HUMOURS OF THE SUMMARY COURT,
16th inst.
"How dare he ave me?" shouted an imate defendant in the Summary Court this morning, "I am the guest of a clansman.. and never bought any goods from the plaintiff." Plaintiff swore he personally supplied the goods, for which he was claiming the value, to the defend ant himself, His Honour said he must pay up, and try to get half the amount out of his
"clapeman,"
“A summons was served on me but it does not bear my name," said an Indian shop assistant to His Honour, Mr. Justice Wise, sitting in the Summary Court this morning,
"Do you own this money? asked His Honour "No, my Lord, I don't owe any money." "Then go and sit dows 1"
"Do you want to argue this case?" asked His Honour al a defendant's solicitor in the Summary Court this morning,
".
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 1906.
PLAGUE IN KWANGTUNG.
A MARVELLOUS' REMEDV.
PIRACY NEAR MACAO.
CARGO VALUED $3,000 STOLEN.
TWO PIRATES CAPTURED. [From Our Own Correspondent.]
On the
CRIMINAL SESSIONS.
THE CALENDAR.
16th inst. The March Criminal Sessions will open at The upreme Court or Monday next, the 19th Inst, at ten o'cl .ck. There is only one case in the calendar, that of Li T. Mui, who was committed to the sessions by 'Mr, C. A. D. Melbourne, to take bin trial on a charge of forging a passage ticket for Bangkok, per s.s. Loom, with intent to defraud the marter of that vessel. In the cases of Choy Chung Li, com- mitted on a charge of fraudulent bankruptcy, by Mr. F. A. Hazeland, and Lo Fui Chan, Lo Chu Sad, and Le Tak Hinx, Charged with onspiracy in connection with the above case, the Hon. the Attorney General declined to file any indictment.
BIG PHILIPPINES 'BAITLE.
SIX HUNDRED NATIVIS KILLED.
GREAT GALLANTRY OF AMERICAN TROUPS.
"To His Excellency,
&
"The Minister of Marino; Great Britain,
With reverence.
increased of late owing, no doubt, to the experis ences of the war. The insurance business as A medium of finance has not hitherto been regarded with so much importance as the
hould my letter arrive too late for the banks, but the fact that the insurance com-reat celebration, I would beg that my contri- panies have been the largest subscribers to the bution may still be used for expenses connecte war loans, next to the bankers, has unmistake-ed with the same, Freipt issued by the post ibly demonstrated the important relations which office at Toyama, Provitice of Etchiú, Japan, *xist between State finance and the insurance for 4 yea and 93 son (say to] business. There is also very close connec tion between life lasurance and the economic condition of a country. The number of the nsured in Japan at present is 800,000, and the otal amount of annual premiums reaches nine million yen, an average of Yzt per capital. The insurance companies invest this money in shares and debentures, and deposit with the baks, and in this manner largely contribute inwards the economical development of the country."
The Admiralty forwarded the subscription to the Navy Longue and sent the following letter
Nelson's youthful admirer in Japan —
Sir-My Lords Commissioners of the Adiniralty have received with the greatest pleasure your letter of October 3, 1905, in which you enclose a sum of 4 yen and 92 sen (equival
or the ent to 10%. English moday) in aid expenses incurred in celebrating the centenary of the dealb of Vice-Admiral Lord Viscount Nelson, My Lords are deeply touched and The Nichi-Nickt, commenting on the de- gratified by the expression, al your feelings of mands of the insurance companies, observes veneration for Lord Nelson's memory, and of your admiration at the great work performed that the Government is believed to be in sympathy with the suggested remission of the hy him, and they gladly accept your generous income-tax, and the question will be referred contribution, feeling that it is not the amount of the gift, but the sentiment which inspiros it, To the Diet for approval. The life insurance
în con business in Japan is still in a state of infancy, that renders it valuable. The expebasé, and unless reasonable encouragemaul is given nection with the celebration of the Resten- by the State no rapid progress can be expected.ry have, however, been borne by the 'Navy The increase in life insurance contracts is to league, and my Lords have therefore handled be welcomed as a healthy sign in the economic over your donation to that body, feeling that by in the matter. The Navy League has grate- exemption from tax advocated by the inturance In most European and American countries life publish your letter in ins League Journal, insurance premiums are free from any imposts, and to inscribe your name on the list of con- and though Juhn Stuart Mill was opposed to tributors.-1 am, elc, his principle on the ground that the practice is inerely based on sentiment, many will admit the justice of the exemption,
