328
not enter into consideration here.
The
military equipment. the export of trucks required. for, the transport of] RAGING FIRE IN CANZON,
water appliances at hand. yet, it was found by the introduction of a uniform system of following in the footsteps of the first paraned. It is natural that Japan, with its cheap beans has been practically at a stand-1
3
still in some parts of Manchuria.
It is stated that binus have ne cumulated in enormous quantities at stations along the South Manchurian Railway.
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10 1906. Now, there is a ray of hope that this anoma-to be regarded as the heroes of the kerb see what Japan has accomplished in control Did that fine doter others from ling the Pacific trade and wonder how it hap lous condition of affairs is to be remedied stone.
national coinage throughout the Empire Of course not; keen rivaly existed, and labour, ability to build gend vessels and furnish And it is some satisfaction that we note there were others with were determined to them with good navigates and sailors, and Canion has been selected to lead the way in become men of renown at the expense of alded by Government wheelies for huilding and making evident the advantages of a universa) the European population. The other day, for the maintenance ofatenmahis lines, Eshoul
cintura this traile The English ar the chief coin value within the Middle Kingdom. Mr. A. H. Rennie, one of the leading citizens sufferers through lapan's policy in the chief
is je alena menice His Excellency Chou Fu, who is expected of ongkong, decided that it was absurd to
to the commerce of *kis at Hongkong today en route to assume his be "rooked" day after day by chair coolies. duties, as Viceroy of the two Kwang pro. He had been paying them 150 per cent. his proposal that the provincial coinage will future that he would reduce the gratuity to he suppressed at the Canton mint in favour 59 per cent. he news that the honorarium, of "Tai Ching "ormational-coins affords which had come to be regarded by the coo a happy augury of the benefits likely to ac lies as their rightful due; had been reduced crue from his reign at Canton. It had been spread like wildfire through the city and monted that the new Viceroy had in view when Mr. Rennie tried once again to hire a the adoption of the principle enunciated in chair the coolies fled from his sight. If he the Mackay treaty, but only the most tenta caught then they were "engaged." to when
חון ***
·· Hunkowy was at her whatf, with shore and
impossible to save her. But the main point to be criticised in the finding is the apparent failure of the Court to appreciate the conséquences which would undoubtedly ensue should its suggestions in the matter of the disposal of cargo and passengers, be followed to their logical conclusion. The revenue of the river steamboats. is almost entirely derived vinces, is responsible for the innovation, and above their legal fare, so he resolved in rountry which encourages the merchant marine beats are rotting away and much from the Chinese passenger fares and the charges on Chinese freight-both of which have had to be reduced, to the lowest mini- mum, leaving only the barest margin of profit to cover working expenses. It is true that since the typhoon of 18th September, rates have risen slightly, it that is beside the point. If the proposal of the Court that
the Pacific, but wh | the United States hope to do against a The cash bonuses for building and operating, and whose royal family owestork in all of the
antes have branch lines to nearly every
'cargoes of light texture such as straw braidtive steps had been taken to carry the scheme he found ten empty chairs all in a row he cor- position as a shipping power in the great water-
or matting, when carried, should be so stow ed under hatches or blacked off or screened off in such a way as to be impossible of access by any passengers" were adopted and made compulsory tw law, the steamboat companies would find it impossible to carry out the regulations without vastly increasing their changes and factically abandoning the trade which now exists. For example, were the cargo to be screened off from the pas sengers by means of partitions a very appre- ciable superficial deck area would be lost to the vessel. While one section of the vessel might tw mowded with passengers another valuable section might be standing half empty Each vessel would become a series of sections, necessarily narrow, close and stifling, and, in the plague season, a veritable hotbed for the propagation of disease. Not only that, but the loss of cargo space must mean that in order to recoup themselves the owners would be compelled to raise the pas senger rates together with freight charges. In other words, the Court's finding, should it become law, would simply imply the handing over the cargoes how carried in British buttons to the Chinese junks which sail between Hongkong and Canton. It must not be forgotten that British steam- boats were the pioneers in fostering and developing trade between the two puits; they built special boats, to suit the require ments of the river traffic and to meet the
10
|
steamship line so that the G vernment and the nperstars work logether?" The Consul General went on to say that at the present time the
hert in the world, and their schedules are s regalar as clockwork. He proceeded to give und advice to his countrymen regarding the stes that should be adopted to retain their into effect. Probably. His Excellency felt falled them; one and all refused to carry way of the East and said: "What the United that it was useless to bring the subject him and they were handed over to the police States should do is to look out for its com actively before the public while he held twenty men. They appeared at the Courtmercial interests in Japan. It is of especial position in Liang Klang, but now that he is today, and so far as we can understand interest to the Pacific coast to urge this, The vested with the powers of Viceroy at Canton, there was not the slightest semblance Oriental trade means much to this coast, and where his views and the suggestions of his of a defence. When we say "they ap- I am not criticising existing conditions bu conditions in the Far East should be watched, we are in error, for only thir-with the force the United States Government advisers can be given expression under his peared"
vemme own personal supervision, the question has teen bowed to the bench; the others allows us now we are unable to cope with com secking fresh fields. As a beet removed from the sphere of possible cru
rule mercial problems in addition to the diplomat legislation.and become part and parcel of thirteen is an unlucky number, but in work, What is needed is a commercial attach the practical politics of Southern China, this case it was made clear that the old at Yokohama and one at Shanghai. Other governnie's have such attaches to their Fortunately, Viceroy Chou Fu comes so superstition which gave birth to that idea is
The business of these at a time when the merchants, gentry aud
hase myth. The Magistrate the same Eastern lations.
