163
mentioned; it was a general inquiry for a pos sible position for his client.
This closed the case for the defence. Mr. Pollock, then addressing the Court, said that the facts were all so clear that he need say but a very few words, He submitted that a mortgagee always had the right to eject any tenant of a mortgagor, and that was the position in this case, thus the mortgagees.could at any tima hava ejected Chang Shan Koo, if they had so pleased. Then in the agreement, no mention was made of any encumbrances. Encumbrances must be mentioned in all deeds of sale or lease. Otherwise the mortgagees can come in and throw out the inortgagor's teriant neck and crop.
His Honour: But if he agrees to accept the indemnity?
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH SATURDAY JUNE 9 1906.
THE LI SHING CASE.
CLAIM FOR. PARTITION,
6th ind
Mr. Slade said that this was the result ofan action brought in 1934.
The parties to this action were Li Pa Kwai- and Li Shun Fan versies Li Ling Shi and Li
På Lang.
Thereafter Li Tsuk Chi, who is Li Sing'a exe- cutor and plaintiff's brother, was a managing partner with Li Sing, until the death of the latter on the 8th May, 1900, and then the plaintiffs were, managing partners with Li Tank Chi.
•
WEST POINT BUILDING
COLLAPSE.
NO FURTHER RESCUES.
2nd inst.
THOROUGHFARE BLOCKED.
EXCURSIONS 10 MACAO,
i
HEUNGSHAN ON THE RUN.
Bth insi,
H.M.S. "MONMOUTH.”
DUE. IN HONGKONG,
t
4th inst, The British cruiser Monmouth, which left Singapore on Wednesday last, was expected lo arrive here this afterpon.
There must surely be very few residents in
The Monmouth is commanded by Captain Up to the time our representative left the this Colony who have not very pleasurable
J. A. Tuke, Capt. Juke, who has served in scene of the collapse at West Point yesterday, recollections of the delightful, and health clearing away the debt is and searching for dendauledio take, any week-end they chose, through all parts of the world, joined the Queen's Navy the rescuing party were kept hard at work in giving, trips to Macao, which they were on-
Maces Steamboat Co., La., during the hot 1881, commander in 1896, and captain on the bodies; but up to eleven o'clock this morning the enterprise of the Hongkong, Canton and in July, 1870. He was promoted lieutenant there has been noreportmade that shy more lives had been saved or any dead bodies recovered months of last year, when to get just outside of last day of 1901. He was a sub-lieutenant on the harbour limits even, provided the sea was the Pioneer in the Night Expedition to the capital of the Emir of Nussa. He also par- All through the night the rescuing party were
in propitious mood, calm, not choppy, was in
ticipated in the operations round, and the bom engaged in clearing house No. 220, and this
itseifa pleasure, and a recuperation, bardment of, the town of Nutcha (mentioned io morning the ground floor of that building was
"the next day," were ready to acknowledge the benefit they had derived from that short despatches) and was lieutenant on the Norum entirely cleared, but as we have already said, no tnore "finds" were made in this building.
"venture across the briny," Thus it cannotberland during the Egyptian War of 1882 (medal and the Khedive's stur). He held the but be a matter of satisfaction to them to know that from Sunday next, the 10th appointment of Master of the Fleet for the Coronation Naval Review, 1902. He o insi, vastly improved service is to coin- mese, by way of resumption of and improve stranger to the China Station, having been med upon, last year's service. That mago chip Centurion, fagshup of Sir E. H. Seymbus, commander and navigating officer of the battle ficent boat, the ficungshan well-known to hali-
K.C., when he coinmanded the Station, 1898- 1991. Latterly, Captain Tuke was in command daymakers, has lately been thoroughly over haded, and installed with electric light, prae-
of the gunnery ship Undusinted, and the tically from stein to siers, the plaat for which has been supplied by Messrs. Wilks and jack, crews, tender to the gunnery ship Cambridge, who have had the work in hand, and are now completing the finishing details. The cabin and salons accommodation also has been put In such condition as to leave nothing to be, desired in the way of furnishing and accommo dition, for the comfort of passengers. One ain of the company, which should popularise this steamer for these trips, is the intention of the company to entirely prevent any rowdyism, so that no one need feel the slightest hesitation in taking his wife and children with him on the
The defendants denied that the plaintiffspur- In Original Jurisdiction this morning, his Honour Sir Francis Piggott, Chief Justice,chased the equitable, or any, interest in the presiding, Li Po Kwai and another sued Lione-sixteenth, or any, part of the innd men. Ling Shi and another for (a) one-sixteenth tioned in the statement of claim. The legal part of Marine Lot No. 239 and Inland Lot
pwners of the property on April 1st, 19:0, were LTsuk Chi, as such executor and Li Sing, No. 2,355, and (b) an account of rent and
Tam Hok Po, as executor, of Tum Sai Tong profits collected thereon.
