+
SAKURA-NO-HANA.
HAMN THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH; MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 1903.
JAPAN'S GREAt april festivAL OF THE CHERRY BLOSSOM,
Japan has apily enough been called the Great Britain of Asia, but instead of two large islands as with us, there are four-Hondo, Yez1, Shikoku, and Kiushiu. All through the vast area of 170,000 square miles in this archipelago, and among nearly all the forty-four millions of inhabitants, the great national festival of April is celebrated with the most genuine popular ecstasy. The middle of April is the climax of the marvellous seisen of cherry Many flowers and trees effloresce during most of the year in Japan, but to see the beautiful Island Empire in all its glory it must he visited in the spring.
bloom.
$1
For no country in the world has nature done. more than for japan, and it is only fair to say that the untive art has done everything to sus -tain hapupiny with the wonderful advantages thus inherited. In America I heard a young student beasting, "This is God's own country!" Instantly an older American re- marked, Yes, that it is; but we Americans do not know how to ta' e care of it." It can never be alleged against the Japanese that they have spoiled their land. No scenery is spoiled, and no fair landscape is defaced. These fascinating people are born ariisis, and unconsciously re gulate everything by a refined estheticism. They themselves are seen at their very best during their grand national festivals. In some countries such occasions develop displays of the worst national characteristics
petalled, and where the bloom is thus most profuse and fragrant, they creep under the bouglis and tie strips of white paper to the branches. The action has for its purpose the alliance of poetry and the flowers, for on each paper is beautifully written some choice and elegant fragment of song. Those who uptic these missives do so with profound curiosity, for they will look for some happy intimations of destiny in the messages thus communicated while the bees are murmuring among the
branches.
People of all ranks, aristocratic or democratic, mingle freely in the crowds. All delight in a very simple form of indulgence, generally to- wards the close of the day. Affavourite bever- age is served at the pretty tea-houses. It is prepared from dried and salted sakura petals. Thus the delicate_cherry_blossom is made to serve a substantial use. The sakura tea is ac companied by the little cakes, covered with pink sugar, made in the form of buds and flowers, already referred to. The Japanese love harmonious concomitants. The festival insta for several days. Though the people are strenuous and diligent, they love to take life gently. They do not hurry their festival to a close. From the old days, when money-making was despised, the disposition to enjoy life has descended even to the "present, "generation, The Japs have two interesting proverbs relat ing to time. "If in a hurry go round” (Iszaba maware).. "Hurrying ruins the matter" (Stfla wa kolo wo shisenauru). They think that In tarmer days, the mer- haste makes waste, chant was the lowest of the four social classes, These were the soldier, farmer, artisan, and merchant. The idea that money is the chief end of life is altogether strange to the mind of this nation, Happily, these simple folk are not 100 much modernized to enjoy their time. honoured festivals. They are the truest children of nature left in the world with its progressive civilization. Aid if they love to take their
of life, it must be remembered that this tendency. will be a potent factor in determining some matters in the future Should they be unfor tunately proved to fight, they will not jush into conflict till they have with deliberation and determination made everything ready for the struggle.-P.JL.G.
The great Matsuri," or Feast of Sakura-No- Hana ("Cherry Blos m"), follows the season when the country has been ablaze with the rich crimson of Pyrus japonica, which flowers out close to the ground most gorgeously. That Vast pompous carpet fades away from the landscape just before the overhead sea of fragrant white foam on millions of cherry-time about both the duties and the pleasures trees bursts like an iminense tidal wave over the prospect. The countless "sakura- no-ki," or cherry-trees, when April is fairly in, begin to pre ent a strange contrast to their winter aspect. They have through the time of snow stood out with their dark-brown Jim's only lightly flecked with the white fakes, but suddenly in the genial April atmosphere, when all around is of the richest green, these trees minic the vanished snow wreaths by developing on every branch myriads of the purest petals. The exquisite exuberance of blossom everywhere distils a captivating fra: grance through the warm air. The delicate banners hung out in all directions give the signal through all the land to the light-hearted folk to suspend oil and forget care, and to ex- change work for the most refined joys in sym- pathy with nature in its softest and sweetest, mood.
