1907-03-26 — Page 2

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INTIMATION.

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, TUESDAY, MARCH 26TH, 1907.

Decidedly we, na a jury, must feel more

kindly to the accused when we think of that. The public certainly had grumbled about premature or false alarms, just as they grambled when the warning came, too Dr. DOBRECK was particular to say A. S. WATSON & CO., that the thought of the previous complaints

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ESTABLISHED A.D. 1841.

late.

difficult to understand this question and TELEGRAMS.

110

{"DAILY PRESS" AXCLUSIVE SERVICE.] STEAMSHIP. COMPETITION,

LONDON, March 25th. · The German companies have oasted doubt. The the Canard. Company from the

Adriatic.

*Had you been watching the answer: barometer would you have seen reason for hoisting the signal carlier than you did P--- No." It looks as if the barometer had not been watched, and that therefore it may bave given indication before 8.21 am. of unnecessary warningą “ did not influence These, however, are details quite capable of the present case." This appears on page explanation, we have 40 of the Oficial Report; on page 58 we remarks we are most struck by are those fint him giving as a reason for not hoisting made by Messrs. Donɛacz and Fica when- ever they had to refer to the experts of the signal while he and Mr. FrGo were engaged in consultation nud observation Manila and Shanglui. They accompanied having discovered the storm's approach at their positive denials of jealousy and lack 7.44 --that "we have to be very of cordiality by coniments which most of 800.0 careful. The implication of this laudable men will consider to savour

animus. The Committee must remark is quite clear from Sir HENRY such

have noticed it, but thoir 'report ignores that point, on which Capt, Outerbridge spoke and we dwelt. Why they should have asked questions shout it, and yet not have said what they thought of the answers, is a mystery too deep-for us. From the beginning we attached more importance to this point that to the blame or exoneration of the offcials. The typhoon was over; the barta done; we desired not to blame or punish anybody. Hearing, however, that there was auch friction, and recognising its objectionableness and danger for the future, we ventured to hope that this event woulá call attention to the desirability of pattieg an end to it. The casual references in the expert testimony to “loose remarks,” to the

WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANTS. BERKELEY's succeeding comment, that be

BULL

DOG

BRAND

remembered sccing complaints made about the unnecessary hoisting of signals." Dr. DOBERCK is an expert meteorologist, but we admire him less us a witness, and the same remark may apply to Me Frad. L'erhaps we had better here explain why we are thus criticising their tastiniony. There had been, attempts," said Mr. Fion, to influence public opinion against the Hong kong Observatory." That may refer either o the Press or to the priests who under take Obsergatory work at Manila and Shanghai. If it refer to the Press, the reply is that public opinion was already formed, and is was merely echoed, not influenced, by the papers. It it refers to the priests, regrtainly bears out, the general belief, contradicated by Messrs. Fion and BOTTLED BY THE CELEBRATED DOBERCK both, that the relations between

LIGHT

GUINNESS'

ALE

STOUT

IN PINTS AND SPLITS

FIRM

ROBERT PORTER & CO. ID.

SOLE AGENTS:

remark.

the Hongkong weather exports and their reverend colleagues were anything but cordial. Eu either case, as impartial readers will roudily observe, it was an injudicions Captain SOMMERVILLE, Due of the jury, spoke to Dr. DOBEROK about what he called “attacks made in tas Press. We do not like that term, as at the time of our frst comments we carefully abstained from anything in the nature of an attack on individuals.

more: we expressly repudiated any such implication; danger.

WC hope Dr.

DOBERCK did not include the Daily Press in his reference to "attacks of the character." We have not hitherto attacked anybody in this connection; but it is clear that the present comments constitute an tack which, as we say, the experts have drawn upon themselves by their attitude towards the enquiry.

A. S. WATSON & CO., and

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Blongkong, 25th March, 1907.

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The position-oar position-now stands thus. We find, as we expected, that metcer- Dorrespondents must forward their names and adology, to quote Dr. DoBERCK, is not an dress with communications addressed to the Editor. not for publication" but as evidence of good faith,

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The Daily Press.

HONGKONG, MARCH 26гя, 1907.

The official report of the proceedings before the Committee of Enquiry appointed ja connection with the typhoon of Sept. 18th will confirm for some people the impression

exact science. We find, as. is not uncom mon, the experts disagreeing. It is not for us, therefore, to express an opinion as That would to which side is right.

We are now-appear an impertinence.

| prepared - to accept

the decision of

the Committee that the earliest possible ́warning was given, since we are not expert enough, or sufficiently well informed, to say that it was not. So far, so good. That is the decision of the Committee of Enquiry. What the public demanded, through our medium, was an enquiry. They have got it; whether they be satisfied or dissatisfied with the result of it, we are in no way to praise or blame.

