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delivered by British merchants that very day. But the German firms in question knew that that had bills falling due in the near future, and therefore they had to go on not only selling, but, what was more import- ant, they had to go on buying in order that their credit might revolve. And I contend that the liquidations have proved this, if they have proved nothing else, that when the cargo arrived, the cargo which was hypo- thecated against certain bills and on which "letters of lien had been given, was delivered to the Chinese merchant and the money obtained for it was used, not for pay- ing off that liability but for meeting other bills long overdue. In other words, that is, in practical phraseology, a charge of criminal fraud (Applause.) I can only tell you from my personal knowledge of the liquidations, although personally I had no hand in them therefore, perhaps, I saw more of the game than some of these who had that it was no uncommon thing for the Germans here who had cargo in their godowns which belonged to other people, to carry on the same game, using that cargo, which was held in trust, for the payment of other liabilities which were overdue. That, gentlemen, on very broad lines, was the system of credit trade which the British merchants had to meet and which made it so difficult for them, in time of depression, to trade, simply be cause, as is natural with the Chinese, the Chinese dealer liked a gamble, and if he could buy cheaper he naturally took the chance and gambled, as he will do. The result of the liquidations has convinced the merchants of Hongkong that all this trading, which they have for so long deprecated, was unsound and immoral, and for two and a half years we have been struggling to produce a state of order out of chaos. That has very nearly been evolved, and the mer- chants of Hongkong have said that credit trade is a thing of the past, and I say to-day, with absolute confidence, that, as the result of it, the trade of this port is in a healthier and sounder condition than it has been for many years. (Applause.) Again I ask Will you allow the German to come back and re-introduce that form of credit, even though he be hampered, as he will be hampered, by shortness of credit from the banks for many years to come? (No, no.") With regard to the one important question raised in one anonymous letter, as to whether this Colony should go on trading with the Germans, I would say that my resolution deals more particularly with the residence of Germans in this port. The question as to whether we shall trade with Ger many must, of course, be bound up with the whole Imperial policy, which will be decided, I should imagine, on the grounds of
| proferential tariffs and on war tariffs against
our enemies for some years to come. (Ap-- plause.). On these terms, no doubt, we are prepared to go on trading with Germany i so far as it interests us, and helps us, to do so. And, dealing also with the most important question that of shipping- which has also been raised Shall we admit. or re-admit German shipping to our ports In the first place, if we are to adopt the "ton-for-ton policy which has righteously been demanded as one of the conditions of settlement in this war-(applause)-it will be some years before we need seriously consider the question of German shipping. (Applause.) When we have to consider it it will be dealt with in consonance with the settled terms of our Allies after the war i won, and we shall fall into line with them. Without further words, I leave the resolution with you, reminding you that it is merely advice which we are seeking to offer for guidance in a great Imperial question. Wa do not attempt in any way to dictate, but merely to advise, and in that sense, I su perfectly certain the Home Government will welcome the views of this Colony as a light towards the settlement of what may te perhaps a dark question. (Loud and con tinued applause.)
The Hon. Mr. H. E. POLLOCK, who wa loudly applauded on rising to second the resolution, said:-1 have very much pleasure in seconding the resolution which has been so eloquently proposed by my honourab colleague on the Legislative Council. I think, gentlemen, we shall all be agreed that, upon a matter of this importance, it k advisable that the views of this Colony- this important outpost of Empire in the F East-should be expressed in clear and unmis takeable terms. (Applause.) It has bee said that we cannot act in this matter with out the co-operation of others, but I think before we offer to co operate with others ought to be quite clear and I think the meeting has shown it quite clearly, taken in conjunction with the meeting recently he by the Chamber of Commerce, or, if not, i will be shown quite clearly when the result tion is put that we are in favour of the motion which has been proposed. (Ap plause.) I think it is very necessary that we, the business men and public of this Colony, should express our opinion on this subject in view of the fact that our local Government seems disposed, as regards tha matter, to adopt the "Wait and See attitude. (Applause.) *Gentlemen, we di not wish to wait and see. (Applause.) Th is an important place, and ws want in th matter to hold out a hand to those who, believe, will think and act with us (Lo
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sible in peace also. (Applause) Let us cultivate our shipping and trade and com. merce between the different parts of our Empire. (Applause), Let that be the mem- orial which we lay humbly at the feet of those who have fallen in his war. (Load and prolonged applause.)
