I
JUDGMENT FOR $28,800
defendant.
AGAINST A SUWBUILDER,
to
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, SATURDAY, DECEMBER
|
no
Mr. D. E. Brown seconded, and the mation
was unanimously carried.
On the proposal of Mr. Mooney, seconded by Mr. Allen, Mr. Brown, the retiring director, was re-elected.
auditor of the company was agreed to, on the proposal of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. Brown.
The re-election of Mr. A. O'D. Courdin as
The Chairman then intimated that that was all the business before the meeting and that dividend warrants would be sent uut to share- holders the next day.
CHINESE LABOUR IN SOUTH
AFRICA.
HONGKONG PRESS.
21st inst.
26, 1903.
MACAO'S HOSPITALITY TO THE opened in 1885 and, since its inauguration, over 10,300 abandoned infants have been taken in. It includes an asylum for the aged and blind and retreat for reformed Magdelenes. It would take too much of our space to dwell upon the good work done here, suffice to say! that the kind, motherly attention bestowed by the good sisters on the hundreds of abandoned, suffering little humans is altogether beyond praise. A visit must be paid to the institution in fully realise the splendid self-abnegation of the devoted wonjëh who toil and strive to alle- viate the misery and pain of the children of the Chinese poor.
THE BANQUET,
will be an abiding one, began at the hospitable
The day's experience, the souvenir of which
PERSERVERANCE COLLEGE.
This was opened on the 22nd of November last, and is another of the several benevolent Dastitutions founded by His Lordship the Bishop, who has, though yet barely six months in the Colony, doge inestimable good to the poorer classes of the big flock under his care. This establishment offers employment for girls over eighteen who leave the Bene- volent Home and are desirous of eaming an honest livelihood. It is in the charge of the Franciscan Sisters of the Order of Mary. At the end of the third quarter of the present year the institution was housing and feeding 364 persons in all, 70 of whom were children. The expenditure for the quarter was $4,49391, and the receipts $3,255.75, leaving deficit of $1,338 16. It is to clear this deficit that a fête and bazaar are to be given in the Public Gardens at Macao, on the 26th and 27th inst A good entertainment will be provided, and charitably disposed persons from Hongkong an be assured of passing an enjoyable holiday the city of Camoes. It was late in the evening when the inspection terminated and the excellent Prelate ide good-bye to the guests he had so courteously and untiringly piloted; and | it was not without emation that each in turn expressed his thanks and humble appreciation of is Lordship's untiring zeal in the beautiful work of mercy he has so nobly undę taken.
Monsignor Paulino d'Azevedo, e Castro is comparatively young and his features bear temination; therefore the poor and suffering the unmistakable stamp of energy and de- members of his flock can look forwar, with real happiness, to many years of spiritual security and well-being under the benevolent care of this kindly and generous prelate.
mansion of Mr. A. J. Basto, Senior, where a luncheon-an epicurean banquet worthy of the appreciation of a Brillet-Savarix-was offer- ed to the members of the Administrative Council of the Colony and the representative brethren of the pen. Were-present His Lordship Paulino d'Agevedo e Castro, Bis- hop of Macão, who is at present' Ad- ministering the Government, Dr. Albano de Magalhaes, Chief Justice of the Colony, Dr. Luiz Forte, the Attorney Generalind Colonial Secretary pro tem. Mr. W. Noyes-Marehouse, Commissioner of Customs at Lappa, the Rev. Father Nunes, private secretary to the Bishop, Messrs. A. J. Basto, Senior, A. J. Hasto, Junior, and others. At the numerous adiar as she end of the repast, home is glass being the jovial host, Mr. A. J. Basta wito, addressing his guests in the purest of French, drank to their health and well-being. His Lordship the Bishop, in a few, well-chosen words, expressed his grateful appreciation of the aid received by local charities from the Hongkong Press and, after some flattering
(From the "Japan Times") remarks anent the power and impartiality of British newspapers, the world over, drank The opening ceremony of the Nineteenth the health and success of the fraternity. Session of the Imperial Diet was conducted on Mr. P. W. Sergeant, of the Hongkong Daily the 10th insi: by H. M. the Emperor in person. Press, eloquently voiced the thinks of his Accompanied by T. H. Prince Fushimi and
Kuni and the usual suite, His Majesty pro confières aud, on their behalf, reciprocated the good wishes expressed by the different speakers, ceeded to the Parliamentary Buildings at 10.30 an exhibition of toys and other articles to be The assembled guests then rose and visited.m. and was welcomed by the Presidents and Vice-Presidents of the House and escorted to disposed of as the coming Bazaar, at which the hall of the House of Peers by the Ministers were present several of the charming lady
of State and others. Ascending the dais, the stall-holders who are to assist at the fête.
