106
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 1905.
above all things from men-of-war's men. achieved by the Times representative during if the motor-omnibus will ever be seen in Many a fight depended upon the superior the early part of the bonbardment of Port Hongkong, for the simple reason that there skill of one combatant in manoeuvring for Arthur in transmitting news across distances are no roads even on the level-where it positin, just as yachts jockey for the start. varying between 75 and 150 miles, accord- could run in safety. But, after all, we have But a modern warship, as a contemporary ing to the state of the weather, show the the consolation that the ricksha, however points out, is simply an Immense machine, possibilities of the latest medium of com. ricketty it may be, and the electric cars. are and the qualifications necessary for the sucmunication.
When even
the Chinese always with us, and what more should man cessful commander are courage, tactical | Government commission en Italian lieuten
desire ? skill and ability to detect the enemy's ant to bring out the Marconi apparatus for strong and weak points. If the Baltic four men-of-war and for three land stations, Flect gained a decisive victory over a it must be evident that the thorough practi- Japanese squadron, the end of the war cability of the system is completely establish- would quickly be brought about. It is ed. But what we are concerned with is the absolutely essential that the Japanese interest which Hongkong, and particular. maintain a clear passage for her transports ly the shipping interests of the Colony, must and commissariat requirements between have in the local installation at Cape Japan and Manchuria. A demoralised fleet, d'Aguilar. At present there is no means of however, could not hope to do so, and it signalling the arrival of vessels from the east would then be for Japan in accept the best until they have passed through the Lyee terms of peace offered by Russia. It must moon' Pass, and then they are almost at an be remembered that the Japanese navy, up-chorage. From the west, vessels are signal- to-date as it is, has sufere very consider ably in the fighting of the past year. Material has deteriorated; the vessels have been worked to straining point; and it is probable that they are badly in need of re
led from the Gap Rock, which gives three hours' warning of their approach, sufficient for business men to make arrangements to deal with the vessel on her anival. Now that it is proposed to establish a wireless
would suggest that the present inconvenience of being unable to learn of a vessel's ap
TELEGRAM.
"HONGKONG TELEOR:PH"
SERVICE
-RAILWAYS IN CHINA..
GERMANY PRESSING FOR AN-
OTHER CON ESSION,
THE TIENTSIN CHINKIANG LINE,
[From Our Own Correspondent.];
Shanghai, April 12th,
4.19 p.m.
AN OPTIMISTIC SHIPPING ARTIOLE.
The summary, which
appeared in yester- day's issue, of an article by Mr. K, Uchida, Director of the Shipping Bureau in the De partment of Communications in Japan, on the development of Japan's maritime trade, The German Minister has hold will appeal to all who have been contem long interviews at Peking, with Prince plating the prospects of shipping when the Ching and His Excellency Wu Ting war is concluded. It is certainly of vital Panr, in connection with the pro- interest to Hongkong, for here as well as in posed German section of the railway Shanghai, the possibility of a plethora of from Tientsin to Chinklang. tonnage being thrown on the market has Baro:: Mamin yon chwarzenstein aroused the gravest consideration. From declares that his compatriots are the statement given by Mr. Uchida, how-willing to commence operations im- ever, is would seem that little fear need be medinty. The Bassian Minister is entertained on that point; for, if the author's
colleague.
BALTIC FLEET, SIGHTED.
.42
VESSELS.
SQUADRON OF
HEADING APPARENTLY FOR VLADIVOSTOK.
Fleet, is awaited with the utmost
concern..
known fact that the Fleet consisted of 47
The announcement that the Japanese cruiser scouts have at last come to grips with a portion of the Ballic-Fleet will arouse 13th inst.
intense interest in every part of the world. Much may depend upon the result as show. We learn on oxco lont authority,ing the strength, of the respective fighters, that the Baltic Fleet, consisting of but it cannot be decisive ono way or the other. 42 vessels, was sighted on the morn
When we learned through the medium of ing of the 11th inst., in 8 degrees 10 vessels of the Baltic Fleet had been sighted the Commodore's office, yesterday, that 42 minutes North latitude, 100 degrees off Pula Condore heading in a north-easterly 32 minutes Ea tlongitude. The Fleet direction, the natural query wasWhere are was steaming in a north-enstorly the other five ships of the Fleet? It was a direction. The information, it may vessels all told, including battleships, cruisers, be stated, was received through the torpedo-boats, colliers and transports, when office of the Commodore at Hong-it loff Madagascar. When it reached Singa kong, who received it from the pore the number had not dwindled, but directly it left that port five of the Fleet mys- commander of the Iphigenin.
