THE ARTHUR HILL
WORLD'S ENTERTAINERS.
The opening performance of the short season to ba given in Hongkong by the Arthur fill Company of Vaudeville Stars attracted many people, in the Theatre Royal on Wednesday, where a very enjoyable entertainment was witnessed The company is by no means a large one, but what there is of it is of the best and there is no doubt it is one of the strongest combinations of its kind,that. has been seen in Hongkong for some time,
comedian "poor, pond and particular," is one of the principal artists in the company, and is a world of solid amusement, contributing largely to the success of the entertainment, attractive feature of the programme was Miss
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1903.
MONOPOLIES IN TONKING,
INSTRUCTIONS FROM FABIS,
Owing to the difficulties of all nature that
RUSSIA'S REELY TO JAPAN
REPORTED. TERMS,
doors,between the rooms, so hung that on the temperature reaching 157 (F) a link fuses and releases the door which slips "guillotino wite into iron fastenings where it effectually close the aperture and prevents the issuing of flames
IMPORTANT RUSSIAN CONCESSIONS. or smoke. Underneath the ground floor of the have occurred during the last few years in the gives the following as the gist of the Russian The Tokio correspondent of this Mainichi scutching room are several tunnels through which by a powerful current of air the inflamadination of the different monopolies, and Government's reply to the Japanese, proposals mable dust of the mill is drawn off and blown the continual discussions arising between the relative to the diplomatic difficulty. Russia will into the open air, having its outlet, near the different farmers, the Cabinet, in Paris, have demands concerning Manchuria with a view to Government of Fresch Indo-China and the to a certain extent satisfy the Japanese chimney shaft, which is built of red brick, 125 decided that, in the future, these concessions securing an amicable settlement, Viceroy feet high and zo feet square at the base.
will be granted for the term of one year only. We have to the best of our ability essayed to
Alexieff's aggressive attitude will not be give a clear description ofthe various machinery A proviso, in each contract, leaves to the gov- maintained. It is doubtful if the concessions ernment the facility of repurchase at any time,
as to Manchuria are of a nature that will satisfy invention or ingenuity that their detalls baffle a comprehensive description. A visit therefore the effect have been forwarded to the Governor the Russian reply completely recognises Japan's to the mill would not only prove amusing but Gener, M. Beau. In the meanwhile, the au-
supremacy in that country. The delay in send- highly instructive. Shanghai Mercury litigating the numerous claims for compensa great differences in the Russian Government thorities in Tonking have their hands fulling the reply is said to have been caused by THE VOTE OF CENSURE IN THE on made by several of the farmers. It is said concerning the answer which should be gives
that the new measure will have a depressing to Japan. effect on big enterprises of this nature.
THE HONGKONG CIVIL SERVICE
of the Federated Malay States. If a man new to the Colony be appointed he will not have a very easy task, for several of the older officials of the Colony have orare about to retire, while the transference to other Colonies of the best of our younger men his loft'a considerable gap. Mr. C. W.S. Kyenenley, the dayen of the Service, takes up the Resident: General-ship of the F. M. S. next April, but only for a short next year. Although a service composed mainly period, as he proposes to retire at the end of of seniors often produces stagnation. yet, on the Tropics the other hand. links between the old and the new are very desirable to secure continuity of have liked to have seen ploughed to the end by: Sir Frank Swettenham, Singapore Har- with the north; and our currency reform. It hour Improvement and, the railway connection may be that a new-comer would think differ- ently on these schemes and throw them back, and that we believe would be a genuine calam ity for the Colony.-S. F. P.
·
SIR HENRY' BLAKE'S DEFENCE.
Sir Henry Blake contributes the following. letter to the Times, in reply to an article by in the series on Studies in Administration in Mr. Alleyne Ireland dealing with Bongkong
Sir,-In The Times of September 14 appears Administration in the Tropics, by Mr. Alleyne Ireland, who was commissioned by the University of Chicago to visit all the Eastern Colonies and report upon the systems of ad- Malayan people live work of very great ministration under which the various Indo- importance and utility if carried out with un- biased intelligence.
