THE OPIUM COMMISSION We take the following editorial from the NC. D. News of, and inst.:-There Was to lack of Interest yesterday in the opening of the Opium Commission, but the stage management of the ceremony wat hardly commensurate with the importance of the occasion. For this feature it may be
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH SATURDAY FEBRUARY 13 1909.
grama says N
upon, whom the responsibility: rests to arriva et Conference Persion of Opium. MIS TEMPAn apponí signed by the Bishop of London.
THE LATE MR. J. M. A DA SILVA'S WILL.
JUDGMENT, DELIVERED."
61
BRIDGE BUILDING IN CHINA,
Some remarkable leati-of- bridge-building have been performed in the last few months by. French engineers who are in charge of the construction of the railroad which is to, connect
SA PORTEGO urge two excuses; first, that China Bemed wise to restrict, the nations that would opium in their colonies will not," owing to the' | But an endeavour to induce the Divinity to: by the plaintiff {João: Maria Pläcó da Silva)· about 1,650 foot, have boon constructed, some of
སྣ་
mission meets.
1
China is a little able to rely upon he provincial officials to give effect to lier wishes in regard to the suppression, of opium. -From-the-Viceroy's own summary of,the. pro
gress made by, the movement it could be gathered that he realized the succosa 'achieved -to-be locai-rather-than-universal. While..such.
mere
Dur
mer-
Mr. Leech is made to say in Chinese "As to Chiva suppres sing opium, unless there is a monopoly, it will certainly be diffi cult to act effectively; it would certalaly be difficult to succeed,"
'Chinese " omitted.
A CHILD'S DEATH,
ACCIDENT IN ABERDEEN HARBOUR. An inquiry was held at the Magistracy Thursday into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mok Loo, Tak, a female child, which met its death by drowning in Aberdess | harbour on the 5th inst. It appears that on that day, the father of the child, a Chicamen residing at 44, Cochrane Street, engaged a boat at Aberdeen to go to Lamma Island and that the boat capsized on the way. Mr. J. H. Kemp presided, while the following: jury were em pavelled Messis, R. D. Watt, T. F. A. Bene and G. F. Malden.
The father's evidence showed that on the 5th inst., he engaged a boat at Aberdeen to proceed to Lamma Island. Besides himself, there were his wife, son, daughter, elder sister, two children and a servent. They had not proceeded far when their boat capsized. They were rescued by a pan, but the child's body was found to be missing. Next day, the body was found.
Dr. Hunter said that on the 61s inst. he found the dead body of a child about five years old, on which be held a prat-mortem exantination and found that death was due to drowning.
Sergeant Sin, of the local Police Station, also gave corroborative evidence.
Mr. Kemp said the point to consider was how far the capsizing of the boat caused the death of the child. The licence allowed only flys passengers, including the crow, while the boat actually carried eight. Therefore they should consider
1. Cause of death.
2. Whether death was due to any breach of duty or negligence on the part of the persons
meat
#
|
The building of the arbalests was, begun on May and of this year. They were finished by the end of June, but they were not lowered tato place until July 220d because the gigantic windlass and tackle were not ready. The roadbed of the bridge 'ís 260 feet above the stream. The railroad when complete will be 393 miles long. It will connect at Lao-Kai with the French Tonkinese Railroad, which runs to Hanoi and Haiphong, the principal port of Tonklu. This will make a continuous Inn of about 675 miles from the capital of Yunnan to the sea.. At the beginning of this your only nineteen miles of the Yungan road were complete, running from the frontier to 4okow, but 373 were under construction. By January 1, 1999, trains will be running to Meng-too, about half the length of the road. It will take more than another year to reach Yun. Bao, as the region is exiremely wild and mountainous, the terminus itsolf being mopre than 6,400 feet above sea level. The region
traversed has great mineral wealth,-New York.
Sun,
FIRE, IN SANDAKAN.
