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TT. London 3s. Tid.
On Demand Sa. 1.15/18d.
The
Hongkong Telegraph.
(ESTABLISHED 1881).
WEATHER FORECAST,
FAIR
-Barometer 30.10
Temperatere 2pm. 60.
Humidity #pm. 82
A
8171
日三十月登
KEUTER'S TELEGRAMS.
THE KING'S SPEECH.
FAR-REACHING REFORMS FORESHADOWED.
Gifts of Leisure and Prosperity to be More Equally Shared.
London, February 11.
His Majesty the King, in his Speech from the Throne, on the opening of Parliament, after pointing out that the struggle of Ger of man tyranny with European freedom had ended with the defeat of Chamany and & new era had dawned, said in order to resp the fall fruits of victory and safeguard the peace of the world an adequate Amy must be maintained in the field, proposals for which would be submitted.
* THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1919.
REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.
WILL HOSTILITIES BE RENEWED?
WHAT THE ALLIES THINK.
French Fear that Germany May Revive. -
Paris, February 10. The vital question with the Franch as present is not the Lengde Nations but the terms for a renewal of the Armistice.
The French Press dwells upon the danger of a rapid Allied demobilisation, while the Germans still have millions under arms.
The British standpoint is that the main object of a renewed Armistice and Treaty of Peace must be to deliver Europe from Militarism, firstly, by the abolition of conscription, and a beginning Referring to the Allied Conference at Paris, his Majesty must be made by Germany. It is suggested that the German Army emphasised the cordiality, goodwill and absence of disagreement should be compulsorily reduced to its future peace footing now, in marking the discussions and trusted that the preliminaries of Peace order to enable the Allies rapidly to carry out their own demobilisa- would soon be signed. He rejoiced that the Conference had accept-tion. ed the principle of the League of Nations, for progress in that direc tion alone would save mankind from the scourge of war.
The Americans favour leaving the Germans to dispose of their man power for the present as they choose, while insisting on the surrender of such proportion of war material as our Military Advisers think necessary. The American view is that the Allies are bound by the original Armistice terms, and that the basis of the Convention should not be widened by the inclusion of new demands. actual danger of a renewal of hostilities by the Germans, who, doubtless, have three millions of men in uniform, but their fitness and discipline are doubtful.
Both the French and British official view is that there, is no
On the contrary, the French Press generally declines to believe that Germany is reduced to helplessness, and points to the tone of the speeches at Waimar as an indication of the future danger from seventy million Germans eager to renew an attempt to destroy
Alluding to President Wilson's visit to England, the King said the enthusiastic welcome was an earnest of the increasing under standing with which he trusted the United States and Britain would act together in future.
Proceeding, his Majesty said:"For the last few months the Imperial War Cabinet has been in continuous session. My counsels as regards war and external affairs have been strengthened and enlightened by the presence of leading Ministers of my self-govern Dominions and my Indian Empire.. The inspiring sacrifice and invaluable service rendered by the peoples of the Dominions and Fadia during the war have won for them an important place in the counsels of the world and it has been a source of especial
title to representation France. satisfaction to
the Paris Conference. has been fully
by "I trust that the reports of the Committees enquiring into "matters connected with Indian constitutional reform will be received in time to enable a Bill on the subject to be presented in the course of the Session. The position in Ireland causes grave anxiety. but I earnestly hope that conditions will soon sufficiently improve to make possible a durable settlement of this difficult problem."
His Majesty said the House of Commons would be asked to make further financial provision to meet war charges and for
reconstruction.
€
that their recognized
Addressing both Houses, his Majesty said: The aspirations for a better social order which have been quickened in the hearts of my people by the experience of war must be encouraged by prompt and comprehensive action."
GOVERNMENT GIVES IN TO MINERS.
PREPARED TO MEET THEM IN, EVERY WAY.
