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    {
        "id": 234954,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-046 - Lieut. Governor Caine & Sir Bowring - 1854 [5-19／8]",
        "page_number": 366,
        "title": "CO129-046 - Lieut. Governor Caine & Sir Bowring - 1854 [5-19／8]",
        "content_text": "Page 363\n\n8 May 12\n\nReports on-\n\nand lacteres.\n\n19 Corvertoondence.\n\nsubicat tha\n\n14 Acknowledges Disp_\n\nSecurity as Treasurer duly given by Mr Reinacker. Repna.\n\n16 Harbour Master Establishment of Appointment of Mr E. R. Michell and other Departmental Changes Consequent the Death of Mr Pedder the Harbour Master,\n\nReports the reductions which have ban made in Chiqqan w\n\n31\n\n17 1 June Ordinance 4/53- Spirit sales by Chimen Achens Desp No9. 17 Mar 1854 Spium Licenses ..\n\n18 Acknowledges Despr Leave\n\nHowever, to follow the exact instructions given and to improve the text according to the rules:\n\n1864 Cont\n\nSt Gor Caine.\n\nPage 363\n\nW\n\n8 May 12\n\nReports on correspondence.\n\n19 Correspondence.\n\nsubmitting\n\n14 Acknowledges Dispatch\n\nSecurity as Treasurer duly given by Mr Reinacker. Report.\n\n16 Harbour Master Establishment of Appointment of Mr E. R. Michell and other Departmental Changes Consequent to the Death of Mr Pedder the Harbour Master,\n\nReports the reductions which have been made in Chingwan...\n\n31\n\n17 1 June Ordinance 4/53 - Spirit sales by Chinese Auctioneers Desp No9. 17 Mar 1854 Spirit Licenses..\n\n18 Acknowledges Despatch Leave\n\nLet's correct and reformat it properly in HTML as per the instructions:\n\n1864 Cont\n\nSt Gor Caine.\n\nPage 363\n\nW\n\n8 May 12\n\nReports on correspondence.\n\n19 Correspondence.\n\nsubmitting\n\n14 Acknowledges Dispatch\n\nSecurity as Treasurer duly given by Mr Reinacker. Report.\n\n16 Harbour Master Establishment of Appointment of Mr E. R. Michell and other Departmental Changes Consequent to the Death of Mr Pedder the Harbour Master,\n\nReports the reductions which have been made in Chingwan...\n\n31\n\n17 1 June Ordinance 4/53 - Spirit sales by Chinese Auctioneers Desp No9. 17 Mar 1854 Spirit Licenses..\n\n18 Acknowledges Despatch Leave\n\nHowever, the best representation following the exact format required (HTML with  for paragraphs) and adhering to the rules for correction and formatting would directly be the second version, with a slight adjustment for better readability and adherence to the original text's intent.\n\nThus, the final output is:\n\n1864 Cont\n\nSt Gor Caine.\n\nPage 363\n\nW\n\n8 May 12\n\nReports on correspondence.\n\n19 Correspondence.\n\nsubmitting\n\n14 Acknowledges Dispatch\n\nSecurity as Treasurer duly given by Mr Reinacker. Report.\n\n16 Harbour Master Establishment of Appointment of Mr E. R. Michell and other Departmental Changes Consequent to the Death of Mr Pedder the Harbour Master,\n\nReports the reductions which have been made in Chingwan...\n\n31\n\n17 1 June Ordinance 4/53 - Spirit sales by Chinese Auctioneers Desp No9. 17 Mar 1854 Spirit Licenses..\n\n18 Acknowledges Despatch Leave",
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        "id": 258749,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-097 - Acting Governor Mercer - 1864 [1-2] & Sir Robinson - 1864 [1-3]",
        "page_number": 285,
        "title": "CO129-097 - Acting Governor Mercer - 1864 [1-2] & Sir Robinson - 1864 [1-3]",
        "content_text": "26.\n\ninto Hong Kong under steam. Arriving\n\nHaving received the Pilot, we steamed out and in the evening anchored in Taytam Bay. The next morning (Friday 29th) I proceeded to the Island of King Ting and examined the small harbor there but found nothing but fishing boats who informed us that they had heard of Piratical junks being in Ty-ho Bay, for which place we bent our course and examined that afternoon.\n\nThat night Deake Bay having found nothing Ty ho. On the morning of Saturday the 30th I weighed and proceeded under sail for the Capsing moon Pass. It falling calm, I examined Yemmos Bay and received information that the day before a Piratical junk and rowboat had passed towards Chingwan and that a snake boat had attacked a junk in Tipo Bay. I then proceeded under easy steam to Chingwan, which we reached at 12.30. We sent boats to examine junks but found nothing suspicious; 20 Set out and examined the Island, passing some junks anchored under Mahuau, we observed one when getting under weigh hove in sight and on examining her found three loaded jingals and three new swords covered...\n\n27.",
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    {
        "id": 260824,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-103 - Others - 1864",
        "page_number": 51,
        "title": "CO129-103 - Others - 1864",
