173
THE HONGKONG TEL
duced, – Government wis acting inch
Anti-Opium Campaign. ton of duch Ingistation! One of that fint
POSITION OF THE HONGKONG. MONOPOLY
·OPIUM FARMER' INTERVIEWED,
of
that dyays, steps
Section 35 (1) of the princi
PH ERI
duration oplu
steps is to find out to what extent the monopo lists would be prejudiced by the closing of is hereby amended by the addition of the words Ordinance the divant. We understand that the Colonial or for exportation to Chips of any prepared Secretary bas already addressed such oplum. aflasthe word inquiry to the Opium: Farmer
in the second The Governing thereali, denn spilgta ment desired to be placed in, possession of Sub-section () of section at of the exact information as to the extent of the loss
principal Ordinance is hereby repealed and the Tes thereof following shall be substituted for and read in
in the Farmers arising from such, closure: This data, probably, would forms the basis for arriving at a solution of the question of compon
Сол
$10,000 DEMAND 2010) [From Ou
The other diy Mesir." Rales & C
Shameen, iracolved blackmailla litter from | robbers, demanding, the payment of a som
$20,000 Masses Reims & Co, have reported the Consul Gentral. The Viceroy has given orders to the officials to endeavour to trace the black mailerigti
kong by Downing Street, if the instructions, | Jation when if dots arise as it inevitably, must. (1.) No person shall blog de have in die Chianse. Ha:referred to the example of with the teapat drink themselves isto a'state of malter to the Canton Viceroy through H.B
The seriousness of the financial position of Hongkong which will be created as the result of the action dictated to the Governor of Hong conveyed by telegram, as announced by Reuter, are carried into effect forthwith, led a member of our staff to obtain an interview with the Opium Farmers on the effect of the closing of the deas in Hongkong in relation to the oplam monopoly which contributes about a quarter of the total adnual gross revenue of the Colony. We exclude at the moment the consideration of the larger question of a trade which is worth, in rattad figures, no less than thirty million dollars par nooom apart from the side turnovers.
The Opium Farmer himself is a gentleman
Late this afternoon, a representatives of the Hongkong Telegraph called at the office of the Opiata Farmers to obtain authoritative corro boration of the exclusive report which has reached us
When the question was put to the secretary, "Mr. Chan Kal Ming, whether or not, it was true that negotiations had already becu opened by the Government, that gentleman sald, "Yes; but I am not to a position, to state any detail for publication. It may prejudice our case, you see.
possession on board any ship: (a.), which is bound for or about to proceed to Canton or Macao aby draw opium exceeding two tools tal weight, IMPANANA Man
(3) which is bound for or about is pro ceed to Macao any prepared opium exceeding two tools in weight unless the same is entered on the manifest of the shippeonke 5. Section 53 of the principal Ordinance in hereby amended by the addnion at the end of the Opium Farmer himself or his licensées are convicted of exporting or attempting to export prepared oplum from the Colony, to China Pra
·
THE PIBCK-GOODS MARKET,
udacquainted with the English language and "All Ewant to know is your corroboration of † the section of the words "or:in cases where too big tand too dangerous a fire, and, there:munity the Committee of the Straits ASIOCĪR», a proportion of his cargo, for the suffer
our representative was accordingly referred to his secretary, Mr. Chan Kal Ming, whose thorough knowledge of the English colloquial, made the conversation most interesting and instructive.
"Have you received any communication from Government respecting the closing of the divans in Hongkong ?" was the first of a series, of questions which Mr. Chan was kindly asked' to answer.
He replied: "No," unreservedly,
"How about your agreement with Govern- ment?"
"You consider the closing of the divans a breach of the agreement?"
we do.
you will seek redress from the
Government?"
the report we have just stated," the Press man. urged.
I cannot deny it!! was the cunt reply, I have nothing more to say."
"From this answer, it may safely be concluded) rolling and where it is going to stop, there can that the "opium ball" has been officially set be no knowing.
CHINA ASSOCIATION'S ACTION.
TELEGRAM OF PROTEST,"
kong!
