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inaccurate estimate both of the resources of the country and the character of the people It is true that the National Debt has been aug mented at a great rate of late years, but the revenue has been increasing niore rapidly still, In gaz, the year which this repont covers, in spite of a bad grain crop and the fall in silver, the exports and imports together showed as increase of two and a qua ter million pounds oa the total for 1931, which was itself higher than the record of any previous year. A great part of this golden harvest is spun for the nation by the indefatigable silk-worm, an in- valuable if uncomely little creature which has deserved the gratefil admitation of humanity far more than all the ants that ever got into a copy book, The very large export trade in raw silk finds a set-off of approximately equal bulk in the impart of raw collon. To call Japan "the England of the East" has become a platitude, but it is just when truths have be come platitudes that they run most danger of being neglecled. The Japanese mills take eight millions' worth of raw cotton, half of it from India, and pour the manufactured product into Korea and Japan; thes-playing in their own sphere of the East exactly the same part as Lancashire's in the Western Hemis phere. It should not need to be emphasised how vital it is to our own Imperial interests that close and friendly commercial relations .should be maintained with a Power on whose
custom a great and growing Indian industry! depends so largely for the future.
!
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1903.
Would it not be a popular thing if, at some seaside resort in Europe, the hotel proprietor Lshioned his arrangements as they fashioned at Mayajima?
arc
to the reduction of the metallic constituents of || We (P.M.G.) have instanced Mexican Railway. the glass. This patch produced is not merely in particular, but the position of all stocks on the surface, but penetrates through the glass; which depend upon silver is improved by the thus a glass tube of boule containing radium is rise in the metal, und the various Mexican And when night comes it is so plea soon darkened. Owing to this action on glass, issues are benefited further by the increase of sant to feel we are really in Insan-in for application purposes, a small coll with a 15 per cent, in charges, while they stand to our centage in the wood there is no bed; ¦ mica front is now adopted, but even then the benefit much more by the establishment of the stead, no toilette, no washing-stand-nont of
substance must be kept a considerable distance | new exchange bisis. the accompaniments of babarism, No, when from the skin. night falls, and we have clapped our hands loudly, the maiden appers, produces mattres-are ses and rugs and a cushwowfrom some room, and makes our bed on the floor in a corner of the room. No one who has not tried it can realise how much pleasanter it is to sleep on' the floor than in a bed. 1 only know one
arrangement that an all approaches at in plea
A
santness, and that is to sleep in a cupboard în Northumbrian cottage. To the person of truly refined tastes, a bedstead is an abomina- tion:
And so we fall asleep in our cottage by the wood, which overhangs a marmuring stream. All night long the murmuring strean told its secrets to the whispering leaves, and the leave's told back their secrets to the stream, and both of them told some of their secrets to me,- Echo (London).
FRANCE FAVÕURS GOLD STANDARD.
Curiously enough, some of the rays of radium easily stopped by thin interposed substances, while other rays emitted by it have marvellous, penetrative power. Its effect on man intern- ally has yet to be investigated, although there is little doubt an is mely niners quantity even of a preparation of ragón would have
fatal results, and it will in all probability prove to be one of the most dangerous and poisonous substances known to man.
Its practical application for industrial pur puses only awaits some method of obtaining a more plentiful supply; then the speculations we have now indulged in will doubtless become
Bite.
THE AMERICAN " COMMISSION
1
ACCIDENT TO S.S. "PERLA".
harbour on Monday morning on board the 5.5. A somewhat serious accident occurred in the Perla, 1,98 ton register, C ptain McGinty This veg el, whie Ielongs to the China and Manila Seamship Cu and is well known to Hongkong residents, was the former Menu of the Eastern and Australian SS. Co. While lifting a stem launch, which was to be ship. ped on deck for Hoifh, with e aid of the ship's gear, she sprang her foremast and her departure, which had been announced for Tues day morning, was consequently delayed. The Perla is now in dock undergoing repairs As every necessary precaution was taken to ensure the success of the operation, it is supposed that there must have existed some flaws in the stays which were the first to give under the strain. The mas broke off at the in and flush with the deck, but for unately the launch, which was to be shipped, sustained no damage, as it had only been lifted a few leer from the water when the accident occurred. There were no serious casualties although one Chinese stevedore was slightly contusioned by the broken strand of one of the stays!
