1918-08-24 — Page 3

FRACAS IN A CHINESE TEMPLE. →

THE SECRETARY FOR CHINESE

AFFAIRS MYSTIFIED, «

Four Chinese were charged before Mr. D. C. Wolfe with having assaulted a Chinese contractor in a Chinese Temple)

a further on August 16th. There was charge against one of the accused of hav-

assaulted 10g

Government district watchman.

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS. SATURDAY, AUGUST 94ry 1818.

CORRESPONDENCE.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONGKONG.

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "HONGKONG DAILY PRESS,"]

I

SIRI 10 much interested in the letter of Mr. A. H. Harris and the leader in your issue of this morning, but I feal that they are apt to create a distorted impression of the state of the Colony and of the policy of the Government

The Hon. Mr. E. R. Hallifax (Secretary for Chinese Affairs) prosecuted, and Mr.

I hold no brief for the Government, J. H. Gardiner appeared for the defence but think that if Mr. Harris had made Li Kam, the complainant, deposed that inquiries he would have found that plans the four accused and about ten others for the development of "Kowloon and the joined in the assault on him and the five outlying districts, by laying out roads, district watchmen who were sent to pro-settling sites for markets, etc., were made fect him. Only the first accused was

at least 10 years ago. Arrested at that time. It was not possible o to afrost anyone else because of the fight. In cross-examination, witness said he knew nothing of the second accused being) shot, in the leg.

Mr. Gardiner observed that perhaps a dog had bitten his leg.

Speaking generally, during this period

CHINA'S SECOND

PARLIAMENT.

"DESCRIPTION OF THE FIRST MEETING.

PREMIER.

hני

[FROM OUR OWY CORRESPONDENT.

"Now we have definitely prescribed the procedure of organising our Parliament and defined the limits of its power. Whe- ther in the Future Parliament will prove to be a blessing to the people or not rests SPEECHES BY THE PRESIDENT AND entirely with Parliament itself. All of you, gentlemen, are men of good reputa- tion and unimpeachable character. I con gratulate you on having the privilege to promote genuine Constitutionalism in the country, at the present moment, when the nation is exceedingly anxious for better monially opened on Monday, and, it must be admitted that the proceedings were government. We rely upon you, gentle- conducted with a smoothness and, a remen. to formulate a perfect Constitution gularity that indiented efficiency and order to relieve the distress of the people and to correct past mistakes so as thoroughness on the part of those respotto open a new career for the new Parlia sible. Of course the occasion was purely ment. This, however, is not only the sin formal, and the members present had little to do bat approve of what was done or the aniversal desire of the nation."

cere hope of the Acting President but also

what was proposed to be done. Neverthe

Pexisa, August 13th. China's second Parliament was cere-

leas, the arrangements could not have been

The Premier's speech was more pungent.

He suid:-To-day in the inauguration I think that buildings, roads and other better planned in the mother of Parlia of the second Parliament and I deem it

This does not necessarily public, works have shown a decided trendments itself.

indicate a of improvement..

docile Parliament, Parlian unour and privilege to be present on this occasion. You, gentlen, are nea ment that will legislate according to

of talent and exceptional ability. With instructions, though it is believed that the

great abilicies you will your wisdom and" new assembly will be amenable to the

guide the future destiny of the nation. Now I beg leave to take the present opportunity to review what has happened.

With regard to Peak improvements and the shortage of houses, it would be, in

Inspector Sim stated that no frearms my opinion, a very 'doubtful advantage wishes of the military leaders.

to have a motor-road to the Peak I

Mr. Gardiner said he was enlling wit should have thought that sufficient excite and Peking was beflagged. Practically in the past and submit it to your wise

were used by anyone.

Besses who were on the scene to prove his Statement. Inspector Sim was not pre-

sent.

ment for motorists could be found on the Island as it is

The day was declared a national holiday

every shop displayed the five-barred bun-

counsel. ner of the Republic of China-us ordered) by the police and the approaches to establishment of the Republic.

"Seven years have passed since the During

The witness, coptinuing, "alleged that ence is made to the oft-quoted and Parliament were heavily guarded, while this period its existence has been twice

during the fracas he was robbed of some money, but he would not say, whether any of the accused had taken it.

It is rather surprising that no refer

of the Peak, viz., the opening up of the obvious suggestions for the development areu above Pokfolum reservoir.

