211
352
THE HONGKONG WEEKLY PRESS AND
April 27th, 1917.
uttered not many weeks ago and within it will not be eradicated. It was shown the contines of this building by an most clearly when the Lusitania was eminent American professor who is well sunk. A public school holiday was gizerɔ qualified to speak as a student of inter- throughout Germany, at which the Hyun national history. These are the words he of Hate, among other things, was sung. uttered: Speaking of the arguments of This is one of the verses of the Hymn of Frederick the Great, designed for the Hate:- Second-
political instruction of the Hohenzollern dynasty, he said:"Here we have the beginnings of that which has led to all that has happened since." I quote it to
you,
the bulk of the important part of the opposition to our resolution-is to be found in this. First of all, we almost all of us agree on the question of senti ment. (Applause.) Upon that I shall dwell later, because it is, of necessity, an important part of our case. ly, we were told by my hon, friend, the Hon. Mr. Lau Chu Pak-and this was the sum and substance of his argument. as fas as I understand it, for China or for the Chinese subjects here that the
If a ruler is obliged to sacrifice his time is inopportune. And, lastly, we have been told that it is impracticable,jects, he is all the more obliged to sacri- own person for the welfare of his sub- and that we have not dealt fully with fice treaty engagements, the continuance the economic reasons which are incrit of which would be harmful to his coun- ably bound up with it. Now, gentlemen,try. Is it better that a
nation should I propose briefly, and as far as lies in perish, or that a Soversign should break my humble power, to deal with those his treaty? three points of view before putting this "Do not be ashamed of making interest resolution. I said in the Chamber thated alliances from which you yourself can you cannot avoid the question of senti- derive the whole advantage. ment in viewing the aftermath of this war, and there I feel that I am certain and incontrovertible ground. (Applause.) It is not in the nature of things for those of us who have already been touched by the war, by personal luss or the loss of relatives, and those who will
upon
come.
be so touched before the end of the war, to forget it for many years tu (Applause.) Neither can we forget the manner in which some of them died-
Then came
Do not
=
You will we hate with a lasting hate: We will never forgo our hate. Hate by water, and hate by land, Hate of the head and hate of the hand. Hate of the hammer and hate of the
crown,
of the
In
love as one, we hate as one, Hate of seventy millions choking down;
We have one foe, and one alone-
ENGLAND """ Gentlemen, whatever may happen as the result of this war—and we believe we are about to enter the beginning of the anai stage of the struggle, I do not say victory is in sight, but the beginning 15 approaching—it, 28 # result of this war, ermany is brought to her knees and the Prussian spirit is crushed for ever, I pledge my word to you that it will be remembered by the German people for all time that it was make the foolish mistake of not breaking England who stopped them getting into them when you believe your interests re-
Paris. Yet you are asked to admit these people within the bounds of the Colony, quire it,
remembering that this hate is there and "When he is about to conclude a treaty that it will not be forgotten by them, with some foreign Power, if a Sovereigny more than by us, for many years to come. (Applause,) I shall probably be remembers he is a Christian, he is lost. told in the papers to-morrow that this is "These words represented the sowing, a policy of retaliation, and that it cannot be defended upon any Christian ground A century and a half later Nietzsche wove whatsoever. I have no hesitation in say- the gospel of force into a sort of system, ing that it is not a policy of retaliation; this doctrine being the doctrine of the it is just retribution. (Loud applause.) So much, gentlemen, for the queation of super-man and the inalienable right of sentiment, which cannot be excluded from the giant to act as the giant of the this argument, say what you will. powerful to overwhelm and trample upon policy of wait and see which wrecked jiaopportune--which, after all, is the the powerless. historian, von Treitschke, breathing the brought us within deadly peril of defeat, the great the Asquith War Cabinet-I contend that unpreparedness and inefficiency philosophy of force into the very soul and blindly to shut our eyes to the of Germany. Why talk of founding future and say we cannot now decida colonies?' he said. and children were shattered mercilessly, then we shall have them ready-made.'which has been charged against Great Let us take Holland.questions which affect the vast war issues is to admit practically the same fault the murder of Edith Cavell, and the Then came Bernhardi, soldier and mili. Britain over and over again by her very assassination of Captain Fryatt, which the tary strategist, and a frank expounder and now, before the war comes to a foes. (Applause.) And I say it is here men of the mercantile marine are not
of the same philosophy. likely to forget for many years to come.
