149
MURDER
PRISONER SENTanced to deatTH.
and inst. At the Criminal Sessions which were resum- ed this morning, his Honour Mr. A. G. Wise presiding," the last case in the calendar, charge of murder against Wong Tai was called
The Hon, the Attorney-General, Sir Henry Berkeley, instructed by Mr. G. E. Morrell, of Mestre. Dennys, and Bowley's office, Grawn solicitors, appeared to posecute on behalf of the Crown, the Hon. Dr. Hu Kai deleuding
the prisoner.
The following Jurymen were impannelled: Mesurs, Albert. Edward Robinson (foreman), Thomas C. Gray, Henry Clasen, Peter Duri ham Hall Grant, Frank Oswald Reynolds, William Wotherspoon, and Rudolf L301.
The Attorney-General said, the prisoner was charged with causing the death of one Lee Sing in Victoria Gaol. The prisoner and de ́cealed were bath sentenced to long terms of imprisonment. On the rst May, the deceased and prisoner were sitting on a bench in the shoemaker's shop, and suddenly, without any apparent provucation, the prisoner picked up a shoemaker's knife and stabbed, deceased in the side. Deceased got up and ran towards the warder, and then fell down and subsequent- ly expired, as a result of the prisoner's aci.
Médical evidence would show that the death was the result of the stabbing with the knife' produced. He understood that the defence would probably be that the prisoner was insane, but the proof of insanity, the jury inest remem- ber, was in a person's knowledge of whether his act was right or wrong, at the time he com- mits such acts. Evidence would show that the man was in his sane senses, and it would be for them to weigh the evidence and give their verdict accordingly.
Mr. E. Pierpoint, chief warder of Victaila Gaol, said that the prisoner was admitted to gaol on the 18th July, 1901, for a lenn of seven years. His character was indiffer ent; and he had been repeatedly reported for breach of the prison regulations, such as refus ing to obey orders, using bad language, fighting, neglecting his work. He had always appeared to be on good terms with the deceased. Ou the 1st May witness heard a noise in the shoe. maker's shop, and he immediately went there to see what the trouble was aboui, and found Warder Driscoll standing over the prisoner, who held in his hands the two knives produced, He asked Driscoll what was the matter, and Driscoll told him prisoner bad stabbed deceaseri, Cross-examined by Dr, Bo Kal, witness saud that there had been no quarrel that he knew of
between the prisoner and deceased. The pri- soner had been reported for fighting twice, but- not with deceased.
¦
Warder Driscoll said he was an eye-witness. of the occurrence, and described how the stab- bing was done. The only reason he could think of for the prisoner's act was that he wa jealous of the deceased because the latter d better work.
The Attorney-General; Does & beiter worl' man gel-nny advantage for being soʻt
Witness: None whatever.
The Attorney-General) Then why should Iịt be jealous?
Witness: I know of no reason.
THE
HONGKONG TELEGRAPH SATURDAY MAY
After an absence of ten minutes the jury re turned into Court, and the Foreman announced that they found the prisoner guilty unanimously. His Honour said be thoroughly agreed with the verdict. The only defence that could have been set up on his behalf had been set up by his counsel, but the jury did not accent the theory of insanity and he thought they were right."
་
His Honour: Before I pass sentence on the prisoner hat he anything further to say?
Prisoner: I have nothing to say; I leave it in your Lordship's hands,
„His Honour then, 1ssuming the black cap, passed upon the prisoner the sentence of death. The prisoner meanwhile stood evincing the most stoild indifference.
This clused the May Criminal Sessions, and the Court adjourned sine die
THE CITY HALL TRAGEDY.
* INQUEST AT THE MAGISTRACY.
22nd inst.
This afternoon, at the Magistracy, Mr. F. As Blazeland, presiding as Coroner, an inquest was held into the circumstances surrounding the death of the late PC, 46 Williams, who was killed on the night of the 12th,instant, as the rėšule of a tall from, a window of the theatre into Wardley Street.
The following was the jury empanelled':- Mesirs. A. F. de Xavier, Juba Wikie, and F. C. Zehrmann,
The first witness called was Dr. 1. Hell, of the Government Civil Hospital. He said that on May 13th, am, he was called to see P.C. Williams, who had died before witness arrived. He examined the body and found an the right side of the head a scalp wound, and underneath the skin an extensive fracture of
THN COLLISION CASE.
ACTION IN COURT.
19th inst.
