LEGISLATIVE ČOUNCIL.
They made the recommendation; others made it, and the recommendation of each was duly A meeting of the Legislative Council was and property considered. The recommend held on Wednesday in the Council Chamber.tion was to make a new amendment, and no Present: His Excellency the Officer Adminis to bind the Government hand and foot and tie tering the Cove nment F. 11. May, C.M.G., H.E. the House down to puss an expression of the Major-General Villiers Hatton, C.,, (Officer Sanitary Board in regard to the definition. Commanding the Garrison), Hos A. M. Thom. At the inceting of the Council, on the 7th inst., son, (Acting Colonial Secretary), Hon. Sir Henry he pointed out that the greatest difficulty the Spencer Bertely, Kt..(Attorney-General), L.A. (inverument have had in preparing the Bill for M. Johnston (Acung Colonial treasurer), Hon. presentation to the Council was to get a Baail Taylor, K.N. (Acting Harbour Master) which would be capable of being given effect to. definition of the expression external air" Hon. W. Chatam, (Director of Public Works), Hon. Sir C. P. Chater, C M.G., Hon. The amendment of the present existing de Dr. Ho Kai C.M., Hon. Wei Yuk, Hon. finition was made on the recommendation of Gershom Stewart, Ron, H.E. Pollock, K.C. and the Sanitary Board, but not in their words. Mr. R. F. Johnston (Acting Clerk of Councils). They reported that at present the definition rendered it almost impossible to give effect to the real intention of the Ordinance with res pect to the proper amount of light and air-that should be admitted into rooms. A new defini- tion, therefore, would be submitted for the con- sideration of the Council which be believed would be found to at last achilve the difficulty of exactly saying what was meant by "external air. Where was there a word asking the House to adopt a definition which had the sanction of the Sanitary Hoard and was in substance that which they had recommended. He regretted that in framing the objects and reasons le did not make it abundantly clear by reiteration; but he did not feet it necessary to say anything more than he did say.
MINUTES.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.
FINANCIAL,
The Acting Colonial Secretary laid on the table Financial Minute No. 66 and moved that it be referred to the Finance Committee.
The Acting Colonial Treasurer seconded,
and the nation was carried.
PAPERS.
The Acting Colonial Secretary laid on the table a repart of work done by the plague stuff from 22nd August to 6th November, 1993; a preliminary report on a cattle disease in the Colony; and the following statement under the Public Health and Buildings Amendment Ordinance:
DEFINITION OF "EXTERNAL AIR" RECOM•
MENDED BY THE SANITARY BOARD.
Section 6, Sub-section 26. External air" means the clear and unobstructed open air af:-(.) any street in front of an existing building which is not less than 8 fect in width throughout. (a) any street in front of a build- ing hereafter erected which is not less than 13 feet in width throughout (3) any open space in the rear of any building which is not less than 3 feet in width throughout, (4) Any open space at the side of any existing building which either (i) extends conti nuously along the side of such building and has continuous width of at least eight feet in every part; or else, (it) extends continuously along three-fifths of the side of such, building and has a continuous width of at least twelve feet in every part of such three-fifths; any open space at the side of any building hereafter erected which extends continuously along three-fifths of the side of such building and has a continuous width of at least twelve feet in every part of such three-fifths.
Hon. Pollock thought that, with all due de- ference to the Attorney-General, the in- ference drawn from his language on the last occasion was the inference nine people out of ten would have drawn, Regarding the re- mark about not having given eflect to the Board's recommendation by the definition in Stried in the Bill, hon, members would see by comparing the Ordinance as passed into law with the recommendation of the Sanitary Board they were absolutely and entirely different in substance one from the other. It was not a question of whether the exact language, words, expression, of phrase of the majority of the members of the Sanitary Hoard was adopted; there was a complete divergence in substance.
-
H. E. repelled very much any misunder standing in the matter, and thought he might perhaps assist to a better understanding of the question if he stated briefly the policy that the Government had followed and intended to follow in future in regard to amending the Public Healthand Buildings Ordinance When that very voluminous measure was pa sed the Government practically undertook that For the purpose of measuring the width of for some years to come it would not introduce such street or space, a straight line shall be any fresh sanitary legislation if it could drawn from and at right angles to the external possibly avoid doing so. Therefore, in the surface of the front, back or sile wall as the amending till, passed by Council, at the last case may be, or, in the event of any structure meeting, only such amendments as were abso- projecting from such wal from and at rightly necessary were made in the principal angles to the outermost portion of such project
Ordinance. The amendment of the definition ing structure exclusive of any cornice or eaves gutters. STATEMENT SHOWING THE VOTING ON EACH
PARAURAPIE OF THE DEFINITION,
Paragraph (1.)-ForMr. Lap Chu Pak, Mr. Pollock, Mr. Rumjain, and Mr. Hewett Aquinst The President, The Vice President, and Colonel Webb.
