THE CHINA ASSOCIATION
DINNER.N
'PROSPERITY' TO THE CHINA ASSOCIATION,
The annual dinner of the China Association took place at Whitehall Rooms of Hotel Metropole on 6ik ult. There were over 270 guests the largest number that has ever - sembled at one of these ever-popular functions. The gathering, which was representative one, was prended over by Mr. R. S. Gundry, C., There was the usual toasi list, which was not too long to permit of that social reunion after wards which has always been a feature of the Chiba didner.
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1906.
development of more serious contention in the refused to. suggest sren that the Emperor end. The Chinese bave a maxim that "Straight of China should entertain, Prince Fushimi, forwardness without the rules of propriety China pledged herself in 190s to provide for becomes rudeness. The new Comptrollers a uniform national coinage which shall be will not, then fore, say: We purpose to con legal tender in payment of sit duiles, taxes, vert the 1.M. Customs into a Chinese service and other obligations throughout the Empire" in 10 years. That would be rude, and might At the close of 1906 the has not attempted excite the barbarian to violence, which is can even to secure the unity of coins isoing.from irary to propriety. Let him negotiate if it the provincial mints. (Hear, heat.) These pleases him Let Sir Robert Hart istue rir mints have launched millions of to-cash pieces culars if he sees fr. But constitute in the worth intrinsically about 5-cash, but the meantime the hard fact of Chinese control, and difference the profit-is understood to have exercise it! Drive in a wedge here, displace a been spent largely on armament instead of brick thate. Wait on opportunity, Some day castitating a reserve. We beard a good deal, that Chang the whole edifice will. crumble, and China-cently, about a Kuping tael. Now we hear rat commercial China, but official China-will fa Kuping dollar, for the reason interagain upon its inheritance, I think we are Chih-tung's ingenious attempt to solve the #greed that such an issue is to be deprecated.oblem by starting a taal.curreny at Wu- (pplause.) it would affect Chinese credit chang seems, in failing, to have brought a certain unpopularity on the tael. Gentlemen, broad, which is based on an Imperial promise
Currency experiments are not new in Chica. that the administration of the 1.M. Customs
The curious to such matters may learn from should remain intact, and there is reason to fear that it would reintroduce into the working Vissering's interesting treatise that she has of foreign trade the irregularities which prevail- vone through all the miseries incidental to d before the service was organised. (Ap defacement, debasement, and over-issue of plause.) There is no question here of putting paper money, time and again. pressure on China to make new concessions or tain number of these experiences she settled dop a new policy. We ask simply that she lawn on pure silver by weight, and it would should adhere in spirit and in letter to a dit- not be surprising if that were the ultimate test net agreement on the faith of which she has of all these new coins. This is a prophecy which has the advantage of put requiring a de- received value in advance. (Applause.)
finite period for fulfilment; so if it isn't verified in my time, I can die saying it will come later. (Laughter.) We have another ilustra Lon of the personal equation in Manchuria,
THE QUESTION OF RAILWAYS, 'In regard to railways-to the Failway at any rate in which Hongkong is particularly in terested-the prospects are, I am glad to be heve, a little brighter than when we met here months ago. Hongkong claims our sym-
The Chairman, who was again warmly re ceived, on rising to propose the toast of the eveling, said it is gratifying, gentlemen, to note, as 1 am able to do from this position of vantage, the great gathering the largest we have ye held-which testifies to the ennimued pro perity of the Association. (Applause.) We hayo again to deplore the loss of old and familiar friends-Bob' Latile, who was always with on the river, in the boards of the Lyceum, in the cohians of the North China Herald, and latterly on the Committee of our Shanghai branch; Fullarton Henderson, who sarved as Secretary to the Hongkong branch for many years after its formation, and was as well known and liked in Japan and North China as in the South; Corney Thorne-i sball not, I know, be ac used of levity in using these familiar soubriquets-whom i had to ask, less than a year ago, for information about the very early days of Shanghai which few but he sur vived to give. These men were of an own household They bad run their career. But you will, I know, wish that shooid, as your was aggravated by the absence of warning the loss of property is estimated at aver mouthpiece, allude to other deaths-of men who were lot of our membership, hat who had sterling. The loss of mile will pro conquered the regard and esteens of a com-bably never be known. The Colony is facing munny which we represent. The deaths of misfortune pluckily, as its record would lend Dr Maclonald, and of Bishop Home-the 10 expect (applause) and it has our eat first killed by pirates on a British ship, the latter drowned on duty during a typhoon were perhaps even more sad, because more untimely and our sympathy goes out to those whom they have left to mourn their loss (Heat, hear.) There has, on the other hard, been a gratifying increase in the number of members on our rolls, with now tash nearly too; and I have not, this time, te expiata any difference of opinion between the several branches of the Associa tion, because nis difference exists, (lear, hear)
After a cer
"OUR GUESTS.""**(K)
Mr. Gentiom Stewart, who was received with applause, on rising in propose “Our Guests, said Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, the toas? which I have now the honour to propose to you requires little at my hands to ensure for it I think perhaps the committee, in deputing to my brother members a warm reception. me the duty of proposing the guests of the ings of hospitality for which these BSBUR! rening, bave desired to show that those feel- atherings of old members are so justly dis linguished, are shared to the full by members who, like myself, are still more closely wedded the Flowery Land; and I can assure, our uests that if to-night they had been guests of this Association either io Shanghai or in Hong- song they might not have had to good a din.