EXTENSIVE DAMAGE,
of a practical character that will suble those International International Albfluence with the Divinity. One of the telos,
sociation for Suppres some font conclusion,
ess is and the Nonconformist Scottish religious lead. [For instances daily. The first steps towards this International
progress Commission word taken some time since by the manner in which made, so the revenue ers urges the necessity of special prayers for. the eradication of the opium traffic during the the Government which I have the honour of the Governments of the of Government must representing. The negotiations for the es- countries concerned daily increase. Thereitings of the Commission in Shanghal." In the Supreme Court, last Thursday, the city of Yuquan, capital of the Chicose pro
der of the French province of Tonkin, Nisa tablishment of the Commission have covered have set about to stop fore it hard to We refrain from characterizing this amusing. Chief Justice delivered Judgment in the case ice of that name, with Lac Kal, on the bor A...
considerable period of time. At first it the consumption of guarantee that there exhibition of prejudice is the terms it merits in which an originating summons was brought steel viaducts, having an aggregate length of officially in mourning; secondly, that take part in this Javestigation or Commission and dependencies such difficulties of raising take sides in an entirely secular, fiscal and against the defendant (Maria Antonia Flacé da bem under circumstances of Extraordinary she was not the originator of the proposal of equity, to those which through territorial at Formosa, Annam, funds, he stoppages physiological controversy seams to any ordinary Silva) for determination by Court of some difficulty. The one which called for the greatest exercise of ingenuity has been thrown for the summoning of the Commission, possessions, agriculture, or commerce wern the Philippine Islands, and delays beyond the mlad udafflicted with prejudices to lack a seose questions upon the constraction of the will of
actors the Pei-Ho not, the great Ubiasse. river of that name, but, a minor stream trib It is true that Viceroy Tuan Fang had actively interested in the opium question in the Java, etc., has been time limit fixed for of spiritual decorum and decency. That is the the late J. M. A. da Silva. The action, as been delegated by the Chinees Govern Far East, Since that time the scope bas been to undertake the mono suppression. At the mildest thing that can be said, but it is enough sinied by Sir Henry Berkeley, K.C., on be
considerably widered. Countries that have not poly of the sale of start we shall acquire for the purpose. Might we submit a hypo-half of the plaintiff, was a irisadly one. Sir utary to the Song Koi, or Red River. At this Henry Berkeley, KC., who was assisted by Mr.point, the railroad live emerges by tannels mant to declare the Commission open, and the problem is its more acute form as in the case opium therein, (a pro- the false reputation of thetical parallel
The Shaikh-ul-Islam and the whole body. H. K. Holmes, appeared for the plaintiff, while driven through towering peaks of solid rock on that be came attended by bis Provincial of may own country and that of other countries cedure which Chion suppressing opiumi Treasurer, Jel Cheng, and the host of off similarly situated, were by mutual consent in alone has not yet while in the end our of Ulemas urge upon the Faithful the necer Me. H. E. Pollock, K.C., with Mr. A. JM both sides of a valley the walls of which are cials and attendgots that shadow every
repre almost precipitous for several hundred feet:: tion of the bear-drinking habit amongst the santed the defendant.
From one tunnel mouth to the other is a dis bigh dignitary of the Empire. But ne invita cluted by the Powers already interested, so put into actual force).] financial resources will sity of special prayers to Allab for the eradice Gomer (of the firm of Utto Kong Sing).
that now, I think, we may say we are in a very As a matter of fact, not suffer,
His Lordship said Mr. da Silva died leave turce of zço feet. Owing to the stoopness of: ictions to attend the opening ceremony had
real sebap au International Commission.. Al tha
prohibl
1 laserted miserable and degraded people of England."
We wonder, if that were to appear in the ing a will in which this clause appserva "the ruck on both sides and the torrential charac been issued to the Settlement authorities, and
most at the last moment-indeed at the very tion of oplum without at end of "passage.. there was little beyond the complimentary last moment-lo countries without a serious the Government having
not found London papers some fics morning, what the give, devise and bequeath to my wiles Maria ter of the stream all ordinary methods of bridg- references in the Viceroy's speech to indicate opium problem of their own were included the monopoly of the in Chinese text
British working man would say to his com Antonia Placé da Sriva, as long as the remains
ing were inapplicable. The problem was solv. rades, regarding the well-meanmg but fatuous a widow, all my household furniture, jewelleryed by planning two guders of triangular shapes. that China appreciated the action of foreign by their expressed desire and by the ready sale of the drug will
attempt at interference on the part of the silverware, electro-plated ware, library, philoso-arbalets, or crossbows, the French cagiacom Governments to sending Commissions to
acquiescence of all other countries that up to prevent the Govern
dignitaries of the Moslem religion at Couphical instruments, chemical instruments, and call them to be stepped in the rock far below Shaughal for the purpose of assisting her in a to be hoped,
date had notified their willingness to take part ment from learning the difficult national question. It is to
stantinople, with his personal habits, How effects of every description for her ase, and she the roadway and meeting in the middle in the in the Inquiry. Last summer it was decided number of persons
ever, on the whole, it is not a bad may dispose of them as the thinks fit. This form of a huge letter 4, the horizontal girders hower, that yesterday's unpretentious and
by the American Commission-and notification suffering from the babit,
thing that the Bishop of London and some was subject to a special bequest of the piano to being thes run from the tunnels to their apex. maher-of-fact ceremony will be followed by a
was sent to all other Governments concerned nor can it put into session of an equally practical character. to study every phase of the opium question in effect Boy laws for the
eminent Presbyterians--whom with ludicrous bis daughter, and to a collection of coins which Fist of all men were lowered to construct the If auguries coust in such circumstances their own territory, including the homeland. suppression of opium
ignorance the talegram styles Nonconformists he desired should be treated as heirlooms. 1 anchorages by quarrying out the rocks. Then
should have been persuaded into this curious have to decide whether this gives the widow sa
the steel beams and braces.were brought up: the deliberations of the Commissiou should
So that presumably in this International Com consumption. Mr.