16th inst Pingue is stated in be greatly prevalent in the interior at the present time, and according to the You-so-soet, a local Chinese newspaper,
Macao, 14th March, as many as 20 cases are occurring daily at Tungkup. From the vernacular journal it is Viracy does not appear to be confined to the learned that Chinese therapeunice have not yet waters comprised within the Canton and West discovered any prophylactic to deal successful. River, delis. Encouraged by their success in ly with this terrible malady. It is also assert those regions, the terrors of peaceful traders cd by our native contemporary that a prophy.have carried their operations within the tactic freely distributed by Mr. Ho Kum Tong, barders of Portuguese territory. of Hongkong, appears to be the only effective 12th inst, a Chinese junk was held up by remedy for a partial cure of the disease. The pir.ics tot far distant from Taipa, apposite Macao. Having boarded the junk, the pimies Yau-so-wed states that the recoveries due to
ordered the crew into the hold. Weing helpless This carbolic acid preparation numbered 30 to 40 per cent. Mr. Ho Kum Tong, it is added they had no choice but to obey the peremptory by the newspaper in question, has widely dia infunction of the marauders. The hatchway was then battened down and the pirates com- tributed, free of cost, several thousand bottles of this preparation, and has done so year menced their work of loot. They succeeded after year, to the great benefit of suffering. in removing cargo to the value of $3,000. humanity in Kiukiang, Tangkup, and Fat When all that was worth taking away had been tra shipped into the piratical craft, it sailed shan, When seen by a representative of the "Yes, my Loid," answered the lawyer. "Oh, well," rejoined His Hanour, I may as Hongkeng Telegraph as to the accuracy of away, the beli less Junk being subsequently the report that the percentage of recoveries abandoned. The imprisoned crew now made weil tell you that I have already made up my
every effort to regain the deck) this they suc- attributed to the plague cure ranged be mind in the matter."
"I stil: want to argue the matter, my Lord, tween 30 and 40 per cent, Mr. Ho Kum Toug ceded in doing by forcibly breaking open the and I think I can convince your Lordship that replied that he had received letters from the harchway. They then again assumed control tured a strongly-fonited position hold by 600 condition of the country, and in this sense the ↑ so doing they will best be meeting your wishes
interior corroborating the report in the Chinese of their vessel and sailed for the nearest port Go on then ; but there is another case hera nawspaper. At one time when the preparation where a report of the pccurrence was made to papers from Manila. The fight of Moust companies must be admitted to be reasonable. I fully accepted the amount, and propose to
was first introduced, he distributed the bottles the authorities. Two Chinamen, concerned in the piratical outrage, have since been captured. through the medium of the native hospitals in Canton, but so widely known did the medicine Evidence of their implication in the robbery become, and so highly were its properties ap. was found in valuables on their persons be preciated that applications were now constantly longing to the crew to the worth of $300. received from all parts of the province, He had three letters this morning, one from Foo mun, another from Tungkun, and the third from Macao, applying for the carbolic acid prepare tion; and in a letter of recent date from Dr. Tang, who, we are told, holds a high biterary degree in the province, it was related that, of the cases coming under his personal observa- tion, fully 50 per cent. of the patients treated with this remedy sent out by Mr. Ho Kum Tony had recovered or were well on the way
I am right."
in which you are also wrong." (Laughter.)
"I want to argue that too, my 11. ord, as my opinion is that I am not wrong, and I hope to bring your Lordship to my opinion,
"All right, I'll hear you"; and a day was set for hearing.
UNPAID HOTEL BILL.
16th insi.
When the name of F. E. J. Bishop was called in a cast in Summary Jurisdiction this morn ing before His Honour Mr. A. G. Wise, Puisne Judge, in which Mr. J. W. Osborne, proprietor of the Kowloon toel, sued him for recovery of the sum of $11.60 beng money due by defendant to the plaintiff for goods and supplies furnished to the defendant, there was no response; the Mr. Osborne defendant was not present. proved his claim and his Honour gave ‘judg iment, with costs; for plaintiff.