Paragraph (2)-Carried unanimously.
·RICOVERY OF CHARGES.
On the prope ition of the Attorney Genesis policy. I believe in the Japanisation of China abortive. like the edict of 1887, when the Em. the Association. We are happy to have among
discussion on the bill was postponed, to allow of the exauipation of certain objections formu lated by the Hon. 1. . Pollock,
GREETINGS,
His Excellency stated that, as this was the Inst occasion on which the Council would meet in 1903, be had much pleasure in wishing the assembled members a very happy. Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
The Council was adjourned sixe die.
FINANCE COMMITTEE.
A meeting of the Finance Committee was held immediately after the Council, Hon. A M. Thomson, Acting Colonial Secretary, pre- siding.
The following vote was submitted and the Committee agreed to recommend that it be adopted by the Council:
PUBLIC WORKS EXTRAORDINARY.
A sum of $16,500 in aid of the vote Public Works, Extraordinary, under the following
Hems:-
www
***
4. Resumption of Kowloon Inland
Lots toute tots, ... 3. Resumption of strip of Kowloon
Inland in 187,
Total,
$24,000
THE CHINA ASSOCIATION.
ANNUAL DINNER.
THE LOYAL TOASTS.
PROSPERITY TO THE CHINA ASSOCIATION,
external air took the form of merely verbal alteration of the original definition which was found in the principal ordinance. That defini. tion had not been found to be unworkab, and it was not anticipated that it would be found unworkable, because the principal or dinance gave the Governor-in-Council abso late discretion of granting exemptions for The Chairman, in proposing "The King," Paragraph (3)-FoxThe President, The external air with the definition in the Ordinsatisfaction the cordial welcome given to His buildings which did not comply as regards said the nation bid viewed with pride and Vice-President, Colonel Webb, Mr. Pollock, could really allow anything at all to be re-
ance. Therefore, the Governor-in-Council Majesty during his tour on the Continent, and and Mr. Hewett Against:-Mr. Rumjahn, garded as external air. The amendment of the
it was with equal pride and satisfaction that and Mr. Lay Clug Pak.
they knew His Majesty was now entertaning Paragraph (4), (1) and (II)-For:-The Pre-definition must not be taken to indicate that
at Windsor a Royal guest-an illustrious repre sident, Mr. Lau Chu Pak, Colonel Webb, the Government was taking up a different posi-sentative of one of the three Mediterranean Mr. Pollock, Mr. Rumjahn, and Mr. Hewett, tion, or was going to adopt a different policy naval Powers, (Cheers,) Against The Vice-President. The Board from that which it took up when it passed the principal ordinance. Every application for 'was unanimously in favour of the succeciling | exemption from the provisions of the Ordin- "The Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales who are available to maintain in the future the ing you to give a cordial reception to the toast paragraphe
ance regarding external air would receive the just and impartial consideration of the Gov- that the mere fact of the definition having ernor-in-Council, and he assured hon. members.
been amended was merely to make clearer the meaning that the Governinent had in its mind did not indicate a change of policy, and the when the principal ordinance was passed. It Community and members of Council might rest assured that no hardship would be im- posed under the amending ordinance that would not have been imposed uuder the principal Ordinance. The position practically remained precisely the same as it was under the principal ordinance. He took it the hon. member withdrew his motion.
The Acting Colonial Secretary said the stafo
ment would obviate the necessity of the hon. member for the Chamber of Commerce putting
his resolution.
EXTERNAL AIR,
Standing in the Hon. Pollock's name was the following motion:"That the Government do obtain from the Secretary of the Sanitary Board, and de lay upon the table, for the inform ation of the Legislative Council, the recom mendation which was made by the majority of the Sanitary Board as to the definition of external air," and the names of the members farming sich majority," He said he would like to address the Council on the motion, and explained that the reason he made it was that
Hon. Pollock-No, sir, I think must leave the Attorney-General stated in the objects and reasons attached to the Public Health and my motion formally on the records. I should Buildings Amendment Ordinance, and also, ifike, with your Excellency's permission, to correctly reported, according to the news- papers, that on the second reading of the bill
mention one point.