attempt to dish the Conference by what it is absolute interest in this property, as would ap
from Hanoi, the capital of Tonkin, by rail to not prove dull, for, two surprises wore
mission, as we are desirous to ascertain all Leech, Councillor.
charitable to style a gross irregularity. This pear from the 1st words of the clausn giving the furthest completed point of the road. sprung upon it during the morning. In the facts that will enable us to come to some satis of the British Legation
her a power of disposition, or whether it is
Thence they were transported on, skids a dis first pince H. E. Tond Fank elected to de-factory conclusion, we shall agree in the de- in Peking, bas stated
attempt to prejudice the proceedings of the Conference by holding Heaven in terrorem only an interest so long as she remains a
tance of eighteen miles by coolies, Then the part from precedent so far as to discuss ques:sire to receive such information as is presented" Whether China cam
over the heads of the delegates is not playing widow, which would deprive her of aby power long beams were lowered vertically to the an tions of policy in his speech of welcome and
regarding the various aspects of the question completely obtain the
the game. It is to a scusa a castempt of Cout of disposition, and would make an inventory chorages, and the arbalests were constructed in to make certain strong recommendations to a
in all the countries represented on the Commis good she seeks, without
for it seems to us that the deliberations afkhá body of men who are meeting with the sole
necessary for the purpose of checking pay ac Kovernment control of sion.
that position, largely by rivelare slung in boats- tion which she might take with regard to them.
wain's chaîts or mounted on dizzy scaffolding object of evolving, after mature deliberation,.
It devolves upon me to pronounce with em opium, both native
Conference, although to think these to be-up- necessary, aught to have respect paid to them
It appears that some small-trinkets have in phasis that this is a Commission, and as those grown and importid, le, policies to be recommended to the Chinese
until the two great girdais were completed.. as though they were the proceedings of a fact been given by her to some of her children During the construction the girders were held and other Governments. Secondly, the assem
who are informed-as-all you, must be insomewhat doubtful," an
Judicial body:Singapore Fres Press,
on the assumption that she had an absolute vertical by a gearing of wire cables veered bly was still further disconcerted by a
that pertain to International affairs of opinion which gains my maiters
right of disposition, I am of opinion is
over windlasses anchored to the rock inside noexpected request for the recognition of
this kind-n Commission is not a Conference. deep admitation for
the French as the language of the Commission The idea of a Conference was suggested, but his wisdom and far-
first place that the words
the tunnel. When both girders were com.. Alternative to English it seemed wise to choose this particular form sightedness and merita
may dispose of them as she thinks fit".
pleted they were slowly lowered, simultane... or at least as an The demand, though in accord with diplo- of action rather than a Conference, because, for our sincere thanks for
she may dispose of them as she thinks
ously from each side until they mat. It wa his warm sympathy
fit." Therefore, apparently, wa-báva two sea matic usuge, was inopportune at that precise
an anxious time for the engineers until it endeavours.