The CHAIRMAN then announced that the meeting was open for discussion and Mr. A. H. Harris, Commissioner of Chinese Customs, asked permission to speak.
applaase.) This is a question upon which | badly maimed and wounded, are they to this Colony is so much stirred that we cannot come back to this Colony and see a sumber remain unite. It was stated recently in the of Germans walking about hore pursuing Legislative Council that the aim and object their peaceful avocations (Cries of No, of every war is a lasting peace, but, as my no.") Such a thing cannot be. (Loud ap- honourable friend the mover of this resolu- plause.) What is our mission and duty ? tion has pointed out, what reasonable hope this war has shows us that the Empire is is there for thinking, in view of the bar united and indivisible and as one in war. harities committed by Germans in this war,
Let us show that we are united and indivi- the barbarities especially directed against British prisoners-of-war, that with the advent of peace there will be a magica! change in the mind of the German people? (Applause.) Have we really any good reason for supposing that there will be such a sadden change of view I think it is quite clear, as my hon. friend has pointed out, that the German people are thoroughly permeated with the doctrine of world-power, and they are also thoroughly permeated with the idea that, in order to obtain world. domination, all means are lawful, all means may be employed. They say that war is wat, and they mean by that that every kind of atrocity and barbarity may be employed in connection with war. Can we, then, hold out the hand of friendship to them? (Cries of "Never.") Are we prepared, after the war, to say to them: "Come back here, let us shake hands and let us do business," just the same as if there had been no war and as if these horrible barbarities had never been committed } (Cries of "No.") It has been alleged that sentiment is a blind guide, but, gentlemen, just reflect upon this. If it had not been for sentiment neither Great Britain nor the United States would at the present moment be at war. We came into this war and the United States came into this war-a matter of sentiment, and we are very proud that we did so. (Loud applause.) We did so in order that we might honour our plighted word to Belgium. (Applause.), We did so to show that a treaty must not be treated as "a mere scrap of paper." (Applause.) Gentlemen, as has been pointed out in the letter which our Chairman has read, the Italian community in this Colony is generally in sympathy with us in this movement, and I have no doubt that the other Allied nations will also be in sympathy with us. (Applause.) I cannot believe for one moment that they are not equally as moved as ourselves with indigna- tion at the barbaric cruelties which have been inflicted by the German people in this pre- sent war. Gentlemen, are we to cower down before the Germans and to say we are afraid that if they do not return to this Colony they will take away the trade of this Colony (Cries of No, no.") Are we not perfectly capable and competent to look after our selves? (Applause.) Are those who will come back after peace is declared, perhaps
This being readily granted, Mr. Harris made his way from the dress circle, where he was sitting, to the stage. He said :—I crave permission to make a few remarks before the resolution is put to the meeting, not because I think the remarks that I make will have any influence on the decision of this meeting, but because I feel, as a resident in Hongkong and having been invited to attend this meeting, that I owe it to myself and also to the views that I hold, and that are held by others, respectfully to place some of those views before you. do not wish to record a silent vote. We have been moved by the very eloquent speeches of the proposer and seconder of the resolution, gentlenion whom I can claim as my friends and whom I have known for a good number of years, and I am sure that in putting other opinions before you I shall not be injuring our friendship. (Hear, bear.) Mr. Holyoak has spoken in the hard note of passion," and I wish to introduce the softer note of reason. Now, gentlemen, there were four points which were put forward by the proposer of this motion. One was the question of senti- ment. I will deal with that last. Another was the suitability of the time for bringing forward the motion. Another, the practic- ability of carrying this motion throughout the Empire, and the fourth touched or credit I am not a business man, but I think I am right in saying that a great deal of those goods lying in Hongkong were owned by British merchants. Is that so or not, Mr. Holyoak? Now it is up to the British mer- chant at home to say if he is oing to allow his goods to be handled in that fashion in the future, and it is up to you as business men here to call upon the Government to pass legislation that goods cannot be dealt with
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