Emperor then read the Address from the Throne.
On an adjoining tennis-court, a photograph was then taken of a group, composed of His Lordship the Bishop surrounded by the mem after which all present proceeded, under the bers of the Council, the pressmen and guests; direction of the kindly Prelate, to visit several of the convents, schools and charitable institu- tions of the City.
THROUGH OLD MACAO.
THE JAPANESE DIET,
OPENING CEREMONY.
IMPERIAL SPEECH. "Present at the opening ceremony of the Imperial Diet, we hereby make the following announcement to each and every Member o the House of Peers and the House of Repre- sentatives:--
It gives us profound joy to find the relations of our Empire with treaty Powers more intimate and friendly than ever. As to the important international negotiation now pending for the maintenance of peace in the Far East and the preservation of the Empire's rights and inter- ests, our Ministers of State are under our instructions to conduct those negotiations with care and circumspection.
There was profound silence for a moment, and Viscount Tani requested the President to read the Reply once more, The President complied, and the Reply was then passed unanimously.
The House forthwith proceeded to elect a Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House, Viscount Tani gaining 187 votes, out of 200 The election of the Standing Com mittees having taken place, Marquis Kuroda moved that a letter of thanks be presented to I'rince Konoye, former President of the House, for his meritorious services while incumbent of that post for the past seven years. The motion was adopted, and Marquis Kuroda's draft of the letter was approved of by the House,
Before the extraordinary Reply to the Throne was presented to the Emperor, the House of Representatives was 'dissolved on the 17th instant by virtue of an Imperial Rescript.
IMPERIAL RESCRIPT.
"We hereby order, by virtue of Article VI. of the Imperial Constitution, the House of Re- presentatives to dissolve."
[Imperial Sign Manual and Privy Seal.]
Countersigned by the
Ministers of State. The House of Peers also received the follow- ing imperial Rescript :-
We hereby order, by virtue of Article VII. and Article XLIV., paragraph i, that the House of Peers be prorogued."
(Imperial Sign Manual and Privy Seal.]
Countersigned by the
Ministers of State.
PLAIN SPEAKING.
The following is taken from the Jamsi- Jamshed, 25th November:-Sir Henry Blake, the retiring Governor of Hongkong, bas felt himself called upon to fend his conduct against the accusations of the newspapers. Reuter says that, replying to a farewell address, presented to him before leaving Hongkong for Ceylan, Sir Henry referred in the press and strenuously denied that he had favoured the criticising levelled against his administration,
Chinese at the expense of the Europeans. That such an accusation was ever made is, in itself, a proof that among the European seulers in the Celestial Empire, or at any rate a rection of them, the sentiments of racial superiority is allowed to run rampant, and such special homage to the white skin is demanded as a thoughtful and discerning Proconsul does not feel himself justified to accord. From the summa- ry of the passage of his speech, wired by Reuter, it would appear that the new Governor of Ceylan. had both a manly and sta.esmanlike defence to make of his conduct in this respect. He very justly held that "his duty as his Majesty's representative was not to destroy social dis- tinctions nor decrease the respect due to the educated, upright and successful of very race, but to show that under the British flag justice was pure and unpurchasable, while all,. from highest to poorest coolie, were free to think, speak and act as they like so long as they obey the laws." Brava words these, doing honour to the who spoke them and the country he repre sented. Sir Henry Blake's speech will, we are sure, receive the approval of all thoughtful Englishmen; for they cannot but recognize that in it lies not only the key to the hearts and affections of millions of alien races, who own the sovereignty of Britain, but surest pro- mise of its permanence. It is the policy such as that which Sir Henry declared himself to be subscribing to that has made England great and beloved among Eastern peoples, and not bluster and political injustice; and, for our part, we cannot see, a more hopeful sign for the future of Great Brit in than that, in an age of racial bigotry, national prejudices and po litical narrow-mindedness, there are administ mars like Sir Iferry Blake to interpret so correctly their country's message to its distant Fortunate Ceylon in having a possessions, Governor who understands his business and responsibilities so well,
man
they arranged have the agreement made in the plant being constantly wet, the washing Tau's name, and not in Piry's. The original machines in particular soon deteriorating. tenders with the specifications were addressed From the formation of our predecessor we and headed *To Un Chan Yuk - hang. Ac have had innumerable difficulties to contend an appeal to BRITISH CHARITY. Judgment in the cats in which Tag Cheung cordingly, on October 9 a form. 1 agreement with, one of the principal being accom- Shi, a widow, residing at 162 Queen's Road was drawn out putting Tool in Chin's shoes,modation, the present building being badly
The majority of residents in Hongkong have, West, suing as executrix of Tso Heung. Po, as it were, reciting the previous payments of designed and much too small, with
on some occasion, been able to spare a few deceased, proceeded against To Sting, a $49,000 and stipulating quite simply and ground for drying in the open. The water hours, from the rushing, high-pressure existence
der, of za Peel Street, to recover the sum of clearly, that Ta Shing, (the defendant) woul
spply was also a cause of great inconven- of life's struggle in our big seaport, to visit $28,000 money received, and $12,000 damages, over to Tsoi, and that Tsoi would pay the the last two winters to obtain sufficient for complete the two ships and hand them
ience and anxiety, it being impossible during the old-time city of Macao. Such of them as ..was given by the Chief Justice (Sir W. M.