On this delightful national holiday several special ceremonies are worth description. One of these is the Maiko Dori. This is in soine of its observance similar to the ceremony of Bom Matsuri, or the Spirit Festival," which is the chief of Japacese annual religious celebrations. Many pretty mats are spread
about a large room for the comfort of the guests, who, of course, take off their shoes as they enter. The orchestra.is large, consisting sometimes of as many as sixty singers and players on the "samisen" and other native in struments. These are very picturesquely array. ed. Each wears a new kimono," or outer loose wrapper of white and pink, to harmonize, with the delicate tints of cherry blossom. That little orchestral crowd is calculated to ravish the heart of any artist. When all the guests are assembled, a beautiful young geisha, dres. sed somewhat more vividly than the rest of the performers, dits gracefully to the "zen,' which is a table raised only six inches from the ground, exactly after the fashion of the feast tables seen everywhere in Turkey and Morocco All Orientals alike abhor the idea of feeding, except when squatting on the ground. Ar the "zen" the geisha quickly prepares a bowl of tea. This she has evidently Jearned how to make for the spirit least, for she goes in expert <style through the antique Cga-No-Yu method. The tea on this occasion is a most delicate de- coction. Only the powdered first leaves of the plant may be used. The powder is dropped into the boiling water in presence of the com. pany, who look on with intense interest, while
the maiden then energetically stirs the mixture with a bamibbo brush till the surface thickly
foams.
Entimations. THE
ROBINSON
PIANO
Co., LTD.
PIANO CLEARANCE SALE.
M"
UST be sold to make Room for New
S'ock. 200 PIANOS now being Ma nufactured in Europe and Hongkong for Com-
ing Season. These Pianos will be of guaran. teed quality and will be sold at exceptionally low prices.
RONISCH (Owner's Property)...
SQUIRE (Owner's Properly)... BORD (Owner's Property).... ..... .. WERNER, UPRIGHT GRAND
(Owner's Property) KELLY (Owner's Property) HOPKINSON, HORIZONTAL GRAND (Se.
cond-hand)......
T
KRELL
NEEDHAM.......
Cost. Selling,
$400
350
#85
450
200
$ 50 300
100
ROBINSON PIANO CO., LD, 475
Do.
Boo 450
803 450
400
475 400
Do,
575 450
Do.
Do
650 450
300 150
150
RACHALS
750 400
And about 50 others at equally low prices for Cash or on the Hire Purchase system.
₤4150
Will be stored paill required if necessary.
Hongkong, 6th August, 1975. "
DENTISTRY.
SUI SANG, (Lately Practising with Dr. I. SAKATA), DENTIST, No. 26, Cornaught Road Central. Hongkong, oth February, rong
[ao
Intimations.
N. LAZARUS,
OPHTHALMIC OPTICIAN
OF LONDON AND CALCUTTA,
SIGHT
TESTED.
LENSES for the correction of Astigmatism
ground on the premises.
Spectacles and Eyeglasses in all styles and metals.
Consulting Room:
:
No. 16, Queen's Road Central,
Nearly opposite the Hongkong Hotel with entrance through store of R. Houghton, Tailor.
DAVID BENJAMIN, Manager.
Hongkong, 23rd June, 1903, .
MACEWEN, FRICKEL & CO. have undertaken the Sole Agency in Hongkong for
Kabuto
[60
Feer
A Fure LAGER BEER excellently Suitable for Hot Climates.
A Refreshing Beverage.
$16.00 per case of 8 doz. pts.
.
or
$2.00 per dos.
18th June, 1903.
3, Duddell Street, Hongkong.
(6500
CHINESE AMERICAN COMMERCIAL COMPANY.
司 * * *
IMPORTERS, EXPORTERS AND MANUFACTURERS.
THE Company's OFFICES are established at Nos. 0 and 21, CONNAUGHT ROAD opposite DOUGLAS PIER.
Hongkong, 1st May, 1903.
SANITARY 80FT
NOTICE.
[5439
THE REST PREVENTIVE OF ALL INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
8CAP.
FLUID
DISINFECTANT
Intimations.
HE CHINA & JAPAN TELEPHONE
LIMITED.
THE CO ELECTRIC COMPANY,
Mails.
NIPPON YUSEN KAISHA..
HONGKONG EXCHANGE, Open Day and Night.
(THE JAPAN MAIL STEAMSHIP COMPANY.)
SUBSCRIPTIONS.
EXCHANGE LINES, $100 Per Annum,
PRIVATE LINES, By Arrangement.
NO CHARGE FOR INSTALLATION,
N.-A special charge is made for lines of more than average length,
ELECTRIC SUPPLIES OF EVERY DES
CRIPTION IN STOCK. INCLUDING --
BAT
ATTERIES,
CHEMICALS,
ELECTRIC BELLS,
INSULATORS,
IGHTNING CONDUCTORS.
SWITCHES
TELEPHONES,
WIRE, &
PRICE LISTS ON APPLICATION...