hui Lands are in demand at Tis. 105. A small ! cash and 137) Nov. on the 24th sales at 136 parcel of Kowloon Lands have found buyers at cash and Sept. 135 Sept., 1971, Nov,, 139/138) $35. West Points are quoted at 55of, Hong-| Dec., 140 Jan., 145 March. The market is kong Hotels have advanced and are in request steady and shares could be obtained at 136 for at $147. Humphreys Estate are wanted at cash and 143 for March, Shanghai and Hong- $10 and China Providents remain steady at 501 kew. Wharves On the 32nd a number of
Cotton Mills,The only business under this shares were placed at 225 cash, on the dru head has been a sale of Ewos at 11s. 30,' business was done at 120 Settlement; on the Cigar Companies.-Sumatras tire to be had 24th at 22/215 cash, and 220 Dec. At closing we quote 214 as the cash rate, although it is Miscellaneous-Green Island Cements ave difficult at the moment to give an absolute still in demand at S22 A. S. Watsons quotation. have buyers at $141. Watkins are wanted at $8 after sales at $7 Electrics remain at $t (old) and $7 (new). Willium Powells are to he had at $81. Langkats have been sold in
at Tls. 52.
Sinanghai at Tls. 2733.
FORTNIGHTLY MARKET
REPORT.
26th ult.
Cotton. A good demand exis ed, and with an advance in prces about 50 packages changed hands $25 to Szó per picul. The unsold suck is estimated at about 2,000 bales. Best China Ning go was sold @ $30 per picul about 160 packages.
Industrial.-Cottons --The only business te- ported is in Ewos for Decemb ret lement at 35; Lucu Kung Mows at 35, there are further buyers of the latter at Tla 35. Langkets.-- Although the number of shares dealt in this stock during the week has not been large, a considerable number of transactions have taken & pince. On the 18th the market opened at Tis. · 270/272) cash and for September, 270/277 October 275 November 28 December. On the 19th at 275 September, Üctover and Dec- ember. On the 21st at 28 for cash. 277 and 280 Settlement, 285/.821/280 October, 299 2879/285 December. in the 22nd at 27, 275 and 975 September, 275 October, 2801Dec- cmber. On the 23rd 275 cash and September, 2823 December. On the 24th at 280 cash an 280 and 275 September, 282 October, 285 and 290 December. The market closes steady with buyers at 275 Sumatms have been placed at TIB. 51, 52 and 53 cash.
OPIUM.
Yarn-At the beginning of the fortnight market ruled firm and an advance of Si ta $.50 was established, latterly a rise in exchange had the effect of checking the buying and again the prices have gone to the former basis. Sales during the past fortnight comprise of about 7 250 baies out of which about 7,100 hal÷8. have been contracted for to arrive. Arrivals cluring the fortnight of about 15,50› bales. The It will be noticed, from a statement of the unsold stock is estimated at about 33,000 bales. opium revenue to date, compared with the esti Local Mill-Sales of about 400 bales of No- mates for the year 19 13.04. that the receipis for tos, and of about zoo bales of No. 124. are re-Bengal and Bombay opium in September were ported $10 and $103 respectively. Japanese better than the estimates by Rs. 322,23,675, avara-ales of about 1,100 bales of No. 20s, the receipts being Rs. 76,23.675 as against an.
$123 to $120 are reported.
estimate of 54 lakhs. It would be interesting Malwa Opium.A good business transpired to learn how the estimators are so dreadfully and sales during the fortnight are New 18 cut in their calculations. In the matter (sles
$90-13 chests @ $990,-Old 41 chests @
oplum exported from Bombay, it may be niced $1,000,-35 chests $10-7 cheats. @ that actual as against estimated revenue is Rs. $1,023-14 chests @@ $1,030,-23 chiests 60,4320 better. Whilst this is very satisfact at $1,010-Oldest. 37 chests at $1,070-47 ory from a fiscal point of view and the Govern- chests at $1,08-15 chests at $1,090-30 chest ment of India are to be congratulated in re- al $1,100-6 ches's at $1,170-in, all about 348ceiving lakhs upon lakhs more rupees than & chests-The unsold stock is estimated at about they anticipated it is unsatisfactory from an ac 700 chests.
countant's point of view and the value of any government estimate may well be questioned: -Rangoon Times.
AN EASTERN RHYME.
"Seated on the tatumf, in the soft light of paper fante n. old Yamada, the carver, worked at a tiny statue of the Sun-Goddess;-he who was tempted from her cave of retirement by crnned a song of praise to the womanly divinity."--Old Japanese Tule.
