1927-11-01 — Page 7

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1927.

IRENE PIRACY.

PRELIMINARY TRIAL OF SUSPECTS.

Case For Prosecution.

GRAPHIC DESCRIPTION OF THE OUTRAGE.

The occasion was. the opening of

the preliminary hearing by Mr. R. E. Lindsell of the use against the seven alleged pirates who were rea- cued from the burning "Irene" and brought to Hong Kong by the Sub

1.

Captain's Evidence. Capt. J. H. Jahnson, "Irene" then gave evidence bearing out in the main Mr.Whyte-Smith's opening speech.

He said that the passengers were not searched when they boarded the

SUBMARINES ACTION.

Will the Pirates Be

eterred?

ing of Secony Hill by the British and American gunboats. The same class of people will be equally busy in the near future pointing out that China's sovereign rights were horribly violated when the L4 It seems (says shipping and shot of the coast of China, We fired upon the "Irene" within rifle Engineering") that already there shall all be expected then to be vessel at Shanghai.

are two distinct schools of opinion ashamed of this Imperialistic ven- After speaking about the seizure on the China Coast as regards the ture and to make duly long faces, of the "Irene" by the pirates, Capt. action of the commander of the when the affair is inadvertently Jahnson said that the first, third, British submarine L4. In stopping mentioned. We are perfectly ser fourth and fifth accused were the s. "Irene" in the manner hetin in the light of, general experi- amongst the men who held the off-did when that vessel was entoring ence with Chinese public affairs, The third Blas Bay in full control of pirates; that the Chinese at large neither cera up in the saloon. Bocused was the man who search some holding that his action was expect this sort of hypocrisy from unnecessarily drastic,, and others

us nor like it They respect, us ed him, and also demanded the that it was just the action called when we have the courage to be At the Central Magistracy yesterday afternoon, the Assistantship's arms. He replied that there for at the time, is one of those ourselves, and to live up to our ware no arms as the ship's usual affairs in regard to which there own traditions and when we fail Crown Solicitor, Mr. T. S. Whyte-Smith, related the full story of the run was between North China and inevitably must be a wide diver to do this: we earn a very just

Shanghai. The third accused then gence of opinion, a divergence that

Our Best Traditions, China Merchants S.S. Company's s.s. "Irene" by pirates about a held him by the back of the neck is accentuated by the fact that measure of their contempt.

the "Irene" happened to be

The L., anchored for the night fortnight ago, and how the piracy was frustrated by the timely ap-and led him on deck.

When the pirates had searched Chinese-owned ship operating un his cabin, they allowed him to go onder the Chinese flag is not our during maneuvres, saw the "Irene" intention to discuss whether or not coming lato Bias Bay without pearance of the submarine 14.

the bridge. Here he found the the commander of the L.4 was lights. The only possible assump The pirates allowed the officers to Chief Officer guarded by second ac- wholly justified in taking the action than was that she was in the hands. have their meals whenever they used who had a platol in his hand. he did when the "Irene failed to of pirates, and the only correct Second accused spoke very good reply to his signals, for such a thing to do was to hold her up and, wanted, and themselves stayed English and when told witness to discussion would be productive of find out whether or not this was great deal in the saloon, taking steer for Hong Kong, he (witness) not the slightest good, but, rather the case. Technically the action their food and smoking oplum mentioned Blas Bay to the accus. to comment, as we have comment was perhaps regular. Actually there. The pirates were, however, ed and the latter said "By-and-byed for years, on the basic respon- neither the Chinese nor the for- aibility for the piracy evil in South eign communities in China would I speak." very strict on one or two points.

China waters: the responsibility of have had much respect for the Second accused had a conversa-the Canton Governmerit.

commander of the submarine had: The "Irene" incident has un-he tone less than fire upon the The accused appeared in the dock They gave the officers very stricttion with the witness on the bridge

passing and said he had been ten years in doubtedly taught the pirates Irene" when his signals to her in the following order: Lau Hing, instructions to give all

London and another ten in San lennon which they wiH not forget were ignored. The Chinese expect! Li Kwong, Wong Tim, Hung Kwan, ships a wide berth. When the ves-Francisco. He had been employed in a hurry, but none the less it us to cheer such action is in line Chan Hi, Tae Wa and Chan Shing.sel did subsequently pass a ship, on an American steamer for many. Is still a moot question whether the with our best traditions, and wo Only Hung Kwan was legally re- the pirates went down flat on the years. The conversation concluded unsuccess of the "Irena" attack are not true to our historical u

by second accused promising the will, seriously deter them from bringing, as they know, if we fall further attempt in the, not distant to do so. For one thing the Chi- presented, his

thing went well. As a preliminary acted with more circumspection 'calities. They have gone through this pirate gave the witness 12 tins and more precaution than have a long history with a minimum of of cigarettes.

