THE BOYCOTT MOVEMENT.
MASS MEETING AT CANTON,
TRENCHANT RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BYS
ENTHUSIASTIC DOYCOTT. V
[From Our Own Correspondent]
Canton, 31st December. in accordance with the telegram received from the Chinese in Oakland regarding the Exclusion Act, which I reported on the 29th instant, a public meeting was held yesterday in thesKwangchal Hospital. There were" over a 1 thousand people pressat and Mr. Ma Fat Son the released boycott leader, was in the chair, The following resolutions were passed by those present: (1) To boycott American goods and to encourage local industry. (2) To start boy coit again, by the majority of those who deal ia American goods, and to establish a shop for the disposal of all American goods, on hand, in such a way as to curtail the loss to owners, (3) To send members 10 various places in encour ago the buycou feeling with songs and speeches (4) To translate those books received, from Amenca regarding the American il-treatment of the Chinese, for the information of the public. (5) To post up proclamations Ip all parts of the city containing the telegram Trans Jakland, asking the native newspapers not to publish advertisements of American goods, any paper doing contrary to be boycotic by the public. (6) All present to post up placards at their houses, stating that they boycot American goods, and to nulvise all student to da likewise. (7) Next meeting to take place on the and of January and the following meeting on the sih, at noon. (8) To ask the seventy-two Guilds to appoint assistants in managing boycott affair... (9) To petition the Viceroy la stop labourers from going to wark in Puama and also re- quest H.E. to advise the Throne to take up the discussion of the American Chinese Exclusion Act with the American Government.
UPROAR IN THOMAS HOTEL,
AMERICAN JACKS AT 100GERMLADS,"
and insi. In Thainas Hotel fast night shortly after the dinner hour a number of unerican anci Austrian" bluejackets were bealed arathidh tables drinking and talking loudly. The men from the West Virginia occupied a table all to themselves. So did the Pennsylooma crowd, while, needless to say, the Austrians kept to themselves,
"I guess that there is not another skip flying the Old Glory on the Asiatic squadron that can lick us at shooing," one of the West Virginians in alleged to have boasted.
"Now cut it out," came' from the Pennsyl vante end of the table.
Cat you our in two shakes if yer don't keep that lower lip o' yers porlite," returned the West Virginia spokesman.
t
"If you wants to see hoine and mother again I reckon you'd better hold in cable, mate said the other.
12
The West Virginia man opened hostilities. with a beer bottle which he let fly at his rival, who duckedin time and saved his head. The Fennsyl» vandi crowd returned the compliment with inter- est and the battle opened. Butiles were sent sail- ing about the room like sunwflakes, intermixed with a couple of chaus, which did duty on both sides, and pandemonium reigned supreme Anything that was near at hand was turned into some use by them, even the inable-topped tables-too heavy to be bited-did duty to jam a man against the wall.
The Austrian sailors, who had all this time been quiet, suddenly pitched into the fray, for
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, SATURDAY JANUARY 5 1907.
PENNSYLVANIA" MINSTRELS: |A MODEL GERMAN SETTLEMEN) | tuje schools and executa very good work. The
and inst.
madikaaliuatisfaction was very evidently ex-*- 54flanced by performers and audience alike at kha Theatre Royal, City Hall, last night, when the " Pennsylvania" Theatrical Company occupied stage for a Grand Vaudeville and Ministre parformance. The audience, were most pleased with the entertainment provided, while we have authority for saying that the performers ware more that satisfied with the bouse that greated them when the curtain was sung up at 9 p.m.-or thereabouts.! It was
.