In Admiralty Jurisdiction this morning Hi Honour the Chief Justice, Bir Francia Piggo presiding, the case of Chan Pak Tai, owner ibe junk Lin Shing Lee, and the owners of he, carge, versus the steamship Hankow wa resumed,
་
THE P. & O. CU..
IMPROVED PASSENGER SERVICE.
22nd inst.
26, 1906.
TROUBLE ON S. 'S. *TWICKENHAM”
ENGINEER BOUND OVER.
THE NEW TERRITORIES.
POLICE REPORT FOR 1005.
Mr. G. N. Orme, Assistant Superintendent of Patica in the New Territories, writes in his report for the past year as follows pu
During the year 1905 there was not a large amount of serious crima in the New Toritory and it was chiefly remarkable for its equal dis tribution throughout the year of which the carly part produced fewer robberies than the later, and the period before and after Chinese New Year was free from the robberies by which The north-west is usually characterised. of the block-house mentioned below) and the borders of the Territory (previous to the erection south of Mirs Uny with the Island of Ping Chas, again suffered most from these depreda tions; however, the last successful raid upon Ping Chau Island induced the islanders to obtain permission to form a guard, which has repulsed a subsequent attempt at tobbery. It to be hoped that a similar spirit of enter prise may in future animate other parts of the Territory. As usual, the large majority of the minor offences were contraventions of the Opium Ordinance; larcenies have been of rare occurrence and it is noticeable that debts are seldom denied or disputed, which greatly facili tates the administration of justice. What was formerly the most exposed part of the Territory is now well protected by the block-house at the
District. This was coramenced on January 27th, at which date one Indian sergeant and four Indian constables (of whom two Constables wera detailed from
Shui and the others from Sheung the Central) were accommodated in tents closs by, until they moved into the quarters in March. The block-house is connected by telephone with Sheung Shui and Sha Tau Kok and has proced of inestimable value. The past year has been distinguished in the Now Territory by two excellent crops of rice, and by increased prosperity throughout most districts, appearances of
shown in the construction of new houses and
Capt. Parker, master of the Twickenham, said that defendant used insulting language towards him on the journey to Vladivostok. He was duly lagged. On April 28th, when the vessel was discharging a cargo of coal at Vladivostok, defendant got insulting and com plainant said that the vessel was not navigatedra Ku Ling, on the north of the Sheung Shui in a seamanlike manner, Again the defendant. was logged, and on arrival at Saigon and Nagasaki the log was shown to the British Consuls at those parts.
Defendant Why was 1 logged on the first ocension ?
was about 400 yards away. The second officer. said he had heard shouting, but His Honour believed this to be doubiful, in the condition of the wind then prevailing. The engineer had said the engines were reversed at 9.19 p.m. and were stopped at the time of the collision, Hit lonour went into the evidence further, and
22nd inst. then said the conclusions he arrived at were (1) the junk did not carry any regulation lights, and The master of the steamer Twickenham (a) the evidence of the second mats was too charged B. Williams, fourth engineer of the fine on some points for acceptance. He could ship, for using abusive language towards the Mr. M. W. Sinde, instructed by Mt. E. J not accept the theory that the junk turned into
captain on Feb. 28th last, at Vladivostok. Grist, of Messrs. Wilkinson and Grist, appeared the Hankow at an angle of six or eight degrees.
