FRIDAY, JANUARY 20 1974.
CHINESE IN SINGAPORE, few, if any, Chinese settlers. Yet on
ONE HUNDRED YEARS' -HISTORY.
(Special Book Review.)
[By J. D. Busb, former editor, of Peking Leader and Instructor in New York University.]
June 11, Raffles was able to write to the Duchess of Somerset:
settlers and '; their | lift of the children are unquestionably Dr. Lim Boon Keng and Dr. Song My new colony thrives most Ong Slang, the author of the Book rapidly. We have not been under review. For twenty years established four months, and it or more the two have worked has received an accession of incessantly in the interest of e- population exceeding 5,000 tablishing Chinese schools for -principally and their number is boys and girls. Both of these. men owe much of their early daily increasing.
start in life to the inspiring 'in- Buence of Mr. Hullett, the Prin cipal of the Ruffles Institutions in Singapore. From the beginning. Mr. Hullett. had picked out Lim and Sorg as boys that would distinguish themselves. And sure enough they afterwards won the Queen's Scholarship, which was founded by Sir Ceell Smith, the then Governor who contributed much in promoting the higher education in the Colony.
Within twenty years the Chinese have become the mainstay of the Colony. According to the records that have been compiled in this Book, there were 6,000 Chinese all told in 1826 and since then the number has increased from year to year until on February 6, 1919 out of a total population of 300,000, no less than 200,000 were Chinese, the majority of them Strafts-born, known as Babas" and British subjects.
+
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This chronological record of the contribution by the Chinese com- munity to the development, pro- gress and prosperity of Singapore is a significant and eloquent-ils tration of what can be expected of the Chinese people under the acgis of a benevolent and enlightened government. Perus ing the pages of this voluminous book with profuse. Illustrations,
Dr. Lim Boon Keng, B.C.M. In the early days the life of the there is one outstanding feature Chinese settlers reads somewhat (Edinburgh) who recently was which it is impossible to over-like the great pioneer movement, honoured by the King of England look. namely, it is true that without what is called the winning of the with O.BE, who is now the Chan the Chinese, the commercial pro-West, in the United States. In the cellor of the South Western sperity of Singapore might not American Continent, the settlers University in Amoy, has done the have become what it is today, had to consider the problem of most to further Chinese education But without the liberal and pushing back the hostile Indians and at one time he was so anxious generously tolerant spirit of the and absorbing the Frenchmen-and-to have his countrymen in Singa British Nation, the Chinese people Spaniards, while in Singapore, the pore speak the national language In Singapore might not have been Chinese settlers had to confront that he started Mandarin night able to play the great part in open ravages from tigers, which were
classes. Dr. Lim is an accomplish ing up the Colony and Malaya, in frequently referred to in the cd linguist, and a prolific con- developing their resources and in columns of the Free Press. It is tributor to many of the leading contributing to their prosperity. said that in one instance, "a This, in some way, sounds plantation which had cost the much like a riddle, propounded owner $300 was sold for $25 by Ca professor of political in consequence of the fact that the economy while in the midst of ravages from tigers had been so discussing the vital problem of great there that the plantation had Capital and Labour, as to whether acquired a bad reputation and no the egg or the chicken comes into labourers could be induced to live existence "rst. Whatever argu upon it. The government reward ments we may bring forth on this of $50 for every tiger brought to point, there is no denying the fact the police station, whether alive or the Chinese Volunteer Company, Chinese residents abroad, but meals, making it possible for Victoria British School that the two are indispensable to dead, was increased to $100 and each other. The same applies to later to $150. Like the American the Chinese people and the geven-frontiersmen again, the Chinese ments in the Eastern colonies of settlers had to conquer nature and the Western Powers. If I may make homes for themselves and digress a little in this connection, their families-trusting much to England has shaped her colonial theirown resources. policy along this line of thought
So much credit is due to the far more than other European Chinese in the development of the Colony that "in less than 30 years, Carlyle was right when he four small Malay States, jungle to do Guard duty at various attempted to characterise an covered, pathless, unknown, have
Among those who contributed liberally towards the War, Hon. Eu Tong Sen was the first person in Malaya to present a battleplane vided by the Blue Fannel Line for the front, was again first in, for the main body of the Chinese giving £6,000 for the cost of a exhibitors proceeding to the Tank-one of those wonderful fighting machines which helped the British Empire Exhibition on the which salls on Allies in winning the War. Dr. "Apapenor" Addison, the Minister of Munitions February 11. caused Mr. Eu Tong Sen's gift lo
The ship is being specially have a painting made of it and the painting was presented to him. fitted up la Shanghai as her stay The tank was specially distin. in Hongkong is not long enough.
