1909-07-12 — Page 2

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S. WATSON &

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ESTABLISHED A.D. 1841.

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, MONDAY, JULY 12TH, 1909.

solution of the problem has not as yet of the drowning out of the young crops, and appeared. Still there are a few facts, even the more overt destruction wrought directly with our present knowledge, capable of being by the rising floods. In apparent strange correlated. Indiaa meteorology has introduo-contract with this are the conditions in ed one, at least, comprehensive term in the North Chics, where unavailing prayers are modern use of the expression "failure of the being offered by the command of the REGENT for rain, which has almost totally monsoon" applied to conditions when from

ceased north of the thirty-fifth parallel. CO.some as yet unexplained cassa, the annual

rains have failed to fall in some considerable From what we at present know of natural olimatal laws in China, these two contrary area of the Peninsula, and the consequence is that hundreds of thousands, or in some conditions existing alongside one another cases millions, of the unfortunate tillers of must both be referred to the one cause, the But in its turn the ground, instead of adding to the failure" of the monsoon, resources of the land have to be supported the failure of the monsoon is incapable of out of Government funds. Now certain explanation from any mere local or territorial WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANTS astronomical students, accustomed to the cause. Mathematically it can only be use of the term periodicity, and disposed to brought about by some diminution in the see a periodic law in all celestial phenomena, momentary radiation of heat, and the conse. have noticed, or thought they noticed, aquent lower temperature of those districts. tendency to a like phenomenon in climatal whose annual heating by solar radiation is variations. Generally a vague period of known to induce the luflow of the periodica. about eleven years has been surmised, and winds. Astronomers have often suggested this has been correlated with a like term that the sun is really a variable star; but aal during which disturbances in the upper yet no tangible reason for his variability layers of the sun's atmosphere, generally has been discovered, though it has been known as gun-spots, have been noticed to sought for many years. attain a maxiipum. Otherastronomers have found an approach to a real period at about WHISKY thirty-four years, during which similar sea-associated with excessive outbursts of heat

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sons repeat themselves, but though the meteorologists would be quite willing to accept some such general law, they have been for the most part prevented from doing so by certain wants of coincidence between the theory and their own observations, or appa rent observations.

In this case it is probably the so-called observation that is at fault. There are, of course, many methods of observation, all founded equally on facts, and as such un questionable; yet when brought to the test of experience and compared with general laws are found to be of no utility in evoking & condition of order. One of the principal

More than once these cases of diminished solar radiation in Mid-Chine have been

A native has ben arrested in connection TELEGRAMS. DEATH OF LORD RIPON. coalie near Shaukiwan. Ho was placed before with the supposed murder of a Public Works Mr. J.B. Wood at the Magistracy on Saturday

ou the capital charge, and the hearing was adjourned.

[Pretested by the Telegraphic Messags Copyright Ordinance 1894.]

["DAILY PRESS

19

EXCLUSIVE SERVICE]

Mr. Amos P. Wilder, United States Consul-

SCANDAL. General, left Shanghai for America on Saturday THE JAPAN SUGAR COMPANY evening, the 3rd inst, on a few months' leave. He is due back by November 1st. Daring his absenos Mr. P. Halutsimann will have charge

of the Consulate.

An examination has been held at Tientsin for the purpose of filling a vacancy in the Haiho Captain Gordon, of the Pilotage service. C.M.S.N. Co., proved the sucessful candidate. Captain Gordon was lately in command of the C. M. str. Kungping.

SUICIDE OF THE PRESIDENT.

TOKYO, July 11th, Dr. Sakawa, President of the Dai Nippon Sugar Company, committed suicide by shooting himself with a revolver to-day on the eve of his

[BIUTER'S ORRVICE TO THE "HONGKONG

An interesting alteration to the code of pro-public trial. cedure in the Courts of the Philippine Islands was recently made, by which the Spanish lan guage will be the official language of the Court. only up till January 1, 1913. After that date English will be the official language,

The China Crilio says negotiations are now taking place for the solling of the Maoshan Gold Mines to the Chinese authorities for the sum of M. 300,000, this being the amount so far expended on their development by the German Syndicate in whose possession they now are.

An extract of deteorological observations made at the Hongkong Observatory during, the month of Juno shows that the average maxi- mum temperature was 86.3 and the minimum 78.6 degrees. The rainfall during the month was 7.365 inches, and the sun shone for 230.3

hours.

