1918-09-19 — Page 7

THE CHINA ASSOCIATION. REVIEW OF FAR EASTERN SITUATION, - CHINESÈ „POLITICS. GERMAN PENETRATION.

IMMAT LAA

HONGKONG · DAILY PRESS,

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH, 1918. THE

end.

Mr. George Jamieson was re-elected president for the ensuing year.

authority of the Emperor. One great the war with all her strength would prove disualty in the present administration to be a very important factor is bring is that the President, who has replaceding the war to an early and satisfactory the Emperor, does not command the same: authority; this weakness of the Central Power has been more ¿vident since the death of Yoan Shib-kai. The provincial authorities are in possession of powers The annual meeting of the China which make it almost impossible to for the internal troubles, would have friends" with indecent haste after the Alfred Dent, Sir Frederick Bourne, Sic under consideration, and it is hoped that

CHINA'S FINANCIAL PUSITION.

1

In the report we touch upon Bnancial position of China which,

dollar

צו

about 3

2

The Committee have argel upon His | Majesty's Government the necessity for

dealing with the heavy losses suffered · by the Services in China owing to the ghat rise in exchange. The concessions granted up to the present time ate far from adequate and do little to redress the grievanes under which the Services are suffering

An appeal to provide huts for the China Lahar Battalion "in- France wis made to us be the Y.M.C.A. A find was opened by the Committee and was generously supported by members__and friends connected with the Far East.. The total amount raised so far in £19,399

Representations have been repeatedly some of its provisions, may not be

made to H. Al. Government about the repealed immediately after the conclusion

The Chairman (Mr. F. Anderson), the j inadequate scale of the salaries of Con- of peace; the determination of British sailors to object to carrying goods for vice-Chairman (Mr. C. H. Ross), and the sular Officers in the Far East. The con- Germans in British ships, and the effect | bon. treasurer (Mr. R. Chatterton cessious already made in the rate of of public opinion, may prove to be strong Wilcox) were also re-elected.

exchange at which salaries are paid, in which will The following General Committee was the opinion of the Committee, fall far the counteracting, influences, butilitate against any of our people elected en bloe:-Lord Inchcape, Sir T short of the requirements of the case. falling on the neck of their German Sutherland, Sir Walter C, Hillier, Sir | It is understood that this question is still establish a really strong and effective been exceedingly prosperous. In Ex-

conclusion of peace.

Charles Dudgeon, Messrs. F. Andersoll, more satisfactory arrangements will be

· Association was held at the offices of the | Central Government. Provincial Govern change alone the combined Customs and

Byron Brenan, C.M.G., F. Cornes, G. H. maile before long, ments have control of internal Customs Salt Revenue in 1917 represent an in-

CONSULAR, NATAL AND MILITARY Pary

Dodwell, W. Fisher, R. S. Gundry, C. R., P. & O. Steam Navigation Co, Ltd.,

and Excise in the. form of lekin; they crease in sterling revenue, of £8,000,000

Your Committee have "carried on

Wm. Harwood, J. S. Haskell, R. H. Hill, Leadenhall Street, London, E.C., on July have control of local troops, and have to over 1915, and Exchange has been still lengthy, correspondence with different G. Jamieson, C.M.G.. H. D. C. Jones 30. Mr. Frederick. Anderson presided, and a large proportion of the revenue to higher this year. The suspension of Government Departments on the subject. Joseph. W. D. Little, H. W

pay them; they have the development of the Boxer Indemnity payments, which of Consular, Naval and Military pay on Robertson, C. H. Ross, D. C. Rutherford, and there were also present -Messrs.mining and industry, to a great extent amounted to over 34 millions sterling the China station. Salaries are in ster Charles V. Sale. F. Salinger, Gershom George Jamieson. C.M.G., R. Chatterton under their control through their powers year, and the stoppage of the India ling, but are paid out there in dollars. Stewart, M.P. H. D. Stewart, A. M. Wilcox (Hon, Treasurer), F. J. Abbott, of taxion, and they control the local opius tele, which formerly amounted which is the local currency. Before the Townsend. T. H. Whitehead, K. Chatter-

mints, while the Central Government to about 80,000,000 Ti, от

about War, Exchange was about la, ad, so tharm Wilcox, and A. G. Wood, Sir Frederick Bourrie, C.G., Gec.