You have spoken noice.
H.E-I an afraid you are out of order. Hon. PolinckI think, sir, I might explain here, now. It will only involve my writing to the newspapers to explain. There was no omission on my part-
H.E. The motion can stand in your name. The Attorney General-You have got what you asked for.
A PUBLIC NUISANCE. The Hor. Pollock asked the following question, of which he had given notice Does the Government propose to take any, and, if so, what steps to prevent the public latrine near the No. 3 Police Station from con. tinuing to be a nuisance to persons passing along the Queen's Road East?
The Acting Colonial Secretary replied:- The Government has already taken steps to remove the cause of the complaints made. The door at Queen's Road end has been permanently closed and the side windows have also been permanently closed. A ventilating shaft with an electric exhaust fan has been installed.
WORK ON THE PRAYA.
on the 7th December, that the definition
external air" was in substitution of the. Sanitary Board's recommendation. Doubt. less, he made the statement in all good faith, e, under an erroneous impression, but he (the speaker) maintained that the hon. D. P. W., who was a member of the Board and who was present at the deliberations of that body, at which, after great difficulty and spend ing several hours on the subject, a definition of external air" was arrived at. He complained that the hon. D. P. W. did not get up and aave the misapprehension which must have been causal in the minds of those present at the Council meeting by the statement made by the Attomey General. The question had formed the subject of very anxious deliberation at several meetings of the Board; and it was a very difficult point indeed for members to define. Ultimately, they arrived at a definition of "externitair," and it was submitted in due course to the Council; but was absolutely and entirely different ta that appearing in the Public Health and Buildings Amendment Ordinance, Therefore, it seemed to have. the definition was passed through Council, and had come He also asked: What is the object of raising into law under an erroneous impression the roadway of the Praya East? Who is paying as to what the Sanitary Board recommended the cost of such work? He hoped that when the question of amend- The Acting Colonial Secretary replied: ments to the Ordinance came up, as it was sure Before the Praya East Reclamation can be to do, H. E. would allow the question of the taken in hand the existing Praya roadway definition of "external air" to be treated as an must be raised so as to enable the drains and open one, lie did not, of course, complain of sewers to be brought up to such a level that the fact that the D. P. W. thought that another they can be extended out to the new Praya definition of" external air" to that passed by front. If the electric tramway lines were laid the Board was advisable,--for he had a perfect along the existing Praya the public would be right to his opinion in that respect-but that, put to great inconvenience later on, as the being the only member present at the Coun iramway traffic would be seriously interfered cil who could have stated from his own per- with by the raising of the roadway and the. sonal knowledge exactly whai decision was relaying of the lines. The cost of the work, arrived at and what definition was agreed upon which is being done under contract; is debited by a majority of the members of the Board, did to an advance account and will be recovered nct get up and explain what that decision was. in due course from the new Praya Reclamation The Atloney General pointed out that as a Fund when that Fund is established. A vote paper, coclacing the information respecting was taken for the work on the roth August the details of the Sanitary Board's suggestion, last. had been laid upon the table, all that could be obtained by the resolution had been attained. Hon. Pollock asked the Hon. 'D. P. W.- He submitted that had the hos, member been Have any, and, if so, what steps been taken present at the meeting of the Council at the by your Department in connection with the time that the definition was brought forward, he introduction of the Rider Mainystem into would not have given expression to his remarks the City of Victoria? By what date do you that afternoon, because from nothing appear anticipate that the Rider Main System will be ing in the objects and reasons appended to the in proper working order throughout the City of Ordinance, was the Hon. Pollock warranted Victoria? What grounds have you for that in saying the definition proposed was in sub-anticipatiqn? stitution of that submitted to the Government The DB W. replied-The necessary after consideration by the Sanitary Board. niaterials for the work and staff to supervise if He drew the attention of the Council to the have been requisitioned from England. I printed objects and reasons which, in para anticipate that the work will be completed in graph 3, stated, "In order to give effect to the about two and-a-half years from now. This is Board's recommendations a new definition of merely an estimate; there are no grounds to go the expression "external air" is submitted to upon. Council" The Sanitary Board was not the only body, which brought under the notice of the Government the necessity for considering a new definition of the expression "external air."