been used previously; and it may law and a maximum of equity, and During the conversation the cap-be taken as certain that in future the man who does the right thing Another order which the officers tain noticed the first, third, fourth attacks the pirates will take into at the right time in China has all owners of the "Irene" by Mr. C.d from the pirates was to observe and fifth accused together with serious consideration the posibility public opinion behind him though

all due formalities, and therefore others bring up clothing and other of another British craft of

war he may be riding roughshod over all when they passed a British warship, property from the lower deck. He taking shelter in Bias Bay at the the legal codes while doing it.

A few foreign trained. experts time they come along with their his flag. Things continued in this law being led to the stern by the pred to be nothing, not re- Foreign Affairs might ses la this way until October 20

when the pirates. "Irene" passed the Mendoza Is-

sourceful, and it may be taken for affair an occasion for a display of granted that cach set of circum-their erudition and they might get At this point the Officers After submitting to the Magie lands. trate amended charges showing al- were.given instructions to alter the In witness's opinion there were with on its merits and in the best could be regarded as verbal artis- stances, as it arises, will be dealt some applause for it if their protests terations made in the amounts and course for Bias Bay, they were also 15 to 20 pirates. The third ae-manner suited to the continued try, but it would be hard to and articles previously set out as hav given instructions to have the life-cused visited his cabin about an success of their profession.

in any Chinese heart genuine dis- ing been stolen from various pas boats ready, and to go into the bay hour after the ship was seized' There is only one real remedy-approval of an act of violence sengers, explaining that the error without lights.

and handed him $700 in Shanghai extermination to the pirates, wholly against a pirate ship, which was

the "Irene" was due to some of the witnesses

The Submarine Appears. eurrencey for safe custody. This and completely; and the carrying actually what stating the total value of what they

Mr. Whyte-Smith then turned to money was placed in the safe and out of that remedy lies in the when the L4 overhauled her. An had lost instead of what was at the second part of the case, and after testing the lock accused went hands of the Canton Government expression of public opinion upon tually stolen from them, Mr. Whyte-dealt with the actions of the sub-away satisfied. About half-an-hour in whose domain the pirates have these points may be very essential flourished practically unmolested if the conclliators and the techii- Smith proceeded to outline the case

marine 14. The LA was in a posi- later the man returned and asked for six whole years. The Chinese clans get busy on this case and wa against the accused.

authorities have made it perfectly want to make a very atong appeal tion about a mile north of Bate for the money.

clear that they desire no foreign to our renders, both Chinese and a matter which foreign, to he prepared for it and

marine L4.

counsel being Mr.deck and covered the officers with Captain a good "cumshaw" if every future; attempta which will be con-nese have no use for legal techni-

Castro, Jun., who revolvers. This happened on every Léo d'Almada was instructed by Mr. Leo d'Al- subsequent occasion that a ship was mada e Castro, sen. The case was passed. watched in the interest of the

A. S. Rs.

Appearing with Mr. Whyte-Smith the Master of the "Irene" dipped also saw the compradore's Bon-1 captures. The pirates have been from the Ministries of Justice and i

WAS

As Police prosecuting officer Mr. T. H. King, Director of Criminal Investigation.

three groups.

15 to 20 Pirates.

in

Was

U.S. PRESIDENCY. -

He said that the witnesses who

Island, and Lieut. Halahan was in The witness was pretty free in would be called by the prosecution charge. When he saw the "Irene" the course of the day but was twice interference were divided into The first lot would tell the story of entering the bay with the lights visited by the fourth accused who really affects foreign interests as to to their part. the piracy, and these were the off-dimmed, he was immediately sus gave him instructions about pass-much as Chinese; they apparently The British worship realise, appreciate and even admit cers and crew of the "Irene" who picious, and gave the signal for the ing ships.

"Irene" to stop immediately. As was passed on October 20. She that piracy is a acqurge which ought to be eliminated by any would speak about the seizure of the this order was not taken any notice signalled out all the witness could possible means; and yet they do ship, and passengers who would tell

of Lieut. Halahan turned his do wns to dip his flag. of acts of robbery, and of 'acts én-

searchlight on the "Irene" and That evening they reached Bate dangering life. The second group again signalled her, but there was Island at 8 o'clock and

few the British Navy could and would REPUBLICANS AND PRESIDENT were naval witnesses who would tell still no reply. A live round was minutes later they sighted the hull accomplish the necessary extermi of the firing on the "Irene" and the then fired across the "Irene's" tow, of the L4.

nation with joy and thoroughness,. some of the accused, and this seemed to have some ef- capture of

Captain Jahr.sen then repeated but the "sovereign rights" of China while the third lot of witnesses fect as the "Irene's" engine ap- what Mr. Whyte-Smith had said forbid such a thing, even though would give police evidence, which peared to stop for a few minutes, about the subsequent happeniags. ite accomplishment would be ap would deal with the identification Soon afterward, however, Lieut. *** "Put Out To Sea." parades.