Defendant pleaded guilty, but said it, was for the plaintiffs, Mr. E. H. Sharp, KC, in If the junk had been carrying lights they must under great provocation. structed by Mr. H. J. Gedre, of Mess. John have been seen on board the Hantow. The Mr. R. F. C. Master, of Messrs. Johnson, son, Stokes and Mas Cap in gemens and based on the accident by altering her course secution, said that soon after the Twickenham agreed than the flankow contri-Stokes and Master, who appeared for the pro defendaut. The Hon. Captain Barnes-Law buted to
left London, where defendant joined the vessel rence, R.N., Marina Magistrale, sat us assessor. when she did, nod that the Hankow ought to The case for the plaintiff having closed as have kept out of the junk's way. Neither on June 1st, 1905, for three years, he became recorded in our columns last evening, Mr. vessels took sufficient precautions to avoid a
a general nuisance on board the ship through- addressed the Court. Sharp
collision, and therefore bath vessels were to out the journey to the East. On arrival at Learned counsel said: At about 9.15 p.m. blame. There was one point in the Captain's Vladivostok, the defendant, who was intoxicat on the 15th November, 1905, the steamship evidence to be considered. When the report had ed one day, walked into the captain's cabin, Hodkowe, belonging to the China Navigation been made to him regarding the sighting of the and after using insulting and abusive language, Company Ld, while on her usual voyage from jurk, he had just gone into his cabin and he took off his coat and challenged complainant and was proceeding on a course about south telegraph ring to stop the engines, and then he Canton to Hongkong was near Castle Peak, did not hear the report, he only heard the
to fight. The chief officer intervened and averted the fight, cast by cast, and at a speed of about ten went on deck. We consider hoth vessels knois an hour over the ground. Her regnlation equally to blame, and there must be judgment lights were burning brightly, and a good look accordingly." out was being maintained on board of her. The night was fine and clear but cloudy, a fresh breeze was blowing from about north cast, and the tide was near the end of thej, food Under these circumstances those on board perceived a junk which proved to be the in Shing Lee, without any lights, nearly af mile away, and bearing about half a point on the Hankow's starboard bow. As soon as the Blankow observed her course, which was cross ing that of the Bankow from starboard 10 port the Hunkow's helm was ported 50 that the junk (if she had kept on her course) would have passed the Hankow port to part. When, however, the vessels wear, about to pass, the junk suddenly changed her Lance-sergeant F. L. Clyde, sworn, said that
course to port, and apparently tried to cross the Hankow's bow from port to starboard, the on the evening of the 12th inst, at about 11,10 o'clock, while on patrol, witness entered the fankozu's engines were immediately reversed full speed, and, her helm was put hard a port, City Hall, while the performance was on, and turning to the left, an the way to the lavatory: take effect before the junk, coming on rapidly, but there was not time for these measures to he nouced some loose birds lying in the struck with her port bow the Hanker's alleyway.
port Ale witness had been round side, about 73 feet from the stern, inflicting the place he saw the deceased standing damage on the Hankow, No light whatever the Autumn, which includes two new vessels the take off his coat remarking, "What's the good near one of the pillars, which supports the dress circle. As soon as the performance hadision, when a light appeared on her stera was visible on board the junk before the col· come to 4 finish deceased wenn below. Wit The juns neglected to keep a proper look-out: ness followed and went outside the City Hall she neglected to keep her course, as required watching the people leaving. Just as the last few persons were leaving the theatre, witness's by article zr of the regulations for preventing attention was drawn to Wardley Street. On
collisions at sea. The junk was navigated in a manner that was reckless and unsea. arriving there, witness heard a sick-berth Steward from H.M.S. Dindens say: "He is dead now." Witness pushed his way brough the crowd and found the person leered to by the sick;berth'steward to be P. C. 46 Williams.. Deceased was lying at an angle in the water chanuel. The body was about 3 ft. from the wall, under the second window. A sergeant, who was on duty, despatched witness for an ambulance, which took aboutthirty-five minutes is arteving. His body was then removed to the Morgue.
Indian constable 635 deposed that on the night in question he was standing at the corner of Queen's #oad and Wardley Street, looking towards the City Hall. Suddenly he heard ä noise as if something had fallen from some
the skull. The cause of death was due to fracture of the skull. A fall backwards of 1aft.
7in: inte Wardley street would have caused
the fracture.
were
For the convenience of the travelling public the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company is sending two steamers direct to Marseilles and London during June, the 5.9. Dengok leaving with the nails on the 16th june, proceeds through without transhipment and the Arcadis leaving a fortnight later also. proceeds through.
The s.s. Moldavia, 9.foo tons, one of the largest vesagis of this fine fleet is, we learn, coming out to these waters in July re-. turning to Bombay early in August. This will give the travelling public an opportunity of in architecture to he seen East of Suez. specting one of the finest specimens of marine The P. & O. Co. are now advertising their inconcdiate departures from London during
Nile and Namur,
10
Nile,ocotons leaves London 18th Aug. Palawan...5,00 Sumatra..5,010 Surdini 7,000
1st Sept. 15th. 13th Oct, Nimur... 7,000 »
27th Barnee.... 5,000
roth Nov. These steamers will convey both first and
11
GREEN ISLAND CHMENT.
manlike, and contrary to article 29 of those regulations. She neglected to carry or exhibit second salons passengers. the ghis required under the Merchants Ship- ping Amendment Ordinance of 1985, or any solely by the fault of the junk, and there was light whatever. The collision was caused
no negligence or improper navigation on the part of the Hankou. Save as aforesaid, the defendants deny the allegations contained in he plaintifs' claims,
As a counter-claim defendants asked judg meat for the damage occasioned to the defen dants' steamer, by the collision, with costs; to bave an account at said damage taken with the assistance of marchants, and such other relief as the Court should allow,
Mr. Willoughby, called by Mr. Sharp, said he
was second officer of the s.5. Hankow, and un the night in question was on watch. It war'a
SUCCESSFUL BID.