tences in the same part of the will which are
was found that all the calculations bad been juncture, for it threw the Chinese officials the present at any rate, we are not sufficiently
well informed and not sufficiently unanimous in into complete confusion, and the difficulty
in our attkude to have a Conference with What, however,
lestia contradiction. For the family it is argued,
correct and the arbalesti mot trus-plumb over was only overcome by the Vicary leaving any great hope of immediate success. Fur- to be apprehended
and I think very plausibly, that if the power of
the centre of the chaim. Then they were rive Chinese abruptly without vouchenfing any reply to
disposition were muetained it would Bullify ted together and braced and the longitudinal M. Ratard. While it will be a distinct innova ther, this Commission is a temporary Com- that
importing
the words "so long as she remains a widow," guders were run out and fastened to them with mission as distinguished from some of the chanis tlon for English to be the language of an inter
because it would enable the widow, for example, ash plates. permanent Commissions already in existence, opium may claim that national conference, the interests of Commis and if we were to look for the source of our such a step will be cons
to give this proportỹ loTMa man whom she in sioners themselves will best be served and
tended to marry the next day. But this a thair time saved by accepting the official origin, I think we would find it in the articles trary to former treaties of the Second Hague Conference, which pro agd bedisadvantageous
priori argument may be met by another; she langanga of the territory on which the Com vides for such International Commissions of in their trade and so
might find herself in financial difficulties from which the sale of some of this property might Jaquiry, where points of difference on matters oppose it, thereby pre Although Viceroy Toan Fang claimed to indred to that which is before us arise be- venting China from put
relieve her, and she would be unable to do so represent the whole empire of China is
though apparently her husband intended to give bar power to dispose of it. I was referred setting forth his ideas on the opiumween the Powers. So that in all our deliberating into effect a proper
to a good many cases by both sides, but in question, it may be doubled whether tions and in all our commillee work, we must control over opium and he had the active approval of the Central bear in mind that we are to confine ourselves the spread of the opium,
deciding the question I need not go beyond te facts that will enable us to reach, trust, prohibition throughout Government in advocating the monopoly certain unanimous resolutions and, perhaps, the country.
two elementary principles: the first, that I must scheme, At an earlier. period in this reform
some recommendations of a practical, broad and
discover the trus intention of the testator and give effect 10 it; the second, which is given in movement when His Excellency sought to
wise character la connection with those resolu- establish an opium monopoly for his Viceroy. tians. But, if I may be permitted to make a sug-
SINGAPORE COMMENTS.
Williams, sinth edition; page 934-"the Count alty, he received instructions to abandon, the
To-day at Shanghai the International Com
is bound to give effect to every word of the will; genion to this assembly, it seems to me that it
without change or rejection provided an effect idea, but he would appear to be still partial would be extremely wise if we were to rule out mission on Opium beginsite sittings, General towards the scheme in spite of the general be.
of our deliberations what might be termed use-ly speaking, the discussion will not be circum
can be given to it, not inconsistent with the gen Ilef that the Chinese Government did not in
less historical questions beneath which a great scribed by any prescription from the various
eral intent of the whole will taken together Tend ite representatives to put forward any such
deal of controversy lies hidden, ned which Governments represented by delegates, to
Now, although all the other clauses of the will proposal. It is clear that a monopoly would
give the wile an interest in all the different kinds would only tend to fog the issue. The one way the main it may be said that the foundation of fail altogether to meet the situation as long
to reach a satisfactory solution of a grave pro- the whole idea of the Conference lies in the
of property "so long as she remains a widow I do not think that-1 am bound to construe blem is to simplify as far as possible the ele recognition of the fact that the Chiness Im ments of that problem, and I believe that hit perial Government has professed to be anxious
the fifth clause in the same way, and thus tory bears me out when I say that no great to take certain steps within its own territories
reject: the last words of it. The insertion of question-has-ever-beea, satisfactorily settled for the restriction, if not the suppression, of the
these words itself shows that I should be Batil men have come to a realization of the fact production and consumption of opium. The
wrong in doing so. Is it then possible to give that purely side issues and controversial mate presence of the other international delegates
no intelligent meaning to the clause "giving effect to every word without change or re ters which do not touch the main-question, recognises that their respective Governments, in must be set aside and ignored. They may be so far as the matter of the consumption of opium
jection? have given the question much of interest, but they are of no practical import concerns their own jurisdictions, are willing to
thought, and I have come to the conclusion ance and, indeed, are impediments in the actual facilitate the action of the Chinese Goverment
that I can do so; people who make wills, working out of the main question.