somewhat curious, with all the musical and histrionic talent in our midst, that it should have been left to our foreign naval guests:10. provide us with a public entertainment for New Year's Day. That being so, they certainly deserved the very full house and the ap preciation of the audience which assembled, and unstintedly marked its approval of, ifi entertainers efforts, A very good programms had been arranged, and was most successfully, gone through by the intented Tars of this novel naval troupe. Alter an overlure, bearing the amus ngly appropriate title. "Pin, getting sleepy," by the orchestra, the company the opening chorus, "You're a graud Old Flag" in fine swinging style, which was most vociferously applauded. The end men then convulsed the audience with comicalities and fanniosities" al fresh and breezy and refined character: The songs were all new to Hongkongites, such as the baltad "Moon Dear, excellantly sung by W., Bud. denhagen, the topical song Nonsense "clever
"Cheyenne," ly rendered by T. Ackerman, popular selection, given by E. . Vollinger, coun song, "Bell Simmons" by D. N. Calder head, ballad "Waltz me around again, Willie ? by arry O'Marah, and the finale For the Stars and Stripes and You, by the Conipay, all of which were well received by the audience, the encores following being undéniable, The characteristic picco Woodland Whispers was a very pleasing number, and the Benedicts were then usingly told by 5. U. Thatcher, was followed, after the laughter had sub- sided, by the new nayal song "Keep on the. Target," by T. Ackerman, which brought the first part to a close. After a short intermission, the orchestra opined the second part with the ever-popular "Cavalleria Rusticana in very fine style, and then came the pièce de resistance
A
THE CITY OF TRINGTAU,
Mr. John Edward Jones, American Consult Dalny, Manchuria, makes an interesting report in regard to the City of Tsingian, which is under German control, as follows →→
Tsingtau boasts a number of hotels where one may find suitable quarters with good food from $30 to $75 gold per month. There is a fins beach hotel located at the bathing beach where many of the visitors from neighbouring ports go during the heated term. Germany maintains a garrisonal Teingtau, and many of the surrounding hills are fortified, Long-distance gun pratice takes place every day. And there is yet another feature that is to be most haarti. ly commended. The authorities have been conducting a department of forestry since their occupation, with the result that the bar ren hills of a few years ago are now covered with young forests, Millions of young trees have been set out, and the work has been taken up by the Chinese, who are planting treas themselves under the supervision of the Ger man authoritics.
Just outside the city the Germans have built a village for the Chinese. It is a model of its kind, with brand streets and small but well- constructed brick houses. There are resta tions in force over there which require the city to be kept clean, and they are obeyed. The Chinese have plenty of breathing space and there is no crowding, with the attendant evils of bad sanitation,. A fine market space is sel aside, and here, the farmers, come every day to display and sell their wares.
The health of the city is always good, Strict hygienic methods are enforced by the naval Governor of the city. The city is sur rounded with beautiful drives, and everything bears evidence of the strictest care. Recently the Germans have opened a European school, and Europeans for many miles around take advantage of the excellent course and training and send their children to Tsingtau.
There is a model aballoir at Tsingtau, presi- by a competent veterinarian, who
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exportation of silk during the year 15,05 was i disappointment.. "This was due in large mea sure to the low prices prevalling in Shanghai, and much of the silk which athe wise would have come to Tsingtau was sent by junk to Pcking and Manchu in.
The Germans are looking forward with great expectations to the results from the two new silk schools established in Taingchow and Changihsien, which are reported to be doing well and turning out a considerable number of skilled hands whose work will tell in the immediate suure, Quite a business is done in peanut oil, although the yield for 1905 was not 'generally bought, and a consi- derable amount still remains on hand.
THE " VARUNA”
MOST POWERFUL TUG'IN THE EAST,
LAUNCHED IN SINGAPORE.
ม
In the early part of the year the Tanjang or lock authorities decided to build a powerful lug and salvage steamed to be superior to the present tugs Mercury and Sunda and on June, the keel of the projected vessel was laid down at Keppel Harbour. Since then the work has steadily progressed and today the runs, as the vessel is called, lies rency for launching, says the 'S. F. Press of 21st inst
The Paruna, it is claimed, will be the most one and salvage steamer in the East and under tug circumstances sonic description with, it may be explained that the Farn is the of her will not be out of place. To begin manie of an old Hindeo deity, the equivalent of Neptune, and is pictured as a white man on a horse, but instead of the trident the god carries a club and a rope. The name is cer tainly well-chosen, being euphemious and very applicable to the vessel and aort from which the white man rules the waler."
THE CHINA ASSOCIATION,
ANNUAL REPORT,
The report of the Hongkong Branch of the China Association for 1926 to be presented to niembers at the annual general melting of the Association on Saturday, the 5th jost., at a 3o p.m., is as follows:
In presenting to members annual te port of the longkong. Branch of the Chinn Association it has hitherto been the custom to publish in the form of an appendix the comes pandsace upon which le is based. The neces sity for this to the present instance has been Lobviated by London branch issuing an interim- report containing the principal letters despat- ched from here during 1906. The local cóm-- mittee has therefore decided to base this year's report upon that communication and a copy is now being forwarded to cach 'member.
Our work as displayed in the contents will be seen to divide itself into four distinct series of letters and telegrams dealing with as many sepamte questions. These communications lar heading to which they refer and in chrona. have been arranged in groups under the particu. logical order within each group.