men is to watch trade conditions and keep guilds of Canton are eager to advance any gentleman who heard the former case-list-
their Countries thoroughly informed as to what scheme which has for its object the better. ened to the story, once more solemnly it going in these lings." Great Britain ba turned over his tomes and pronounced a sen leg recognised the importance of havin ment of the country's financial status. Provided the idea is apparently feasible intence calculated to make the most depraved commercial attachés at the principal forcipt practice it will certainly be given a trial, for ruffian shifle in his shoes-be fined them pirts of the Far East, and it was on of all the Chinese it is unquestionable that each! But, it may be asked, what about recently that Sir John Jordan, the British Minister to China, decreed that the com- none is more open to argument and enlighten the seven who failed to appear. Well, having mercial attaché should spend six month ed teaching than the Cantonese. No matter failed to appear, what necessity was there every year at Shanghai Hut no matter what dust n multitude of projects are under weigh at for bringing them to justice at all? The is done, it will be impossible to restrain Japan the present moment, that momy-Chinese casc was over and done with; why make in her fight for the supremacy of the Pacific. money-is required for many reproductive so much bother about a trivial matter of She has the money, the credit, and the pert works which are being carried on simultane this sort? It would be too ridiculous, Sonacity to carry cat her schemes and all com- ously, the spirit of enterprise is sufficient to the intelligent wrongdoer who is found out mercial dealings are sedulously encouraged support any proposal which has for its object will know how to treat the law's commands and financially supported by the Government. No doubt the English have been the chief the promotion of Chinese interests. The in future--simply ignore them and go about, sufferers so fares the result of Japan's energy, effect of a national coinage of universal values your business. Really, these sentences at the but America's time will come and that within 15 so apparent that it is hardly necessary to Magistracy are no more or less than traves the next few years. Fortunately, the fact that discuss the matter Under the present ties of justice. They will never deter chair Japan is a serious competitnt is already reng system it is possible for a traveller to lose coulies or ricksha pullers from taking ad- nised so that a defensive policy may be lopt- half his capital by repeated exchanges in the vantage of their fares, or violating the terms ed by those interested, in the shipping of the
United States.
demands of Chinese passengers and traders. At first they were little better than philan trophists, hoping for better times when the impecunious passengers would see that it was to their advantage to patronise the fast steamers. A thousand and one difficulties wore thrown in their way by the junkmasters and the Chinese officials in Canton. Indeed, the result of a role giving effect to the recommendations of the Court would he raise once again the crucial point which was fought years ago by the river steamboat companies in co-operation with the Chamber of Commerce. It was then contended that andur favour was shown Chinese junks trading to Canton by the granting of special facilities and secret re- bates matters which could not be actually proved, perhaps, but were common know. ledge. The former Hoppe of Canton en deavoured by every means in his power to undermine the steamship riverine trade to the advantage of the native junks, and his. hostility to foreign enterprise seriously im peded the advancement of trade relations an The Canton river. Strong representations to the Government at Peking, through the British Minister, secured an amelioration of these conditions, but were the Court of Inquiry to have its way to-day we have not the slightest doubl
that the Canton Government would reveri to its old position of silent, but none the less strenuous, opposition to the success of steamboat competition as against the junks. No doubt the fire on the Hankete,was a terrible calamity which none can recall with. out a shudder, but that is no reason why we should double lock and barricade the door of progress. It is not an affair that has happened before, and it may never happen again, but all that human ingenuity can suggest in prevent fire on board ships carrying hundreds of irresponsible coolies, who have no idea what precaution mean and merely laugh at regulations as if they were intended to be broken, will not prevent its recurrence. Why, then, wax hysterical over the matter of baitened hat: ches--and where are the batches to be placed on a riverboat steamship ?-innum erable partitions, and all the rest of it, as if that were the sole solution of the difficulty If the deck cargo were covered with tar paulins" of non-inflammable material it is quite possible that the major condition of immunity to fire would be obtained. The fact is that we must review the situation sanely, if we are to retain our told on the trade between Hongkong and Canton. That trade will pass away to the junks"again if it is handicapped by multitude of rules, regulations, conditions and restrictions, and we could suggest that the matter having now been threshed out should be allowed to drop, firm in the conviction that the owners of steamboats plying to Canton, be they British, French or Chinese, will do everything in their power to safeguard the lives and inter ests of their passengers and trade,
of their licence.