are interested in the history of early European Goodman) at the Supreme Court on 19th inst.
balance of $9,000 to the defendant in due our requirements during the one or two hours enterprise in China must certainly have re- The Hon. H. E. Polinck, K.C., instructed by the defendant and the interpreter deposed that mains, but, fortunately, after purchasing for still under impression of the subtle charm and
course. This agreement was interpreted to it was supposed to be turned on in the towa
turned to our coisy, croded, busy streets while Mr. F. B. L. Bowley, of Messrs. Dennys and Bowley, appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. M. they all appeared to understand it, and the some little time from water boats, we struck a romantic glamour which penetrates the mind W. Slade, instructed by Mr. C. E. H. Beavis, of defendat acknowledged in writing, at the end good flow of water in the wells sunk in our of visitors to this ancient cutpast of Por Messrs. Wilkinson and Grist, represented the the receipt of $15,Coo on account of the $20,000 in be, though in a lessened degree, the unreas the latent charm of Macao is appreciable to the of the agreement, witnessed by Mr. Dennys, compound. Another trouble was and continues tugal's formerly magnificent colonial empire. If His Lordship anid:-This is an action find, as a fact, that the defendant understood sonable clainis put forward by some of our
casual tripper, whose impressions are gathered brought by the executrix of the late Tsoi the agreement and its contents perfectly well patrons for loss or damage, which if entertain
from a superficial acquaintance with this pic- ed would probably have caused the closing of Heung Po against a shipbuilder named To when he and Tsoi and Chan signed it. Mr.
ruresque colony, how much more vivid and de- the works. Some people seem to have an Shing, claiming damages for the non-delivery of Simon Piry knew of the agreement very soon
lightful are the emotions experienced by those a amail steam vestel, one of two which he had afterwards and, although holding a Power of idea that because we are a Company nothing who have been able to peep into the inner life Attorney from his brother, Henry, he says he should go wrong, forgetful or indifferent to the of this old world corner of a continent when ontracted to deliver to Isoi. The damages did not like it, yet he inade no formal objection fact that we have to depend on the native chaperoned by those in authority, who alone claimed amount to $40,800, namely $15,000,
can show what is going on the other side of the being the amount paid by Tsoi to To Shing be 10 it. On May 14, 1902, the defendant signed workman who has to be educated to our system, tween certain dates on account of the vessel, a receipt for £12,000 more from Tsei making, and his work closely supervised to ensure wall. Such was the enviable lot of the mem- $12,000 representing the difference between with the previous $15,000, altogether $27,000 re- his natural tendency to fold up without remark
bers of the Hongkong Press who responded to $28,000 paid and $40,000 for which, it is alleged, ceived on account of the final $29,oco from Taoi, a damaged or soiled article which is in many the invitation of Mr. A. J. Basto, Junior, the cases returned in a condition that brings dis- Honorary Secretary of the Chanty Feic, now the vessel, if delivered according to contract, the receipt was witnessed by Mr. Dennys and
a memorandum in his writing was added and credit on the Laundry, it being quite impossi-organising in the Portuguese colory. could have been sold by Tsoi, and $800, signed by Tsoi and the defendant as follows:-ble for the sorters to open up and inspect every representing certain materials or fittings,
"It is hereby agreed between the parties hereto article out of a daily washing of four or five not included in the specification, paid for by that the second steamer referred to inthe above thousand pieces. It has only been through Tsoi and used in the steam vessel, the value of which it is alleged that Tsai lost because the mentioned agreement shall be completed and constant worry and persistent effort that the vessel was not delivered to him but to some ready for her trial trip within three months from above mentioned troubles have been partly overcome and we are able to show the present one else. It seems that one, Henry Piry, this date, and that $2,000, the balance of the trading as H. Piry and Company, had acquired above mentioned sum of $29,coo, shall be paid results. We can congratulate ourselves that ours is, ps far as we are aware, the only, certain concessions trom the French authorities by Tsui to To Shing upon the said second ...at Kwong Chow Wan with regard to opium and steamer satisfactorily completing her trial trip Steam Laundry in the East that has survived other commodities, and wished to raise the and that all the goods purchased by the said native opposition, which always carries with necessary capital to utilize and develope those o Shing to be