Fireplaces
of
Beauty
in
Latest
Calour
Schemes
for The South China Morning Fun, 243
Nortirist of variable winds: generally overcast; rain and fog: warmer..
The
Dollar on Demand:----11d.. Lighting-up Time:-0.50 p.m. High Water:—19.35, Low Water:-13.31.
Library, Supreme Court
Hongkong Telegraph.
C. E. WARREN & CO., LTD.
Tel. 20269.
NO. 3,204 四拜禮
Chias Building,
FOUNDED 2001
MOTA KXF THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1931.
930 PER ANNUM
日七廿月三
SINGLE COPY 20 VENTS
PORT
DUNIOP Reinpromi Motor Cyble
LOCAL BRANCH.
Pedder Bldg.
SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST PRESIDENT OF WHAMPOA STARTLING SILVER
LORD KYLSANT.
CIVIL SERVANTS' SALARIES.
CLEARING UP A MYSTERY.
Breach of Faith
Alleged.
LORD KYLSANT.
SUMMONS SERVED IN LONDON.
ALLEGED CIRCULATION OF FALSE REPORTS.
A SENSATION was provided for city circles in London yesterday by disclosures that summonses have been issued by the Mansion House against Lord Kylsant, the noted shipping magnate, chairman of the Royal Mail Steam Packet group of steamship lines, including the White Star Line.
Wild rumours have been in circulation. It has been known for some time that an official investigation into the affairs of the Royal Mail S.M. Co. has been proceeding since Sir William McClintock's disclosures of the state of the finances. Lord Kylsant has himself disclosed that the summonses involve accusations that he circulated false reports in 1926 and 1927 in order to mislead the shareholders of the gigantic concern.
HOW DIVIDENDS WERE PAID.
FRANCE.
M. PAUL DOUMER ELECTED.
BRIAND WITHDRAWS
CANDIDATURE.
Paris, May 13.
M. Paul Doumer, President of the Senate, and famed ad- ministator, was to-day elect- ed President of the Republic of France to succeed M. Doumergue.
The new President led on the
first ballot in the election at Ver- sailles by a margin of 41 yoles, the official figures being as fol-
lows:
M. Paul Doumer M. Aristide Brinnel M. Hennessey.... M. Chussain (Com.) M. Daumergne
442
401
16
10 ↑
at arose in consequence of the fact that Mr. Doumer was ten votes all other candidates, but this very short of an absolute majority over fact was taken to indiente that the prospects of 31.
Briand on the second ballot were extremely black.
The necessity for a second bal-
M. Briand Withdraws. Rumours soon spread through the Assembly that M. Briand would not venture to put himself to the text a second time, and that he would withdraw his candida-
London, May 13. jgate and to prepare a rationalisture. Renter's representative, calling tion scheme.
of
Minister.
-
SENSATION.
PLOT AGAINST
PROPOSAL.
NEW REGIME. INTERNATIONAL PARLEY
NIPPED IN BUD BY GUNBOATS.
ATTACK PLANNED.
Canton, May 14.
A sensational plot said to have been inspired by the National Government, and involving three of the Peace Preservation Corps stationed at Whampao, who planned an attempt to seize control of the Canton Garrison Forts and to follow up the move by an invasion
on Can- tan Proper, was frustrated this morning.
the affair in time and dispatched. The Government got wind of ten gunboats with a Regiment Wan to disarm these rebellious under Commander Wong Yum forces.
News of the possibility of fight-. ing at Whampao perturbed the management of some of the Can- ton-Hongkong steamers and the alling of many of the vessels was postponed in view of the fear that they might be hit by bullets when passing Whampao.
IN CHINA!
BANKER'S CABLE FROM AMERICA.
(From Our Own Correspondent).
Shanghai, May 14.
an
Mr. Pei Tau-yee, chairman of the Bank of China, has cabled from Washington to the Shanghai Bankers' Association, organisation embracing the chiefs of all the principal Chinese foreign-style banks in Shangbai, urging them to make plans for China to call and to entertain an international silver conference in China!
He states that the particular Committee of the. Inter- national Chamber of Commerce which has been studying the effect of the slump in the value of silver on world trade, has petitioned the Nanking Government to take the initiative.
Nanking recently instructed Dr. C. C. Wu to convene the conference in Washington, but Mr. Pei Tau-yee believes that the best place for such a conference would be China and efforts will be made to follow up the suggestion made by the noted banker.