OF EXCHANGER A
Occasional dispatches have kept the public informed of the travels of our "Commission of Exchange to the various capitals of Europe, but none of them have told us the nature of their communications to the courts with which A Paris wire says that report of the French they have conferied. Ageneral impression has The growing need of Japan for Kore, as a permanent market is strong contributory States Monetary Exchange Commissioners tas tions were, they were unfavourably received at exports appointed to confer with the United gained currency that, whatever their sugges. cause of the increased importance which been delivered to Ambassador Porter. It con London, Paris, The Hague, and Berlin. Ac distracted peninsula is assuming in the stains a note from Foreign Minister Delcasse, cording to a Berlin dispatch to the London of Far Easter polities. As is painted out 10- day by the unknown but unusually well-informing conculsions until she has consulted with
saying Farnce is not prepared to express bind- Times, however, the miston has secured at least an academic assent to the proposal that ed Russian correspondents who have succeed- ed the expeiled representative of the Times Powers. The reperi endures the principle the currency of the countries which still main in St. Petersburg, the attention of Russia is using countries, but it points out that the plane according to the system adapted by of a gold a standard for China and other silver-
tain the silver standard, shall be regulat being steadily drawn away from Manchuria
is positive only under judicious control of the
British kin in the year 1891. That and concentrated more closely on Korea. It is
an adequate gold reserve. It favours a coinage of ver for private prisons-in other words, Japan's gaining a foothold upon the Asiatic ratia for the Orient, fixing the face value of
the demonetisation of that metal, and its coin- mainland by any accupation of Котсап silver slightly above its bullin value, similar
age for Government account only. The pur- to the America system in the Philippines. territory would be to jeopardise the whole of
The French Commission makes reservations
pose was to reach the gold standard at some Russian interests, both political and commer
future period. In the meantime the Govern in the Far East to a degree which cannot
upon the proposed regular purchases of silver, dotemplated for a monicat. On the other
on the ground that it is impossible to foresce
ment agreed in give silver rupee in exchange Japan's commercial energies demand in
for gold at the rate of 160. per rupees, and to the country's need for subsidiary and colonial a permanent field of expansion, and she
receive gold for taxes at same rate; but no coinage, Semi-official advices from Russia perfectly well recognises that her chance of indicate that the commission appointed by
promise was made to give gold for rupees at securing that free market, once the parts have Finance Minister Witte has made a similar been made, but the Government now gives any rate whatsoever. No such promise has yet passed into Russia's keeping, would be small. conclusion. Korea is marked out with unmistakable clear-
The French and Russia s considered it pre-rate of exchange on London, which oscillates gul for rupees at that rate, or at the current ness as the field of that conflict which seems to ferable to establish uniform system in China by around 16d, within narrow limits. The status be impending between the two Powers at no beginning on a silver basis and afterward of the supee is much the same as that distant date. The Japanese Press and people raising it to a fixed gold value, than begin ou a are eager for forward measures, while the ap gold standard immediately.
of our silver dollar. Both Governments pointment of Admiral Alexieff has shown,"on
promise to redeem their legal-tender silver in the other hand, what Russia's policy is. It
taxes, anti this kind of redemption suffices, for does not need any very abnormal exercise of
the present to maintain party. Whether it the powers of reasoning, to perceive that the
would suffice under all conditions of trade and mind and pacific attitude which Russia is this
industry, is uncertain. time adopting in the Balkans is very largely due to preoccupations in a remoter and more important sphere.—$7: Jumer's Gazette.
recognised by the Russians that to assent Conage by the government and the creation of systein was the discontinuance of the coinage a mirror-and as his chisel bit the ivory be chests @ $9,-27 chests @ $970,--25 chests of Bengal òpíum and 5 months pass duty on
JOURNEYING IN JAPAN
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK. "Let us," said I to Slapsho, "get away as soon as we can from these Western bar barians."
We were in Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, and Slapshot was my travelling com. panion-an excellent fellow, but mad in one point-quite mad an amateur photography. His life was practically the protracted develop. ment of a negative.
WHAT RADIUM MAY DO.