"As you know it is one for three years. We tion informs us that, as the result of a Com The Hon. Secretary of the China Associa were awarded the farm on the 1st March,mittee meeting held on Friday afternoon, the 1957: Conaçquently, the agreement hos
following lelogram was despatched on fatur twenty-two months more to rus."
day to the China Association in London re garding the closure of opium houses in Hoog-
Press telegram plates British Govern ment announce in House of Commons in tention issue immediately order Hongkong Government clore opium houses forthwith. This would impose considerable financial hardship as owing to opium.farmers' con tract does not expire until February, 1910 it would apparently involve payment large compensation in addition to prospective foss revenue. Unfair dislocate Colony's finance so suddenly, Urge you represent need proceeding less drastically time re- quired gradual re-adjustment burden tax- ation,"
"Yes. If the smoking shops are closed, it will affect the Farm very much. You ask to what extent; 1 should say about two-thirds of our aggregate business."
*And you pay for the privilege of conduct- iog that business-'
"St21,000 a month."
Continuing, Mr. Chan Kai Ming informed our representative that the closing does not involve the Opium Farmers alone, The Go- vernment had to consider the position of the divan keepers: There are altogether about two buodred opium shops in the Colony, They are divided into first and second classes. The speaker proceeded to explain that the establishment of each cost, in the case ol the first class, so initial outlay of $6on fại Furniture and fixtures; and in the other class balf that amount. That was to say that the daily takings in each of those establish- mants were not taken into consideration.
"Can you kindly inform us what is the daily of
CLOSING OF THE DIVANS.
SECRETARY OF STATE'S INSTRUCTIONS. At the meeting of the legislative Council pursuant to notice, asked the following ques "on the 14th inst., the Hoo. Mr. Murray Stewart,
tions!
1. Is it true that His Majesty's Government has announced in the House of Commons an
houses forthwith ?
ائر
in the public divaos ? open consumed intention of issuing immediately to the Govern "I rather not go into details haphazardly.ment if this Colony orders to close all opiem remarked the Secretary, “It is safe for you to say, 'a large quantity. The opium is pur up in little boxes of 41 candareens and 7 cands. cach, respectively,"
2. Did the Imperial Government communi- cate this intention to the Colonial Government before making the announcement; if so, how long before and why was information of such capital importance to the Colony withheld from
members of this Council?
5. Has the Government now any explanation to offer, or any information to impari, on this subject?
Asked if he had any other observations to offer on the effect of the Home instructions to the local Government as bearing on the Opinm Monopoly, Mr. Chan Kai Mire proceeded to. state that it was a most serious question to the Colony in its economic aspect. A.
His Excellency the Gaverany in reply, said: monthly deficit of $121,000 to the revenue was not to be made up by a stroke of the pen. despatched by the Secretary of State and it On May 5th the following telegram was As for increased taxation to make up the reached me on May 6th-" Matter, most ravenue from opium, he feared that would tend to further increase the already high costed that steps must be taken to close opium urgent. His Majesty's Government has decid- of living in the Colony. Then there was also that to consider. What would become of the whole host of divan-keepers? With their trade gone they could find no employmentinthe Colony. It would mean their departure for Canton. Rents of floors occupied by the divans. would also go down. They would tell, on the disaffected landlords who were already groas -ing-under the exactions-of-the-Health-Ordin-
BOCO.