ELECTRIC BELL INSTALLATIONS,
Erected and kept in ordet.
Estimates given for all kinds of Electrical
wit,
Trained Mechanicians seni to Out l'onz te û up Installations if requiteli.
PROJECTEÓ SAILINGS FROM HONGKONG-SUBJECT TO ALTERATION
STEAMERS. IDZUMI MARÚ
M. Yagi
HAKATA MARU...
SAILING DATES,
WEDNESDAY, 19th Aug
'Daylight.
Daylight,
MARSEILLES, LONDON & ANT- Saturday, 22nd Aug
VICTORIA, B.C., and SEATTLE,TUESDAY, 15th Aug.
DESTINATIONS.
MOJI and KOBE-
F. L. Sommer...
WERP, VIA SINGAPORE, PENANO,
COLOMBO and PORT SAID
AKI MARU⭑
J. W. Ekstrand
J. Campbell
W. Thompson
HITACHI MARU
·SITINANO MARU*;
U.S.A., VIA SHanghai, Moji, KOBE and YOKOHAMA ...........
KOBE and YOKOHAMA
VICTORIA, B.C., and SEATTLE,
U.S.A, VIA Shanghai, Mojų, KOBE and YOKOHAMA .............
4 P.M.
FRIDAY, 28th Aug,
Daylight. TUESDAY, 8th Sept.
4 P.M.
* Through Passenger Tickets issued for the Principal Cities in the United States, Car
Round-the-World Tickets also issued. Between Moji and Kobe, 1st and aud Class. Thro Passengers have the Option of Travelling by the Sanyo Railway,
For further Information as to Freight, Passage, Sailings, &c., apply at the Compp Local Branch Office in Prince's Building, 1st Floor, Chater Road.
Hongkong, 17th August, 1903. NORTHERN PACIFIC STEAMSHIP COMPANY.
BOSTON STEAMSHIP COMPANY..
BOSTON TOW-BOAT. COMPANY.
VIA
PROPOSED SAILINGS FROM HONGKONG,
SHANGHAI, INLAND SEA OF JAPAN, KOBE AND YOKOHAMA, FOR VICTORIA, BC., AND TACOMA, IN CONNECTION WITH NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILWAY COMPANY.
Steamers. Tons. Captains. 1903.
|
Pleiades* ......3,753 F.G. Purington Aug. zo NOTE ADDRESS:2, Ice HOUSE ROAD, Olympia...... 2,837 J. Truebridge... Sept, to Lyro 4,417 F. Williams... Sept. 17 Tacoma 2,812 A. Dixon ..... Sept. 24
Steamers marked (*) have no passenger Accommodation.
For full Particulars, M., &c., Apply to
W. STUART HARRISON,
A.M. INST. CE,
Manager.
Hongkong, 2nd April, 103.
SANITAS
FLVID
OIE
ORUDE FLUID
COLORLEGR FRAGRANT
NON-
SANITAS POISONOUS
โรง
POWDER
ENERGDATION SOAPS
DISINFECTORS
INHALERS
FUMICATORS
PLUTS
AVOID ALLI. RISK OF OUTBREAK BY
ITS USE.
W. G. HUMPHREYS & Co., Bank Buildinge. Stauboy nah Mark
F. BLACKHEAD & CO., SHIF-CHANDLERS, SAILMAKERS, COAL AND PROVISION MER- CHANTS, NAVAL CONTRACTORS AND GENERAL COMMISSION
AGENTS, PRAYA CENTRAL HONGKONG, SOAP MANUFACTURERS. SOLE AGENTS FOR. LJARTMANN'S RAHTJEN'S GENUINE
H COMPOSITION RED HAND
BRAND, HARTMANN'S GREY PAINT, DAIMLER'S PATENT MOTOR LAUNCHES, &C.,
&c.
Sole Agents for FERGUSON'S SPECIAL CREAM and
P. & O. SPECIAL LIQUER SCOTCH
WHISKY, &
EVERY KIND OF
SHIP'S STORES AND REQUISITES ALWAYS IN STOCK AT
REASONABLE PRICES. Hangkang, tath May, 1805
TSU FAN
DENTIST.
DOES NOT STAIN.
KILLS ALL DISEASE DERMA. OXYGENATIO
| THE AIR.
Sulphur Dandies - į KINGZETT'S Formio Fumigators/ PATENTS,
"HOW TO DISINFECT" Book Fras,
THE HOANITAS" DO., Ltd.,
Bathani Grean, LONDON, E.
DISINFECTANTS
LEVY HERMANOS. DIAMON
JAMOND MERCHANTS, JEWEL
LERS AND WATCHMAKERS
EASTMAN'S
KOPAKS and FILMS.