THE RIDER MAIN SYSTEM.
PAYMENT OF COUNSEL'S. FEES, The Attorney-General moved the second reading of the Bill entitled an Orduance to provide for Payment of Counsel's Fees by the
which Manchuria will be given up to China by, the power Japan in now negotiating with.
by have some knowledge of the subjset, but will not dare to prophesy as to the time when the progress of the Siberian Railway will make an end of some of those unfortunate steamship companies who have been carrying on their trade with China. Gentlemen," I dare not venture to refer to those topics in that prophetic spirit which might belong to the president of our guests this evening a noble lord, who will be able if he chooses-to speak upon all points of interest connected with the Eastern Question. I do not for one single moment say that the noble lord will inform us, but he may prefer, like myself, to avoid as far as possible nny prophecy or of entering upon subjects except when he actually knows. But I shall be very glad, indeed, if my noble friend should be able to endorse the utterances of the Prime danger of war between Russia and Japan may at all events be considered in the process of termination and coming to an end. In that, however, I trust, without encroaching on the province of our president, that I may at all events say that under the reign of Lord Lans- downe I believe that the Foreign Office has promote peace in that part of the world, and at done everything possible in their power to the same time to promote British interests in China in general." (Hear, hear.) I dare say the Foreign Office, every now and then, must feel the want of a man like our friend Mr. Gundry. (Laughter.) Whether that be so or not, I, as a private individual, venture to say. that I believe Lord Lansdowne has done every- thing that was in his power to promote the interest of this country since he came into power as Foreign Minister. My noble friend Lord Percy, who is to reply to this toast, will allow one who is an old Parliamentary hand to say that his record since he came to the House of Commons is such as to satisfy us that he will do everything in his power, everything that he possibly can do, in order to protect the interest and advance the welfare of Great Britain in that distant part of the world; and again I trust, without unduly trespassing on the ground of our president, that in doing so be will have the assistance and all the loyal co-operation which it is possible to give from the members of the China Association, Gentle- men, I give you the toast of "Our Guests," coupled with the health of the Right Honour able Earl Percy, Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs. (Continuous cheering.)
TEEEUKALII, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1903.
losing party in certain cases in which the important that I shall not venture to speak irety, and especially as regards the proposed Attorney-Geneal appears as Counsel.about it. When I went out to China as Ad- consumption tax. As regards likin, which Mr.
The Council went into Conmittee, and the miral I looked about me and observed that the Gundry dealt with so exhaustively in his memo bill was subsequently read a third-time and | idea was of "sphere of influence; after a randum of November, 1897, we do hope to see passed..
time, I asked myself what was a sphere of it eventually abolished, together with all its induence," and I concluded that a "sphere of satellites, when other Powers have concluded The Council went into Committee on the influence" meant a "sphere of influence" for their treaty negotiations. We also hope to see Bill entitled an Ordinance to provid for the for that particular nation, and nobody else. the matter of Currency Reform pressed for Recovery of Charles incurred by the Colonyan, hter.) changed my idea to that of the word, and if any edict is to be issued in that on account of certain undesirable persons in open door," and am still an advocate of that direction, we must hope that it will not prove troduced into the Colony.