The importance of this information, which his Fleet had been subjected to so much ridi- teriously disappeared. Rodjestvensky and fact that all the rumours about the Fleet who suggested that the Russian Admiral was may be implicitly accepted, is found in the cule that he would have been a brave man going to Saigon are practically proved to be working out a little piece of strategy, yet worthless. In the position described, the there were some who hinted it. While the Fleet would be about 100 miles to the south main Reet, comprising all the first class and the direction in which it was steaming their destination, five boats were left behind of Saigon, just off the island of Condore, vessels, was pushing on by devious ways to would carry it beyond the direct track to
pair. Every Britisher knows how the vessels telegraphic station at Cape d'Aguilar, we deductions are correct, Japan will be in a suppe ting the action of his German Saigon. That being so, the Fleet should the Japanese, and divert it from the larger
of the British Navy are constantly being docked in order to have minor defects re
engaged in transmitting official messages from Mirs Bay to the headquarters in Hongkong. In the intervals, it should be possible for the station to act the part of advance agent, announcing in the city the
position to absorb all the extra tonpage which was added to her mercantile navy in
trade, subsidies were granted to those com- panies operating Japanese steamers which, in time of war, could be utilised as auxiliaries or transports. The wisdom of this policy
The Chinese Board decline to sign
at the Anambas to attract the attention of be somewhere in the neighbourhood of body. It was common knowledge that two Hongkong at the present moment, Taking
it for granted that the object of Admiral Japanese cruisers were hovering around in medied. But Japan has not had the advan-proach from the north or east might be done consequence of the war. It was the Japan- the agreement pressed for by Ger- Rodfestvensky is to reach Vladivostok with the vicinity of the Gulf of Siam, on the out look for the Baltic Fleet. Then, the tage of a breathing space for the overhauling away with once for all. It is true the station China war which first made it clearly evi. many unless the parties concerned his entire squadron, the natural route to Loosok, when nearing Swatow the other day, of her vessels. On the other hand, the at Cape d'Aguilar is being erected by the dent to the Japanese that a large merchant can establish sufficient proof that a
saw other two Japanese cruisers tearing along Russian vessels are the latest of their type; Admiralty officia's for their own purposes, service was essential to the well-being of the comencement with the laying down they represent the greatest effort Russia has but it is hardly ikely it will always be nation, and in order to foster the maritime of the line will be made forthwith.
The Chinese Ministers point out that many foreign syn licates live obtained e ncessions from the Chi- nese Government for the building of unde no real attempt to commence.
The German Minister complains that Sir Ernest Satow is supporting Britain & representative asserts that the British alone have the right to build the railroad.
ever made to obtain victory at sea and to justify her claim to be a naval Power. The Japanese alone among the peoples of the world have refrained from ridiculing the Baltic Flect. They recognise the strength cannot be despised-and have made pre- parations for the great event which should mean the extinction of Russia by sea or the discomfiture of Japan on land. In what-ment cannot be over-estimated. Most of the commence transport arrangements without the Chinese Government: but Great that not one of the trading vessels which valour, they did not feel so inclined. But ever way the result appears, it should lead to the end of the war, which, in the coinion of most thinkers. is the most desirable end
of the Fleet--for a squadron of fifty vessels | sighting of any particular vessel long before was evidenced when the war with Russia railways which they have so far pressed by a marine insurance manager, in has yet been seen in the course of the
that could he attained.
HARBOUR REGULATIONS.
Cases are continually being heard in the Marine Count of Hongkong in which Chinese seamen are charged with contra- vening the "rule of the road." It would scem, as a matter of fact that what with recalcitrant foreign seamen, who want to en- joy the beauties of Hongkong for a some what longer period than their masters relish, and careless Chinese coxswains, who will
time of Captain the Hon. 1. A. W. Barnes Lawrence, R., is fully occupied. With
it appears at the western entrance to the broke out. The Government was able at a harbour. In the case of mail-boats parti. moment's call to secure the steamers of the cularly, the convenience of such an arrange. Large Japanese shipping companies, and
field. They therefore proceeded to charter foreign-owned vessels to replace on all the lines-except the turopean and Australian
[ir is not quite clear from the telegram as
transmitted whether the Kussion Minister is
myter, or that the farmer is giving his entn- tenance to the Board-FA, IA. 7]
།།
FIR CHINA-BORNEO CO, LU.