pathy in several respects. It has suffered fromrquered and offered'to restore it. She will only of both East and West; I tender to our guests. | dilatory diplomacy of China, and in face of the
disastrous ty hoon, the incidence of which
best sympathy. It has other troubles. The neighbouring waterways are infested by pirates
375
the
American Asiatic Association in New Dr. Knappe in Berlin, to the Press Syndicate in Paris, and to the Governors of Hongkong and and Singapore. The Committee requested the 'resident and Vice-President of the General Committed to send telegrams to the Viceroys and Governors in China and to the Chinese Ministers abroad.
It was moved and carried that a representa tive of Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Co. and of Busterfield & Swire be invited to join this Committee.
arriton at present afforded to it may ara loopy of the Committer shall be made public in the remains for us to bepe that that most difficult
It was moved by Mr. Shên Tun-ho and charge will be followed by others, which appear, have to be approached from an entirely foreign and Chinese Presse KAN to equally difficulty in administrative ifferent point of view. (Cheers) I would dethods. (Applause.) I have been indulging ik Admiral Tracey, who is going to respond seconded by Mr.:Sxo Tate-ying and carried for both services, to assure the brother unanimously that Mr. Jen Fung-sing be invited Mcers in thesistor service who take any to Join the Committee. On the motion of Dr. freely in prophecy this evening that I-am- setting reckless. I venture.to predict, furibor,
"Este-an was invited to join the Committee a that there is plenty of occupation still ahead interest in our proceedings to-night, of our Reid, seconded by Mr. Chu Pro-san, Mr. Wo or this Ass cation, both on the political and high appreciation. But I know, gentlemen.
It was agreed that letters be sent to all mis social side. (Cheers and laughter.) I look at among our guests we have members of representative of H. E. Sheng Kung pas.
lonaries residing in the famine region, re- ery much, indeed, as though the social ques- the Fereign Office, the Colonial Office, leading tion would soon become embarrassing: for the gentlenen from our sister Colony of Singapure, limit of expansion of the Whitehall Rooms bad and many others, including members of that questing them to send reports, and to co niso moved that the gentry in the same region been reached. It is not, therefore, without much-threatened body the Imperial Maritime operats in the distribution of funds. It was legitimate expectation that I ask you to drink Customs. May that body, like many a threa
The toast was honoured amid chearing. not least, we have as our guests several leading the missionaries might be able to co-operate to its continued prosperity. (Loud applauso.)ened man, live long, (Cheers.) And last, but be addressed on the same matter that they and
embers of the great journalistic profession is in the work of distribution of reliel funds.
