1927-08-15 — Page 3

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THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, MONDAY, AUGUST 15th, 1927.

SHANGHAI TRADE REPORT FOR 1926.

THE CHINESE WAR PUZZLE.

CHIANG'S - TROOPS NEAR KIUKIANG.

ILL-EQUIPPED "RED ARMY,

• SEVERE FIGHTING IN

EASTERN KIANGSI.

KIUXIANG, July 97th. Being attacked by the joint al-, timatum given by General Chiang Kai Shek and Feng Yu Esisag and by the joint action taken by Generals Tang Seng Chih and Chien whoso sudden change. of titude towards the Wuhan party surprises all, the foundation of the Hankow Government was shaken to its very bottom. After an im

CRUSHING DEFEAT -OF GEN. CHIANG.

MARSHAL SUN CHUAN FANG'S SUCCESS.

ሱ

FIVE DAYS' FIERCE FIGHTING.

VICTOR'S IMPÖRTANT.

LOSSES.

Pzxixo, August 8th, Peace feelers in Peking are com- opletely under a cloud, at the pre sent time, all attention being con centrated on the possibilities of the clash which has taken place south of Hsuchowfu

portant conference held on or about the end of June, they decid- ed to leave Hackow for some other place saler for them to make a last stand against their enemies should the opportunity provide or for Outer Mongolia where they will

NATIONALIST ARMY SCREENED.

FIVE WEEKS FROM NANKING TO SHANTUNG.

EXHIBITION AT THE ODEON, SHANGHAI,

SHANO, August, Sth. Messrs. Pathe Orient have done a signal service, though one sus- pects it to have been unwittingly on their part, in preparing a largė number of views of the activities of the Nationalist Armies for the screen, which series has been on exhibition at the Odeon Theatre, Shanghai, for the past few days. It is all so reminiscent of 6 The Ankuochan headquarters claim that Marshal Sua Chuan Fang, King of France, with 40,000 men, after five days of fierce fighting, marched down again!!! The several marched up the bill and then has inflicted a crushing defeat views of General Chiang Kai Shek, upon Chiang Kai Shek. To show

AN ADVANCCE OF 164 MILLION TAELS OVER 1925.

BUT HEAVY SLUMP DURING THE LAST QUARTER.

UP-COUNTRY MARKETS BADLY AFFECTED.

Year by year, says the Shanghai nanual trade report for 1928, it grows increasingly difficult to reconcile Customs statistics with the actual course of trade. Seldom have conditions been so generally unfavourable as during the 18 months under review, and yet the total value of Maritime Customs trade shows by far the largest increase that has ever been recorded in, the course of its history. The net value rose to 972 million Haikwan taels, from 730 million in 1925, the previous largest advance in the whole history of Shanghai being 101 million taels in 1820. Unlike that year, which owed its success entirely to a vast import trade, the period under review shows increases for every heading; but a close scrutiny of the figures only reveals one more proof of the. truism that statistics" by themselves are an unreliable index. Other more hopeful signs of progress, however, are, to be found, and these will be dealt with latar.

By the end of the third quarter net profits were "by no means pro- it was generally known that im- portiorate to the increase in out- portations had been much heavier put. Cotton mills, as has already than in the previous year.

The

been remarked, benefited from the Customs collection for the Arst general shortage of supplies the seven months was more than 8 previous year; plentiful stocks of million taels larger than in the raw material enabled them to en

joy the increased demand while it

how severe the battle was bead-busy peeping into ditches by the due to import duty. Poor busi,

quarters say that Marshal Sun lost one-third of his men. The officials

roadside, addressing his troops, haranguing huge crowds of Chin' saviours, or riding across country on his favourite pony; attended by

taken in the picture for the General, himself, are all entertain ing in the extreme.

lasted, and the earlier months were accordingly very successful. But towards the end of the year - mediate requirements of up-country markets were satisfied, and buyers abnormally low level of prices were not attracted even by the

meet together to discuss ways and are vary confident that all danger literyxide who is ensity at Ladvance of 164 million over 1995 which was offered..

means by which they can Com munize China again through mili- tary operations-purely Red forces Finally, owing to some reason or other, hey preferred to come down to Ki gai, making their Govern ment and headquarters in kiang.