ANNUAL MESTING
handy
adopt would take the Fleet to the eastward of Hongkong, through the Liu-kin Islands-to the south. If the scouts much then the thereby escaping the dangers of the Formosa fight would be equal, for one of the Russians Channel-to the Korean Straits. If the
was a hospital ship, and it may be taken for Fleet succeeded in evading the enemy granted that the others are cruiters. Four there, then it would have a straight run
cruisers should, all other things being egual; to Vladivostok, which should be reached Japanese cruisers against four Pussian provide one of the finest tests of strength, in a couple of days at the outside.
ship for ship and man for man, that This information confirms the views ex Hongkong, in our columns the other day. Russo-Japanese campaign. Hitherto the that no attempt would be made to stop at Russians have been hampered by a Shigon, that every effort would be made to base; they need not show their best qualities enter indivostok, where the fleet would have unless they were so inclined, and, on the everything in its favour. It is a curious fact ground that discretion in the better part of as the Anambas both the belligerents But on equal terms. Both are away from home; nefther has much hope of support; and the loser must trust to Providence ever to see homeland again. The knowledge that all hearts and strengthen their arms. It is impossible to say what the callure of the Russian boats which are now engaged in a deadly struggle off the Anambas may be, but it is certain that the Japanese croisers will be the best and fastest of their kind, and if there should be any advantage at all it is unquestionally on the side of the Japanese. Apart, from these considerations, what are we to think of the strategy of Admiral Rodjestvensky? By a manoeuvre as old as the bills, he has inveigled the Japanese scouts into an attack on vessels which ho
Atlantic mail-boats have wireless telegraphic delay. The Japanese companies, lowever, installations and there is not the slightest were not content to sit calmly, on a beach and doubt that if wireless telegraphic stations watch operations. They recognised that the started up on the regular route, the Pacific trade they had built up was in serious danger mail-boats would also adopt the system. It of being irreparably injured and their prestige
lowered, if they entirely withdrew from the suppasting the Cena representative in the it might have been thought they would have depends upon themselves should nerve their must be frequently galling to a merchant to learn that a vessel from the north or from America has arrived with mails for Hong kong, half an hour after he has left his office. But under existing conditions that,
those vessels which had been.taken off. Where a charter was not desired they no doubt, occasionally happens. If the Admiralty consented to become inter acquired the vessels outright, with the result mediaries in balding the coming of vessels,
that during the last year there has been an they would be conferring a boon on the
immense increase in the tonnage of vessels commercial community. In fact, they would belonging to Japan, estimated at something be fulfilling in a way the prime reason of their like 50 per cent. The question which has
which in this case means the interests of kong has been the difficulty of dealing Hongkong, and the advance of commerce by with the situation should all these extra Ren. But it all remains with the Admiralty vessels be thrown on the market looking whether this will be done or not. As a rule for freights at any price. An entirely satis the officials of the Admiralty in Hongkong factory answer is given by Mr. Uchida, have proved, in the past, exceedingly willing At the close of the war, there will be to grant any request which had for its determined effort made to develop Japan's ultimate object the fartherance of shipping maritime trade abroad. They will not con- or commercial interests. With the establish fine their attention to North China, which quite so satisfactory as was anticipated. The desirable to coal on the high seas if there vitals of the Russian Fleet might easily have
Mr. A. G. Wood presided at the second ordinary yearly meeting of shareholders in the
not abide by the harbour regulations, the existence--the protection of British interests agitated the shipping interests in Hung. / Building. There were also present Hon. Sir which has been given as the total strengt probably did not count on very much at
regard to the "rule of the road," however, the average layman would think that Chinese sailors were determined to get into trouble, In other ports, where there are regulations,
|
MOTOR-OMNIBUSES.
