132
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, SATURDAY, MAY 13, 1905.
ing the questions of why certain inland lots should come into the scheme. 'I have now in read to you a letter received by me from the Colonial Secretary dated the 29th March, 1905.
Colonial Secretary's Office.
.
His Honour.-In all cases you consent to Jud ment
ARMED ROBBERY
IN NEW TERRITORY,
11th inst.
TO SALVE THE SULLY.
DESCRIPTION OF "THE
COFFER-DAM.
BUILT FROM A RUSSIAN- OFFICER'S IDEA. 6th inst.
A huge unwieldy, coffin-shaped box cut in half, flat-ended, flat-sided, and flat-bottomed such was the first impression of the coffer dam which was launched today) as it lay on the slip. Rising to a height of 35 feet and span hing B feet at its broadest part, the coffer dam which is going to try to raise the French cruiser Sully, now lying on the racks in the Bay of Along, was by no means a beauty in appearance. Paisted black all over, its funereal aspect was enhanced, and the strange uncouthness of the machine, or buat, or whatever it may be called, seemed to affect even the coolles who were working on the structura.
Since the Me Barlowe don't mind. It seems to me | creditable to a Western State. there are several other creditors who have not Manchuria grab commenced Russia has done issued their writs, and they may do so before many foolish things, but the maddest of all is Monday,
the despatch of a miscellaneous assortment of ancient and modern warships to turn the scales in favour of the Tsir of all the Bus ias. How true it is, that “Whom (od would des. tray he first makes mad," will probably be fully realized the world over before the current mouth draws to close. The ends of justice, liberty, progress and prosperity in the Far East will best be served by the complete defeat of the Armada by the Nels of Japan, to whom I think we may look in the fullest con fence as not only the saviour of his country, but the liberator of the Fartheat East from the enormous evils, the cramping and throttling Influances which it was obvious, the intention of Russia and certain Continental States to exert to the detriment of the Open Four farmers were placed before Mr. G. N. Door powers a whole and of Great Ome this morning charged with committing Britain in particular. Despite the vastness of an armed robbery at Ti O, as the sgth of the issues involved in the coming struggle and the certainty that both navies will make a March, with personal violence, and robbing a widow of Stoz in money and Sa5 worth of 'finish fight of it once they get to close quar clothing. Mok Kok Min, who said her husets, I await news of the result with perfecting a representative of the Hongkong Telegraph, Hongkong, and transferred to the scene of the
equanimity, feeling assured that we are now, after months of awaiting and watching, within measurable distance of the time when shall be seen the dawn of an era of peace and prosperity in the Orient such as few have anticipated and till fewer believe probable or possible. "Bot, you say, "think of the vast numbers of war ships which Togo has to face!" I'reply"The greater the difficulties the creator the glory, and the more complete the ignominy and for Japan, our gallant ally, and, in common to lay my last dollar on the issue of the coming struggled the outcome of the encounter be tween the forces of corruption, despotism, dark- ness and bondage and those of the enlightened Monarch who sways the destinies of upwards of sixty millions of brave and free people." Yours faithfully,
The
PROPITIATING THE JOSS
even by the raising of an eyebrow or the suspicion of a smile, the precious Agree ment, with all its beautiful Articles, convert- ing good Portuguese citizens into moderately bad Chinese. The writer in O Popular, in
* 29th March, 190ṛ.