He was sufficiantly familiar with:
fected the report kofyths Opium Com-i history:19 ba able; to refute tha: common-im” mission in the Straits' early in the autumn, bui by the foreigner, it was consumed by the Chị: pression that oplum, was introduced into Chima ha prom theculumate; exilaction of the mass three hundred years before the foreigners
This declaration äppäränt" report and overrides Itin arrived. The Commition learnt with great favpol cil to endeavour to a pleasure of the desire of the Municipal CounLMANE A FOREGONE FOLICY,
dafaway entirely what opium, and he fell sure that is such a come is true that it is opium abuso, not opium use that is threatened. Well, we supposă evary. mendable enterprise the foreign community body agrees with that, even the old maids who woald co-operate whole-heartedly with the
what bar bean styled & teslirium tremens. The Lien Vue-ming, who had been an opium Important feature of this Parliamentary action, maker for twenty five years, but who had is that a beginning is made in the attack upea now realized the harmful effects of the the excias revenue provided by the Chinese. drug, and bad brought his pipes and How far that attack may develop remains to be pamphomalin 10 ha destroyed. The Opium seen. But it is time for our Chambers of Compagnon Palace from which came the pipes that were merce to begin to consider, by standing Com to be destroyed that afternoon was said to be mittees or otherwise, in what ways are the the largest in Chips, and hews of the bonfire Chinese, and the Chinese alone, to make good would be noised about throughout the land. the revenue of which the action of the Home It had originally, been the intention of the Government promises to relieve them, and Committee to burn the chairs and tables of the them alone. The Unofficials must meet and Palace at this biofre, but it would have made consult. And for the generalBritish com for, they would be sold, and the proceeds tion will do well to take the matter into serious devoted to the furtherance of the anti-opium consideration. It is true that no blow has yet movement, For some of the pipes that were fallen. But this brandishing of the weapon about to be burat, $500 had been offered, but not to be lightly neglected. It is possible that the Committee bad dechoed to sell, them the report of the Straits Commission may Finally the speaker called his audience's at give pause to the opiophobes at home. Our daya' rain, convinced him that Heaven favour the Colony is to exist, and if we are ordered tention to the fine weather, which, after several point is that we must have revenue if to abandon excise lovecue from opium we must juil get the equivalent on biber articles of Chinese consumption. Of course everybody get it whether the state gets revenue or up no money to pay a préventive department there it will be cheaper and more abundant, for with will be ac prevention of smuggling. And when China gets the monopoly she is playing in edicts or no adicis, those mere looksee" to beguile the innocent English Government, there will never want steady and continuous opium supplies from Yunnan and Siachues. It is a delightful commentary on the utility of an alien House of Commons, eighty per ceal, of whom never saw a Chinamas, and ninety sight. per cent, never saw an opium pipe. And yet such organized ignorance as that we have to face a prospect of finance dislocation and des partmental starvation merely to enable the Chinese to gat on the cheap what they now pay substantially for, to the immense barefit of Colonial revenues.—Singapore Fres Press.
THE BONFIRE.•
venting the import into its own territories Chinese Volunteer band struck up and knows that those who want to have opium wir article had been ordered,Wa, may pasi :
THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH His Excellency the Governor said: Gentle the exportation of prepared opium to China men-The Bill before the Council is to prohibit The object of the Bill is to prohibit the trade-ed their enterprise, in prepared opium between Hongkong and Chios, each country to take maasores for pre-
No sooner had the speeches concluded than September the 4th last, I received a telegrain from the Secretary of State telling me I waste amid a deafening diu from crackers and bombs His Majesty's Minister at Feking. I consulted piper. They burnt up fiercely, and whenever take steps without delay in consultation light was set to the stack of kerosene-soaked the Opium Farmer and he was perfectly ready to the flammes threatened to die down a further agree, provided that the Chinese took effective supply of kerosene was thrown over them. measures for the same purpose. It is entirely The glass lamp covers, trays and other uten against his advantage since the price of pre-all were thrown on top of the blare, and not pared opium in Canton is somewhere, about unil the bonfire bad nearly burat itself out did double what it is in Hongkong, and therefore the spectators leave the spot. The scene of any smuggling into Hongkong
the bisza, on the lawn, by the waterside, has been used before now for demonstrations of the effectiveness of patent fire extinguishers On this occasion it demonstrated the ruthless mess of unchecked flames...