a
China-Borneo Co, Ltd, held at noon to-day at the offices of the Company, St. George's C. Paul Chater, Messrs. E. Deborne, J. Wheeley (Consulting Committee), W. Farlane, J. W. C. nar, T. Arnold, W. H. Wickham, L. E Ozo ie, O. Baptista, and A. H. M. da Silva,
The notice cavening the meeting having been read,
The Chairman said-Gentlemen, the report and accounts have now been in your hands for some time and I presume that you have no objection to their being taken as rend. The company's operations during the period under
review show a fairly satisfactory result, but not
storm that passed ever B. N. Horneo on October 31 last did a great deal of damage in the jungle and threw everything back con siderably, January, February, November and December were very unusually wet months and hauling was greatly interfered with, and these circonstances combined have made the output of timber smaller and the relatie cost higher than it would atherwise have bee You will have noticed from the accouts that over 170,000 have been spent during the year
nevertheless, must prove a source of great profit to shipowners when the restraint to increase the obligations due to them by the which the enterprise of the people in Man- commercial community, without disturbing churia have been subjected, is relaxed; but their own arrangements in any way. It only they will seek fresh fields and pastures new, remains for a deputation of representative in French China, South America, Mexico, business men to approach the chief of the the Philippines, Java, etc. In this connec- Admiralty in Hongkong in order to gain tion, it may be remembered that after the 1904 in developing and additions to the Co- the desired end
pany's various properties in Borneo, and this outbreak of wat, Jupan appointed two trade sum has for the most part been unproductive Commissioners to visit trans-Pacific porta during the period under review, but as all this and also the promising Republic of Mexico.
work was practically completed in the early past ofthe current year we hope that it will now con- The result of the Commissioners' inves-tribute to the company's earnings. We have re- From the tone of an inquiry submitted ligations has been most encouraging and commended that the sum (551.723-451 available for appropriation be dealt with as follows:-to no doubt has formed the basis of pay a dividend of $1.00 per share, absorbing Mr. Uchida's expectations regarding the $46,000 to write off launches and lighters, development of Japanese de in that direc$600 to write off plant S2,400; to write off
timber concessions 52,733 45; total $64,723.15 tion. We see hopeful signs for Hongkong's and we hope you will approve this. The coastal trade in Mr. Uchida's admonition to
various properties have been will kept up and all are in good order. The company's business Japanese shipowners, not to confine their at during the current year hat, so far, shown satis- tention to the coastwise trade
factorily results. Befor proposing the adoption of the report and accounts now before you I shll be glad to answer any questions you may wish to ask
(14th April.)
to the Shanghai Municipal Council, it would seem probable that. Shanghai will have a service of motoromnibuses in the very near
it is seldom that prosecutions occur in which native masters are charged with infringing the harbour rules. If they do they fail to get that publicity which is accorded them ment of a wireless telegraphic station at in Hongkong. But there is a shrewd | Cape d'Aguitar they will be in a position to suspicion abroad that they do not, so that it is to the energy and efficiency of the water police force that a firm hand is kept on the numerous small craft which ply in the harbour. It has been said, with much apparent truth, that Hongkong possesses the best fleet of steam launches in the East. That being so, it behoves the authorities to prevent any contravention of the regulations, otherwise it would he impossible to conduct the affairs of the port with despatch and safety. Fortunately, in the water police, Hongkong seems to have an especially active body of men, the best evidence of that being the cases which regularly appear at the Marine Court. As a rule the defendants are not severely punished, their infractions of the law being but of minor importance, but it is well that they should be reminded of the conditions on which they were awarded certificates. More accidents have occurred through un- skilful steersmen than from any other cause, and, if the slightest latitude were permitted, the harbour would speedily become a danger to the community, and a trip in a launch to Youmati would be fraught with as much excitement as Jules Verne's trip to the moon. It is satisfactory, however, to know that there is no chance of such a condition of things prevailing under the firesent régime, and that the harbour of Hongkong is likely to remain Rs Bale for travellers as Queen's Road un a sunny day.
WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY IN
HONGKONG.
(13th April.)
future.
The
The parties making the inquiry desired to know whether there would be any objection to their running a service of motor omnibuses from the Bund to certain
For such a streets which were shown on a chart,
concentration would only bring about a answer of the Council was entirely favour clashing of interests which would result in able to the scheme. They stated that they
no good whatever to any of those who are were prepared to fleense motor-omnibuse to ply for hire in the Settlement without at present engaged in the trade. Past re- restriction as to routes, provided that the size, ports of the Douglas Steamship Company were by no means encouraging, hinting that weight, etc., of the vehicles in question were such as to present ne inconvenience to the for some time to come there would be no Some great development in the trade of the coast general traffic of the public streets." reference was made to the fact that the pre- ports. Mr. Uchida, however, bears out our sent license fee for motor cars was 86 views with regard to the further development quarter, but that was intended to cover of the maritime trade principally in North private vehicles, and in the event of a per- China, and there can be no doubt that it is manent service of motor-omnibuses heing capable of very great expansion when the established, the question of increasing the war is brought to an end.