Mr. M. W. Stade, instructed by Mr. John claimed to have some interest in the said six Hastings, appeared for the plaintiffs, and flon.teenth part of the land, but released the said Mr. H. E. Pollock, K., and Mr. E. H. Starp, interest, if any, to Li Sing. The defendants His Honour: But if they had an inderanity?.C., instructed by Mr. R. Harding, of Meus admit that on the 30th April, 1900, Li Tsuk Ewens, Harston and Harding, appeared for
Chi, as such executor, and Li Sing assigned Mr. Pollock said that the only, effect of the
the suid land to the defendant Li Po Lung by the defendants. indemnity would be to give him a right of
a deed which correctly recited that the said action against the mortgagor,
innd was then the sole property of Li Sing,
The defendants denied that the said as- signment was made without the plaintiffs' knowledge. The said assignment was made in pursuance to a general family ariangcarcal, and the said deed was executed by Li Tsuk Chi. The defendants admitted that, L. Sing died on the 8th May, 1900, leaving a will of which be appointed his eldest son, Li Po Kwong, and the defendant Li Ling Shi as executor and executrix respectively, bequeathing an eighth
CONTRACTOR'S COOLIES EMPLOYED. part of the land to each of his sons. They also
One thing that struck us as conspicuony on our visit this morning was the absence of am- admit that the will was proved by Li Ling-Shi alone in this Court. The defendants deny all knowledge of what was done by the Lai ling balances and dead carts, which yesterday lined firm after the death of Li Sing, and the de-up in the side channel opposite the ruins. As the police think that there are to mare people fendants deny that the plaintiffs are entitled to
In be resered, the force of firemen present on Any interest in the said land.
the scene was reduced to-day and the can- tract let to Sang Lee to remove the deb is. There were only two firemen present, however,
Aris and McLennan-10 supervise the work.
Mr. Pollack submitted that it was clear here that the indemnity was not accepted, for an indemnity is never half so good in these cases as the joinder.
Was
6th inst.
which
The plaintiffs reside at Victoria, and are sons of Li Chut, deceased, who was a brother of Li Sing, deceased, and who was during his life: time a partner with Li Sing, in the firm of Lat Hing. The defendant Li Ling Shi was the execustix of the will of the sau Li Sing deceased, and the defemlant Li Po Lang is one of the sons of the said Li Sing," deceased, and both reside at Hongkong The said Li Sing was the principal ond managing pauner in the Laing firm. On the 1st April, 1903, the plaintiff's purchased from the said Li Sing, deceased, the entire equit able interest in one-sixteenth undivided pan of the lots of land registered in the Land Office as Marine Lot No. 25%, and Island Lot No. 2,355. The said Li Sing, who was the legal owner of the land, and rustee as to the one- sixteenth part thereof for the person entitied under the will of Tam Sai Tong, deceased, on of before the 151 April, 1950, agreed to pur chase the said equitable interest from Tam Hok Po, the executor of the said Tah Sai Tong, deceased, and on the said. 1st April io, the respective purchases of the said Li Sing from the said Tam Hok Po, and of the plaintiffs from the said Li Sing were completed by the payment of Sio 874 95, by the plaintiff< to the said Tam Hok Po, and by the plaintiffs assuming the liability of the said Tam Hak Pa to the said Lai Hing firm in respect of a debt
After wa had gone to press last evening, Mr. 1'ollock continued his argument, re the indem ndy, and said that an indemnity was never hall so good in these cases as the joinder of the mortgagees, for then the purchaser or lessee is always at the risk of having to be involved, possibly, in all sorts of actions. As regards the negotiations, arrangements and agreements over the matter, Bisney was throughout the representative of 1.0 Tung, Granted that in this case he took commission from both sides, but he was really Ho Tung's broker, and had put through transactions for him for years past, and therefore all his arrangements and pro- mises mere binding on. Ho Tung. Bisney Have all the instructions to Deacon, Loaker and Deacon. Chang Shan Kne made his first complaint that he could not get possession of the whole of the premises in March. It reasonable complaint, as he hati been led to expect that he would fave The presence Juli possession in February. of the Daily Preis must naturally interfere with the progress of the repairs should have been completed in June, but were not finished till December, and he would submit that the plaintiff has no case, and he would ask his Lordship to dismiss the suit with cosis."