Sole Agents for "OMEGA" WATCHES." "OMEGA" if the best, "THREE YEARS" guarantes given to every purchaser.
₤18
40°
PRICE MODERATK-CONSULTATION FREE. Next to the Hongkong Dispensary, 50, Queen's Road, Central. Hongkong, 28th November, 1902.
MIDZUSHIMA & CO.,
The little feast is a refined repast. Each SELF PLAYER................. goo guest is handed one tiny cup of the fragrant decoction, together with two elegant little cakes frosted with pink sugar. One of these must be eaten on the spot; but the other is to be taken away. These sweetmeats are made in cherry-blossm shape. This feast is intended to be a memorial of the ancient spirit of Japan, ↓ And has about it an intentional homage to ancestors. While the tea is sipped, several geishas go through a most graceful symbolica performance, Coloured lamps glow softly down on the singers and dancers. First they represent a picture of spring by holding up as they move about lovely umbrellas covered with
· real and artificial flowers, and also boughs of flowering shrubs. Suddenly the scene chances, nod, as if by magic, the whole picture is one of summer. Then the little picture-dance brings autumn before the eyes of the fascinated spectators, for the geithas are waving the faded leaves of the hectic season mingled with lovely chrysanthemum flowers. Lastly, the dance gradually slackens as a gleaming snow-lands- cape is seen on the little stage, and the per- formers gently retire to their place. Thus, the Malko Dori ceremonial, introduced into many. a cultured circle at the time of the Shaura-No- Hana Matsuri, seems to teach a lesson con- cerning the changes and the pathos of life,
The Cherry Blossom Festival is a time of The universal picnic.
sweet-mannered 'musumes,"" or ten-garden waitresses, havo some little customs of their own in which the people take (atense Interest. Selecting a tree on which the lovely blossoms are double-
I1
COAL MERCHANTS,
[12990
No. 4, QUEEN'S ROAD CENTRAL,
(FACING DUDDELL STREET),
HEAD OFFICE: No. 5, SARAIMACHI, KOBE.
UCHI-HONMACHI, MOJI. BRANCH OFFICES: MINAMI-AJIKAWA, OBAKA.
KAIGAN, WAKAHATBU. AGENCY: Mr. S. NAKAYAMA, MOTOMACHI, YOKOHAMA,
Telegraphic Address MIZUSHIMA," Kobe, Moji, Osaka, Wakamatsu
Code used:A. 1. & ́A. B. Č. 4th Ed.
and Hongkong,
IMPORTERS OF JAPANESE COALS, CONTRACTORS OF COAL to the Compagnie des Messageries Maritimes de France, Foreign and Japanese Steamers, Arsonal and Japanese Railway Companies, &c,
SOLE PROPRIETORS of Kumamoto and Tenoura Coal Mines
L
SOLE AGENTS for Kawamiya, Komatangaurs, Tenoura, Minami, Ikejira and Kumagabata Colllerias,
K. UYEMURA, MABATH,
Hongkong, grå March, 1903, -
40, QUEENS ROAD,
Watson's Building.
RIGAUD':
WHITE Vichst
This fugative and delicate perfume le poreistant as an Extract for the handkerchief while 28: 4 Soup and Powder,
It has been adopted by the most re- Aed French Society.
RIGAUD et C
PROFUNERS
EXTRACT
10.000 White Violeta
equal sach bottle of PARIS Rigand's Extract
The attention of passengers is directed to the very cheap mtes offered by this line to the Pacific Coast and to the Interior and Eastern Cities of the United States and to Europe.
Special rates allowed to members of Govern. ment Services.
Through Bills of Lading issued to Pacific Coast Points and to the Principal Cities in the United States and Canada.
Pastage, apply to
For further Information as to Freight or DODWELL, & CON LIMITED,
General Agents, Hongkong, roth August, 1993.
1874d
~COMPAGNIE DES MESSAGERIES..
MARITIMES.
PAQUEBOTS-POSTE FRANCAIS.
NOTICE.
· STEAM FOR
SAIGON. SINGAPORE, BATAVIA: COLOMBO,PONDICHERRY, CALCUTTA, BOMBAY, ADEN, DJIBOUTI, EGYPT, MARSEILLES, MEDITERRANEAN AND BLACK SEA PORTS. LONDON, HAVRE, BORDEAUX; ALSO PORTS OF BRAZIL AND RIVER PLATE
ON
N TUESDAY, the 25th August, 1903, at PM, the Company's Steamshir "CALEDONIEN," Captain Marcantetti, with
AT
T. 8. TAKAYANAGI;. Acting Me wager.
Entertainments.