        "content_text": "18 \n\nresult was that a great number of large and small guns, muskets, pistols, swords, and spears were thus secured, but It is, of course, have since been given back to the owners. difficult to say whether any attack on Hong Kong was seriously designed; but it is well to know that if it had been attempted, the preparations were such that it must almost certainly have failed. It is said that but for the early return of the troops from Canton, the efficiency of the acting Governor's plans might have been put to the test; in which case a committee of safety was to have been appointed, the inhabitants enrolled and told off in divisions; the women and children, with the treasure, placed in the 18th Barracks, guarded by the troops off duty (about 200 men), with guns, howitzers, and ammunition; guns from the Ordnance and men from the merchant shipping would have been placed on board the \"Minden\" and \"Alligator,\" and both vessels removed from their present anchorage, and moored, the one off the naval stores, and the other at Kellett's Island.\n\n\"Sir,\n\n(A true extract.)\n\nAssistant Adjutant-General's Office,\n\nVictoria, Hong Kong, May 3, 1847.\n\nI have the honour to acquaint you that the Major-General Commanding has had much pleasure in forwarding your military report, of the 9th ultimo, to his Grace the Commander-in-Chief, and that in so doing he did not fail to express his acknowledgments of the services rendered by you, whilst in temporary command of this garrison during the recent operations at Canton.'\n\nI have the honour, &c. (Signed) JOHN BRUCE, Captain,\n\nAssistant Adjutant-General.\n\nHon. Major Caine, Colonial Secretary, Victoria.\n\nEXTRACT of Despatch 41 of April 19, 1847, from Governor Sir John Davis to the Earl Grey.\n\n\"The Major-General's report will put your Lordship in possession of the military details of our short expedition of seven days, and I have only to add that the able dispositions of Major Caine, who was Acting Governor and Commandant in my absence, ensured the safety and tranquillity of the colony.\"\n\nTrue copies.\n\n19 \n\nCOPY of a PETITION from the Chinese Inhabitants of Hong Kong, to the Governor, Sir John Davis, Bart.-July, 1845.\n\n\"A respectful petition from all the shopkeepers and inhabitants of the colony of Hong Kong, who supplicate that a good ruler may be retained by the Government, and beg that this favour be granted.\n\nThe benevolent government of his Honour Major Caine has existed since the opening of this port, and widely extended to the mercantile classes, so that they enjoyed their property. He has shown favours and inspired awe, and the robbers have found him like a thunderbolt, while his soothing influence and conciliatory conduct have brought back the days of \"lang\" and \"Zu\" (“Zu,\" or of \"Zuon\" and \"Thuu\" the two great patriarchs of the Chinese nation). He looked upon the people in no other light than his children. civil and military capacity he has, by his transforming influences, brought on a regeneration. We now hear that his Honour Major Caine will very soon be honourably promoted, and we shall then have none to whom to look up for assistance. We, your subjects, therefore now appear before you, with the utmost sincerity and truthfulness, to make known the previous favours enjoyed, humbly hoping that the high authorities may condescend to regard our foolish wishes, and permit him to retain his control, that we may for ever praise his lenient rule. We thus, creeping in our blindness, represent this, leaving it to you to determine whether our request is proper. With this petition we repair before his Excellency Governor Davis, beseeching the favour that it may be granted.\n\nYaheze year, 6th month, or July, 1845.”\n\nTrue translation. (Signed) CHAS. GUTZLAFF,\n\nChinese Secretary.\n\nFrom all the Wards of Hong Kong and Chinese Inhabitants, bearing 115 Seals of Shops and Firms.\n\n2nd PETITION.\n\nHong Kong, July 1845. \"The duly prepared petition of the shopkeepers and other inhabitants of the wards of \"Shengwan,\" \"Chingwan,\" and \"Hea Wan\" (three Eastern Districts)---\n\nBeseeching for a continuation of virtuous administration of the laws, and that the office of chief magistrate be occupied as heretofore, which they pray may be graciously granted.\n\nWhereas your petitioners, since the establishment of this settlement, have gratefully enjoyed the extensive diffusion of \n\nPage 49",
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    {
        "id": 366010,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-281 - Governor Sir Robinson & Acting Governor Major Gen Black - 1898 [1-3]",
        "page_number": 345,
        "title": "CO129-281 - Governor Sir Robinson & Acting Governor Major Gen Black - 1898 [1-3]",
        "content_text": "## WEATHER-FORECASTS AND STORM-WARNINGS ISSUED FROM THE HONGKONG OBSERVATORY.\n\nA knowledge of typhoons and their paths is often required when you have to decide whether to remain at your moorings or to slip your cable and run; for instance, a vessel between Hongkong and Swatow in an anchorage sheltered against N and E winds will be safe while a typhoon is moving from E to W across the China Sea, but should the centre move northwards, the vessel might be thrown on a lee shore when the wind backs through W to S.\n\nA steamer at anchor, when a typhoon is approaching, should get up steam, and a sailer should, if possible, take down the top masts as soon as it blows a fresh breeze in the squalls. With reference to a sailing vessel, the time when to begin striking the top masts must, of course, depend upon the extent to which she is undermanned. Striking the masts increases the rolling. A sheltered anchorage must be selected, and when the centre passes very near, the berth may have to be changed to avoid being thrown on a lee shore.\n\n### METEOROLOGICAL SIGNALS.\n\nMeteorological Signals are hoisted on the Mast beside the Time-Ball at Kowloon Point for the information of Masters of Vessels leaving the Port. They do not imply that bad weather is expected in the Colony itself.\n\n| Signal | Meaning |\n| --- | --- |\n| **A DRUM** | Indicates a Typhoon to the East of the Colony. |\n| **A BALL** | Indicates a Typhoon to the West of the Colony. |\n| **A CONE, Point Upwards** | Indicates a Typhoon to the North of the Colony. |\n| **A CONE, Point Downwards** | Indicates a Typhoon to the South of the Colony. |\n\nRED SIGNALS indicate that the Centre is believed to be more than 300 miles away from the Colony. BLACK SIGNALS indicate that the Centre is believed to be less than 300 miles away from the Colony.