His Honour suid that before hearing Myof $3,895.23, then owing by the said Tom Hok Sharp, be might say that he thought he was entitled to his chief point, the claim for spe- cific performance of the agreement to lease, and so he would not ask to hear him on that point; but the question of the repairs, the in- demnity, aud the rent must be dealt with.
. Mr. Sharp then reviewed the evidence of Mr. Hu Tung and Mr. Bisney, which has been fully reported in these columns, and then en ucized the evidence of Chang Shan Koo and his servant. As to Chang Shan Koo's pleading ignorance of the two mortgages, what did he suppose the indemnity was offered for? Learn- ed counsel would submit that Chang Shan Ko was as fully acquainted with all the facts and circumstances of the deal then as he is now to-day His fetters showed it; his evidence showed it. Mr. He Tung had made con siderable concessions, did a tenant wh was given six and a half months in which to make alterations in premises, before he wa to be called upon to pay rent, was treated in a perfectly generous spirit, He contended that there was nothing in the agreement that th repairs were to be completed by 1st July. The parties simply agreed, one take the premise:, to be repaired for sub-letting, and the other e give that party six and a half months' rent fre possession of the premises for the purpose the repairs. The repairs might take a year of two years, but that would not affect the rent free period of six and a half months, and in would submit that the defendants had no case and he would ask for judgment with costs.
Hi Honour intimated that the only poin be had really to further consider was wha amount of damages was really caused by the failure on the part of the Daily Press in more out on the 1st July. He would consider that and give, his decision 10.30 m. to-day.
The Court adjourned.
THE DECISION.
his
This morning on taking his seat, Honour said he had considered the point, and he was of opinion that defendant was en titled to have possession of the main building by the 1st july, and he therefore held that the defendant was entitled to damages, and as he could not define the amount it must be left to the agreement of the parties.
Mr. Sharp said it would be impassible for abem to agree, and he thought that, that being The so, they bad better be heard further. contract for alterations was entered into in Maith, and the defendam clearly knew that the premises would not be vacated in early July. As regards the premises, they were divided into Ihre Hans-the front shaps were not interfered with, and no damages could be charged as re- Karde them. The second portion was the Daily Press premises, and under the agreement there could not be any damages there. As regards the upper floors the defendant had placed himself. in such a position that he could not let thei until October; the plaintiff could not be
charged with anything there. The three and ahal months allowed for the repairs would bring it into the middle of November. As regards the $2,700 claimed by the defendant in his counter-claim, it must be borne in mind that that was the rent of the whole premises. Therefore the plaintifl, under his Lordship's view, could only be held liable for not having cleared out the Press on the first of July. Hut the defendant, by the contract he entered into for the alterations, rendered himself unable to let the premises till October."
Mr. Pulinck said there was no doubt that the presence of the Daily Press did retard the progress of the alterations, except only as regards the front shops. A staircase had to he built, but this could not be erected as it had to be erected from, the Daily Press premises, and so long as they were in occupation of the premises the defendant could not erect that Staircase, and so he could not hope to com- plete the repairs and alterations until 15th November. Obviously one cannot occupy the upper floors of premises without a staircase. The
defendant was anxious to have the pre- mises in a position to be occupied by tenants as early as possible, fad he would submit that on account of the position of the Daily Press on the premises the defendant was certainly entitled to the four and a half months' rent claimed.
His Honour said he would look through the plans and consider the point further, reserving is decision. The question of costs will, of course, be considered after the question of damages has been settled.
Mr. Sharp Has your Lordship delivered judgment?
His Honour: Ohi yes, yes. The judgment is for the plaintiff, with the reservation of the question of rent and damages, which I will
consider.
THE petition presented to the Government by the Hunan gentry to the effect that ex-Shanghai Teotal Yuan should be appointed Superinten. dent of the Hunan section of the Canton Hankow Railway has been sanctioned and he shonly to be despatched there.-Sinwandae.
Po as executor of the said Tam Sai Tong deceased, to the Lai Iling firm, which said rebt of $1,868.23 and the interest accrued thereon was settled by the plaintiffs paying to the said Lai Hing firm on the st April, 19, the sum of 33.481.46, the said Lai Hing firm giving the plaintiffs credit for $738.77, being the plaintiff's one-sixteenth share of the rents and profits received by the said Lai Hing firm on behalf of the plaintiffs for the Chinese year ruling 18th February, sgut.