because I believe it will lead to the integrity of press Regent ordered that the copper "cash -China for tire whole of the world. I think this coinage should be promptly reorganised." We will be a long time in accomplishment, but it are glad to find that His Excellency Sir Ernest may be a mece to the world. It may not be Satow and Sir Pelham Warren are again at in our time, and I think we can only work for their posts, and we are all disappointed that ourselves and the immediate succeeding opportunities failed during their brief residence generation. Gentlemen, I must not detain at home of according to them the good wishes you longer. I wish to congratulate my China and hospitality of the Association. In connec friends on the appointment of an excellent and tion with this treaty am sure you will all ap distinguished officer, now at this table, to prove the telegram which we sent to Sir Charles succeed our present very able Commander-in-Dudgeon, the esteemed chairman of the Asso-Minister the Guildhall by saying that the Chief there. The interesis of China are always ciation in Shanghai, congratulating him when paramount in my mind. To be here this even- we learned that his services had been recognised ing is a pleasure, because I am delighted to at the hands of His Majesty. (Applause.) The find myself associated with my China friends sympathies of the Association with the reform and, with use whose lives and interests are movement have always been so frankly ex- cast in the Far East. (Prolonged applause.) pressed that I should be guilty of an omission Colonel Crawford: I have not very much to if I failed to express our gratification on ascer during the five years which I passed in China refused to surrender those men who are await sav, but would like to make the remark, thattaining that His Majesty's Government had one learned the difference between one "oloing their trial at Shanghai to the unrestrained custom" and modern improvement. I remem-barbarity of which the Court in Peking has her going to a Chinese town and having to in-praved itself capable in similar cases. Some spect the Chinese anillery. The guns were three years ago we addressed two letters to there which were left when the place was eva- Lord Salisbury under very similar circumstances enated by us in 1850. They were drawn up for as to the vindictive and reactionary policy of inspection, with a Chinaman in charge, and his those in authority in Peking, and the words words of command were given in broad Irish. which we used then you will find very appli- 3,500
"When we left the guns we left also an Irish in- cable now. As regards our proceedings gener $6, co
structor. These guns were, of course, obsolete ally during the last twelve months, there is and out of date. I happened to go soon after very little to add to the report which was issued that to Japan, where the people have jumped to the members in March last, and an interim rapidly into modern improvements, so that report on the present occasion has been thought when the Chino-Japanese war took place, one unnecessary. I will not detain you with any knew pretty well what was going to happen comments on the political situation between With regard to the British Army, for which I Russia and Japan, which has already been We take the following from the L. & C. have to speak this evening, having been in it dealt with by our friend Admiral Seymour Express:—
myself for close upon half a century, I can say We can but hope that though Russia and The usual annual dinner of the China Asso. this: the British soldier is the pioneer of the Japan stand out as Protagonists of varying ciation-known always as the China Dinner-merchant, and he has to act in advance by interests, that they will be reconciled shortly, took place at the Whitehall Rooms of the Hotel | establishing law and order, and then commer and in peaceful manner. If the advent of the Metropole on 17th ult. The muster made cial enterprise begins. (Laughter and cheers.) Siberian Railway has been productive so far record nuinker attained at the gathering last must pay the pipes. There is a good deal in total of about 220 guests, just a few under the if you want to keep up an efficient Army you chiefly of disturbance, let us anticipate a time when that magnificent highway will be used year. The president of the Association for the the old adage, "Si vis pacem para bellum," and for the purpose of carrying commodities and year is Sir Allied Deni, K.C.M.G., who was in if you want to keep up the Army and Navy merchandise rather than for the transport of the chair. Behind the president's chair a group efficiently, the truest economy to pay the troops and stores. (Applause.) The progress of flags was displayed, comprising the Union piper and plant down the dollars. (Applause.) which has been made with the railway con- Jack, flanked on either side by the Japanese
cessions throughout China is a matter of first
Earl Percy: I thank you very heartily for naval ensign and the Italian national dag. Au
the cordial manner in which you have received The President, who on rising to speak was
importance to the country, and we can but innovation was made on the present occasion greeted with much applause, and. My lord and regret that our share in these railway conces
this toast, and for the compliment you have by the introduction of music-instrumental and gentlemen, I have now the honour to propose
sions is to so moderate as compared with the
paid me in asking me to respond on behalf of vocal. After each toast and reply a ballad, glec. to you the toast of the evening, The China State-aided projects of other Power. The cam-
all your guests for the hospitality of the China or air was rendered. Each was brief so that Association" (Long and hearty, applause.) }
pletion of the various schemes tnust bring Association, Ferhaps I may also take the no great inroad on the time was made-an i must first thank you for the great honour you ministration of China, and it is satisfactory to
about many vast changes in the internal ad- "Pportunity as a humble representative of the office which is brought into constant and close portant point at such gatherings, where so mány have necessary to catch trains and yet have so for the present year. We have had many dis-
have done me in electing me as your President know that the Chinese, as a race, are so ready connection with those questions in which the many chin chins to make to friends and cronies tinguished presidents who had presided at this
to welcome those changes. We all know what much we appreciate the services which an Association is chiefly interested, of saying how whom it is frequently only possible to meet at table before, and the ideal president to my mind Japan has done, and is doing. since she adopt-Association like this may render. It serves as such gatherings.