π

Kiu-

Red General For Vladivostock. Thus they did. From July 2nd to July seth the Bed troops. from Hankow belonging to the th, 10th and the 11th Armies of Gen. Chang Fa Kuei were brought down by launches and junks into this port in great numbers every day. The total number of these Red soldiers a alleged to be something like "100,000, but they are very poorly. aimed and with but a very limited amount of munitions, being also poor £nancially. Mike Borodin arrived here about the middle of July and passed here secretly and hurriedly on the way to Kuling where he stayed leaving here again on July 26th.

to Hsuchowfu has been removed They also say that he will follow up his advantage with the help of reintereements which are said to have been rushed dows the Tientsin-Pukow railway.

should require five weeks from One readily understands why it Nanking to Shantung. There

60 much preparation, so much ade about nothing, that most of the time, according to the pictures, must have been consumed in cross the Yangtze from Nanking to Pukow.

Futility and Comic Opera Warfare.

no

Failure of crops in many parts cost of rice proved very advantage- of the country and the general high

where great difficulty was experi particularly strong from the North, ous to four mills: demand was

enced in obtaining sufficient aup- plies of wheat.

Freedom From Warfare In 1926.

though Shanghai itself enjoyed peace, its trade was naturally very seriously affected, as market after market in the interior became clos ed to business, and communications were restored with one district only The position at the opening of the for those with another to be severed.

new year was renasuring.

not

mentioned elsewhere in this report, corresponding period of 1925, as and the increase was almost entire ness during the closing months of the year had little effect on the amounted to 396 million taels, an final result. The total figures

and 113 million over 1924, The articles of commerce that only two advance was so general among all

increase was by no means evenly small declines to record; but the of the main returns headings had

distributed. Cereals, raw cotton, and woollen goods accounted for half of it between them. Rice and wheat were the oustanding items, and wore imported in large quan- Unlike the two previous years, tities owing to the failure of most Shanghai during 1928 did not native crops. The advance shown suffer from warfare in her im- by woollen goods was due in, the mediate neighbourhood. The period, i main to a too optimistic view taken indeed, may be regarded as one of by dealers early in the year, which unusual quiet, which stands out in The trade in raw cotton, alone of conditions prevailing in nearly eventually resulted in, disaster, welcome contrast to the disturbed

the three, gives any cause for satiserery other part of China. But faction; but here again it is dis appointing, that with all the ad- vantages at her disposal so small a share of the total raw material consumed is supplied by China, Large importations from abroad to keep active throughout the year. were required to enable local mills

A large advance in figures is also to be found under export headings.

The Chinese New Year fell on the creased by 87 million taels over the was passed without much difficulty, Total exports of local origin in- 13th February and the settlement

contributed by shipments of local culation for many months before. previous year, two-thirds being as conditions had discouraged spe produce to other ports in China. Spasmodic, fighting took place in Cotton yarn was by far the most Chihli province during the remain- prominent item, and the success in der of the quarter. Its effect was this trade was chiefy due to the felt everywhere north of the Yang- grave industrial trouble and conse

tsze. Despite the many and sundry quent reduced output of 1995. Ex. difficulties, however, the Shanghai- ports of cigarettes and flour to Nanking Railway in July, wa other ports also recorded a large said to be handling the heaviest increase. Of the trade with foreign traffic in its history. countries, "silk was the only article. As the summer approached it was to show any considerable measure seen that the abnormal spell of dry of success. In nearly every other weather during the spring would portation and constant irregular Lower Yangtze provinces. Crops class of goods, dieulties of trans- not prevent a fair harvest in the taxation made the cost of obtaia of wheat, barley, and beans were ing supplies so excessive that mer-estimated at about 80 per cent. of chants were often unable to fulfil the normal, and were eventually their contracts without loss." Atharvested in srʼaty before the bad the same time, competition froen weather of the summer did much other countries was keener even damage. Other districts, however, The general condition in Kin-

than usual. A revival of business were not so fortunate. In many kiang is considered to be very criti-

took place from the end of Septem-plates heavy rain during June and cal. Trenches have beca dug in

ber, when the fall in exchange was July caused serious floods, and at Hainchihkuo, Д 'small village