On the 30th April, 1900, by an assignment mado between the said Li Sing, deceased, and the defendant Li Po Long, and other parties not material to this action, after falsely teriting that the said land was in fact the sole property of the said Li Sing decensed, in consideration. of the natural love and affection of the said Li Sing, deceased, for the defendant Li Po Lung, the said Li Sing, and the other parties assigned the said land to the said li Po Lung, free from ati encumbrances. The said assignment was, nade without the knowledge of the plaintiffs' On the 8th May, 1900, the said Li Sing died, leaving his will; dated the 8th May, 1907, by which be appointed his eldest son, Lin Kwang, and he defendant, Li Ling Shi, bisexecutor and executrix respectively, and divided the residue of his estate into eight parts, one of which he bequeathed to each of his sons including the sad defendant Li Po Lang. The sad will was proved in this Court by the said Li Ling Shi alone on the 9th November, 1900.
In the year 1991 the said Lai Hing firms, which for many years had managed the pro- perty on behalf of the legal anil equitable owners thereof, accounted to the plaintiffs for the rents and profits of the said one sixteenth part thereof, as mentioned above, but since the year 1901 the plaintiffs have not received any payments in respect of the said sixteenth part of the said property from the said Lai Hing firm, or the defendants, or either of them, and the defendants now deny that the plaintiffs are entitled to any interest in the said property.
The defendants, by way of further reply to the plaintiffs' claim, say that the State of Frauds affords a defence to this action, inas- much as there is no such writing as is equ-red by that statute la ulier: (1) to constituie the said Li Sing a trustee of any interest in any land for the persons entitled under the will of the said Tam Sai Tong, or (2) constitute 1. Sing a purchaser of any interest in any land from the said Tam Hot Po as executor of the said Tam Sai Tong, decensed, or (3) constitute the plaintiffs purchasers from the said i Sing ol.any interest in any land, or (4) constitute the said Li Sing a trustee for the plaintiffs of any interest in any land.
The case is proceeding.
HONGKONG VOLUNTEER RESERVE ASSOCIATION.
GOVERNOR'S CUP 1905.
8th inst
The following are the highest scores for the year's shooting ending 31st May, 1900,
Name.
zoo yds. to yds. Total.
100 ... 196
396
'
J. C. Gow
J. Whittall
J. H. Pidgeon Sir Francis Piggott... 180 C. E. H. Bravis........ 180 J. C. Peter ........ 189
18.
192
377
197
377
183 372
177
306
173
180
362
A. Mackenzie........ $80.
180
360
W. G. Winterboura... 176 W. H. T. Davis
183
309
180
172
358
R. E. O. Bird...gend 171
186 357
E. W. Terrey.........
175
173 348
W. Goodfellow....
177
W. T.. Edwards
A. Moir
169
346 136 173 300 155
153 308 J. Hutchings................. 140 150 295 His Excellency the Governor has kindly promised to present the Winner with his 1905: Cup on Saturday, the 9th instant, at 3.30 pm.,
on the Range.
A SMART CREDITOR
TAKES NO, CHANCES.
8th inst.
In Summary Jurisdiction this morning, before his Honour Mr. A. G. Wise, Paisne judge, Ng Po, fireman on the ss, Twickenham, sued Chan Sam and Chi Sing, under-firemen on the same vessel, for recovery of the sums of $191 00, and $140.41, respectively, due on two promissory notes.
Mr. W. J. Jackson, of Messrs. Johnson, Stokes and Master, appeared for the plaintiff, the de- fendants appearing in person.
Mr. Jackson produced the two promissory nates, and the plaintiff swore to the signatures, as those of the defendants.
The plaintiffs therefore claim (t) a' declara tion that the plaintifs are entitled to one six. teenth part, or share and, interest is the sand land registered in the Land office as manne lot No 239 and inland lot 2355; (2) an account The defendants both told the same story in of the rents and profits of the sad land: (3) denying liability. They stated that they signed on the articles as under-firemen on the s.5, payment of what may be found due to the
Twickenham in London, the plaintiff being plaintiffs on the taking of such account, and
chief fireman. During the voyage cut there (4) such further and other relief as to the Count might seem fit, and the costs of this action. was a good deal of gambling between the
under- Mr. Slade said that the defence, he
parties, with the result that the first de- stand, would be a general denial of the plain-fendant lost $191 to plaintiff, the second losing tiffs' right to the property or any part thereol. $140.41. When they arrived here the Twicken
A went into dock, and in the evening when The defendants in their statement of defe ice
the defendants ware going out of the dock gate had committed a distinct breach of the rules of.