Leonard Nelson, who styles hims-If a plain but some of them are such marvels of human within that perjod, il necessary.-Instructions to Japan, With regard to Corea, it is said that policy. There are two furrows that we should-the-third of a series of articles on Studies of
which was full of novelty and mirth. Another
** Leslie Norman, whits fide contralto voice was. greatly appreciated. She was several times' re-called, and had to respond to most enthu- sinslic encores. Then there was a clevar turn given by Lazern the Mystic, whose novelties were performed with perfect skill and finesse. Mr. Victor. Kelly kept the audience in a continual ripple of lughter with his quaint, dry humour and amusing specialty, "On Parade." There were other items which also created unbounded admiration, and, altogether the entertainment was excellent throughout. THE SHANGHAI COTTON MILLS.
.
MIKADO'S ADDRESS,
Explanation by MR. KONO. PRESS OPINION, T
Ms. Kono, the President of the House of Re- presentatives, who drafted the remarkable and unusual Address in reply to the Imperial Mes- sage, which was the direct cause of the dissolu- tion of the Diet on the 11th inst. is now the chief object of public attention.
It is stated in the Kote Chronicle that Mr. Kone took the course he did with deliberation and a full sense of responsibility, being resolve ed to resign the presidency of the "House and also his membership of the House should the Address be rejected." Mr. Kono had even drawn Visitors to Shanghai on coming up the river
up his papers of resignation. He is reported would naturally observe that the Glasgow of to have stated to a personal friend that he the East is fast becoming also the Manchester had firmly resolved to refuse to allow the of these parts. The wave of Westerisation in reply to be again opened. to debate. the direction of manufacturing industry has. at-Had the motion to reconsider it been carried last swept over the land lo spite of all officia! by a large majority, it was his intention immer obstruction. thanks to the Chino-Japanese diately to resign the presidency and also his treaty, concluded after the war. The many membership for having, as he explained, dis mills with which both the banks of the river turbed the Imperia? mind by submitting such are studded are well worth a visit, though the
a reply. Mr. Kaño accepts all responsibility description of one will almost do duty for all.
for the document. In an interview with the The three mills on the Yangtzepoo Road were built simultaneously and there was a bit of ace as to which would be a going concern first. The Lagu Kung Mow won the day and should therefore be considered the pioneer Mill in Shanghai. It is owned by a limited liability company and the opening ceremony took place on the 19th March, 1897, under the presidency of Sir (then Mr.) C. J. Dudgeon, the Chairman of the Board of Directors,
The mill occupies a large area of ground. Just at the gateway in an unpretentious little building is the manger's office. Passing this, one comes to the main building which is the mill proper. But to begin the inspection with the engine room, me has to go to the rear of the mill where the engine building is situated, The building is raised some six feet above ground and the doorway is approached by a broad flight of stone steps. Once inside, it will become apparent that ample provision has been made for elbow room and free admission of light and air in case of any future expansion. The room is 70 feet long by 30 feet wide and is go feet high. Overhead is a powerful traveller for use in lifting any of the heavy parts of the engines which may be required tó be moved for inspection, cleaning or repairs. The engines, it need hardly be said, are a standing testimony of the thoroughness and salidity of British workmanship. They are by Vates and Thom of Blackburn and built on the triple expansion system and are horizontal with four cylinders. They drive the fly pulley wheel which is grooved br twenty-nine ropes and this huge wheel is twenty-four feet in diameter, six feet wide, and weighs forty-two lons. The rapes running carry the power to the main lines of shalling whence it is supplied all over the buildings to be saved. The arrangements for lubrication are such that it is possible not only to keep the engines sufficiently oiled but also to keep them free from dust and super- fluous oil with ease and perfect safety. The en- gines are named Isabelle and Sofa, after Lady Dudgeon and Mrs. Anderson, the spouses of two of the Directors.
