Government House, HongKong, 16th February, 1900.
Sir,
I have the honour to enclose for your information copies of correspondence that may be of interest just now.
2. The officers and men of the United States War Ships lying in harbour very kindly offered to get up a game of Base Ball in aid of the South African Sailors and Soldiers Families Fund. The game was played on the 1st instant and resulted in a donation of $535 to the fund.
3. In the mean time a serious accident had taken place on the United States Ship Wheeling when firing the salute on the birthday of the German Emperor, and it was suggested to me that the Committee of the South African Fund should request the United States Consul General, who was managing the game, to devote the proceeds to the families of the injured men. I considered the course taken the more advisable, and I hope that the incident may help to strengthen the bonds of sympathy between the two nations.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your Most Obedient,
Humble Servant,
Straz arslebe
GOVERNOR, &c.
To
The Right Honourable
JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.
&c. &c.
Page 473
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