the plaintiff stopped them and forced them to pleadings, and therefore it was impossible for the plaintiffs to know exactly what their de
sign the promissory anies because he knew that they bad more wages due to them and he fence really was.
wanted to get hold of it. It was a gambling
The rules of pleadings required that each in- dividual allegation contained in a statement of claim must be either specifically admitted or specifically denied by the defendant in his Here he contented him- lalement of defence.
debt only,
His Honour: I dont know anything about any gambling; the plaintiff is suing on these promissory notes which you admit bear your signatures, while you also admit you owe the money. There must be judgment with costs.
Mr. Jackson asked for immediate execution, whica was ordered to issue.
Early this morning everyone connected with the collapse were on the bustle, and the street pres sentedananimated appearance. The huge blicks of timber and other encumbrances remove from the ruins were heaped high near the side- channel, and as the coolies, who were employed to clear away the debris, were removing same by means of ropes, which they pulled into the road, the thoroughfare was of course blocked, and all traffic was diverted to Des Voeux Road.
THE TEA AND CAKE SHOPS. Just about daybreak this morning work at the wine shop was finished and attcution was turned to the two adjoining buildings. But it was not all easy going bere, for, we were, infurmed by a fireman, it will take at least a couple of days before the rubbish from be cleared. the tea and cake shops can At present the floors are in
an awkward position over the ground floors, and so far they have failed to shift them. They are now employed in clearing away the subbish below the huge flooring, and then, when the way is
obstruction. de, they will break through the wood-work
THE GRACEFUL ACT.
On making inquiries from different sources we learn that the cause of the collapse was due to the recent heavy rains, which soaked into the walls, causing the mortar to give.
A GENEROUS DONOR.
In connection with the collapse a graceful act has to be recorded, ie, the kindness and though-fulness of Mr. F. Danenberg, of the Royal Aerated Water Maaulactory, who, on hearing of the collapse, and knowing the hard work that the fireman would have to go to in the salter, immediately despatched several baskets of nerated waters to the scene for the Bremen to quench their thirst. This action on the part of Mr. Danen berg is exceedingly creditable and, we were asked, through the medium of our columns, to fender Mr. Danenberg the rescuing party's greatest thanks for his thoughtfulness,
Later,
THE AFTERNOON'S WORK.." Work of cleaning away the debris was still ns, but nodiscoveries were made beneath the being carried on vigorously during theafter Tubbishi heap. The rescuers have, however, nat got far, and it is said they will be kept at it for The next two or three days..
NEAR BY BUILDINGS IS, DANGER.
4th inst. Another visit to the scene of the recent col. apte at West Point in which houses Nos. 226, 228, and 230 were demolished, sitowed that the work of clearing away the debris is going an with as much energy as before. In the two laiter buildings the working gang have suc- ceeded in removing the boring and wood. work which had accumulated on the ground flour, ansi, it is stated that, by to-night all the refuse will have been removed from the pre- mises.
EXCITEMENT LAST NIGHT..
tria.