: Silver Futures,
New York, May 13. The Board of the National Metal Exchange has approved a proposal for trade in silver futures and a beginning is expect- ed on June 16.
The contract unit will be 25,000 ounces, at 99.9 fineness, and price movement will be in one-hundredth cents.-Reuter's American Service.
Spanish Crisis Latest.
Realizing the futility of offering Alfonso's Property
resistance in the face of the gun. boats and aeroplanes, the Peace Preservation Corps surrendered and the disarmament was carried through without the firing of a single shot at 11 o'clock.
The Canton Government forces, with the assistance of the gun- London, May 13. at Lord Kylsant's London home,
For once, the rumour-mongers boats and co-operating with aero- were vorrect, M. Briand announe-planes flying overhead, arrived off The special conversion rate about the City, was informed that
as a result of the camours lying j Sir W. McLintock's Survey, ing his withdrawal and his inten-Whampao at ten o'clock in readi- applied by the Government two summonses had been granted instructed by the Trade Facilities France's Foreign
Sir William McLintock, who was the League Count, inneva 10:
finu of proceeding
ness for attack, if necessary, on meeting at the Peace of Hongkong to officers on "gainst Lord Kylsant by the Mat
Preservation Advisory
Commitleg 10eaves for Geneva to-morrow, gistrate at Mansion House.
He
Crops, which were formerly sterling salaries is to be re-
under the The summonses were served on verious companies in the group. Herriott was mentioned as a dark examine the position of the In the second bullnt, the name of
command of General Chan Ming- considered by the Secretary,him to-day and are issued in con-unitted
Ahu. of the State for the Colonies exion with the
his report to affairs of the holders on February 12, ant said in the election and A1. Hennessey. share- horse, but he was not concerned when the Report of the pay, and are returnable for Juu best of their ability, and after his candidature.
Royal Mail Stein Packet Com-the voting trustees had to the the Currency Mission headed by 5
Cogne King, also withdrew Mr. Clegg has been sub- It is recalled that Sir William the
consultation with the officials of mitted.
"Jowitt, the Attorney-General, stat-place a vahe on the assets
company. endeavoured to
Doumer Elected. e in the House of Commons re-White Star Line, Ild, a subsidiary This was
The contest rosolved itself into disclosed in the gently that House of Commons to-day when R.M.S.P. Company were the sub consisted of ships.
the alfairs of the of the KMS so far as they Paul Doumer and Senator Mar- a vote fur popular favour of M.. the question of the salaries of Jest of an investigation.
olares in rand, and 3. Douner was declared civil servants in Hongkong was!
owning ships. int} "False Reports," again raised by questioners.
their revised values, which were elected on the second ballot by on a going concern basis, showed
558 votes to 330. The brief discussion also served. Lord Rylant, in an interview that the total assets nounted to
Later. to clear up the mystery of Dr.nouses, which he is to answer of creditors amounted to £4.442.511, ballot voting follow:
with Reuter regarding the sum- £8,894,881. The total liabilities to the Presidential election
The official corrected figures of Drummond Shiels's statement 2, xnk that the allegation leaving a surplus of £5.952.320, last week, to the effect that ar-contained therein was that he cir rangements had been made to eutated false annual reports for of the values as revised, the whole; This meant that on the basis made readjustment easily posthe years 1926 and 1927 in order of the ordinary share capital. sible for those in Government to mislead shareholders of the even if fully paid, had been lost, employ remitting part of their Company. salary to England.
and that the surplus available. He entirely denied the allega- preference shareholders, was only
which belonged wholly to tions. He would fight the case to the hilt and he had no fear £3,062,320, or. say. £1,000,000 at of the result.
Lagainst the issued Preference
share capital of £5,000,000.
companies
Pledged to Creditors.
the
M. Doumer M. Marraud
second
01 331
four years of age but is still won- The new President is seventy- derfully active,
Most Imposing Man in France,
The Government this morning an Canton is again very quiet. nounced that ten fall Regiments are stationed in the City to pre- serve peace.-Rensha
MR. SUN FO TO. RESIGN.
LIKELY TO PAY VISIT TO CANTON.