We were led to believe that when the Ttam scheme was finished it would not The District Watchman who was assault-be Recessary to retain Pokfolum, and, if ed said that he went to the temple in this were closed, it would open out company with Li Kax, whom he was pro- several very fine sites on the best side if tecting. As soon as be arrived at the into whether the need for the reservoir or the Island; the question resolves itself temple, 20 or 30 med set on Li Kam and for building sites is more urgent. assaulted him. Witness tried to pacify

You state that rents obtained for Peak the parties, but they took no notice of it you can show me how one can buy a houses are exorbitant. I should be glad He arrested the first defendant, site at, say, 19 cents a foot, build retain who thereupon kicked him in a futiléing walls, and a house of, say, 5 rooms attempt to cecupe. Then someone stand for less than $20,000. ing near kicked him in the side and he fell over, giving the first accused ug opportunity to escape which he took, "He then chased the first accused and recap. tured him. He could not recognise the

him

needs of Europeans has evolved a type

The experience of many years of the house requiring at least double the cubic. contents of a house of similar accommoda tion at Home. This, combined with the

Provision of proper safeguards against white ants. humidity, typhoons, earth-

other three accused, because so many men quakes. etc.. obviously makes such a house part of the great ones to show that they watch the actions of the 'Government so

took part in the fight.

Croseexamined: The man who kicked bim the second time might have been the second accuse

Witness went to the temple to remove the notice of expulsion of Lị Kam from the guild; the notice was

costly,"

I suppose that $150 per month would be considered an exorbitant rent for such house, but I ask you to calculate the return, after deducting Crown rent and insurance, and allowing for vacancies and repairs, which last-named item in this climate is ofted large. If one wished to

were great. The time-table was adhered to fairly closely with the result that many who purposely came late in order to avoid the usually long wait missed the event altogether.

L!

said to have been pasted on the wall. The make money and had $20,000, it is clear were filled, and soon afterwards members system into this country our Cabinet has

that to invest it on mortgage or in sound shares would be more profitable.--Yours

INVESTOR:

whole Fracas only justed about two minutes. Witness heard no reports of faithfully, firearms. His party was asculted with bricks and firewood.

Hongkong...23rd August, 1918.

the POLICE ARMS AND AMMUNI-

TION.

Was" Bot

Mr. Gardiner submitted that damage done by the gricka much; he asked whether the bricks were nade of paper.

streamed in to the strains of music played by the Band of the household tisarda Then the Premier and the Cabinet Minis- ters took their seats followed almost immediately by the President, who 82 behind the Speaker's chair under two cross-staffed national flags. He was in full military uniform and looked more manly than usual, perhaps owing to the friage of whiskers which he has recently

It

the streets were cleared of traffic so that threatened, and Parliament has been twice the great ones could travel with speed dissolved. Consequently, we have not and in comfort to the meeting place. All enjoyed a moment's real peace on account the hutungs and alleys leading to the main of successive political disturbances. This roads had armed soldiers standing where may be ascribed to the fast that it is aa they defouched, and it was not uncommon nation undergoing a political regenera

unavoidable stage through which every at some of the gates to see long lines of tion must pass. but we can easily traco standing ricshas, with passengers who the cause or all these troubles to the Imperfections of the Frovisional Con- nearly a mile in length. When the great patiently waited for hours, stretching for stitution.

**We accomplished wonders when we officers of State move about in the capital Republic by a single step. But in order changed an Absolute Monarchy into a the way must be kept clear for them to maintain the permanent existence of

herded into side streets and by-paths. Therefore the common people are step-this Republican" form of Government it is necessary for both the Government and Parliament to work together harmonious One striking departure from old Chinese, Our pressing need is a good work- able Constitution. The whole country is senseless delay, no arriving late on the the country, and part of its duty is to custom was noticeable. There was now waiting eagerly for it.

Parliament is the legislative organ of

as to prevent it from seeking its own interests. On the other hand, the Govern ment is the exécutive organ of the coun- try. Its duty is to enforce the laws and orders of the land, and at the same time to strengthen the foundation of the coun- try. Hence,, it is also incumbent on Par- By 9-30 most of the visitors galleries liament to support the Government.