Mr. Barlowe. Yes, my Lord. ⚫ the course of his laboured effusion, does not
Sir-With reference to your letter of the
Judgment was then given to this effect other seck to refute the arguments adduced by the 23rd of August, ot, and to previous cor claims, with costs, included those of Messrs opponents of the burlesque Agreement, pondence on the subject of the proposed re-
Colthm & 50, $45,50, E.C, Wilks & Co., $34.50, | but, like the proverbial lawyer with a bart clamation in front of Prays East, an insed A. S. Watson & Co., $176 33, Lock Hing. $38 ed to inform you that after much delay caused caic, he resorts to "abusing the other side"
hy enrrespondence with the Navel and Mill Hongkong and China Gas Co. Ltd, 339.93, with all his might and with all his power and tary Authorities concerning the boundary of Dorabjes & Co., $556.35, San Cheong $157.70 with all his strength. He fails to see a single reclamation on the West side and with private andi Tang Ken, $38.46. evil point in the Agreement, and in fact, the owners concerning the boundary on the East Minister Branco might well cry, "Save me side, and by the consideration of suggested from my friends," for his advocate for the alternative plans for the reclamation itself, the defence only emphasises the unsuccessful Governor is now prepared to recommend to character of the mission to China. The the Secretary of State for the Colonies that a reclamation on the lines shewn on abuse is of so personal a character that we
the attached plan should be carried out by deem it infra dig. to employ the, aame un Government on behalf of the Marine lot savoury terms in replying. It is sought to holders subject to the conditions A, B, C, D show that access is gained to the columns E, F, G, H, I, J, detailed in my predecessor's of the British press by nondescripts of a letter No. 328 of the 12th of February, 1901, character who, if the writer in the O Popular and in any modifications of or additions to the
same that the Secretary of State for the Colonies-band was a seaman, and died in 1904, stated is to he believed, are of the gutter-snipe type, may deem necessary, and to the payment as that on January 10th lust she went to the common amongst the riff-raffofthelarge cities premium by the Marine intholders of 25 cents slipping office and received the wages due to of Europe-Lishon included. We enter
for every square loot of building land reclaimed her husband whose death occurred at sea. into the realm of personalities when we and handed over to them. The scheme is also wages due were $400, but she did not receive intrude ourselves upon public attention to subject to a final adjustment of the eastern and it all as there were some deduction to be made, dirclaim in foto the puerile allegations of we tern boundaries of the reclamation with the and she took the money back to her house,
owner of the adjoining properties.
Her daughter and she slept in the same room, the Portuguese journal; but to show that
It is to be understood that no maller and her son in the next room. At 10 p.m. on our articles were prompted by no personal
how it may be found convenient to divide thr the night in question, a man came in to her Anitnus, but were honest and sincere criti-work in carrying it out, the whole cost shall room and covered her with a coverlet. He and shame of the ruthless aggressor. I plump | rice and fab. It was the offering to the gas and the train of the work before her, and belog cisms, dictated by a correct view of the.in be kept in one general account and shall be previously heard a noise over a roof of the recall what one of Senhor Branco's con- to the reclaniation fund proportion to the man approaching her with, the coverlet she frires in China wrote to his Government areas of bifilding land accruing to each of them moved away, and then saw two other mea respectively; and the expense incurred for coming in. There was no light in the room with reference to the Treaty which had been preliminary surveys and raising the level of when she woke up and so she was unable to see concluded. In that oficial's communication the Praya shall be included in the general them properly. She could discern the face of he said, in effect-"The Railway Conven.
the man who covered her up, which gave her tion concluded by Portugal will be a dan 3. No detailed survey of the bed of the sen the impression that it had been blackened. The other men in the mom appeared to be gerous precedent, in relation to the Chinese has been made for the purposes of the propos Government, to European commercial ined ieclamation. An approximate estimate searching the place. Her son came in while they were engaged on this job. One man asked her lérests, if the terms be acquiesced in with only of the cost can therefore be given and out protest. That indicates the opinion such estimate is $1.36 per square foot of where her money was, but she refused to tell, which has been generally formed in the East building land which will become available for saying it was lent oat. They did not believe distribution among the Marine lotholders. her, and the man who had covered her struck as to the ineptitude displayed by Senhor It is calculated that to years will be required her, and threatened to chop up her daughter. daughter-in-law, and son, and leave witness Branco, when, for the second time, he was to complete the reclamation. supposed to preserve and safeguard the in
alive all by herself. At the time she was wear- terests of his nationals as the Minister Pleni
ing a pair of silver bangles, and the man who covered her look them off her. Her daughter potentiary to China. The Hongkong Tele
was also wearing a silver bangle, and that was graph has achieved a larger measure of in
That man then taken by the same man. portance in the eyes of the Portuguese Par
baing attended with ng ceremony, "and `qul in the ordinary routine of business. The were quito a number of parsons present," " cluding Bir Paul Chater, Captain Owen Wilk and Alessis. E: C. Wilkes and W. C. Ja many shareholders and some of the dock | cials"`^1^1000 as it was slack water the "on
was given to let her go, and one of th operators immediately, cast off the last re:"" ^matning line holding her to the slip-way."Th"