Surely Europeans are entitled to some, protection against the scandalous extortion of the Hongkong gondolier, but Europeans are becoming so accustomed to matters of this kind that they simply grin atid bear it, adding another stone to the cairn of troubles to which they have to submit when they take up their residence in the Far East.
THE CANTON LEPERS.
in the kindlier warmth of summer their suffer- ing are keen,
and yet very many die for lace of
various provinces of the Empire. With a uniformi coinage, the value of his capital wood be equally the same in Kwangtung as in Fakien province. The people who
In our fast evenin 's'is be we published an would suffer, in any degree, are the bankers
appeal from the Rev. fen, H McNeur, on whose profilable business of exchange would
chalf of the lepers of Canton. The work of be largely diminished, while the host of
taking care of the lepers is no mean at irres | money-changers unconnected with the
posible task, but it is cheerfully performed by that gentleman, with his willing workers. This banks,, that is to say, without any draft
class of people is quite unable to work for a | business-would be practically driven out
living, and thus mogen vurally infest the streets of the money market. But against that,
GANDA AND THE POOLIES. as mendicanis, (!... neans of support there is the enamus gain to the industrial
being the charity soled out to them by those (9th November
why have made it their life-work to ea into the classes by the just appreciation of their From time to time e read the hate planes and slums to find and help these por capital, which would not the be liable topes quations from esters of residents, in full who are unable to help themselves. As the arbitrary fluctuations dictated by the Canads to their friends at home, as well as the Rev. Mr. McNeur says in his appeal for as banking guilds; and the security offered on the utterances of high authorities, touristice: None need help more! Diseaseil, totraders, both native and foreign, by the apn the want of labour, to culi:vale and maimed,utcasts from society, poor and ill elimination of speculative dealings in token and being accordingly turned to no disc, in sein the milk of human kindness. Even develop the vast tracts land new tying fallow, clothed, surely they appeal to all who have in money. For the present, the new Viceroy
various parts of two bide This cry lay hbour has adoped a festina lente policy, limiting
even reached as far I da, al hesting.
15 the experiment of issuing "Tai - Ching" being tempted by the glowing accounts of the
the necessary sustentace to hold body and soul coins to the two Kwang provinces only. spat prospects in store forser cultural labour repelher. But row that the wind blaws chill But there seems little doubt that the exper left their homes and families and journeyed in and the better-off Chinese appear in their ers, large numbers of natives of northern Fat the direction of the White Cloud Hills meni will prove successful, with the result the direction of what they no doubt oked cotton-wadded garments, the winte of the poor that the other provincial authorities will upon as a new El Dorado, or "Promised Land." lepers is wretched and pitiable in the extreme" recognise the advisability of following the
Some managed to complete their voyage, but During last year Dr. Beattie did much to lead given by Viceroy Chow Fu. Canton athers, delayed by various causes in Hongkong, felieve the terrible sufferings and misery, an has been the headquarters of many. able such as want of transportation, etc, heard brighten the almost unbrightenable int nf these viceroys and in traditions are not likely to
strange rumours of the real conditions existing unfortunates, by ineans fa general distribu in that" Promised Land." "There was no work be impaired-if we adopt the present reform
tion amongst them of rice and clothing, and for them there, and if there was, the pay was as a measure for future guidance-by the nothing like it had ben represented," and so
such other necessaries as the individual cases accession of H.E. Chou Fu to the forth, and that mout of those who had gone to
called for. Bax this work was not done without viceroyalty
Canada were returning to Hongkong in route
the generous co-operation of sympathizen both in Hongkong and Canton, and when it is leam hack in India. Upon hearing all this, some of
ed that during last year over 600 lepers were those who had come as far as Hongkong im
fed and clothed, the urgent necessity for the mediately tap the, bull by the horns, so to
to contignance of that co-operation, by furnishing. finds for the work, is n once made clear. The charitable cas do, to enable the workers in con- work is a very good one and deserves all that the tinue it, as on their charity depends the life pr death of these most miserable of earth's crea