The next place to visit is the boiler house, which is 70 feet long by 45 feet broad and roofed with galvanied iron. Here are three Lancashire boilers each 30 feet long by 8 feet in diameter with a working pressure of 180 lbs. The boilers which were solidly bricked in and covered with nonconducting composition, were constructed by Thomas Beeley of Hyde, Manchester. The power plant on the whole is of a very costly pattern, but the economy in fuel has amply repaid for the capital ́ex- pendilure,
The scutching raam to be seen next contains machinery by Lord Bros. of Todmorden. in these the raw material goes through its first process. Straight form the pod as it were the fibre is placed into a feeder and delivered automatically to the opener, thence it passed into a scutcher attached and thence in the form of a lap to an intermediate and afterwards a finishing scutcher. From here to the carding engines and finally to the spinning machines, where the material comes out in the form of yara. The main building where these pro- cesses are carried out is 425 feet long by izo feet wide and consist of a ground and upper Aloor. On the ground floor are the cording engines, scutchers, and other heavy machinery and on the upper the spinning machinery have been put up. Here are provisions for 50,000 spindles. Each spindle when working makes 7.000 evolutions per minute. The spinning machinery is by Tweedales and Smalley of Castleton, Lancashire. The numerous auto. matic registering contrivances to record the the minutest details are marvels of ingenuity. The whole of the upper floor is splendidly lighted and the ventilation is perfect through out, considering the large number of operatives that are employed here. The roof is slightly pitched rising 1 in 30 from the sides to the centre which allows a sufficient fall for rain water, to catch which is a specially designed gutter running all round the building, and the principal features of which are rapid disposal of water and freedom from leakage.
Part of the lower portion of the building is screened off for a packing room where the packing is done by means of an hydraulic machine.
Within the compound is a huge tanke dug out of the mud and faced with stone and with a capacity of one million gallons. To the farthest and of this tank a fume, conveys all the waste water from the engines which is used over again, being drawn out, from the end nearest to the mill.
|
Tokyo representative of the Araki, the late President said he had long disappoved of the Imperial Message was made a mere formality. custom by which the Address in reply to the He desired to introduce an innovation and include in the reply the sentiment of the House, and when he was nomitated he put this view into practice.
On the 8th instant, Mr. Kong continued, be met Mesars. Ozaki (Mayor of Tokyo), Mr. Akiyama (proprietor and editor of the Niroku), and two other prominent men, and consulted with them on the formation of an alliance of the Opposition parties. A proposal was then made to include the opinion of the House in the Address in reply to the Imperial Message. Mr. Kono, however, deliberately opposed the proposal, as he had already himself secretly decided to frame a reply in the sense, and if the matter was discussed by others he feared the secret would be divulged. He alone was responsible for the departure from the old
usage.
improper in the fact that the sentiment ex- The fifi contends that there is nothing pressed in the Address should show a change with the times, Whatever form it takes, however, when once approved by the Fouse, it must be regarded as a vole of the House. The Government may dissolve the Diet [this article appeared before, the dissolution had actually taken place], but after such an admonition it should devote its whole attention to the present diplomatic question and discharge its duty to the best of its power.
Our contem-
taken by the Ilouse, and urges that it should The Nippon strongly approves the course
the Ministry, to be presented to the Emperor, be followed by an address of impeachment of in order that the Cabinet may be overturned for deceiving the whole nation. porary holds that the remarkable reply of the House to the Imperial Speech, which might otherwise have caused a'stormy debate, was well engineered. It was carried unanimously, and it was an expression of the opinion of the nation.
The Yomiuri also warmly applauds the Address, and points out that the proceedings of the House of Representatives on Thursday last were unprecedented in many respects- that the reply contained an impeachment of the Government, that the address of impeachment was carried unanimously, that the reply was drawn up by the President of the House who majority, and finally that the reply was carried was elected to that office by an unprecedented by the unanimous vote of the House. There has been no precedent forsuch proceedings in the past, and the incident may not have its equal in the fixture.
Naturally, the Kokumin, a Government organ, strongly condemns the whole affair, while it describes the course taken by the Opposition as highly disrespectful to the Throne, abomin shabby and secret intrigue by which the char able in the extreme, and a specimen of the acter of the House has been destroyed.
THE CONVOCATION OF THE DIET.
NUMBER OF DISSOLUTIONS SINCE DIET ESTABLISHED. '
THE MERCAntile fleET. OF JAPAN..
SOME INTERESTING FIGURES.
A number of statistics relative to the deve lopment of the Japanese merchant marine have appeared in the Tokio Kelzai. It was in 18yo or thereabouts, the journal recalls, that the Japanese began to turn their attention to the carrying trade, in the modem sense of the term, but its growth was zlow until the Chinese War of 1894-5. The following table gives the figures for the eleven years from 1892 to 1902 inclusive:
Year. 1891
1893...
1894...
1895...
Воб
1897 1898 1899
1900 1901 1902
Tona.