coffee-dam started down the greas'd ways, slid into the water, where she was at once taken in tow by the tug boat Robert Cockt which had been standing by, and which towed her alongside the company's wharf, there to re- caive her finishing touches. The launching was a grand successs, the coffer-dam taking the water without "casting" as it was half expected she would do on leaving the slipway, The dock officials then turned their attention to the day's business, as if launching huge coffer dams was quite an every day occurrence. Air trunks hava to be fitted on the sides of her. deck, after which the coffer-danı will be taken/ Last evening when a few gentlemen, includ-in towwas at present believed-by the e had a look at the coffer-dam, as the slagings wreck of the Sully in Along Bay. Mr. William were being taken down and the last nails ham-Barker, electrical engineer, who is running the mered into the structure, a curious sight, was electric department of Meisn. E. C. Wilkes! witnessed. At the fore end of the cofferdam, business, is, we learn, fitting up an electric Tong planks, or slips, had been laid down, on lighting plant, which will be taken down to which the coffer-dam might glide smoothly into facilitate the salvage work, and enable the the sea. Coplies were busily greasing the slips salvage operators to work in any required. and giving the few last touches to the aurange-
position, either above or below water. Belüg meats, Then came half-a-dozen coolies armed
built entirely of wood, with the exception with Joss-sticks, jass-paper and bowls of real of the strengthening iron plates necessary to
prepare her to withstand all conditions of weather. to speed the cofferdam on her mission to the thus very buoyant, the coffer-dam will be loaded endless millions of paper currency, and offered, up the eatables to the chin-chin joss When submerge her, besides having her tanks filled,
as it will be necessary to "put her down” to - all was completed they had a sort of mininture bonfire of the fragments, of everything, in fact, the level of her decks, only the air-trunks re except the "chow," which was carefully taken maining above water. The only difficulty, ap away by the very smallest boy in the yard.parently, presenting itselfie thefuture operations The god of the waters had been propitiated, and appears from the fact that the Sully lles, not the successful launching of the coffer dam was straight up, but with a heavy list to port, and this assured. Whether the auccess of the mission will necessitate the coffer-dam being listedte tha to the Sully could also be made certain by the same degree before submersion, in order to get, same inexpensive measures is another ques. As she lay out in Kowloon Bay this morning her into proper position to " 61" the Sully's bown,
immediately after taking the water, she pre sented all the appearance of a floating dock broken loose, but did not look so unwieldly
she did while still lying on the slip-way for the Robert Cooks easily towed her to he position alongside the whart. The result of this launching, which in itself is an historic/event for Hongkong, and of the future operations with her assistance will naturally be watch resort fails, then it means the entire loss of that Sulle But good results may certainly bay hoped for, since the operations will be carried out under the direct personal supervision of i Mr. W. C Jack, assisted, by Caplain, Owen Wilkes.
equitable terms of the Convention, we may made to fall upon the whole of the contributors house which woke her. When she saw the with tens of millions of Britishers, am prepared Sully. They lightea the joss-sticks, bumed up with heavy cables along the sides in order to
account.
4. I am to ask that you will lay the scheme before the Marine lotholders and inform me in due course whether they are prepared to accept it subject to the condition mentioned.
From this you will see that His Excellency
Hongkong, th May, 1905.
VIATOV,
A YEAR'S WORK IN THE COURTS.
THE REGISTRAR'S REPORT.
Mr. Arathoon Seth, the Registrar of the Su.
tion.
liament than the Ripular would seek others the Gavernor is now prepared to recommend caught hold of her son, threw him on top olin his report on the working of the several | cruiser here or there was a common sight to /ed with the greatest interest, for if this last
to the Secretary of State for the Colonies that to believe; for when it endeavours to revile a reclamation on the lines shown on the at our articles, it is with all the more pleasuretached plan should be carried out by the that we discern in the columns of the Re. Government on behalf of marine lat holders, sebiert in the conditions detailed in the publican journal the defence on our behalf so
Government's felter of 12th February, 19ot, ably directed by Mr. Marques Pereira. In
and which were, as I have already said, faid the words of a local gentleman, who has been
before you on the 17th April. 1901 and subject associated with yarjous Chinese officials in
to any modifications of or additions to the same the matter of railways, to a representative of that the Secretary of State for the Colonies the Telegraph-who, by the way, was respon may deem necessary, and attributing the cause sible for the previous articles-the tons of of the long, delay to correspondence with the Senhor Castello Branco's Convention were
Naval and Military authorities over the bound- entirely unworkable so far as the Portuguese aty of the reclamation on the west side and with private owers over that of the ast. A were concerned. We can only trust that reference to the two plans, both of which the second Agreemein having been thrown 1 lay on the table, shows a consider in the plan it is now out, Senhor Castello Branco will be allowed able alteration to rest from his labours as a diplomatist in proposed to adopt from that submitted to you China, and that if a third visit to China on on 17th April, 1901, The new plan shows behalf of Portugal is decided upon, he will be
three blocks of building aren as against two only in the old and three new streets each 75 allowed to, remain in peace at home, enjoy feet wide as against two in the old cross, ing the solitude of a well-earned retreat.
streets twelve in number, each 75 feet wide as against ten of only 50 feet width, A glance at PRAYA EAST RECLAMATION the two plans also shows that the Government propose to go further out than was the origi- nal idea, thus giving to the Marine Lot holders a somewhat larger arta for building but neces sarily increasing the amount of capital to be expended by them on the scheme, though not
SHELVED.
