CO129-335 - Governor Nathan - 1906 [8-10] — Page 142

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8.6.M. Consulate,

Muchow, 11th. August, 1906.

sir,

I have the honour to inform you that another daring

piracy took place near Wuchow yesterday. The launch "Jung Fa"

owned by the Po On Company left Muchon on the 10th. August at 5.45

a.m. and reached Tam Chuk near Pingnan at 3.80 p.m. She had on

board the usual everd of 5 soldiers. At Tam Chuk, which is a usual

landing place for passengers, e semper containing 8 to 10 men came

alongside. The soldiers made an attempt to examine the luggage of

these men, who immediately opened fire with revolvers and swarmed

on board. The soldiers were all wounded, and two fell into the

water, one of whom swam ashore and the other was drowned. The

pirates having captured the launch steered her down stream end

plundered her. The launch was robbed of a case of opium valued at

$300 and $50 in cash. No estimate can be made or the passengers

losses. The pirates stopped the launch close inshore at a place

just below Meng Chiang, where they were met by one man in a sampan

who brought on board 5 rifles. The launch ten continued her journey

down stream, passed Wuchow at 9 p.m. and at 11 p.m. errived at

P'an Lung K'ou in the Feagchuan district, where the pirates landed

and made off with their booty. The launch then returned to Wuchow,

arriving here at 4 a.m. this morning,

The responsibility for this latest daring outrage rests

with the Fengchuan Magistrate, whose district in this, as in many

other cases,

afforded a secure refuse to the pirates. As I have

already informed you, I have exhausted all local means of putting pressure on this official, and I have now the honour to suggest

that representations be made to the Viceroy with a view to his

removal from his post and the appointment of a more energetic

#. MANSFIELD, 880., C.M.G. H.B.M.Consul-General,

Canton.

official