London, February 11. The Government's reply to the miners' demands has been As regards the demand for a six hour day, the reply states issued. that, while the Government sympathises with the desire of the workers for an improved standard of life, it must, in considering the increase in the cost of production in the trades whose products form the staple of other occupations, think also of the consequences upon the general trade situation. It, therefore, proposes a strong, repre- sentative committee, on which the miners will be represented. It should enquire into this matter and also into the following other matters: namely, the cost of production and the distribution of coal, the selling prices and the profits; the question whether coal mining should be continued on the present basis, or under joint control, or
Before the war, poverty, unemployment, inadequate housing and many remediable ills existed in our land, and these were aggravated by disunion, but since the outbreak of war every party and every class has worked and fought together for a great ideal. In pursuit of this common aim, they have shown a spirit of unity and self-be nationalised,
As regards the demand for increased wages, the Government is sacrifice which has exalted the nation and enabled it to play its full
winning victory. The ravages of the war and the willing to add to the present war bonus a shilling per day which is partin wastage of the war are not however repaired. If we are to repair equal to the rise in prices since January last year, and refer the these losses and build a better Britain, we must continue to manifest other demands, in connection with wages, to the aforementioned the same spirit. We must stop at no sacrifice of interest or prejudice Committee. The Government asks the miners to regard this reply to stamp out unmerited poverty,diminish unemployment, mitigate ita as a clear indication of its intention to meet them in every possible sufferings, provide decent homes to improve the nation's health and way."
In connection with the demands regarding demobilised miners, raise the standard of well-being throughout the community. We shall not achieve this end by an undue tenderness towards the Government states that these must obviously be considered in acknowledged abuses, and it must necessarily be retarded by relation with the general question of demobilisation. It is the We shall succeed only by patient Government's considered view that it is impossible to give demobilis. violence or even by disturbance. and untiring resolution in carrying through the legislation and the ed miners different terms from those of other demobilised workers. administrative action which are required. It is that resolute action which I
ask you to support. A large number of
economic the social and affecting measures well-being of the nation await your consideration, and it is of the utmost importance that their provisions should be examined, and, if possible, agreed upon and carried into effect with all expedition. With this object, the Government will invite the consideration of the House of Commons to certain proposals for simplification of the procedure of the House which it is hoped will enable delays to be avoided and give members an increasing opportunity of taking effective part in the work of legislation.
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His Majesty then announced Bills for the creation of a Ministry of Health, a Ministry of Ways and Communications and also mea sures for effecting a speedy and large increase in housing accom- modation; for the fulfilment of the pledges given to the Trade Unions; for the prevention of unfair competition by the sale of im- ported goods below their selling price in the country of origin; and for increasing the industrial and agricultural output without which the considerable permanent betterment of the national condition cannot be effected. Proposals will also be made for encouraging land settlement, particularly for ex-Service men, for providing suitable men with the necessary agricultural training, for enabling them to stock and equip their holdings, and for the reclamation of the land and the promotion of comprehensive afforestation.
Concluding, his Majesty said "Finally, I recommend to your earnest consideration the industrial problems. That the gifte of sisure and prosperity may more generally be shared throughout the community is my ardent desire. It is your duty, while firmly maintaining security for property and person, to spare no effort in healing the causes of the existing unrest, and I earnestly appeal to you to do all that in you lies to revive and foster a happier and more, harmonious spirit in our national and industrial life."
WOMEN SUFFRAGE FOR AMERICA.
SENATE THROWS OUT AMENDMENT.
Washington, February 11. The grant.of Woman Suffrage by the Federal Constitutional amendment has again been rejected by the Senate.
THREATENED LABOUR TROUBLES IN AMERICA.
SEATTLE ALIEN AGITATORS DEPORTED.
#3
Seattle, February 11.
Fifty-four alien
A general strike has been officially called off. agitators have been sent to New York for deportation.
NEW YORK BUILDING TRADE DISSATISFIED,
Paris, Februry 10. The threatened general strike of the building trade has not taken place.
- LATEST AERIAL APPOINTMENTS.
London, February 10.
The Press Bureau states that Major-General "H. M. Trenchard -been appointed Chief of the Air Staff: Lieut-Col. 7.EL Sykes, Controller-General of Civil Aviation; and Major-General Ellington,
r-General of Aircraft Production and Research
EARLIER TELEGRAMS.
SUPREME WAR COUNCIL MEETS.