**Since the introduction of the Cabinet been reorganised at least ten times is indeed very difficult for the Government different posts in the Cabinet, but even to secure properly qualified men for the

if the Government gets the proper men to hold these posts, the lack of confidence will certainly discourage the most capable placed in the free exercise of their powers

man and deprive him of any opportunity for the pest interests of the country, to bring his talent and energy to work

At the present moment the world. Sn, I have heard in, conversation

around us is seething with an The Hon. Mr. E. R. Hallifax said that

unpre- while within the country cedented at about 1 pm on August 16th, the Brst some criticism about the unreliableness accused as nasisted into his office injured of revolver cartridges used by the Police.

we are everywhere face to face with in- in his face. The District Watchman gave The Gremon Street tragedy proved that

ternal strife. My sincere hope is that witness report of the disturbance and some of the revolvers missed fire. What

both the Government and Parliament will related how the first accused had been is the use of patrolmen having on their

work together harmoniously and we shall arrested. The first accused told witness belt a weapon which, in case of an

then be able to improve our internal ad- that it was a revolver shot that had caused emergency, proves futile and ineffective

ministration and strengthen our friendly relations with other nations. Our final the wound on his face. The complainant, One gentleman had a target practice Li Kan, was not damaged much, except with a revolver during a holiday in the

aim is to be able to lift up our heads, and for a torn jacket, and had no bruise or New Territory, and out of 20 cartridges

walk side by side with the other coun- injury. The officers of the temple took fired only five proved effective-the rest

tries in the family of nations. It is an the three remaining accused to the Police missed. In the circumstances, a proper called on the President, who was greeted respect to his fellow-countrymen when he old saying: Une pays the greatest Station, and there the District Watchman, and immediate inspection of all the with loud applause and whose words offers sound advice to them, and it is well who was uuder instructions to arrest some cartridges (revolver and rife) stored in

were followed with close attention. His. of the others, found them. The second accused then alleged that he was shot in the magazine should be made at once by speech is characteristically, Chinese in for one to remind them of their short- the leg with a revolver.

an expert, and all cartridges which have thought and expression, and, as indicat. corminge sometimes when he ought to pay them compumenta.” Acting upon this Cross-examined: Several of the watch. been kept for over two years should be fing the hopes centred in Parliament for beef i berewith deliver my complimen solation of China's difficulties, it has tary speech in honour of you gentlemen. Meu appeared to be in a dishevelled con-condemned. The revolvers supplied to

sue permanent value. Briskly stepping | *** dition, and all complained that they had the Reserves for patrol duty contain forward he read a brief speech in a clear the intent and the whole Nation.

turtner tender my congratulations to Leen assaulted. A statement was made to only five or six cartridges cach, and po witness that they had beard revolver shots. cartridge-pouch is supplied for extra The Senate and the House of Representiments in the emphatic applause that There was evident, approval of these The wound on the second accused's leg ones. What would be the case if a riot sentatives together form the legislative followed them. This had no sooner zub. uld not have been caused by a revolver or a mutiny and attack by robbers should organ of the country. Since the dissolu-sided that the last act in the ceremony asos; it was just an ordinary bruise take place suddenly? Could the Reserves tion of Parliament isst year, the Govern

The Magistrate said the point was whe protect themselves after, emptying their ment has not convened the new Parlia took place. To the strains of the National ther the second, third and fourth accused revolvers? All these points ought to be ment until the prescat, and the fulfiment led by the President, bowed three times Anthem the whole assembly rose, and, went to the Police Station themselves considered for the safety of the men.

of the people's hope has thas been delayed. before the National Bags crossed behind whether they had been arrested before they. Why not start a range for revolver This has alled me with anxiety since my

the Speaker's chair. The gathering then Mr. Gardiner said that the second practice Many, perhaps, never handled on af office es Acting President. broke up to re-assemble again in the bril

the Government some time age liant sunshine outside in order that, an a revolver, and the revolver target is far make a complaint, and there he was told more difficult than the rifle target organised the National Council to revise official photograph of the illustrious

the Election Laws,

"It is gratifying to see that the Elec. Kathering might be taken. This done, a tions in the Central Government and the general exodus took place, and the great provinces were completed within a period event was over. of only a few months after the promulga tion of the amended Election Laws. This

Witness said the bricks were ordinary ones: the complainant (Di Kam) was hit twice with, thent

went there

accused went to the Police Station

T

to

TO THE EDITOR OF THE "HONGKONG

DAILY PRESS.

that if he was in the fight he was one rf Yours, abose wanted by the Police:

A District Watchman deposed to having found the second, third and fourth accus ed, with three "other men at the Police Btation, when he went there to obtain assistance for the arrest of the other men who had taken part in the fight.