The discovery of radium has brought to the scientist of to-day dreams that exceed in fan- secure the assent of any number of countries Now it does not advance matters Tor us to tasy those of the alchemists of old. The pos- to the currency system of British India. We sibilities of this wonderful element, of which at have already passed beyond that stage in our present we know so little, are almost beyond Philippine teslation. We have adopted for conception. Leaving the scientific and physi- the islands a silver coinage of full legal tender cal problems that are at present agitating the plus a subsidiary coinage of limited tender scientific world out of the question, let us both to be coined, issued, and redeemed in consider briefly, and in plain language, the con- gold by the Government. This is an experi- ceivable possibilities of radium in the indus- inent involving, needless expense and of very trial world, and its probable effect on man. doubtful liry It could never have passed, Judging from the results the most recent i Congress but for a Quixotic attempt on our part vestigations, we have in radium a body that is to help Mexico in her financial muddle, and at continually giving off heat, and that constantly the same time to "do something for silver." The maintains a temperature of five or six degrees Commission of Exc ange" is the on come of Fahrenheit bigher than is surroundings. the latter proposition. At the instance of a Here we have a concentrated energy in the Silver Senator it was engrafted on 'u'appro smallest possible bulk that is both lasting and priation bill in an attentared foun, after had Ah, well, it's a great thing to have some constant. The practical uses of such a body been rejected by the House in its orginal hobby. I pity the man who is interested in in the industrial world would be illimitable, sh pe. The questi n of immediate pertinence, nothing but his daily business. I would and would revolutionize all known methods of however, is: How will it help us, or the rather have a hobby for collecting walking. locomotion and echanics. His pmbable that Filipinos, if we s cure the assent of other sticks or stamps than na hobby at all!
a few grans might provide energy to drive curmations to the financial policy of British India? We were in Kyoto, and, of course, like all locomotives, motor-cars, and mechanical en- Great Britain gave her consent to it in 1893, foreigners, we, were in a foreign hotel. It isgines and carriages of every description. With and is not likely to withdraw it. We have no true I made my life there as un-foreign as a minute quantity of the element properly em- need to ask her co-operation in doing what abc possible. I made friends with the excellent pro- played we may in future be able to heat our has already done. If Mexico desires to follow prietor of the Yaami, Mr. Inanye, and got him houses throughout, and keep them at an equ ios nd me Japanese breakfasts and dinners to able temperature. The domestic cooking for her to do so. It is necessary for her to the examp of British ludia, the way is open my place in the public dining-room; and it was would be dose on radiam stoves, while electric ask the permission of Emperor William or of funny to see the western barbarians stare as generating stations for lighting and purposes Czar Nicholas. Equally needless is it for us manipulated my chopsticks, and revelled in of locomotion would be driven by the same such things as seaweed and cuttle-fish. I gave energizing force. one western barbarian--a nice young English girl-who sat at an adjacent table, a bit of daikon-a kind of strong-smelling radish-as a specimen of Japanese food. She put it gin- gerly in her mouth, and then fell fainting" on the floor.
WESTERN BARBARIANS,
But still, though I had these delights, it was a foreign hotel. I had to sleep on a bed, there were tables and chairs, and there were the western barbarians all around. We were in Japan to escape them and their ways; to enjoy the civilisation of the East. Therefore, I said to Slapshot, that we had better escape as soon as we could.
|
The application of radium to motors woukl solve one of the chief difficulties of aerial flight, and, in fact, dreams beyond conception may be rapidly conjured up as to what radium may
do.
The first great difficulty to solve is how to obtain this remarkable element in its pure state, for up to the present all our nuwledge is derived from the effects of its silts or com pounds with her bodies. The chiel ore from: which radium is obtained is pitchblende, but the quantity it contains is so small that only about three grains can be extracted from a ton of the mineral. Better methods, of extraction are now being patiently studied by scientific So we summoned a ricksha man and got investigators. But apart from the possibilities ... into a ricksha, and were bowled through the of radium from an industrial point of view, its
interminable, mazy streets to the station-effect on the body of man, owing to the pecu streets where every shop is a picture of delicate liar rays it emits, is not less remarkable. These colur and tasteful arrangement. We secured peculiar rays have recently heen proved to have seats in the dining-car, for within the a very extraordinary action on diseased tissue. past three years Japan, whose railway system Al'eady three distinct kinds of rays are dis only began 30 years ago, has dining-cars, tinguished, namety-(1 Infinitely small posi- sleeping-cars, and every modern arrangement. tively charged atoms of matter, flying at grent Indeed, the trains are far more comfortable speed which can be measured, and the result than English ones. There are none of the seen by the bombardment on zinc sulphide closed compartments which constitute such an inconvenience and danger here, but one can
Screens: (2) rays which appear to correspond to the cathodic rays in a Crooke's tube; and (3) wile away the journey by walking from one rays which correspond to the X-rays. end of the train to the other; and the civil little attendant in his white jacket is always busy dusting and brushing and attending to
the wants of the travellers.