by co-operation in their respective provinces. I feel that I am speaking not merely for my. The fullest series of recommendations and in-in charge of the boat. If there was, then there though the law dubs them teslators are still was also a breach of the Shipping Ordinance, human things; and they are apt to bellare self and my colleagues on the American Com structions made public so far which are to
which rendered them liable to manslaughter, that what has gone on, and is going on while mission, but for this entire distloguished as guide delegates are those issued by the United provided there was substantial evidence that they are alive, can go an uninterruptedly after
States Government. These, however, rather sembly when I say that we are here to do such
to imagine that a husband, reposing all confime. So rapid and fierce was the conflagra work as will bring the utmost credit to our refer to inquiry aud a bérlevolent attitude than the cause of death was due to the overcrowding they are dead, I do not find it very difficult respective countries and the utmost benefit to any fixed programme of action, recognising but that was the only evidence they bad. fidence in his wife, should in some respects
that the function of the Conference is second- We must study this poisible to mankiné
The jury retired for few minutes and re-
continue to repose that confidence in her whan ary and ancillary to the measures to be propos
turned the following verdict t
he is writing his will, expecting ber to justify it requestion in its every aspect-moral, economical.
after his death.
Mr. da Silva's intention and commercial, diplomatic also, if you willed by the Chinese Government. The British and we must study it, as I have already said, delegates are understood to have been supplied
throughout the will is to my mind clearly with these two phases of courage which will with a detailed reference generally resembling.
manifested; his widow is 10 continue his position as head of the family, and is to enjoy bring us to a happy conclusion of our Jabours the code of instructions supplied to the US recapsiting of the bast.
presentatives. One fundamental condition at-
his property in the sums way as he himself did while he was alive. With regard to the bulk toching to the investigations of the Conference will be to ascertain how far the Chinese Govern-
of his property he makes an ultimate disposi tion in favour of his children which is no more ment are prepared not only to extinguish the import of foreign opium but, a very different
than carrying out his origibal intentions when thing, the production of native opium within
he invested his money in shares. With regard the provinces of the Chinese Empite! We can
fo his furniture and other moveables, he de- quite well imagine that alacrity with which
sites the widow to have the same control over assurances, will be forthcoming which may
it as he had himself; she may dispose of it as have the effect of inducing the Cacference to
hs might dispose of it. He does not want her, it is true, to have it should she mairy influence the respective Governments to end. the importation of foreign opium into China,
Every mail steamer arriving there from that again, but so long as she does not marry again times, and the burning portion had to be back- ed away, and not until 11 p.m. did the firs which would thus at once confer upon the province brings numbers of these evil-doers for it seems to me that he intended to repose saf
subside bufficiently to give the helpers a mo-. Chinese Government the complete control of despatch to Singapore, and it seems that the ficient confidence, in her not to dispose of it what would become a domestic opium mona. Inflow is likely to continue for a good while, entirely: she has given her a power of dis-ment's rest. This shop was only 16 yards from poly of the most lucrative character. But once Flying columns in Upper Tonkin are hunting position while she remains a widow, which he the burning mass. The market, 25 yards away. that monopoly is established owing to the come down the brigands and capturing many of them believes the will exercise reasonably; but if caught fire, but the iron roof saved It is littin she marries g, then her power over it is to great damage being done, and the wood. plaisance of foreign Governments the voluntary each day.
work was quickly extinguished, In connection with the above, wo are official- cease. It is to be noticed that there is no extinction of that would be a very different
short of a miracle that the remaining block of affair. Those who can appreciate the Chineusly informed that the Straits Goverment bas special gift even with regard to the fornitore, sic; official character, and can understand what conscated to receive 700 of these men, who are it would, in the event of her death or re-marri- shops was not burnt, and had the wind been the abandonment of an enormous source not really brigands, but may be correctly de: age, go into the general personal estate, I do blowing a very few degrees more towards the of revenue would mean to the provincial scribed as refugees. They are arriving is not think this is unreasonable, and certain-West, nothing could have saved it. The stop- authorities and the buge establishments they batches by every ship and are considered to be ly reading the affidavits, Mrs da Silva has done keepers, in spite of the touch and go: condi bave to maintain down to the lowest class, will a superior class of Chinese,
Dothing which would lead me to suppose that tion of affairs for 3 hours werp - refaciant to remove their goods-one or two refused- she takes any other view than the one I have be slow indeed to believe, that there will be
neither did those peopin offer may assistance in any readicess on their part to co-operate in the
A TAILOR'S SORROW..