used on board the steamer it the pecuniary sympathy of the native domes concessions, and to procure suitable steam already delivered to the said Tsoi under the tic, and the fact that we have been able to vessels for purposes connected there with above agreement, and the extra work done carry on makes it evident, that the cleanliness Accordingly, he associated with himself to the said completed steamer under the said of our methods and the punctuality of our three Chinese who could provide some, at agreement have been paid for by the said delivery is appreciated, and that our patrons Tsoi prior this date-May 14, 1902." no longer being doubtful as to where their least, of the money required, namely Chan The agreement was made at the office of a Tuk Shang, Tse Lee Ching and Tsai Heung thoroughly respectable solicitor, and I do not
clothes have been laundried, or have been lying Po, whom i will allude to as Tsoi. Their rela believe that the defendant was in any way
for a week or more, are more inclined to look over our shortcomings. The accounts have tions were not at first regulated by any partner misled. This agreement or memorandum been kept back until now, the money being ship agreement, and when Simon Daniel Piry, the brother of Henry Piry, came to Hong extended the original time for completing the required to meet monthly expenses, and it kong, from Shanghai, about June, 1951, to look second steamer ready for her trial trip to being safer to see how the curent year The first steamer was duly opened before paying the dividend which after matters, presumably in the interests of August 14, 1902. Henry, who was, most of the time away, manag- delivered. All the defendant had to do was to we now recommend. We are glad to say ing matters at Kwong Chow Wan, he suggested comply with he terms of this contract. Isoi that our earnings up to the present com- the necessity of having something in writing to
died on August 29, 1902, and on November 22, pare favourably with the same period last show the relations of the parties to each ather 190 probate of his will was granted to the year, and with an increase in our already in business. Accordingly, three documents plaintiff. She, through her solicitors, wrote in large ship work, this year should shew better due course requiring the defendant to carry were signed by H. Piry and Company-mean-
results. Before moving the adoption of the ing, I presume, H. Piry-and by Chan, Tse out his contract and, on January 19, 1903, report and accounts I shall be pleased to answer any questions. There being no ques- and Tsoi (whose executrix is bringing this Kave notice that unless the steamer was action). They are dated, 16th July, 1931. I ready for delivery, atter satisfactory trials tions, I beg to propose that the repent and ac
co nts as presented be passed. quote from the translations. The first begins within one calendar month from that date, the by reciting as follows: "Now we have invited plaintiff would treat the contract as broken by our companions to establish the Kwang Chow the defendant and would sue for damages. In- Wan Shipping Company, Limited, and the stead of carrying out his contract, the defend- Kwong Chow Wan, Raw and Prepared Opium ant, who had other claims for other matters Company, Limited." Then certain regulations against Pity and Co., after trying to get these are set aut. The first was as follows," Partners finally handed over the steamer to Simon Piry, claims settled by Tsoi's executrix and others, of this Company have not hitherto made any agreement with Piry and Company. Now this about the end of January 1903, who sold it to agreement is made as real proof. The name Edwards and others for $28,000. Edwards was of Piry and Company, or Piry, shall be used in interested in a company of which Simon Piry doing all business and building steamships." was manager. Sinton Piry deposed that out The second reads as follows: "All the above of the $18,000 he paid to the defendant $10,000, mentioned business carried on by this Com- money he alleges to have been due to the pany at Canton, Hongkong and Chek Hom defendant from Piry and Co, and that he remitted $12,000 for a payment in connection shall be handed to Piry and Co. to manage with the Opium Farm, and that he sent most of and carry on, on their behalf. The managers the balance of $6,000 in his brother, Henry of Piry and Company are Chan Yuk Shang and Piry." Various other regulations followed. Pity, who had been engaged in litigation with To read this one would suppose it was con this he, in no way, consulted with rse or Chan Tsoi and others at Kwang Chow Wan. In doing templated to join two limited companies under
or Tsoi. He was rather furnishing his brother the Companies Ordinances, rather than a partnership, but Mr. Simon Piry deposed that with money to fight them. He may have this was not so. The other two agreements been acting in his brother's interest, but are, respectively, the Regulations of the Kwong he was clearly not acting for either Tse,
Chan or Tsci.