Reviewing the official report na we think a Court of Appeal might review a judgment, we may first call attention to the Com-

|

OUTBREAK IN MOROCCO.

LONDON, March 25th.

The British Vice-Consulate has been attacked and મ Frenchman murdered at Marrekesh, Morʊeco.

FRANCE AND SIAM.

LONDON, March 26th.

A treaty between France and Siam conceding Fringe the provinces of Battambang, Sesupon and Siemreap has been signed.

[The last treaty hotwan France und Siam sigand at Paris in February, 1904, provided that is the provinces mentioned the Slamas

force Government undertook to keep no there hat the police contingents necesSETY

for the maintenance of ordor.]

REVOLUTION IN ROUMANIA

LONDON, March 25th. The revolution in Roumania is spreading,

POBIEDONOŠTEFF IS DEAD. LONDON, March 25th, Pobiedonosteff is dead.

Constantin Petrovitali Pobiedonosteff,

STOCK EXCHANGE.

LONDON, March 25th.

SUPREME COURT.

Monday, 25th March.

IN SUMMARY JURISDICTION,

BEFORE MA, A. G. WIRE (PUISNE JUDGE.)

CLARM TOR RENT. The Clan Wah Co. sued Mr. Stemberg fo

recover 840 due for earen days' ront of shop No. 51 Queen's Road Central

Mr. C. F. Dixon (of Masses. Hastings and Hostings appeared for plaintiffs, and Mr. E- J.. Grist (of Messrs. Wilkinson and Grist) for defendaut.

Dot

Mr. Harding-The Inspector and it was

His Lordship--I say it is. It should be sent back to the polics Court, and the assault proved Orat. How many mataheds are thoro ?

Mr. Harding-Three altogether.. Wo built two.

His Lordship Did your matshel satok fire ? Mr. Harding-Ne, the defendant's caught fire and set ours going.

His Lordship-You've got to prove gross negligence to begin with. Why do you sue de- fendant ?

Mr. Harding--We see him under arrange- ments entered into.

His Lordship-Look at the San Francisco and Jamaica, cases. You've got to prove the direct origin, and the direct origin is clearly not from No. 2 mataled.

Mr. HardingWe don't care how the fre occurred, but when our place, burnt down wo ask for the price agreed in caso of its being burnt dowa.

Mr. Dixon, in opening, said the claim was for seven days' ront due by the defendant to the plaintiffs from the 11th to the 17th March for the ground floor of 51 Queau's Road Central. The honse at this time was ronted by the plaintiff, and they sublet the ground floor to the defendant, whe wanted the promises to start the business of selling picture postcards. The defendunt want to see the landlord, and explained, that he wanted to go into the said premises, and the landlord him to the Chi Wah Company. With place you're up against the Insurance Com defendant should entor the premises on March agreements of this kind they all could burn this Company it was arranged that the panies' Aot. If you are going to have verbal ilk and pay rent at the rate of $6 a day. Hoench others' honies down and alain on such agreemente. The whole place would be im went into possession on the 11th, and plaintiffs asked him to pay, but he put them off timsius in about a mock... after time and eventually declined to pay.

referred

When plaintiffs' evidence had been heard, Mr. Grist aid the defence was that defendant

the people who were suing him. His arrange made no arrangement of any sort or kind with meats were made with the landlord, and he agreed to pay $180 a month rent and to take possession on the 18th. The law was that a person could not recover for reat exospt under agreement, but action could by brought for use and occupation.

1

After hearing the evidence for the defence, his Lordship stated that the wrong plaiuliffs appasred to be present, and measuited the ante

THE PROMISSORY NOTE CASE,

The case was concluded in which Wong Thoi sued Leung Kwan-shing to

recover

$703.55 das on a promissory note for $700.

Mr. O. D. Thomson appeared

for the

plaintiff, and Mr. P. W. Goldring (of Messrs. Goldring and Barlow) for the defendant.

His Lordship-You cannot do that, you've got to bave stamped policies. In the first

Mr. Harding then referred to the use and occupation of the matshed.

His Lordship-You are not going to press

with a stamp on and I will be satised. I don't that, surely. Show me the policy of insurance believe this man ever took fercible possession at

all

Mr. Harding asked his Lordship to allow the claim for 1.80 and for $20 for me and occupation, also to order defendant to relinquista possession.

His Lordship-I don't think I'm going to do that at all. The thing's absard and I am not at all sare this is not on illegal claim. An agreement for rent has got to be written down, and on a point of foot I hold you have not proved your agreement. I want to know now whose in possession of this matshed. If the Government are in possession you can't sue this man.