It was moved and carried that all the Consuls this country. Upon them rests the all-im-
briant duty of educating and of interesting the General in Shanghai be addressed with refer nublic
opinion of this country in the new pro nce to sending telegrams to the home Govern lems and difficulties arising from an awaken
nents concerning the need of financial asist il China: The presence of all these interests unce. It was also agreed that a telegram be
these tables testifies that view
york, to the Far Eastern question with attention. The Timer with the services of its redoubtable eking corespondent, and the special knew edge upon Far Eastem affairs enjoyed by Mr. Chirol-(cheers in an exceptional position to form a comprehensive apprecis tion of the serious interests involved, and I hape And believe that all the leading papers
The Committee requested that Mr. Shên in this country are anxious to treat thin
rest Chinese question from an Imperial point Ten-he communicate with the Chairman of the of view, and not from any party standpoint. Totereational Red Cross Society with reference (Cheers.) Gentlemen, in my opinion, it is only to transferring the foods retained by the Com- by acting unitedly and in an enlightened way,mittee of that Society to the Executive Com where China is assuming to dictate the terms
Food. an which she will receive back territory thatner, but they would have had a very warm
welcome. Speaking, therefore, for members of us combined, that we can hope to main mittee of the Central China Famine Rellef Lain our position in face of the tortuous and
It was agreed that letters be sent to the was completely lost to her till Japur econ
a free and hearty greeting, and they can carry
severe competition we are inevitably called Editors of the local newspapers with the 16- Live back Mukden, for instance, and other way this assurance-that we view their
Travelled the same road, have to their continue to bring the matter to the attention cities that she has engaged to open to foreign présence to-night not only with pleasure, upon to face. Those in the past who have quest that they open subscription lists and trade, on the understanding that foreigners are but as a great honour. (Cheers.) The
dent and Vice-President of the General when I look round these tables and see a restricted to a small area outside the wuil, and source and spring of "these annual gather day settled many knotty problems, and of the public. It was agreed that the Presi hat their merchandise pays taxes at the city ngs naturally are of a social order, but the toy of gentlemen like the guests we have the Committee communicate with the Chinese are. One is reminded of the same,contention
fuminous review of the position in China
onour ni entertaining to-night, and know that Imperial Telegraph Company to transmit 51 years ago at Canton, and of Mr. Alabaster's
which we have listened to with such interest there are others also who are unavoidably telegrams free and with the China Marchants i uron with a small naval escort to settle
from the chair, shows that they also have a
absent who are prepared to accord to this Steam Navigation Co, to give free pass to all' precisely the same difficulty at Chao-chao, (Ap
inore comprehensive scope. This is the Association their advice, and assistance then, those who may be engaged in the work of this. plause) We have heard a good deal lately about
inast representative body of men in regard to badly as in the old days before we had heard
seat body of Englishmen connected with China tive Co's millée communicate with the foreign of reform. fritish steamers are compelled by Manchuria. Complaint was made that Japan China which can be gathered together in this gentlemen, I am content to feel that the pre-Society, and that the Chairman of the Execu an obsolete, ordinance to look on while foreign
was taking an unfair advantage of her position
country, and as people in this country are, I
can face with confidence the troubles and the steamship companies for the same purpose. to push Japanese trade; but inquiry showed that
think, inclined to view things Chinese as a
problems of our own day and generation. craft monopolise the transport of Chinese
somewhat queer assortment, I feel that the
(Cheers.) Mr. Chairman, and brother members coalies to foreign countries. But there does insufficient allowance had been made for the seem a likeli ond, at last, of an agreement baccupation of railways in the withdrawal of searchlight of public curiosity tends somewhat ing concluded for the construction of the Kow-
inmense bodies of troops with their stores and
to turn upon this annual dinner, that people of the Chinia Association, I ask you to join me in drinking with the utmost cordiality to the Jon Canton railway (Cheers.) The project material, for the circumstances governing gain some knowledge.upon questions they has been delayed, as we all know, by the most transition from military to civil administra-hear about outside, bat upon which they have health of our guests, and with that toast httracted negotiations, but the prospect of a tion and for the temporary lessening of pai
no definite means of gathering accurate know. specially couple the name of the Fight Hon. Sir Ernest Satow and of Admiral racey. seulement,is at present encouraging. We have chasing power through the devastation in edge. If that is so, and they look for facts
(Cheers.) The evacuation, by both they have them in the Chairman's speech-aud The year has been full of lucidents and of in heard much of a rival line. A project was car terest in Far Eastern affairs, though the inried tar, on paper, for a purely Chinese line arinics, appears to be in course of rapid ac grieve to say that amongst those facts there, cidents have not been invariably pleasing. The from Canton to Whampoa and may, But it complishment. That the natural resources of
are some very sad ones; and if they seek to most characteristic, perhaps, because they got no farther than paper, and I doubt it getting Manchura will permit a speedy recovery t
now about people, it falls somewhat on the typify an anti-foreign f eling which has been farther for the reason which thways all finan- need to doubt; and Japan has given an
Iman who is proposing the guests to show how mausfested in many ways have been the rioti cial combination in China, viz., that Chinese earnest of good faith in expediting the openingch we appreciate the good work done by at Shangbai Lost December, and the change in
Popitarists will. nat trust their money in any ni Bainy to the commerce of the world. The the status of the Jaerial Maritime Customs enterprise which officials can control. We are complete opening of other doors depends men in various walks of life, and also to implied in their subjection to a new form of
all aware, of course, that a considerable sum
chielly no China and Russia-on the establish especially welcome distinguished men who have come from afar with a record of work well ment of Chinese Custom houses, for instance, epotrol. The story, of the riots is fiest in your has been subscribed for the construction..of a
lone in the execution of their duty, We all of in the Russian frontier, and on the question recollection; and it will suffice to remark that tine from Cantun to' Hankow, but that pro
us know, only too well, the troublous times that have been passed through in China of let the importance of the episode lay not in the ject also seems to be in a state of suspended heiher they will consent to open the Man- charias rivers which they closed against the question whether the woman wings the agitasination for similar reasons, It would he an
years, but British interests have emerged, irom tors elevated into a mandanın martyr had real exageration, doubtless, to hold the Viceroyest of the world by the Treaty of Aigun. those times healthy and vigorous. This, I think, is testimony to the good work which has ly kidnapped, or only bought the slave girls sen altogether responsible for the disagree Japan did not, unfortunately, see her way to she was taking to Caston; though I am con- ahle features of his jule. But public feeling in stipulate for the opening of these great water.