A Happy End.........ımıçeris guished by its two eyes, thus giving. The male exhibitors will be
Weak in English....... effect to the Chinese idea of hav- accommodated in a large saloon on
Homraick Stowaway ing their boats and junks painted deck level. the accommodation New European V.M.O.A. with two eyes because
being of superior type and well Ballet-Proof Man.... No got eyes, how can see?
ventilated. No can see, how can savee?
Lavatory accommo- Canton River Thrills.... No can savee, how can chop, chop? dation is some little distance Rugger Raggings,.... away on the same deck. Beds in John G. Kerr Hospital I am far from denying that there tlers of two occupy the sides of Our Fire Brigade.. is no carker side to the life of the the saloon and small tables for On the de Lin so long the good outweighs friends to sit together, occupy the
nations.
words:
To this English People in World History, there have been, shall I prophesy, two grand tasks assigned? Huge-looming through the dim tumult of
be done."
medical and
a
European
other journals. Song Ong Siang, as a strong supporter and colleague of Dr.Lim has worked hard to improve the status of the Straits Chinese community by helping to establish such institutions as the Chinese Philomatic Society, the Singapore Chinese Girls' School, the Straits Chinese British Association and In collaboration with Dr, Boon. Keng, he produced the Chi- nese Magazine, which had been powerful organ for the intellectual advancement of the Chinese in Singapore for eleven years. At the outbreak of the War, he carried on the irksome duties in connection with the inobilise tion of the Chinese volunteers strategical posts on the island. He also was the leader in the movement, under the auspices of the Straits Chinese British Associa tion to induce the Straits Chinese as British subjects to render what ever services they were capable of to King and Country "in the hour of sore trial."
and
rose
the
to
יון.
Launch Stolen ? Alma Enamorata... Diocesan Boys' School Happy Tim.... Jailed for Life.. "Tai Lee" Pirated. Storm in A Fiat
CONSIGNEES.
25 cts. PER COPY,
CONTENTS.
PAGE
1 Obituary.
Volunteers Mobilized...
A Peking Diary
Tauwati Battio..
Shots on Bowen Road.
Old Offender.... Correspondence ....
14-16 Bank of East Asia
The Boy Scouts,.
.53
PAGK
.52
1-10 Alleged Footpads..
.10.
10-11
Gap Road School..
.11.
Who Sent Them?
.II
Canton Affairs..........
11
11
.12
Arms Plot Revealed..
.12
.18
Silk Stockings.-
.13
.13
.16
.16
$80,000 Rancom
17
Parting
.17
Up the Mekong.....
.17
..17
Photography...
.17
"Fall of Joy.".
.17
Lost in A Fog.....
.18
New Year Leniensy
Commercial Notes
19-24
Life's Burden
.24
Bishop Pozzoni..
..24
Pawned Bangles..
39
.25
HAPA...
39
.25
Stella Benson..
.39
.25
"Tis Gratitude Impele
.39
.26
Minus The Eam..
.89
25
.39
"Hanoi SeizarG"-
Who Who....
.28-28 Distinguished Tiger”.
.28-30 Passengera
.30
Exchanges De De .31-32, Local Share Market-min
Cheloo Gossip
NOTICE TO CONSIGNEES,
}
CONSIGNEES.
NOTICE TO CONSIGNEES.
THE BEN LINE STEAMERS, LTD. THE Binmahip From LETTH MIDDLESBRO, AN-
TWERP, LONDON & STRAITS.
THE Steamship
"BENDORAN"
"WRAY CASTLE"
From NEW YORK
CONSIGNEES of Cargo are hereby
informed that all Goods a being landed at their risk into the Go. downs of the Hongkong and Kowloon
at Kowloon, whence and/or from the wherres delivery may be obtained.
Optional Cargo will be forwarded unless notice to the contrary be given. before Elet inst
the bad, so much credit is due not centre of the saloon. The wo Bellion School.. only to the Chinese, but to any men, of whom there are 9, have Arms Evil......
On this point I am other race.
separate accommodation forward. Attempt on Mission..