Devonport,
With
The Monmouth is a first-class cruiser of the County typo and is sister ship to the Donegal which went ashore on the way out to the China Station and had to be recalled. She was built by the London End Glasgow Co., in 1000 01, and was the third of her class finished. Her Chief 'dimensions are:-Length 440 ft, beam 66 ft, mean draught 241 ft, and 9,800 tons dis placement. She is fitted with four cylinder triple expansion engines of 22,000 h.p., supplied by 31 Belleville boilers with economiser, which Another movement in the right direction have done very well in this cruiser. is that the steamers will leave at 9 am, thus regard to protection the Monmouth has a steel- obviating the otherwise necessary hurry and belt from four to two inches thickeess.on scurry to get on board earlier departing vessels. either side from the after gun turret to the bows. The casemates, turrets and barbettes This should be specially appreciated in a Colony like this where most of the public are protected by armour of from four to five erteriniminents take place on Saturday nights, inches thickness, whilst a protective steel deck conning tower thus making that extra hour" more than covers the ship's vitals. The welcome to those who attend them-either for from which the cruiser is controlled in action phasure or on business intent. But even leaving has 10-in armour. Her teeth comprise four agam, it is calculated that the Heungthan 6in guns in pairs in turrets on special double will reach Macao at noon, or very shortly after, mountings, Lea similar guns in casemates on thus giving trippers plenty of time to see what the boardsides and sundry lighter guns with two 18-in torpedo tubes. The torpedo flats there is to be seen, before rejoining her at 4
contain nine 18-in and five 14-in Whitehead pm. for the return trip to Hongkong, where it
scheduled she will arrive at 7 p.m. in time torpedoes, the latter being for boat service. take the The vessel carries a complement of 703 officers far ferry, tram, or ricksha to excursionists home well before dinner-time.and men, and has served use commission with the First Cruiser Squadron which she joined For the convenience of those preferring to
when it was first formed. emain on board at Macag for lunch arrange- nents are being completed with the proprietors d Cafe Weismann to cater for the wants of the travellers on board, so that they may obtain refreshments at any hour on board. This should prove an immense boon to those who, knowing Macan by heart, merely take the nip for the sake
the blow on the ocean,"
When the cruiser Monmouth was first 'cam- missioned by Capt. H. C. Reynolds for servica in the Cruiser Squadron in December, 1953, the people of the county whose name the vessel. bears presented to her a silver cup, and the ladies of the county also presented a silk ensign and a silk Union Jack, which were enclosed in a carved casket. The gills reach- and on arriving at Macao, prefer to remain on
ed the ship, but they have never been formally presented. Lord and Lady Llangattock re- board and having their meals there, elect to wait the return trip to Hongkong. For these pre
(Lord Lieutenant of the county) to present rips arrangements are being made for the pre-cently acceded to the request of Lord Tredegar
them to the officers and ship's company. sence of a band, which will enliven things
was also intended that a lieutenant and two considerably, if they are but happy in their But there is another feature of Lelections.
Monmouth for the purpose of presenting to the these week-end trips which is worthy of petly officers of the vessel should proceed to note. The company, realizing that it may go against the religious scruples of some officials of the county a picture of the ship. would-be holiday-makers, to take this trip Owing to the departure of the Monmouth on an earlier date than was expected both these on Sundays, are arranging for Saturday
The Monmouth has supernumeraries on rips, so that the whole afternoon and evening ceremonies have again been postponed. may be spent out on the open st the steamer at 2 p.m. on Saturday's, doing the ship for the Andromeda, which tek for home
some little time ago, at present considered it is proposed to despatch board for the China Squadron and is the relief round trip in time to return and land the pass. engers at 10 p.m. This should form a very pleasant means of getting an outing for those who are unable to be away from the Colony on the Sunday. For the greater convenience of excursionists arrangements have been made for the fleungshan, on her return trip, to moor alongside the Douglas wharf, which is more convenient, being more central, for Kowloon,
As
Peak, and Eastern districts residents, an in- loug novation which should be appreciated, for who does not remember the weariness of ticksba ride to ferry or Peak tram under last you's arrangements, at an hour when they were drooping for their beds, after their long
day's outing.
The company has also on font a scheme whereby arrangements may be made to run these excursions whenever a holiday falls upon There was no little excitement caused jasta Monday, so that trippers may have the full night when word reached the police that other advantage of the change from Saturday to buildings in the vicinity were also in danger Monday, travelling back and forth by the of collapsing. The police promptly turned out same steamer.
OWNER'S LIABILITIES,
With such an opportunity as this for getting out of the Colony for the day, at such a cheap complaint that, "I never know what to do with rate, there should be no excuse for the oft-heard myself on a Sunday!"
THE FOOD RIOTS.
of
The N. C. D. News of June 2 comments:- During the past few weeks the price of rice has 'gone up in Shanghai from about $4,80 per picul in $7.20 per picul, and there has been a cor of the people throughout the Yangtze Valley. The immediate cause adduced is the flooding responding rise in the price of the staple food
ul extensive areas in Hunan through pheno menal rains, and the consequent ruination of The immediate result has been the series many crops and the urgent demand for load. food riots, some serious, others milder ex- public feeling, and all of them plosions of expressions in the first instance of the earliest cravings of human nature, the demand for food. The situation is one which arises periodically in China, and indeed in every thickly-populated country, and the officials are taking the usual steps to suppress the trouble in the full know- and on inspecting houses Nos. 238 and 240, on The company has gone to considerable ex-ledge that as time goes on the same conditions will arise again and they will be called upon to the same row, it was seen that the party wall pense in fitting up the Heungshan for these between these two houses wasbulging out. The trips, their theory being that if they wish to exert themselves to similar measures, An Im- alarm was at once given to clear the premises cater for the European patronage in their busi-perial Rescript issued yesterday prohibits the of their occupants. The scene when the alarmness they must be prepared to give a guid exportation of rice from Chinking and other cities of the Yangtze Valley till further orders. was given was one of great commotion. The pro quo. That they intend to do this would
Never a year passes in China without its flood in same part or another, and although that of accupants of the buildings were all on the appear manifest when it is mentioned that the alert. All kinds of personal effects and mov return first-class trip to Macao on Sunday by
the Siang Valley is unusually extensivo, and alles were thrown into the street from all sides the s.5. //cungkan is 13 only. of the houses, and the hurry of the people to
the sufferers these deserve all and more than the sympathy which has been extended to save as much property as they could looked at
famine in the proper sense of the word. Thera il every minute was preicous time in the work
is plenty of rice available to supply all the of salvage. In less than half an hour the
them; the disaster would not in itself cause a
houses were cleared. By that time a gang
people with food. The present distress is the bamboo men had arrived and were immediate.