Paris, Feb. 10
A communique states: The Bapreme War Council this afternoon, discussed the conditions of the renewal of the armistice. M. Klotz then described the work, published in 1918 by the German Great General Staff, proving the pre- meditated and systematic character of dextraction of French industry by the Germans. The Council referred the work to the Economic Committee. The Committee on Reparation discussed the principles on which rest the rights to repara- tion and examined the memorands of different delegates. Mr. Hughes set forth the considerations on which the British memorandum is based.
HOW GERMANS USED STRASBOURG CATHEDRAL.
Paris, Feb. 11. General Hirschauer, the French Governor of Strasbourg has informed Marshal Foch that inquiries, irrefutably prov ed by official documents, show that during the whole course of the war the Germans used Strasbourg Cathedral to sap- port machine-guna and as an observation post for artillery and a listening post for anti-aircraft gunners.
POST OFFICE CHEQUES.
Paris, Feb
It is proposed to develop the new French system of Post Office banking, extending it to all Allied and neutral countries so that the Post Office chaque may become international
RACEHORSE OWNER'S DEATH,
Paris, Feb. 4
The death is announced of Baron Arthur Schickler, the well-known racehorse owner.
FRENCH ROLL OF HONOUR.
Paris, Feb. 4 Three French Major-Generals and 20 Brigadier-Generals were kißed in action, and one, Major-General and 18 Bri- gadiers suecambed to wounds or disesas.
POSTS FOR FRENCH. GENERALS,
ing the Consel
ני
SINGLE COPY: 10 CENTS
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號三十月弍英港香
$36 PER ANNUM:
EARLIER TELEGRAMS.
THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS,
Paria, Feb. &
The first full meeting of the Committes" of the League of Nations has taken place, 29-articles coves- ing the principal points upon which the nationa will be asked to Agree. Leon Bourgeoise com- municated to the Longus of Nations Committee a series of resolutions adopted by allied associations supporting the League, to obtain universal acceptance of humane conditions of labour. Those have not yet book adopted by some highly cirlined countries. They impose un ehemiy states Funitation of armamente ausbling the countries forming the Leagus to affect large reductions in their military forces.
A most memorable incident of President Wilson's visit to Europe was the official reception by the Chamber of Depaties H. Deschanel emphasised that a fundamental con- dition of a lasting peace was that Franes should be placed definitely beyond the reach of monace of attack. The thirty nations which broke with Germany should form the kernel of a future world league. President Wilson stated that in fo ture when any nation was threatened the whole world would be waiting to vindicate its liberty. The sacrifices the world would have to make to achieve a League of Nations were as nothing to the sacrifices it would make if the League were not formed-Haves.
PARLIAMENT OPENS.
London, Feb. 1k Parliament was opened to-day by H.M. the King, who, accompanied by H.H. the Queen, drove to the Houses of Parliament from Boekingham Palace. The Royal FrocoION consisted of four carriages attended by the Bovereign's Decors of Household Cavalry. Besides Court, dignitarian theTM occupants of the carriages included General Bir W. Robert- son, General Sir Henry Wilson and Admiral Sir R. Woznym. The ceremony was shorn of ́much of its siatalness wwing to Court mourning. All the Pearesses worn in mourning dress, mostly black. The only touch of colour in the whole House was the scarlat robes of the Judges and Bishops. The King was in Field Marshal's khaki uniform and the Queen all in black with a single rope of pearls and one diamond ornament on her breast. The King read his speech very deliberately and clearly so that every word was heard throughout the House.
BRITISH SHIPBUILDING ORDERS.
London, Feb. 10. British shipyards have recently booked orders for well over a hundred vessels, representing a very large tonnage, this probably being a record. The Ellerman-Bucknall Line alone has ordered over fifty steamers on the North East -Coast. The British India Company are building nine large
liners, the Cunard eight, the "Donaldson Anshug:Ling; and: Donaldson Brothers six, Elders and Fyffe four, Bla Savill and Albion three, the Union Castle, and the Com monwealth and Dominion Company two each The ship- building outlook is the brightest provided that labour settles down.
FRANCE CAUTIOUS.
New York, Feb. 10.