11
Bids were opened yesterday morning, says The Manila Tîmes of 16th inst., at the Bureau of Supply for the furnishing of 20,000 barrels al cement. Only three bids were received and the well-known Green island brand of cement was tendered by its local agents, Messrs. Wm. H. Anderson and Company, ai a figure con sclerably lower than either of the other two The bids opened were from Messrs. Peabody
bidders.
Witness: Because you were insulting and using abusive language.
Defendant: Didn't we have some disagree
ment at Yokosuka!
Witness-No.
Defendant-Yes, we did. You ran your ship ashore with the engines going full speed, and I told you so, and I say it now to the Court.io constant demand for theatrical performances He is not a fit man to take charge of a ship.
Witness-That has nothing to do with the
case...
Tie Chief Officer of the vessel said that on the day in question he saw defendant in the captain's cabin. Suddenly he saw defendant al talking to that He charged the captain with being incompetent.
Defendant admitted that he was intoxicated on the Feb. 28th last, and he informed the captain that he could not take charge of a mod hulk. Some time later the vessel was put ashore and the engines were running "full speed ahead" and" full speed astera" for over 45 minutes, and he did not know that his ship was ashore until told by defendant, At. Ta- coma the captain said he detained the skip for one hour, and he replied that he was sorry. They had words und lie taxed the captain for delaying the ship for five days owing to bad coal that was received on board, a sample of which he produced,
Mr. Master said thai be would like his Wor ship to take a serious view of the case as it was a serious affair, which practically amounted to mul ny. He was of opinion that deferidant should be dealt with severely. The great object of the charge was to gel the defendant off the ship as there was constant friction when defen
dant was aboard.
but i regret that this has not led to an increased readiness to pay rent. The redemption of land for the new road led to prompter payments by the districts concerned, and it is pleasant to report that the poorer districts of Sai Kung and Sha Tau Kok have paid without pressure, but the south-western districts of Tsin Wan and Tai Lam Chung have paid nothing, and owing in their distance from the police stations it is difficult to collect these rents. Nor has much success attended the arrangements made with certain elders for the maintenance" of certain roads in the Territory: Throughout the year the Chinese officials on the frontier have co operated with the police in a most friendly manner.
THE BURDEN OF JAPANESE TAXATION.
SOME IMPORTANT FIGURES. The Japanese Government is now, engaged, we are informed by the vernacular journal, apon the production of ontional wealth, as the increased taxation in consequence of the war s arousing public attention. in compliance with its pledge to the Diet during the last session, the Government has appointed a Committee, with the Vice-Minister for Finance at its head, and including officials in the Finance Depart
existing taxation, Mr. Wakatsuki, Vice- Minister for Finance, is now travelling in Korea and Manchuria, and the Committee has not yet commenced its labours.
him and found P.C. 46, whom he knew, lying cloudy night, and the moun had not risen above and Company who offered the Atlas brand at charged under the Merchants Shipping Act, ment, for the purpose of investigating the
it
The Attorney-General: Isut he was jealous height into Wardley Street. He turned and, as a matter of fact?
seeing a man lying on the ground, ran up to Witness: Yes. Cross-examined by Dr. o Kai, witness said
The deceased, hid on the ground. deceased was a very salky prisoner.
sound at the back of the head which Deceased was then unconscious. bleeding He informed the sergeant, who was also on duty at the theatre, and returned to his beat.
Witness had never secu the prisouer a decensoi have any quarrel. On the mara in question they did, not speak one word each other. The prisoners are not allowe to speak to each other, and is witness business to see that they do not do so..
Several of the fellow-prisoners of the d censed and the prisoner gave testiniany corroboration of the previous evidence, which wis not shaken in cross-exa.Duation.
The Medical Officer of the Victoria Gaol said that be held a post-mortem examination on the body of the deceased, and found three distinct cus on the right side of the neck, any one of which would have been sufficient to cause death. Ile had had prisoner under lus observa, tion since the date of the stabbing, and hi had two conversations with him on the subject of the death of Lee Sing, but he could not | discover the slightest sign of insanity.