A CURIOUS SIGHT.
Our Japanese fellow-travellers take off their boots and shoes and squat the seats. It is one of the oddest things to see a railway car- riage in Japan full of solemn rows of boots and shoes of all shapes and kinds-the geta, or sandal, that some old-fashioned person still wears, standing by the side of a tall pair off military boots which some officer has removed, and the uncomfortable way in which they 20 to sleep-bolt upright, the forehead pressed against the window-so they slumber; and often you see the devoted wife gently rubbing the husband's forehead to make him doze.
With the oncoming of the summer we are at Miyajima-the mysterious, sacred spot where the temple stands out in the sea. Then in the distance loom the great torii-the trans- verse pieces of wood which stand at the en- trance to every Shinto shrine. Why they are there and what they are derived from no ane knows exactly. To my mind it is most pro- bable that they were first put up for sacred birds to roost on-tori being a Japanese ward for fowl. They stand out weird and mysterious in the summer twilight, and speak of ancient things. You wander down to this sandy beach, and embark on a junk, which, with one large, flapping sail, ferries us over the lagoons to our hotel.
* THE REAL JAPAN. And this hotel, on the shore of the lagoons, beside the great great torii, is unique. It is no compact Building in European style; it is not even the ordinary Japanese hourly is just a series of chalets built here and there in a great leafy wood. We assemble it no common table; we dwell under no common roof: we each have delicate little wooden cottage to ourselves, Whereto the musume (maiden) brings our meals,
When the surface of the body is exposed to these rays a peculiar action takes place, which in healthy tissue takes the form of a burn, while in diseased tissue, as in cases of rodent ulcer and lupus, distinct beneficial effect is produced. In two cases of cancer treated in Vienna with local applications of radium, the disease is said to have disappeared, and other cases are said to be progressing favourably. In a case of lupus in Scotland, four weeks' treatment caused the disease to disappear, while in another case, more recent, of rodent ulcer, under the influence of radium the discharge soon dried up, and within a fortnight improvement was evident.
Jut it is too soon yet to judge if these remark- able results are permanent or not,
In applying this marvellous body it seems almost incredible that it should have any action without being removed from the hermetically sealed glass tube which contains it. Neverthe less, such is the case. There is something weird, and even awe-inspiring, in watching the action of this invisible force, which will even pass through metal over an inch thick. A tiny particle of radium-bromide weighing only the twelfth part of a grain will visibly discharge a gold-leaf electroscope when placed within a distance of six feet, Taken into a dark room, it brightly lights up the spot where it nearly touches an X-ray screen, and even when a sheet of metal over an inch thick is placed be tween it and the electroscope action still takes place.
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sence 'for that purpose.
|
The carver while bending o'er his work is
softly chanting A soft Eastern song of the lotus flower and With a sur hand now guiding the chisel,
life implanting
sunbeam.
In the ivory-he carves the Goddess of his
dream
Each in turn from out the shapeless block,
the master calling, Now under his small, nimble and swiftly
moving fingers,
With care on rounded bosam and curving
waist he lingers.
Bengal Opium.A fair business transpired and sales are reported of about 620 chests at $100 at $1,10. Benares about to chest at $1,100 at $1,107. The unsold stock is about 7,228 chesis.
Persian Opium-Cheap rates, induced busi Fine embroidered draperies in gracefulness and sales of about 108 chests are reported
pleatings falling:
al $750 at $840. The stock is estimated at about 2,422 chests,
Miscellaneous quotations :-- Borax... Ivary.....$220 at 5625 Saltpetre.$to at $11 17 u 19 Olibanum. 5 » 27 Camphor... 10 5 123 Cassia. 10 25 Cloves... 12', 25
Vermilion B7 Senna.....
The wishes of the thinker his hand is fast
nbeying.
Master the inertness of dumb matter-what
élation!
Now he takes his softest sponge, the chisel
aside Javing,
And polishes with patien: joy the Thing-
His creation.
Below the godly forehead two narrow eyes
are peeping.
Asking the ancient question, Sphinx-like,
without resentment.
Around the pretty pouting lips a gentle smile
is sleeping,
That seems to breathe an answer, "In life,
Man, find contentment,
Bon-ke-mat.
COMMERCIAL.
WEEKLY, SHARE REPORT. Mesars. Erich Georg & Co, in their weekly share ist dated to-day, staté:
The condition of our market has remained unchanged and very little business is reported. The Sterling Exchange on london for demand is 1/10 5 and the Shanghai ates are Tis 724 for a T/T, and Tls, 72 for a three days' sight Private Paper.