controls the national Army and Navy, £12,000,000 a year at current Exchange, men in the Services got about '11) dollars B. Dedwell, H. S. Hancock, W. Hur. Foreign Affairs, Ministries of Finance, and the saving in Exchange on the fat every pound of their pay. At present THE ANNUAL REPORT,

amount required Exchange the Interior, Communications, etc. In theory £7,000,000-the total wood. J. S. Haskell, Robt. H. Hill, the Central Government is supreme, but now to meet China's foreign indebted ed. in China, so that the Services only The annual report of the China Edgar J, Houle, J. D. Hutchison, H. in practice a great deal of real power ness-(only half the amount in taels bas

get 31 dollars for every pound--in other Association for the year 1817-18, after B. Joseph, Jas, W. Lang, Wm. D. Little, rats with the provinces; there is constant to be found, as compared with prewar words, up to last year they were on halt reviewing the circumstances of China's friction in administration, and in days) together with the development of pay. But this is not the Worst-cost entry into the war and the political J. R. Michael, Harold S. Moss, D. C. connection with the appropriation of minerals and other exports, must go of living has gone up in China as else conditions prevailing in that country, Rutherford, F. Salinger, R. S. Salinger, revenue China is 22 house divided considerable way towards turning the

against itself. There is no clear dividing balance of trade in favour of China. In where cannot say how much, but every-states":— FINANCE, Chas. Warney, T. H. Whitehend, A. G.

line to show where central authority ends that ease China will become a buyer of thing is much dearer then, while every one else out in the East is free from Wood, and the Secretary, Mr. H. ▸

and provincial begins; and there is silver instead of seller. The strong English taxation, His Majesty's Services Wilcox.

constant strife caused by overlapping demand for silver for currency purposes have to pay increased taxation, juft as authority and by encroachments on one in the East scntinues, and the price has if they were resident at home. The side or the other. Not only is there been remarkably steady ever since the

cumulative effect of all this, is, that half dissension between the central and pro-aerangement to take a large quantity pay became little more than quarter pay, vincial authorities, but friction often from America at 31 an ounce came into which is quite insufficient to enable tea arises between the provinces themselves. operation. We do not hear much nowa- triangular duel, going on between the the precious metals. The fact is, there branches at Bengkong and Shanghai tell running into debt. Telegrams from our Northern, Southern, and Centrul Pro is not enough either of gold or silver for

us that the whole British communities vinces, with disastrous results to the the requirements of the world's curren

there look upop the present state of cies Perhaps, if silver remains steady affairs as a scandal, and have pressed us country as a whole.

for an extended period, the principal again and again to make representations nations of the world may, after the war,

to the Goverotient. We have done 30; a recognise that it is an essential element in the world's currency, and may serious ly consider whether it is not advianble. once more to establish a worltt's currency, for which gold and silver at a fixed ratio will be the metallic basis.

The Chairman said:-

1.

REVISION OF CHINESE CUSTOMS.

Under ordinary circumstances thos On January rd,, 1018, the Board of financial position of the Chinese Govern Trade (Commercial Department) wrote ment ought to have been exceptionally to the China Association to the effect favourable. The Customs revenue was that his Majesty's Government, as also little higher than in 1915, while the Salt the Governments of the other Powers revenue was only slightly less, the two having Treaty rights in the matter, had combined being about million tels less agreed to a revision of the specific rates But owing to higher ex-ot duty inscribed in the Chinese Customs represented change the revenue from these two sources Tariff with a view to restablish these increase of About rates on the basis of an effective 5 per £4.000.000 over 1916 and nearly £8,000,000 vent. nd pulore, and intironting that the Board would be happy to consider

The report deals shortly with the polical situation in China since we last met. With her entry inte the war, China At the present time there is a kind of days about the danger of over pply of in His Majesty's Services to live witbuut" than in 1918.