A DISOBEDIENT COOK.
REFUSED TO MAKE THE COFFEE,
•
16th inst. Before His Honour Mr. A. G. Wise, Puisne Judge, sitting in Summary Jurisdiction this morning, Abdul Rahman, a cook, in the em ploy of Jau Mahamed Mir Ali, no engineer, sued his master for an alleged balance due for arrears of wages inaunting to 523.30, at the rate of $10 a month.
The plaintiff said that he was engaged by defendant as, cook at $10 a month, to include food, and, wages were due from 1st January to 10th March. His master got drunk, and struck him, gave him a whipping, in fact, and so plaintiff left his service and brought this suit to recover the wages. Defen- dant said he did not get drank and he did not whip the plaintiff he was disobedient and so he dismissed him.
His Honour-liów was he disobedient?-I told him to do something and he said he would
not do it..
His Honour: But what did you tell him to 1 10ht That makes all the difference. do. him to make some coffee far me, and he said he would not make it as he was tired. 1 then told him if he would not make the coffee and obey me he could get out of my house.
His Honour. Do you owe him any money!? No, my Lor On the 1st of every month I got my salary and then I paid the cook the samo day.
His Honour: Then why has he sued you for over two months' salary?-1 don't know. 1 paid him on the 1st inst. and on the 2nd inst. he was disobedient, and on the next morn. ing, I cleared him out.
Both sides said they had witnesses, but they were not in Court,
His Honour said he did not believe the plaintiff's story, and dismissed, the case.
-ARMED. HOBBERY.
PRISONER COMMITTED TO GAOL.
16th inst. Tai Man, alios Tai Fan Kwai, was brought up on remand at the Magistracy this afternoon, charged with committing armed robbery in the Ching Tai piece-goods shop in the Kwai Shing district, Kwanglung province, on Nov. ember 15th, 1994-
The particulare of this case have already
besu recorded in these columns.
Police evidence was heard, and defendant was committed to the Victoria Gaol pending the Governor's order for his extradition to Canion.
towards recovery.
From the official reports which have been published in Hongkong it is quite apparent that the plague has taken a comparatively strong hold of the native population in this Colony, and therefore these native reports are commended to the attention of the Sanitary Department.
No, cases of plague were reported as having -occurred in the Colony to-day.
A TEST CASE.
WHEN IS A GUN 'NOT, A GUN?
16th inst.
A case of great interest came before the Court at the Magistracy this morning, and M. F. A. Hazeland was asked to decide whether agan used at school drilling classes, with a solid barrel and a blunt sword' attached, came under the category of arms, and whether a permit from the police was necessary. The defendant was Tam Man Sam, described as a gus meker at Mongkok. He was charged with being in possession of a gun, without having obtained a police permit
Inspector Macdonald, prosecuted, and. Mr. R. A. Harding appeared for the defence.
This Worship: As it is a sort of a test ease find better fix it for Thursday rext, at z.15 p.m.
The case was then adjourned.
HONGKONG SPONTING NEWS. SEMI-FINAL SOCCER-ENGINEERS DEFEATED,
16th inst.
Hundreds of spectators encircled the Hong- kong Football Club ground, at Happy Valley, yesterday afternoon, to witness the match of the season-H.3.5, Diadem v. Royal Engi #eers. Excitement around the lines ran high when the Diadem set the ball rolling and Dell kicked off, and some pretty play began. the flagship team went down showing good combination. The soldiers' hacks were easily passed, and a tremendous kick from Bell brought forth loud cheers in scoring the Dia der's first gon!. There was not the least duubs that the Diadem was the better team for their combination and passing of the ball being the talk of the afternoon. The RE. appeared very weak, their players in inking the ball were slow and their goal-shooting erratic. At halftime the score was Diadem 2; R.E. viil. The R.E team before this played a man short in consequence of Kinnear, their centre-half, having to be removed to hospital for injuries received. Notwithstanding this, the soldiers "bucked up" considerably in the second half and after netting the first goal fork ed like making matters even, but the Diadem opened a fierce at ack, and kept the soldiers within their own territory. They won a capital match by four to one and greatly deserved their victory. Bell, the Diaden's centre-dor ward, was much in evidence. He scored three of the goals and showed himself to be a dan. gerous one when near goal.