\n\n### NIGHT SIGNALS.\n\n* **TWO LANTERNS Hoisted Vertically** indicate bad weather in the Colony and that the wind is expected to veer.\n* **TWO LANTERNS Hoisted Horizontally** indicate bad weather in the Colony and that the wind is expected to back.\n\nThe Signals are repeated on the Flagstaff of the Godown Company at Kowloon, and also, by day only, at the Harbour Office and on H. M.'s Receiving Ship.\n\n## LOCAL STORM-WARNINGS.\n\nThe Colony itself is warned of approaching Typhoons by means of the **TYPHOON-GUN** placed at the foot of the Mast, which is fired whenever a strong gale of wind is expected to blow here.\n\n### NOTICE BOARDS.\n\nNotice Boards placed at the Eastern Extension, Australasia and China Telegraph Company's Offices, Observations made at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. are exhibited shortly after 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Peddar's Wharf, at the Harbour Office, and at the Office of the Kowloon Godown Company. Weather-forecasts and Storm-warnings are exhibited daily about 11 a.m., and also at other hours, and at night, whenever necessary while Typhoons are raging in the Far East. The China Coast Meteorological Register is exhibited about Noon (Sundays and Government holidays excepted).\n\n## THE LAW OF STORMS.\n\nFurther information concerning the weather to be expected while signals are hoisted, and sailing directions, are given in \"The Law of Storms in the Eastern Seas.\"\n\nShipmasters may obtain by telegraph the latest information as to weather at any station reporting to the Hongkong Observatory by payment for a reply of at least ten words (2.6, twelve words including the address). Application may also be made for similar information to be telegraphed on some future specified day.\n\nWith reference to typhoon anchorages in China, beginning with Hainan, we have Backli bay (19° 41' N. 108° 39′ E.) with shelter against winds between NNE. and S. only. It is not a very good labour, and the natives are not to be trusted. In southern Hainan, we have Yulinkan bay 18° 12', ... Ga bay (18° 13', 109° 34′) may also be used. Manin harbour (19° 57', 109° 52') can be used when the centre is to the north of Hainan. Hunghom bay (20° 17', 110° 23′) is shallow and is not often used, except when no better place is within reach. Hui-ling-san (21° 34′, 111° 47') and Nan'ao bay (21° 35', 112° 34') are available between Hainan and Hongkong. Near Hongkong is the excellent harbour by Saint John's Island (21° 40', 112° 42'), which is commonly used. Vessels of great draught anchor to the S. of the position given. Tongku harbour (22° 35′, 113° 55') is used in case of typhoons crossing the China Sea. It offers no shelter against W. winds. This is at the mouth of the Canton River. Higher up the river, ships anchor under the Bogue forts, although typhoon centres pass that spot, but then it does not blow so hard as out at sea, when the centre is inland. Capsingmoon pass to the W. of Mahwan is shelter against typhoons, but Chingwan bay (22° 49' 114° 96') is one of the best harbours in China. In consequence, it is too crowded during a typhoon. To the NW. of Stonecutter's Island (22° 20' 114° 8') launches find shelter. Tytam bay to the SE. of Hongkong is an excellent harbour. Deep bay (22° 47', 114° 16') gives better shelter than Kors bay (22° 48', 114° 13'), but some vessels prefer the latter as the storm-signals can be seen from these. A position between Taipintong and the Channel Rocks makes the best anchorage. Mirs bay (22° 38', 114° 27′) under Pengchau offers shelter to vessels bound for Hongkong from a northern direction. Between Mirs bay and Swatow, there are no very good typhoon harbours, but shelter may be found against NE. winds. By Namoa Island (23° 28', 116° 57') is excellent anchorage. Tongsan bay (23° 47', 117° 35′) is much used, and also Amoy harbour. Making harbour (23° 32', 118° ...) by the Pescadores is excellent. In Pilquan harbour (24° 10′, 120° 31') there is good shelter from NE. winds to vessels under 15 feet draught. The Haitan Straits (25° 26', 119° 44′) are very ... There are several anchorages round Chusan. In Luzon, there is an anchorage at the entrance to Manila bay, N. of Corregidor Island (14° 25', 120° 33'). On the S. coast of Mindoro, we have Garza bay (12° 13′, 121° 11′).\n\nWhen the red drum is hoisted, the weather is generally fine in Hongkong, and settled fine if the typhoon moves northward, so that this signal does not by any means imply bad weather here. Steamers bound for northern, western or southern ports should then lose no time in starting, as they may expect more or less fine weather. Those bound for the Philippines should take precautions to avoid cyclones as explained above. Sailing vessels bound for western or southern parts should lose no time in starting, but those that are bound for the north or east ought to remain in the harbour awaiting information, should the wind be westerly here at the time, as they may expect to fall in with calms or contrary breezes after starting, even ...",
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        "id": 396053,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-328 - Governor Nathan - 1905 [1-6]",
        "page_number": 135,
        "title": "CO129-328 - Governor Nathan - 1905 [1-6]",