HONGKONG VOLUNTEER CORP
PROMENADE CONCERT.
HEAD QUARTERS, PARADE GROU (If Weather is unfavourable at the, City Hall.)
SATURDAY, aand August, 9 P.M.)
ADMISSION: $2 and $1, Sailors, Sold and Volunteers in Uniform 50 cents.
Tickets at HEAD QUARTERS, from Orriçi | of CORF9 and at KELLY & WALSH. Hongkong, 15th August, 1993.
THE FILIPINO MIDGETS, SMALLEST PEOPLE IN THE WOR
18 and 19 INCHES HIGH.
DANCING AND ACROBATIC,
PERFORMANCES.
NOW ON EXHIBITION, 142, QUEEN'S Road CentraL. FOR A I
DAYS ONLY. Hongkong, 14th August, 1903,
}
To be Let.
TO LET.
CHEAPEST HOUSES IN THE COLONY,
MORRISON HILL GAP ROAD.
Houses, 4 Rooms, Bath Rooms, houses and Verandahs. Only $40 inclu
of Taxes.
WILD DELL BUILDINGS, No. WANCHAI ROAD. Comfortable and Flats of 2 or 3 Rooms, from $25 inclusiv Taxes.
S. A. SETH, Land and Estate Br Dairy Farm Co., L [
Hongkong, 1st August, 1993.
GODOWN TO LET.
́O. 155, PRAYA EAST, Spacious
N°
or Coals.
Apply to
down. Suitable for
THE HONGKONG LAND INVE MENT & ACENCY CO., LD, Hongkong, roth July, 1903....
TO LET.
Mai's, Passengers, Specie and Cargo, will leave OUSES in LEIGHTON Hill Road,
FLATS in MORETON TERRace, Ca
this Fort for MARSEILLES, via Ports of Call, WITHOUT TRANSHIPMENT.
WAY BAY, facing the Polo-Groun GODOWNS at BOWRINGTON, Praya No, 3, Riron TERRACE in Flats.
This Steamer connects at COLOMBO with the Australian Line S.S. Anmand Behit bound for MARSEILLES vid BOMBAY and ADEN. | Apply
Cargo and Specie will be registered for Lon don as well as for Marseilles, and accepted in
ansit through Marseilles for the principal Faces of Europe.
Shipping Orders will be granted till Noor only on MONDAY, the 24th August, Specio and Parcels received until 4 P.M. on the izme day. No Cargo will be received on board on TUESDAY.
Parcels are not to be sent on board, they must be left at the Agency's Office. Contents and Value of Packages are required,
For further Particulars, apply at the Com- pany's Office,
G. DE CHAMPEAUX, Agent. Hongkong, 'rath August, 1903.
Hotel.
to
THE HONGKONG LAND INVE MENT & AGENCY CO. LD, Honghave. 6th June, 1903.
TO LET.
{
■WO SPACIOUS GODOWNS-No
sad 96, PRAVA EAST," Apply to-
H. N. MODY, | Victoria Build
Hongkong, and February, 1903.-
TO LET.
1004 SEVERAL NEWLY BUILT EUROF
KING EDWARD HOTEL.
A HIGH CLASS PRIVATE HOTEL.
LADIES' AFTERNOON TEA ROOMS.
PRIVATE BAR
AND
BILLIARD ROOMS.
Hot and Cold Water throughout,
Electrically Lighted. Electric Fans (if required). Electric Passenger Elevator to each Floor, Table D'Hots at Separate Tables, For Terms, &c, apply to the
·MANAGER
flied. Hongkong, 3314 October, 1902;-
HOUSES in LEIGHTON HILL ROA Apply to
THE HONGKONG & KOWL LAND & LOAN CO., LD. No. 8, Queen's Road West,
Hongkong, 30th October, rang
Insurance.
WORTH GERMAN FIRE. INSURAJ
COMPANY OF HAMBURG..
"HE Undersignad AGENTS of thà
Company are prepared to accept Olass FOREIGN and CHINESE RISI Current RATES,
SIEMSSEN & Hongkong, zith. May, 1895.
MEE CHEUNG, PHOTOGRAPHER, BE TOP FLOOR or Ion HousE, IN Ice-House Road,
IS now in a position, in his New-and 1modious Premises, to éclipse, as herei ALL PHOTOGRAPHIC ART PRAC In the Colony or in any part of the Fai
GROUPS AND VIEWS
a speciality, PARK Mengheny, and Somersby, 1895,-