His book, definite issue this Colony, jointly with Germany in the Next War,' presented, their voices,
other Colonies which have already raised And, mark you, if we do not sup in all its ugly brutality, the philosophy uncertain manner that, if it be in the
should declare in port this resolution we are practically of force. Germany may explain the Empire's interests, we will not have the telling these men that we are going to duconia; she may explain the Gulf clearly that we do not seek to dictate
Germana back. (Applause.) I have said welcome back with open arms the mur-Light, the Petrolite, the Communipaw nor do we to the Imperial authorities. derers of their comrades in the mercantile and the Persia, the Susses and the that I have striven to do up to
All this meeting seeks to do, and all (Applause.)
There are
the Yasaka Maru. She may indemnify with is that the voice of this Colony might Belgian atrocities, which occurred out apologizing.
She may in the opening events
apologize be represented at the debate which must inevitably take place as to the post-war But even right down
the policy of the Allies. (Applause.) the German would be horrible of all-the sinking of hospital tongue
presumption and folly will
her
say that this Colony alone ships with defenceless
should exclude Germans. and maimed justify her
If it were presence in Belgium, decided that, for tus benefit of the Em- creatures on board going to a place of or those tiny
corpses HOW forever pire as a whole, they should be allowed refuge. These are horrors which cannot entombed in the iron coffin of the Zusi to re-enter the Colonies and our great possessions, Hongkong would not be backward in admitting them if told Empire, though to do
in the interests of the certainly would not welcome them.
(Applause.) Now, gentlemen, I come to the question which, after all, is the most important of all. I have been charged in anonymous letters with the question of the practicability, and elsewhere with not dealing fully or impracticability, of this suggestion. that it is not merely a question of pounds, shillings and pence, and we I contend, with the Hon. Mr. Anton,
the atrocities which brought their end, strong to dominate the weak; of the reply to the argument that the time is the agonising death struggh through gass ing, the wholesale murder by the sinking of unarmed and defenceless ships, the hurling of shells through Zeppelin raids upon the undefended coast and the in terior towns of England where
marine.
of this
women
war, without indemnifying,
to the last and most marvellous richness of
never enable
to
to
come.
be forgotten for many years to
tania. For this generation, the word (Hear, hear.) 1 want to try
and Kultur, like Pompey's statue, drips with to prove
that you
this German blood." (Applause.) characteristic
brutality of
is 80 Now, gentlemen, interwoven by education in the Ger- been 80 breathed
that spirit inte the as it has been
man people that you will not eradicate soul of the people,
has
very
it, even though they are defeated, for explained there, that it is part and many years to come. Let me quote to you words in support of this, which were
parcel of their national attitude of mind, and I say that for many years to come
We
no
now,
It
owe it to
April 7th, 1917.]
CHINA OVERLAND TRADE REPORT.