MELTING OF MARINE LOT OWNERS
A meeting of the arise fot owners inter- ested in the Praya East Reclamation was held on the Old Chamber of Commerce Room, City Hail, Hongong, this alternoon. Hon, Sir Paul Chater presided and among the others present were the Hon. Mr. C. W. Dickson, Messía. A. J. Raymond, A. Rodger, W.H. Potts, A.S. Hooper, H. N. Mady, A. H. Mody, A. II. Dugh, Lee Shun Fan, Chow Hing Kee, Cheung Beng foon, Wing Kee, Kwock Chick, See Yat, Yong Chew, Kwock Lai Ting, Tam Yuk, Lee Wan Po, W. J. Winterburn, A Rumj ihn, and E. Shellim,
The Chairman, having read the notice call. ing the meeting, and having stated that all marine lot owners had been notified by cir cular that the meeting was to take place, said Gentlemen, as some of you here this afternoon were no doubt not present at the meeting held on the 17th April, 1901, it may not be nut of place, if I gave a short resume of what has taken place up to the present, which will at the same time serve to refresh the memory of those who altended the meeting. The proposition of a Praya East reclamation was originally made by me to the Government so far back as the 12th June, 1900. The scheme
as then
the actual cost per square foot of reclamation, the principal hem of cost of which is of course the sea wall. When I last addressed you 1 gave the cost per square foot of building land at 75 cents to $1, and I am still of opinion that the work can be done at this price. The Government, however, now estimate the castat $1.36 per square foot of building land, an of the bed of the sea having yet been made. approximate estimate only, no detailed survey. although at our meeting, of the 17th April, we passed the resolution referred to above author insing (bem to proceed forthwith with the preli minary surveys and plans and undertaking to contribute in proportion to our marine frontages to the expens thereal. Gen'lemen, I am of opinion that the Government's plan is a good one and a reus with you ay whether it should be at once accepted and a start made with as little delay as possible, or whether, in your opinion, and having in view the large number of vacant tenements now existing in the Wanchni district it is expedient to add to the Colony this large aren of building land and the scheme should not rather, while not being actu ally and definitely abandoned, he postponed to some future day, I shall be glad of any expres set forth was not, however, acceptabletion of your views, and to answer to the best of the Government contending that the termi
my ability any question you may wish to pul proposed were unduly favourable to the
Mr. Raymond said--Ï beg to move the fol. Hotholders, and asking for an equal divi- sion of the value of the land reclaimed after lowing resolution."That in view of the long period that has elapsed since the scheme was deduction of the expenses of reclamation To first mooted and looking to the fact that the this I could not consent unless on their part filing up of the Wanchai district, which was to the Government would consent to include in the cost of reclamation the compension that be expected with the advent of Tramway com munication, has not taken place, it is inex would undoubtedly be claimed by marine lot bolders for loss oftental, etc., on their existing pedient at the present time to take any further
steps towards the proposed reclamation." lots during the progress of the work, and for the
Mr. Shellim seconded. diminished value of these lots on conversion into inland lata, and I suggested, at an alter native, a further extension of the reclamation by another 75 feet to be added to the strip of land reserved for gedowns, making the depth of the reclamation $20 fect instead of 445 feet as originally proposed; and a payment to the Treasury by the marine lot holders of a premium of 35 coals per foot op every foot of building land to be leased to them. To this the Government replied that they were prepared, provided you asiented, to recommend to the Secretary of State the general acceptance of the scheme, subject to certain conditioni (set forth in their letter to me of the tath February, 1901, and faid before you at the meating of 17th, April, got), and to any modification the Secretary of State might deem necessary. The position of affaire was then placed before you at the meeting held on the 17th April, or, and you will remember that the following resolutions were then put and carried unanimously:-
Ist. That the proposals for the Wanchar reclamation embodied in the correspondence between Mr. Chater and the Government, published in the local papers be accepted in principle and Mr. Chaler is hereby authorised to forward this resolution to the Colonial Secretary.