I
The first group comprises correspondence by able to the incident of the forcible seizure in effective possession of a British Bank. Re- by the Viceroy of Canton of a quantity of coal presentations of the illegality of these proceed. ngs, simultaneously made from several quarters, soan brought sufficiem pressure to bear upon the Viceroy to persuade him of the inadvisabi lity of persevering in an unwarrantable action and the matter was eventually settled to the pated that the representations made from here satisfaction of the complainants. It is antici on this subject will meet with the approval of
members.
鄂
KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY,
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any with which the association has yet baed called upon to deal. It is now proposed to collect the usual yearly subscription of Sto.to carry on the work during members is appended.
Since the last annual general mosting there have been several changes in the personnel of the local Committee which now, consists of Mr. A. G. Wood, Mr. D. R. Law, Mr. H. E. Tomkins, Mr. G. H. Medhurst, the Hon. Mr. E. Osborne, Mr. W. A. Cruickshank and Mr. M. Stewart, chairman,
THE “SAINAM" PIRACY.
THE GOVERNMENT AND SHIPOWNERS CLAIMS,
The following letter, in which are embodied the views of the Committee of the China Association on the subject of the owners claim for consequential damages, will, it is hoped," prove of interest to members. In any case it is deemed to be, desirable to let them know what has been done in the matian de
20th November, 1906, Dear Sir,-The following telegraphic message
"With reference to British Government's
as despatched to you on the 16th instant ! refusal support owners' claim for consequential losses Sainam piracy urge Foreign Office not to commit themselves to this attitude with the Chinese Government pending further re presentation from here by mail."
"How to be happy though married," which Fed over cattle brought in" for slaughter times more powerful than the Mercury, the thanks of the Committee are due and are here. Any other kind of claim is regarded as un.
the evening, the one-act, farce-comedy, "A uner's tritis," by A. Lincoln Fisher, under the direction of Mr. W. Feldman, the following being the caste :-
Daniel Stowman, Theatriz
cal Manager. ......5. D. Thatcher Charles Ruftus Sunflower,
a Dusky Messenger......D. N. Calderhead- 1341
crapper, a Bowery Boy
......E. V. Annatoyne Sissy Devere, Ilis Mo her's
J'et
W. Feldman
Fritz Dinkelspiel, a Stage lando Tasters, Relic of Struck Dutchman T. Ackerman"..
the Old Legitimate...W.J Buddenlagen
Dennis McSwat, One' av de
foinest.............A., P. Kent Eudoxie Persimmons, a
Timid Little Girl ........H, H. Whilmare Scene:-Daniel Slowman's Booking Office. Time-Present.-New York.
This was splendidly staged, and was as good as anything seen here, whether professional or amateur, ench participant in the "fun" bei perfect in his part. The following were the members of the troupe who contributed to the evening's entertainment, the Minstrel part being under the direction of D. P. Upham, a very practised interlocutor
J. Wetzel, M. J. Weher, . P. Hyland, W, c Busch, F. Babciali, W. L. Martin, 14. jones, W. kadcliffe, H. E. O Marral, W. Harvey, M.
had not a strny beer hats calided with one of Rafius, W. Juddenlingen, C. A. Black
man, E. II. Vollinger, S. B. Bué, T. S. Graigg. End Men: H. H. Whitmore, T. Ackerman, D. N. Calderhead, E. V. Annatyne, F. E. Holt, N. Klemmer,
their men's heads, causing a lump to, rise im2 mediately? With the Two American gangs joyously hammering each other, and the Austrians attacking both, things looked very bad indeed.
While this triangular battle was at its
height the main door of the hotel was pushed open and in walked another gang of American blue- jackets, but from another ship. They had not crossed the door-mat before another mis.. directed missile struck one of them squarely on the mouth, causing blood to flow.
"By gad, mates," said the newcomer, "they 've handed me a lenson."
The Executive staff included Managing Director, Lieut. W. G. Roper, U.S.N, Directur, Dexter P. Upham. Page Manager, W. Feld-
man.