heen done by the officers whose daty has fident that the sympathy of respectable Chinese Hongkong does held him largely responsible, ways to general commerce in the Treaty of
been to salegourd, those interests. (Cheers.) will have been entirely on the side of the and is correspondingly gratified at his ap. Portsmouth; but she is pressing the point And in the first place 1 after to the Right Hon.
If it police in their at compt to thwart the hideous manching removal-a result in which we may, now, on the principle of the open door.
Sir Ernest Salow-(cheers)-our thanks and and notorious traffic which the incident repre
I think, conclude that the complaints of the
were in Europene hands one would hardly be ents. (fear. Hear] The iportance lay, so
British Legation have measurably contributed.
service which he has rendered to his country in Siam, in lapan, and in the more diffical politic. pose. (Cheers.) far as we are now concerned, in the occasion it
The Chinese themselves; but the only one
al atmosphere of Peking. In a long service afforded for an organised display of hostility to the foreign municipality. That the officials which seems to have come actually to the birth
such as that, it is natural that there may be should regard with jealousy, and desire to re-
is the line from Peking to Kagan. That is
times when he Well, gentlemen, if China's attitude
nable to see eye to eye gain' control over, the great and prosperous being made by a Clucese engineer, not how
Manchuria seems to savour of the old ex- with certain sections of his compatriots, and I settlement at their ders is not surprisings ever with private capital, but out of the graclusivism, the talk of the day in China is all of can see the difficulty a Minister must have in What is peculiar is that they should prefer to
profits (veiging on £1,000,000 a year) accruing
Reform, the native press cries for reform and sometimes having to refuse his official support- attain their end by interfering with our good
io China fram the line built by British en- work instead of hy mending their own. They gineers and partly with British and partly with decries foreigners with atmost equal energy in a matter 19 which his personal sympathy the very journals which are under loreign, and may be freely given. We also are aware that want how, br instance, to set up in the Senle State capital, between Pexing, Tientsin and ment a garl which the Municipal Coużcit says Newchwang (Applause.) The construction of especially under Japanese, protection showing the records of many a tough struggle lie guard- the way. A leading Japanese paper, the Jiji,ed from the public eye upon the shelves of the it would regard, u der present innditions, as a the Shanghai-Nanking line has advanced
motes a proverb about being bitten by one's Foreign Office. But we do know that his in menace to public safety; whereas if they would satisfictonly, and is being actively carried
wn pet dog, and suggests that much harm isumate knowledge of the language and customs remodel their own gruis'in the native city, tc-
though tedious representations have to
done by Chinese newspapers exercising a free of both China and Japan have been invaluable place their yamên runners by properly paid be made to obtain sanction to the most
dom of speech for which China is not prepared to England. (Cheers!) We can testify to his police, and generally reform their wn methods obvious measures of finance. And we are here of ad inistration, the need for upholding the
aknin in presence of a contested agreement.hear, hear); but that they have helped in-profound erudition, to his unfailing courtesy, administrative privileges of the Foreign Settle ment, of which they are en jealous, would automatically cease. Most of us who are here present know the Foreign Settlement at Shang: hai Some of us have had a hand in its ad- ministration. Ve know that it has been built up buck by brick, local agreement by local. agreement, by stre, vous lacil effeci. (Heat, beat. Shanghai has been trying for years fo obtain recognition at Peking, for the cannged conditions represented by those agreements. Always prone to bandinage, and with a republi- can' want of reverence, il used to declare, even
ཇ
SOME INCIDENTS OF THE YEAR.
cidental to war.
ARRIVAL OF TROOP's.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR DISEMBARKATION.
rith inst. The following are arrangements for the dis embarkation of troops from the H.T. Sicilia if she arrives on the 13th inst80:~,
7 a.m. Lighter and coolies alongside for hervy baggage.