M. Clemences, interviewed by the Associated Press Paris correspondent, emphasised the difficulties of recon- stituting France industrially whereas German factories were ready to produce forthwith. He also mentioned that while Germany's war debt was almost entirely domestic France was confronted with having to regularly pay abroad immense sums in intarest. M. Clemenceau indicated that these aspecta armies and the Eussian chaos which suited Germany were of the situation, the gradual demobilisation of the British all accountable for France's caution as regards the League of Nations and har insistence upon solid safeguards and securities. He admitted, however, that President Wilson bad given heartening reassurances in this connection.
STRIKE SITUATION IMPROVES.
London, Feb. 11.
The Bellast strike has been provisionally settled, the men agreeing, subject to confirmation on Feb. 13, to resume work on a basin of a 51.hout week, pending a conference at which the employers will undertake to recommend less than a 47 hour week.
The Clyde Strike Committee recommends the fall re- sumption of work on Feb. 12 "antil we can perfect our forces with a view to enforcing the claim of a forty hour week by a national strike of all workers in the near future."
THE NORTH RUSSIAN CAMPAIGN.
London, Feb. 10.
A British North. Bussia communique states that Liver- pool troops and detachment of the French Foreign Legion consisting of Bussiazis trained and officered by the French carried out a successful raid southward of Kadish, inflicted hesty casualties, destroyed two field-guns and upset the enemy's preparations for attack.
COMPANY REPORT.
HONGKONG HOTEL CO., LTD.
recommend follows:-
apportioning
88
To pay a final divid- end of $3 per share on 20,000 shares...$60,000.00
To write off Build-
ing
The balance at credit of Profit To write off Faroit and Loss Account, including the, ures & Fixtures, sum of $78,246.38 brought for To writes off Steam ward hom 31st December, Launch 1917, smounted to $251,045.30, To transfer to Gen-
eral BaserrA deducting and
To carry forward to
New Account”
interindividen
on their return
aspectors
to $60,000 id 1818 the im
TELEGRAMS.
(Reuter's Service to the “ Talograph.")
THE SILVER MARKET.
Ioaden, Jan 30 (delayed). Massrs. Samuel Montagu' and Company's report says the price of silver is unchanged, although a change may occur at any *moment. owing to reduced ||Freights from America. ---
UNION INSURANCE SOCIETY.
PROPOSED STERLING
CAPITAL
We are informed that
| Directors of the Union Insurgicð Society of Canton, Led bare resolved to submit proposals to shareholders at an early date" for the purpose of converting thể existing silver capital of the Company into hng, and for increasing the capital so con verted to the sum of £2,000,000 divided into 200,000 shareE OË £10 each..
аге
If the proposals are approved, esch shareholder will receive fire shares of the nominal value of £10 each an exchange for each silver share held. Buch $10) shares will be issued credited as. paid up in respect of the starling equivalent of $100 (the amount paid up on the existing silver shares) at the T.T. rate on the day the resolutiona:
confirmed and the "oon- version effected, and a call will simultaneously be made of the difference between the amount of anch sterling equivalent and the sum of #4 so that the 510 shares may stand with the sum of £4 credited as paid up thereon. Such call will be payable on the day after the next annual gener- al meeting (which will be held towards the end of May next). A bonus dividend will be declared out of the undistributed profita of the Company equal to the amount of the call and payable on the same date. An additional 16,000 shares of £10 each out of the converted capital will also be issued and offered to shareholders in the proportion of one £10 share for each silver share held at the price. of £25 payable on application, of which 4 is to be on capital account and 521 on premium account: such new shares to participate in all dividends de clared after the next annual general meeting pro rata with the then existing issued shares. The time for acceptance of such offer will be limited to the day after the next anmaal general meeting of the Company.
The
necessary meeting to anthorise what is proposed will be held during the month of April next so that the conversion may be effected by the end of that month.
Legislative sanction will be sought for the proposed conver sion prior to its coming into effect.
The body of a European was picked up by the Lok Shaing. this morning. The body sppears to have been in the water for several days, and it is: presumed to be body of one of the the Americans who was drowned..
22,526.00 recently.
14,021.04
DON'T FORGET.
700.00
TO-DAY
50,000.00
Victoria Th Coronet Thi