Reverses for Three Weeks,

sufficient to offset the high cost of Hankow the river rose to a higher situated on the bank of the Yang.

native produce. Even at its worst level than had been experienced" for tsze right opposite to Kinkiang

SEANGHAI, August 5th. This shows that Gen. Chiang Kai "Piecing together various ac

the position, of exporters was never years. The prospects of cotton were The theatre management have so precarious as that of the import | disappointing, but the silk cocoon Shek's men have reached a distance counts from Chinese merchants subaitituted these thrilling pat- firma. The increase in the figures crop was reported to be larger than as near to Kiukiang as the width and soldiers who have returned to ristie scenes for the customary for native imports and re-exports in the previous year and of good of the Yangtaze. About a fort Wuhu from suchowfu and Peng comedy which normally follows the was largely due to the silk trade average quality. night ago Gen. Hsis Tou Yio pass pu, the Nationalist forces have principal screen offering. From from Canton. Until the middle of ed Kunglung, north of Haiachih suffered crushing defeste since the the standpoint of showmanship, October the boycott in the South kuo on his way to Anking and on middle part of July in the regions they could not have done better. prevented Cantonese to Nanking to see Chiang Kai of Hsuchow and Lincheng," says a Hollywood produces nothing half Shek. The imported armies have Wuliu message dated August 5th so ludicrous-North China Daily been despatched to hold all the received in Shanghai this after-Near strategic points of this province, noon. such as all the important stations. on the Nanchang-Kiukiang rail- road. Changshu, Kukuo, etc.

This would seem to signify a re- turn to the tug-of-war of pre-co- ordination, days, for Chang Ts Lin, with the danger of Feng Yu Hsiang before him will be averse from any adventure in a southerly To the initiated, the entire pan direction until there has been some grams holds the clue to character- attempt at lateral consolidationistic Chinese futility and comic- opera element which has ever mark- east and west of Hsuchowiu. It is ed Celestial warfare. There is so this renewal of the tug-of-war that much face-pidgin about it all! is crippling all efforts at com- The troops apparently bear promise.

armas save flamboyant banners: the commissariat is evidently swamp Several delegates from Nankinged by a multitude of luncheon bas have been to Peking recently, but kets: and when the entourage is they had no formal authority and and

at long last embarked on the long hazardous crossing of the they were rebuffed so abruptly that Yabgraze to Pakow, it needs but a they have all gone to Taiyuantu. few stage ice-does to complete the Even if they had had formal - Washington

picture of

China's George crossing the Dela Slavery Of The Coolies. Not but what one or two sinister notes are sounded. One glimpses the slavery of the unfortunate cool les impressed into military service, and one's heart goes out unresory edly to them. Here and there is shown the intellectual countenance of a Chinese of the school, sealous in a cause which he conscientiously deems right. All too few of these part dominated by the ubiquitous alas! The scenes are for the most returned-student, to say nothing of the Frankensteins whom foreign charity has created, in their familiar greasy aspect, foreign clothes and all, tumbling over one another in their anxiety to be in cluded in the picture.

Not the least instructive feature is the deplorable condition of the Tientsin-Pukow Railway rolling stock as all too plainly revealed by the pictures.

thority matters might not have wäre, gone very far, however, for Peking's point of view is not that of Tainunfu's.

The real conference along the Ticotsin-Pukow line misfired for several reasons. Pan Fa stayed

L

The correspondent of the North China Daily News was recently in- formed from a private but reliable source that Hsu Chien, the Red leader in Hankow Government, at Tsinanfu only a day and came. was detained and imprisoned in back without awaiting the arrival Honan by Marshal Feng Yu of the Nanking delegate. Hajang's order. Teng Yen Ta is! No politician can be away from reported to have loft Hankow on a his seat of office too long: other British steamer which took him to wise he might and his position "Vladivostock for Tls. 800,000, and undermined when be returned.

only & very few of the rest of The present peace feelers, there Borodio & Co., are now still in fore, are as tactical as the deploy Hankow.

ment of troops, although at any time they might assume a tendency towards reality.North Daily News.