Messra. Jack A Tai, who have Fragments from & Diary. persuaded to quote the words of a British high official who retired long experience, are sending a A Secularised Sunday.. from his post in Singapore on February, 1904. Among other special staff of caterers to provide Kowloon Fire ... things he spoke of the Chinese in a Chinese meals on ship board, and Taikoo Club Ball. letter that appeared in The London the Shipping Co. has made special Bribe or Camshaw
provision for cold storage. Chinese The Ambitions of Jill.....18 Times, he added:
"The Straits Settlements form a representatives on the local British Sport....... Anglicized universe and .of beea turned into flourishing
British colony where the laws are Empire Exbibition Committee have Brothel Bribery.. England in its aspirations for communities, with a total revenue
much the same as in other British been in close touch with the ship Wrecked "Hoi Bang" Democracy and Empire in these of over £2,000,000 sterling per
possessions, and those who regard ping company and the caterers
Dividende annum, a trade of £10,000,000 sterl-
the Chinese as a people of peculiar! whilst these arrangements have Company Report ang panum, 350 miles of ex
vices, not fit to live in the same been made, and it is confidently cellent railway, thousands of miles
country with Europeans, can easily believed that they will be found Company Meeting of roads and telegraphic, water
ascertain whether the records of the very suitable and confortable. police and other Courts justify the! works in fact all the machinery of the most modern administra- There is no question that these charge. I say they do not. On the thic always incommensurable, tion-with no debt of any two worthy citizens have rendered contrary, the Chinese are honest,
ONE IS NOT AS OLD AS Present Time, outlines of two
sort and a balance of over conspicuous service to the Chinese hard-working, thrifty and sober as
ONE'S YEARS BUT AS tasks disclose themselves, the £1,500,000, ready to be spent people and the British Government people go. They are easy
OLD AS ONE FEELS. grand Industrial task of conquer on further railway extension and and certainly deserve ab enormous govern for those who understand ing some half or more of this other works of development." Then amount of credit, and whom the them and their value as a source of
French Octogenarian Tolla Secret Terraqueous Planet for the use of again, the development of the Chinese at home and abroad ought taxation, and revenue is recognized by all those who have had to deal
Of His Longevity. man; then, secondly, the grand tin mines in British Malaya "in to be justly proud. Constitutional task of sharing, in the work of indentured Chinese Space forbids citing in this re-with them."
How to prolong life is subject of So after reading through this never failing interest, and, those who some pacific, endurable manner, labourers, and it may safely be view many other instances of the fruit of said conquest, and said that the same results could Chinese of great enterprise and intensely interesting record of a base attained to advanced years are con- showing all people how it might not have been obtained with any thrift and public spirit, how they hundred years' Chinese in Singa stantly being asked what has been their
other class of labour."
have been toiling Industriously pore, there is one outstanding ect. Such a question was pit recent And in the excellent charac-
Before I am done with this point from the humble beginning of a thought that is bound to remainly by a reporter to M. Yvonnosu do
fixed in
Bordenenve, a wonderfully hals and mind, namely hearty old gentleman of 60 years who teristics of the Chinese workmen regarding the germ of persevering contracted labourer and immigrants, the British industry inherent in the Chinese gradually to the eminent position the splendid pioneering spirit, resides at 15 bi, in the Rue Catchois, Nation has found a remarkable race and their hopeful capabill- of being able to create, organize varied experience and financial Paris
"I judge that you have always enjoy. co-worker. Their patience com- ties, I am persuaded to quote the and carry forward to success great resources thus accumulated during
and the ten decades will one day be ed exceptionally fine health. Is it not bined with their frugal and words of a British official, who on undertakings in business
THE "There you are mistaken," was the industrious habits can perform the eve of departure was presented amassed huge fortunes to be able brought back to contribute to so said the reporter. wonders under any climate and by the Chinese with a handsome to contribute liberally to the China's progress and development, reply, for when between 60 and 65
the The overseas Chinese have been a years of age my bealth was very far from Consignees of Cargo are hereby territory, As an English writer silk umbrella, interwoven with welfare and progress of
great asset to the progress of rood. Do you wish to know what it was informed that all Goods are being has well observed of the wonder- gold thread, said to have cost Colony and their Vaterland.. ful traits of the Chinese people three hundred dollars :--