The Committee accepted with thanks the from Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Co. Butter, sum of $1,500 collected by Mr. Chun Nia-ching field & Swire, and E. D. Sassoon & Co
It was agreed that copies of the Minutes of Executive Committee should be sent to each of the members of the General Committee for bis information, The foreign and Chinese Secre taries were appointed to draw up an appeal both in Chinese and English
The form of the telegram to be sent to the Lord Mayor of London was read over and generally approved, the exact wording being left to the discretion of the Chairman after consultation with H. B. M. Consul-General. It was moved that a somewhat similar tele-
9.m. R.G.A. disembark with light baggage.gram be addressed to President Roosevelt. 9.45 am. R.E, and details disembark with light baggage.
10.30 am Married families disembark with light baggage.
Invalids:-Under arrangements to be made by P.M.O. Transport Arrangements will be A.S.C. Pier.
we have heard much of railways to be built by sanguine, Perhaps japan may attain her pur. *ppreciation of the long record of dist-nguished made to distribule baggage to. Units from
"The
PROSPECTS OF REFORM.
The British and Chinese Corporation have the mensely to sur China out of her lethargy and right, poder pri kminary agreemen's, to make stimulate a desire for knowledge cannot be a line from ouchow to Hangchow and Ningpo denied. Hardly have the members of the which would be virtually an extension of the Commissions which have lately been visiting former. But a similar and conflicting right America and Europe returned to Peking than bas, since, been conferred on the native gentry. 1sey are called into consultation; and we may As both of these edicts must, according to feel a measure of pershani interest in noting recent ruling at Peking, be immutable, that at Prime Tsai ie, whom we had the honour entertaining last April, has been foremost in schemes for the present at a deadlock. difficulty which have indicated no standing condemning the indifference and selfishness of in the way of all purely Chinese enterprise the great majority of the officials, and in solutios. Nordvocating far-reaching reforms.. (Applause.) may eventually facilitate
As a result of these consultations a Constitu- nus; we omit to note, white talking of agree.
tion is prim sed-when the people are sufficient in my day, that Tennyson must must have paidments, that an agreement has been at last a surreptitious visit to Peking before writing concluded for the Conservancy of the Iwang- enlightened; and committees have been "about the people who-
| pona'step which is of the greatest importance appointed to devise measures of enlightenment In every one. Chinese and foreigner alike, and reform. The programme outlined in the who is interested in Shanghai and the great imperial dict looks exhaustive-on paper: trade which it centres. It is a matter that has we seem,deed, to be reading a titular re- heen pending for 40 year, ever since the Lord capitulation-of-the-mperols-Reform-Edicts of Lyndhurst sunk on top of a junk in deep water 98,. It has been welcomed by the people, where now is Pootung Point and since E. A. Reynolds was arraigned before Sir Edmund Honby for trying to extend his land there by plantin pies and barrels to catch the mud (A laugh.) What is more interesting-or interesting, at any rate, in a different way--is the change of thought, implied since a high provincial official demurred to any measure of Conservary on the ground that the Woosung tar was a beaven-sent barrier against foreign ships
Sware an ath and kept it with an equal-mind
In live and lie seclined
At the hills, like gods 1.gether, careless of mankind." It is a libel, we know. Achievement at Peking depends upon a good many 'considerations bendes the valiti n of Ministers (Hear, hear. Still it is a little staggering when you have been trying to obtain an up-tu date constitution, to be told, instead, to fall back upon obsolete rule of 1859. That was practically, to ignore
A fatigue party of one N.C.O. and 5 men from the R.G.A. and R.E. will be detailed in parade at A.S.C. Pier at 9 a.m. to soit baggage, and a representative from each corps will also attend at this hour to assist. Should the H.T. Sicilia arrive before 12 noon to-morrow the following
OBCC.
Heavy baggage will be proceeded with at will be the arrangements for disembarkation.
Married families only with light baggage (for Kowloon) will disembark at 2 p.m. Representa lives from Corps will be detailed to attend at Kowloon olice Pier to conduct married families to quarters on day of disembarkation.
Fi
188 LAI& MR. E. R. BELILIOS ESTATE.
F
and to his unrelaxing endeavours to promote can remember the feelings of the interests entrusted to his care, Speaking
The Hon. Emanuel Raphael Belilios, C.M.G., personally, somewhat nervous apprehension with which I approached the domain of the British Legation Victoria, Pongkong, a merchant, for 18 in the spring of 1904, charged with a mission years a member of the Legislative Council of from the Hongkong branch of this Association, longkong, and formerly of Calcutta, who 10 interview the Minister on that well-worn died op November 11, 1905, aged 69, left, ex and will unproductive but, according to the clusive of settled estate, property in Hongkong Chairman, more hopeful topic, the Kowloon valued at £275,304, and personal estate in the tor bequeathed $12,000 (£1,361 101.) to the and Canton railway The sympathetic kind. United Kingdom valued at £660. The testa- ness with which I was received during one or
official trustee of Hongkong ta distribute the two prolonged interviews has left upon my
income annually at the cemetery where he mind feelings both of gratitude and pleasure.