Inderd, whatever partner Chow Wan Shipping Company, Limited, (as it is called), and of the Kwong Chow ship or association had existed between Wan Opium Company, Limited. The first those persons and Henry Piry, had been a liquidation ordered by a dissolved and four clauses of the Shipping Company's agreement are as follows". This Com-French Court in August 1902, and the property pany has decided to make an agreement, with Kwan Chow Wan and Canton had been regulations, with Piry & Co. 2. This Company sized and an advertisement inserted in the shall carry on the shipping and saltpetre and Daily Press by the French Consul at Canton, sulphur business in Canton, Hongkong and dated September 25 1902, announcing that Kwong Chow Wan. 3. It is proposed that a liquidation had been ordered. It is clear, capital of $50,000 shall be subscribed for this therefore, that the defendant broke his contract Company" (Shares are then set out), 4. All and that Tsoi or his estate lost thereby the the capitals subscribed have been paid up in $270. he paid under the agreement of full." As regards the Opium Company, the October 9, 1901, and the $800 he had ex- first article stated that, This Company has pended on certain iron work used in the vessel. decided to make an agreement with Piry & Co., As regards the item of profit he would have with regulations to do the Kwong Chow Wan made by selling the vessel at a higher price, it was stated by Tai Chip Sun that he got an Raw and Prepared Opium (business) and ex- porting prepared opium. The second article offer on behalf of Tsoj about the end of June provided for a capital of $120,000, of which early in July, 1901, from a man named Lum, Piry was to hold $10,000 and the three Chinese a Fokienese, to buy this second ship when $110,000 shares between them; and the third completed for $40,000, if it was finished within article stated that all the capitals subscribed two months from that time. But in view of the had been paid up in full. Now, these docu- later letters requiring the ship to be finished ments are by no means a satisfactory subs ready for delivery within one month from titute for a proper partnership agreement January 19th, 1903, and, looking at the whole circumstances of the case, I do not feel I ought constituting Henry Piry, Chan, Tse, and Tson, to give damages under this head. The plaintiff partners in an ordinary firm, although the re lationship between them has been assumed
was entitled to delivery of a ship costing and by the defendant all through the case to be worth at least $30,000, on payment of $1,000, that they were, all four, simply members of the after satisfactory trial trip. The defendant to firm of Piry and Co. But, assuming, as I will, suit his own purposes and to enforce payment 'that some sort of partnership existed, it is clear of other claims broke his contract and handed type. We are told that special legislation is be educated, are then presented to us. They, Your Majesty's loyal subjects that Your Majesty gentlemen always alluded to silver as "Est
from the evidence that when those three agree that ship over to Simon Piry or Edwards, meats were signed not only had all the $50,000 whereupon it was promptly taken out of the capital of the shipping business been con- jurisdiction of this Court. The plaintiff also suméd, but that the shipping_company lost the $800 he paid for iron work to be used business had already had to borrow some on the ship and which was used for that pur $70,000 from the $120,000 capital, or suppose. In the result give judgment for the
| plaintiff for $28,800 with costs, posed capital, of the Upium Company,
The Court then adjourned sine dit. seems' clear, therefore, that the Shipping Com- pany was not in a position to pay for extra steamers, unless fresh capital was introduced. This was in or about July, 1901. Now, at that time, the defendant was building two steam vessels which were originally intended to be used in connection with the carriage of opium and freight, and in the careless, unbusiness like way in which matters seem to have been conducted, no proper written con. tract for such building had been made. It did not appear at what dates payments on account of such building were to be made to the builder. It, however, appears that the two ships were ordered verbally on roth Sebruary, 1901 and 7th April, 1901, respectively, and that the first was to cost $48,000, and the other $30,000, and that there were written Chinese tenders and specifications, and that the de fendant in those tenders agreed to complete the first steamer within nine months from roth February 1991, and the second, within eight months from 7th April 1931. Thus both were to be completed in 1901. The shipbuilder had, by about August, gor, received some $49,000, pa account, principally from Chan, but could not complete without further payments, and H. Pixy and Co. had no funds available. Henry one of five Piry was away down South. He left by the and those of who were members of beginning of August, 1901, and was away over two years. Tse and Chan would not find fur ther capital for these two ships and, eventually, **Tsoi agreed to do so, but to protect himself wanted them handled over to him by the builder when finished. This being the state of things, the defendant, in my opinion, not caring who got the ships so long as he was paid for them, went to Mr. Dennys' office on October 7, 1901, and, according to the evidence of Mr. Dennys interpreter, Yam Kwan Un, asked Mr. Dennys to have the written contract with regard to the building of the two steamers made out in Tsoi's nams. Next day, the defendant went again to Mr. Donnys' office with Twoi and Chan and
1
STEAM LAUNDRY CO, LTD. The first annual meeting of the shareholders in the Steam Laundry Company, Limited, was held on Monday afternoon at the Works, the registered office of the Company, Causeway Bay, next door to Kennedy's Stables.