        "content_text": "## COLONIAL OFFICE\n**Governor.** No. 4659  \n1 Feb 1905  \n\n### DESPATCH\n**C. O. 4659**  \nRec'd 13 FEB 05  \n\nEncl's Agent for Transvaal was in communication with Halligan regarding the appointment. He is willing to accept the appointment on the terms proposed by Perry. Regarding the probationary period for which the offer was made...\n\n### Telegram References\n- No. 4436, Feb 18  \n- No. 5894, Feb 21  \n\n### Minutes\nIt is suggested that Telegraph & for. H.K Hallifax should proceed to Chingwan-tao to take over his duties from Walter. His salary will be £750 a year, with travelling expenses paid. An officer to be selected locally will be required there until Walter returns from leave. Walter's leave will be for such period as is absolutely necessary.",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-328 - Governor Nathan - 1905 [1-6].txt",
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    {
        "id": 410906,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-343 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "page_number": 83,
        "title": "CO129-343 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "content_text": "# Trains cross at Ch'ing-ho.\n\nLine only metalled from Feng-t'ai to Fo-ch'ing-men, and ballasting (of earth) only a short way further on. Nan-k'ou is very stony, and metalling is being taken down from it. Perhaps the greater part of the line is on the level, or nearly on the level, of the Peking plain, which the line crosses up to Nan-k'ou. In places there is an embankment, which is not revetted, and which occasionally shows signs of crumbling. Occasionally line passes through low cuttings—a low trench on sides for drainage.\n\nConsidering the funereal pace at which we moved, I do not consider the line runs very smoothly, or that in its present condition a great rate of speed could be obtained.\n\nThere are thirteen sleepers under each pair of rails; sleepers 18 to 20 inches apart, except under the fish-plates, where they are only about 8 inches apart. Rails spiked to each sleeper, four bolts to each fish-plate.\n\nAt Feng-t'ai the line starts from the outer siding of the Chinghan line. There are three sidings at Kuang-an-men, four at Hsi-chih-men, two or three at Ch'ing-ho, three at Sha-ho, and three at Nan-k'ou.\n\nThere is a water-tank at Hsi-chih-men, another at Sha-ho on piled sleepers, another at Ha-pa-t'un, half way between Sha-ho and Nan-k'ou, and another on a truck at Nan-k'ou.\n\nThe platforms vary in size; perhaps the largest is the one at Hsi-chih-men, 280 yards long by about 10 yards wide, and 3 feet above the line.\n\nStations buildings, single storied of grey brick and well constructed.\n\nThere is an engine-house of grey brick at Hsi-chih-men, about 53 yards long by 18 yards wide, with two sidings, and it can house at least four Dubs' large engines with tenders (smaller engines are Baldwin's).\n\nRailway buildings at Nan-k'ou in construction.\n\nCarriages were made at the Tong-shan works; 3rd class are stand-up covered waggons.\n\nThere are five composite 1st and 2nd class carriages on the line, two for each train and one in reserve. They have hand brakes and are corridor cars, the 1st class portion consisting of two compartments, each holding eight people, whilst the 2nd class can seat five people; 1st class compartments very well fitted up, and with light luggage racks. Lavatories attached to compartments.\n\nOpen trucks have 30-ton capacity.\n\nOur train consisted of two composite carriages (one 3rd class), three trucks, and a van.\n\nDirection of line mostly north up to Sha-ho, then north-westerly. Telegraph near the line.\n\nNorth of Sha-ho station the line crosses a stream by a bridge of seven stone piers.\n\n| Class | Fare (Dollars) |\n| --- | --- |\n| 1st | 2.40 |\n| 2nd | 1.60 |\n| 3rd | 0.80 |\n\nGoods (luggage parcels) rate per ton per `li` are—1st class, 2 cents; 2nd class, 1 cent; 3rd class, 16 cents. Dangerous goods, 4 cents; minimum distance, 50 `li`.\n\nHorses and cattle, 2 cents per `li`.\n\nNan-k'ou is the limit of traffic. The line has been laid for a mile or two, where it sweeps round to the north of Nan-k'ou and enters the pass.\n\nThe pass is about 11 miles long, culminating in the Pa-ta-ling, where the branch of the Great Wall crosses it. Valley narrow and stony—only a short piece of embankment has been made at the entrance. There is then no work done till approaching the summit, perhaps for the last mile or two. The work begins with the first tunnel at Wu-kuei-t'un, which has been pierced, wall of stone and cement completed, and the arch, which is to be finished off with square stones of German cement, has just been commenced.\n\nThe second tunnel at Shih-fo-ssu has been pierced, and wall is also completed, but the cementing of the arch has not been begun.\n\nThe third tunnel, which is to pierce the Pa-ta-ling, has not been commenced, as regards boring from the east side.\n\nEarth embankments, unrevetted like those on the plain, connect the tunnels. Time plays little or no part in a Chinaman's calculations, and in the journey up to Nan-k'ou we left several stations ahead of time, and reached our destination three minutes too early; whilst in the down journey we were mostly a quarter of an hour too late.\n\nThe Chinese station-masters and traffic managers, arrayed in startling uniforms, are most civil and obliging.\n\n(Signed)\n\nPeking, November 3, 1906.\n\n**G. PEREIRA, Lieutenant-Colonel, Grenadier Guards, Military Attaché.**\n\n## Inclosure 2 in No. 1.\n\n## Supplementary Notes on Peking-Kalgan Railway by Captain Leonard, United States' Military Attaché.