Asst. Stage Manager, O. S. Tatcher. Advance Representative,. Midn. A. W, Fuck, US N. Property-man, A. P. Kent, Musical Director, U. Poppi.
aken altogether the performance was, a most enjoyable one, and one such as we here do not often have the pleasure of witnessing.
examines
The abattoir is much larger than the present requirements of the community and is fitted with all modern appliances. The most seru pulous cleanliness prevails. A model truck farm and dairy also add to the comfort of the people
BUSINESS IS FLOURISHING. Quite à Nourishing business is being done at Tsingiau. The country is so new com mercially that her exports up to this time are not very large; but she is growing every year, as is æltested by some figures furnished by the Government.
we
The decision of His Majesty's Government not to recognise the claim in question was conveyed to the owners of the Sainam through H.M.B. Consul General at Canton in a latlar were given for this, decision. There was no from him dated November 6th.. No reasons hint that exception had been taken to the amount of the claim; no suggestion to indicata. that a smaller one would have received greater consideration; the letter contained merely a brief intimation that the claim could not be supported. But from a rider stating that for any out-of-pocket exponses actual- ly incurred a claim would be considered reasonable the inference may be drawn, that reasonable. The owners have appealed to us for assistance in rebutting this new viaw of an old problem. If it is about to be adopted by His Majesty's Government there will be very general rejoicing among the rules of all semi- civilised and turbulent peoples and very serious doubts entertained as to the wisdom of it among those who have interests at stake. among them. Hitherto the infliction of finas and penalties upon delinquent rulers of such peoples, as consequential damages done by disorders in which the subjects of civilised nations bave suffered, has been regarded as a legitimate weapon to use in the fight for the catablishment of law and order in the world- the fight between civilization and barbarism-- the fight in which England is supposed to be taking a leading part. If there are to be no more indemnities there will be many more dis- orders and especially will this be the result in South China. In this opinion the members of weld to discuss the matter it was decided to my Committee are unanimous and at a meating
represent the case to you again.
Similarly it is anticipated that the more vol uminous correspondence referring to the Kom loon-Canton Railway will not be disapproved of, To describe how vastly superior the new
There has been but one opinion in the Asso- steamer is to the old tugs can best be done ciation these many years as to the importance by comparing her with them. She is ten of pushing on with that enterprise. The biggest of the old pair, and is really at by gratefully tendered to II. E. the Governor ocean-going tug and salvage sleamer. Her for placing at our disposal translations made length is 120 it, beam 28 ft. and dran originally for his information from articles ap 13 ft. Her double set of triple expansion peating in the Chinese newspapers on the sub- engines develop nearly thirteen hundred horseject of the scheme to build an opposition line power whilst the tandent engines of the old from Canton to Whampoa. Sir Matthew Nath Mercury once looked upon as a regular Tro
an has kept a close watch upon the develop jan-can only grind out zzo horse power. Still
ment of this idea and his helpful courtesy has for thirty five years the name-sake of the wing. enabled us, as will be seen from the corres ed God has served her purpose admirably and posdence, to supply the London branch is good for many more yet, her voyage to
with evidence supplementary to that which Manila shortly to bring up the U. S. transport derived independently from other sources McClellan vouching for this. Not only is the shewing the drift of native opinion and display The imports have increased from $1,900,co Varuna of tremendous towing power, but she is ing the attitude of Provincial Authorities to gold in ro4 to $16,220,000 gold in 1905, while
to have the most modern and powerful salvage wads the scheme. Its danger to the future the direct export to foreign countries ap
apparatus, not the least of which is a powerfal prosperity of Hongkong lias formed the sub- proximated during 1905 $3,000,000 gold, nearly
Merryweather fire pump which was specially ject of many representations from this Associa- trebling the amount exported for 1904. The ordered nut from home for her. This giant tion during the last two years but is now no general increase in exports was the feature of pump is capable of throwing len tons of water longer thought to be threatening in view of the the year, which heretofore has been 'n weak
recent success attending the negotiations of anunue and one has to ponder over the state the British and Chinese Corporation in Peking. point in the trade of the port. Among these
ment before it is quite realised. All the salvage wa staples appeared for the first time in machinery on the vessel will be driven by
A letter written subsequent to those appearing quantities-coal and bean cake. These give electricity and she has tools-drilling machines,
in the report in question records the Colony's great promise of future development, Augther ele-which can be operated under water when
satisfaction in respect of the signing of
In the original instance your support was ió-- and perhaps most important, since the business
al work on the submerged portion of a ship's the final Agreement for the loan required to has been done directly with the United States, hull. There are also powerful electric lights build the Chiness section of the line and ex-sited because it appeared to be a matter of is the exportation of straw braid. This staple for use above and below. water and the
preases the hope that the supplementary agree- importance that the Provincial Officials, who, has, "with the assistance of the railway, been principal of these is a 70,coa candle power
ment, necessary in ensure harmonious co-oper-
we presumed, would in the last verort be called diverted from other poris in China. The total search-light, which should prove useful in
ation between the Colonial Government, and upon to meet the claim, might thus be made to exports for the year have been 41,417 picuts picking up a stricken vessel at night. The
the Provincial Officials in the working of the realise an inconvenience to themselves in (about 5.308.461 lbs) in tong it was 9,696 Merryweather pump can either be used as
line as a whole, will soon follow.