To Dr. Ho Kai, witness said prisoner said that deceased said to him the best knife was his, and that prisoner could not kill him (de- ceased) with it and so he did it, to show be could. Prisoner had seemed quite cool since the occurrence, and spoke of it with inda ference.
Dr. Koch gave similar testimony, and said the maa seemed to be of a low type of mental organization; and he did not appear to appre ciate the gravity of the offence, though he knew the penalty attached to it; he was quite callous. Under existing law witness would not aigu a certificate for the admission of the pri soner into a lunatic asylum.
To Dr. Ho Kai, witness said he was t opinion that the crime was committed under ap impulse of homicidal insanity, and he did not act from any premeditated intention or malice aforethought.
4
The Attorney General: Then you,Could say, Dr. Koch, that the man was acting under an irresistible impalse to kin?
Dr. Kock: Yes, in the absence of any ap parent motive 1 should say that it was in irresistible impulse to hit somebody.
Another winess said that, un being informed of the matter, he went round and saw decensed lying, in the side-channel, bleeding from the Bose and mouth. First aid service was render- ed and an ambulance and ductor summoned. The ambulance arrived later, but a doctor
could not be obtained. The deceased lived for
about right or ten minutes after the arrival of winess. He was removed to the mortuary. On the following morning witness found the stump of a cigarette in the then dried blood in the side channel. Witness last saw deceased
alive about a quarter of an hour before his
death,
lly a juryman-Deceased was in uniform, and was in good health.
The jury Is there any evidence to show bow deceased fell?
The Commer: No. It is, however, sannised that deckased was tied after his work. He must have been smoking at the time when he fell backwards into the street below. I under- pland the police have inade inquiries, but are anable to produce anyone who saw the oc-
currence.
Inspecter Warnock was of opinion that as deceased was on his fees for practically, the whole day he felt tired and got an the window sill to smoke, the must have fallen asleep
in that position; oust have been startled, over balanced, and fell below. There was no stag gestion whatever of foul play,
The jury brought in a verdict of death by
misadventure,
THE OPERDUE GERMAN MALL
22nd inst.
The Imperial German mait steamer Prine. Heinrich, which left Shanghai on the afternoon of the roth instant, and was expected here at daylight to-day, had not arrived in port as we went to press. A visit to the office of the agents, Messrs. Melchers & Co... to-day, been received at their office concerning the elicited the information that an news hat overdue mail. arrival of the Prine Hevurich our representa
In explanation of the late
tive was informed that, in all probability, the phoon that was hovering about the coast bad in some measure caused the delay of maid that one ter pourse
That closed the case for the Crown, Dr. Ho Kai then announced that there were no witnesses for the defence, and addressing the jury said that the prisoner stood before the charged with the crime of murder, but he might be guilty of homicide-culpable homicide.. The theory of jealousy could not hold good, as there was no reward for good work, nor punishment for poor work, so there was no reason for jeal ousy. Prisoner knew he was going to be dis-
that if the kept on her course charged, within two months and to say a man
she might have run into the typhoon. would commit such a crime when on the point of being discharged, after serving a long sen- is, however, very probable that in order to avaid, the bad weather the Prime ffein ich had lence of imprisonment, was altogether absurd All the evidence, especially that of Dr., Koch, put in. at some port on the coast for shelter.
a medical man of standing in the Colony,
pointed to temporary insanity. His Lordship
would point out the law to them as to the difference between actual and temporary in- sanity. There was an entire absence of mo tive, there was no malice, no premeditation, no hatred, no
find their vert and he would ask the jury te
accordingly.
the vessel
DROWNING PAPALITY IN «
THE HARBOUR.
SCHOOLBOY DROWNED,
22nd inst,
the hills. He suddenly saw a dark mass about a mile away on the starboard bow, and with the aid of his glasses he found it was a junk, sailing, but without any fights. No mats whatever were observed burning on
the junk. There were some other junks ab but they were in-land from the ankore, and that vessel had not had to alter her course on of them. Witness kept his glass do account the junk practically all the time, as he could not see her very distinctly as the land was behind her, and he could not see her as distinctly as if she had had sky behind her. The first time
saw the light on the stern was when she hauled up alongside; it was hidden before by the sail. Witness then gave evidence cor roborative of the opening statement of Mr. Sharp, and the case proceeded to a further adjournment.