Hér

FEDERALISM IN CHINA.

all, though quite inadequate, ponces sion was made about a year ago, but we have reason to believe that a more satis

Lover 1915

177

Bus become directly involved in inter- national issues of the gravest character. geographical position alone-the fact that her frontiers unreh for thou sands of miles with those of Russia--

As the total amount required for the any tggestions which the Association service of China's known Foreign Debt might have to offer as to the proper rates cannot but have, under existing condi-

is in round figures about £10,500,000,ni daty to be imposed on Articles speci- tions, a disquieting influence upon China

China is another object lesson which Bolshevik rule, or misrule, has become shows that it is much easier to upset the

including the Boxer Indemnity, it is cleared in the existing Chinese Tariff in synonymous with anarchy in its most Government of a country than to establish

that, compared with pre-war times, the which the members were interested, aggravated form, and even if the interual a new one in its place; it is also much

In pity the following letter, signed by rise in exchangé in the last three "years condition of China were one of profound easier for the Central Government of a

factory provision will be made in the has berú a great relief to the Chinese Mr. F. Anderson, the thairman of the peace, she could hardly fail to be affected country

Lear future, for the Diplomatic and Exchequer. In addition to the saving in Association, was despatched to the Roard to delegate its powers and

Consular Services. by the violent upheaval in the territory authority than to resume authority after

As regards Naval exchange the Boxer Indemnity payments, of Trade on February 5th

We are unanimously of opinion that for TRADING WITH THE ENEMY, • of her next-door neighbour. Looking it has been given away: In these days

and Military pay the position is less satis amounting to about £3,650,000 per annum, factory. back a good many years, one can now ste we hear a great deal about the advantages Your Committee has had further cor

Agrudging and totally in- have been suspended for five years in revision of the specife rates of duty that if the penetration outlined in the of a Federal Government and Home Rule, respondence regarding the question of adequate response was made last year by agreement with the Allied Powers thus laid down in the existing Chinese Cus- Cassini Convention had not been checked but experience in China, ahows how trading with the enemy after the War.

the Treasury, by which about ball the radacing China's total annual foreign toms Tariff the average values of the by Japan, the situation is the Far East dangerous it is to delegate to Provincial As we all know, before the War every

loss in Exchange is borne by the Govern indebtedness for the next five years to various classes of imperts at the time would probably have been much more Administration powers which it is essen facility was given to German firms in whole increase in the cost of living and about 37 per cent. of

ment; the other half of the loss-the less than 7,000,000. or roughly only of landing in China during the year the combined 1911 1919, and 1913 would be a fes, and complicated than it is to-day. If the tial that the central authority only China to enable them to compete with the crease in taxation has to be borne Cistoms and Salt Revenue at the present equitable basis. German penetration Russia Were to should possess if the country to bo British firms in our export trade with by the Services. It is impossible not to exchange. Instead of having a consider- My Committee venture to suggest that become effective and permanent the conse.strong and united. It is extremely un- China. Our trading door was kept wide contrast the Government's unyielding ble surplus to deal with. however, the the new draft tariff should be formulated quences would be of vital importance to likely, for example, that any system of open, and every encouragement for peace attitude with the very different one Chinese Government is continually rais by a Commission sitting in Shanghai, China, and she would be in imminent Government under which local adminis ful penetration of our trade was given adopted towards the members of Trade. ing small loans in Japan on a basis of where fuller information both about the danger of experiencing a repetition of trations acquired powers similar to those to German firms by their British cornions at Eure when increase of pay about 7 the barbarous excessos of the German of the Provinces in China would produce respondents. The Germans took full

per cent, for which it is present classification and changes which troups in the Boxer expedition, but on a in the West results exactly the reverse advantage of the position, and succeeded is demanded. (Cheers.) It does not show pledging one security after another. The it may be desirable to introduce into the

zeal for the public welfare to treat men ranch vaster scale. Therefore, although it what has happened in the East. There in taking a considerable proportion of

explanation probably is that owing to new schedule will be obtainable. It was China from her geog.phical position is fore, in framing any scheme of devolu- our trade out of our hands. I need not

in the Services unfairly, because they do internal dissension many of the Provinces recognised in 1904 that to hold Revision not threaten to strike, and it is certainly