tolerating a continuance of the existing state of lawlessness under which outrages similar to plculs (about 1,189,68 lbs.), while in 1904 it
a fire pump or a salvage pump and like aggregated 25,383 picals (about 3,37,939 lbs.) afl the word of this well-known firm
that perpetrated upon the Saint are liabla 10' Tsingtau has now become the principal market simple and strong, Slightly forwar the Paruna,
the agency of pecuniary punishment can they occur. Our opinion was and is that only through for straw braid, and the trade of Tsingiau and will have a handy derrick by which all her own.
be made to feel any unpleasant consequences Chetoo is suffered accordingly. The railway calvage gear and any extra-apparatus may be
of that parsimonious policy which is at the root has been largely responsible for this handled easily and quickly. The engine-rohm
of the evil. They will employ the needful men reaches the very best territory for this material is an interesting part of the "ittle steamer for
and provide the necessary funds only when the and what with its excellent harbour offers. she is engined like a destroyer. The high pres exceptional advantages-not-shared-by-other-sure cylinder is 13 in, the Interniediate 23-in
that, in the long ron, this is a more economical- conviction has been brought home to them
parts.
and the low pressure ¿ú-in. whilst the stroke in
system of dealing with piracy than the present A mint for the coinage copper to cash 12-in. The power for the twin engines.comes
more immediately lucrativo method of, pocket- pieces has been opened by the Shantung from duplicate Marine return type boilers which Government, and much of the copper used have three farnaces each.
ing the money required to put it down. This for this purpose is imported from Japan in all made at the Docks, the pump and the he machinery was
view of the matter, as was said, mainly induen- ced us at first in taking up the owners' case ingots. For 1905, 15,000 piculs (about 1,995,000 electrical apparatus being the only things
and chiefly inspires us now to purine it. Here Ths.) were imported.
obtained from home. On either side of the
we must protect ourselves against being, mis- engineroom aft are the conf bunkers which
understood to mean that we were indifferent to have a capacity of 120 toos, this giving the
the nature nad extent of the claim. We were vessel a steaming radius of, 1,764 miles-seven
not. We apprehended that it might seem to days at a steady len knots, the Varuen's full
'some excessive. We are so.. 'But we pointed spied being estimated. p. touch fifteen knots.
out the necessity of bearing in mind the Besides being invaluable for salvage work
lact that for the best part of the "Varuna" will find plenty of work at the
years the steamer companies have been wharves on which to utilise her great strength
driven by the difficoltics of the situation particularly in towing big vessels away from
to carry on a losing fight for a footing the wharves where the strength of the current
in the slowly developing West River trade. often keeps them bound in. Her twin screws
The capital actually expended in pioneering and shori hall ought to make her an easy craft
this trade amounts to a million dollars or more. to turn and indeed it is believed that it will be
No return upon this sum has been received able to turn her, in her own length.
during the pioneering period but the prospects the agitation against the change made in the were gradually improving; people were begin, Administration of the Imperial Maritime Cushing appreciate the advantages offered by the service, and profits were wail within sight
Daring 1905 there was a brewery established, which is exporting its product to various ports,, a soap manufactory and a tannery,
*FREE AREA RESTRICTED. The German Government has recently decided to restrict to the harbour the "free area" which hitherto comprised the whole of the German territory and, therefore, and railway control
"It isn't a lemon ; it is a soda water bottle," The greatest credit is due in Lieut. Esper; said one of his friends, eyeing the bottle on the 5., and his band of "mesry, merry men,
necessitated frontier for the excellence of the entertainment provid floor. Without another word the newcomers dashed into the fighting mob, and the West, and the thoroughness with which every- Virginians and the Pennsylvanians were calling was done, to present a very pleasant and ed upon to defend themselves against the enjoyable night's entertainment, and one and all are to be congratulated on the success Austrians and the newcomers,
achieved.