His Lordship then adjourned the nearing until Thursday, when two Indians who are His Lordship-Wall, have you got anything said to reside in tho mateber are to be to say, Mr. Thomson?

"If he (the defendant} Mr. Thomson then addressed, his Lordship doce not bring them," said his Lordship in on plaintifa euss, concluding with the remark-conolagion, I am against him. I expect he'll

wisdom of placing confidence "in remarks issued by Siccawei," and so on-the tone of those answers generally-convince us that What Capt. OUTERBRIDGE beard everybody saying was correct, even if there were no other evidence available to show that the

of the Greek Churah, one of the most import- denials were disingenuous. The continued Procurator of the Holy Synod, was, as the head existence of that ill-feeling, of that in-ant fdefors in the government of Russia, born at Moscow in 1827 and graduated dependence and disinclination to operate an office which be hald since 1880. He b wholeheartedly with all its neighbours, does through many offices to Momber of Council not promise well for the future of the af State in 1872. Hongkong Observatory. We believe, and it seems our duty to warn the Government and people if it is so, that it even throatens When Capt. OUTERBRIDOE WAS told that Mr. Doneck had said his rela tions with Manila were cordial, that witness replied "I am very glad to bear it." The shipping community in general will TIE MURDER OF MR. WHITELEY. re-echo that sentiment, but as the contrary impression was definitely created, a few years ago now, by official reports published in Manila, the endorsement of Dr. DOUERCK's given against Rayner, and the sentence of testimony by the Director of the Manila | death passed.

THE TRANSVAAL Observatory seems necessary to completely satisfy the public mind in this important with regard. We shall therefore await eager interest the comments of the Manila Director on the subject, feeling sure that he will recognise the necessity for an early public statement es a matter of so much importance to the shipping community.

A heavy depreciation on the StockIt's a very pocultor case. Exchange has taken place,

The English Mail of the 23rd February was delivered in London on the 23rd inst.

Among the Fellows elected last month at the Royal Colonial Institute ara Mr. Byron Brena C. M. G., secretary of the new Chins Society, and formerly of the Consular servios in China, and aleo Mr. R. Scott Atkinson, Pastmaster General of British North Borneo.

A new agreement to replace the Mackay Treaty is being negotiated for by the Chinese The Powers have and British Governments. not backed up the Mackay Treaty as

WAR

(REUTER'S SERVICE.}

LONDON, March 23rd.

The verdict of wilful wurder has been

LONDON, March 23rd. The Transvaal Council has passed the Asiatic Bill. Lord Selborns reserves the King's approval. The Assembly has adjourned to the 14th June. THE UNITED STATES AND THE CENTRAL AMERICAN REPUBLICS,

LONDON, March 23rd.

Mr. Root has received the Nicaraguan and Costa Rican Ministers and impressed upon them the necessity for ending the war otherwise all Central with Honduras, America will be involved, and European intervention possible,

A FATAL LEAP.

Au inquiry will be conducted by Mr. F. A. Hazeland at the Magis tracy on Thursday into the circumstances of the death of a coolis at Aberdeen Street last week. A Sanitary Ins

His Lordship-It is, and they'll all be in jail in another ten days or 80. (To Mr. Geldring), Do you want to say anything about your costa? You think you ought to get thom?

Mr. Goldring-Yes, my Lori,

His Lordship-Well, I don't. This is a fraud and a swindle bus been going on round the colony for a long time, and every solicitor in the place has been engaged barring one. The only person, as far as I can see, who is clean it your old Leung Mok-chmen, and they all went for bim. The case is noamit without any order for costs. On the question of the promissory note, I say the form is wrong.

MATSHED COMPLICATIONS.

In the cam in which the Kang Tai sued Tha Dia to recover $184,80, Mr. P. A. Herding appeared for plaintiffs and defendant, who appeared je person, denied all liability,

Mr. Harding stated that plaintiffs ware matched builders, and the defendant was s contractor who contracted to do certain work on the proposed railway station at Mongkok. The claim was for $181.80. being as to the sum of 4400 for the erection-of-a-matched, $120 value. of a matched destroyed by fire and $20 for the nee and occupation of a third matehod.

His Lordship-That last chim raises a oriminal point; doesn't it?

Mr. Harding said the defendant went to his client and asked him to build a matshed. At that time he already bad one matshed, where his workinen stopped, and he wanted another bailt to Les partly as sa office and partly as a mess,

called as witnesses.

say they've gone to India"

POLICE COURT.

Monday, 25th January.