VILION withholding revenue, while the Committee meetings in Peking was im- at present a long way off from the great tiun for this ebunty, it would be wise go over old ground in accounting for not the national interests that His Central formament are dissipating more practicable, because when any difference conflict in Europe, if the result of the to bear in mind the experience which their success-that was referred to a fajesty's Services should be so treated, on military expeditions in Central China, of opinion on the question of value bein conflict were inconclusive, it would almost China has had of the disastrous results some length at our annual meeting last

that there cannot but be general discontent.cried certainly bring sorrow and desolation to arising from conßicting thority. No year-but, owever much we may have

with undisciplined troops, it would be necessary to refer the point her own doors. With the possibility of doubt it will not be easy to unravel the believed before the War in their apparent it cannot even be urged that the Trea than the amount saved by the suspension to Shanghai to be thrashed out, and end- It w be no such danger from without, it surely brrangle into which affairs have been allow friendliness, however convinced

gury was obliged to object to any increase if the Bover Indennity and by the rise less delay would result. our

less necessary that the revision negotia- in salaries, as it must jealously guard the hoves all patriotic Chinese to do theird to get, either in the extreme East or shipping merchants and banks may then

tions now proposed be conducted At bess to put an end to internal dissension extreme, West of the old world, but what have been that German arms had no public nurse whenever and wherever it

Peking. and unrest. The revolution or civil war ever the eventual solution of her dif- ulterior aims in supplanting British mer

can, in view of the great expenditure on in China has been, caused by a struggle 6culties may be, China might do worse in chants in China, but that their sole cb-the War and the heavy burdens on the for power between sections of the Govern!

the immediate future than follow in theject was to build up a mutally proftable taxpayers. In this case the Hongkong ing classes and their followers, whilst footsteps of the great democracies of the business with their English friends, it is Government unofficialy offered to bear the the great mass of the people stand aloof West, who, in these times of national incredible that the events of the last four whole burden of the loss in Exchange from the quarrel, bat revolutions and crisis and danger, bave concentrated years have not opened the eyes even of incurred by the Naval and Military civil wars generally bring into operation power in the hands of one leader. If those who did not want to sea. Some of Services for the duration of the War, and forces, which those who stir them up are old established parliaments have found it us, at any rate, now realise that German would probably have made their generous often quite unable to control. So it bas

necessary to delegate full powers to a commercial "competition was not only contribution retrospective. They have been in Russia; at Erst the revolution small war cabinet or to a single leader commercial but had a deeper signiscaner.lready given" full compensation for this

loss to their own Civil Service.

with her general political policy. The

n

in exchange.

GOVERNMENT TRADING.

The present classification has, on the During the year there has been a con- siderable development of direct trading whole proved to be simple and effective by H.M. Government Departments in in actual practice, and therefore my Chinn. For several months the whole of Committee hope that bis Majesty's will impress gpon the the space available in British tonnage Government

the Inter-, was commandeered without notice for the British representatives on transport of Government purchases. Be national Commission the great import

of maintaining the feature of presentations about cases of special hard ance ship to private interests have been made simplicity to the greatest pole be extend

It would also be desirable to extend. possible, some of which in the past have

Southern, and Central Parties alike may of a great war much sympathy was felt using every effort of tho State to force regarding Consular salaries is announced will be keenest. It is therefore of para reduction was in the first instance grant-

be overwhelmed in a typhoon of outrage and horror. such as has overwhelmed Russin under the Bolsheviks. (Hear;

the

xo extended a scale,

4 INTERVENTION IN RUSSIA.

Notwithstanding ber internal troubles China has been able to take timely and effective steps for the protection of her own and international interests at Harbin,

CHINESE LABOUR CORPS-TEE CHINA

CONTINGENT,

mertions,

orderly, but as time went on the more tune time for China to transfer control China, as elsewhere, were not unconnected the position that they could have treated corned, and redress has been obtained in the specific tariff to as many articles as there was comparatively peaceful and in war tinie, it hardly seents an oppor. and that the efforts of her merchants Majesty's Government were therefore In by the Committee to the Departments con. violent elements in the country have of her Government to a new and in

some instances, but on the whole the asserted themselves, with the result that expected-assembly of five or six hundred liquidation of German firms at Hongkong the Services fairly and justly, as regards China trade has suffered severely from paid duty on an ad radarum basis.