Mr. W. Hutton Potts, the company's chair- man, presided, and there were also present Messrs. D. E. Brown (Director), C. Mooney (Secretary), F. G. Allen (Manager), Mak Fuk and, Li Yuk.
The Secretary having read the notice con: vening the meeting,
The Chairman said:-With your concurrence, I propose to dispense with the reading of the report of the Board and the statement of accounts, which have been in your possession for several days. As you are aware, this com pany is the successor to the Hongkong. Steam Laundry Company, Limited, registered in August, 1900, whose assets and liabilities we took over on the 1st June, 1902, the share- old company receiving for the ten delar share dollars in this company,
holders in the in exchange
the old company have had, like many other shareholders in local industries, to pay for our experience by the loss of half of our capital; and under these circumstances we are the more pleased that we are now in a position to recom- mend a dividend of 8%, or 4% on our original investiment. With regard to repairsand renewals (53,53447) this may seem large for one year's work, but you must remember that work has been carried on continuously since September, 1900, and it was only during the period covered by the Account now before you that the machi; nery began to wear out, and repairs and renewals became necessary, though we believe they will always be a large item, so much of
|
At a well-attended special meeting of the Rhodesia Chamber of Mines it was resolved unanimously to request the Administrator to give effect immediately to the Immigration Ordinance, and to name China as one of the countries from which unskilled mins labour might be imported. The Buluwayo Chamber of Commerce, the Salisbury Chamber of Mines, and the Matabeleland Landowners and Farmers' Association have passed similar resolutions.
In a letter on the subject of Chinese labour, "Sigma" in the Westminster Gazette writes:—" There is one important aspect of the pre- posed importation of Chinese coolies into South Africa for work in the mines which does not so far seem to have received adequate attention. It is apparently taken for granted by the mine-owners and their supporters in the Press that there will be no difficulty in obtain- ing an unlimited supply of coolies; and that any opposition on the part of the Chinese Government can easily be got over by squaring
Up hill and down-through narrow, stone- paved, streets lined with tall, silent houses, whose barred and recessed windows show walls several feet in thickness, and whose gaily painted façades of the Lusso. Moorish style, pillared portals, ornamented with stucco- work, remind one of Lisbon or Corunna on goes the procession of rickshas. As we pass some of the larger buildings, surrounded by massive walls of more than normal height, there reaches the car, through the rattling din of the wheels upon the pavement, the tinkle of a chapel bell, or snatches of an ave or pater sang by distant voices. The streets now narrow, so that it looks as if it will be impossible to and a large is traversed, upon which gives proceed, then suddenly they open out again the portico of some important edifi e. Smart sturdy little soldiers, clad in a sky-blue uni form stand to attention, and respectfully salute, as soon as the sedan chair of the Bishop comes into their line of vision. It wanted but little
imagination to appreciate the romantic charm of this perigrination through the ancient and tortuous arteries of the city, and had one en- countered, on turning an abrupt corner in a narrow travessa, a cavalheiro, in the glories of a steel marion and buff jerkin, with a long Toledo heating against his heels, it would have been but an appropriate adjunct to the vista and would hardly have excited surprise.
THE COLLEGE OF SANTA ROSA DE LIMA. Now we stop before the open portals of a convent and alight preceded by the Prelate,
at
"We have caused our Ministers of State to adopt a definite financial programunė and ordered them to submit to the Diet the fludget for the thirty-seventh fiscal year together with the various drafts of laws. We trust that you will gratify our wishes, discharging your legislative duties, in a spirit of harmony and with mature deliberation,"
All the members of the Diet then made a deep obeisance and the Emperor and his suite immediately returned to the Imperial Palace."
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.' The House met at 11.30 am. to discuss its Reply to the Throne. Mr. Kono, the Speaker, announced that he was about to present the Reply, which he had drawn up, and, on the members rising, proceeded to read the same.