In the meantime the police had been seat for and when they arrived the fighters made a dash for the back door, the majority being successful in effecting their escape. A sailor from the West Virginia was arrested, and an, Austrian sailor, whom they removed to the Station, on the complaint of the manager of the hotel, who alleged disorderly behaviour and damage to property to the extent of $27.
They were argned before Mr., F. A. Haze land, at thè Police Court, this morning, to plead to the charge, but the defendants could
remember nothing.
The manager of the hotel was called, and he testified to the damage done, ending up with: They smashed up everything in sight, Everything was turned topsy-turvy !"
His Worship, who was informed that the delinquent American was the cause of the whole trouble, fibed him $23, and the Austrian 55, the money to go to. Thomas' Hotel 'as com: pensation for the damage done.
FIRES IN KOWZOÒN,
DAMAGE RESULTING FROM THE LACK
OF WATER..
1
'2nd inst.
BRIAD SOLIBTY-FIGHT
MAVENTADA.
BY POLICE GANG.
2nd.inst
were
at about
19
by the customs. The additional customs convention concluded an December tsi, igo, is now in force. Customs control of the railway traffic outside of the free-part territory and of the frontier has ceased. Merchandise leaving the free-port territory pays import duty according to the general tariff and is then free to go anywhere into the country without restriction. The German Government reserves in per cent of the duties as a contribution to and is timed for noon sharp, high water being the ex enses of the territory, the amount being at 17 pm. On the starboard how of the vessel, subject to revision every five years,
which points landward all vessels being faunch A total of 400 steamers, and 6 sailing vessels, ed stern first, a small platform has been erected, aggregating 422,673 tons, entered the port of and from this Lady Evelyn Young will cut the Tsingiau during the year. Of these, 327 sleam-ribbon and smash the bottle of champagne and 73 steamers came with hallast. During ers and 6 sailing vessels arrived with cargo over the bows.
the year 399 st quers and 6 sailing vessels ceared, of which 315 steamers left with cargo and 84 steamers and 6 sailing vessels in ballast. 's compared with the previous year this shows an increase of 55 vessels of 37,616 tons. During the year 1,238 foreigners and 3,988 native passengers arrived, and 1,206 foreigners and 4,253 natives. depaited. By rail there were 123,393 arrivals and 135,76 departures.
MISCELLANKOUS ENTERPRISES The Shantung Railway did a prosperous business during the year, having conveyed 30,300 tons of goods and 705,000 passengers, which is an increase of 65 per cent in point of freight and 42.5 per cent larger in passenger traffic than the preceding year.
All around the vessel a space has been cleared, and yesterday the ways were greased with large quantities of soft soap and tallow so that the vessel on the slip yoy may glide easily into the water.
Early this mining the sheers, bilge bloc s
and keel blocks were knocked away and the
vessel was "put on the daggers" as it is called. the "daggers" are two trusses or wedges which hold the sliding way on the permanent way and when these are knocked free the sliding way will carry the Varuns to the-water.
Imavediately after her launch the Paruna will be towed away, to Tanjong Pagar to have her engines and boilers put into her, and then she will go into one of the dry docks for the
final work.
REVENUE FARMERS DE NOUNCED.
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́ ́ WEST RIVER PIRACY,
As regards the Association's activeness in directing attention to piracy on the West River the aim of agitation bas heen to invoke the aid of diplomacy in an endeavour to instil into the minds of the Provincial Authorities the idea that in the long run it is less inconvenient and the repression of the evil than to misappro more economical to provide funda requisite for priate these and chance the consequences. In sume degree this object would appear to have been achieved. Fecent information is to the
effect that the Authorities are at the momes! commendably active. They have supplied Admiral Lí Chun, a, capable leader, with a considerable number of "braves" and he is reported to be infusing energy into the opera- tions of guard boats stationed every 3 miles and of armed launches, with steam up, station. ed every 20 miles along the river bank. As far as the river is concerned, these efforts are pro- ducing excellent results and in the Della, also, there is said to be some improvement. Thes results support out contention that the sup pression of piracy is merely a question of men and money. Not inconceivably, the new zeal displayed in this matter may have derived some impetus from the outcry made here.
· 1., M. CUSTOMS, "
The same reflection occurs with regard to
having attained a measure of unseen success" CONTRACT LABOUR AND BRITISH SHIPPING, In the last division of the Hongkong section of the Report will be found a record of repre- sentations made on the subject of the dinabili ties imposed upon British Shipping by certain Ordinances forbidding owners to carry contract labourers. The reasons advanced from here in support of a movement to obtain the repeal of these Ordinances will, it is hoped, recom-
mend themselves to members.
GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE.
ten
What would have been a serious fight was avested last night at West Point by the timely intervention of the West Point police. During the whale of yesterday a rumour was in circula- ion in Chinese circles to the effect that a Triad Society fight on a large scale was on the books to take place that night. Inspector Collett got to work inmediately and after some inquiries learnt that there was truth in the matter. At about 8 p.n ergeant Gordon and a pose of men left No. 7 Police Station and on arrival on the Praya at Shek-long- tsuri was in the nick time stop the fight, for the two gangs were in preparation to sail into each other, but as soon as they saw the police they took to their heels. The police gave chase and arrested four imen. On these were found various kinds of knuckle-dusters and fighting irons. at the station they told the police that the West Point Triads and the Triads of the Central districts
The Shantung Mining Company is also progressing, raising 134,000 tons of coal during At two o'clock this morning fire broke out in leggerheads, and that they were
the year. The opening of the "Annie Pit to bring matter to a head when the police a woodshed in the vicinity of the Green Island interfered. When the quartette wore safely during the year greatly increased the pro- Cement Works at Kowloon. An hour later under lock and key, Sergeant Gordon, and
duction. There are 3,000 Chinese employed news of the outbreak had been conveyed to the
at the main diggings, and, their pay aver js men went out again, this time to raid Hongkong police authorities and two firemen the premises of the West Point Triad Society.
ges from 200 10 400 cash" per day (zo to were despaiched to the scene to render what-
40 cents gold). They work in shifts of eight They went to a house bearing the sign of "Ves oyer assistance they could. When theyo Cheung," 3, Mui Kwai Lane, and after a
hours. got to the Cement Works they found search secured two chuppers, a number of
The Boating dock is capable of taking in that there
a golitary fire engine WAS galetly standing idle while the fire was burn-fighting irons and various other implements vessels of 16,000 tons capacity. During the year 1905 the dock took in and repaired used by this society. They found no docu ing merrily. There were no water mains in
menia, bowever. In the kitchen of the flat they eight war and merchant vessels of a combin the vicinity and, the tide being low, no water found a man, who said he was employed there
ed tonnage of 14,649 toor. The dock is fitted could be drawn from the harbour. Conse- as a cook, and he was taken in charge. with the most modern appliances for lighting quently the firemen had the pleasure for once
The five men were arraigned before Mr. P. A. with an electrical supply operated from a of being in the position of spectatore instead of
Hazeland, at the Police Court this morning.
central station, so that work may be carried on being interested parties at a blaze, A manual was in operation, but it proved of little avail. Four of the men were under charges of dis during the night. A steam plant is also provid- arderly behaviour, and the cook was indicted ed that vessels in the dock may be heated dur The fire burned itself out. It is stated that for unlawful possession of dangerous weapons.ing the winter. The workshops are fitted for the damage, which is covered by insurance, They were all found guilty. The four men all kinds af work, and two cranes of zo ton will ameant to several thousand dollars.
were fined $50 each, and the cook was muleted capacity ach are available. The docking rates in the sum of $1oo. They went to gaol for differ according to the size of the vessel, from various termIS.
40 cents Mexican (about zo coals gold) per fon or a 500 ton vessel to 20 cents Mexican (10 cents gold) per ton for a vessel of 6,000 ton |-up.
The Varuna will take the water shortly after poon to-day, and yesterday preparations for her launch were being made. The "christen.trms by the Edict of the 9th May. Bad as the ing" is to be performed by Lady Evelyn Your question is, there can hardly be any doubt that when the enterprise was suddenly blasted by it would have been far worse but for the this curse of untestrained -piracy, or bighway vigour of the representations made in the robbery, or whatever the Consular bocy elects English Press especially in a Times, to call it. In 10 far as there was formerly a and by the...Loudon Branch of the
belief in the efficacy of the protection afforded Association against the adoption on the by the British dag the British companies are now worse off than ever- heir chicl advantage part of the British Government of a non- possumus policy. These representations with „over native competitors having been largely the resulting diplomatic protests, can hardly swept away. The theory of the claim is that have failed to produce a certain restraining
prospects anterior to the Sainam outinge have effect upon the minds of the leaders of the been thrown back so badly that it will take Young Chine Party in Peking and, although
three years to repair the loss and the amount of the latter was estimated by taking the total so far ostensibly foiled, my yet be regarded as
capital sunk and working out the interest at 8 per cent, for the first year, 6 per cent, for the second, and 3 per cent for the third. These rates of joterest may have seemed rather high to minds accustomed to the lower ones ruling in Europe but it should be pointed out that 8 per cent, is the rate ruling in this Colony, as evid enced by the fact that judgment debis carry it. In our view the amount of actual out-of- pocket expenses is no measure of the harm done to the owners and we submit that the set back to their trade is as much a proper subject. of compensation as money expended in repair Other subjects have engaged attention and a ing material damages. On the whole therefore regular correspondence has been maintained
we incline to the opinion that; admitting, the by way of keeping the London Committee in plea of consequential losses, a fairly good case Viceroy Chow Fu of Canton' has recently | touch with local opinion.. The entire corres-
could be made out for the amount of the cisim memorialized the Throne denouncing the | pondence of the year will be laid on 'the table put forward. At the same time we are prepared. system of farming out the collection of taxes for the inspection of members at the Annual is admit that a contention in favour of its 're- on local producis imports and exports to General Meeting.