The Chirman-re there any further ques ions or remarks to be made on this subject?
There was no reply,
The Chirman then put the resolution to the meeting, and after a show of hands declared the resolution carried, with ons dissentient, Mr. Winterburn. He then added-I thank you for your attendance. I shall communicate this resolution to the Government and should reply be received you will find it lo due course in the Press.
The meeting then ended,
A MAJOR'S DEBIS
her, and asked where the money was, saying he would chop him to death if he did not tell him. She saw him holding a knife, similar to the one produced. The man then covered the son up, and when he was almost suffocated and could not hold out any longer, said it was in a jar in a cupboard in front of the bed. The robbers took the money and some cluthing and after a thorough search of the house they
left.
BURGLARY. AT WEST POINT.
8th insi.
A very daring hurglary took place at No. 1 Chater Street, West Point, yesterday morning, between half-pas: ten and one o'clock. Ii appears from the police report that the first esbil, floor of the house is occupied by Mrs. wife of a marine engineer, at present away with his ship. Yesterday about to, to a.m. she locked the door of her floor, and went out to church. the returned at about 1 pm, and found the outer door had been broken open, and her bed. room ransacked. She discovered that her gold witch and chain, valued at Liz, were missing as well as a purse containing some 88. The room was in the greatest confusion, and it was apparent that the thief ar thieves must have been disturbed; for some banknotes, lying in the drawer from which the watch and purse had been abstracted, were still there. and a number of solid silver ornaments, con sisting of cups and vases, were untouched. It is believed the thief or thieves are still in the Colony, and it is to be hoped their arrest will soon follow.
CORRESPONDENCE.
We do not necessarily endorse the opinianu pxpressed by Correspondents to this column.i
A SUGGESTION.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE "HoMoxona TeleCRATH," SIR-In the light of what a correspondent reports as to grass impudence" towards the rickeha puller I venture to say that this class of labourer is but one of a type in Hongkong which in the absence, at times, of the police often fail to gain satisfaction under injustice and Assault.
Such another is the cargo labourer who is
needlessly endangered, especially out west, by the rapid transit of unnecessary tram-cars with self-important drivers!
Having no substantial interest in any of these Lumerous godown I cannot state a case, other wise plain representations would long ago have come under the notice of the Tramway manage- incat.
Again, in passing No. 12 in a ricksha recent ly somewhat late in the evening I noticed nearly double the number or Chiness passeng- ers legally, I take it, permitted in a closed car. Surely in many directions there is need of greater supervision of the care and, if such a thing is possible, of setting bounds to the con- celt of drivers and some conductors.
It would be appropriate, perhaps serviceable,
If each car had a number in conspicuous Chinese characters on the outside.
I enclose my card, but sub-cribe myself
LOW LEVEL. Hongkong, 6th May, igos,
THE COMING STRUGGLE. › TO THE EDITOR of the "Hoxoxoxo TelmanaiH,"
SIR-I note from an item in one of your le cal contemporaries that the mighty are still afalling. Colonel Wogack, the well-known Russian military busyb dy whố, on hoisting the Tsar's colours at Port Arthur about ten years ago,
preme Court, tell of an interesting year's work divisions of the Supreme Court during 1904.
In original jurisdiction the number of actions instituted was 233; and there were 154 in de- pendency: Of these, 130 were disposed of 49 being settled or withdrawn before trial, leaving a balance of 257. The Jotal amount involved was $1,630,419 12, and the debts and damages recovered amounted to $487.922.10, while the total fees collected and paid into the Treasury came to $14,892.65.
The number of actions institused in sums mary jurisdiction was 1,799, and 130 were brught forward from 1903. Of these 1,635 were disposed of 735 being settled or with drawn before trial, leaving a balance of 394 The total amount involved was 5338,300.41 and the total fees collected and paid into the Treasury came $7,950s. The number of distress warrants for rent issued was 410, repre- enting aggregate unpaid rents amounting to $39.691.77, of which the aggregate sum of $17,317.60 was recovered, 178 warrants having been withdrawn on settlement between the parties. The fees collected for issuing distress warrants and paid into the Treasury amounted to $1,577 75
-
In criminal jurisdiction 6 cases and 97 persons were committed for trial, the number of persons actually indicted being 79, of whom 68 were convicted and is were acquitted. Against 18 persona no indictments were filed,
and they were discharged.