Dr. Ho Kai, rising to a point of order, point ed out that His Excellency had revered the actual conditions,
pul
His Excellency the Governor. I have the facts the wrong way: the price in Hongkong is about double what it is in Canton. There fore, any opium smuggling into Boogkoog is, of course, to the loss of his monopoly. Tin formed the Minister at Peking that as Hongkong is a free port and we have no
vautive service here, I could not, on behalf fol the Council, undertake any very effective measures for preventing the import into Hang kong, but as the Opium Farmer had promised to co-operate in part, the exclusion would be practically effective. On March the 27th, 1 in informing me that a memorial bad been pre received a despatch from the Minister`at Pek-
followed by an Imperial rescript sauctioning sented on the 23rd to the Throne and had been
the proposal, and instructing the provincial authorities, the Viceroy al Canton, the Commis. sioner of Customs and all likin stations and also the local authorities to take steps to prevent the export of prepared opium to Hongkook, They also issued a proclamation prohibiting this illicit trade. This was confirmed by the Waisupu has taken effective steps towards carrying out on the 24th. I think we may take it that China
her part of the bargain. Therefore, on the in- structions of the Secretary of State this Bill in
now brought forward in this Council. It will not, I think, appreciably affect la pany way the trade of this Colony, and if the steps the Chi nese have taken to prohibit opiam falo Hong kong are effective it will not affect the Opium
Farmer.
The Bill, as stated; passed the first reading?
AFTER THE ARREST OF OFFICIALS.
The Slag-song girl, in the letter accompany ing her contribution to the bonfire, announced he intention of endeavouring to induce other members of her profession to stop smoking opium. There can be no doubt that the cere- and though to Europeans the destruction of a many fired the imagination of the Chinese, quantity of property, which might have been sold on the curio market and henceforward pal to no evil use seemed an act of vandalism, it may have a far-reaching effect on Chinese. opinion regarding opium ja the Settlement,
A PREJUDGED CASE.
SINGAPORE VIEW,
OPIUM IN CANION"
PANYŲ MAGISTRate relentless. [From Our Own Correspondent.]
recalled, we published a number of letters Rather more than a month ago, it will be upon the evil of ovat-buying in the piece-goods" market. The correspondence referred partl cularly to what one writer described as "the im fenfor-type-dealer, who orders upon credit and without any intention of taking up more than reason of his inability to pay for it. A number of suggestions were contributed for a solution of pasals, that the Chamber of Commerce should the difficulty, chief among which were pro
as to the standing of dealers; and that im Institute an'inquiry office to supply information,
the amount of their bookings, in order that that porters should keep the Chamber informed of Chamber might privately warm all importers who, in their opinion, enough of any particu. over the latter suggestion as altogether plan. To carry it into effect would acces. common cause, and a fonitude in the presence state a subordination of private rivalries to the of unlooked for opportunities of secret Advant age, such as hardly could be expected before the ralliennium. As regards possible inquiry office connected with the Chamber of Come merce, the suggestion has reason in li sup port. although it may be questioned whether sach a bureau would do much more than is WA already unofficially done by the chief banks, while its functions would seem to be hampered by the same reasons which militate against the feasibility of the parallel anggestion. None of our correspondents, however, attempted to touch on more than one aspect of the depression in the piece goods market: and a further letter now reaches us: which purports, in condensed form, to traverse the whole subject. With the utmost restriction such a letter necessarily demands great space, and for this reason, perhaps, our correspondent will permit us to quita only his main points.
Cantos, 13th May. After the issue of the Imperial Decree a tow weeks ago appointing several spacial. High Commissioners to look after the regulations for the prohibition of opium making throughout When just about a year ago it was announced the Empire and to establish a hospital for the by the Colonial Office that an Opium Commis smoking patients in the capital, the officialı in Bios, was to be appointed for, the Stralis and Canins appeared recently to have shown Federated Malay States, we pointed out that greater activity in the suppression of the vice both by the fact of the appointment of a Com-in mandarin circles here. The new Pauyu mission, and more particularly by the curious Magistrate, Chop Yu Tun, who assumed was instructed to report, it was clear that the terms of reference on which the Commission charge only a week ago, bas since dismissed four of his subordinates who, he had found, are Colonial Office did not pretend to ask for an
addicted to the babit. He has now issued a honest opinion, but so framed its reference that notification for the benefit of his subordinates its attitude implied a prejudged case, and that to the affect that those who are still addicled to the drag are required to report themselves there was no attempt to conceal that it was an affair of parti prik, In spite of that position to him, and that, a special favour, he will: which we analysed at the time, the Govern. allow them, when reported, to apply for one ment of this Colony was able to secure the month's leave each so as to enable them to be services of a group of gentlemen who repre fail to obey the instructions given will be visit