*** 214,000 .... 325,000
... 320,000 ... 386,000 T. 417,000 i. 486,000 **648,000 796,000 863,000
*** ...917,000 ***934,000
in the journal, it is seen that, while in 1892 From the comparative statistics published the Japanese mercantile fleet was the thit teenth in the world in point of tonnage, it had risen by 1901 to the eighth position, and it is interesting to note that it is rapidly coming up to the same relative status as that occu which is the seventh among the navies of the pied by the Japanese Navy, the position of world. In the same journal there is an in- teresting article by Captain Hirayama, I.J.N, Director of the Nautical College, in which the writer discusses the relative positions of foreig ners and Japanese in the Japanese merchent service. Captain Himayama expresses the opinion that it is of great importance to Japan that her mercantile marine should be under the command of her own officers. That this truth was early appreciated by Japan was shown by the strenuous efforts made by her to procurs a supply of well-educated officers" The growth of the merchant service, however, has been so rapid that, the supply of well- trained officers has not kept pace with the demand. According to statistics obtained by Captain Hirayama from the Nippon. Yusen Kaista, and carefully digested by him, the total numbers of officers company's European, Australian, American, Bombay and Shanghai liners was 293, of whom 184 were Japanese and 1eg foreigners. that the higher ranks of the service are almost On closer examination of the statistics it is found
the followwing table: monopolised by foreign officers, as is shown by
•
Officers, Commanders.............. Chief engineers...... First officers.. First engineers...nts Second officers...... Second engineers... Third officers
on that
Foreign. Japanese.
13
21
23
In reference to Cores, the Mainichi corres pondent points out that the Powers recognise Japan's financial supremacy in Corea and Great Britain distinctly recognises Japan's su premacy there politically, by virtue of the Treaty of Alliance. Japan has demanded a similar recognition on the part of Russia. The Rus sian Government have attempted to lease. Chinkaiwan or Masampo with a view to pre- venting a menace to their interests by Japan securing the command of the Corean Strait, Russia has also instituted a vigorous policy in north Corea. It was also reported recently that she concluded a secret convention respect ing the engagement of military officers. Russia has not shown a disposition to comply with the Japanese demands. If she now consents to recognise Japan's supremacy there, by entering into a new convention with Japan, Japan will not be molested in her movements in the peninsula future. This may be only a rea souable concession in Japanese eyes; but (if it | is made) it will be a great concession on the
part of Russia
In regard to the evacuation of Manchuria, the corespondent points out if the Russian troops are withdrawn and Manchuria is res. tored to the Peking-authorities in order to reaffirm the integrity of the Chinese Empire in the Noth one of the most difficult questions However reasonable, it cannot be denied that between Japan and Russia will be solved, it is a great concession to ask from Russia, having regard to her original programme to defer the evacuation and remain in possession. of the provinces. It is, however, believed that a certain number of railway guards will be stationed there.
MORE RUSSIAN WARSHIPS:
FOR THE FAR EAST,
The St. Petersburg Viedomosti states that it is intended to send to the Far East next year the Russian transport Kamchatka, of 7,200 tons, which has been built at the new Admir- alty yards, and is now lying in the Neva. She is designed to supply coal to warships afoat, And has accommodation for 3.000 tons; also for 32 officers, 1,000 men, and to horses. The Russian gunboat Khivinets, which is being build at the stone dock of the new Admiralty yards, is intended to protect Russian interests in the Persian Gulf.
The Kronstadiski Viestník states that the Russian cruiser Dmitri Donskoi arrived at Cadiz on November 9, and the t.bi's Buini and Brødri at Algiers on November 10, all outward bound; for the Far East, The Viedomosti states that the new Russian battle ship Orliabin, on her way from Kronstadt te the Far East has been compelled to go into dry dock at Spezia, owin to damage received in occasion of the damage was unobserved by the the Atlantic some time at night. The precise crew, and it was not until water was found to be increasing in the hold and investigations were made as to the cause of this that the
damage was discovered. The ship will not be able to proceed on her journey until the begin- ning of next year,
In regard to the establishment of Consular Courts in Port Arthur and Dalny, it is pointed out that the legal status of Port Arthur and.