Turning to appellate jurisdiction, we find that during the year seven appeals were Instituted one being from the decision of the Chief Justice, two from the decision of the Puisne Judge, two from the Magistrates and two from the and Court. Five of these were disposed of. One case was carried to the Privy Council, but no decision has yet reached the Colony. One important appeal was the case, of Tang Tsz U, appellant, and the Attorney General, respondent, commonly known as the Cheung Sha Wan care, in which the Full Court held "everal lengthy sittings.
In admiralty furisdi tion, eleven actions were institituted, a of which were disposed of having been settled or withdrawn before trial leaving 8 in dependency. The number of vessels arrested was 4. The total fees received and paid into the Treasury amounted to $152. In bankruptcy there were 39 petitions fi'ed, being creditors' petitions 19, and 10 petitions by the debtors themselves.
The number of receiving orders made was 28, being 19 on creditors' petitions, and 9 on debtors' petitions.
The number of public examinations held was 15 There were 15 adjudications; and a compositions approved by the Court. There was one discharge. The aggregate amount of declared asee's was 5854,201.23, and declared liabilities $1.434.597 36 (the declared assets only $79,043.54 were recovered. The fees raid into the Treasury amounted to $4.162 63 (of which $2,300-93 was paid by impressed stamps) including the ficlal Receiver's commission of tree where no trustee has been appointed
by the creditors.
|
THE RUSSIAN OFFICER'S SUGGESTION. The origin of the idea to construct a coffer. dam forms an usually piquant piece of modern history. It seems that the interned Russians at Kowloon have been following the effans to refloat the Sully with the greatest interest. Like all prisoners who have nothing to do, they puzzled out the question as to the best means of refloating the cruiser. A sunken many of them, when they were spending endless days and weary nights, coupet up in Port Attbur. They had seen what methods were adopted there to raise the batterewar ships, and they sought to apply ille same principle to the case of the Sully. Besides,
THE ADMIRALTY'S OFFER. they not helping their friend were and
such ally by
Calculations? So when it became known that, the preliminary sound authority, that the Admiralty have de It is stated, on what is usually considered efforts of the salvage people to get the cruiser cided to grant the services of a British wership. off the rocks had proved futile, a Russian to tow the coffer-dam to the Bay of Alnog, officer at Kowluch came forward with his where the day lies. No confirmation 5 { dil"} scheme. 1ste fashion to scoff at the Rus rumour is forthcoming, but in view of the sinn ideas of seamanship and mechanical abili entente cordiale and the fact that King Edward' ty, but this interned tussian officer, whiling vivit to France the rather day evoked the most away his time in Kowloon, showed that he had enthusiastic expressions of go d-will, nons the real germe of practical mechanical genius would be surprised to learn that the rumour in his veins. ie produced plans of whi bared ou substantial grounds. If Great Brits** might be termed an embryo coffer dam So really comes to the aid of the French Navy
this Time, the feeling of camaraderie betwee far as they went they were excellent-the idea was admirable. The more practica! minds the two natious will be cemented w of the management at the long ring and bonds of friendship which it would Whampoa Dock Company grasped the suga great deal to sever. It may ba izmemb
at Toulon, or near that great gestion like a shot. They saw the possibilities that once of the scheme, but they also said that it requir base, Nelson helped a French frigate ed some modification here and a little elabora was in difficulties, alihugh we were fi tion there. Probably the coffer-dam as it now at the time. France amply repald stands is tilterly unlike the plan drawn by the Samoa when the Calliope gallantly br Russian, but it expresses the outcome of his the typhoon and was the only wanhip, and originality. The fact at a Russian officer at only vessel, to wio her way through the st Kowloon should have been the means of by cheering the British tars. It would suggesting a way out of the difficulties which faced the salvage party in refloating the Sully must appeal to every one as a peculiarly in teresting little episode.
THE UNWIELDY COFFER-DAM.
Now, with regard to the coffer-dam itself, it has been described as a coffin shaped Lox. But that is not quite correct. It taper from the o fect end to abono feel at what may be called the bows. It is more unshapely than a Chinese junk, and has none of the picturciqueness of a junk. The bows are built up 10 a height of 35 feet, but the stern is open it is a box with three sides only. At the open end, the shape f the Sully has been hollowed out, gradually tapering away till at the bows of the cofferdam we have the outline of the Sully's bows. The idea, then, should be quite clear, even if the description is halting and vague. The coffee-dam will be towed to the Bay of Along, and sunk at the broad end below the Sully's bows. I will then be cautiously worked under the cruiser until the bow of the vessel rests in the niche made for it in the coffer-dam. Then the pumps will be set in operation, and as the coffer-dam rises, the fore part of the Suly will rise with 1, until the stranded cruiser is lifted clear off the rocks and slides once more into deep water. It is for that reason the sides of the coffer-dam are hollowed. Each side is composed of two pieces, strongly shared with great planks. Oes.de must be sufficiently strong to resist the pressure of the water, and the other must be able to with
and the pressure of the Sully when once she is held vice-like in the grip of the coffer-dam.