should be, as hitherto either one of those dis-
ed modern ideas, and if China, with ten times
a focus in concentrating expert knowledge her population, should follow her example, and tinguished officials who from the nature of his
upon many questions of a very technical character, it serves as a medium for educating else a representative of one of the large mer- appointment has acquired a full knowledge of the singer resources in the same way and at
the same pace, it seems probable that before public opinion whose opinions in regard to say Alf our interests in both China and Japan, or
long we may have a great competitor for the cantile and shipping firms who by reason of their
trade of the world, both on land and sea; and particular question are now somewhat fickle large business connections at all the ports are
Chinese patriotic statesmen may yet come to
and it acts as a check upon irresponsible and in constant touch and sympathy with all the
the front with a desire and determination to partly informed persons. I suppose there is no British interests herein.
part of the world in which it is more true to say assert the dormant strength of their empire in (Applause) We
that in Chinn our political policy is synonymous have been fortunate in securing many Presid- other ways than trade. This is a matter, how- ever, which I will leave to your president of a
with our commercial policy. If we desire the ents to answer such a description; and, what future generation to deal with. I have now,
political integrity of China, it is not only that ever my shortcomings may be, we can rejoice
we have no political ambitions there ourselves, in knowing that we have inembers on our roll my Lord and gentlemen, much pleasure in ask-
it is because in our opinion the political reputation that our Presidents have so fully es
of "Prosperity to the China Association." (Pro-integrity of China is the surest guarantee of commercial expansion in that country-(hear, tablished in the past, as it was my good longed applause.) ception of the Association in 1888, I might be fortune to have something to do with the in-
hear)-and if we desire the extension of railway communication and the removal of trade Sir Thomas Sutherland: A very simple, a restrictions in that Empire, it is because we tempted to a review of all that the Association very easy, and very agreeable duty falls to my believe that in the development of Chinese has done during these past 15 years; but a share to-night. In rising to propose the toast and at the voluminous reports that have been ings by saying that I have been somewhat per- surest guarantee of her political and territorial resources and the creation of an international glance at the Minute Book of our committee, of "Our Guests" I can best describe my feel. state in our commerical relations, lies the issued to imembers under the imprimatur of our plexed and embarassed in mind by observing integrity. Well, that being the case, and the (applause) I will venture to call binhas con
that this toast is to be fo lowed by a song in vinced me, as it would you, that it would be sincerely hope that is no sentiment, and
connection between our political and com- reference to "Evening's Twilight." (Laughter.)mercial policy in China being so close, I think impossible to make any such review on the has no reference whatever to our guests to frequently be levelled against the Foreign it is surprising that the charge should so present occasion. During those comparatively night, and am quite sure it can have no Office, of apathy and indifference to our trade few years much, however, has happened in possible reference to the youthful members of in general, and railway construction in Mr. Wm. Keswick, M.P.: I am asked to pro have arisens be dealt with by the Celestial Lords and gentlemen, to drink to the health of
China, and new problems of vast importance this Association. (Cheers.) I ask you, my particular. That we are alive to the importance of railway development in civilising a country pose a toast which is rightly placed immediately Empire and by those interested in her trade those distinguished guests, and to do honour and in promoting its commercial development after the toast of the Royal Family. The toast and welfare. Forgetting nothing that is old to those who are honouring us to-night by their is, I think, sufficiently evident if any proof were is "The Imperial Forces of the Crown and learning nothing that is new, China has presence here: (Here, here.) I must candidly needed, by the fact that we have induced the Gentlemen, these forces are the material ex-emerged from a crushing defeat at the hands confess that when your secretary announced to
Home Govemment (not without considerable pression of the power of our Empire, it is in
me that I had been selected for the purpose of grumbling and opposition) to sanction very large themour strengil lies, and the possessions which
proposing this toast I began most anxiously to sums for the construction of the Uganda Rail- we now hold and the nation that we are is
consider, and have been considering ever since way, in a sphere in which we have ourselves entirely due to then. Our Navy goes wher
for several days, for I felt that it was almost administrative responsibility. But in China wa ever the waters flow on which it can float; it
impossible to do what I should desire to do, had not ourselves administrative responsibili- Prepares the way, and our armies follow on whenever they are demanded. These forces, of which may alienate the whole of her Cus-distinguished friends who are here this evening, sight, motives, and self-interest of private she has needlessly incurred a debt, the service namely, to sing the praises of everyone of our ties, and the work must be done by the fore- combined with those of our Colonies, represent tams Revenue for many years to come. She and, on the other hand, to treat those distin- capitalists. And perhaps I may be allowed to what we believe to be the civilising influences has also to face additional complications with of the Western nations. (Hear, hear.) We
guished personages en bloc and comprehen say, not of course by way of counter accusation, have with us to-night Admiral Seymour-(ap. many has acquired a large position of her necessities and duties of the position which I