rid of the opium-smoking vice; but those who sented various phases of thought on- ike sub- Jech, sud ware all in their own way men of ed with immediate dismissal on discovery.. Fotod sense and fair Judgment. Owing to a deos in Hongkong, as they recognise it is
very real desire to serve the Colony, the v.iled itenit to independence of mind in the refer Hongkong we musi ac, up to the standard sel essential in dealing with the opium question in It is reported that the Canton Provincial ence was ignored, and these gentlemen have by the Chinese Government. I propose to
Treasurer, Wu Hsiang Lin, has deputed six proceeded as though the tome Govern. make a statement on these lines in Parliament
of his officers to secretly visit the different mont had no desire but to learn the truth, yamena every day with the view of ascertaining The position is this; the Commissions in to-morrow night. - Despatch follows by mail-- to what extent the regulation against the pro- Hongkong and Ceylon have reported, ap. to have been made on the evening of the day on here are being complied with These-officers in Hongkong, because the field was so limited, CREWE." The statement was, you will observe, hibition of opium smoking in mandarin circles/parently with little trouble to themselves; which the telegram reached me. I cabled, at have been empowered to arrest any, official in Ceylon because the use of opium is smali defer the statement in the House and to await energetic official and has paid extra attentions other country spirits. once to the ecretary of State asking him to found indulging in the drug. Wu is an compared with the consumption of arrack and the receipt of a despatch from me. I exto the enforcement of the anti-opium regula. plained at some length the position in which ions. the revenues of this Colony would be placed, and that I required a reasonable time and i explained, some of the difficulties involved.
BONFIRE OF OPIUM. PIPES, The Council will appreciate the reasons which make it inadvisable for me to quote this tele-
THE E. OPENING- gram in full. On May 11th I received a reply With reference to our special jelegram of from the Secretary of State which was 4th inst, the following detailed account of the marked confidential and I am therefore not bonfire at Shanghai will be read with interest at liberty to quote it in full. It informs me It is taken from the N. G. D. News of the 4ib that it was not possible to defer the state lost. The much-advertised immolation of "Can you give an idea as to the approximate ment in Parliament as the matter was the sub- opium, utensils took place at. Chang Bg-ho's report will be submiked, 'When the private rates and taxes, assuming, provisionally the preseną systems it may be left to our COTTESLAN
As for our own business, why, when I mentioned the two-thirds loss a little while ago I did not take into account the fact of the apprehension on the part of pri- vale smokert, Sales to them will also be car talled. They see in the closing of the public divans the anticipation of their turn to surrender the pipe wily-mily. Consequently, even though against their personal inclinations they will feel compelled to reduce their opium,"
"Which means that your claim for com- pensation by Government becomes all the greater?"
· Certainly !" was the deliberate repiyaji
amount of the compensation you will endeavour
to obtain.?"
The Chinese gentleman smiled good humouredly. And in that smile our representa. tive observed the true import of its meaning.
INQUIRY BY GOVERNMENT.
PROBABLE LEGISLATION.
Trih inst.
PROHIBITION OF EXPORTATION.
IMPORTANT SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY
THE GOVERNOR.
Canton, bath May
MAGAO.
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS.
The letter opens with brief analysis of some causes loading up to the present depres sonia which are included the monetary system of China, depreciation in copper cash and the fall in exchanges bad crops, In- undations, etc. lose of markets through the direct importations of Newchwang, Tiantain and other ports restriction of credits, by Chinese banks; and the decline of prices an of manufactured in Europe. But the ot real cause of "the present ruinous state of affairs," according to our correspondent, Hen desper; and after reviewing the great Ignor ance of many importers regarding the financial standing of their dealers, in connection with: the proposals of other writers already referred to, be selects as the fona el erigo of subsequent ille, the large credits granted by foreign banks - "te concerts, small and large, who have turnover quite out of proportion to their capital. To meet the state of affairs thus prostit duced the banks must "allow weak conceros to liquidate old stocks slowly (in order to forced sales) but most limit the financing of avoid further depression of market-valses by fresh, business. With this object it is proposi The Kwangchow Prefect, Chan, is reported ed that the banks ! shall finance no drafts for! to have personally inspected the quarters of piece-goods for whomsoever from September | is subordinates in his yamen with the inten19:8 to March 1999 (by which date the pin. tion of finding out if any of them are addicted sont congestion of stock abould be automati to the drug.