At 4.15 10-morrow afternoon the Club will play the Y. M. C. A.. on the fo mer tram's ground at Happy Valley. This game will decide who will play the Diadem'in the final for the Shield.
SMALL SHIPS Challenge CUP. To-morrow afternoon, on the Naval Football Ground, H.M.S. Virago will meet, H.M.5. Rambler in the competition for the above. menti ned Cup. Kick-off at 4 p.m.
HOCKEY.
i
SPAMPANI'S INNI COLLAPSES,
FORTUNATE ESCAPE OF THE AUDIENCE.
16th inst. What might have proved a very serious ac cident, leading to panic, occured last night
CHINA SQUADRON SHIELD: at Spampani's circus, fortunately after the per-
On the Naval Footbal ground yesterday formance had terminated. During the evening a bigh wind was blowing, and as it swept afternoon, H.M.S. Tomar played, H.M.S. through the canvas tent and pulled at the tent-Andromeda, in the competition for the China pegs, the employes were in the greatest alarm Squadron Shield. The match was well played
and ended in a draw. No scoring occurred. that an accident would occur before the audience had left the circus. In the middle of
poles were up-root the performance two ed by the violence of the wind, und; despite the efforts of the circus attendants they could not be brought back into position They Matters began remained dangling in the air to look serious and during the latter part of the performance, the employes were far from happy. The wind was momentarily increas ing in strength, and the big tent was swaying with every gust. At length, to the satisfaction of the management, the performance ended and the audience trooped out. There was a sigh of relief by the attendants. Not long after the audience had gone, a strong gust of wind snapped the main tent-poles and the whole tent fell to the ground with a crash. It in terri ble to think what would have occurred had the
• performance been going on' and the audience in their places when the accident occurred. Harmsworth's circus had a similar mishap in Singapore a couple of years ago, but it occurred in the early morning. In consequence of the accident to the tent, we are informed by Mr. Spampani that there will be no performance Lo-night, and it is not expected that there will be any to-morrow, as the Company will probably leave on Saturday,
The gun-room officers from H.M.S. Xing Alfred played their confreres from H.M.S. Andromeda on the Hockey Club ground yes. today afternoon. The Andromeda could not be held Back and won by four goals to mil,
To-morrow afternoon, on the Hockey Club ground, the Hockey Club will play the gun- room officers from 1,M.S, Andromeda, Kick- off at 4.45.
• AN OVERDUE STEAMER.
A Singapore paper writes as follows: The German steamer Florida, which left Singapore for Vladivostok on November 9 last, has not since been heard of, and is considered much overdue, it is considered probable that she bas fallen foul of one of the floating mines known to be in the neighbourhood of Vladivos tok.
On Inquiry being made this afternoon at the A CHINESE Constable, No. 234, appeared be- fora Mr. C. A. D. Melbourne, at the Court on office of Messrs. Jebsen and Company, they Friday for assaulting a hawker in the central stated that they have never heard of the district, on the 13th instant. The evidence Florida. The Singapore paper adds: "The beard was that defendant arrested the bawker, Florida was 3.440 tons, built in 1895, and and on the way clubbed the complainant. At owned by M. Jebson. 92 guineas per cent, is the station the inspector on duty discharged | being paid in Lloyd's to re-insure her. If there the hawker, on the ground that there was no be such a boat it certainly does not belong to charge His Worship Gned the constable S. the Hongkong firm.
.
The story of the fight in the Philippines, in which the American troops attacked and cap. fanatical Moros, is told at length in the latest received the commendation of President Rodie. velt. It seems to have been a fierce struggle, all the Moros being killed, while of the Ameri- cans 18 were killed and $2 wounded. The greatest praise is accorded the naval detach meat and the constabulary.
TION.