A statement of the Colony's assate on April 30th, published in the current Gazette, places the total liabilities at 8394,211.63 and the total assets at $186,174.21, thus showing a debit balance of $206,037,42 Reimbursements due by railway constrution account total 81,430,960.30, while the balance of assets (General accountį is

$1,222,922.88.

The financial statement of revenue and ex-

penditura prepared by the Colonial Trecaurer for the month of April shows a debit Instance of $208,037.12. The balance of assets and liabili ties on March 31st la placed at $59,531.28. The revenue collected for the month of April was $550,909.35. The expenditure for the same period was 8699,415.51.

DAILY PRESS."

FRENCH MINISTERS FIGHT A DUEL.

LONDON, July 10th. At Paris, M. Caillaux, Minister of Finance, engaged in a duel with M. Bos, ex-deputy Minister of Finance.

Shots were twice exchanged, but without result. -

The cause of the duel was a political dispute which culminated in M. Bos assaulting M. Caillaux in the lobby of the Chamber of Deputies.

THE TSAR AT POLTAVA.

LONDON, July 10th. The Tsar of Russia arrived at Poltava this morning to attend the bicentenary celebrations of the battle of Poltava. His Majesty was welcomed by a brilliant assemblage and subsequently attended an open-air service.

elsewhere, and frequently the scene turns ont to be America. While, in fact, the valley of the Yangtaze is this year so much cooler than the average that there is scarss ly beat enough to bring to maturity the rice crop, did such axist, from New York we have news of hundreds dying from exces. sive hest, and this would seem to contradict the evidence we have spoken of sa to the conditione baving been brought about by a defect in the solar radiation. Examined more closely we may see that both are logical consequences of the same set of phonomers. At the beginning of our article we spoke of the atmospheric circulation being the As a fact the causes of this failure is the excessive use of main cause of climate. averaging, and the omission of extremesa climate of the various regions on the practice that leads to a mistaken view of the earth's surface is profoundly modified antire subject. We might, for example, and mediatised by the action of the discussing the motion of the earth around prevalent winds. Were it not for the oir- the sun omit the two maximum points calation of the atmosphere while the regions of the perihelion and the aphelion, and about the equator would be uninhabitable proceed to make our calculations as if the from excessive beat, life in the parts of the only factor to be considered were the mean temperate zone nearer the poles would be distance. An instance of this occurred to impossible from the practical absence of any A. S. WATSON & CO.. the writer, in calculating from ancient heat whatever. Neither condition prevails Chinese records the possibility ofdiscovering owing to the constsat flow of the winds, some periodic law. Lumping all the obser. But this circulation is brought about direct vations together, the only result was a vaguely by solar radiation, and as we have seen uniformity; dividing the observations into

is diminished when from any cause the sections of north and soath, a very marked radiation is lowered. While, then, the

The Washington House of Repres periodicity was the result, but the observa-northern districts of the earth within the

entatives decided to submit the Tariff tions were as a rulo too vague to lend

The death occurred at the Victoris Hospital, Bill to a conference of both houses themselves to say precision. Still there did monsoon influence ordinarily during summer seem to be a great weather cycle of some enjoy a higher and moister climate than 298 years, and this seems in some curious they would otherwise meet with, in ease of Tientsin, on 28th ult, of Mr. Thomas S. Woods, after a heated debate, wherein the many months. He had a very adventurons Sonate was denounced for violating arithmetical relation with the shorter terms failure their average temperature is lower.well-known resident, who had been siling for

career, and was at one time a man of means in Republican pledges. of approximately eleven and thirty-four North of the influence of the monsoon, in

a comparatively narrow strip about Hongkong and Tientsin. Lately he has been in

The Senate made 847 amendments years respectively.

north latitude 40° the summer heat, charge of Messrs. Jaques & Co.'s coal yard st not unlikely as an exceptional climatic year owing to the longer. day, has a tendency Hotung and was in the hospital off and on for to the Representatives' Bill, being

extremos. In ordinary the past year. He was about 54 years of age mostly increases.

LIMITED,

ALEXANDRA BUILDINGS.

Hongkong, 26th April, 1909.

[29

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS. ONLY communications relating to the new column should be addressed to THE EDITOR.

Correspondents must forward their names and actresses with communications addressed to the Editor, not for publication but as evidence of All lettere for publication should be toritten on one side of paper only.

good faith.

No anonymously signed communications that have already appeared in other papers will be

inserted.

In this connection the present year soema

to rise to

The China Critic learns that the whole of the

Later he reviewed the troops.

AMERICAN TARIFF BILL.