duction might reasonably be set up, syndicates of capitaliers, a practice very much The Annual General Meeting has been usual- Our main concem however is not with the in vogue in the Southern provinces, and ly called in the Autuma but this year it was amount of the claim nor with the description of the claim nor with the disposal of the claims. especially in Cantos. The memorialist declares decided to hold it at the end of the year, the idea that the poorer merchants, handicraftsmen and being that it is a more satisfactory arrangement Our main concern is to arge, upon you the agriculturists are downtrodden and much to adopt the natural divisions of the Calendar desirability of persuading the Foreign Office oppressed by the myrmidoms employed by the than to follow the old method by which two t at a claim of some sort, over and above the syndicates to collect revenue who obtain the years were made to overlap. However, this is amounts which they have za fer admitted to be so unimportant matter. It will be a still better reasonable, is both reasonable' and necessary, privilege of doing it at so much a year paid in
Let the amount be assessed at anything they. a lump sum to the Provincial Treasury, whose arrangement if the London Branch decider to
issue an Interim Report every year on the eve please; let it be described either as consequen- officials thereby enjoy all the leisure and com fort without the responsibility and trouble of of the Annual Dinner, thus relieving this tial or as examplary damages or simply s exertion. Naturally, these irresponsible em Branch, as in the present occasion it stands an indemnity and let the Foreign Office de playees of duty-collecting syndicates "squeeze relieved, of any necessity to publish. The with it as they will in accordance with the ang and work their sweet will on their victims, the corporate nature of the Association is best ingestion now made by the owners, is the letter didicated and served by reports bringing to eaclosed. These are mere details. Our sola small producers and tradesmen, and only a moiety of their collections goes to their gether and displaying in unity the work of the desire is to vindicate the principle of exacting employers. Hence the very people-the masses various Branches,
examplary damages for, the non-fulfilment of of their Majestice subjects--whom the Emperor A statement of accounts is appended shewing treaty obligations by refusing to support FROM accounts the last issue of The Go-
desires to protect are the very ones to be over a credit balance of $6.29. The dissipation of our some such claim in the present instance iba down has not "gone down" in certain quarters The silk industrial establishment; which | ridden and oppressed: All this is dug, In the funds, due, in the main, to long jelegrams on | Forsigo Office would provide the China is with and an eminent member of the lawyer fraternity giver practical experience to the graduates Southern provinces at any rate, to these farm the Customs question, will not be grudged by a precedent dangerous in the extreme because has been requested to take proceedings against of the sericulture schopla, is in full operation, ing syndicates and they should therefore be members who share the Committen's view that seemingly based upon the assumption that the those responsible for the journal on account and its products find ready sale. At present abolished without delay. We understand that its solution is a matter mark vital and far fag can be grossly violated without any loss to of certain statements which appear therein.it employs about 650 hands. The majority the matter has been referred by the Throne to the reaching, in interest and importance, to trade the Government directly responsible other: Shanghai Timur,
of the labourers have had training in the serigul Ministry of Finance for report.-N. G. D. Mawr. | în general and British trade in particular, than | than that entalled by being call
While the first fire was in progress; news. arrived that another outbreak had occurred at Homantin, Yaumat The firemen marched toff to that blazo, hoping that there their efforts would be appreciated. But it was the same story, over agninao water and no way of combatting, the flames. The strong wind carried the fire, which started in a hut, along a row of buts, which were all consumed. The dainage, uninsured, amounted to about roo. In neither case is the origin of the fire known.