Shipping Shares --Cantons and Macaos were
Docks, Wharves and Godowns.-Whampoa Docks are being offered in the market at 5:06; Kowloon Wharves are wanted at $87, but no shures seem to he obtainable under $88. Farnhams are quoted from the North, Tis. 136
Writing under yesterday's date, Messrs. Benjamo, Kelly & Potts state -
Practically nothing has been stirring in the share market during the past week and the very small amount of business put through has not been marked by any great charge in quota. tions. The september settlement passed off satisfactorily.
dealt in at $32 and $33, at closing again to introduce her envoys to the Imperial pre-weaker at $32, sellers; indos have dropped during the week both here and in the North; the purpose at any time to ask foreign Govern whilst loc lly the shares are quoted nominally If our Commission of Exchange" has had the latest Shanghai quotation is Tis. 59 buyers,
ments to enter into a joint agreement with us at $8 Chinas and Manilas have dropped to to maintain parity between gold and silver at $18 and 513 respectively; Douglas 5 teamships ratio, that would be an attempt to accomplish are out of favoui and on offer at $37 ex divi- what the three international monetary condend paid on the 28th September. Shell ferences of the last century failed to do, or Transports are in the market at 1. 29. od.. even to attempt. The difficulty would be Refineries-The quotation for China Sugars, much greater now, since China would be the viz $93, is mere or less nominal. cbiel factor in the agreement, her silver currency being greater in volume than that of Mexico, the Philippines, the Straits Settle- ments and Tengking added together, Who is to underwrite any agreements made by the Empress Dowager, or any other potentate-buyers and Tls 137 sellers. of the Celestial Empire, respecting coinage or anything else? But it is not necessary to go to Eastern Asia to find an example of the regulation of the monetary systems of nations by mutual a.reement. The history of the Latin Monetary Union stands out as a per- peinal warning against such experiments. Not one of the countries in that Union could be induced to enter it now, if they were well out of it; and France least of all. And what is the likelihood that we, the United States of America, would enter into an agreement with Mexico, China, or any other country to guarantee the parity of gold coins and silver coins at any ralio or at any number of ratios? The idea is preposterous. Not to examine the financial con sequence, which are not easy of apprehension to the mass of mankind, let us ask what would he the effect upon our political parties. If such
Marine Insurances-Unions have further Administration, Mr. Bryan would immediately a treaty were brought forward by the present improved and sales at $320 are reported. China Traders have been sold at 5613. The Canton claim it as an endorsement of his policy by
Insurance Office bas issed its final accounts for President Roosevelt, and Democrats would the year 1902. The result of the year's working naturally favour the ratification of the treaty is a credit balance of $360,551.96, out of which City platform. The Republicans for the same share, add $50,000 to reserve fund, appropriate as being in general harmony will the Kansas proposed to pay a dividend of $15 per reason would oppase it and this issue might $50,000 for the formation of a re-insurance overshadow everything else in the next national fund, and carry forward the balance of Srio551.96 to 1903 account. hares have We need not pursue this matter further until changed hands at $185 and $1871, and are we learn exactly what plan, if any, our Cem-still-inquired for at the higher price. mission of Exchange "its proposed to forein governments. It may turn out that they have proposed none.-The Nation.
election,
MEXICANS AND SILVER.
The Canton Insurance Office, Limited, bas advertised its twenty-second ordinary general necting for the 22nd October. The transfer books will be closed from the 8th to 22nd inst., both days inclusive.
}
Banks-Hongkong and Shanghai Banks have been negotiated during the week at $635. The Loudon quotation is 405 10. Nationals are unchanged at 5281
sold and have further sellers at $325. China Fire Insurances-Hongkong Fires have been
Fires can be placed at $29.
4
YARN MARKET REPORT. In their fortnightly yarn report, dated 16th ult., Messrs. Cawasjee, Pallanfee & Co. write
Since the issue of our last circular dated the 11th instant, our yarn Market, owing to a drop in the rate of exchange, the importers remained rm, and the Chinese speculators in anticipa tion of a further decline in the rate of exchange, with an advance of $t, operated fairly both for spot and to arrive, and a good business, trans- pired; latterly a rise slackened business, and prices again receded. The clearances during the period were good and large. The market closes steady. Sales during the fortnight com prise about 50 bales of No. 85.-3,80 bales of No. 108, -450 bales of No. 125.-375 bales of No. 164 and 1,575 bales of No. 20%; in all bales contracted for forward deliveries. Arrivals about 7,250 bales, out of which about 2,100
per steamers Ki-sui Maru, Namsang, Franz Fredinand, Gregory Apcar, Masagon and Coromandel total about 15.500 bales. Ship ments to Shanghai and the Northern Ports about 3,000 bales. The unsold stock is esti mated at about 33,000 bales.