A NEW STEAMSHIP SERVICE Dalny will not be settled for a long time. The American Government have recognised the
FOR THE ORIENT. legal standing of Russia in these places, but the Japanese Government hold that the places by the Japan Times) says that the local Chinese A consular report from Lima, Peru, (qualed have been leased from China by Russin and residents have promoted a that Consular Courts in these places ought to company called the Compania Maritima Oc new steamship be recognised. Russia is prepared to consent cidental a Vapor, with the object of opening a to the Japanese demand on this point, but in: doing so she is really making a concession,
new steamship service-between Peru and the East. At present marine communication is As to the res onion of Newchwang and the confined to the round-about route via North abolition of the Russian quarantine arrange America. It is true that there is one Italian the only trading place for Japan in North and Hongkong, but she makes only two voy ments there, it is painted out that the por is sailing vessel, plying between Calla,, Peru, China and the restoration of the place to Chinages a year, a single voyage tasting two or will be greatly beneficial to Japan. Russia- has held the place and controlled the quar- antine arrangements there in order to interfere with the trade of other nations. Russia's aim was to transfer the local trade to Dalay. The abandonment of Newchwang by Russia has been strongly urged by Japan and other powers, but Russia has been most reluctant to give in upon this matter. Russia has, however, con sented to grant the Japanese detuand for the restoration of Newchwang to China and .re- linquish control of
the quarantine and Customs.
The correspondent adds that there may be subsidiary clauses in the proposed agreement, but the foregoing are believed to constitute the basis of the draft convention-Kode Herald.
CHINESE AGRICULTURALISTS.
IN PERAK.
Foochow for the Government agricultural Of the Chinese recruited by Dr. Leuring at Colony at Sitiawan in Perak, several hundreds have arrived that Mr. J. P. Rodger, the late to the Resident General under date 31st Resident of Perak, writes thus on the subject
Third engineers ... The Austrian and European liners are all com- manded by foreign officers, whereas one steamship, on the American and one on the Shanghai line are under Japanese captains, who are graduates of the Nautical College. Of the foreign lines mentioned above, the only one exclusively officered and manned by same company's other foreign lines, namely, Japanese is the Bombay service. As for the those of North China and Vladivostock, as wellOctober- part oficered by Japan. So also are the as the coasting services they are for the most
ships owned by the Osaka Shosen Kaisha, and other companies. Kobe Herald.
THE MONEY MARKET PROS
PECT, JAPAN, .
Since the 9th August I have visited the Colony thrice, and, though we are not yet quite sole, the parcelting out of the land not yet having been completed, I am glad to state that a large terrain has already been cleared by the colonists and has been planted, with rubber, vegetables, especially potatoes, the season being too late for paddy. I have no doubt that, with the further consideration and benevolence of the Government towards the scheme, the will soon assume a new and more promising whole district in which the Colony is situated
aspect.
carrying emigrants, make occasional trips to even three months. Then, japanese steamers,
Pers. Moreover, the Peruvian Government Pern, but they only connect this country and and leading business-men are now bent on finding some, means of opening active trandal relations with Japan. All these considerations have encouraged the Chinese promoters of the present scheme,
capital of $25,000, and though the sun may This company will have
szem inadequate for such an enterprise, it will be sufficient for the company, which is 10 charter vessels for the time being and does not contemplate owning any." capital has already been subscribed to the The company's
amount of about $20,000, the shareholders being almost all Chinese-Ez.
The alcle in question is a report upon the administration of Hongkong, in which Colony he arrived supported by such recommendations su ensured his accommodation in a woont in the already mach congested Colonial offices and his access to official source of information. He remained in the Colony for four months, and the result is a paper so inaccurate, and giving the Colony, that I must ask permission to cor so distorted a picture of the Civil servants of rect some of his misapprehensions ledged that the officials are not corrupt, that Having, in the second paragraph acknow. justice is honestly administered, and that life and property are as secure as they are in Lon- don, Mr. Ireland adds that :-A number of men possessed of high qualifications fail to be use ful servants only because in Hongkong, as in some other places in the British Empire, it is considered the worst of bad form to be inte. rested in one's work,
As one who has administered the Govern- ments of various Colonies for 19 years I may claim to speak with some authority on this subject. A more groundless statement has never been made by one assumed to write with a sense of responsibility. In my experience at home and abroad I have never known a body of men on the whole more faithfully devoted to officers engaged in the administrative work of their duties than are the European public
Mr. Ireland's visit, but learned on my return the Colony. I was in England at the time of that, unfortunately between Mr. Ireland and some of the public officers with whom he came in contact there was a mutual lack of apprecia- tion which may account for his conclusions.