LONDON, July 10th. Haiho Conservancy's last loan has been taken

The Senate at Washington has up locally. When it was floated and under. written by the Banque de L'Indo-Chine it was passed the Tariff Bill by thirty-five not expected that more than one quarter of the votes to thirty-four.

Later. debentures would be disposed of there. The result, however, proves that there is still much money in Tientsin for favourable investment, as well as in likely speculation.

Orders for extra copies of DAILY PRESS in China, at least. To add to our knowledge seasons this is tempered by the cool anti-and of Irish birth,

should be sent before 11 am on day of publication. After that hour the supply is limited. Only supply for Cash

Telegraphie Address: PRESS. Coda: A.B.C. 5th Ed. Lieber.

P. O. Box, 34. Telephone No. 12.

BIRTH.

On 26th June, at Shanghai, a daughter to Mr.

and Mrs. F. HOPKINS,

HONGKONG OFFICE: 10A, DES VEUT ROAD C LONDON OFFICE: 131, FLEET STREAT. EC

The Daily Press.

HONGKONG, JULY 12TH, 1909.

China must, however, be taken regionally,

the King, to the following Ordinancos passed by the Legislative Council:-Ordinance No. 17 of 1909.--AD Ordinancs to amend The Stone- entters Island Ordinance, 1889: Ordinance No. 18 of 1909. - An Ordinance to amend the Ordinance No. 19 of 1909.-An Ordinance Interpretation Amendment Ordinance, 1998; to amond The Stamp Ordinance 1901 as amended by The Stamp (Amendment) Ordin

The typhoon signals indicating a typhoon

within three, hundred miles of the Colony to the

south-west have been up since Friday night. ho fores of the wind in Hongkong, however, has not been great, and the proximity of the typhoon has only so far had the beneficial effect of producing heavy showers of rain which, as the last monthy water returned clearly indicated, were greatly needed. Wa may add that a good by the failure to hoist the signals on this deal of comment has been created at the Feak occasion on the flagstaff at Mount Guugh

His Excellenes the Governor has given his not as a whole; and meteorologically the cyclonic winds prevailing north of this valley of the Yangtare seems to be the main latitude. But a failure in solar radiation assent, in the name and on behalf of His Majesty determinant of the year. As a rule in these has its effects likewise in diminish regions during the latter part of April, and ing the strength of these anti-cyclonic winds, the greater part of May, rain falls sporadias well as of the equinoctial wind, with the cally over the entire area, sufficient to fill consequence that their cooling influence is the beds of the rivers and the irrigating not brought to bear on this strip of the channels, This year for practically six earth's surface. There is then nothing more weeks not a drop of rain fell, and the streams contrary to reason in men's dying by scores and creeka were almost dried up, and it was from heat in New York, whlis in the valley with difficulty that sufficient water was ofthe Yangtase they are complaining of cold,ence, 1902. found to irrigate the spring crops. For- than in fading that similar opposite con di- tunately about the 24th June rain com- tione prevail in northern Chine within menced to fall in some abundance. The practically a few miles of one another. The moral of the tale is: That as yet we have ordinary course of the monsoon is that THAT the main factor in the determina tien in April, varying a week or two, the only just arrived on the threshold of meteor- of berrestrial climate from year to year is the condition of the atmospheric circulation, Spring rains arrive, after which a generally ology se a science; but that by no means well marked period of dry weather super proves that with a further extension of our and that this circulation in some way, as yet unexplained; is dependent on extraterres-venes, and from the fifteenth to the twenty-knowledge we may not be able from year to trial-causes, are two deductions from our first of June, according to the strength of the year to make annual forecasts of the weather knowledge of climatal variations with which approaching monsoon, the regular Summer to be expected in any region, and may be few meteorologists will be found to quarrel. monsoon winds set in accompanied by more That in their daily forecast, the meteoralo or less rain. In ordinary years, from the giets omit all reference to these fundamental 20th to the 24th June, these raine, which rules is also a fact not always easy of ex. always accompany the northern fringe of the planation. The main reason is probably monsoon, proceed to move north, and by the that as yet motoorologists have been content first week in July have arrived in Man. to study their science from too restrictod a churia, often producing floods in the valley standpoint; and have sought to bring it into of the Llao and its tributaries, When the harmony with too narrow a set of local monsoon proves of insufficient initial force patented.

During the absence on leave of Mr. E. A. conditions. Meteorologists are not for the to move on northwards, the raine linger in most part mathematicians, and no mathe the basin of the Tangleze between 28° and Irving, Mr. T. K. Dealy will not as Director of maticlan of sufficient grasp of the subject 34° north latitude; in which case as a rule | Education."