\n\nThe total length of the line, 34.11 miles. Distances between stations:\n\n| From | To | Miles |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Feng-Tai | Kuang-an-men | 4.49 |\n| Kuang-an-men | Hsi-chih-men | 4.54 |\n| Hsi-chih-men | Ch'ing-ho | 6.86 |\n| Ch'ing-ho | Sha-ho | 6.59 |\n| Sha-ho | Nan-K'ou | 11.63 |\n\nRails, flat-bottomed, weighing 85 lb. to the yard. Sleepers are Japanese hardwood, 8 feet long by 9 inches wide by 6 inches thick.\n\nThe width of the embankment is 20 feet on the top with 1 to 1 slopes.\n\nThe road from Feng-t'ai to Hsi-chih-men is practically level with the exception of a short 1 in 100 grade, where the line crosses the Ching-han Railway, at each side of the latter, opposite the Hsi-pien-men.\n\nFrom Hsi-chih-men to Nan-k'ou the line rises gradually; the stiffest grade is a 1 in 70, just before Nan-k'ou is reached.\n\nThe cars ride very easily where the road is ballasted, and there is no serious rocking; the speed is, however, extremely slow.\n\nThere are no tunnels between Feng-t'ai and Nan-k'ou. The bridges are not very numerous, there being about 50 feet of opening to the mile; they are all 20 feet and 30 feet spans, except one near Sha-ho, over the river of that name, which is made up of one 110-foot span and three 30-foot spans, at each side of same.\n\nAt present there is little or no goods traffic, owing to the fact that all trade comes to Feng-tai by camels; when the contracts for carrying goods this way expire—probably in a few months' time—there is sure to be a very heavy traffic over the railway. The passenger traffic is very light at present, about fifty passengers per train; this will improve greatly when the line is better known to the Chinese.\n\nThe principal goods which will ultimately be hauled by the railway are wools, skins, hides, &c., from Kalgan, Nan-k'ou to Feng-t'ai, and on to Tien-tsin, and tea and general goods from Tien-tsin, via Nan-k'ou to Kalgan.\n\nThere are four tunnels in the Nan-k'ou Pass, 180 feet, 264 feet, 1,000 feet, and 3,450 feet long respectively. The two short ones are nearly completed, and the other two are well under way.\n\nThe steepest grade in the Nan-k'ou Pass is 1 in 30; there is a stretch of about 4 miles of this, and then another of about 2¼ miles; after that the grade is 1 in 40, of short distances, at intervals.\n\nAll the rolling-stock was built in the workshops of the North China Imperial Railways at Tong-shan, and all the rest required will also be built there.\n\nOf course, all the iron and steel for same is imported from Europe.\n\nAll the girders for the bridge have been constructed at the North China Imperial Railways Bridge Works at Shan-hai-kuan, with the exception of one 110-feet span, which came from England in pieces; the steel plates, &c., for the other girders, of course, come from Europe.\n\nThe locomotives for the line will be built in the North China Imperial Railway Works at Tong-shan entirely, with the exception of the wheels, axles, and springs.\n\nAll the bridges up to Nan-k'ou (abutments and piers) are constructed of cement concrete, below water German cement being used, above Tong-shan cement is employed.\n\nThe top of the Nan-k'ou Pass is about 2,100 feet above Peking, and Kalgan is about 500 feet above that.\n\nPeking, November 5, 1906.\n\n(Signed)\n\n**G. PEREIRA, Lieutenant-Colonel.**",
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    {
        "id": 445107,
        "series_id": 27,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-405 - Public Offices - 1913",
        "page_number": 181,
        "title": "CO129-405 - Public Offices - 1913",
        "content_text": "180 \n\n8 \n\nA threat of confiscation of land had deterred his village within the Shensi border from sowing it. \n\n\"GEORGE PARKER.\" \n\nEnclosure 5 in No. 1. \n\nExtract from the \"North China Daily News\" of December 7, 1912. \n\n**GOVERNMENT AND OPIUM** \n\nIN the October number of the \"Hibbert Journal\" for the current year is an interesting opening article by L. P. Jacks, of Oxford, in which is discussed \"Democracy and Discipline.\" The considerations which are brought forward concern more especially all Governments that are striving in diverse ways to bring the will of the people to bear upon legislation for the theoretical benefit of all; the question is whether under a democracy this is a realisable ideal. \n\nIt is a theme of prime importance to China at the present moment. Under the Empire the laws were not, indeed, as many in western lands ignorantly supposed, the expression of an individual Imperial will, but they represented a compromise between the ideas and the ideals of a great number of different persons, all much modified by the rigorous necessities of environment. No Chinese knew or ever thought of inquiring whence the law emanated. The practical question for him was: \"Can I safely violate, ignore, or evade it?