Halahan saw by the swirl of the

nothing and apparently intend to do nothing. There is no doubt that

welcome to all reasonable. Chinese

COOLIDGE.

THIRD TERM FAVOURED.

New York, Yesterday. as to foreigners. The Canton Goy- According to the "New York ernment cannot or will not take World" a canvase of the members Procedeing to deal with the al-propelier that the ship was again Soon after the L4 was sighted action; but the situation, is, fast of the republican national commit- leged piracy, Mr. Whyte-Smith said moving, so he fired at the ship, aim the pirates ordered the Captain to approaching the stage when, sever- tee, the governing body of the Re that the "Irene" which was a coming at the engineroom. As this take to one of the boats and put eign rights or no severeign rights, publican Party, reveals a strong bined passenger and cargo vessel did not appear to have any effect, out to sea with the pirates on if the Chinese themselves will not of 826 tons with a'total crew of he next fired

an explosive shell board. This was not done because net, the foreign Powers must. May sentiment in favour of the re- nomination of President Coolidge 98, including six European officers, which landed on the counter of the they were interrupted by gunfire that day be not too far distant:

for a third term of the Presidency. le Shanghai on October 17 with "Irene". The explosion of this from the Li

Reuter's American Service.

155 passengers bound for Amey, shell killed three or four men who When the panic was at its height,

She also carried on thes voyage on were constantly firing revolvers at three pirates chased the captain all ‚amount of cargo which was not of the submarine, at a range of a few over the ship, but he managed to

much value.

hundred yards only.

Fire Breaks Out.

evade them in spite of the fact that they fired shots at him.

When the Piracy Started. About 8.10 a.m., on October 19

At this time the "Irene" was go- The "Irene" was set on fire by when the "Irene" had got past the ing full speed ahead and Lieut. the fourth or fifth shot from the Ockseu Lighthouse on Ockseu Is-Halahan had to manœuvre for posi- L4. He could not say, lands, about ten miles off the light, tion. Three more shots were fired how many shots were the piracy started. The Chief Off at the "Irene", the last two being gether, he was too confused.

ber 15 men.

"SPLENDID BIT OF WORK,”

Proud of Our Submarine Commander.

shell

AGRICULTURAL SHOW.

ENTRIES CLOSE ON NOVEMBER 30.

SCHEDULES ISSUED.·

Schedules have been issued for

The "Irene" Incident, in which however, Commander Halahan of the Bri- fired alto-tish submarine L held up and fired upon # China Merchants rer was on the bridge at the time, high explosives. The last one hit When the fire started the Chief steamer that was ander the con-

trol of pirates, putting one while the Master, Second Officer the "Irene's" steam pipes and Officer was cut off from the rest of finally into the engine room, has They saw the compra- already (says the "North-China and Second Engineers were at caused a fire to break out.

Men the ship. breakfast in the saloon. The were observed jumping off the dore bleeding all over the face and Daily News) become the subject the New Territories - Agricultural piracy, needless to say, was com "Irene" soon after the fire had they handed him a lifebuoy and told of a great deal of soft-voiced de- Show to be held on Wednesday and mitted by some of the passengers, broken out, so Lieut. Halahan im- him to jump overboard and they precatory comment, which may Thursday, December 7 and 8, at

very possibly lead to "concilia-Tung Ying Hok Po, Sheung Shui, main and the pirates appeared to num- mediately went to the rescue, and followed auft.

No entries will be accepted after the naval men began pulling people In the water the Captain noticed tory" action that will undermine

Commercial Exhibits.. of work as effectually as the moral, It was a little uncertain as to out of the water. One of the first a Chinese and, thinking it was the the moral effect of a splendid bit Wednesday, November* $0.