The first accused said. that he was grave digger. He was at the au Hau temple on the day of the fracas. While he was going into the temple he noticed

approached

a crowd in front of it. He the crowd and got a bullet in his face. He heard four reports of revolver shots. He was then arrested, and taken to the office of the Superintendent of Chine

AN OLD RESIDENT. Hongkong, August 3rd, 1918.

Witness, continuing, said the watch man gave the revolver to another man, who had run away.

Mr. Hallifax: I give him up. I can not make anything of this man.

The Magistrate observed that it was fortunate that the accused had not really bern shot with a revolver.'....

त

grown.

Mr. Yu, the Vice-Minister of Interior, who acted as the temporary Clerk of the House, announced that the proceedings would be presided over by Mr. Li Chou tseng, the oldest member of the two Houses. Mr. Li then made his way to the Speaker's chair and, after delivering a short speech expressing his great sense of the honour accorded him of presiding over the first meeting of this august body, he

voice as follows:-

is indisputable proof that the whole coun

y unanimously hoping for a better administration,

great honour and pleasure to be present I, the Acting President; deem it al

"

war

%

THE COMBING OUT IN SHANGHAI

The full publication of the results of the present occasion, when both Houses the military tribimals in Hongkong has meet. I should like to add here that Par naturally set people wondering what will liament and Constitutional Government be the outcome of the similar work in Mr. Hallifax: At, apparently, arm's are two inseparable things. There is no Shanghai (says the NC. Daily News). country which can claim to have a Con-Inquiry shows that while the recent tri- length!

The second accused said he know Listitutioml Government without having, a banal nero has arrived at its own deci- Affairs. He did not nesault Li Kam, who Kam, the complainant, but had no grudge Parliament. The only difference between sión, authorities at Home have again He denied assaulting Lian Abeautechy and a Constitu. been beset with eleventh hour doubts. was a stranger to him. When he told the against him.

On the day in question he was tional Government lies in the existence jo! About 150 men altogether have been passed district watchman that he was shot, the standing on the steps of ung temple when a Parliament. Western philosophers tell by the tribunal, of whom about two-thirds watch an struck him in the face. He heard the report of a Brearm and felt us that political institutions are the crea would be taken from Shanghai, the zo denied kicking the watchman at the ten plc. The watchman's story that witness a pain in his leg. He was accompanied to tion of mankind. We may add that the mainder from ports all over China. They injured his face by falling down the steps the Police Station by three friends, and political institutions of a particular coun. include men of mixed European and of the temple was not true.

try are the creation of that particular Asiatic parentage as well as European; The revolver shots nation. It may be remembered that the considerable proportion have had mili- Cross-examined: The district watchman Les Wab shot him with the revolver. Wit appeared to have been fired by two men people are generally endowed with comary training and would easily qualify as

Each fired two shots

mon natural instincts in addition to officers; and about a third are married. ness saw him holding the revolver and firing four shots,

Pressed as to why he said that two men

particular national traiteit is their men it may be that the Government is fired the shots, accused said that he heard common natural instincts that have led bothered about the question of payments, It may be them to live, in political groups under a to the latter's dependents. two shots fired at a time from the same spot. He did not know who fired the Constitutional Government and to hope, to that it is concerned, once again, about revolver. He thought a spent bulletjoy the full advantages accruing from the possible damage to British interests bounced from the ground and grazed his hair-Parliament. It is their peculiar in China compared, with the fewness in. national traits that dictate the procedure all of the men available. At any rate the The hearing was adjourned until of organising their Parliament, and define decision whether, they are or are not, to Thursday next.

the sphere of its influence.

bo sent still hangs fire.

Mr. Hallifax apologised for taking up the time of the Court on this question, but it was necessary to disprove the story of the revolver altogether.

The Magistrate observed that the story was rather a remarkable one.

(Continued at foot of next Column")

there he was arrested..

Cross-examined:

*"

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