The following considerations arise from the
A DAND OF OUTLAWS.. occurrence. Macao possesses only a very few Tanches propelled by steam, and they are
According to General Wood's account, the somewhat old. The only Portuguese gunboat action was an incident to the destruction of a ANTI-FOOTBINDING PROCLAMA- in this station has been away now for some
bind of outlaws, recogniting no chief, who time in Shanghai, since the riotous disturb.
had been occupying the submit of Mount Dajo ince in the Nurthers Settlement. This tiny
various datios bid made numerous unsuccess- vessel is also antiquated and is built of wood.for the past eight months. The sultan and Major Scott, it will be seen that absolutely no adequate ful efforts to get them out,
governor of Jolo, had worker unremittingly to protection is afforded to the water-bone trade to and from this port. What the port should
this end. Since his departure, especially they possess is a vessel not necessarily too large
had been riding friendly Moros, and burning houses and buildings, including the target range but of fairly good speed, and its duties might take in, amongst others, the policing of the buildings at Jolo. Through their defiance of approach to the waters of the Colony in order authority they were stirring up a dangerous that peaceful traders may ply with perfect condition of affairs. freedom from molestation.
Macao has a large revenue from its gam- bling establishments and from other sources, A ponion of the surplus might be appropriated on the afternoon of 6th Match and lasted until towards the provision of a patrol vessel like the one about indicated.
FRENCH SHIPPING SERVICE
10 INDU-CHINA..
THE NEW SCHEME. Referring in his consular, report on Indo China to the new scheme of mail shipping service which the French Government have been considering, Mr. G. W. Pearson states that it is proposed to do away with the Mar seit er-Australian line and that to Bombay, and to reduce gradually the subsidy on the Saigon will be a new line from Saigon to Sydney via Shanghai line. By way of substitutes there Singapore, Batavia, Noumeo, and Brisbane, and another matbly service, in addition to those now established, between Marseilles and Saigon. The latter service will be extended to Tonkin until railway facilities have been pro- vided, when the subsidy for this extension wil be unnecessary. Then a weekly line may be ron between Marseilles and Saigon.. It is, however, very probable. Mr. Pearson thinks, that the chente detailed above will we found impracticable. It will probably be necessary to supplement the line of mail boats by a ser vice of large stramers running between Lyons and Marseilles to Shanghai and Canton, in. view of the expected in rease of trade in rice Iram Indo-Chin zed in silk between China and France. A project for a subsidised line between Tour.me and Swatow. Feochow Shanghai, Manila, Osaki, and Yokohama is on foot The success of such a line must de- of Toorne and Saigon, which need new docks Pepon the improvement made in the parts and godowns, coal yard, and rice depots.
NDL. "PRINZESS ALICE"
PRESENTATION TO CAPTAIN POLACK.
SCENE OF THE FIGHT. . · · The action at Mount Dajo, near Jolo, began the morning of 8th March. It involved the capture of Mount Dajo, a lava cone, 2,too high, with crater at summit, the cone extremely steep and rugged, the last 500 feet lying at an angle of from 5 to 60 degrees, the last fifty feet practically perpendicular, approachable only by lava ridges covered with heavy growth of timber, strongly lortified. The fortifications were generally invisible from a distance.
IMPREGNABLE SITUATION. The operations were under the direct charge of Colonel . W. Luncan, 6th Infantry, who was placed in command of all troops in Jato and directed to take the place and capture and destroy the host les, he handled the situation. well and is entitled to commendation. The position was a mally, by far the most difficult officers and sun bebaved splendidly. The the Americans had ever had to take, and be believed he not difficulties were a great as they had ver been called upon to overconte, on the Philippins or elsewhere,
DEFENDERS DECIMATEL The defences as were very considerable and resistance was literally so the death. All the defenders were killeil bear as could be counted from the dead, they were about 600 in number. The artillery had to be lifted by sick and tackle some 300 feet in position when the lodgment was made on the lip of the crater, It was impossible to conceive a naturally dered splendid services and was entitled to the stronger position. The naval detachment ren highest commerdation, as was the constabul- ary whose casualties were 17 out of 44 engaged ANOTHER. ACCOUNT.
A special report to the Manila Times says; A reconnaissance was made last week. Three difficut ascending trails were reported. The troops were greeted with yells of derision by the outlaw Mores, Their red flag was dis- played on the fifth instant. Operations began on the filth with Colonel Duncan, sixth In- fantry, commanding. The attacking column was composed of four troops fourth cavalry, four companies sixth and two companies a pescenth infantry, one constabular under Captain White, and the twenty-eighth Mountain Baticy,. Captain MeClachlin. occupied the approaches. On the sixth la- stant the general attack was begun. Captain Kecier, Fourth Cavalry, assisted by Con. stabulary and ine section of the 28th Ballery captured a cotta on a low spur of the mountain. The Constabulary ascended half way to the summit."