THE TIG BOTS.
pretty act of courtesy if Britian, helps friend and neighbour to save the Sully,
8th inst
The s. Kongnam, Captain Lewingdon, bean chartered to take the salvage patty w gear, down to the wreck of the Sully, and it expected that she will leave early on Weds day, and will stand by during the time of salvage upera ions to leader any onsistant that may be required of her. Mr. W, C., Jam will proceed 1 charge of the ■ Ivage part consisting of a number of trained enginee coolies, and divers, to superintend operation Toth ins
From the Courrir. Saigonnals we learn i no attempt will be made to refloat theỷS}, until the zoth inst, when advantage, willi taken of the high tide in the morning, with assistance of the cofferdam now on its way! the Bay of along, to get the cruiser out of ti peri'ous position. The meteorological rep of to-day's date forecasts fine weather andy it is expected that, at the outside, the Rol Cooks, with the pantaon will not cakeṣm, than five days to reach the scene of the wi with the continuance of favourable weat conditions success may attend this last atter to salve the valua le warship.
fith inst
Captain Anderson, of the French stean Huilaw, which arrived last night from Hoit reports that at nine o'clock yesterday morni he sighted the Robert (coke and the Robert towing the cofferdam about 40 mile 8,W Ladrones. They were going al full speed everything appeared to be most sail-factory”),
Glorious weather has favoured the firs meeting of the Hongkong Gymkhana Club which has drawn large crowds to the Happy Valley this afternoon. The committee has arranged a capital programme of events, and this together with the selections to be played by the band of the and Hattalion, Royal West Kent Regiment is doubtless affording much enjoyment to the speciniors.
The question which people who saw the coffered in yesterday asked themselves was➡ | HONGKONG GYMKHANA CLUB, How will they ever manage to tow that great crate to the say of Along? The two boats which have been engaged to do the work of towing the structure, lay heaving a few yards away, Bigger than the ordinary lug boat, they nevertheless looked puny and fragile beside he huk of wood. Indeed they seemed fitter for a pleasure jaunt than the arduous task of dragging this almost shapeless mass, through the sea to Along ay. But, of course, that only a Lyman's opinion and does not count. Those at the Hongkong and Wham. poa Docks who are really competent to judge hold the firm opinion that ehber the coffer-dam will save the Sully or the Sully is doomed. As a matter of fact they look forward to the day when the Sully will be triumphantly dock.
ed in Hongkong.
A PATRIOTIC TENTURE,
The committee is as follows: The Stewards of the Hongkong Jockey (Ex-Officio), Mr. I. Alderton, Capt. G. Ei R.WK, Mr. J. Johnstone, Mr. J. A. Jupp Mr. F. H. May, c.M.o., Mr. G. H. POR, M
White,
P.
Judge and handicapper-Mr H, P. Whi Clerk of the scales-Mr. J. A. Jupp. Starter.Mr. G. H. Pouta
Probate and dministration.-There were 171 grants made by the Court, being: "robates, 71, and letters of administration, 98. The ag- gregate value of the estater was $2,788.400, Probate duties amounted to 177,552.00, Court fees to 57,287.70, and Official Administrator's commission paid into the Treasury to $1.301.37, There were 39 estates vested in, or administer ed by, the Official Administrator during the yer, representing an argregate value of $35.157.98. 25 estates were wound up dur ing the year, as against 10 in 1903, repre senting an aggregate value of $13,11099.
The total number of trust estates, in the issued a proclamation in which he announced hands of the Official Trust eat the end of BEFORE THE COURT.
that he had been appointed “Viceroy of the
1904 was 23, and the aggregate amount of Pacific" by the Great White Tear, now, so it trust funds $241,264.34. as against 23 estates "Judgment for plaintiff, with costs'" was the is said, ranks as Military Attaché of the Rus aggregating to $49, 00 BB in 1003, and certain decision of the Puisas Judge in quite a number slan Legation, London. Then there's Alexieff, house property, vis, No. 6, Bedaaxela Terrace.