But after all this is bat a matter of opinion, Now for Mr. Ireland's facts, arrived at after four months investigation. He cites two instances in which the interests of the Colony have been sacrificed to official dilatoriness :-
occurred in Hongkong, and from that time In 1894 a serious outbreak of bubonic plague onward the Colony has scarcely been free from it. Notwithstanding the serious nature of such a visitation, it was not until Igor that the Government took the matter thoroughly in hand by calling for a report on the subject from Professy W. J. Simpson, and a Public Health and Buildings Ordinance was drafted as the outcome of Professor Simpson's report and of the advice of Mr. Osbert Chadwick, C.M.G., and of Dr. Francis Clark, medical officer of health, some eight years after the first outbreak of plague"
break in 1894 the Government resum: acres
Immediately after the cessation of the out
$818,000, removing the houses and laying out. of insanitary private property at a cost of the are at a further expenditure of $108,000, In that year an ordinance was passed draling. ordinance, the Insanitary Properties Ordinance, with insanitary dwellings, and in 1899 a further was passed. The Public Health and Buildings Ordinance alluded to by Mr. Ireland was in the main. a consolidating ordinance. Apart from the sume mentioned above, $1,349,000 were spent in sanitation beween the advent of the epidemic in 1894 and 1902, the year in which Professor Simpson visited the Colony at my request, the large expenditure and the exertions of an ever-increasing sanitary staff being
·GOLD PROSPECTING IN CEYLON. | ineffectual to stay the annually recurring ravages
RESULT OF AN EXPERTS INVESTIGATIONS.
Rumours of hidden wealth, in the shape of gold, have been current in Ceylon from the sought for by. Europeans and Australians for earliest times, and the precious metal has been
the late energetic Governor of the island, half a century or more. Sir West Ridgeway, engaged the services of a gold expert from Home with a view to obtaining some definite knowledge as to whether gold existed, and, if so, is what quantities. Mr. George Dixon, the expert appointed, arrived at Colombo at the end of May, 1902, and his report has just been.
issued. Mr. Dixon set to work with a will, and travelled over 3.000 miles, 1,078 of which he covered on foot. His general survey of the country, an area of about 24,000 square miles. is a fairly complete one, and has proved that, there are in Ceylon practically no gravel terraces, and that the shallow gold deposits which are, worked by the digger in other countries are not extensive or likely to be remunerative enough to attract investors. Wherever gravel was found it was tested, and in the hundreds of tests made the above-men- tioned results were always obtained, though Mr. Dixon believes that by the dredging system, if suitable places, were found and the gold saving appliances were modified to suit the conditions necessary for saying both gems and gold, the undertaking, if properly managed. would pay.
Thanks to the exertions of the Protector of Chinese (Mr. Cowan) and the District Officer, Lower Perak (Mr. Brewster), every arrange. ment had been made for the reception and com fortable installation of these immigrants, in buildings already prepared on the land assign ed to them at Sitiawan. Nothwithstanding their unfortunate detention in Singapore [St. John's Island] I am glad to say that the 353 A Tokyo banker writing to the Pomsfurd inmigrants landed at Sitiawan are all doing reference to the future of the economical situa. well, and there is a fair prospects of tion, expresses the opinion that economic their agriculural settlement proving success- circles of the country, through long political ful. I consider that Dr. Luering is deserving disturbances, have failed to note the sluggish of high commendation for the manner in which ness of the money market. But as the poll. he has carried out the duties entrusted to him, tical situation gets easier, business men are
on behalf of the Perak Government, and I have According to the Constitution of Japan, when awakening to the fact, that a large amount
caused him to be so informed. the Diet has been dissolved a new Diet must of money is lying idle in the banks, and it
Under date 26th October Dr. Luering thus be convoked within five months from the day is generally anticipated that the circulation will reports on the Colony- of dissolution, and an Imperial proclamation become more sluggish than ever. The for the convocation of the Diet, fixing the date Government, says the banker, declares that of its assembly, must be issued at least forty preparations are so made that the country is days beforehand. Last year the Diet was dis- prepared either for war or peace. If the solved on the 28th December and the general prepantions be really made by the Govern elections took place on the 1st March followment for promoting works in Manchuria and ing. the new Diet being convoked in May. It Korea upon the peaceful settlement of the is therefore expected that, as before, the next Manchuria question, as they certainly are for
-TRACES OF ANCIENT GOLD WORKINGS, general elections will take place in March, and war, the money ready to be used for war will the now Diet will be conveked in May. [Since be required for enterprise in China and Korea
One interesting point in Mc. Dixon's re- this was written a Rescript has been issued Though the greater part of the money
in former times, cunning miners that they were at, says the Madras Mail, is that there are fixing the elections for the 1st March.