22rd inst,
In Admiralty Jurisdiction this morning his Honour the Chief Justice, Sir Francis Piggott, W. Haines: Lawrence, R. N., Marine Magis presiding, and with him the Hon. Captain L. A.
trate, sitting as Assessor, the case was continu- ed of Chau. Pak Tai, owner of the junk Lin Shing Lee, and the owners of her cargo, ersus the steamship Hankow, for recovery of the sum of $14,000, for damage necasioned by the colli sion, which has been fully reported in these columns, off Tung Chung in the New Terri
tories.
Grist, of Messrs. Wilkinson, and Grist, appear Mr. M. W. Stade, instructed by Mr. E. J.
cd
"BOTH TO BLAM","
56 per barrel; Messrs. Findlay and Com- piny offered the Alsen brand ai 14.78 per barrel, and Messrs. W. H. Anderson and Com. pay the Green Island brand at P4.299.
The contract for furnishing the supply will probably be awarded to Messrs. Anderson and Company.
INTERNATIONAL BANKING
CORPORATION.
Following is the seventh semi-annual 'report to the stockholders:-
New York, April 9, 1996. Gentlemen,The management submits the following report, with the corporation's seventh semi-annual statement, that of December 30,
1901,
His Worship said that the defendant was not
Mr. Master asked that defendant be sent to but under the common law gaol without the option of a fine.
His Worship bound the defendant over in the sum of $too to be of good conduct for six
months.
ANOTHER NEW SOLICITOR.
ADMITTED TO-DAY.
The uncertainty attending the final stages of the Russo-Japanese war and the unsettled cur rency condition in the Straits Settlements,cated in Dublin and subsequently, after serving made it advisable for us to carry on our Orien
branches were therefore obliged somewhat to tal business with extreme caution, and the
cantail their transactions with a corresponding. decrease of profil, but mena while we have been steadily building up our resources at the va rious points and are now, well established in the Philippines, Hongkong, Shanghai, Japan and the Straits Settlements, The Corpo ration, has now no office which does not either earn on its own account a fair profit Corporation as a whole. The half-year under otherwise render service indispensable to the
review is the first for which this statement could be made.
1 for the plaintiffs, and Mr. P. H. Sharp, & C. instructed by Mr. H. J. Gedge, of Messrs, Johnson, Stokes and Master, represented the
Our temporary premises in China and Japan s.s. Hankore.
Counsel having addressed the Court on behaving become too small for the volume of our business, we were obliged to obtain larger and half of both sides, judgment was reserved, and
more suitable offices in Hongkong, and in the the Court adjourned.
course of the next few months our Yokohamo Branch will be moved into a floor secured in a building now nearing completion. We are alan in treaty for offices in a new building in In Admiralty Juris fiction this morning, his
our Sir Francis Piggott, Chief Justice, pre-Shanghaj where we have outgrown our present
premises, siding, and with him Hon. Captain' ́ L.. A. W. Barnes-Lawrence, R.N., Marinė Magistrate, sit- ting as Assessor, judgment was delivered in the case of Chan Tai, the owner of the junk Lin Shing Lee, and the owner of her cargo, versus the s.s. Haukow, as follows:-
23rd inst.
The building, Sixty Wall Street, in which your Corporation is interested, was opened less than a year ago and is well occupied, jis tennis being drawn
mainly from
the professions of law and engineering. The Wall Street Station of the New York Post Office occupies the ground fluor, and several
a
The business of The International Bank of of 190s its cap tal was raised from $100,000 to New York has increased and in the latter part $500,000, the new stack being taken by your corporation. It is earning a profit and will be. 8in paying dividends in the present year, the officers and employees for their fidelity The Board express their acknowledgment to
and efficiency during the year.
Very respectfully,
THOMAS H. HUBARD, President.
His Honour said that there were two ques: tions for them in consider upon the evidence; first, whether the junk was to blame for note business concerns have leased offices in carrying the necessary regulation lights; the upper floors. From the first of May the and secondly, whether the Parker was to building will earn a net income over all charges blame, for the collision. No consideration and may be expected, in addition to providing
good quarters for the Corporation, to show, could be given to the statement made for fair profit on your investment during the pre the T plaintiff that junks invariably evaded the regulations, and sailed at night without lights. sent year. But at any rate, on the evidence, he came to the conclusion that the junk did not carry any lights. As to the question of the default of the Pankour, that question must be looked at from two points; first, le must look at it from the stand-point of a lawyer; and, secondly, from that of a judge. But as he could not accept broadly the sailor's evidence, to arrive at a proper con- clusion he was assisted in the trial of the matter. at issue by a naval nautical assessor.