BEFORE MR. F. A., HAZELANU (FIRST POLICE MAGISTRATE,}

A DISOBEDIENT HOUSEBOY.

tho A houseboy engaged at

Pension Francais, Queen's Road East, was charged by the propriatrix, Madame Gaion, with dis- abaying bor lawful orders. She stated that she told the boy to put some hot water in the bath bat he refused and attempted to strike her. A fine of $10, with the alternativo of one month's imprisonment, was imposed.

A FAMILIAR FACE. John Downie, the well-known charsete",

was brought up-on-a-charge-of being a vagrant......... and not returning to the House of Detention. It was stated that stops ware being taken to good tim away and the case wae adjourned for a week.

TYPHOON FEARS,

The Water Pelico obarged 27 sampan owners with remaining in the typhoon anchorage longer than was necessary on the 23rd inst Inspector Langley said there was no reason for their going to the anchorage on Saturday, and even had there been reason they were not allowed to wait there longer than one tide. They were each fined $5.

A TEACHER ROBBED.

Miss Tietoher, teacher, "Fairlea," 9 Bun ham Road, charged a riostis oculie with steal-

that. only the whitewashing of officials was mittee's remark that the evidence was conexpected, in regard to the collection of the pactor was making a visit of inspection to see Terms were arranged between the parties, and ing a silver watch valued at $12 and for being

if houses in that street were overcrowded. Aps was generally agreed, a condition was made

on the premises with felonious intent. Tha

aimed at. It will be remembered that His flicting. That there was sufficient evider.ce Likia and other dues, and this together with Excellency the GOVERNOR was indiscreet

of one kind to conflict with another, by the local circumstances has made the Treaty of non-parently gambling was proceeding in this house that in case of fire the value of the winished case was remanded enough to publicly and prematurely express his disbelief in the need for an enquiry, and way, is in itself sufficient justification for effect. Hence the endeavours for a more in question, and the inspector being mistaken should be $, which amount was to be paid his bope that it would result in the vindica-the attacks" in the Press. Looking at the effective substitute.

tion of the officials concerned. We are quite certain that His Excellency never intended to prejudice the committee, but his remark seems to have had some effect. We do not allude to the finding of the Committee, which the conflict of experts

Hmited quantity and scope of the evidence, however, we are also justified in asting our readers to take into consideration the weight of evidence. If they think it proponderates in favour of the verdict, so to speak, fell and good.

Now we aro back again to the evidence, quite prepares us to accept, but to several We have mentioned how Dr. DOBERCK, features of and the general line taken by anxious to emphasise his contention that the enquiry. The object of all such in- there was no delay, denied that. the fear of quisitions should be to discover the truth,

causing unrecessary alarm had any in- the whole truth, and nothing but the truth fence that morning, and how later, when

visit Rongkong. The advance egant is lers The Zig Zag Variety Company will shortly and he informs us that when the necessary pormission has been obtained a sérion of per formances will be given, near the Polo Ground, The company, which was the subject of-compli montary press notices in Bangkok, is expected. to arrive here by the end of the week. It includes acrobate, clown, gymuosts and other artists of decided ability; -

The Shanghai Mercury hears that Mr. C Lenor Simpson, Commissioner of I. M. Customs, Ningpu, is to be transferred to Shanghai, to one of the enquirers suggested that he might succond Mr. H. E. Hobson. Mr. Simpson joined have hoisted the warning at 7.44 am, be the Customs in May, 1881, and was appointed to was glad to make use of Sir HENRY the rank of Commissioner in Ostaber, 1877 BERKELEY'S explanation of the deliberation. He was decorated with the Civil Rank of the We need not dwell on such carious poiuta Third Class in Feb. 1878, received the Silver Medal Health Exbibition, London, 1884, and was deegrated with the Double Dragon, Third- Division, First Class, in July 1892,

but we think we are indications that this single purpose was occasionally obscured by other and less impersonal considerations, The Committee nowhere betrayed any bias of which we can rightly complain, but

in his evidence as his reply to the question certain mombers showed which way their sympathy inclined, in a way which the ideal whether a night watch were kept. He said judge would never do. For example, theyas," and then contradicted his own suggestion that some delay in hoisting affirmative by saying they go away before

for a police fleer the cry of police was raised to plaintiff if the mustshed was burned.

leaped over the verendah into the street and and a general stampede followed. In the exci tement of the moment Lui Sing the deceased, recived injuries to which he succumbed not long afterwards.