cally relieved by the absence of fresh consignTM ments, and, that after that date, they shall cever pay more than sixty per cent, of tha invoice values to shippers." To take the main point of the letter first, it may be.. thought that our correspondent does not realize Wednesday we learnthat a decree was published it would be feasible for the banks. to put an From Lisbon paper, to hand by the mail inst whither bis suggestions carry him... How far in the official Garctie on the 1st April in which arbitrary check upon the financing of all drafts it is stated that, for the public improvement alike is a question of private business and ibe on the other hand, there was a large, area 10 with the urgent expropriation of the buildings surely be an impertinence for outalders to offer of the Colony, it was expedient to proceed credit of individual Sima, in which it would cover, a much more general use, and many varied circumstances and conditions. The existing in the city in the district known as the advice. But with regard to the proposal that
Chinese Bazaar is Macao. The houses are the banks should in fature refuse to pay mora: labours of that Commission have been COR: those abutting either in whole or in part than 60 per cent, of the invoice values to very considerable. The evidence has all been on the public thoroughfares delineated shippers the result would appear to be more taken, but as it has not yet all been reduced to the plans for the improvement of that ly that importers to avoid expensive pay syps, the report,has not yet been drafted, and district. The Government of Macao, who willments out of capital, would get their dras until the evidence is in the bands of the Comme the properties and by whose orders the financed in London. Whether this would not misioners it is impossible to say when that works will be carried out, will act in the place be more to the disadvantage of the community of the Municipality of the city as regards the
At large than even the bad consequences, of Gardens yesterday aftercoon, and had it not telegram received yesterday by our contem- fiscal and administrative duties relating to the pondent to decide. been for the obvious earnestness of many of poraty and the Reuter's wire on the same technical direction and execution of the works, the native spectators the proceedings might subject, given this morning, it is possible to have been mistaken for a farce. The roof; arrive at some conception of the resolution These powers will be vested in a commission balcony and verandah of the main hall were moved by two members on the Liberal composed of the Director of Public Works, the seething with sightseers, while a thousand or side of the House, the mover a Labour member, Protector of Chinese and the superintendent of Crown Solicitor, the Colonial Treasurer, the so more were scattered round the site of the Mr Johnson, and the seconder, Mr Taylor, coming bosfire and on various points of vant-who has lately, after the manner of his kind, the Works. age in the ground At 4 pm, the hour ap. been touring the. East to see what he desired pointed for the bonfire, arrangements. had to see. It so happened that the latter gentle- not been concluded, and several tables of man was visiting Pepang when the Opiom opium-smoking utensils still remained un Commission was sitting there. It is a great touched, A couple of coalies were engaged pity that Mr. Taylor avoided meeting the Com- in stripping the pipes of their metal work, mission, and a still greater pily that he had not while others were splitting up the small metal the advantage of being cross-examined by the boxes used for holding the drug, by means of members, If he had it would have been the a hammer and chisel Yet another mao, better for him in every way. What these prowess on the delicately fashioned brass is of consequence in that Col. Seely, who is the armed with a sledge hammer, was showing his gentlemen said is of no consequence, bat what lampy. Some of the ivory pipes were sawn up: new Under-Secretary for the Colonies stated into small pieces, but those intended for the that as regarded the licensing of opium dens boufre, which were mostly made of woodword that always implies a mental obliquity were dipped to a kerosenb. can, and, their fun the part of the user-fre me and stacked in two square heaps on a coppe THE POSITION IN HONGKONG of large stones. On out of the tables were was that these were to be closed at once, the two small trays, each containing a complete reason being that the British Goverment opium smoking outfit. A written she should keep with the Chinese Government. It
SCENE.
