entry. It is simply Jung even to the Governments only effect imposing building in a prominent position on the proved resting places for further declines,
without further delay; and do baltom appenis almost impossible to be obtained. ample apology made. In well informed circles on the lactease. In 1887 it was roughly don where vessels from all quarters of the globe would be, farther expense to the Government harbour-front.
come to meet and to exchange their commodiffer for. Its management, and serious harassing of The new building, designed by Messrs, In time this will sight itself, but means blin trade the wild sgitation to have the Customs authorities $547,000, but for this year it is scarer will be unsatisfactory. I do not refer to the move their office from Queen's Road to Chinese $800,000-exclusive of $65,000 for peasless There are several cities within a stone's throw trade nothing else whatever. He was glad Palmer and Temer, (the well-known local revenue, of barely almost of this island, which are really the con- to find the Chairman had changed his mind architects is five storeys high, and when share manis, though this has not been without territory, ja said to be inspired by persons same as compared
guming
centres of this large country. its effect in assisting
- Its desposal 152 bedrooms with every accom sting the depression in legitimate what ignorant of the true history of the difficulties $3,000,000, A commission of enquiry with
to ha application Fore mitice that are noted in the report, it behoves me worked wall and satisfactory, they aroundoubtedly ber but refused. To concluding these remarks has been pointed out to go as an example for us. Kr, Ho Amel-You have changed your mind, modation for the most fastidious of quests, To refer to the loss sustained by the death of Mr. a great convenience so all concerned, trade I would express the heartless appreciation of the to follow. Our geographical potion, with the and you know you would have to give in The new.dialng room fief vanually spacious
What whether you
this tooth toom, commodious and well Ryrie. Thought latterly, he was litle in evidence facil tared, and I do not bel'oro for one moment imp riant services rendered by the Chalman, exception of Gibraltar, la guite unkius. service he rendered to commerce-In former the fact thatthe Customs have an office in Queen's, who they come to elect a new Committee for We are in close, prvalmity to our respective and Ball, If the Government want to rooms, and a bar worthy of the hotel-m
counsels of the Chamber, the yeomants that British prestigeguffers in the least de grestrom and I would ask members to bear in mind that Gibraltar is to Spain, Hongkong to China Laughter). We object to tbu Bul och doen ons, and there are also a splendid drawing days stadde recorded in the Chamber's Annals - Road. If there are any evils they have got the ensuing year, wo require men who pul foreign mainlands, and if we harass the little furnials statistics to the people in England, than that cannot and need not be malda lending over many years, and may Wail'farnias. Veen clearly stated. The removal of the Customs their wholides to the wage, and worky as we | báo "Wu hive, that would desert wa and dad w at them apply to the Chinese Customs, From: Twat hydraulic liftselling: latest typu TÎN
trade. Amongst the various changes in the Com of the situation. The existing arrangements hava view to retrenchment was asked for last Decem- | {äland is not like any other. Britlab colony has the Chalerman--Not as to the principle, only completed the Hotel› management will hava at