| Puz a HIPRPUR CHAIRĂ, DOLI”,
to work on the Canal, while others not so
"
No one will dispute the assertion that speak, and litered their destination to Panama, Europeap residents and especially strangers intrepid, cancelled their passages to Vancou endure much at, the hands of the gangs of ver, and returned to india, to their homes, to chair-coolies and ricksha-puliers, who abound
their families, and to their old labours. The in Hongkong. It seems to be part of their cause of all this, we learn, is the result of certain creed that the krigner is fair game to be representstuns which have beep made to his victimised on eerty possible occasion, and Government, by Mr. Macpherson. 31. the growl of the London cabman when he iso, it appears has just returned in OrawD after a tour of inspection through the komision. leadered his legal fair is as a summer zephy! in ensience of Mr. Macpherson's ob when compared with the Red Indian whoopsservations and report to the Government, and maledictions of the coolic who has not says the Vancouver World, restrictive legis. been grossly overpaid. To begin with, notation will be intio faced next month-that European would dare to pay a coolie his staru in November, "the Government being fully
alive In 140 tory fare; he invariably disgorges to the extent
gravity of the situation? of fully roo percent. beyond what is actually due, but even then he is liable to be assailed with a hurricane of abuse and a torrent of githets. Fortunately, most Europeans are ignorant of the Chinese language, otherwise they would learn something about their un recorded history that would amaze them. More fortunate still, Furopean ladies have not as a rule the slightest nction what the coolie is saying, else their sensibilities would be shocked beyond recall. When it is under. stood that the coolie is clamouring for more money, the victim usually hands over the excess simply to get rid of the licensed usurer. But there are a few who take their courage in both hands and secure the ser vices of the police to bring the necessary nuisances to justice. Few have the time to spare to attend the police cout, while the majority of people have as much repugnance to the Magistracy as Satan has to holy water When the courageous individual representing hot merely himself but the community at large seeks the aid of the law in an effort to keep ite so, but when the far-reaching cry for 18th November.)
these rapscallions within bounds he natur Although fully, three years have elapsed ally expects that punishment will be meted since the ratification of what is known as the out to them in such measure that they will Mackay treaty, under which the Chinese refrain for the future from pastering passen Government agreed to certain commercial. gers. They have the community at their reforms which not only marked an advance back, those who prosecute the insuliny In Chinese official opinion but also opened coolics, and the community awaits to ser the door to improved foreign relations, com how the Court will deal with them, so thai paratively little has been done to give effect they and their like may be taught such's to the terms of that treaty. The second lesson on the subject of honesty that they article of the treaty 'provided that China will not forget it. On Tuesday, a gentleman country in be opened up, cultivated and Would "take the necessary steps to provide appeared against a couple of chair-coolics for a uniform, national coinage which shall who had refused to accept their legal fare. be legal tender ja payment of all duties, The Magistrate gravely heard the case, found taxes and other obligations throughout the the delinquents guilty, and alter much cogi Empire by the British as well as Chinese talion and scratching of his quill, turning up subjecu." The bugbear of varying patues in the law and coning the authorities, he the different provinces, has had a harassing imposed a fine of $1 each! The cooljer effect on the internal prosperity of China, gearly had a fit on the spot, it was the and has retarded its development in a variety hagest farce in which they had ever part of directions, but none has appreciated its cipated. Needless say, there was inconveniencs joore completely than the hesitation about paying, the fine, and the foreign merchant with outpurt agencies, poolice went off to relate their exploits and
PICEROY CHUL BUS FIRST REFORM.
tutes, •
TE
EGRAMS. "HONGKONG TELEGRAPH"
SERVICE
SHANGRAI RACES.
COLD AND WINDY WEATHER.
[From Our Own Correspondent.]
The weather is cold, with sharp gusts of wind sweeping across the
THE MIKADO'S BIRTHDAY,
GRAND REVIEW AT TOKYO.