Perhaps one of the most honour modern China and will remain so that made a wonderfully happy trans landed at their risk into the bazar ૬. settlers and frontiers-
"Of all the classes of the ed Chinese in Singapore is Mr. in the years to come. In time of formation in me?" And rising, M. de done and for extra hazardous Go men: "They are good agricul-
mixed and varied population of Loke Yew, C. M.. G., who was stress, they have not forgotten their Bordeneuve took from his doak a bottle downe of the Hongkong and Kow. Wharf and Godown Company, Ltd,
of Dr. Williams' Pink Pills. Look ! it turists, mechanics, labourers, and
loon Wharf and Godown Co., Ltd- invested with the honorary degree Mother Country, like the ancient was simrly this." sailors, and they possess all the
which the community of Sing of Doctors of Laws (LLD) of Greeks in the colonies around the ས་
I own infinite gratitude to these whence, and/or from the wharves, apore is composed, there is none
Mediterranean Basin, their one Pillo continued M. de Fordenenvo, "for delivery may be obtained. intelligenee, delicacy of touch,
the Hongkong University and unswerving patience which for which I have learnt to enter: January 1917. It was the first ideal was to perpetuate the name by their aid I passed safely through that No claims will be admitted after -are--necessary to render them. tain a more, sincere respect and instance, of the presentation of an and glory of Athens, and laid the exceedingly ortical period. Stomach the goods have left the Godowns,
aud intestinal troubles were assailing me
-No claims will be admitted after the first rate machinists and manu-
esteem than the Chinese. Their honorary degree to an inhabitant shining steps of the Temple of then and I had perpetual headachen and and all Goods remaining undeliver indefatigable industry, their British Malaya. At the time Freedom. facturers. They are, moreover, mutual support of each and con- Sir Charles Elliot said, while
rheumation. The resulta of the use of ed after the 29th inst, will be subject Goods have left the Godowns, and all Just as the early Greek settlers Dr. Williams' Pick Pills were so surpris- to rent.
Goods remaining undelivered after the docile, sober, self-denying, co-
27th inst, will be subject to rent. during, and peace-loving to a
sequent success in all their un investing Mr. Loke Yew with the in Asia Minor and Italy who showing that I have never siure been with All claims against the steamer
All claims against the steamer must degree. They are equal to any dertakings, their ready skill in cerise gown, green hood and blacked the same fearlessness in plot out a bottle of them in my possession.
"I am an enthusiastic believer in the must be presented to the Under be presented to the Undersigned on or adopting the language and man-
ting out the true methods of climate, be it hot or frigid. AÏÏ
merits of Dr. Williams Pink Pills and it signed on or before the 6th February. before the 6th prox, or they will not ners of the most polished cap of the degree:
Science and Philosophy, that is needed is teaching and
what I have told you canrioon others or they will not be recognized. be recognized. Europeans; their liberality and guiding, combined with capital
All broken, chafed, and damaged the overseas Chinese scattered who are in bad berlin that they will do
All broker, chafed, and damaged general benefactions to the and enterprise, to convert them
throughout the Globe, will con- for them what they have done for me I goods are to be left in the Go-Goods are to be left in the Godomas, poor, their respect for the
tinue to be the intellectual ferment shall be happy * into the most efficient workmen
laws by which their lives,
In the Reconstruction of Modern No matter what your ego or sex Dr. downs, where they will be examin where they will be examined on the 26th inst, at 10 a.mn, by our surveyors to be found on the face of the
their liberties,' and their pro-
China.
Williams Pink Pills will improve the ed on the 9th-inst at 10 a.m.
No Fire Insurance has been Messrs. Goddard & Douglas. earth."
perties are protected (when once
This book that Mr. Song Ong quality of your blood if it is watery or
No Fire Insurance has been effected. those laws have been fully
Siang bas so ably compiled will are weak, aid your digestion, give you
impare, strengthen your nervos.if they effected...
Bill of Lading will be counter- Bill of Lading will be countersigned (expounded to them) as well as
remain long a monument to guide incressed strength and ohverfulness, signed by for the rulers and judges by Like many other pioneers among and to inspire future generations. Dealers everywhere sell them, or post
GIBB, LIVINGSTON & CO., LTD. whom those laws are administer the Chinese who have struck the. It is all in all an excellent task that free, $1.50 per bottle. 800 por aix
Agents. ed, have stamped the Chinese as gold vein in the "goldfields," Mr. the younger generation may bottles, from Dr. Williams Medicine Co., the best colonists which the Loke went to Singapore from emulate.