Rus in in her Northern Provinces, whilst Ger.sively seemed to me to fall entirely below the but rather by way of appeal to those who have the plause) whose great achievements in Northem territory in Shangtung, and France, after
interest of our trade in China at heart, that if it is China have been the admiration of everyone, detaching her vassal states in Indo-China, is
was called upon to fill. And therefore perhaps true that our commercial policy there depends it was inevitable, at all events it was most and we have also as representing our Army pressing on her frontier in Yannan. Japan has certainly the case, that when I began to con-
to some extent upon our political policy. Colonel Crawford, who, I believe, is one of seized Formosa, and the suzerainty which sider this important toast, my mind at once
it is also true that no political policy, how those gifted men whose special knowledge has China at one time claime to exercise over reverted to ancient China. And when you re- pursued, can be of any real effect unless it is ever well devised, and however persistently been retained in the service of the country, Korea have vanished like the morning mi-t, call, as I am sure most of you can recall, the backed up by the earnest and patriotic support It is a great feature that we have power to send leaving that kingdom to defend its independence hospitality which was vouchsafed not only to
of the commercial community." (Applause.) It forces to establish our will and preserve the as best she can with very designing neighbours the friends and neighbours but to all the is of very little use for us to pile up concessions commerce which our forefathers opened up and at her doors. The benefits that have accrued strangers who came within the gates, you will on paper, and to point as we have so often and Navy affords us. Gentlemen, these are incidents are not yet apparent (laughter)-aspitality ever showed or practised in a more we now find the protection which our Army to the British Empire throughout all these agree with me that never was a greater hos. done with pride to the comparative share which the names which I associate with the toast of the small acquisitions of territory which we princely fashion than it was by every person and allotted to foreign countries in the railway' has been allotted to us in contrast to the share, the Imperial Forces of the Crown.
have made round the thinly inhabited districts at every treaty port in that vast empire. (Ap. development of China, if British concession. Admiral Seymour, in rising to respond amid of the harbours of Hongkong and Wei-mi-wei plause.) I am perfectly sure that the traditions naires alone among the nations of Europe take great applaust, said; I derive much pleasure are but specks on the map as compared with to which I refer have been maintained to the po steps to profit by the advantages which they to return you, on the part of the Navy, our the territorial aggrandisement of other Powers. present time. If we could only translate our have gained. I think I may go further and say hearty thanks for the very cordial manger in Our statesmen, indeed, seem to have avoided guests who are with us this evening by some
that I do not think it is honourable or con which this toast has been proposed by you in territorial aggrandisement as much as possible, magic to that distant empire, they would under-sistent for us to press upon China the urgent connection with the Impena Forces of the and I have no doubt they had very good rea-stand how near, how dear, how great was the necessity of developing her resources as soon Crown. Last year also, I had the honour of sons for doing so, but it is amusing, in face of hospitality of that part of the world, and bow it as possible, and at the same time claim for responding here for the Navy. It is a special what other Powers have done, to find it re- pleasure for me as well as an honour, as it corded that we gave up our occupation of
has sweetened the lives of those I see around ourselves the priority of the right of initiative recalls my work in China, and the very kind Chusan so as not to humilitate China, or to of the world in those days. The annual din
me to-night, and who were living in that part over large areas of her most fertile provinces, way in which was assisted by my fellow wound the susceptibilities of France; and that
the exercise of which is to be indefinitely countrymen there. It is also interesting to me we hauled down our fag at Port Hamilton, not altogether unworthy of the regard of trade interest in general, I think that all of us ner of the China Association is a function postponed. Well, gentlemen, as regards our on account of the necessary connection which retuming those three little islands to Korea, in those whom we entertain here this evening, in who wish to see this country, continue to take, exists in China between the sea-power of this deference to the feelings of Russia, who gave at spite of that modesty which is characteristic of that lead which her long historic connection country and our politics in that land. regards the Navy, it has increased steadily, so distinctly declaring she would not occupy China (Laughter.) We may be considered as entitle ber to lake, we must all have viewed As this juncture "a most explicit guarantee, every, man who has lived for some years in and her commercial predominance in China much so that this year the Navy estimates are Korean territory," I might quote other instances no unworthy representatives of the men who with legitimate pride and satisfaction the in- larger than they have ever been before, even to indicate that in the matter of territorial have carried the commerce of Great Britain itiative which this country has taken in per in time of war. I think there is reason to believe acquisition at all events we have not added into the most distant parts of the world, and suading China to contemplate the first serious that the authorities are coming to the conclusion much to our visible prestige in the Far East, carried it, I am glad to say, upon the whole step towards removing the gravest obstacle that we should build a type of battleship su but any loss of influence that we have incurred with merited success.. A very few years ago,
which has hitherto obstructed the free course perior to what we have done before, but not to increase the size of ships or the personnel than real.