Under no circumstance can the how the piracy started, but the raid men to be pulled out of the water wounded compradore, he swam to effect of the Wanasien. fight was appeared to have broken out simul- behaved in a peculiar manner in wards the man, but when he realis-undermined. The gentry who deal Committee assume responsibility in conciliation and for the safety of any commercial taneously in different parts of the that he resisted the naval men's at- ed it was the third accused, he so liberally ship, where shots were heard. Fol tempt to rescue him.. Thla..manawath away again, and eventually deplore "race consciousness are lowing the shots, the officers in the would be said to be the third ac- boarded the L4 The third accus- already wondering what is going exhibits. It is clearly understood aalcon heard shouts and the noise cused. On this man was found a ed also struck out for the L4, but to be said about this violation of that all exhibits are received at ex-.

by International ur damage by fire or any other ac- of many feet rushing about. Then pistol magazine clip with eight seemed to change his mind before China's rights in her own terri-hibitors" risk in case of loss by theft before they could decide what steps rounds of fammunition in it reaching the vessel and was seen to torin! waters

lawyers, boards of inquiry, see cident.Exhibits must be taken to, to take, seven or eight men armed The second man to be taken out alter his direction. A British sal-lawyers, and what not, and whether and removed from the ground at with small firearms" entered the of the water was the first accus- lor dived in after the third accus- it would not promote a little bat exhibitors' own expense.

to the ter international understanding if Owing to the limited area of the saloon, firing at random as they cd. He also had a pistol-magazine ed and took him forcibly came in,

However, hin Worship on him and this contained nine submarine.The first and second the commander of the L.d were duly exhibition ground, there can be only would hear evidence that a mess rounds of ammunition These two Eccused were also taken on board reprimanded for interfering with a eight allotments, each 16 ft. X 15 boy in the saloon was hit by a men and the second accused Who the submarina later and they were properly conducted Chinese piracy.ft., in the open air space; which are suitable for exhibita like: agricul bullet in the chest, and collapsed. was identified on the spot were tied boundup on being identified. within the three mile. Timit,

The plates who entered the up. The LA took altogether. 225 ) All the undefended accused had ~*;*

tural implements, etc. past belt Only Possible Action saloon spoke "pidgin" English and people on beard. Four people were no questions to ask the Captain, What is immediately required, The fee is $60 per allotment. demanded the surrender of the ofll-seen to lose their lives. Two, wo except No. 3, who asserted that he therefore, is that our foreign como-The space within the building cers' firearms. After they had man met their death by falling to was only acting as interpreter for manities in the Far East, irrespec- takes the form of one long shelf. searched the officers, the pirates the deck of the submarine, and two the pirates..

tive of nationality, put themselves for the whole width of the build- took them into a cabin. The only others were drowned: As far as The Captain replied emphatically on record as being very proud of Ing. The shelf is 2 ft. 6 ins. In officer who had a revolver was the could be ascertained, the number that No. 8was the man who gave the submarine commander who depth and is divided into, sections Chlef Officer and this was taken of missing from the Irene was him the $700 for safe keeping, and took the only possible action in of 10 16 wide, each. This section. away from him by the pirates, to 24. The rescued people were all who grabbed him by the back of an emergency without spending an is suited for the exhibition of fer- gether with 60 rounds of ammunt brought to Hong Kong by the Lathe neck and led him on deck hour or so looking up the technfisers, cigars, cigarettes, mile pro tion. The officers were given a cer and, the other foun accused, were Mr. Leo d'Almada e Castro, jnr., calities of the matter in his refer ducts and canned goods tain amount of freedom after this, taken in by the H.M.S. Delhi" reserved his cross-examination of ence books. We want public con- us real satisfaction that a man of and were told to carry on with their which Inter arrived on the scena, the Captain until this afternoon. tesalons of the fact that it gives ordinary duties, 1112 AMIGOSA the accused were taken to the

our own breed had the initiative and courage to fre on a ship of un-1714, ce Chief Officer Covered Water Police Station, whilst the

Known nationality 7) sailing into In the meantime, two pirates had other people were taken

Blas Bay without lights Scores rushed on to the bridge and there Central Station...

of foreigners run about in Chinese

over to

199SEASES,

covered the Chief Quilcer with re- Concluding, Mr Whyte-Smith volvers. A little later the master said that all there rema

to be A FURT

of the ship went on the Bridge, and mentioned was that various idone-homete

TIC PAINS

•

Boon eased, and circles apologizing for the Wan

in arms and shouldere hslan affair, deploring the ruthless Chamberlain's Pain doings of foreign gunboats tänt ela»góòdėtai thalaking penetrates

then the navigation of the vesselfication paradel were held, and as Bm E bbed on the achtig spot. Return fire when they are fired upon, was carried on under the affections far as he could say the least num

clypto the very seat of pain seats asking, almost tearful extenuation of the pirator, who as Brat ve ber of Identification against any gokkiyotos themed to allgeing, the the circumstances of the reem orders for the ondera, to steer in one of the accus awan 11, and the pressure and the pain le consui Soldaltimatum, and now even speaking the direction of Hong Kong, Largest 40.

in tones of deprecation of the shell-

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