the
What the trans-
fee would have to be considered. Now that Pacifle trade is capable of, must be left motor-cars and omnibuses are in vogue all to future, for no approximate over the western world; it is high time estimate can yet be formed. But that such for the East to ace the Inauguration a trade could be lostered and considerably of such a service. Shangha! is admirably enlarged it does not require much foresight- The value of wireless telegraphy for signal situated as an experimental centro, although to recognise. With the reorganisation of ling and commercial purposes has been Singapore might justly claim that her its financial system and the betterment of ita recognised for a considerable time now, but long, straight, level roads would make a administrative departme›ts, Mexico is likely it is only lately that the matter has assumed capital home for the motoromnibus. At to prove an extremely profitable source of Importance in this part of the world. In a present in these two cities there are many revenue for shipping. At present it is rising recent issue we were enabled through the private motor-cars running, and Hongkong from the ashes, and its future prosperity is energy of our naval correspondent to state must envy the pleasures of residents of just discernible, but those who are first on that the Admiralty authorities had decided these places which we cannot emulate. It the field, ready to enter at the probationary to erect a wireless telegraphic station at may be a distinction and a delight to be period, are bound to reap the reward of Capo d'Aguilar, so that warships at Mirs perched upon a rock commanding the China their enterprise. Mr. Uchida's cogent Bay should be in constant communication Sea, but when it comes to matters of plea article makes good reading to those interest with Hongkong. That exclusive informa sure such as motoring and equestrianism one ed in Hongkong's shipping, and should do tion opens out a vast field for speculation, is sometimes apt to have a faint wish that there much to dispel the vague fears and doubts
·In China several wireless telegraphic stations were one or two fewer mountains and a vast which have lately arisen as to the prospects have already been Grected, and the fuxir | increase in level ronds. It is very doubtful | of Hongkong shipping, -
There being no questions the Chairman moved that the report and accounts as presented be adopted and passed
Mr. T. Arnold seconded, and the motion was
carried.
have lately arrived at Hongkong from the south or froin Siam, has seen the slightest sign of the Baltic Fleet. Of course, most of them had no idea that the Baltic Fleet was sojourning in these waters. Nevertheless, had a glimpse of a Fleet extending over an area of ten miles, presumably in the track of shipping generally. JAPANESE CRUISERS SIGHTED OFF SWATOW. The Captain of the Lousek, which arrived at Hongkong, to day, states that when entering Swatow on the 10th inst. he descried two Japanese cruisers steaming at full speed in a southerly direction. He estimated the speed at fully zo knots an hour.
As stated above, only 47 vessels of the Baltic Fleet were sighted, instead of 47
of the squadron, including transports, and colliers. What has become of the other five any time. He has cleared the way for the boats? Then again, the Fleet was seen off vast majority of his ships, and has given oc Pulo Condore, and an explanation of its have done bini infinite damage before his cupation of a sort to an enemy which might
It is necessary for the warships to coal fre Had the Japanese pursued the tactics which proximity to land may easily be suggested. Fleet even saw the colour of the Yellow Sea. quently, and probably this was one of the was believed they were likely to adopt, of few occasious since leaving Madagascar that keeping well out of range, yet sending in the Fleet has had the opportunity of coaling torpedoes when the chance offered, and de. in comparative safety. It woul not be livering surprise attacks in the dark, the was the least land shelter to be go, and the heen pierced before the main Japanese island of Condore would be in a very happy Fleet arrived on the scene. But by a piece situation for the Fleet's coaling requirements of strategy, which is not exactly original or In all this it has to be bome in mind that evidence of wonderful ability, Admiral Rod. the Fleet when sighted was sufficiently close jestvensky has won the first move in the to Saigon to make it a matter of no difficulty game. If the Russians lose at Anamba to change the route and team for the Islands then the Admiral can say he has French port. Considering the vagaries of the Fleet up to the present time, no one only relinquished a few pawns in order to would be surprised to hear that it had win at the Anambas, then new heart and save the chief figures on the board. If they decided at the last moment to make for courage will inspire the Fleet, and the end Saigon, if only for a short respite before the may be farther off than is generally imagin real trial of strength comes off. But con: ed. At all events the result of the condict sidering all things, the probability is that the Ficet will steer a course for Vladivostok must be public property in a few hours, and
patience keeping clear, as far as possible, of the tienen people musí rest their souls in ubiquitous Japanese.
