1926-07-05 — Page 5

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CANTON CUSTOMS AND CANTON AND U.S.A.

THE UNIONS

MATTERS REACHING A CLIMAX.

EMPLOYEES KIDNAPPED, AND DEATEN

AN APPEAL TO THE CANTON

QUESTION OF RECOGNITION.

MR. EUGENE CHEN'S REPLY TO AMERICAN CONSUL KUOMENTANG ASPIRATIONS. The Canton Foreign Office has author ised the publication of the following

statement:

GOVERNMENT. (FROM OUR CHINESE CORRESPONDENT, ]

In view of the excellent relations now CANTON, July 3rd..

existing between the Government at Canton and the American Consular Minister for I have on more than one occasion authorities the Acting referred to the trouble between the Foreign Affairs believes that no mis Customs and the Strikers. As your understanding will be crested by the Leaders are aware a strong and persist publication of the following letter, dated ent effort has been made by the pickets June 30th, from Mr. Douglas Jenkins, and labour leaders generally to force the American Consul-General, to Mr. Chen Customs employees to join a union. Yu Jen (Eugene Chen), Acting Minister Unions of any kind, however, are ex-tor Foreign Affairs, with the reply of the pressly forbidden in the Customs Ser- latter dated July 2nd: vice, the circumstances and duties of that administration being regarded as quite. incompatible with such an crganisation. The Commissioner-of-Customs has taken his stand on these regulations. The pic- kets, on the other hand, have resorted to all manner of intimidation, threats and violence to gain their ends.

The Government have been appealed to in the crisis but so far they have given verbal assurances only that there will be -no further attacks on Customs employees, and such assurances the men, frightened to walk the streets and going in fear of their lives, will not accept. Something more deficite is required than promise

Protection.

are gradually working up to a climax and in order that foreigners may thoroughly understand the present situa tion it will be perhaps worth while to trace events from the beginning.

of

It would probably be true to say that there has been trouble eve: since the

timidation.

At different times during the past three months some dozen or more Customs employees have been kidnapped and car- ried-off to the Strikers Headquarters at the Tung Yuan.

AMERICAN CONSUL'S LETTER. Honourable Chen Yu Jen,

Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, ·

"Canton."

Sir,-Adverting

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, MONDAY JULY 6TH, 1926

IN THE BIRTHDAY

£ HONOURS.

FIRST HONGKONG CHINESE

WOMAN.

INDEPENDENCE DAY

LOCAL CELEBRATIONS OF

GLORIOUS FOURTH."

Yesterday was the anniversary of the Declaration of American Independence, CONGRATULATIONS TO MISS WOO: «July 4th, 1776, "A" the * Glorious Miss Foo-yee Catherine Woo, the head. Fourth” fell on a Sunday, the usual ob- mistress of St. Paul's Girls' School,servances by the American Community in Caine Road, who has just been made a Hongkong have been postponed until Member of the Order of the British to-day.

Yesterday afternoon, however, the local Empire, is, we believe, the first Chinese woman in Hongkong to be so honoured,

Miss Woo is a daughter of the late Dr. Americans played a friendly game of baseball between teams representing "single" and married men, this Woo Yee Kai, a fellow student and close friend of late Dr. Sun Yat Sen, the

To-day the United States Consulate- Father of the Chinese Republic. Moro game following the league match between than 30 years ago Dr. Sun Yat Sen and the Club de Recreio and the Filipinos. Dr. Woo studied together as the Alice General and American, offices will be Memorial Hospital and Medical School closes, while American residents wil be

on holiday..

Miss Woo, after her preparatory study in Hongkong, most of the time in in

This morning the Consul-General for stitutions affiliated with the Chung Hua Sheng Kung Hui Churches, spent five the U.S. in Hongkong (Mr. R. C years in London, and attended certain Tredwell) will receive local officials and icctures at Oxford. Upon her return to members of the Consular Corps at the Hongkong in 1918, she at once identified American Club. From 4 to 8.30 p.m. to thia Consulate-berself with St. Paul's Girls' School. At the community is holding a "July 4th... General's despatch of Juse 16th in that time there were but 50 students. celebration at the Hongkong Hotel Roof acknowledgment of your note of JuneToday St. Paul's Girls School bus more Garden,-when-they will be at Home" 4th, 1926, concerning the abolition of the than 400 pupils and ita puccess is rightly to their friends. Refreshments will be July 4th was also the birthday of Pre- office of Commissioner of Foreign Affairs attributed to the successful management served and there will be dancing.

sident Coolidge: Mr. Calvin Coolidge is and the intention of the Ministry of of Miss Woo herself aided by the excel- Foreign Affairs to deal with all interna-lent staff she has gathered round her.