A

fire did occur, but it occurred in the matshed dant by somebody else. The fire spread to the which had originally been built for the defen plaintiff a mataked, and that also was destroyəd His Lordship-Now you are getting to Sen Francisco.

and chased them off

AN EXEMPLARY PENALTY

Tam To was fined $100 and ordered to be exhibited in the stocks for most reprehensible offence. He was charged with trespassing. on Crown land, but it transpired that he had been guilty of more than ordinary trespas. The land in question is at the rear of Hang- hom alaughter house. It is used for barying animals that are not-fit fox human food. On

on the land sud Saturday prisoner weat commenced, digging up a pig that had been. buried a few hours previously. He was discovered by a lakong and Mr. Hazeland imposed the maximum penalty,

The unveiling of the equestrian status of the Mr. Harding contiauing said these firos left late Duke of ambridge which is being erected the defendaut short of accommodation. At this in Whiteball is likely to be postponed till May time plaintiff's contract regarding the uller to Majesty, who is performing the watshod had expired, and he was entitled to ceremony, is anxious that all the British Field remove it, and attempted to do so, but the

ALLEGED HOBBERY WITH VIOLENCÉ. Marshals should be present, and he desires that defondant took forcible possession. He called

Mala Khan, a sepoy of the 3rd Co., 129th. were working for him, assaulted the men Balnchis, appeared before the Court to answer . the ceremony should be held over till the Duke together a large number. of Indians who of Counaught has returned from the Far East.

sent by plaintiff

a charge of robbery with violence, Mr. G. E. There were two weddings in England last the ground.

Morrell, from the Crown Solicitor's office, His Lordship-This is very similar, on ser-prosecuted sud Mr. E. J. Grist appeared for lao month worth noting here. At Christ Church, Lancaster Gate, Vies-Admiral Bir Charice tale points, to the case I heard this morning. defence

It was alleged that on the 16th inst. prisoner Carter Drury, late Commander in Chief on the All these contracts or verbal. Now, how can East India Statipu, married Miss Amy you suppose you are going to succeed... as a comrade hold up a hawker bear the Gertrude Middleton, youngest daughter of Mr.

Mr. Harding-My clients agreed with this Yanmati Gas Worke, knocked bim down and and Mrs Middleton of Bayswater. Prebendary

wan, and I have two witnesses to prove it,

docamped with his money box containing $2 vûd- Storrs was the officiating clergymar, and

His Lordship-Supposing be goes in the box The cries raised by the hawker attracted the Our London correspondent writing by the Captain Go direy-Faussett was the best man and denies it. How are you going to get over attention of a Inkong who was on duty in the telated French mails aaye Mr. William Roes Invitations to the reception covered all the lead-

Temple, who is coming from Cyprus to be eluding Lord, Charles Beresford, Sir John your Attorney General in Hongkong isa Welsh Fisher, Sir Archibald Dongles and many other

same afternoon the Chinese Minister mur of Pembrokeshire, who has already served The terms of office in the Bahamas and in Cyprus, attended the wedding of Mr. Alfred Hessly, son as well as service as member of Parliament for of Professor Beonly, to Miss Diana Hancock,

typhoon warnings might be due to previous eleven p.m. and return after seven L.. Davier B.A. barrister-at-law of the Inner ing naval men who have served in the East fit? And he's bound to do that, seeing he's vicinity, and when he saw the Indians running.

here..

.

he pursued and evartook them. He was away Plaintiff callod, in the course of his evidence, obstructed in the execution of his duty, however, spoke about one of the watsheds belonging to by a blow on the nose which slayed his progress, another Chinaman.

and instead of following the fugitives further His Lordship-If that is so, what right have he blow loudly on his police whistle. The nože

attracted P. C. Wills, who ou perceiving the fleeing Indians set off in pursuit and maoceeded- in capturing the defendant.

complainta

about unnecessary alarms That could be inadvertence, or even a mis. emanated from one of the enquirers.

report. So might be the apparent slip on That is a plausible suggestion such as any

page 19, when the first barometrical in. clever counsel for the defence would think dication of a storm approaching" was "at of. It at once evokes our sympathy, for it!g.27 a.m.," yet "at 8 a.m. the warning was Pembrokeshire for six years from 1892. While only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Joa, to sue this man for being in possession? presents to us a picture of harassed officials issued." The warning, it may be replied, afraid of a constantly grumbling community. Whatever they do is sure to be wrong. The weather expert's lot is not a happy one.

Sir William Harcourt was Chancellor of the Hancock of Queen's Gate. Among the guests was also Sir Robert Douglas, Professor of

Mr. Harding-It is my client's matshed now His Lordship-As far as the matsleds go, was issued on the strength of external Exchequer Mr. Davies was for three years his chess at King's College, and a prime mover and the assault, I think this is a police court siges, and not on the barometer; but it is private secretary.

in the new China Society.

JARE.

The hearing was adjourned."