it
THE ANAMDA ISLANDS,
If the Baltic Fleet proceeds very much
The Anamba Islands, where the first fight further north, we may very soon bear the announcement that the Osaka Shosen Kai-etween the Japanese scouts and part of the sha have decided to withdraw their fleet of Russian squadron has taken place, lie mid- steamers trading between Hongkong, the way between Singapore and that dangerous Coast Ports and Formosa, whereupon the group of islets known as the Natunas, British companies will have matters all their There is not an island of any size in the Anambas group; they are merely rocky eminences in the water, and so far as is known they are inhabited only by wild-fowl, One thing certain is that they are not likely to be troubled with fogs in that quarter of the China Sea. The Anambas, it may be added, are almost equi-distant from Singa. pore and Sarawak.
own way.
FLEETS FIGHTING.
JAPANESE AND RUSSIAN CRUISERS
IN FIERCE COMBAT,
Mr. W. Parline proposed the re-election ofRODJESTVENSKY'S RUSE BAVER HIS FLEET. Mr. A. G. Wood as a member of the Consulting Committee.
14th inst.
Mr. Bonnar seconded, Carried.
On the proposition of Mr. W. H. Wickham, secquded by Mr. J. Arnold, Mr. W. Hutton
Potts ware-elected auditor.
The Chairman thanked shareholders for their altendance, and announced that dividend war- wants would be ready on Monday, and could be had on application at the company's offices.
CORRESPONDENCE,
(We do not necessarily enderen the opinions expressed by Correspondents in this column.)
THE V. R. C. SPORTS.
To the Editor of the "ilongweng Telegraph." S18-With referenca to the V, R. C.sports on
Saturday, a very curious remark was passed by one of the members of the above Club, when the names of the children were being taken
NO NEWS AT THE COMMODORE'S OFFICE.
No news regarding the reported fight at thự Anambas or of the whereabouts of the Bale Private advices received in long lic Fleet was received at the office of the kong to-day state that the Japanese Commodore in Hongkong today. As scouting cruiser squadron got into matter of fact none was expected, because touch with the tail end of the Baltic there is not a single vessel of the British China squadron on the road between Hong- Flect, off the Anamba Islands yestr kong and Singapore at present. The Sufles day, and a fierce battle took place. and the phigenia are both at Singape e; The Russians are supposed to have the rest of the squadron is either in Hong- been the remainder of the fla. t out- kong harbour or vicinity. That fact effect dista ced by the main équadron un which were rife in the beginning of the ually disposes of the alarmist runiours der Rodjestvo sky, and probably week regarding the movementa of consisted of five vessels, including a hospital ship.
The Japanese apparently turned their attention to the cruisers, where upon he hospital ship made off at full speed for Singapore, where she arrived this morning,
in the girls' race. It was stated that two- Telegrams were immediately des. thirds of the children were ineligible to com- patel to the Russian Government pate, because the race was meant for the stating what liad happened. children of members. Only Mr. Mitchell wan approached and said that there was no defjol- The hospital ship was unable, not entitled to run. Tithe V. Cigonying which was still in full awing tion, is the programme as to who were or were however, to give details of the fight." confine the race to members' children only, by
not specify in the programme and advertise when she left the Anambas, ment, so that there may be no misunderstand- The resut of this, the first meet, ing on the subject. I am, etc.,
the British fleet in these waters. It was seriously declared that British, warships were putting to sea presumably to intercept the was for such a statement we endeavoured to show at the time. Now, events prove that the rumours had not a tissue of truth in
Baltic Fleet. How little foundation there
them. Had there been, the Commodore
would naturally have been in his office to-day awaiting tidings. But the Commodore was at Kowloon, in other business, knowing per fectly well that none of the China squadron was in a position to furnish addklonal news about the Baltic Fleet,
►
PROTECTION OF THE CABLES,
With regard to the report that cruisers would be required, to protect the cables, this much can, be said with certainty. If
PRO BOMO PUBLICO!ing of the Japanese with the Baltio anybody is looking after the cables, with ike
Page 10Page 11