IN THE STRAITS,
tinuous, and the number of witnesses examined
CANTON MINT. ·
OUTPUT OF DOLLAR FIECES,
In general, however, it must be felt that our correspondent has erred in ascribing the present depression to any single cause, hit,
no more accurate to bold; the foreign banks solely responsible than the depre ciation of copper cash in China, the losses of Newchwang and Tientsin and the deve cline in price of manufactured goods in Europe which ha dismisses as incapable of r affecting market høre to such a disastrong extent For all these factors must obviously [From Our Own Correspondent kernwhichy loaiers complicated state of mutual be taken together, and with them many more reactions than that, which is found in the modern business world would appear to be
depression in piese-goods was due to a generat to cover the situation, it might be said that 150 wholly independant, To venture one phrase
want of focling of security. But this phrase, clearly does no more than sum-upy- coninbutory causes, "miaby»" of " general fall in metals, for example, financial crisis in America-lis altogether side China. The connection of the Shangh plece.goods market with the refusal of members of the London Stock Exchange mora remote but not lasa real (ban With
"A" Canton, 11th May, In accordance with instructions received,
the Capital, the Canton Mint is over from the Tuchiha (Ministry of Fina cult engaged in the coining of one-dollar silver pieces; the daily output of these dollar coins being 40,000.
VOLUNTEER CORPS ORDERS,
« SIGNALLING" CLASS.
Monday, the 18th, and Wednesday, the zosh
Parade-At headquarters at 5.30 pm
on
of debate on that day, and assured me that His Majesty's Government appreciated the difficulties to which I had referred and awaited the arrival of my despatches. From the form in which the questions are couched, it would seem that the honourable member was under the impression that there had been or might have been a desire on my part to with hold from the Council information on these matters which so vitally affect the nterests of the Colony. I need bardly way that there has been up such intention. The Council will When we interviewed the Secretary of the observe that the first intimation of any kind Opium Farmers on Saturday in reference to the that I received regarding this matter was on proposal from the Colonial Office in London Wednesday last. The questions new put were to close the opium-divans is Hongkong, in fact received before the Secretary of State's Mr. Chan Kai Ming" very kindly informed reply to my telegram had reached me. That our representative that he no official information from the Govern-time, therefore, has been lost in acquainting trad. then had reply reached me on Monday evening. No ment
respecting the cobled message
the Council of the decision of the Secretary of advised by Router. As to his_views, ex- State, I may add that the Government is pressed on behalf of the Opium Farmers, we
engaged in ascertaining what losses will be stated in detail in our issue of Saturday. The incurred by closing the divans-(Applause). immediate action which the Committée of the China Association bas seen. fit to take by de- liberating upon the question and cabling to the partat Association to lodge a protest with the home Government will commenditself to the citizens of Hongkong at an eminently. practical step to ward off serious embarrassment. to the finances of the Colony if the closing of the opiam shops, is carried out forthwith. We are glad to observe that the Chisa A Bill entitled an Ordinance to prohibit the Association appear to have seen eye to eye Exportation of Prepared Opium to Chios. with us in the consequences arising from the Be it enacted by the Governor of Hongkong claim which the Opium Farmers declared to with the advice and consent of the Legislative our aspresentative they would prefer against Council thereof, at follows:- the Government for a breach of their subsisting This Ordinance may be cited as "The
Prepared Opium Amendment Ordinance, 1908 agreement. tion to the Government we are fortunately The Prepared Opium Ordinance 1891 (herein
As to the Opinm Farmers' position in re
in rols and shall be read and construed as one with situated in being able to be the first to inform after called "The Principal Ordinance") and onlookers. our readers that, the first move has now with The Prepared Opium Amendment Org: been made by Government in reference in dinance, 1905, and this Ordinance and the said The work of destruction being almost com port, but we are confident that it will not a the OFFICERS, naive dealer and shraffe:
Mal idea how ibe Cómótission may ultimately, re-・ OFFICERS AND NON-COMMISSIONED AS the much debated cable dispatch. We should Ordinances may be cited together as "The Fre-pleted, Mr. Sun Ching-foong delivered what feast consult the declared predijections of a0yY sot be far removed from the fact were we tostale pared Opium Ordinances 1891-1908,