My Committer would strongly urge chaos rules supreme. Events may move self-seeking politicians. (Cheers.) I showed that they incurred great risks loss in exchange, without any charge restrictions imposed by H.M. Govern more slowly in China, but the official and addition to her political troubles China by giving long and dangerous credits, whatever on the taxpayers of this counament. The possibilities of the develop that the differentiation in favou parliamentary classes are very short suffered from a natural calamity which and carried on their trade in English try, and if they had allowed this to be ment of trade in China are greater than land-borne merchandise over sea-borne sighted if they do not see that prolonged caused widespread suffering. In any goods in many lines at a loss, or for an dene, and had given a war bonus to cover

in any other country in the world, its goods should not be increased, if it anrest any sooner or later lead to wide other times than these the fooding of inadequate margin of proft, considering the increased cost of living the whole

rources at present being comparatively cannot be altogether abolished, and that spread violence, perhaps to a rebellion thickly populated area of from 15,000 to the risk taken. On this subject Mr. trouble would have been satisfactorily

undeveloped, and it is undoubtedly in the differentiation should be limited to like that of the Taipings, but on a greater ec.000 square miles would have attracted Balfour, in a recent speech said that settled. For the time being at ans rate. scale, and if that happens the Northern, | world-wide attention. Even in the midst

“German commercial policy aimed at

We still hope that when the settlement this field that international competition three-tenths of the present duty. This

in the West for the people of North China German commercial

penetration into that the Naval and Military question will mount importante, unless Great Britained to Russia (Convention of March 4th, to some extent at least, the beavier cost. in their misfortunes. There seems some every country of the world, not for the be reconsidered and that the Hongkong is permanently to lose the predominant 1862, and Revised Convention of April hear.) Just as it suited the Germans to pect that under the advice of foreign purpose of adding wealth, even to the offer, will be accepted. We have fr nosition, which she has hitherto held in 27th, 1800) in order to counter-balance, thoroughly disorganise Russia, so it will ineers steps will be taken to prevent German part of the world-it was part of time to time made representations to the this important market, that our Govern fall in with their far-reaching schemes arrence of a similar calamity an

the general policy of domination, and Ministry of Shipping when cases ofment should recognise the urgency of as compared with sea transit of trans- to have China thoroughly disorganised.

that made it dangerous he had no ob hardship have been brought to our notice removing all restrictions from trading, porting goods by the long overland cara- jection whatever to trade rivals, but the by members, and are glad to acknow-and give every encouragement to British van route. When, as a result of the war interests in China as soon as possible of 18, the French annexed Tongking, they invoked the Russian precedent and partly with the object of damaging the

claimed a reduction on the maritime interests of the Allies there, and partly

Germana looked on the whole question as ledge that prompt consideration has been

THE CHINA CONTINGENT,

tariff for merchandise passing over the to enable them to fish in troubled waters,

merely part of the Weltpolitik, which giver to the grievances to which we have after the conclusion of "peace. so that by prolonging internal unrest,

they had been systematically pursuing." called attention, and in same cases redress

Since mention was first made in our frontier into or out of China. By the has been obtained. In the House of Commons last week, the China is clearly playing into the hands

annual report of 1914-1915 of the Far Constans Convention of June 26th, 1887. She has also concluded President of the Board of Trade-Sir of those who want her to remain weak

Eastern contingent which bad left China the levy on imports into China was fixed and helpless. The Chinese are a people friendly agreement with Japan for co- Albert Stanley-referring to the great of character and ability, who, in their operation between the two countries in German banks, said: "They were estab