To a certain extent this effort on the part of of actions brought against Major M. R. Hurly, the so-called "Viceroy of the Far East," who
The total number of companies registered the Ifongkong salvage party and the Dock of the 93rd Burma Infantry and disposed of by scuttled from Port Arthur to Harbin as soon as from the commencement of the Companies Company is an international affair, and the
is Honour Mr. T, Sercombe Smith at the ha knew Togo was on his trail and never Supreme Court this morning. The first case stopped running until he got right home. Now, Ordinance 1865" was 424 with an aggregate labours of those engaged on the coffer-dam have been inspired by a feeling of patriotism, called on was that of William Powell, Ltd, hoe virtually on the shelf and would doubtless capital of $107,131,171, of which there were M. R. Hurly, in which Mr. M. J. D. Stephens be very glad to get a lucrative provincial remaining at the end of 1004, whose Some of the writers on the French papers in
Tie Prefect of Wochow is evidently a man appeared for the plaintiffs. It was a claim of
Erogate capital amounted to 3:15.594,664, Indo-China have indulged in gloomy forecasts. 130 were wound up voluntarily, 4 were wound as to the probability of salving the Sully, see progresive ideas and is a great bellerer $58,77, balance of the price of goods supplied and $8.50 costs
up under the supervision of the Court, and 77 are defunct. In addition to the fatter, thereing that the work is in the hands of an English education. Not long since it occurred 15
firm. Some have grumbled because it was that schools might, with advantage, be opene are other companies that are practically de decided to build the cofferdam in Hongkong in the city so he requested his subordinate I fanct as no returns have bean furnished by instead of Saigon, And some have been make in uiries as to what places ware ber such companies for yearst steps are being taken drearily pessimistic all the time. It remains suited. These officials set out burr for the Hongkong salvage party to prove that turned to their master after failing in the to legally strike them off the Register,
There were 37 companies cistered in 19 41 this cofferdam-based on ́s suggestion, re-ission, whereupon the refect accompani the revenue from which was-Registration ceived from a Russian officer in Kowloon-will them around the city and antering many of Fees, $5,310 Filing and other Feas, perform the work for which it has been con temples arranged that they should be tar
structed, and show, that after all Hongkong into institutions for educational purposes. $1,049 25 making a total of 57,378.71.
can carry through a forloin hops cuccessfully. ages were destroyed and the buildings cle
ed of everything that was likely to retard wolk 'ofthose who will now be appointed teach the rising generation of this grant olty,
and That the holders of lots fronting the Mr. B. Barlowe said that I order ta authorise the Government to proceed forth to sayt his Lordship's time he proposed to can, with with the preliminary surveys and plans sent to fudgment in all the actioni and undertake to contribute in proportion to Mr. C. Holborow (Messrs: Deacon, Loker their marine fromages to the expenses incurred and Deacon) mentioned the case, Lane, Craw by the Government in so doing.
ford & Co against the defendant, in which the Thess resolutions were on the 20th April, 1901, plaintiff's claimed $440.47, including costs, and forwarded by me to the Government, as per my said that the writ had only been served this letter of that date, which was at the time pub mersing. The amount did not appear to be lished in the local press. Since that date, I disputed, and he did not see why judgment have until now had no further communication should not also be given in that case. from the Government be ring on the scheme, ilis Honour-Do you agree to that Mr. Bar except one of the 20th July, 1901, merely raise fowe?
Governorship in the Caucasus or Turkestan of Kamschatka. And now we have on the boards Rodjenivensky, Admirakinimo, of the Tears Armada, irreverently and commonly-yes, véryj commonly-styled "International nuisances Will his star shine brighter in the Eastern Armament than those of his illustrious pre decessors? Not likely. It is in fact well bigh certain that the last essay of the Rooskios to lord it over others in these regions will be far worse than their initial efforts to cut a dash with imposing titles, sham displays of might and majesty that only had to be put to the test to demonstrate their bollowness, and an amount of bluff and chicanery that was as fasufferable as it was in the last degree dis
The total sume collected during the year by way of fees and commissions paid into the Treasury amounted to $40,717,44, as against $41,758.63 in the previous year.
THE COFFER-DAM LAUNCHED. The launching of this strange structure took place this morning at 9.45 o'clock, the afhir
and Sarter-Mr. W. W. G. Ross Time-Lucier-Mr. J. R, Michael☺
Hen: Sec, & Treasurer, Mr. C. G. Mackie,