Shanghai, May 14. He has the reputation of being The North China Daily Newn the most imposing man in France. learns that Mr. Sun Fa has decided He was an unsuccessful candidate to resign his position as Minister for the Presidency a quarter of a for Rahways. century ago, and he was a former
up
It seems that the arrangement referred to was the payment of half the sterling salary at the current rate of exchange, the Secretary of State asuming that this half of the Lord Kylsant until the R.S.M.P., salary would be employed for re- found itself in serious difficulties,) mittances.
was regarded as one of the weal It must also be borne in mind Cabinet Minister in the Govern- which he will Sir Robert Hamilton, the Liberal thiest men in the country.
A message is being drawn Helthat, apart from entla due from meniler for Orkney and Shetland, was raised to the. Peerage In 1923, shareholders, practically all the ment of M. Briand, his chief on-capital in a day or two. It is also forward to the Trouble Commenced.
company's assets, with the excep
ponent to-day.
learned that Mr. Sun Fo is con- tion of the balance owing by the, First suggestions that the great Oceanle.Steam
Mr. Lloyd George, who came templating a visit Navigation Conti- as a result of the new conversion shipping combine was in trouble pany, were pledged
into contact with M. Doumer, as Reuter, to the com- rate.
Finance Minister of France were made in 1928, when the pany's creditors.
during the Reparations dis cussions at Versailles, in 1919, described him as a “rock," which nothing could move.
invited the Colonin! Office represen- tative to state the amount in steri-1 Har lost by Hongkong civil servants
shares,
follows:-
Ing.
•
Lo
Canton,--
FRANCO-GERMAN RELATIONS.
BIG DELEGATION LEAVES FOR GENEVA,
Berlin, May 13.
Confiscated.
PRIMATE FLEES.
the
FIRE HORROR
IN JAPAN.
500 BUILDINGS DESTROYED.
THIRTY MISSING.
Tokyo, May 14. The series of disastrous fires in different parts of Japan since
Madrid, May 13. The Primate of Spain, Cardinal Archbishop of Toledo, the beginning of May were com- has led and is making his way early hours of this morning by pletely overshadowed in the to France.
Later. la terrible outbreak at Shirane-
Cardinal Segura, the Primate, machi in Niigata Prefecture. has safely reached the frontier all Over thirty people are missing Irun, by motor-cur.
and are feared to bo have in-
The Government has decided to cinerated, seize all the possessions in Spain:
Over five hundred buildings were destroyed, including
of the ex-King Alfonso, alleging completely that he employed his position as some of the principal premlees in Monarch to enrich himself.the city business quarter. Reuler.
The branch of a big bank, the Later.
Post Office, the Town Hall, a temple Martial law has been declared and a theatre, were all devoured by throughout Andalusia, where the flumes, which swept through a serious anti-religious riots have residential district and rendered at ourred.-Reuter.
least two thousand five hundred persons homeless.
MURDER OCCURS AT CHEUNG CHAU.
AGED BOAT OWNER DONE TO DEATH,
The blaze is believed to have raged furiously for over six hours been of incendiary origin, and it
before under control-Reuter.
Later.
The casualties so far known aro one burned to death, 20 seriously injured and 50 slightly injured.
The damage is estimated Yan 260,000.
at
A murder mystery at Cheung Chau is
Sparks blowing across the river engaging the attention of set fire to a neighbouring villogo, the police.
radueing twenty houses to ashos. The preliminary report this mor--Reuter ning contains very few details, be- yond disclosing the fact that the victim, a septuagenarian. named
dered last night or in the early unlicensed passenger boat, was mur- hours of this morning.
SERIOUS SETBACK.
Dr. Drummond Shiels, Under-See shares slumped £1,300,000 in a The deficiency to be accounted retary for the Colonies, told Sir month, and Lord St. David, his for amounted to £5,047,680, and Robert that the annual difference eldest brother. created a sensu-was made up between the salaries formerly paid tion by announcing publicly that Decrease in value of Oceanic in sterling and now being paid on as trustee for the First Liebenture shares. £4,000,000; Aberdeen Com
Twice President of the Chamber. dollar basis was estimated at £70,- holders he had not been informed monwealth Line vessels, £332,684 the new President earned a great 000 annually on a salary bill of of an issue of £2,000,000 inShaw Savil
name for himself as Governor- £450,000, or about 16 per cent,
Second Debentures, and express-formation expenses (less profit and to 1002, during which time he
£260,000;
General of Indo-China from 1800 He admitted that the consent position taken by the auditors.
ed concern over the view of the loss account balance), £226,936; brought the country to order and of the Hongkong civil servants
and estimated loss on eails*on had not been obtained to the sant, who offered to explain the a total of £5,047,680.