The troopt
ARTILLERY COMMENDED,
Captain Polack, Commander of the N. D. L. steamer Princess Alice, was the recipient of a presentation from the passengers on the voyage The presentation, which took the form out of an Address signed, by all th passengers (ab ut 75 number), was made at Singapore, says the Jupon Herad, Sir Malcolm Mc. Excharu, who travelled by the boat from Eu inpe, acting as spokesman. On arrival at Japan, Messi. Kuba Komar undertook the making | fa case for the Address, although only the short space nt tour days was available before the Printers Alice left on her return voyage, The case, completed and handed to the Captain on Friday morning, is a very beautiful one, is inade of the finest shitas wood, with em bossed silver corners, on which are shown the emblems of the Norddeutscher Lloyd-the key and anchor-and finely modelled representa tions of all the flowers for which Japan ised vigo ously. Fierce fighting prevailed all famous. In the centre is a vase on which is engraved: "Address presented to Captain Charles August Polack by the saloon passen wers of the G. M. Prinsest Alige. February, 19.6." The inner cover is of silk, painted and einbraidered with chrysanthemums.
CUSTOMS DILEMMA.
WHEN IS A GUN NOT A GUN ?
lt
On the opposite side of the mountain troops scouted to the top by evening, Five American soldiers were wounded by Mrros by rocks being rolled down. The Artillery did excellent Colts automatics added to their forces. work, shelling the crater thoroughly. Two
On the seventh instant the attack was renew. morning. The firing was audible at folo. A strong colta at ibe brins of the crater was taken by pistol charge. Two more automatics were put in the field. About thirty-eight confia bulary were killed ap! wounded, All the troops fought hard, and there was a desperate
resistance by the Moros.
One mountain gun and automatics were hauled up the mountain by ropes. Heavy Bring all afternoon. The pack trains worked hard carrying in wounded and returning with ammunition. Only twelve of the Constabulary were asinjured,
H.E Chou, Acting Governor-General of the Two Kwang, and his four colleagues the Gover nor of this and the two adjoining provinces also three Treasurers have issued this Proclamation for general instruction.
On the 23rd day of the 12th month of the 17th year of Kwang Hua Decree was issued by the Throne that the old practice of foot binding among the women and girls of Chius was quite contrary to nature and that bereafter the nobles and gentry must use their influence with the people towards gradually eliminating such a bad custom.
This being the Imperial Command.we ob serve that foot-binding is a foolish custom handed down from past generations and is confined to China alone of the whole world. Its evil effects are many, among which there are four principal ones-(1.) It is contrary to kindness. The love of parents for their child- reu bas no limitations, but, when a mother bas her daughter's feet bound, inflicting injuries où the victim's cries, nothing could surpass this in bone, muscle and flesh, pitilessly regardless of depth of cruelty and unrighteousness. (2.) It brings shame. For girls virtue is all-impor tant. The cultivation of articificial beauty is not honourable. The real object of foot
ration of men. There is no greater depth of shanie, (3) it causes weakness, Girls in binding is nothing else than to attract the ad-
constitutions and contract more diseases. having their feet bound are injured in their Since they themselves are not able to do any thing, the lack of vital strength in the mothers produced weakly children and thus harm is done to the State. (4.) It cause poverty. The great principle in the production of wealth is that the producer outnumber the consumers. Women with boun: leet are by their weakness incapacitated for work and have to depend on others. One half of the people of the nation being consumers, how can they prevent poverty although they do not wish for it. The above are the most serious evils, but besides these there are others beyond number. In late years, of course, learned and wise persons have re- cognized the infuriousness of the practice, but it is deep rooted and its eradication is not an easy maiter Moreover, one complication is the marriage difficulty and secause of this the fashion is observed and reform is feared.