on that account we trust to find more imaginary may say the China Association concerned itself of European commerce in China. I refer, of
And we hope also to find, as especily the latter.
absolutely with nothing whatever except the The future should be time goes on, that our commercial interests
course, to what has already been referred to devoted to improvements in torpedoes and sub- at least have been safeguarded, and that, if we
idea of the commercial progress in which we namely, the treaty negotiated by Sir James: marine bouts, as it is not good to put too many have retired from the competition for spheres but to-day the Chinese question has taken a
are all individually and collectively interested, Mackay. When we remember the obstinate eggs into one basket.
conservatism of the Chinese character, and still I imagine that there is of influence, we shall at all events find that the larger and wider sweep, and it cannot be other more, the obstacles which were presented by no one in this room who does not weigh over "open door" and "equal opportunity" have wise than discussed more or less in meetings of the state of Chinese finances at the time, I the question of the Far East and Japan, and, as been secured for the trade of the British Empire this kind. The question which underlies our think we shall all recognise that that treaty was. I am a sort of official at this moment, I must and for the world at large. We have to thoughts at the present moment is, this: How a great abnument to the diplomatic skill and not say much about it. But I will say that the congratulate, in the meantime, Sir James far will China be able to work out her own
the financial resourcefulness of my distinguis evacuation of Manchuria by Russia hardly Mackay and ourselves on the ratification of his sa vation; how far will she be able (with the
hed friend. It is true, of course, that Article though we are told this upon Russian authority force, that it will form a basis for that comber integrity; and how far and in what manner the lekin does not come into active operation comes within the lines of things probable, even realy, and we hope, when it comes into full assistance I trust of Great Britain) to maintain
VIII of that treaty, states that the abolition of (Laughter.) As regards Japan the position of mercial and administrative reform which we Korea is of vital importance, and I do not think are all most sincerely looking forward to. We country. (Applause) These difficult and ed nation treatment in China have signified
wil British interes's be sustained in that until the other Powers which enjoy most favour we can blame Japan for taking steps in the regret, however, that no Commission has yet delicate points take us into the realms of their acceptance of its condition, but it is natie- matter. It appears to me pretty evident that a been appointed for the Gooservancy of the prophecy, but the gift of prophecy is indeed factory to know that two nations that have war must take place sooner or later upon the Hwangpu river, which all people in Shanghai supposed to be solely possessed by the members never lagged behind us in showing their loyalty question of Korea. I do not think it will take have so much af heart, and we are anxiously of the China Association for the time being, and interest in the principle of the open door place yet, principally because each Power de-awaiting answers to our questions as to what and sires to put the onus of doing so on the should new methods of procedure the Chinese autho
should be extremely sorry to interfere -Our American cousins and ong allies, the with their privilege. I do not know that it is Japanese-applause) have already concluded ers of the other, but the question is so great and titles intend to adopt generally as regards the necessary to venture to say exactly the date at treaties on similar lines in China, and we hope.
The toast was loyally acknowledke The Chairman, in proposing the toast of and the Rest of the Royal Family," said that they were so dear to us all that no words of his present. With regard to the Prince of Wales were needed to commend the toast to those and the Princess of Wales, he reminded them of the very great advantages which has resulted made to the Colonies, and in this connection from the tour which their Royal Highnesses he would recall the words which is Royal Highness, used at the Guildhall on his return to Engiand, and which have some special significance now; he said that "the Old Country must wake up if she intends to maintain her old position of pre-eminence in, her Colonial trade against foreign competitors,"
THE IMPERIAL FORCES OF THE CROWN.
late hon. secretary-an ideal hon, secretary
of Japan, of her Army, of her Navy, and of her antique maximus and idens to incur new diffi culties and new financial embarrassments in consequence of her recent outrageous attack upon the Legations in Peking. By so doing
OUR CUESTS.