appeared to be a very powerful exhortation lotested faction or political party, but will given by Sergt. Basford at Volunteer Head touch with the naliyo shopmen
- A fecture on, pow. 15-ndr Q.F. guns will be strong relief the lack of any?? that Government is anxious to ascertain in what 2. From and after the coming into operation from an improvised platform in front of the represent honest commonsense practical deduc quarters at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the zoth European travaller. It was relation the Opium, Farmers tend to the of this Ordinance, it shall be unlawful for the hall. Mr. Sun is Mesure. Siemanen & Cotons from the general gist, of the evidence instant. All officer, and non-commissioned. Sir Alexander Heblus Jas divan Keepers in the Colony. Seeing that the Oplum Farmer, bis licensees, or any other per compradore, and his comments on the after. Reuter's version is rather more uncompromisofficers are requested to attend business to compet lattar are to be directly affected by the proposed, sons whomiserat to export or cause to be moon's entertainment were received with loud, Jug Lor it says that Col Seely, report or no re
trade in China, that the action of the Government, in the dist instance, exported prepared oplum from the Colony to manifestations of approval
report, declared that the time, had come to
CADET CORPE, and through them, the Opium Farmers, it is to China and any person violating the provisions of But an even greater impression appeared to take decisions son for and regarding the
All boys wishing; matter for surprise that the connection between thin section shall be liable on summary convic be made by Mr. Wong Chin too, who spoke Buraka and the Federated malay states. (In should report themsel the two interests must first be established tion to the pansities imposed under section at some length," and whoso remarks, wam passing wo in order that the Government?
of the principal Ordinance.
Lire yzreendiata; the, pretension) afterwarde inforpreted
speaker “star
hat tho Commercial Barsa
On the motion of the Attorney General, seconded by the Colonial Secretary, the follow- ing Bill was read à Brst time :—
́ ́ansblad to define their tinaD of PREZRENSS
WWAN Ro seniai, nu to advance the sale, Arta Ways „that: this-section:shal
as applying to the posspicion by
that indication has been given that era, w Pantonger by stemmer: from fine kongel
1564 direction of the Secretary | Chink of a quantity of pre
instant,
"AMBULANCE CLASS.
Parade. At beadquarters at 5.30 p.m. an
fallure of speculations in native products
of paper accompanying them, stated that will be observed that this resolution only deals they were the offerings of Mr. Lien Yue-mingwist houses licensed for the consumption of manager of the East Asiatic Dispensary, and opium on the premises; it does not cover pres Kuz Kuei-yen, singing girl, respectively, mines licensed for the sale of opium not to be
Manchuria, or the disastrous attempts of Roth these quondam opium-smokers sent
tain and Newchwang to import direct, which their apparalon to be burnt with a pledge that, 'ed in this Colony one version lays that the Tuesday, the fgth, and Thursday, the 31st over and consequent congestion. The onl
10 consumed. As to the action to be prescrib-
among other things to orders being placed twice henceforward they would abstain from using Home Government is determined to act instant, the drug. To add to the animation of the upon the report of the Commission #now
real cure apparent is time'r and that proce scene that has been described, a native gentle sitting in the Straits Settlements. That,
NO. 1 COMPANY HL.K.V.A, (LATE RIGHT HALF
of healing is more likely to be autisted by man, with a reckless disregard for the specta without knowing what the report is to
NOKI.COMPANY) CA Past experience of individuals once bitten na tors' headgear, was letting off bombs at inter be is a somewhat unguarded declaration to place at King's Park Range on Sunday, the sible to suggest that the time has come for one
The dext shoot for the Kennett Cup will take twice why than by the artificial complasticur vals, and as the fragments hurtled through the make. But perhaps Col. Seely expects that
doctrinaires. At the same time i was great amusement among the more fortunate Home Government have shown that it would before 7 p.. on Saturday, the 16th Instant we bave briefly surveyed there, in air and landed on the heads of the crowd there the Straits Commissioners will report as, the 17th instant, commencing at 9a. Rifles and radical change in older, methods of doing bust- ammunion must be drawn from headquarters per Throughout the correspondence) #bich
recurrence of the importers di
ВРЕЕСНЕЕ,
like them to reputt We have not the fastest
povernment should dictate.
Vino, Caist, Worps 10%2nd Lieät,W;f opf on Saturday,