BALL DIVEN BY VISCOUNT HAVASHI
brought about by what Mr Macpherson terms the Sikh invasian" The authorities Ottawa," said Mr. Macpherson, in an inter view with a representative of the above journal, "do not want that kind of people here, and do not intend to have them. Existent machinery,
Shanghai, 5th November, it has been found, is not sufficient for the pur
2.45 p.m.. pase of preventing the influx; consequently
The annual meeting of the Shang. taking the form of itn amendment to the Acta hai Jockey Club was opened, in pre. machinery has in be provided, the machinery governing immigration. The conservative sence of a large attendance of spec press in the east is pr ezically a osit in declar. ing for the open door for the natives of India, tators, to-day. and some have been filled lately with denun cutory aucies aimed at myself and who are det ruined to give British Columbia
chance of being a white man's country course, Every word us to the practical evils which these rasterners will calmly see inflicted on this community, is answered by the parrot cry They're British subjecu like ourselves." There not e ngrselves. That's just the trouble. But, of course, people who could no see why we should not extend the blessings
[From Our Own Correspondent) of civilization to the Chinese are equally unable in see why we object to having
Shanghai, 5th November, nther Opentals quartered among
2.45 p.m. labour for Canada, some years ago, was heard In honour of the natal anniver. there was no hole of warning that British subjec's natives of India, would not be acceptary of the Emperor of Japan, a able. In excluding the Indian the Dominian grand review of the Tokyo Garrison Government is pursuing very shortsighted
he was held, poi cy, und Macpherson evidently knows not where he speaks when
bey are
Viscount Hayashi, Minister for not wanted, The Indians make excellent farm Foreign Affairs, gave a brilliant labourer, foresters and agriculturists, ball and reception at which all the therefore difficult to understand how such a class can be "not wanted" anywhere where there is Japanese celebrities and Europeans
of prominence attended. developed for the uas of man
MANCHURIAN EXPORIS. SCARCITY OF R ILWAY TRUCKS. BEANS ROTTING IN THE RAIN,
he
sayı
JAPAN'S TRADE OS THE PACIFIC
5.
In view of the rapid strides which Japan in making in all directions and her avowed inten.
[From Our Own Correspondent.] tion to control the shipping of the Pacific, it is interesting to read the remarks of Mr. H. B.
Shanghai, 6th November, Consul-Gederal at Yokohama, Mr. Miller stated Miller who, until lately, was the American
2.45 p.m. that in a perfectly legit milo way Japan will Owing to the heavy demands made surete corner the commerce of the Pacific oci ceap, la Alter years the American people will by the military authorities for freight
As a result of the heavy rains the
will be utterly useless.
ANTI-FOREIGN CHINESE.
· ENGLISHMAN MURDERED ÁT
PEKING.
[From Our Own Correspondent.]
Shanghai, 6th November, 8.80 p.m.
An Englishman, named Pless, was found murdered at Peking on Satur day.
It is presumed that the deed was committed by disaffected Chinese.
ANOTHER SHANGHAL
OUTRAGE.
TWO FOREIGNERS ASSAULTED
AND MALTREATED.
TAOTAI'S AID SOLICITED.
[From Our Own Correspondent.]
Shanghai, Oth November.
3.30 p.m.
4
'SHAMEEN IN GRAVE DANGER.
OVER A HUNERED HOUSES ALREADY
DESTROYED,
[Fram Our Own Correspondent.]
Shameen, 8th November.
4.40 p.m.
A disastrous fire is raging opposite the Shameen.
Over a hundred housos have al- ready been utterly destroyed by the flames.
A strong wind is blowing, with the result that sparks are flying far and wide, threatening danger to build- ings in the vicinity:
At one time grave fears were felt that the fire would spread to the Shameen itself on account of the ferocity of the fire and the profusion of surks.
Fortunately, the direction of the wind changed and the fire was divert- ed to another quarter.
The Shameen is in no danger now.
[In the section which is being devastated by the flames there are many Chinese Aonga of exporters.h ving trade connections with European firms. Among those which may be mentioned are the offices of the China Mer- chants, Watson's Chinese department, Hing Kee & Co., and the Mutual Stoves bandes other well-known establishments.
It may be 're.. membered that this district was not many weeks ago the scene of a serious outbreak of fire which also did considerable damage.~~ Ed., H.K.T.]
On Saturday, two foreigners left A DISASTROUS CONFLAGRATION. long on a walking trip to Shanghai.