363
It was
that
those who are fighting that we should be the liquidations has convinced the mer- | This is an important place, and we want prepared to make sacrifices, if necessary. chants of Hongkong that all this trading, in this matter to hold out a hand to those both in recognition of what they have which they have for so long deprecated, who, we believe, will think and act with done for us, and because, ultimately, we was unsound and immoral, and for two 13. (Loud applause.) This is a question believe, it will be for the national welfare. and a half years we have been struggling upon which this Colony is so much stirred (Applause.) But I contend, also, that it to produce a state of order out of chaos, that we cannot remain mute. would be directly to the benefit of the That has very nearly been evolved, and stated recently in the Legislative Council Colony that we should exclude Germans the merchants of Hongkong have said that that the sim and object of every war is a lasting peace, but, as my honourable from re-entry into our port for a period credit trade is a thing of the past, and of years. (Applaus) Gentlemen, at the I say to-day, with absolute confidence, friend the mover of this resolution has
that, As the result of it. outbreak of war the liquidations proved
the pointed out, what reasonable hope is that there was no
A heal- less than 10,000,000 trade of this port is in dollars worth of goods, to say the very thier and sounder condition than it there for thinking, in view of the bar- barities committed by Germans in this least, revolving in credit, which had has been for many years. (Applause.) passed out of the control of the merchant Again I ask: Will you allow the Ger- war, the barbarities especially directed
in some cases remaining still in Hong man to come back and re-introduce that against British prisoners-of-war, Long, though in the hands of the Chinese form of credit, even though he be ham with the advent of peace there will be a dealer; and, in other cases, already pered, as he will be hampered, hy short- magical change in the mind of the Ger- passed up country-and these were allness of credit facilities from the banks man people? (Applause.) Have we real- out on credit, and had not been paid for many years to come? ("No, no." ly any good reason for supposing that for. One of the greatest difficulties the With regard to the one important ques- there will be such a sudden change of
view i tion raised in one anonymous letter, as
I think it is quite clear, as my liquidators had to deal with was to
go on hon. friend has pointed out, that the obtain the money due for these goods, to whether this Colony should which had been delivered on credit terms. trading with the Germans, I would say German people are thoroughly permeated and, in some cases, on very long credit that my resolution deals more particu. with the doctrine of world-power, and terms. Now I contend
this larly with the residence of Germans 'n they are also thoroughly permeated with 10,000,000 dollars worth of trade this port. The queation as to whether we the idea that, in order to obtain world- very largely over-trading, and therefore shall trade with Germany must, of course, domination, all means are lawful, all unsound trading, and the proof of that be bound up with the whole Imperial means may be employed. They say that is that this Colony has been suffering policy, which will be decided, I should war is war, and they mean by that that from it for nearly two and a half years tariffs and on war tariffs against our be employed in connection with war. imagine, on the grounds of preferential every kind of atrocity and barbarity may and is only just beginning to recover enemies for some years to come. from it. And, at the risk of wearying plause.) On these terms, no doubt, we friendship to them (Cries of "Never.") (Ap- Can we then, hold out the hand of you, I want to argue this point a little are prepared to go on trading with Ger; Are we prepared, after the war. to say more definitely, b. cause the papers were many in so far as it interests us, and not clear in their statements with regard helps us.
to them: Come back here, let us shake to do so. And, dealing also to the Chamber of Commerce meeting at with the most important question that hands and let us do business," just the which I dwelt upon this very point. It of shipping-which has also been raised:
same as if there had been no war and was no uncommon thing for a Lancashire Shall we admit or re-admit German ship traveller, representing Lancashire ping to our ports? In the first place, manufacturer or Manchester middle- if we are to adopt the "ton-for-ton"
to
窺
that
but merely to advise, and in that sense,
mere
HOT
க
as if these horrible barbarities had never been committed? (Cries of "No. no.") It has been alleged that sentiment is a man, to come this Colony during policy which has righteously been de blind guide, but gentlemen, just reflect periods of intense trade depression, whenmanded as one of the conditions of upon this. If it had not been for senti- the merchants were absolutely unable to settlement in this war (applause)-itment neither Great Britain the do any trade whatsoever, because business will be some years before we need serious United States would at the present mo- was practically scagnant, and for us to ly consider the question of German shipment be at war. We came into this war hear of very large orders being placed ing. (Applause) When we have to con- and the United States came into this a ter um Akumthed sides it, it be dealt with in on war es matter of sentiment, and we Colony The explanation of that Wa sodance with the settled terms of Our