His Excellency the Governor has appointed has as yet seen his way to elevating the absolute drought prevails in North Chins,

weather forecasting into a where the crops almost invariably prove ifr. C. A. Melbourne to not as Deputy Registrar study of philosophy. This, however, is what there failures in some years the ground becom. and Appraiser of the Supreme Court.

desert, and all are a few indications will one day be done ing as parched as

Mr. Jahn Fowler, one of the most popular for meteorology at large, and the scientific vegetable life is extinguished. The worst

enabled thus to make in amplu time our financial arrangements as an to secure the minimum loss in each case.

Mr. R. O. Hutchison has been appointed a deputy registrar of marriages.

It is reported that s Japanese has invented bicycle to be used in the water, and has had

it

THE MINERS' TROUBLES IN GREAT BRITAIN,

LONDON, July 10th. In consequence of the reduction of wages by 123 per cent, the Scottish miners' executive has recommended a atrike on the 26th inst. provided a general stoppage of work in the United Kingdom can be arranged.

The matter will be submitted to the British Federation on the 15th inst.

TSAR'S VISIT TO FRANCE.

SENSATIONAL DISCOVERY.

LONDON, July 10th.

A great sensation has been caused in France by the revelation, which is confirmed by M. Clemenceau, the that State Councillor

His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to direct that, pursuant to instructions from the Premier, Secretary of State for the Colonies, Queen's Harting, a member of the Tsar's College shall in future be administered under and through the Director of Education. The entourage on the forthcoming visit of therefore case to exist, and the Gwerument with the Russian convicted at Paris Governing Body of Queen's College will His Majesty to Chorburg, is identical notifications appointing the Hon. Mr. F. H.. May, C.M.G., the Hon. Dr. Ho Kai, C.M.G., the in 1890 of complicity in an alleged Hon. Mr. A. W. Brewin, the Hon. Mr. E. A dynamite conspiracy against Tsar Hewett, Mr. E. A. Irving, Mr. A. Turner, and the Rev. T. W. Pearce to be Members of the Alexander, Governing Body of Queen's College are hereby

cancelled.

Returns of the average amount of bank notes men in the American Consular Service and for in circulation and of specie in reserve in Hong. returned to Chefoo.

Harting has since been chief of the secret police at Paris. He will now be prohibited from enter-

Russian

"-

LONDON, July 10th. The death of Lord Ripon is an nounced,

Lord Ripon, who was born in 1827, was Under-Becretary for War, 1859-61; India

of State for War, 1863-66: Becretary of State Office as Under-Secretary, 1861-63; Secretary for Indis, 1866; Lord President of Council, 1868-73; Chairman of Joint Commission for drawing up Treaty of Washington, 1871, Grand Master of Freemasons, 1871-74; Gov. Gen. of India, 1880-84; 1et Lord of Admiralty, 1886 Secretary for Colonies, 1892-95.

PRESENTATION TO ME. B. II. BAXTER

Mr. R. H. Baxter.of the costs and satimatings

department of the Hongkong and Whampoa

Dock Company, who leaves for home on Wednes- day, was on Baturday night the recipient of a bandsome tea and coffee service subsoribed for by the Dock staff and prosented in recognition of his many services on behalf of the social Efe of the British community at the Dooks. A good number of the staff gathered together in the Recreation Room under the chairmanship of Mr. Stewart, the president of the Becreation Committee, and doveted the evening to song and sentiment and to the pleasures of tobacco. Mr. Stewart made the presentation, and in doing so

expressed their indebtedness to Mr. Baxter for hia contributions to their social enjoyment, and instancing his great achievements in producing "Rob Boy" and "The Silver King." At the latter performance the speaker predicted a great success next time, but with the departure of Mr.

he said he had great pleasure on behalf of the Baxter that was impossible now. In conclusion: committee in saking Mr. Baxter to accept that

tea and coffee service. Mr. Davison followed with a short speech, in which bo bom testimony to the good qualities of their guest and associat od Mrs. Baxter with the great success of the Dramatic Club. However they might differ in the Dock, there was complete unanimity when it was proposed to honour Mr. Baxter as they had done. Mr. Baxter made a feeling 'reply, in which he thanked them for their kindness to his

wife and Limself, and said that they found it a pleasure to engage in the work which gave

pleasure to others.