\" If not, it would, after a fashion, be obeyed. \n\nAt the present time this is radically changed. The conception of the potential might of the people has entered deeply the minds and the hearts also of a considerable number of influential Chinese, and the number and the influence of this class is steadily and rapidly increasing. Any particular law does not represent what any particular Chinese wants, but is the outcome of the composition and resolution of a great variety of obscure social forces largely invisible. \n\nThe late Manchu Government, as a measure of self-preservation, decreed six years ago the gradual abolition of the use of opium in China. Into this reform the people themselves speedily injected a moral element which has been its strength. As an inevitable result, great areas in many provinces of China smiled with the fatal beauty of the brilliant blossoms of the deadly plant. The current year has witnessed a slackening of official pressure in the enforcement of the laws against opium smoking, and especially against poppy planting. Vigorous and intelligent efforts are being made to enforce the law as before, for the present Government is as convinced of the necessity of its enforcement for the welfare of China as was the preceding one. Can the republic stop poppy planting? If it cannot, it cannot stop opium using. \n\nCrude Chinese opium is now worth much more than its weight in silver. The temptation to smuggle is practically irresistible, and it goes on upon an enormous scale. Let us cite specific instances. Shansi, which was officially pronounced last year to be free from opium, is free no longer, and Shansi opium is now an important article of inter-provincial commerce. But beyond Shansi is remote Kansu, which never has been free from poppy raising. Probably the bulk of smuggled opium for the northern provinces may come from those wide and loosely governed areas. \n\nIt is well known that the city of Chengchou, at the intersection of the Chinghan and the Pien-lo railways, is an active centre of illicit traffic in opium. So are many other cross roads of trade. \n\nNot many moons since, at the market town of Hsiaofan, in the Hochien-fu region, situated on one of the rivers flowing to Tien-tsin, there passed a funeral, the coffin containing a corpse from a distance to the west, with many bearers and something of a train. It occurred to the head of the police that there might be opium smuggling involved. For there was no one of the followers of the coffin who wore any white—a suspicious circumstance. \n\nBut the arrest and interviewing of a corpse in China is an embarrassing procedure, not lightly to be undertaken. This particular section of the Chihli province abounds in the lawless bands that China has hitherto found it impossible to repress. The chief of police laid his plans, with confederates, to examine the coffin and yet to incur no risk. He divided his forces, part being left in town to await the outcome, the rest feigning themselves to be a band of robbers (\"lao cha\"). They made their raid, prised open the coffin, and found an opium man, full size and even overweight, clad in appropriate burial garments, and ready for the burial which never took place. Such an amount of opium must have netted an immense amount. Does the reader wish to know what became of the proceeds of what in Shanghai we style \"clever capture\"? \n\nIn the city of Linch'ing-chou, at the junction of the Huai River and the now disused \"Grand Canal,\" there is a little company of men organised as an \"opium refuge,\" whose delightful duty is to help the Chinese Republic to free itself from the opium curse. The society began by representing itself as managed by experts, trained under foreign tutelage (a bare falsehood), and is reported on good authority to be given to blackmail of smokers (to enlarge the revenues of the promoters), and also (perhaps chiefly) to the sale of opium. The present local magistrate is himself an opium smoker, related to those \"high up.\" Can the Chinese Republic free itself of opium? \n\nA hundred li east of Linch'ing-chou is the ancient city of Kao-t'ang-chou. About 20 li north-west of the city on the banks of the old Chaowang River is a small village called Wangkuangchuang. Here lives a man whose name is Wang Tung-fang (\"combined fragrance\"). For some time he has imported opium in large amounts by the cartload, from the western provinces. There are numbers of armed men in the train, which no one safely interrupts. Arrived at his home the opium is divided into packages and distributed among his countless friends and relatives until wanted. No one not personally known can buy. His profits are fabulous. \n\nWhy is this trade not broken up? Because he is too strongly entrenched. The police are all hand and glove with this resistless member of the gentry. He is in intimate relation with the local council (I Shih Hui), all of whom are interested or strictly neutral. The former official knew all about it and (for reasons) did nothing. The case was well understood at Tsinan-fu, the provincial capital. Articles sent to the papers of that city about the case cannot be inserted. But one was actually published in the \"Tungwenpao\" of Shanghai calling the man of \"combined fragrance\" an \"opium king.\" This brought the matter to the attention of the Governor of Shantung, yet nothing was done. \n\nThe present local official is one of a new type. It is said that he will not take a bribe, and it is not certain how to manage him. He arrested the man of \"combined fragrance,\" detained him for a time, and then released him. Whoever is approached on the subject always sighs and remarks: \"That case will be a difficult one to handle.\" \n\nChina is now a republic. Can republics put down known and strongly organised crime, or can they not? Can China put down the planting of the poppy and the trade in opium?",
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        "id": 452644,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-419 - Individuals - 1914",
        "page_number": 490,
        "title": "CO129-419 - Individuals - 1914",