required wil probably be raised by the issue of
no pid gold workings in Ceylon. The natives bonds abroad, the money market in Japan may
though they knew of the existence of gold, did be in some degree affected. The present slug gishness is due to the diplomatic difficulty, and
not work the gravels for it, which, we believe. If everything is settled in peace, the economic
bears out the theory of gold prospectors in circles of this country, which have long been
this country, that where old gold working oppressed by the situation, will recover, and The retirement of Sir Frank Swattenham is
exist gold will be found, but not elsewhere, the demand for money will be followed by from the Governorship of the Straits Settle
Mr. Dixon also corroborates what the Austr such a stringency of circulation that the largements, and not necessarily from the Colonial
lians and other Europeans who have worked margin of Y40,000,000, left within the legal Service. It seems likely that Sir Frankie
the gravels in more recent times found, sit, limit of the amount of Bank of Japan notes to medical advisers have decided against a further found in one place a few fair-sized flakes of that they could not make the work pay. He be issued free of tax, may never again be period of service out here. He was not in the gold, but the average value of the gravel was recorded.
best of health when he went home. The terms only 4d, per cubic yard. In no case was & of the announcement, retiring from the single rich find of gold made, and that, in a Governorship do not preclude the possibility digger's country, he says, is the first thing of our late Governor assuming other duties in necessary to start mining on an extended scale. connection with the Colonial Office. If bis It must not be forgotten, however, that these health holds out, it is exceedingly, probable remarks refer to surface work only, and that no that his valuable services will be availed of in inquiry has been made as to what minerals some capacity, although whether or not in the occur at depth. The presence of alluvial gold, capacity hinted at Harald remains to be seen. The question Ridgeway says in his Review of his Aminist
the writer in the Glasgow even in minute quantities, implies, as Sir West that naturally arises in, who is likely to succeed tion, that there must be to the Governorship of this Colony, Gossip rocks from out of which this gold has been or must have been, seems to have selected Sir C. A. Moloney; washed, M Dixon does not think that the Governor of Trinidad and Tobago, who has gold which has been found in the gravel bad had a varied career of colonial service in West origin in the gneiss, but in either a capping Africa, British Honduras and the Windward rock which has long since been worn away, or Islands Sir H. E. McCallum, Governor possibly in a fold of homblende schist such as of Natal, is also credited with having ex- occur in the Kolar Gold Field If the theory pressed a desire to return to the Straits, and is correct the gold produced from that capping there is no reason why he should not come rock will be found not in the hills but deeply back here, if such be his wish. There are also hurled Mr Dixon therefore suggests, that five or six other Colonial Governors who might these deep deposits should at some future time accept the Governorship of the Straits, cassy heeramatically tested by drilling with care ing Rei doss the High Commissionership fully selected apparastin
The Japanese Diet has been dissolved no less than seven times since the Diet was established in 1890 that is, there have been seven dissolations in thirteen years.
The Brat Diet, elected about August 1895, was dissolved in December 1897 by the Matsugata Cabinet because of the alliance between the Liberals and Progressists, which insisted on a large reduction in the estimates. Two years later came the second dissolution, effected in December 1893 by the Ito Cabinet a result of the Representation for the strict enforcement of the Treaties made by the six factions in the House, the Liberals excepted. In May 1894 the Ito Cabinet dissolved the Diet da a vote of want of confidence in the Ministry, made by the alliance of the foregoing six factions, the Liberals again excepted. The fourth dissolution was by the Matsugata Government in December 1897, again on a vote of want of confidence, due to an alliance on this occasion between the Liberals and Progressists. The fifth dissolution occurred in June 1898, by the Ito Cabinet, and was brought about by the opposition of the House to the increase of the Land-tax. Last year's dissolu The beating throughout is by steam. There tion, as is well known, was the result of the aro elaborate arrangements for coping with protest of the Constitutionalists and Progressiste Any outbreak of fire. In the first place there is against the continuation of the higher rate of A thorough installation of Grinnell sprinklers the Laid tax." The Katsura, Cabinet, as now, which have extinguished many an incipient was in power. It will be seen that the seventh Bre. Then the upper floors are semi-fire dissolution, just effected as a result of the proof being inch oregon with a layer of remarkable Address in reply to the Imperial one inch of mortar covered by 14 inch flooring || Message, is due to a somewhat different causa "boardı. Besides this are, automatie closing from lù predecessariam Kobe Ghronicia,
To light the whole mill by electricity there are two engines and two dynamos, each of the former being of Té ʼn p. and constructed by Marshall and Sons of Gainsborough. The dynamos which were made at the Crompton Works, Essex, have an amperage of 370 for each dynamo at 100 volts. Each of the dynamos furnishes light for sco lamps of 16 candle power. The electric light engine room and fitting shop adjoin and are so feet long by 18 feet wide. Overhead are the quarters for the European staff
THE PERAK SUGAR CULTIVA
TION COMPANY, LD.