The Committee of the Y.M.C.A. drew and Japan to serve in His Majesty's at even-tenths and on exports from private affairs, thoroughly appreciate the the event of intervention in Siberia be-lished, not to take in this country, but importance of stability, and if they could coming necessary. The question of inter- as part of a deliberate rational policy of our attention to the excellent work they Forces, much has happened. The strength China at six-tenths of the maritime tariff. only bring into the management of their vention in Russia on a large scale is commercial and political penetration were doing in France in connection with of the contingent has been well maintain- Other Powers, after occupying territory Burmah Convention, and the Japanese in us to do all we could to support them: proximately 2,500 men-ths record concessions (eg. Great Britain by the Bot national administration the skill, prad still undecided; it involves taking con- The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board the Chinese Labour Corps there, and askeded; it is understood that it is now ap on the Chinese border, demanded similar

bear testimony to the distinction of their

respect of Liaotung and Korce). ence, and probity which are so often seen siderable risks, but non-intervention of Trade-Sir Arthur Steel-Laitland-ip

services. The Roll of Honour includes

in none of these later instances was the in the handling of their private affairs, may be a much more dangerous policy the same debate, said: "" There was no We issued an appeal to members and awards, decorations and they would soon materially increase their in the long run, as the development of question that the object of Germany in received generous support, amounting to own prosperity, as well as that of their German power in that country would be time of peace bad been, by its methods of over £13,000. We have reason to believe

names. So far as can be ascertained at had merchandise to be carried long die- a serious menace to the whole East. Anance, to penetrate foreign countries that the Labour Corps are graceful for many well-known and bighly respected demand really justified, because in none Fortunately the Germans have made and to subordinate them, not for purely all that the Y.M.C.A. has done for them,

their lives, while 19 have been made prisjustification has ceased to exist, now that another colossal blunder in their treat commercial purposes alone, but, for and that the sympathetic expression of present, 253 men of all ranks have lost tances overland; and ever in Russia the the railway bar supplanted the caravan. The Germans had our interest in its welfare has made a

oners-of-war. Since 1911 they have bad, as a nation,ment of Russia when they had ber at their ulterior purposes.

The Association has in course of com. It is suggested, therefore, that this dif though not, perhaps, individually, seven mercy. If reports are true, they are as borrowed money cheaply in the London good impression on China. Our Secre

As much hated in the provinces, which they market, and used it in order to compete taryfr. Wilcox has devoted a goodpilation a war book which it is intended ferential treatment might well be done. lean years-seven years of unrest.

with British enterprises. Under this deal of his time in connection with the shall contain a record of the service-il away with. If it is not abolished every far as one at a distance can judge, the have over-run in Eastern Europe, as root of the trouble that an attempt has they are in the West, except, perhaps, system it suited them to get control of large contingent, which has voluntarily possible, of every raan who has come from increase of duty manifestly increases the

come home to join His Majesty's. Forces.

the Far East--including promotions, extent of the differentiation, and if the been made to introduce a form of Govern- amongst those classes who, under their our trade with China, while taking care ment for which the country is not yet corrupting influence, have shamefully be to keep their own German trade in their He is compiling a War Book, giving the honours, battles, wounds, etc. This book principle is now admitted that three- prepared. A huge population which has trayed their country. (Cheers.) All of own hands, and before the War they had record, as far as possible, of every man

ference Great assistance in obtaining remitted on land-borne merchandise, it been accustomed to be governed for

the Allies are as deeply interested in the made good progress in this direction: who has joined up work that involves should prove an interesting work of re-tenths of any increase in duty is to be thousands of years cannot expect to suppression of anarchy in Russia, in the There is little doubt that after the War good deal of labour, seeing that the the necessary data has been rendered by will certainly be claimed when the higher.

contingent numbers about 2,500 mer. In one or two thousand days. We hear a

and in her rehabilitation as . Great but as they have, proclaimed from the

ACTIVITIES OF THE ASSOCIATION, great deal about the parliamentary party

Mr. Wilcox has also Power under a settled Gevemment, as houertops Rauch Fey hate us, and O'Sullivan, who has been invalided out Irish Horse and formerly of Shanghai. "competing for power with military Germany is in seeing her remain weak how earnestly they are striving for our of the Service.