Miss Woo, in addition to being an the 30th President of the United States, tional cases-in-the-future, I have the honour to explain that while this Con- active Church worker in Hongkong, is and was born at Plymouth, Vermont, in sulato-General is pleased to correspond a member of the National Christian 1572 On August 3rd, 1923, he rose from directly with the Ministry of Foreign Council of China. She was one of the Vice-President to President after the Affairs, it is of course understood that founders of the Chinese Home Mis- death of Warren G. Harding, and was

Bionary Society, a Chinese organization re-elected at the subsequent election. recognition is not implied.

for preaching the Gospel in the interior of China, and--with other local Chinese "ladies took an active part in starting the Hongkong Chinese Y.W.C.A. Through Miss Woo, also a Chinese Women's Tea- time ago. her's Association was organized some EPISODE IN THE CANTON RIVER.

I have the honour, etc., etc.,

1

year.

APPOINTMENTS.

*(Sgd.) DOUGLAS JENKINS,

-Anyerican Consur-General. MR. EUGENE CHEN'S REPLY. Sit-I have the honour to acknowledge Customs incident in February, when, it the receipt of your letter dated June 30th,

For the last two years or more Miss will be remembered, the Commissioner of in which you explain-what has already Customs and a few of his employees in been quite clear and obvious to me that Wce has been working for a new building sisted that several vessels illegally caprecognition is not implied in your des tured" by the pickets should be handed patch of June 16th Acknowledging my for her school at Kowloon This building over to them. From that date there has note of June 4th, which notified you of now being crected and will it is be been a persistent attempt from outside the abolition of the office of Commissioner lieved, be completed before the end of the Miss Woo has many friends in the the Customs to undermine the Service by for. Foreign Affairs and the decision of piesns of a Union which published as its the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to deat Colony and she has been the recipient of aim the driving out of Imperialistic with all international cases in the future.

Though in ordinary circumstances your host of congratulations upon the influences," The movement was started apparently by a few discharged indivi- letter might call for no specific reply, 1honour accorded her by His Majesty the duals but their ranks have been gradually believe the best interests of the American King. Dr. Arthur W. Woo, the well increased by the usual methods of in people and of the Chinese people as re-known Hongkong physician, who was

presented by my Government would be also trained in England, is her brother.. served if I make the categorical state- ment that while my Government (which bas stabilized an independant political regime founded here nearly a decade ago and has anibed a group of territories BIRTHDAY-HONOURS FOR HONG larger in area than France and Italy com-

KONG RESIDENTS. bined, "with-a-population 01-60,000,000 people) demands that it be treated with

A Government Gazette Extraordinary, respect, it neither desires nor expects from America and other Foreign Powers issued on Saturday, states that it is the sort of recognition which even con-notified that His Majesty the King has siderations of political realism and inter" been graciously pleased to give orders national dignity have not prevented them from granting to the phantom govern- ments successively set up in Peking by the Mandarin squeezers, military plun derers and ex-bandit chiefs. The Foreign Powers, apparently, have not yet realised that Peking has long ceased to repre- sent the Chinese nation and that it is today an organ of exploitation and plun der in the hands of the Mandarinate and the Northern Militarists. As long as tais fundamental fact remains angrasped by the Foreign Powers the state of China must necessarily worsen and some of the ominous possibilities of the situation may well become realities.

STARVATION AND TORTURE. ----- The strongest representations on the subject were naturally made through the Chinese Superintendent of Customs to the Government, but, even so, it took several days in each case before the release of the men could be secured and then it was found that all had suffered in varying degrees from starvation and torture. During the past month alone no fewer than eight servants of Customs officers have been imprisoned for over ten days and have suffered the greatest ill treatment. On-two occasions, according to reports in Customs circles, the. Com missioner of Customs himself went down to the Tung Yuan and stayed there many

hours before his caen were given up.

were able.

for the following appointments to The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (Civil Division):-Officer The Rev. Herbert Richmond Wells Member: Miss Foon-yce Catherine Woo.

B.E. the Governor has also received in- formation from the Secretary of State for the Colonies that His Majesty the King would have been pleased to bestow upon the late Sir Catchick Paul Chater; C.M.G., had he survived, a Knight Com mandership, Civil Division, of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, in recognition of his services in, Heng kong.

ST. STEPHEN'S COLLEGE BAZAAR.

SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDED, OVER $3,000 COLLECTED.

PICKETS FOILED.