Taking the second officer's evidence, he states that he saw a dark mass, and took bear- ing and found it was on his starboard bow, about a mile away and he proceeded on his A EUROPEAN Constable of Yaumati Police course for two minutes, during which time he Station witnessed an unusual occurrence in must have known that he was going inte den Temple Street North, Vaumati, on Monday after
knew all the time was a junk. At the taking of and turning round suddenly saw the body of a his second bearing, atthe end of those two min woman falling through the air. He ran up to utes, hefound the junk was coming right at him, it expecting to render some assistance. The and, ifthe bearing was correct, then the junk was womas alighted on her feet and with a thud. indeed coming fight at him. The Hanhow was fell to the ground. On examination it was wrong in not taking previous action. At 9.14 discovered that it was the corps of a girl about p.m. he was going .N.E. 9.16 he sighted the 16 years of age, who had died of plague and her Junk 19,18 he still stood on, the junk still going relations not wishing to go to any expense for ahead, 9.19 he ported his helm, and thus the basis, picked up the corpse and threw it out of junk was on his port side, and he estimated | the window. The police could not say where her distance as being 200 or 300 yards away. the body came from, and on making- inquiries But on the figures of the times and the rate of of the flats near where the corpie had fallen no travelling, the Assessor calculated that the junk | one knew the girl,
23rd inst. When his Honour the Chief Justice, Sir Francis Piggott, took his seat in Original jurisdicting this morning, Hon, Mr. H. E. Andrew Gilmour Jackson, solicitor, be ap Pollock, K.C., begged leave to move that Mr proved, admitted, and enrolled to practise in the Courts of this Colony, Introducing him, Mr. Polinck said Mr. Jackson had been edu his articles in a firm of solicitors in Dublin, was admitted to practise in the Supreme Court of Ireland at Dublin on 74th December, 1923, and had since been practising there. He bad the more pleasure, remarked Mr. Pollock, in introducing Mr. Jackson, as he was s and honourable career in the Colony was nephew of Sir Thomas Jackson, whose long
known to all.
His Honour the Chief Justice said he had much pleasure in approving admitting and ing so his words were not merely formal, bu caroliing Mr. Jackson to practise, and in say
on account of his honoured name, he had the greater pleasure in so admitting him, and hoped he would have a long and successful career, to his own advantage and that of his firm.
Mr. Jackson thanked His Honour, We understand that Mr Jackson has come out to join the firm of Messrs. Jalinson, Stokes and Master.
A WILD YOUTH,
APPROPRIATING HIS FATHER'S OOODS,
23rd inst.
Abdul Karim Dalbasha, an Indian lari, about nineteen years of age, who has just left Queen's College, residing with his father, who keeps a grocer's shop at No. 51, Hollywood Road, was arrested last night in a house of ill-fams at Shek-tong isui, on a warrant taken out by bit father charging him with stealing one gold diamond ring valued at $150, one gold finger rings worth Soo, five gold buttons valued at $10, ring valued at $15, a pár of gold diamond car.
and another pair of gold car-rings worth $25, total value $320. The lad, who is said to have been spoilt, is alleged to have been doing this for some time past. In former cases the servants have been flamed for roguishness, bu On one or two occasions suspicion fell on him. Yesterday morning, Dalbasha returned home, girl to bring him his mother's jewel-box. The and, finding no one there, he asked the servant girl obeyed the order, and the lad removed the jewels mentioned above and left for the place at Shek-tong-tui, When the police went to Shek-tong-tsui, where they arrested bim, the jewels were found in his pockets. He was removed to the Central Police Station where he was charged by Inspector Smith. He came up before Mr. F. A. Bazeland this morning.
to the charge.