Local Production::-Sales of about 400 bales. of No. 10s. at Sto1, and of about 200 bales of No. 123. at $1038 are reported.
Japanese Purn-1bout 1,roo bales of No. 20s. changed hands @ $124/129.
Exchange: Business was done for the mail on India at Rs 1384% London at Sh. r.Lord.
FREIGHT
The dullness in the freight market becomes very marked with the diminishing numbers of charters effected. For the week-ended to-day anly four settlements have to be recorded as follows:-
I German steamer, 719 tons, Newchwang 10 Canton at 23 cents per pel. (18,000 pels.). * German steamer, 1,184 tons, finito to Yoko
hama, $6,coo in full.
1 Norwegian steamer, 788 tons, Saigon to 1
port Philippines, 20 cents per pical- (prompt). Norwegian leamer, 1,010 tons, Saigon to 1/2 ports Philippines, 20 and 23 cents per picul.
TO-DAY'S EXCHANCE.
ON LONDON, Telegraphic Transler... to
Bank Bills, on demand 1/10 56 Credits, 4 months' sight 1/10 + 1/16 D'iments 4 months' sight /10 13/16 1.1.: 891
11
ON BERLIN, (demand).. ON PARIS, Bank Bills, on demand..... Credits, 4 months sight...
231 37
OF NEW YORK, Bank Bills, on demand 15
Credits, 30 days' sight
ON BOMBAY, Telegraphic Transfer
j
On demand
ON SHANGHAI, Telegraphic Transfer Private jo days' sight.... ON YOKOHAMA, T.T........... Sovereigns, Bank's Buying Rate Gold Leaf too touch, per tael...
·Bar Silver....
OPIUM QUOTATIONS. To-lay'a quotations are as follows --
MALWA NEW.......
LAST YEAR OLDEST: grapes
-PATNA NEW
BENARKS NEW PERSIAN (PApkry.
+3
384
.50
$11.05 .:760
@ 900/949
980/1520 1,06341,090
1,100 1.100
750/830
LOCAL AND GENERAL.
The battleship Glory left for Singapore this morning.
ACCORDING to the, Tokio Araki, Ru si is buying up the shares in the Kaiping Co..
A PROCLAMATION is published in the Giritle
declaring Newchwang an infected port.
A LIGHT-DRAFT gunboat, the Uff, for service on the Upper Yangtze, has been completed, at Kure.
IT has been announced that the foreign claims, against Venezuela amount to forty-five millions of dollars..
THE Government is advertising for tenders for erecting the superstructure of the new Western Market in the City of Victoria.
Co. JIRS
THE Nippon Marine Insurance declared a dividend of to per cent for the year ending the gist of August last.
THE Rt. Rev. D. J. Dougherty, Bishop of New Segovia, Philippine Islands, arrived from Sansi Francisco per the Karen on Thursday,
H. E, the Governor lias been pleased to accept the resignation by Lieut. W. Graham of his commission in the Hongkong Volunteer Corps,
A LARGE consignment of the new Sunits
dollars is said to have arrived at Singapore from Bombay by the P. and O. s.. Cornurin
HEMP AND RICE
Writing from Manila on 15th ult, Messrs. Warner, Barnes & Co., Ltd, säte :--:
Hemp-Since our last issue, mrket has ruled very firm with an upward tendency, and both dollar and sterling prices have advanced. del. Fair current has been sold @ $10 per picul, IT is reported that the British India Steam. and althougth, as we close, things are rather Navigation Co. will make Port Swettenham a Juieter, there are no sellers at under this price. port of call from and to Rangoon and Chinese Delers have been disposing of stocks arriving ports.. and to arrive, and we calculate there are only. at the moment, a few thousand bales free. THE Courier de Haiphong has opened a cain- Receipts are normal, and although there are reports of Albay restrictions being raised, we
pain against the chittier established in that do not anticipate any appreciable increase in these usorers, pe
port and calls upon the Government to expal arrivals for some considerable time. We quote fair current @ 5:0 per picul, equal at exchange 1/11 to £36. 16. 6 per tan f. o. b.