are very proud that we did so. (Fouch this. The goods were sold on credit and Allies after the war is won, and we shali applause. We did so in order that we they were often sold very much below fall into line with them. Without fur might honour our plighted word to Bel- the market. They were identical with ther words, I leave the resolution with gium. (Applause.) We did so to show goods, in some cases, which had een you, reminding you that it is merely Imported and were really lyi ready advice which we are seeking to offer for that a treaty must not be treated as
(Applause.) scrap of paper." for sale, for spot cash, godowns in guidane in a great Imperial question. Gentlemen, as has been pointed out in Hongkong, and could have been delivered We do not attempt in any way to dictate the letter which our Chairman has read. by British merchants that very day But the German firms in question knew that they had billa falling due in the near future, and therefore they had to go on not only selling, but, what was more important, they had to go on buying in order that their credit might revolve. The Hon. Mr. H. E. POLLOCK, who was And I contend that the liquidations have loudly applauded on rising to second proved this, if they have proved nothing the resolution, said I have very much else, that when the cargo arrived, the pleasure in seconding the resolution cargo which was hypothecated against which has been so eloquently proposed certain bills and on which "letters of by honourable colleague on the Legislative Council. I think, gentlemen, lien" had been given, was delivered to the Chinese merchant and the money we shall all be agreed that. upon a matter
not for was used, obtained for it
of this importance, it is advisable that paying off
for the views of this Colony this important that liability but meeting other bills long overdue. In other outpost of Empire in the Far East- words, that is, in practical phraseology, should be expressed in clear and unmis. a charge of criminal fraud. (Applause.) takeable terms. (Applause.) It has been I can only tell you from my personal said that we cannot act in this matter knowledge of the liquidations, although without the co-operation of others, but personally I had no hand in them-there- I think before we offer to co-operate with fore, perhaps, I saw more of the game others we ought to be quite clear and I think this meeting has shown it quite tuan some of those who had-that it was
thing for the Germans clearly, taken in conjunction with the here who had cargo in their godowns meeting recently held by the Chamber which belonged to other people, to carry
of Commerce, or, if not, it will be shown on the same game, using that cargo, which quite clearly when the resolution is put- was held in trust, for the payment of that we are in favour of the motion which other liabilities which were overdue. That has been proposed. (Applause.) I think
the gentlemen, on very broad lines, was
men and public of this Colony, should system of credit trade which the British is very necessary that we, the business merchants had to meet and which made express our opinion on this subject in it so difficult for them, in time of depres- view of the fact that our local Govern sion, to trade, simply because, as natural with ine Chinese, the Chinese ment seems disposed as regards this dealer liked a gamble, and if he could matter, to adopt the "Wait and See
(Applause.) Gentlemen, we buy cheaper be naturally took the chance attitude. and gambled, as he will do. The result of
no uncommon
is
my
I am perfectly certain the Home Govthe Italian community in this Colony is ernment will welcome the views of this generally in sympathy with us in this Colony as a light towards the settlement movement, and I have no doubt that the of what may be perhaps a dark question. other Allied nations will also be in (Loud and continued applause.)
sympathy with us. (Applause.) I can- not believe for one moment that they are not equally as moved as ourselves with indignation at the barbaric cruelties which bave been inflicted by the German Gentlemen, people in this present war. are we to cower down before the Ger- mans 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 per- fectly capable and competent to look after ourselves (Applause.) Are those who will come back after peace is declared, perhaps badly maimed and wounded, are they to come back to this Colony and see a number of Germans walking about here
their pursuing
peaceful avocations ? (Cries of No, no.") Such a thing can- not be. (Loud applause.) What is our mission and duty? This war has shown us that the Empire is united and indivi- sible and as one in war. Let us show that we are united and indivisible in peace also. (Applause.) Let us cultivate our shipping and trade and commerce between the different parts of our Em- pire. (Applause.) Let that be the memorial which we lay humbly at the feet of those who have fallen in this war. (Loud and prolonged applause.)
do not wish to wait and see. (Applause.)
The CHAIRMAN then announced that the meeting was open for discussion, and Mr.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.