60 Klangse Road Shanghai. We all work to world has produced, and "have South China "ar the age of eleven make this age; better in tended in a high degree to in 1858, a poor lad, to seek his preparation for the next. So be the unrivalled pro- fortune. After four years hard not despondent because there is a sperity of the Settlement of work (in Singapore) he had saved huge bank of black clouds in the Singapore."
$99 and with this opened a shop political horizon of the Chinese Some of the lives of the Chinese under the style of Chop Heng Republic. After all, the, turmoil as poor Loong, thus laying the foundation and confusion prevalling in the settlers who started labourers or small traders. afford of that firm now well-known provinces, at bottom, amoubts to The growth of Singapore during interesting material for a modern through Malayalie was nothing more than the teething and the past century is something Odyssy of personal adventure and associated in every promising measted period before the adolo- staggering to the imagination, hard-won happiness, in fact, some venture and steadily amassed an scence. So in closing, I am tempt when we bear in mind the fact that accounts do not differ much from immense fortune. He settled downed to cite these words of Ibsen, Sir Stamford Raffles founded the biography of a Carnegie or in Kuala Lumpur and rendered Singapore in 1819, and at Schwarb. I wish I had space for great service to the F.M.S. Govern
ment in opening up the more that time it was merely a small some of them here, fishing village, and even for a con The most perplexing problem remote districts of the Peninsula siderable time afterwards its chief confronting the Chinese is to find and to the public by his liberal
No doubt Mr. Song Ohg "Importance was that it made a good an effective means of educating benefactions.
dumping ground for expelled con- the Straits-born Chinese in both There are also many women Siang, the author of the victs from India. In the early English and Chinese together. The who rose to emisence, and perhaps art. excellent book on the days, the Chinese of Fukten and British government protects the the first lady to receive the honour Overseas Chinese, can take com Kwangtung Provinces made Chinese and their property, but it of Membership of the British for in such thought Singapore and its vicinity one of is somehow, Indifferent to their Empire was Mrs. Les Choon GuarOne Hundred Years' History of their parts of call in their trading native tongue, Only within com- from: His Majesty the King the Chinese in Singapore, by Song with the natives. As the Chinese paratively recent years is, it that was a reward she well merited for Ong Siang, M.A., LL.M. (Cantab), enjoyed more and more of the Chinese schools have been the very active interest she had Barrister-at-law, etc. Published liberal and benevolent policy of established by the rich merchants, taken during the War in various by. Join Murray, Albemarle Street, the British Government, they came but it will be many years before charitable entertainment. During W. London. not only to trade but with the the boys and girls can claim to her last trip to Europe shewas object of settling down and making know the Chinese language and presented at Court by Lady Tudor Singapore their home,erature. Roughly speaking, the She was commanded to attend
According to the author of this English schools claim 70% of the Royal Garden Party at Bucking book under review, when Sir school children and only 30% are ham Palace, and though the Stamford Raffles first planted the afforded a chance to learn their gathering was British flag in Singapore on mother tongue.
honour, of February 6, 1819, the population of "The twon Strait
Primarily, it was these excellent traits of the Chinese, immigrant workers that helped to build up the prospérity. of Singapore and most of the colonies of the Eur- Powera. Wherever the opean Chinese Immigrant workers may bein Panama, Manila, or No Man's Land, in France or in Russia they are willing to work for such rewards as they may be able to. get, and in their willingness and contentment with little, they have manifested their staying power in the growth of Singapore.
promote
the leland was composed of about who have worke 250 fisherman and pirates, with for the
"The brilliant nature of your
career in the Federated Malay States has abundantly demon- strated your intellectual capacity, and the wealth you have acquired, you have largely devoted to educational and philanthropic objects,*
the pleas
"For my part 1 shall be con tent, with the result of my life's work, if this work can serve to prepare the spirit for the morrow."
Try This For Your Coughs,
A pervous hacking dough cannot, ba cured by glass of water but it will- dissprow vodar the bling and soothing affeau of Chamberlain's Cough Remedy Every user friend. It is for gals every where
60
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Hongkong, 23rd January, 1924.
SHIPBUILDERS. SHIP REPAIRERS. BOILER MAKERS, FORGE MASTERS, OXY-ACETYLENE, AND ELECTRIC WELDERS,
MECHANICAL, AND ELECTRICAL
by
DODWELL & CO., LTD,
Agenta.
Hongkong, 21st January, 1924.
LIMITED.
THE TAIKOO DOCKYARD & ENGINEERING COMPANY
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apahis" of Handling Ships: The
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HONGRONG CHINA JAPAN,
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