Mesara, Brown, Grey, Taylor, Logan, Owen, Crispin, Baxter, Beck, Menzies and others contributed to the evening's pleasure,

The tea and coffee service was inscribed : "Presented to Mr. R. H. Baxter by the Kowloon Dock Staff on the occasion of his leaving, July, 1909."

ME. CHAMBERLAIN'S 1IRTHDAY.

MESSIGE FROM HONGKƠNG.. Arrangements were made, in England to eslebrate the 73rd birthday of the Right Hen. Joseph Chamberlain, which occurred on July 8,

and Sir Paul Chater despatched the following telegram of songratulation:- "The unofficial members of the Executive and Logislative

congratulate Mr Chamberlain on his birthday Concils, on behalf of the Colony of Hongkong, and, wishing him renewed health, trust that he may long be spared to inspire the great work of consolidating the Empire.

THE ESCAPED PRISONER RECAPTURED.

ATTEMPTS TO COMMIT SUICIDE.

The Chinese prisoner who made the sensa- tional escape from Victoria Jail about a week ago has at last been recaptured, through information supplied, we understand, by another prisoner.

It appears that the fugitive, before leaving the jail, told another man where he intended going. should be be successful in eluding the polics.

for a week, at length yielded to a desire to This second prisoner, after keeping the secret make it known, the result being that the fugitive was captured in a house at West

Point. When placed in the waiting cell at the Central Station, the prisoner attempted to strangle himself with his coat, and on being rafieved of this by the police he made a second attempt with his trousers. After this Inspector Smith placed a lakong on guard over him vutil the man was charged before Mr. J. B. Woodat the Magistracy on Saturday with escaping from jail. When he heard the evidence, His Wor ship sentenced the accreed to a further term of six months' imprisonment with hard labour.

WATER POLO SHIELD COM- PETITION.

Two matches have been arranged for this wook in the water polo shield competition. On Tuesday the Corinthian Yacht Club meet the 87th Co., R,G.A., at 6 pm. at the V.R.C. eonclo-

Recreation Club. the same place, the V.B.C. meet the Lusitano

sure. At the same hour, on Thursday, and al

PROPOSED SHORT TIME IN THE COTTON TRADE.

At a meeting of the members of the Federa tion of Master Cotton Spinners Association

meteorologist may one day be found able to part of the result as far as China is concern many years Conml-General at. Chefoo, has long, during the mouth endod 30th June, 1909 1ng France and will be removed from the mills each Saturday and Monday in each of

predict for each year in advance the general ed, is that while the North is reduced to characteristics, leaving it for the local desert conditions, Mid-China, especially in meteorologist to fill in the local conditions the basiu of the Yangtze, becomes flooded from the rise of the rivers, and the entire of his own particular province...

being drowned out, and the cattle in large measure killed off.

The Board of Directors of the Russo-Chineso Bank have declared the following dividonda for the year 1908: Rbs. 7.50 per Roubles share;

The old halk of Messrs. Butterfield and Swire, which was sank at Swatow last September

“We have learned much of meteorology of basin becomes one bugg lake, the crops gl 6.08% per Shanghai Tool Share, recent years, and the foundation for a mathematical treatment is growing more secure year by year, but as yet the dota are. insufficient; or the capable mathematician able and willing to give his mind to the

during a typhoon, has at last been blown up, this removing a serious obstruction in Swatow

Now such appears to be the programme provided for the coming summer, and from every side in Mid-China come in complainte harbour.

Amount. Reserve

as certified by the managers of the respective the Legion of Honour. banks, are as under:-

Average Specie in KITCHENER FOR AUSTRALIA. Bauks. Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China... Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation National Bank of Chint,

Limited

Total

3,739,520 2,800,000 11,966,330-33,000,000-

Nil 48,077

...$15,753,927 15,800,000

LONDON, July 10th.

Lord Kitcheuer has accepted the invitation to visit Australia for the purpose of organising the defences of the Commonwealth.

who use American cotton, held at Manchester yesterday afternoon, the following resolution was passed unanimously:That in the intereste of the trade there should be a reduction of production in the American section by stopping the weeks beginning July 10 and 12, and ending September 25 and 21; or an equivalent stoppage

such of spindles during period of 186 hours exclusivo of all days

holidays other stopped for that Baturdays and Mondays.

The Federation Committee will now send a circular to` the Foderation members spinning American setton, and providing 80 per cent of the trade support the proposal organised short time will be adopted.

17

The cotton trade is still unremunerative, and

although the operatives are working at a lower rate of wiges they are not opposed to the reduced hours of working, for they recognise that this is the only way to relieve the situation.