.

The Fighting' In Alangsi, Severe fighting was reported last week to have taken place in eastern Kiangai between the Red forces there and tas invaders commanded by Gen. Li Lieh Chun, the former chairman of the Kiangai Govern ment at the time when Chiang Kai Shek was at Nanchang, Delnice reports of these victories are so far navailable.

China

The message further states:----

"Though General Chiang Kai Shek endeavoured to gather his routed men at Pengpu, the Nation- alist forces suffered a loss of one- third of the whole army. Especial- ly, the armies under, Generals Wang Tien Pai and Yeh Kai Shin have almost been annihilated and the remaining soldiers appear to have no fighting spirit. If things go on like this,, the Nationalist forces will find it very difficult to stem the advance of the Shantung Vast numbers of Chiang Kai troops. Fengpu was still in the Shek's mon have been seen consen bands of the Nationalist forces on trating at Matung (about 60 li August 1st. The Shantung troops below Huko) awaiting orders to are now stationed in the region march upon Kiukiang. The mov- of Kuchen, but there are no signs ing of troops was seen here every of their further advance at pro day for the last few days, this in-sent."-Toho.. dicating that something emergent,

THE VICTORIES OF THE NORTHERNERS,

HEAVY SOUTHERN CASUALTIES 1

SUN CHUAN FANG IN KIANGSU.

affected.

merchants

!

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AND MARIAN NIXON -

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Orchestra at 5.15 & 9.20 mly, Chinese interpretar at 230 & 7.15.

STAR

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TO-DAY ONLY* Continuous from 230 to 8.30.

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Middle Yazigteze regions, where port market as it was disastrous tu Shortage of Rice.

much damage was being caused by importers had it not been for the Shortage of rice was already abnormal floods.

great difficulty experienced in' ob- from making use of the usual route threatening Shanghai at the begin By the middle of August general taiming supplies. Only a few in- via Hong Kong, and much silk was ning of the year. As the months attention was directed to the industries, notably, silk spinning, brought to Shanghai for disposal. went by the menace grew steadily vasion of Hupeh province by the were able to benefit from the in- Tea, raw cotton, and cotton yarn worse, and prices for high-grade Hunan troops co-operating with the creased prices that the low exchange were other articles which showed a Kiangsu rice, which had been con Cantonese. As the Southern forces would allow them to command. considerable advance, but as the in-sidered excessive at 815

a pica, approached Hankow, local mer Several times during the year at- crease in imports and re-exports rose to heights that were quite un chants were forced to set aside any tempts had been made to restore was about the same, the net value erisis was reached in July, when for the near future. Regular se- und Hong Kong, but negotiations precedented for peace time, A hopes of trading in that quarter friendly relations between Canton of the trade of the port was hardly the price was about $18 a picul-vices on the Lower Yangtue were bad broken down on each occasion.

Exports Greater,

even" 813,70 was quoted in some maintained by the foreign shipping The formal announcement, made on places. The reason for the shortage companies, although vessels were the 9th October, that the anti- The good results shown by Shang-of Kiangsu rice was largely that frequently fired on by the troops British boycott had been lifted hai industrial concerns were the cotton crops had been substituted on shore. The Chinese companies, came, therefore, as a welcomas re most encouraging feature of the for rice in many of the district however, had many of their boats lief from the general depressing whole period. Cotton and flour There was a rice famine in Hupeh commandeered and were compelled conditions. British vessels began mills and silk filatures were the and Hunan provinces on account of to withdraw from the run. About to restore their regular south coast Dost successful, the two former ent a lack of rain early in the season, a month later, for the same reason, services, which had been suspended juying brisk trade with other ports and demands on Wahu grain bad the China Merchants Steam Navi- for many months. Trading condi- in China and the latter with for- been so large that supplies were in- gation Company decided to suspend tiani, however, were slow to im ciga countries. Even as it was, the adequate. An embargo on the ex their services altogether, in view prove, and little progress was made

(Continued on next Column.)

port of Wuhu rice was threatened. of the heary losses they were in by the end of the year. Actually in Shanghai there was no curring.