Vendors of vegetables and poultry aro almost daily risking the interference of strike pickets, in order to get their com and Hongkong. modities to boats plying between Canton

The latest story is to the effect that three pickets were foiled in their attempt to prevent some crates of poultry being put aboard the Lung Shan. The poultry dealer was rapidly making for the boat, be dived into the river. By that time, but on being chased by strike pickets, however, the boat with the crates was Dear the Lung Shan, and the dealer was picked up, and the poultry removed with- out further interference from the pickets. The poultry were brought down to Hongkong.

WHY LONDON ATTRACTS FOREIGN. VISITORS.

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

LONDON, May 29th.

NEW SEASON'S CRETONNES

COVERS.

FOR LOOSE

WE IMPORT FABRICS PRODUCED PURPOSELY FOR THIS SERVICE, AND HAVE A STAFF OF EXPERT CUTTERS CONSTANTLY ENGAGED MAKING LOOSE COVERS.

There is nothing to equal the charm of well- cut loose covers, they

enliven the home and impart to it the touch

of freshness that be-

speaks the new.

LOOSE COVERS ARE OUR SPECIALITY. FURNISHING DEPT.

LANE, CRAWFORD, Ltd.

An Independent Chinese Morning Paper, Established 54 Years.

TSUN WAN

WAN YAT PO.

The largest circulation of any newspaper

in Hongkong and South China.

One of the London moming papers has A page for advertisements of British goods is issued monthly at a special reduced rate. Advertising rates and full information about this paper can be obtained from the Advertising and Publicity Bureau, Alexandra Buildings. Tel. C. 30.

been telling its readers why it considers England has such an unfailing attraction for foreign visitors. There are, of course, many reasons, chief among them being the blending of old and new-old customs, old traditions, old buildings in which history has been made, and so forth; and then by way of contrast to these links with ancient times there are things modern in endless variety.

Road coaching, which has started again this week, is one of the colourful survivals of a vanished age that help to make Eng land different from other countries, and appeal to foreigners who come to London. The Old Berkeley coach, looking spick and span, in yellow and gold paint, is to be seen bowling along the high roads The between London and Brighton.

THE EFFECT OF TERRORISM. Such a system of terrorism has natur. ally had its effect and many Customs employees have been induced, for the

With a clear apprehension of what it sake of peace and safety to themselves all means, my Government is striving to and their families, to join the Union forward the work of establishing the new It cannot be argued, however, that they equilibrium between the Chinese systeur have acted as free agents. I know that, the Chinese people in their or A number of them dislike the Union in ganization as a social and politico. Lensely and resisted it as long as the economic aggregate) and the altered en- vironment brought about largely by Last week thirty of the office boys foreign intercourse and pressure And

The bazaar and garden fete, in aid journey down to the coast is made one and messengers of the Customs were though unrecognized but withal the only of St. Stephen's College Building Fund, day, and the return journey occupies the rounded up by over a hundred strike ruling group in China at the moment that Fickets while on their way to their homes really governs, my Government is not with was very successfully concluded on Satur- next. The coach is drawn by teams of in the City. One was beaten and they out hope of planting the foundation of day at the Hongkong University. There four horses, in relays. A small crowd may was again a large attendance of visitors, always be seen in Northumberland were finally released only with a solemn great new structure of relations between

passers-by on the pavements of St. threat of the worst punishment if they China and America and other friendly and the stalls and other attractions Avenue, when the coach sets out; and did not join the Union by 12 o'clock the and profitable markets for their goods reaped another rich financial harvest.

In the absence, through illness, of the Jamesis Street and Piccadilly gaze with following morning.

and services, which will enable the Chi-

Hoa. Dr. R. H. Kotewall, who was to friendly eyes as it passes, appearing for This threat struck terror into the hearts nese people to live in freedom and to have opened the bazaar, the opening all the world as if it bad by some mire of all the employees and those who did work out the modernization of their coun- go to the office the following morning try in terms of the best both in tacir ceremony was paslarmed by Mr. Li Yau culous means come to life out of a rare There are six changes of horses on the went in fear and trembling. The terror historic experience and individual culture Tsun (Chairman of the Chinese General sporting priut of the Eighteenth Century.

Chamber of Commerce)...

Mr. Li Yau Tour referred to the reputa-road. Good coaching means a continuous tion for scholarship which St. Stephen's trot, never letting the horses break step College had maintained for so many or get into, a canter, and reaching stop- seurs and be expressed sympathy withiping places at the scheduled time. I am the great efforts which had been made to told that there is always a full comple ment of passengers, especially at this provide new buildings.