Rice. Heavy arrivals have afficted local prices causing a decline of 185 cents per picul since last issue. Saigon market is slightly weaker owing to absence of demand, but the general opinion is that if any inquiry arises prices will more than recover.
AT, the Hanoi Exhibition the big Chinese Cotton, Mills' at. Yangtsepon, were awarded a gold medal and of their cloth
a diploma for specimens.
R. G. W. F. Playfair, chief manager of the National Bark af China, and Mrs. Ply vfair- arrived from Vancouver on Tuesday ner the Fimpress of China, tea
SHANGHAI MARKET REPORT.
THE time during which foreign insurance cam- Shipping. Hongkong, Canton and Macão -Messrs. J. P. Bisset & Co. report under date panira doing business in Japan must deposit, Steamboats have again been dealt in at 25th ult. as follows:-There, has been a little bonds or security has been extended to them. $321. Indo-Chinas have weakened to $82, and more activity in our market during the past 31st of January next, he wen China and Manilas are in the market at $18. week, a fair business being done in Farnhams, It being quite generally anticipated that the Douglas Steamships are procurable at $32 ex Langkals and Wharves. The rates have re- THE of the fiftcon vessels constructed hy Mexican Government will be able eventually the dividend of $3 pat on the 28tla virimo, mained steady in the two fist stocks, but the Mess. Farnhim, Boyd & Co., Ltd, for to carry through its proposals for a fixed ex- change basis for silver, it follows that its silver 16 for the, old and new shares respectively. ingly erratic, and impossible to guage. A very successfully launched.
Star Fenics are offering at $.6] end market for S. & H. Wharves has been exceedhe Philionine Government, the Paray was securities are possessed of considerable specula Shell Transports continue weak at £12,6. larve lot of shares came into the market for of silver has helped by raising the average hai Tugs are unchanged at Tis 58 for the up in the September Settlement, and this is from fifty to sixty, new cases reing tive possibiliti, The recent rise in the price Taku Tugs have inquiries at Tis. 38. Shang- sate which would otherwise have to be taken, BUBONIC plague is very bad at Newchwa value of the Mexican dollar, Silver will/pro ordinary and Tls, sofer the preference shares. largely responsible for the decline in rates daily. The Russian authorities are trying bably go back when the Eastern, coinage
Refineries,--Chioa Sugars are obtainable tipping business has been done 10 stamp out the epidemics requirements are met, but the benefit has been $98. Luzons me without business. felt. the Mexican dollar being 30 per cent.
Indos at stendy fries, although the market Mining-No transactions have come under forward has been weak, Suptember Settlement higher than it was a yent ago. During the our noticeshires have been placed at 621, on the 18th THE E. and A. Company's steamer Australian first half of this year the Mexican Railway hadDocks; Wharves and Godowns-Hongkong and on the 10th December Settlement shares which arrived on 24th ult, brought a box of w an increase of $254,000, a great part, of, which and Whampoa Docks have ruled quiet and are were placed at 61. On the 24th 613 and 500 sovs for Port Darwin, and 11 hoxes ren
were done for eptember and 62 for December.laining 7,8 to save for Hong
Docks and Wharver C. Farnham, Royd
Another investigator has found that if a tube containing a minute quantity of radiumbromide, is wrapped in black paper, and brought near the eye in a perfectly dark room, the eye seems to be filled with light, which is due to a general fluorescence of all the structures and fluids of the eye. The same effect is, produced even, when the eyelid is closed. If the tiniest parti- cle of radium is placed on a piece of glass and allowed to remain there for two days or so, the First Preference: stock, which is therefore dark patch is produced, which is doubtless due in a very interesting position speculatively
it is expected will be saved in nel The on offer at 3.06, Farnhams keep steady with accounts for the half-year are not due for a further sales at Tis, 136.4. Kowloon Wha Is are couple of months, but there should be wanted at $87. Hoogkew Wharfs can be placed materin! increase in the amount available for Tissara,
CA Lands, Hotels, und Buildings-Hongkong Lands bave been disposed of at Sis-Shang.
on the 18/19th cash shares were pliced RS Y. Hill, assistant Tls 135. On the 1st cash nod Sert shares in we Philippine Islands, was devoi 361/36, and 140 for an En the 3rd at 136 Cotabato, in the island of Mindanic
ere placed at 351 and 130; on the azed at alligators.whilst bathing in the Rio Grande, at
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