REPLY TO THE IMPERIAL SPEECH. "May it please Your August Majesty! "Your Imperial Majesty's loyal subjects in the House of Representatives humbly beg to express their deep gratitude to Your Majesty for Your Majesty's condescension in honouring the opening of the Nineteenth Session of the Imperial Diet with Your Imperial_presence and favouring them with a gracious Speech.
the local officials. There are, however, one or two considerations which render this method of procedure in the present case more than a little embarrassing. It is, I suppose, admitted that the intervention of the Imperial Govers- ment will be necessary in the first instance to obtain the sanction of the Chinese authorities before any coolies will be allowed to embark;
"It is a source of boundless uneasiness and and accordingly the task of explaining to the
fear 10 Your Majesty's humble subjects that, at Chinese officials the arrangements under which these men will come on their arrival in South the visitors ascend a magnificent fight of stone
this unique period of national prosperity and Africa will devolve on HM's Consuls at the steps and are in the play-ground of the girls power, the Ministers of State should fail to rise to the requirements of the time, and that Treaty Ports concerned. If effect is to be college. The Mother Superior comes forward
temporizing and fail abroad to take advantage given to the ideas of the mine-owners, these and greets the Bishop. The sisters, who are the they should at home waste their energy in arrangements are to be of a rather unusual teachers of the young ladies who come here to
of opportunities. It is the humble prayer of to be passed with a view to preventing all like the head of the establishment, are clad in intercourse between the coolies and the rest of a picturesque costume of white flannel which may graciously deign to bestow Imperial
Their features
notice on this matter. It is the earnest ambition the population; and to ensure this, when their is undoubtedly becoming.
of Your Majesty's humble subjects to discharge work is over they are to be rigorously confined are wreathed in smiles of welcome. not un-
of satisfaction
their legislative duties in such a careful and in the mining compounds. And so during the attended with a touch
deliberate manner as to meet with Imperial whole period of their stay in this British being able to show the strangers over the ad- Colony these unfortunate men are to be formirable institution, which, by its spick and span approval and at the same time deserve the cibly deprived of their liberty, and on the com-
condition and the evident healthy cheerfulness trust reposed in them by the people.
"The above is submitted to the Throne in pletion of their contracts compulsorily shipped of the young inmates under their care, gives back to China. It is true that they are to be every proof of its admirable organisation.all humility by Your Majesty's humble subject, known officially as "Indentured labourers," Time is short, therefore we have to hurry Hiropaka Kono, President of the House of
Representatives," not slaves; but it will require a good deal of through dormitories, class-rooms, refactory, gymnasium. A play-ground and tennis court
The House passed it amid applause, and ingenuity as well as a competent knowledge of understand the difference. If, in addition to the language to make the Chinese officials are attached to the college. The education authorised the President to present it to the
given is altogether modern and the charges Emperor. this, our Consuls are required to connive at
are very low, $12 a month beingthe maximum
INTERPELLATION REGARDING DIPLOMATIC
the bribery for that, I suppose, is the meaning
for boarders. Young ladies of good Portuguese of "squaring"-of these same officials by the
families receive their education here, and, as agents of the mine-owners, a state of affairs we pass through the joyous groups of children, will arise which will not be favourable to the
all anxious to salute the good Bishop, our credit of either the Consular Service or the host bends over bis little daughter and British name. As regards the attitude of the embraces ber. There are six sisters in, the Chinese authorities to this new departure, the establishment,
who are respectively of report of Mr. Ross Skinner, the delegate of the English, French, Italian and Portuguese mine-owners who recently visited China, is
nationality. There are
67 girl-students the college, in
twenty of whom apparently silent; but it is already known that re-opening of this traffic, of which they have the best Chinese officials are opposed to the boarders. The building is a former monastry, over 200 years old. In places the walls are six had very painful experiences in the past, and
feet thick, the chambers are large and well that representations to this effect have recently ventilated, one immense class room, on the been sent up to Pekin by at least one provincial first story, being nearly fifty yards long by ten Viceroy. This is a question gravely affecting the character of our policy in the Far East. Is it too much to expect that Lord Lansdowne will interfere to guard it from degradation?
broad.
INSTITUTION UNDER THE CANOSSIAN SISTERS.
are
NEGOTIATION, -
The first interpellation during the present session was introduced in the House of Repre- sentatives by Mr. Mochizuki on Thursday. It related to the pending diplomatic negotiations and ran as follows:-
"That the fact of the Russo-Japanese negoti. ations regarding the situation not having yet arrived at any satisfactory conclusion after a delay lasting for the past several months, is not only a source of great regret to the nation, but threatens to endanger the peace of the Far East.