to the poor of such city, town, or place to which It is my duty, in proposing "The Guests," may be buried on the anniversary of bis death in refer to the Imperial services of the Crown,
lies, sect, and religions, at his discretion, except and in doing so we who live on the little island such cemetery may be attached, of all nationali- turn with the feelings of old friends to His
that no person shall receive more thas c.zo in ajesty's Navy The name 1 have to couple
Golder's green Cemetery, London, N.W. He "with this toasi is that of Admiral Tracey. any one year. The testator was buried at directed his fustees to spend $3,000 in the and every well-wisher of China, will, hope obscure individual like myself, but I well re (Cheers.) He probably has never heard of an
purchase of a monument over his grave, such earnestly that it may be carried into effect member that when I first went to China be Applause) First on the list is scheduled was captain of the Audacious and he used nonument to be obtained from Florence. retom of the official system;" and public to make us all comfortable and feel that Failing issue to his sons, he left the residue of opinion thath fore en and Chinese) will, I think, we were safe out there. It is said of men that us property, which will apparently exceed Well, 4210,ono, to his trustees for a Jewish college at But is the great by their works ye shall know them. the back of these local agreements, and involved
rndorse the allocation.
dmiral Tracey was in his early days in the Calcutta. Any income which might be left such a menace to the status of the Settlemen!
bureaucracy which has been accustomed for that it was succeeded, happily, by an order that things should go on as hefure, pending
centuries in batten on the people prepared to Japanese Navy; I can say no higher praise of over after providing for the establishment and furflier negotiations. Gentlemen, judging from
terega e exclusive privileges it has misused? any naval officer than that. While speaking inaintenance of the school is to be distributed Vill it acquiesce in the foremost and most of the navy, will ask your indulgence to annually amongst the poor of the Jewish necessary reform of all-the substitution of express the regret feel as the absence of community in the city of Calcutta-. & C. previous experience, those negotiations may
permanent employment and regular salaries Admiral Sir Gerard Noel, because I should. Express take time, I desire, therefore, to seize the fleet-
for the present system of three-year appoint have liked to testify in his presence to the con ing moment to acknowledge the interest-the patient and sympathetic interest-with which But if we turn from subsidiary agreements inents with inadequate salaries and elastic fidence he engendered amongst his fellow- our representations and they are not all in
to treaties, I am afraid the record is blank, pickings, which practically invites peculation? countrymen in China when, throughout the late the interim report, by any means-weier -
Mining regulations, judicial reforms, currency For it is, I think, the general opinion among war, he was in supreme command in Chinese ceived at the Foreign Office. (Applause) I
reloims and other nice things promised in those who are familiar with China that it is the waters. (Cheers) We all knew that, had note that Shanghai, on its side, considered the Mackay Treaty are sull to seek, I am resulting corruption which is largely respon Great Britain been called upon to enter into that struggle, her interests could not have been itself fortunate in having there a man like Sir
afraid that we have always been too ready sible for the decay of public works and for the
in stronger or more thoroug ly efficient hands. Palham Warren-a cool, experienced, self-
in assume that when China has signed a diplo | inefficient organisation that permite, say, piracy
on the Canton River, salt smuggling on We are grateful to the Navy, and some Teliant man (as the North China Herald ex matic instrument it is all over. It seems san. pressed it), as Consul-General dusing the emer-guine, la say the least, to close the portfolio the Tabu, and the congregation of evil philosopher has said that gratitude may be sometimes a lively expectation of more favours gency. (Renewed applause.)