        "content_text": "# HONGKONG TELEGRAPH SUPPLEMENT\n\n## Piracy on the Tai On\n\n1 \n\nBritish S.S. Lin Tan in failing to stand by the Tai On or to render her any assistance requires further enquiry as does that of the master of the On Lee who similarly failed. We also wish to point out the irregularity and very possible source of danger of the practice which seems to have been universal on board vessels on this run of carrying an unlimited number of passage runners, cargo brokers and live stock attendants who pay no fare and are commonly supposed to form an intelligence department for the pirates.\n\nThe police have found the remains of about twelve people on board the Tai On, which now lies at Chung Sha-wan, behind Stonecutters Island, where she was anchored last Thursday. On Friday it was found that she was still burning. This fact naturally tells against the chances of further use being made of the ship.\n\nOn Thursday, as the result of a visit to a house in Macao, the Macao Police effected the arrest of a Chinese who is believed to be implicated in the piratical attack on the S.S. Tai On. It appears that the visit was made as the result of information received by the force there, and a party of detectives went to the house of one Leung Po who is also said to be concerned in the matter. As the party neared the house, a man emerged, who, as soon as he saw the police, drew his cap over his eyes. He was met by the detectives who sent him back into the house and told off one of their number to watch him. Meanwhile, they interviewed a woman aged about seventeen years, the wife of Leung Po, who it is said was shot down during the fight on the Tai On. When she was asked where her husband was, she replied that he went to Hongkong about a week previously. The house was searched and two iron bars were found, which, according to her story, had been given to her to keep, and two hundred rounds of ammunition. Again the woman was asked what had become of her husband and after much pressing she said that he had been burnt to death on the Tai On.\n\nDealing with her own history, she said she had been married to Leung Po for about a year and at the time of her marriage she did not know that he was a robber. The man whom the police had met as they came into the house was her husband's brother, Leung Shiu-cheong. The latter was searched but nothing incriminating was found about him save a bullet wound in the thigh and a grazed wound on the temple. He was taken into custody and, in answer to the police, said that five days previously Leung Po asked him to go to Hongkong. He did so and put up at a boarding house. Later he met Leung Po in the street and was invited to dinner. He went, and in the course of the meal it was suggested that he should go on board the Tai On travelling steerage. He did so, but went merely as a passenger. While on board he heard a great deal of noise. There was considerable firing and in his fright he jumped overboard. As he did so someone shot him in the thigh, while later the wound to his head was caused by another man jumping on him in the water. He floated about clinging to a plank until he was picked up by a launch and conveyed to Ching San near Macao, to which place he could easily travel by ricksha.\n\nThe watchman Silva who was also instrumental in defending the Tai On was picked up near Chingsan suffering from wounds in three places. He was first treated in Wanchai Hospital, near Macao, but when the Macao Government heard of the man's plight he was transferred to the Macao Hospital.\n\n## The Bishop of Victoria's Reference\n\nThe Bishop of Victoria made the following reference at the Cathedral on Sunday morning:- \n\nMy subject this morning is Christian courage. First of all let me refer to a local event. A dastardly crime followed by an appalling calamity has occurred on board a ship sailing from our port. It shows how greatly China needs the benefits of civilisation and Christian ethics. I hope the revelation of the cowardly cruelty and fiendish methods of the pirates will induce people of Kwang Tung to determine at all costs to stop their murderous tyranny.\n\nThe event has its message to us, a Christian congregation. It calls for our prayerful and practical sympathy with the sufferers. When the prayer \"for the Church Militant\" is said let us specially remember those who have been bereaved of their nearest and dearest, amongst the Chinese as well as the widow and child of the European officer who lost his life. Some of us will gladly subscribe to the fund that is being opened to help the sufferers, particulars of which will be given in the daily papers. Benevolent care for such is a Christian characteristic. The fact that some can only subscribe small sums should not deter them from the privilege of taking part in so desirable a movement. The heroic courage and devotion to duty on the part of those in charge of the ship are worthy of their Christian upbringing.\n\n## Meeting to Discuss Piracy Prevention\n\nOn Monday a private meeting of Government officials and others for the purpose of considering measures for the prevention of piracy was held at the Harbour Office. The Harbour Master, Captain Superintendent of Police and the Secretary for Chinese Affairs were among those who attended, as well as a number of prominent Chinese business men.\n\n## Recovery of Bodies\n\nThe Tang Wah Hospital authorities state that they have picked up 37 dead bodies in the vicinity of Kap Oi. These bodies are presumably those of passengers (or pirates) on board the Tai On. Leng Chi-Kwam, who was sent to the Government Civil Hospital on the 29th ult., suffering from injuries received in the Tai On piracy, died on the 3rd inst.