"What are the Government's views on this question, and what progress have the negotia-
tions so far made?"
HOUSE OF PEERS.
The House met at 9.30 am., ab inst, and Prince Tokugawa, the President, read the Reply to the Imperial Address, which he had drawn up at the request of the Chairman of the Sections,
THE REPLY TO THE THIRONE.
Our procession is again en roule, this time to visit the different institutions ander the care of the Canossian Sisters. We first come to the THE Sin Won Pao is informed by the same
Benevolent Home, founded in 1877, where authority that the French Minister at Peking Portuguese and Chinese girls, of poor parents, has notified the Waiwupu that the Kwangsi are received and educated. Some of them are
"May it please Your August Majesty! insurgents had been repeatedly crossing into taught's trade, others go into orders, and again, "Your Imperial Majesty's subjects in the Annam, and France had spent much labour others are sent jato the missions in the interior House of Peers humbly submit this Reply and much money in defending the frontier for of China to Christianise the natives. The Portu- to Your Majesty. In opening the Nin- over a year. Now as long as Ubina was unable
guese Government has sent mary poor children teenth Session of the Imperial Diet, Your to pacify the Kwangsi rebels, France could not into the Home. The establishment, which was Majesty was pleased to address to us a withdraw her garnisons on the borders and as visited throughout, was scrupulously clean and gracious speech. We, your humble subjects, France could see no way of receiving any com- well appointed. Samples of the work executed will in obedience to Your Majesty's instructions, pensation for the money and labour spent, by the little inmates bear witness to the skill endeavour to discharge our legislative functions therefore she was requested to use her, troops with which they are instructed.
with careful deliberation
support the in co-operation with those of Chine to exter
carrying out of the Imperia minate the rebels of Kwangsi at ap carly date,
With profound resped etc, etc. The Waiwupu's reply is not known."
present this Reply,"
THE HOLY INFANCY.
This establishment is similar in its object to the French Convent in Hongkong, was
humility, we
COINAGE OF GOLD AND SILVER.
The Treasury Department of the United States has given out some coinage facts from which we note the following:
The United States coined in the year 1902, $80,000,coo in gold and $71,757,600 in silver.
In view of the fact that the United States.". "theoretically" is upon a gold basis, how does it happen that the country can put out $72,000,- oco el silver a year—or within $1,0. or co of the total cuage of gold-and still maintain that silver at a parity with gold?
It will be observed that the difference in the Amount of coinage is a slight that a stranger would be willing to swear that the United States was still using gold and silver as " prim- gry money."
Indeed, it was only a few years ago when the learned (?) financial editors of the United States, of the Republican stripe, were bemoan. ing the fact that there were more than $400,000, 000 in silver then in the country—and scheming how the country could get rid of it. Thesa money," or worth lul "fifty cents on the dollar.? It is well to note at this time also, that these same advocates of a gold standard are now willing to increase the circulating medium by permitting State Banks to issue paper money based on assets that would include products of
the farm.
In view of the fact that these editors have money,
uniformly "sneered" at silver. as perhaps it would be well enough to remind them that "bar silver" as a commodity in the markets of the world is bringing 593 cents an ounce.
Thus it would appear that even the "intrinsic value" of a silver dollar is selling for 50 cents in gokl, even withom the Government's stamp thereon, which makes it worth an hundred cents.
And yet these gentlemen would substitute "paper money-more premises to pay--which, when reduced to intrinsic value" would not bring.five dollars a car load in the paper rag market!
However, we intended to call attention to other countries which find it necessary to "coin silver" in spite of the offensive odor attached to that metal when used as money,
We observe that Mexico, though it coined over $10,000,000 in gold also coined $78,000,000 in silver-or $6,000,000 more than the United States coined in the same time.
Even Canada coined $5,564,000 against $10,740,000 of gold-and yet the Canadians affect to despise silver just as much as the gold monometallist of the United States does,
We note that gold-bearing Australia, which pulled out of the earth as much of the yellow metal as Uncle Sam did last year-and a million and a half more-also coined more than $10,000,000 of silver into money.
Austria-Hungary coined $3,432,000 in silver as against $2,171,000 in gold.
Of course, Italy, Spain, Greece and the South American countries coined much more silver than gold-barring only Brazil.
Finally, in the world, during the year 1907, alt nations coined $304,000,000 in gold and $100,000,000 in silver-thus making the total roinage of the world in gold and silver for the year 1993 more than $505,000,000.-Shanghai Timet