and trust to spontaneous evolution in the case characters in the suburbs of Shanghai, The
I confess to a feeling of that sort of people who have a maxim that you should only effectual remedy for these evils lies to come. never refuse a request abruptly but should in efficient administration; and efficient admi- when I ask Admiral Tracey, should the occa grant it in form though with no intention to do nistration costs money which officials and sion present itself, to use his benevolent in- "Put him off subordinates alike need, under the present fluence to see that our flag is kept in full so in substance, saying:
we do not show our flag there, others there till to-morrow, and then until anoiber to-mor- system, for themselves. I will not stay to ask evidence in the inland waters of Chins. If row, and thus you comfort his heart." There whether the Manchu pension list will be abolish is's deal in the personal equation. Sherard ed, or whether eunuchs will be abolished? for the are who are only too willing to fill our Osborne used to say that if you wished to reply to Duke Tsai Tze's representations on this places. (Cheers,) With regard to the Army. know how the mandarins would act under head seems to be negative. Will taxation be it is most difficult for one just lately arrived given conditions the best way was to reflect regulated? Will yamén runners, who represent home to know exactly where we are. (Laughter.) what an Englishman would do, and conclude extortion and cruelty, be replaced by a proper Some people say we have no army, and need that they would do the opposite. (Hear and force, and gaols be rebuilt on decent and conscription; others say that we are turning a schoolboy being taught use a rifle, holding laughter.) One fondamental
scheduled, only, and Young China be en since, contemplated by the Preform, for insanitary principles? Or will all this be our country into an armed camp and object to
IMPERIAL MARITINE CUSTOMS. Well, here was one manifestation of a in ve- ment which bas been called "China for the Chinese." The next was the publication, last May, of an Edict contitating a new control] over the imperial Maritime Customs; and it became the obvious duty of the Association to protest with its almost energy against the menace to British interests implied in that in- novation. (Applause). It is unnecessary to recapitulate the considerations which led us to regard the steps taken to check the encroach meat as inadequate, because the whole torres- pondence fias been recently before you in the
columns of "ki Times, to' which we' are in debted for the full publicity it has accruded us, (Check) It will be sufficient to affirm that the active and continuous interference of the new comptroller constitutes a great change from the easy suzeraint of the Trung-li Yamen and the Wai Wu Pu, and that we are unable to admit that that change can be properly described as a transfer from one Board to another. (Hear.) I feel sure that the action of your Committee has had the cordial' Epproval of practically every member of the Association(applause)-bere and is the East, as it has of the principal Banks and Chambers of Commerce in this country con nected with the East'; and will bhly repeat "confcribu we have placed on reenid, that persistence is a desire to avoid contention at sire putant suds almost certainly, in the
the
UNKEDELMED PROMISES.
THE CENTRAL CHINA FAMINE
relien FuND.
The Executive Committee of the Central Ching Famine Relief Fund met at the offices of Messm. Isooner, Mond & Co., Ld, No. 12 Kiukiang Road, Shanghai, at in a.m. Tuesday, December 4.
The following Members were present: Messrs. Chu Paan, hun Nia-ching C. Montague Ede, and d. S.itle, Rev. Dr. J. R. Hykes, and the Secretaries, Shen Tun-ho and Dr. Gilbert Reld.
On motion of Mr. Shan Tan-ho, seconded by Mr. Taxo-ying, the Chairman was requested 10 proceed to Nanking to codfèt with the Viceroy concerning the raising and distribu tion of famine relief funds..
The committee adjourned at 12 o'clátk~N, C. D. News.
APPEAL FOR FUNDS,
The Executive Committee” of the Central?? China Famine Ralief Fund issues the follow ing appeal to the publië –
Reports from Europeans and Americans live ing in Northern Kiangau as well as official dis patches have come to "hand, giving pets of.. existing and ever-increasing sufferings of several millions of starving Chinese. There documents make no attempt to describe, fully the terrible reality of the situation; much is left to our own imagination. If the impression made on us, who live only a few bandred miles from the scene of misery is alight;, how much less can an impression be made on people in the homelands. One shrinks from picturing the real condition of the people. The suffering began with the fiends of last rummet, and can- not possibly end till the harvests of next sum- mer. Hisücheulu, Husianfu and Haichou in northern. Kiangsu (spoke of as Kiangpeh) are in greatest destitution. When 10,000,000 of people have been estimated provinces of fionan and Anhui are also affected. to be in extreme destitute condition the scene becomes appalling, Several millions are not only destitute, but on the verge of starvation and this is so for not only a day, but will con-- large porties are also without sufficient clothing tious for several months still to come." The for the cold winter days.
Other districts in the
Local gentry in thanghai have already ad- to districts of Kiangsu. The Chinese Govern vanced some Tls. 200,000 and sent it forward ment has also provided several hundred thous dads of taels (one statement is Tim. 310,000) with Tingkiangpu as distributing centra, is the most responsible agent of the govern ment in the distribution. The missionaries, General Yin Chang, late Minister to Germany,
living among the people and witnessing the distress, are ii position, by co-operation with the local gestry, to organize other distributing. centres.