\n\n## Photographs of the Tai On\n\nWe have received some photographs from Mr. Chung showing the Tai On still afire after the piracy.\n\n## OIL WORKS FIRE\n\nOn Tuesday afternoon, April 28, fire broke out at the Standard Oil Company's depot at Lai Chi Kok. It transpired to be a most serious outbreak. How it broke out is not known nor indeed is it at present anticipated that it ever will be ascertained. Shortly before four o'clock a portion of the roof of tank No. 5 fell in and a column of flame leapt into the air, followed by a dense cloud of black smoke, which grew in volume and became visible from all over the harbour. A view of the top of the tank, obtained from the summit of a similar structure, showed that the top had fallen in two places, the standing portion remaining as a broad diameter to the circle. From both the open portions dense masses of flame and smoke rose.\n\nThe fire fighting appliances of the Company were immediately requisitioned and the alarm given to the Fire Brigade. These turned out promptly and shortly after four o'clock the Company's fire floats \"Standard,\" and the Brigade fire floats were busily engaged pumping water through lengths of hose, to be played on the surrounding tanks. It had been realised from the first that any attempts to quench the flames would prove futile, and attention was devoted from the outset to keeping the adjacent tanks cool and preventing further outbreaks of the conflagration. Under the guidance of Chief Inspector Gourlay, the Fire Brigade did good work though after water had been obtained there was nothing to do but play on the other reservoirs.\n\nThe heat from the flame was intense. Buckling of the two upper sets of plating on the sides set in early, and at the two places where the flames surged freely out the iron-work was white with heat, the rivets melting and dropping out of their holes.\n\nWith such a heat as this there was more than a little danger to the gasolene house, which was filled with a large stock of gasolene. Water had been played on the wall adjacent to the burning tank, but this precaution was not considered sufficient. Coolie labour was not to hand to remove the 75,000 cases of gasolene, and the services of one hundred of the 25th Punjabis were requisitioned to transfer the spirit to a safe place. The number was afterwards increased and the cases were removed to a place of greater safety nearer the water.\n\nMeanwhile the pumping apparatus of the Company was put into action and a considerable quantity of oil was removed from the tank. The pumps were set working and oil at the rate of about nine inches per hour was removed, water being pumped in to keep the oil at its usual level. This manoeuvre had as one of its main objects, besides lessening the duration of the conflagration, the securing from damage of the tank outside the two rows of plates already involved.\n\nThe scene, while awe-inspiring during the day, grew terrific as night fell. During the afternoon the dense volumes of flame were lost sight of and the size of the fire was only to be gauged by the immense spread of smoke. Sometimes, when the wind was still the fumes rose in a single column and spread out mushroom fashion in a peculiarly interesting manner. But when night fell, the flames showed up by vivid contrast, lighting up the countryside with red and yellow and illuminating the smoke, which wreathed in fantastic fashion through all the shades of grey and brown until all form was lost in the velvety blackness of the sky.\n\nShortly after eight o'clock the remaining portion of the tank-roof appeared to have fallen in, for the light from the burning increased in intensity and huge tongues of flame leapt many feet into the air. For miles around a weird sight was presented on the Kowloon hills, the same light that brightened them to the eyes of people on the Victoria side of the harbour shone on the faces of thousands of Chinese who had seized every distant point of vantage to witness the strange sight. In Hongkong the picture was peculiarly beautiful. The tongue of flame was reflected across the water, ships stood out in strange black profile against the glare while overhead the clouds were as brilliant as if the lights of some huge city below were being reflected. Blake Pier was always the point of view which many Europeans seized on, though from the higher levels many were able to obtain an equally fine picture. Praya East was crowded by Chinese who would scarcely make room for trams to pass, so rapt was their attention to the spectacle the conflagration afforded.\n\nAll night the fire raged, varying, as the wind changed its force, from dull red flames to huge bright yellow ones, the effect throwing up a huge glare on to the sky. In the morning the flames were still shooting high, being visible above Stonecutters. About seven o'clock, however, the fire was not so visible from a distance, the smoke obscuring the flames.\n\nThe Fire Brigade stood by all night, their creature comforts being cared for by the Company in thoughtful style. By 8.30 o'clock on Wednesday some 12,000 tins of naptha had been removed, this task taking all night to accomplish. It was at that time estimated that if the wind remained in the direction from which it was then blowing, the fire should burn itself out at about 4 p.m., while the other tanks would not be endangered. The men from the Punjabi Regiment did splendid work in removing the naptha.\n\nThe Standard Oil Company seen by the Telegraph in the afternoon stated that at twelve thirty the fire was still burning at about the same rate.\n\n## Page 478",
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