three distinct times. They had the evidence at swim. On arrival at thé. pier the other bay gerous proximity to that dark mass, which he noon. He was on that beat at the time slated f and pleaded gu said he appeared for the
went
At about four o'clock yesterday afternoon, a His Honour then reviewed the evidence youth named Cheong E Tong, a scholar, resid bringing out the salient points, and saiding at A. Tan's, contractor to the War Depart motive had very little to do with the mat ment, lost his life near the Commissariat puer, ter. As regards the evidence of insanity, it by drowning. The deceased, who is known as was of the flimsiest description; the man knew a good swimmer, went to the wharf yesterday what he was doing, for he repeated the blow afternoon, with a friend, to give their dogs à two doctors; one finds no sign of insanity, abou
down to the wharf with the dogs the pricoper, the other finds him of a low type
while deceased prepated himself for a swim. of mental organization, of a type in which When this was accomplished he walked insanity germinates much more slowly than in
to the side of the pier and plunged into one of a higher type, and it might, with a man the sea, head first. He rose few yards off of the prisoner's type, take years to develop. the wharf, struggling violently, and on regain Bat because a man might develop insanity ing his breath called out, save life." A few five years hence, is no reason why he should soldiers who were on the pier at the time, be let off now if that were so everybody seeing the agony the lad was in, plunged into should be let off. After a few further remarks
the water and swam to the rescue of the unior- bis Honour asked the jury to consider their tunate lad; but it, Was fon late, for the ind sank verdict, and they accordingly retired for the before they were many yards off. His body purpose.
has not yet been recovered.
Mr. P. W.
defendant's father and wanted" the case willi- draw.
Hid Worship-What does the police say? Inspector Smith-if the father wishes to withdraw the case, we bave no objection, your Worship.
His Worship-Will the father undertake to give him a thrashing at home?
Mr. Goldring- think so, your Worship. The defendant was then bound over in the sum of $100 to come up for judgment when called upon,
...A vernacular contemporary points out that the purpose of the committee is to re-adjust taxation is such a way that the existing bational revenue shall not be affected. The question whether or no the nation is already overburden. ed-which should be solved before any other malters are discussed—is not to be considered ar all, and there can be little doubt that the result of the work of the committee will be dis- appointing to all concerned. If the existing bur den oflaxen is excessive, amendments made to Taxes will be of little avail to relieve the distress resulting from over-laxation. While admitting the immense growth of national wealth and the incomes of the people after the Japan China war, the vernacular.journal maintains that the increase of national and local taxation was still greater, largely adding to the hard- ships of the people, and the same result may follow the Japan-Russia war. To what extent the nation can bear taxation it is extremely difficult to estimate, but when the burden is compared with the national wealth an approx- imale idea can be formed. According to investigations made by certain authorities, the national wealth of Japan amounts to. Y13,560,020,000 in round figures, and the national and local taxesamonatio Yz90,000,000, equal to 2.21 per cent. of the national wealth, Taking the profit accruing from the property of the people at $ per cent, it will be seen the taxes now paid amount to 44.2 per cent. of the income, described as a light burden.
This can certainly not be The per. centage will be even heavier when house. hold furniture, which yields no profit, is de ducted from the amount of national wealth. The amount of taxes mentioned represents the figures for the fiscal year 1904-5 in the case of national taxes, and for the fiscal year 1902-3 in the case of local taxes. During the last fiscal year the national taxation was increased on two occasions, and the burden has thus been in- creased by Yro0,000,000 or one-third. The national wealth may also have increased, but not to the extent of one-third.
Reviewing the increase of taxation, our con- temporary remarks that the national taxes for the year 1893-4 amounted to Y70,00,000, which had increased to 310,000,000 last year, an increase of 440 per cent In the case of local laxes, the increase was from ¥37,000,000 to 10,000,000, equal to 380 per cent. On an average, the national taxes had increased at the
rate of
per cent. per annum, and the locat taxes 13 per cent, per annu
Some light may be thrown on the increase of the national income by the sayings and capital invested in business, which is the only Information available for the purpose. The total savings of the Japanese people stood at Y37,000,000 in 1893 and
increased to V85,000,000 in 1904,-an increase of 220 per cent, while the amount invested in business increased from ¥377,000,000 to Y837,000,000 in the same period-an increase of 210 per cases was only about 20 per cent, per annum, cent. Os an average the increase in both
national wealth of the Empire has been against 46 cent. Increase of taxation, increasing at a wonderful tale, but the greater part of the profit is absorbed by the National Treasury, and it is not surprising to find that the struggle for existence among the people becomes more acute every year. Jafan Chronicle..
The
Ar the International Chess Club, Shangbalion the roth inst. splendid pawn play and the judicious sacrifice at ibe critical moment of a rook for a bishop and control of the board won for Mr. Souza the second of the five games with Mr. de Jesus in the final of the Shanghai Chess Championship, The third game, which will ba decisive if won by Mr. Souza, will probably be played to-day at the Club, says ibu W. C.D, Newty