result therefore of other circumstances and chiefly of the ill-judged attempted regulation ly put to work in shoring up the projecting wall They were still at work up to an early hou
THE OPIUM TRAFFIC.
of the food supply by the officials themselves, this morning.
who have now to endeavour, by fresh restric tions, to relieve the situation which bas been No-one who reads the telegram we (N. D. C. A report is current to the effect that the owner of the collapsed buildings a widow-News) publish this morning (1st inst.) on this brought about by their interference. Human nature being what it is, there will always be In be called upon to defray all the expenses subject can fail to be gratified at the apparent.
at the expense of the very lives of the people, SAILOR'S MARVELLOUS ESCAPE. in connection with the sharing up of the ly unselfish and philanthropic declaration of commercial vampires willing to pile up riches The "cornerets" frequently overreach them- walls and removal of the debris, and also that the Secretary for India in advocating, even at a sacrifice, legislation having for object a check-
selves in the long run, but the money prizes are a certain time has been allowed her by the authorities to have the standing walls pulleding of the curse of opium smoking in China.
vast and the temptation is not easily resisted. The declaration will meet with the approbation dawn.
A rumour, lacking confirmation, however, of all Europeans in this country with the ex-In China the method is to accumulate the grain has it that nearly all the walls in this black ception of the small minority directly interest-in centres, petition for and obtain the right of ed in the traffic. At the same time we dare not export, and then use the threat of creating a disguise from ourselves the enormous practical famine as a means of forcing up prices. When the crisis has become too acute the officials ROAD CLEARED,
difficulties in the way of any reform; they are. as great as those in the way of dealing with the step in again with a fresh probibition of the alcoholic question in Great Britain. For our export, It is the situation caused by the own part we should be only too happy to see English Corn Laws over again, and the ly in any measures that may result from this food of the people for China at well as for. declaration of the British Government backing Great Britain. With improved and cheapened means of transport and the removal of all bar the Chinese Government reciprocating honest: obvious remedy is absolute free trade in the up a majority in the House of Commons
riers in the way of the working of the laws of There is no doubt, an honest minority In China sincerely desirous of extinguishing supply and demand, the problem would in the local cultivation of the poppy as well as the importation of opium. These two measures must proceed port posts and it will enormous determination and require an sustained effort on the part of all the officials concerned to put a stop to the consumption of this pernicious drug. Seeing, the difficulty of dealing with alcohol at home we are not at all sanguine of any practical result being reached until public opinion in China is much stronger against the use of opium than it is to-day.
The most serious aspect of the question from the Braish point of view is the effect a restric. tion of the traffic would have on the revenue of the Indian Government derived from the export
Fortunately the nativa opium in China. of the drug. This revenue is, however, already lessening in inverse ratio to the production of Indian budget shows a surplus and Indian finances are in a more healthy condition than they have been for many years past, so that any sacrifice necessary could be horne without people, largely increasing the burdens of the Indian
In Saturday's issue, we stated that, on accou of the rubbish which was allowed to be placed on the roadside, the thoroughfare was blocked. We are informed this morning that the ac thoroughfare is again open to traffic. cumulation has been removed and that the
DISREGARDING A WARNING,
self with a general denial, which is not suffi cies, so that if ever there was a breach of the rules here was one. One of the material omis- sions is the admission or denial of the payment of the purchase money. The plaintiffs allege that they paid certain monies as purchase me ney for the one-sixteenth share of the property. The defendants do not deny the payment of
SAVER BY THE TELEPHONE WIRES.