Now, happily, the Imperial Edict to put an end to this bad custom has been received
and the subjects of our country one and all should assist to carry out Their Majesties' noble idea for a uniform change, The high families should first make the reform or an example to others, establish public societies, and use their influence with the common and unite to protect the weaker sex so that poor ignorant people. The lower classes will then families may have strong healthy women for the household work, Thus very great improve ment will result in the mode of living and the customs of the people,
Now, fearing that this mere admonition may have no result and arouse no enthusiasm, We Officers of State assure you gentry and people that, if by energetic representations you are able to effect substantial reform, you will be. recommended by your respective local author- ities in the case of the gentry for rewards such as honorific tablets or brevet rank in the case of expectant officials by substantive pre- ferment, and in the case of heads or guards of a village either by brevet rank or silver medals or in kind or by exemption from enforced labour. But those who do not exert themselves in exhortation must be warned as occasion serves by their officials, and the village elders and guards must endeavour to make the matter known by degrees so that Their Majesties wishes may be fulfilled. Nevertheless, the officers are not to oppress the people in any way ander pain of certain and severe punish-
ment.
It is expected that the gentry and the people will as one body act in obedience to this Pro clamation.
A JAPANESE BOY AND LORD NELSON.
"C. I. THOMAS"
- SECRECY IN WAR-TIME.
The large majority with which the Liberal Government has returned to power should ba- able it to pass a mensure which is absolutely necessary from the standpoint of national security. This measure should be one giving the Government power to apply, by 1Order in Council, certain restrictions upon the freedom of the Press in time of public danger. The publication of all naval and military news, other than 'at sent out by the Admbaly or War Office. should be forbidden, and all com ment upon such news which has not bean sub mitted to the naval and military authorities should also be placed under the same ban, Such a measure would be welcomed by jour. nalists generally, who do not know how or where they stand, and are under the present conditions in serious difficulties in time of war or diplomatic tension. The more honourable the newspaper, the more reputable the jour nalist, the more anxious both will be to disclose nothing which can injure national interests. But so long as no restraint is imposed, the scrupulous who refrain from"publishing naval and military news can render their country'no
to divulge what should be kept secret, and service, as some other journal is almost certain would perhaps in this way be likely to obtain the credit and circulation which fall to those who achieve what is technically known as "beat." It must be remembered that intime of danger the public want to know the naval premium is set upon such nows and military movements; and thus a high
It is quite a mistake to supposo: that the Press is not anxious to keep vital secrets. One great difficulty is to know what secrets are vital. In the recent war in the Far East the definite and detailed news of the sinking of the Japanese battleship Yashima reached one great London journal, The telegram captain. ng that news was destroyed, and not a word on the subject was published for six months, and then only when the disclosure of the fact could do no harm. Here there could be no doubt that the secret was a vital one. Again, the exact whereabout of Admiral Togo's ficat before the battle of the Japan Sea was certainly known to one London newspaper, and probably to several others. Yet again not a word on the subject appeared in print. Once more there could be no doubt as to the important
but their efforts to withhold important informa nature of the secret. These facts at least show that journalists of the best class can be trusted, tion might at any moment have been rendered fatila by some indiscretion of the more careless or ignorant, Most of the reputable journals, and particularly the Daily Mail and Morning Port, have in editorial articles welcomed the suggested enactment of a-clear and definite law on this subject. A free Press may be the gravest of dangers to a nation, on 'the eve of war or during a great struggle. To avart defeat and disaster the Press must be prepared temporarily to surrender part of its freedom when an emergency arises.
History in the past is full of illustrations of the danger of a free Press in a great struggle. Napoleon constantly obtained information from the columns of British newspapers. In the United States Army Corps from the east to the American Civil War the transference of two west was disclosed by the Northern Press, and but for a fortunate combination of circumstances might have brought utter disaster. Is the Boer war much news was published that ought to have been withheld, though here the military censors, who did their work indifferently, were in large measure to blame. Even in the Far Eastern strug. lo, admirahie as were the Japan esa methods, there were risks of leakage. It was the habit of the Japanese censors to obliterate by the oss of Indian ink the names of units and divisions in correspondents' letters. The obliteration, however, was not effective, and, speaking from clcis personal knowledge, as the writer examined dozens of such laiters when they rentbed London, the figures of the divisions cogid always be`read. They were never gived, of course, as a matter of honour and duty, That the Japanese staff wished them concealed was sufficient for thorn into whose hands the letters ultimately passed, Yat the Incident certainly suggests that the most effective means of preventing any leakage would be to forbid correspondents even to menting the names or numbers of units..