BRISK BUSINESS.

period of the year, and in no other way of travel can you see the heavenly beauty of the English countryside.

7

and in the doctrinal system and material progress of the West.

I have, etc, etc.,

(SEd. CHER YI JEM.

Acting Mister for Foreign Affairs.

is understandable by all. Chinese for the most ghastly stories are constantly being circulated regarding the happenings at Strike Headquarters and chain gangs, under the charge of Strike pickets, are often to be seen crawling through the streets. Some of the employees refused to sign on for duty, preferring to be dis charged than to carry on under these constant threats. Others begged that from victimization in the streets by the something might be done to save lifStrike pickets and it is also requested that or otherwise they said they would have to give way.

A BELEAGUERED CAMP. Following these incidents it is reported that there was something in the nature of a general meeting at the Customs officer The Commissioner of Customs called upon all those who wished to remain in the service to go on with their work and he promised that they should be allowed to take up their quarters, night and day, in the Customs Building Beds have been provided and arrange ments have been made for food,

-0.

"

OLD " DRURY LANE."

A RECORD CREATED AT THE FAMOUS THEATRE,

Brisk business was carried on to a late hour, the spirit of gaiety and enthusiasm Proclamation, shall be issued dissolv-increasing as the time for closing drew ing the so-called Custom Union. As far near. The proceedings closed with the as is known no reply has yet been made presentation of prizes to winners of com- by the huomintang,

petitions, and voten-of-thanks to the Meanwhile a certain member of agita Chairman (Mr. Cheung Nin) and also to tors and others known to be leaders of ladies responsible during the three days the Union have been dismissed from the for refreshments, namely Miss Middleton Customs, and in consequence of this a Smith, staff and students of St. Stephen's strike among the floating staff-steam Girls' College; Miss Sin Wai Sheung and launches, motor boats, etc-has been other past students of the same college; anticipated daily. The loreign staff are and Mrs. John Eunt and friends, includ ing Meso-Taan On, and University

The musical play, Rose Mario," a standing by to maintain communication with shipping and to do the routine work under-graduates. of the harbour without Chinese assist-It is not known at yet what the romance of the Canadian Rockies, has ance if necessary,

ultimate financial result will be, but it how entered on its second year, and the satisfactory. It is certain that over play to exceed a year's run at the famous $3.000 has been collected, but in due London theatre since it was opened in course a statement will be published 1863 when Charles the Becond was king. showing the full amount.

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

LONDON, May 20th.

The Commissioner of Customs birself The Chinese, merchants are taking the has been ascertamed that it will be highly fact is notable because this is the first it is reported, also took up his abode Keenest interest in the struggle and their with the men and still remains there to sympathies, as far as I have been able encourage them generally and to be ready to gather are entirely with the Customs for any emergency that may arise. It is They object strongly to the attempt on not expected that there will be any attack the part of the Strike Unious to interfere on the building bat with the pickets in with the Customs Service. This may their present temper it is unsafe to pre- perhaps be an indication of the way in dict what may happen. There are now over Afty men inside the building and they never leave it so great is their fear of the pickets lurking outside.

THE GOVERNMENT.

which the trouble will ead. Public opinion, he the Kuomintang are aware, has much influence in a matter of this sort and there is at present not the least sign of disaffection among the Customs

OBITUARY.

LADY MODY DIES IN BOMBAY.

A good deal is being made of the record which has been set up; but it must not be supposed that it is entirely due to the play itself, although it is very good indeed. The governing factor is to be found in the change in the old traditions of the Lans."

In the old days Drury Lane was essen- The The death occurred on Saturday at tially a theatre with seasons Prospect Lodge, Altamount Round, Cum pantomime season was an inevitable As I bave stated the Government have The rumours, which have been circulated bala Hill, Bombay, of Lady Mody, widow fixture. In the same way, there was often given verhal assurances that the em regarding the closing of the Port, are, I of Sir H-N. Mody, of the firm of Chatera Spring season for such an artist as ployees will not be molested but this is understand, without any foundation and Mody. The news was received the Henry Irving, and in the Autumn there not sufficient for them. The Commisslthough should communication with ship same day by her son, Mr. J. H. N Mody, were staged with unfailing regularity the sioner of Customs is asking for a written ping become impossible owing to a strike who is at present on a short visit in the wonderful spectacular dramas, which had to give way, however successful, to the guarantee that the men shall be protected of the staff vessels will not receive their Colony

clearances or be berted DE LITĪVA) (Continued on next Column),

"pantomimes,

[108

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