•money; but they do deny the sale The facts were somewhat complicated, but learned coun
8th intt. sel would anravel them and make them cleat
Not for some time past have we heard of a man being so near death's door and yet escape by the evidence he would adduce. In 1881, Marine Lot 235 was purchased by the Lai Hing
The Lai Hing firm held three-fourths of through what must be regarded as a miracul- are cracked. finu. the lot. It was a large property at the west ous circumstance. However, this happened to an engine room artificer from H.M.S. end of the town, and for a number of years there were no profus coming on of it, but a Diadem, whose life was saved yesterday morn large sum of money was spent on it to developing by some telephone wires, and he is now In being treated in the Royal Naval Hospital for it and build up the premises thereon. 1895, this Marine Lot was agreed to be divided
a few bruises sustained in his dangerous inta Marine Lot No. 239 and Inland Lot 2355. On the night of the 6th instant et fall, went to the Royal Naval Canteen and engaged This was not merely a division but an alteration of boundaries, by which the owners of the a bed for the night. He was accommodated
Twenty minutes after the buildings hd with a bed on the top floor of the building. marine lot gave up a portion of their lot and received a portion of the inland tot. A street facing the harbour, What happened after collapsed, as was reported, a coolie was exti was to be laid out, but it has never been done, wards, it was impossible to say then, but Mr. cated from the debris in a slightly injund and the defendants are therefore in occupation Dyer, the manager of the Canteen, was sum. copie, who is improving rapidly, said that le was sum. condition and was removed to hospital. This moned early on the following morning. of a portion of the lots to which they have no right,
going into the street found the attificer lying in was in the divan smoking opium at the time. There is no Crown lease of the lots as they the side-channel. He had a few bruises on the Before that, however, he felt an instinctive have not fulfilled the terms of the agreement, hip and on his toes, but none of a serious char- impulse to leave the place. He did so, going after which they were to have obtained two new acter and he was afterwards removed to the down the street for a walk, but returned to the Royal Naval Hospital. It appeared that dur divan a few minutes later, and was not there a The case is proceeding.
ing the morning the artificer, fading the room minute, when the collapse occurred, 7th inst. close, must have gone to the verandah and sat Evidence.having been heard in corroboration on the ledge of the balcony. He must have of the opening statement of Mr. Sinde, for the either fallen asleep in that position, or lost his THE four truck coolies, who were remanded balance, and fell from the top of the building to yesterday for impeding electric car No. 11, plaintiffs,
Mr. Sharp said that the defendants admitted the street below. Healighted on rematelephone were brought before Mr. F. A. Hazeland, at the that the plaintifs were sans of Li Chit, de- wires, which broke his fall, and subsequently Magistracy on Thursday. The motorman of the ceased, who was a brother and partner of Li folled to the ground, where he was picked up, car said that on the night of the stir inst, near Sing, and also that the defendant Li Ling Shi From the verandal of the Canteen, out of the harbour office, his car was eastward bourd, was the executrix of the will of the said Li which the artificer fell, to the ground below, is A few yards in front of him was a truck, his
driven by four men, Witness sounded Sing, deceased, and thin the defendant Li Yo a forty-six feet drop.
On arrival at the hospital the man was at gong at once, and the defendants got off the Lung was also a ton of the said Li Sing.
tended to immediately for the bruises he sustine, but returned on the track again, with the tained, and as there are no bouas broken, his result that the car collided with the head of
**with the alternative of ono month's gaol, case is not serions and he will be able to leave the truck. His Worship Goed them Ste cab, the hospital in a few days,
Crown leases.
As regards the statement that Li Chit, who was the plaintiff's father, and Li Sing were managing partners in the Li Bing firm, they were so until the death in sigs of Li Chit
|
great measure solve itself,
To foreigners there is the present fartber question as to how far, if at all, they will ba affected by the disaffection of the people among whom they are living, and, as far as present indications go, there is happily no been widespread but they are spasmodic, and cause for uneasiness. The disturbances have they have all a very delinite origin which bas no relation to the foreigner. They are not even political, though it is not surprising that the Secret Societies, and the agitators who are ever on the alert for opportunities, should make wad of the popular irritation far their own ends, The absence of further news from Kiangsi,
The Chinese authorities are alive to the situa where the worst of the risings had taken place, leads to the hope that quiet is being restored. tion, and appear to be acting with unwanted energy, in pulling down the disorder and re moving, at all events temporarily, the cause of
hope for as yet the discontent. A more radical treatment of the recurring problem, is, we four, too much to