Lord Selborne, speaking last year, declared that the control of the Press, in time of wAT WER a matter of the most, serious importance, Yot no action was taken on his words. During the North Sea crisis no hint was addressed by the Admiralty to the Press, and in the absence of such a hint the fatuous naval dispositions which had imperilled the very existence of England were published and made the subject THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF INVESTMENT.
of sharp comment, Probably-every enemy of this country kusw from the frst that the Home As already reported in these columns, says'
Fleet, in a wenk condition, and shorts of coal, the Japan Chronicle, of 7th inst., the Japanese
was in the North of Scotland that the Cruiser life insurance companies bave made a repre sentation to the Government for (1) Exemp.
Squadron had been carefully sent isto port and Lord Nelson. its machinery opened out, so as to rander it tion from income tax on insurance premiums; FOLLOWING are the returns of the average amount of bank notes in circulation and of (2) Removal of restrictions as to beneficiaries; owing to him that not only the seas about unready for sea that the Channel Fire! was at and (3) Protection of lasurance money from Great Britain, but that the seas around Japan Gibraltar; and that there was no sufficient can now be safely guarded. I look upon the organised naval force in home waters. But specio in reserve in Hongkong, during the
celebration of the centenary of this great even so, the disclosure of the fact Meiji Life Insurance Co, in the course of by the managers of the respective Banks," month ended 28th February, 1906, as certified legal seizure. Mr. T. Abi, President of the
Specia an address delivered at a meeting of the Life Admiral with the veueration I feel for my own did no good, The carelessness of the Admiralty Average
mother's lete day; and, although ashamed of in failing to warn the Press, however, was in Amoant fa Reserve.Insurance Association, held in Tokyo on
such a contribution, beg to offer my small exact keeping with the gross negligence which Banks.
had created so grivo a danger. We shall Thursday, remarked--- Chartered Bank of
"While the late way has inflicted a severe savings herewith towards the expenses of this India, Australia and, China,... $3,235,953 $1,300,000 blow to the insurance business in a acuse, at great celebration, In the hope that your Ex continue to hope that with its enormous mas the same time it has laid the foundation for celleney will kindly deign to accept it, Thi jority the Liberal administration will at once The 38th carry a mesture, which is just ad necessary, future development. The number of man kill, beg from the botton of my heart, Hongkong and Shang, hal Banking Cor-
Daily Math, "secure the country against one poration,.....
$1,000,000 ad on the field reached 30,000 but the ratio of year of Meiji, toth month, grd day (way Octo and in so doing, in the words of a writer in the
those icured was only one in sixteen. Prior bec, 3rd, 1995).
of the gravest, and most needfasa perils to Bank of
MARATANI YOSHI KUMI,
"Scholar of the Lower which it is now expored," China, Limited,................. National
School, Tojama, Jepan:"
is a gun a musical instrument? This is A question that has greatly exercised the Bang kok Customs authorities the last day or two, nys the Bangkok Times. It appears that a certain European resident in Bangkok had a it to coalain clothes and a "musical lostru- box arrive by the ns. Tanglin and he declared
took more than usual interest in this box, and meat." For some reason or other the Customs found that the bottom was marvellously thick, and very beavy. The scientific application of a hammer and chipe) revealed the bottom as false, and in the space between lay a fee now sporting gun and several hundred cartridges. There are explanations which, it is hoped, may prove satisfactory,
15,895,664 59,428
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT'S LETTER. On the roth inst. President Roosevelt isle. graphed to General Wood: "I congratulate you and the officers of your command for the well upheld the honour of the American deg." brilliant feat of arms, wherein you and they so
LIFE INSURAnce in JapaAN.
40,000 to the war most of the insured were married
men, over 30 years of age, but the number of younger men making contracte has greatly
TotaÍ.........$19,191,045 $19,340,000
TOUCHING LETTER TO THE BRITISHL ADMIRALTY.
The following latter from a Japanese boy to the British Admiralty is published in the Jangary sue of the journal of the British Navy League:
TRANSLATION,
"It is the greatest pleasure to me every time. I hear from.my teacher in the school here she story of England and her ever to be loved and venerated
Admiral
"(Signed)
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the Press
"X" in Navy Langue Journal.