It is hoped, if funds are sufficient, to give the same persons until the time of the text reliel not only to the actually starving, but to harvest-aid-promised by trustwanby Chinese i facilitating the distribution of food and money and in transporting rica, flour, millet, kaoliang and other atticles of food into the famine region are indispensible to the ex- ecution of the gigantic task that is abead of as all. What the Executive Committee can do, will be done gladly, but in oalý a slight degrea funds and are equally anxious to save the can it represent the many who contribute the lives of the famishmg. The chief task of the Committee will be to act as forwarding to devise such measures as will prevent agent to those whom it can trust, and any dishonesty in the distribution. By seeking, at the outset, the aid of public-spirited Chinese the work of famine relief will be facilitated, and manyobstacles that connect themselves with Al it is well to bear in mind that among the forms of Charity will, it is hoped, be overcome. Chinese there are to be found men' of as Targe generosity, as others in Christian lands. The co-operation of such is solicited The Chines sponsibility is being realized) for preserving the Government is also responsible (and this re- lives of its own people. But this present distress is not only unprecedented for nearly, twt de cades, but follows fast after the floods in Po... y oan and Northern Chekiang and the sorrows that befell the people of Manchuris after the Kusso-Japanese war. For, this reason efforts from foreign nations and individual. foreigners and Chinese In Shanghai and other cities bless are now pat forth to secure promptadditional id
ed with abundance. To feelings of humanity alone is this appeal mide.
Mr. Sze Taze-ying was invited to sit with the Committee,
On motion of Mr. Ede, seconded by Shen man of the Committee. It was agreed that the Tun-ho, Mr. Ed. S. Little was elected as Chair: ecretaries elected for the General Committee. act also a Secretaries of the Executive Com mittee. It was moved by Mr. Shea Tun-ho Se Taze-ying be requested to act as a member and seconded by Rev. Dr. Hykes that Mr. of the Committee. The motion was carried, and Mr. Ste expressed his willingness to do what he could to aid the work of the Committee. The Chinking Committee, already appointed, was invited to co-operate with the Shanghai Committee. It was agreed that all funds be Banking Corporation in the name of "The deposited at the Hongkong and Shanghat
On the motion of Mr. Little, reconded by Central China Famine Relief Fund." Mr. Shen Tun-ho, it was agreed that all
Contributions may be paid to the Hongkong moneys, articles, etc, received by the Com mittee be signed for, by both the foreigs and Back in the name of "Central Chius Faming Chinese Treasurers of the Relief Fund, The Relief Fund" or to the Treasurers Mr.C members approved that the name of all contri- tagus Ede, 4 Jinkee Road, or Mr. Chú
GILBIET RE D}" butors be printed in both: the foreign and 13, Foochow Road Receipis will sig first authorized by the Executive Committee.
SHAN TUK-HOS Chinese Press; also that all payments must be both Treasurers,
ing was the transmulation of the Tsung-li couraged to encroach upon the Customs ser- apparently the opinion that it is an evil thing vice and on the Administration of the Foreign for a lad to learn how to defend his country. Yemen into a Ministry of Foreign Affairs a
Européenne and the adoption by the Court of Settlement at Shanghai, instead of being advis. On these two schools of thought generally European etiquette: An edict-immutable, of ed to study, and copy them as models? (Ap-offer no opinion, but between the two we ste course-registered the purpose, nning especi plause) Unquestionably a movement has glad to see, when we lonk for it, the beaming ally, the inconvenience of having at the Board been started-a movement educational and and cheery countenance of our old friend men whose time was occupied in other national-a movement whose effects can never" 1 ommy Atkins," and we know that he is led State departments. Yet, with the exception be radicated, even if it be checked. Railway by a body of officers who are prepared to go of sitting (as Dr. Morrison has told us) at projects are, discussed with approval where, anywhere, at any time, and never to draw back rund table generation ago, there would have been-den- whatever the odds they may be called upon ip a rectangular instead of the Waiwupu seems to be very much the unciation; municipal schemes are projected, face. But our Army is small. Its heart is in Tsungli Vamen under another name, and though we hear little yet of fruition; the the right place, it cannot do impossibilities; Tang Shao-yi to be a greater pluralist than demand for education is pathetic, in view of and, touching the Army, as it specially affects us in Chiou, I venture to say, with all due any who went before. (Cheers and laughter), the relative dearth of competent teachers; and Nor has the Emperor ever yet fulfilled the ond drastic change bar been effected. The respect to the distinguished member of the stipulation that he shall be present at banquets old system of examination, which stereotyped mperial Defence Commitice who is here pre given to foreign Ministers. The Emperor a system of educations efficacious and respect sent, that if it be true that China is becoming of Japan entertained the Frince Tai Tre worthy in the past, though inconsistent with a serious military Power the question of hold. at lunch but the Waiwupu kse, we are told, "modern requiremanis, kus been ghalishad; and " ing our greatest outpost there with the slander ! It was moved and carried that all proceedings
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