The eighteenth annual general meeting of the above company was held at the company's offices Shanghai, on 16th inst. The reports and accounts as submitted were passed. A dividend of 5 per cent for the season ending 30th September, 1503, was declared, on the pre- posal of Mr. W. D. Litle and recorded by Sir Charles Dudgeon, Mr. W. D. Little was re-eleced a director of the company on the proposal of Mr. FAnderson, seconded by Mr. J. M. Young Mr. T. Brent proposed and Mr. A. J. Jones seconded that Mr. G, R. Wingrove be reappointed the company's auditor at a remuneration of Tis. 350 per annum. It was also resolved that he next annual general meetting of the company be held in the month of December: The full report is held over
Margu
SIR FRANK swettenHAM'S
SUCCESSOR.
of the epidemic. A further sum of $712,000 has been expended since 1901, and the expenditure of the Sanitary Department, which in 1893 stood at $50,oco, stands in this year's estimates at $580,000.
Again:-
"The other instance to which I refer is the water supply of the Colony. About 20 years ngo Mr. Osbert Chadwick was called upon to make a report upon the water supply of Hong kong, le supplied the Government with a number of suggestions which were only carried out in part After an interval of 20 years Mr, Chadwick had to be again called in to repar once more upon the water supply of the Colony."
In 1881 Mr. Chadwick reported. In 1883 the great reservoir at Tytam was begun and completed in 1859 at a cost of 5,1257,000. Another reservoir at Wongneichong was also added, and a general distribution carried out not only on the lower levels but throughout the Peak district to an elevation of 1,8coft, while in Kowloon waterworks were also established. Between 1883 and 1900 the sum of $2,131,000 was expended in waterworks alone, and in igox a scheme was entered upon for increasing the water supply of Kowloon estimated to cust $835,000, of which $200,000 has already been expended. I have Mr. Chadwick's report of April 10, 1932, before me He recapitulates his recommandations made. 'in 1881, which." were adopted by Mr. Cooper, the then Director of Public Works, and in paragraph 55 he writes with reference to these recommendations
The conclusions which I have arrived at may be summarized as follows() The works recommended by Mr. Cooper as urgently re-
made by Mr. Chadwick in his report of 1903 quired have been carried out with good results. In pursuance of further recommendations the construction of
very large additional reservair has been determined upon and preliminary work has been begun. This large. work will take some years to complete, during which period. I fear that the population will continue to suffer great inconvenience in dry summers,
Mr. Ireland speaks of the inadequate size of were built and the Supreme Court building the Government offices. The Colonial offices was acquired in 1848, when the population was 11,000 The Post Office was built-in 1865,-- lation is now 412,000. New Law Courts and when the population was 125,000. The popu Post Office are being erected at an ultimate cost of over $1,300,000.
leading statements in the Times means the The publication of Mr. Ireland's most mis- publication in every Colony in the Empire, in public officers with whose work he has failed some of which the future lot may be east of
to them that I write. In such an investigation to make himself acquainted. It is in justice as Mr. Ireland has undertaken literary capacity without accuracy is an ignis faluus. If the report to be submitted to the University of, Chicago be no more accurate as regards, other Culonies of the British Empire than that with which he has favoured you on Hongkong, it will be but a sorry vade mecum fpr the study of British Colonial administration.
I am, Bir, your obedient servant, Government House, Hongkong, October 12
HENRY A BLAKE
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