They had proceeded well on their way when, on Sunday evening, they were assaulted and maltreated by a gang of villagers.
MISSRS. SHEWAN, TOMES Co.'s GODOWN'S NARROW ESCAPE.
[From Our Own Correspondent.]
Shameen, 8th November,
8.11 p.m.
"One of the foreigners was bound hand and foot and thrown into "ed in my earlier telegram of this The fire opposito Shameen, report-
creek.
The other escaped from his assail ants and hit in the paddy fields all night..
Representations have been made to the Thotai on the subject.
JAPANESE CAVALRY
RACE O FUKUSHIMA.
From Our Siwn Correspondent.]
Shanghai, 7th November,.
10.20 am.
The cavalry race from Tokyo to Fukushima, a distance of 160 iniles, started on the 5th inst.
BRITISH CONSUL AT
MUKDEN.
SELECTING SITE FOR NEẤY CONSULATE.
[From Our Own Correspondent.]
Shanghai, 7th November, 10,20 a.m.
Mr. Fulford, British Consul, has arrived at Mukden for the purpose of there. selecting a site for the now Consulate
GERMANY AND KOREA.
EMPEROR GIVES AUDIENCE TO
GERMAN ADMIRAL.
[From Our Own Correspondent.}
Shanghai, 7th November,
10.20 a.m. Adminl Breusing, who is in com- mand of the German Squadron has been received in audience by the Emperor of Korea.
.
EMIGRANTS IN PERIL.
JAPANESE VESSEL REFLOATED AT HONOLULU.
[From Our Own Correspondent.]
Shanghai, 7th November,
10.20 a.m.
A telegraphic despatch states that the Japanese emigrant steamer, which grounded at Ionolulu, has now been! refloated.
An American warship went to her assistance and successfully towed
her off the rocki.
"
IWATE'S" NARROW
ESCAPE. DEMENTED BLUEJACKET'S IDEA.
CAUGHT IN THE ACT OF BLOWING UR THE VESSEL.
[From Our Own Correspondent.}
Shanghai, 7th November,
10.20 a.m.
An extraordinary incident fa re. ported to have occurred on board the Japanese cruiser Iwate.
afternoon, is still raging fiercely fan- the task of fighting the flames most ned by a strong breeze which makes
difficult.
All the Chinese houses of ill-fame, the numerous restaurants and the fantan gambling houses, in this quarter of the city, have been burnt. It is reported that about five hundred houses, in round numbers, have been destroyed.
The godown of Messra, Showan, "omes & Co., on the Shamcen side of the Canal, had a narrow escape, One of the sparks from the burning buildings opposite ignited a window of the godown. The fire was prompt- ly extinguished, however, before any damage had been done.
The safety of the foreign settle- ment at Shameen is, fortunately, nót now threatened.
Marines from the foreign gunboats in port have been landed and aro working heroically in combatting the flames.
Although no definite estimate.can
be formed yet of the loss by the de vastating fire, it can be enfely put down at over a million dollars,
་
No report has been made up to the present of any lives lost.
The origin of the fire is unknown,
AS SEEN FROM THE "PAUL BEAU,“
A representative of the Hongkong "tiegraph called on board the 1.4. Paul Seas, which ar rived from Canion last night, and which left Canton at 5.15 p. There he was informed that a big fire broke out, in the district of the cook-shops at 4 p.m., and was still raging when that vessel left. They were unable to state how many houses were burnt up to the hour of leaving, but estimated it at between 60 and 70. The fire was burning fiercely.
MANCHURIA BOUNDARY
COMMISSIONERS.
THE FIRST MEETING, [From Our Own Correspondent.]
Shanghai, 9th November,
8.5 p.m. The Manchuria Boundary Com missioners held their first meeting at Niuchiatun or Thursday.
One of the principal questions un der consideration was the site of the
railway station at Changchun, which is the connecting link between the Russian and Japanese railways.
It is proposed to establish a custoró house there in the near future.
* Received too late for publication ýesterday,
WEINAIWEI GOLD.
PROPOS DINCREASE OF CAPITAL.
· [From Our Own Correspondent.]
Shanghai, 9th November,
8.6 p.m.
An informal meeting war held yesterday to consider the position of the Weihaiwei Gold Mining Com- pany, Ld.
It was doneldered that the pro- A bluejacket, who be suddenly posal to increase the capital was pro become inagno, was arrested while inferable to the plan that they should the act of setting fire to the magar go on prospecting without funds,
*Recaived too late for publication yesterday, ziuo of the yousel.
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