expressed, though of course, in-view of these proceedings, she has been compelled to claim saving the one shop which was the key to the carrying out of a policy whose chief effect will
the full benefit of the last words of the' clause. whole block, and to them no particle of credit be to cramp providcial finance to a very large
The cultivators themselves who cân WOMAN ASSAULTS SARTORIAL ARTIST,
Nothing that she has done would have justified in dac for not having, with the other unfortunate The Commission met again at 2.30-'p m., make a fair living out of the growing of be
[arth los12
hostile proceedings; but I am told, and I hope peoplo, experienced total loss, of their property and, after appointing a Press Committee, poppy will feel aggrieved if they are coerced
it is so, that this is a friendly auit and all parties and houses. Perhaps 20 people at the most That a tailor's calling is by no means a bed listened to the summary of a report presented into growing other crops yielding 4. much
desire my opinion, which I will now try to give saved this block of shops, while a crowd of
200 at least gaped and did nothing by the United States delegation, dealing with smaller returns. It was only the other day that of roses, especially in Hongkong, was proved farmal expression to. I believe the testator's the opium question in America and the Philip serious riota occurred in the Ampy district by a case which came on before Mr. J. Hintention to have been to give his widow a pines. Reports were also banded in by the when the Chinese cultivators of the poppy Kemp, First Police Magistrate, at the Magis reasonable power of disposal of these things so the majority of occupante, did not own the shops, and lost ab uutely everything. "The British delegation (for Great Britain, Australia,
long as she remains a widow. The reason. raso en make to resent attempted interference tracy this morning, when the thorny paths Hongkong, Gaylon, the Straits Settlements with their poppy firms. It must be remem which the sartorial fraternity bas to tread was
ableness is question for the Court, and hops themselves would average Intie over and Federated Malay States, and Weihaiwei), bered that the nationalities represented at sufficiently demonstrated to make them feel should the family think that any disposi 50 each in valus, as the property had do preciated considerably in value. This gives a tion of the furniture which she may and the Japanese delegation (for Japan, and the Shanghai Conference do not all stand their way cautiously in their future dealings. It Formosa) A few remarks, were offered on the same position in regard to the appears that at about z.jo on the afternoon of
make in the future is unreasonable, a total of $8,000. In goods and cash a very careful! presentation of these repasts, but there was no question. Outside of the Philippines, the last Monday, & tailor named Chu Shing, of 1 for example, if she were getting rid of it all, estiulate reaches $3703, making a total lose from the fire of $4,000. The mording after the debate, it being understood that members of United States, for instance, can have no direct D'Aguilar Street, together with a foli, proceeded then they most apply to the Coud to stop it.. the several delegations will require time to concern in the matter save from that moral-if to No, 42. Wellington Street, where a woman it seems to me, however, that this expression fire the District Officer started a Relief Fund, study the reports, before they will be in a post moral be the word-standpoint that insists on named Luddie Cainsberg resides. The purpose of my views as to the testator's intention will and by mid-day the sum of $300 was realized in tion to discuss any portion at them.
desying to everybody everything that can be of their visit. was to conclude some arrange: check, on the one hand, Mrs. da Silva from and about Beaufort. This money is being classed as an indulgence or a luxury. But ments for the completion of a silk dress which making such an areasonable disposition of used to supply food and clothing, and it is hoped that more will be forthcoming to enable the Britain on the other.hand bas her Indian in the woman had ordered. She asked them to the property as her late husband would dis- terests to consider, and not only that mat go with her to an Indian shop to confirm the approve of though I do not seem to suggest District Officer to put up temporary sheds, and ler that many people are prone to forget the purchase of some silk, but this the two men re that she has any such latention; and on the sutapa to house the people. Au appeal is interests of the numerous independent sova fused to do, which appeared to incense the wo other hand will check the familly from making being made to each station in the county, and reign states in the Indian Peninsula that could man. A squabble ensued, when the woman never be interfered with in so domestic a mat- is said to have thrown chair at the any application which the Court may think Contributions, however small will be gladly
preasonable to stop such dispositions as she welcomed by the District Officer. Over 50% ter as opium production. Those independent fokk She then tumed her attention to The uncertainty that appeared to pravail in states that have no seaboard would have the tailor himself, striking him several times may choose to make. This, I think, should cases have been helped to tide over the next parties for the, future and prevent unseemly again...No loss of life occurred, but two ped 17. We must bare courage, and it seems to
strictions as might be imposed at which she seized from a table near by. By family disputes in a mailer which to my mind ple were badly burat and had to be treated in hospital. Not one singla shop was insured of me that two principal features of courage are members of his staff regarding the text of his British Indian part. Again, as in Hong this time, the unfortunate tailor's head was
seams exceedingly plain
the 16 burat down. dan dolaskaANA sincerity and thoroughness. All great pro speech at the opening of the Commission has
kong and this Colony; the interests of the bleeding profusely. He was taken downstairs
The following were responsible for saving blems go through two distinct stages. The led us to check the English version as road so
majority of the Chinese race constituting the and banded to an Indian policoman, who in first stage is what might be termed the emo. the sisembly by the Chinese text. We give bulk of the population would also have to be structed him to take summons against the INVITATIONS have been issued for the At Beaufort from re destruction:-Messrs. tional stage; it is based largely upon sentiment below a more correct translation of various considered. We do not know yet whether the woman.