The refused to meet Lord Kyl-ordinary shares, £225,000-making placed it on a sound financial foot-are likely vitally to affect Franco-Wong Chik-yau, the owner of an
In view of lscussions which alteration.
position Another Scottish member, Mr. I. year the market price of the stock voting trustees believed that the and educated himself during his meeting of the Council of
to him. In June last Continuing, Sir William said the in March, 1857, of pour parents, large German delegation has
He was born at Aurillac, Cantal, German relations, un unprecedent Ian Macpherson, the Liberal mem- had ahrunk to a third of the lowest price of £7,000,000 paid for the leisure hours while employed in
left for Geneva, to attend ber for Rose and Cromarty. asked prices ruling in 1928, and a com-shares of the Oceanie Company jeweller's factory. He is a
It is thought that the man was Dr. Shiels if he did not consider mittee was appointed to investi-was an extravagant one."
League of Nations.
killed while asleep on his craft in the action of the Hongkong Gov-
In the keen aportsman and bas fought a (The delegation is headed by
the harbour.
London, May 14. second place, in view of the de-number of duels-Renter and Dr. Curtius, who is accompanied ernment to be a breach of faith
pression in the North Atlantic.B.S.
The discovery was made by other Mr. Philip Snowden, the Chancel
It is learned with regret that, with their servants,
by nifty experts and silvisers,boat people this morning, following for of the Exchequer, has suffered trade, they fell that the raising of
which the police of the local Station so large a proposition as £5,000,000 of the amount required by White Star Line, Ltd., by way of a fixed interests hearing Preference share, had proved unfortunate,
Difficult Matter.
hoped to have their Report
In a few months.
The "Special" Arrangement. Dr. Shiela agreed that it was n difficult matter and one which caus-
Mr.
Macpherson pointed out ed hardship.' Lord Passfield, the that the dollar had fullon heavily Secretary of State for the Colonies, in the last few years and again urreed to the proposal only with asked if it was not a breach of the very greatest reluctance, but faith,
Most Serious.
Non-Partisan Statesman.
Later,
In addition to the votes cast for M. Doumor and M. Marraud, there were forty-five split among the other ten candidates, headed by M.
papers).
the
the
Renter."
LATEST DAVIS CUP CONTEST.
was forced to admit that the finan- Dr. Shiels sald that a special not be so neute if it was merely a
The situation, he said, would Painleve, thirteen (and ton apollt DENMARK DO WELL AGAINST cial position in Hongkong was so arrangement had been made to pay question that in
The now President is the son of
RUMANIA, serious that strong measures were half the salary at the current rate Preference dividend would not be a navy. He began work at the
a bad year the hecessary.
of exchange, which met the demand declared, but when the payment political career began as a Radical ago of twelve making toys, and his
Copenhagen, May 13. However, the Government opokes- man added, the Finance une kur- would be made to meet the dim- $825,000 per annum, was guaran- deputies to advocate an Income Tax
remittances. Every nfort of such a dividend, amounting to
In the Davis Cup Competition, In 1888, He was one of the first Denmark to-day registered two rancy Mission is at present examin-reconsidered when the Report of Mail Steam Packet Company, the represents, like the retiring Free 6/5.6/4; 9/12/1
culties and the matter would be teed in perpetuity by the Royal
wins against Rumania, Jng the whole position of
He lost four sons in the war and Ulrich (Denmark) beat Mishu Colony and the Government Beuler.
dent tradition for lavel-headed El Henriksen (Denmark)
the
for
the Currency Mission was received, consequences in ting VIEREZAS WY
beat
MR. SNOWDEN AGAIN UNWELL.
the:
wore communicated with. A blood-a serious setback in his health. Atained chopper has been recovered bably overstrained himself in It is the opinion that ho pro- from the boat.
The identity of the assailant or introducing
Budgat im- assallants remains a mystery.. It Router.
mediately after his
Mlness. is not known whether robbery was the motive.
NAVAL AGREEMENT QUESTION.
ORAL EXCHANGES OF OPINION,
London
•
Under Secretary for Forelgi Affairs said there had been no further written communications. from the French and Italian Gov ernments In connexion. Naval Agreement, altho
exchanges or
place.
"It was possible that at the forth- comingmenting tab. Geneva, a opportunity might be found for
Zur