The Association has been interested in governors, but it seems clear that any and divided, her population so crushed downfall, it is to be hoped that we ball administered the generous subscriptions parliament which may be elected in China under a reign of terror, that even Govern- take them at their word and give them which have been sent home from Shanghai a great variety of subjects during the can, in the nature of things, only be ment under the German jack-boat would the cold shoulder. Cheers.) To do this for cases of distress. The funds at his year; the importance and volume of the directly representative of a very small be regarded as a welcome relief. The effectively we should take a leaf out of disposal, have been expended with care correspondence has not been exceeded at percentage of the people. Under these Allies have taken some preliminary steps their book and systematically organise and discrimination, and have relieved any time during the war. It is, bow- circumstances it would appear to be not to counteract German penetration on the our trade, so that it cannot again be many cases of hardship. The Far East bus ever, inadvisable to publish much of it in unreasonable" that, at the outset, the Murman Coast, but the most effective used as a means of undermining our every reason to be proud of the men who the annual report; the shortage of paper powers of Parliament should be limited steps can only be taken in Biberia; cer- position in China. We should aim at the have repented it in this great struggle. and dificulties of printing also accentu to-correspond-with the basis of its re- tain steps have already been taken there, English tub there standing on its bottom. (Loud cheers.) They have served with ate the necessity for keeping the book distinction and many have received de- within the narrowest limits possible At

They would further respectfully sug presentative character, and be gradually and if it is decided to intervene there in That, however, is a difficult goal to at

pest, as a lever towards that end, if the extended in the light of experience. The force commensurate with the object to tain. We cannot shut our eyes to the corations; but the cast has been great the same time, though there is little to

nhatement is to be perpetuated and is to old contest between Peking and the Pro be attained, we may-look forward with fact that there are many people in this the casualty list has been heavy; many show for the work done, members accus-. vinces not only continues but has become confidence to the great part which Japan country who, even to-day, contemplate of the very best have fallen, and the long- tomed in pre-war days to a bulky, volume

increase of duty, to the advantage of accentuated since the Government has will take. Either alone, or, perhaps, in the resumption of business relations with drawn-out anxiety still continues day may be assured that any matter in which

nther Powers and the disadvantage of assumed the Republican form. Under the co-operation with America, which is the Germans at the earliest possible oppor after day.. The Chairman concluded by the Association can, usefully intervene he proportionately increased with every Empire the semi-independence of the only other Power at present in a position tunity, and who may even renew all their proposing the adoption of the report and receives the fullest attention."

British interests, that it should also bes It is very doubtful accounts.

Further correspondence has been car provinces was a source of weakness to to send a large expedition, Japan would, former facilities.

-hort of force The resolution was seconded by Mr. G. China, but disintegrating tendencies were give backbone to a national movement in whether anything

which trading with the enemy may be reported into China by the Kowloon- kept in check, as no Viceroy was, in the Russia in support of law and order, of majeure will restrain them. Perhaps. Jamieson, O.M.G., and carried unani-ried on regarding the conditions upon claimed on land-borne merchandise im-

sumed after the war.

Canton Railway. last resort, strong enough to defy the honour and good faith; her entry into the Trading with the Enemy Act, or mously..

country.

N

UNPREPARED FOR SELF-GOVERNMENT.

#I

acquire the power of governing itself in restoration of order in that vast territory, the Germans will try on the same gay this work he has been assisted by Mr. Mr. M. S. O'Sullivan, late of the Narth tariff agreed to in the Mackay Treaty

comes into operation. In that event the differentiation in favour of land-borne merchandise would amount to 31 per eent, which would become a prohibitive handicap against sea-borne goods for the Manchurian market,

My Committee hope that his Majesty's Government will make very effort in the first instance to get all preferential terms done away with, and, if abolition prover to be impracticable, to urge that th differentiation be limited to three-tentha of the existing tariff.