Homa" to be given by the yacht owners of the Allen, Borton, Pavitt, Schooner, James, Kau- and Ideals that are conceived in the inner self, passages (
proceedings of the Conference will be open to This morning, the tailor made his appear Royal Hongkong Yacht Club at the Club. diab, Som Kim, Mahomed Yaraf, er. P.O. sometimes mors independent of facia than Official Translation. Clover Rendering the public. But at any sate, even if there are ance before Mr. J. H. Kemp, with his head house on Saturday, the 13th March, at 2.45 Bidak, Mo Ping, Lourdesamy, with a few of the Indian Police, and some Woodford Estate: vile, warranted,bla tha - problem before us The gentry and
no press reparts, we shall bear in good time, badly batterell, and showing homistakable p.m. The Ladies Race will start at 3 p.m. for for a long period we have been passing through merchants of the
through communicated reports of the proceed signs of rough handling. The woman, asked Hodicap Class (rst prise for Handicap Class coolies working under Mr. Hatton Hall's in this preliminary stage~what I have termed various provinces
ings, the general drift of the Conference dis, why she had asasulied, the complainant, drift- kindly presented by Mr. John Hastings; sødstructions and, possibly, three Chinese coolies, the amotional stager. The emotional stage of the Empire, bave
cussions.
ed into long story of a dress which did not prizs for this Class and 1st and 2nd prizes for Ende premion in agitation. We have had everywhere: larted
There-is-one-point in the telegrams to-day ft. This, however, did not affect the magis Ona-design Class presented by yacht owners), agitation. Now I believe we are at last mid- societies to exhort to exhort and wain, that calls for serious remark, it may be deterial mind one way or the other, and she was The Band of The Buffs will play infectious of scribed as zu attempt to "nobbla" the delibera fined $5 and ordered to pay 55 compensation, music from 9.5 to 5.15 pm. Special trams tions of the Conference by hai in slections. The defendant left the Court with audibla mure will leave from Murray, Barracks at 3.30 pm, would be described so the using of Fundus i muringe about a spoilt dress,
and Trom the Club+kõuse at j.ga gami
a condition of things lasts a monopoly might Centail a serious set back to the abolition
opium, The Commission, however, in the coume of its deliberations will be able to satisfy itself that the Chinese delegates have not come to convert it to their views, but to join in deriv ing the fullest advantage from an impartial in. vestigation of the subject from all points at
view.
CHAIRMAN'S SPRECH. The International Opium Commission sumed its deliberations yesterday afternoon in the Palace Holel, reports the W. C. D. News of 3rd insi. A Publication Committee will be responsible for the issue of summaries of the proceedings.
with sincerity and, thoroughness___________
Nothing more remains for me to say, gentle men, except to announce that this International Opium Commission is now organized and ready for business.
In the evening a banquet was given to the Commissioners and menthers of the Consular Hody by the American Delegates. Bishop Bract presided and had on his right hand Sir Oecil Clementi Smith, G. c. M. C., and os bis*. Iaft Mr. Liu Yu-lin.. The toasts of the Prasi- deat of the United States and of, the Emperor of China, who celebrates his third birthday to-day, were honoured. The Corail Chamber of the Commission had been made ready for the occasion with much taste and an excellent disner was provided by the management of the Palace Hotel.
We publish below the text of the speech de livered by Bishop Brent on his election as Chairman of the Commission.
Fellow Members of the International Opium Commission:-In electing me your Chairinas, you have conferred an extraordinary honour on the Government which I represent. In behalf of the United States of America and also in behalf of my esteemed colleagues, I beg to thank you for this distinction. I cannot Ignore the personal aspect of your action, Permit me, therefore, to express my apprecía- tion of your willingness to select mo as your Chairman, I am conscious of the fact that I am the junior in experiance of many here present and I shall depend upon your counsel and ald to fulfil the functions of my office. As 1 inter- pret the position of Chairman, he is a moment ary leader, and a leader is but the foremost companion. As far as in mic lics, I shall strive to deal impartially and wisely with the various questions that shall arise, but I am well. aware of my limitations. I recognize, however, that in any deliberative assembly there minst exist between the Chair and the assembly the heartiest co-operation and desire to afford mutual help, so I shall constantly look to this Konourable assemblage for that support and aid which the Chair will need. The high pri- vilege of such a position as that in which I “Save just been inducted entails heavy respon- sibility. I dare assume only with the support of your aid the duties involved in the privilege that you have conferred upon me, ›
The question that brings us together-the opium-question-ia an extremely difficult one and I think the very first thing that all of up should do is frackly to recognize the fact and apeuty to admit it. It is a great problem and we can hope to reach a successful solution of
RULES OF PROCEDURE. The N. Q. D. Nrics, of 6th inst, says :--- At its sittings on February 1 and 2, the Com- mission was engaged as business of a purely formal nature, a Committee baing meanwälte at work drawing up roles of procedure, elc..
On re-assembling at rt, am, on the gtb inst., M. de Gider notified his inability to take up his duties as assistant secretary, M. de Lafor cade, secretary to the French delegation, was therefore appointed assistant secretary, and Mr. True, official stenographer to the Com- mission,
The Committee on rules and order then pre- sented its report, and the rules drawn up were all accepted, with some amendments, by the Commision, which adjourned at 12.30 p.m. It was agreed that both English and French should, en principle, be recognized as the lan guages to be used in the Commission, and that steps should be taken to ensure that the deli- berations be rendered, if necessary, and the minutes recorded in both languages,
China will head in a report on Monday morning, whilst the reports from India and Canada, and those prepared by the other deie gations, will be presented later,
The Commission will not sit on Saturdays, and at 4.30 p.m. it adjourned until 21 8.m. Da Monday, the Eth instant..
extent.
of the boat. The evidence was rather mengre,
"
1. Death 'was due to drowning. 2. Death was due to misadventure, there being no evidence to show the cause of the
BRIGANDS IN SINGAPORE,
SENSATIONAL REPORT FROM SAIGON,
Chinese brigands captured in Upper Toakin, continue to be forwarded to Singapore by the Government of Indo-Bles, says the Saigon Opinion.
A fire broke out at 7.20 p.m. on Sunday night, January 24th, in the shop occupied by Tong Walt, opposite the market, caused by, a lamp falling and breaking in the room above the shop. The flames caught the attap roof- minutes the whole block of 16 shops was in and spread from house to house, and within 15
on that the unfortunate occupants had to instantly vacate the shops, and had no time to save their effects or even cash, but snatched up their children and fied in any garment bey happened to be wearing, The glare in the sky brought a crowd from far and sear; the heat of the fire could be felt half a mile distast. It was seen at once that nothing could be done to save the burning shops, and so the the effuris-of-all belpers were centered on saving the remaining block of shops separated by a low yards from the male fire. All available water from close at hand was brought in tios and buckets and thrown on the side and the roof of the shop. nearest the fire. This was kept up for two and a half hours, when water had to be brought from the river. In spite of decaching the soof and walls the shop caught fire two or threa
The fire bas caused very genuine distress,' as
It only by facing facts and facing them square the minds of Viceroy Taan Fang, and the to submit, however, to such export re on the head with a carved blackwood figure be a sufficient guide to the conduct of all month, and many of thesa must be 'hulped.
way in the escond or scientific slage, when (and assist oplam men deal with ascertained' faci and on the baxin - smokars-to-gat:rid.of. of ascertained fact reach curtain conclusions, the bangful habji),
i
i
Messrs. Swee Chong and Gph Yong Joom who own between them the whole block for shops arved should be duly grateful, and it is - hoped they will express their appreciation in ki way.which will help soms of their countrymen, [în re-establish themselves-2{NA Heal