Business

the last quarter immediate risk of a thortage, a

was overshadowed by the political large quantities imported from

situation. Imports had hitherto Saigon could be obtained at about Throughout his uncertain period been heavy more, indeed, than 813 & pical..

1. anything in the nature of a finan- could readily be disposed of and July and August were exceptiona! | cial panic was prevented chiefly by with the failing markets in the in- party, every Hed organization, Dumber of speeches and Innumer counters, but the Northern troops "Delegates Up From the country. months in Shanghai for the hot and the large reserves of silver kept in terior large stocks remained·

About 1,000 country delegates are dry weather. Statistics were search-Shanghai. These were far greater hand. The sudden fall in exchange etc., is now acting in full swing. nouncing Chiang Kai Shek's at say that the casualties on the other up in Tainan enjoying the liberal ed in vain to furnish parallels, and than in previous years, and in made new business almost impos Maaicipal Bureau, Labour Union, able pamphlets were given, de- are claiming lots of captures and

side are very heavy.

hospitality provided by the Mili- it was found that 1928 had catab September were estimated to be sible, and general importations titude of betraying Hankow Goy- Slump In Bank Notes,

It is confidently expected in tory and Civil Governors. The lished several new records. The Shanghai Tls. 30,000,000 more than the last three months were the ernment and opposing Japan's Tsinan official circles that Fengpu aim of this gathering is to draw usual summer epidemic of cholera in 1923. A new factor arose, how lowest of the whole period under Because of the tremendous slump despatching of troops to Shantung. will soon fail and then Pukow, the the people and their Governors at one time threatened to become over, albeit one not altogether un-review. The only notable exception in the value of the Central Bank Besides, The Campaign against railway terminus, bring the North closer together. The people's dele serious, but was fortunately kept

to add still further to the was foreign grain, which was im notes and the flooding of the mar Chiang Week" began on July 17th an armies to the opposite shore gates are invited to site frankly under control by the mutiring diffculties of trade. The silver - 1 ported in great quantities ket with the Kiangsi banknotes, and ended on the 23rd.

of "Nanking.

their grievances and difficulties, efforts of the doctors and hospital change had tended to weaken since up for the shortage of native the business men here suspended The attitude of Gch. Chu Pei Already Marshal Sun Chuan and to criticize freely what they staffs. Most intustrial concerns the beginning of July. In Septem- plies. business for a week, but through Teh, Chairman of the Kiangai Fang is back on Kiangsu toll, and do not agree with in the conduct suffered some ill effects through ber rates fell rapidly, and the At the close of the year prospects the help of the Chamber of Com Government, is clearly shown to is doubtless hoping soon to bave of the powers that be. Each labour unrest or other reasons: for lowest price of silver was reached seemed worse than at any time dur; merce, this matter

was settled the publie by his firm action all his troops in that province, and

haien

""" district “is supposed to many weeks silk filatures were only on the 10th October, after a drop ing the period under review; but - quistiy

taken against the Red forces, who supported by it. While this is a zend ten representatives, and Civil able to work in the mornings. In of 4d, in less than five weeks. The it is hoped that peace and pros The movement against Chiang try to enter Nanchang. Gen. Chu long way from being back in Governor is trying to interview ten the surrounding districts the poi foreign cross-rates followed the perity will succeed disappointment Kai Shek and the Nanking party has used all his forces to prevent Shanghai, it will be some relief to sections each day. As one Chinese tion was no better. The waterways price of silver, little improvement and gloom. Up-country markets is now in full activity. mas the Red force from entering Nan Shantung,

which

already has critic remarked," If only these were exceptionally low, and it was being seen for the remainder of the are known to hold very small meeting was held on the Public chang in the hope that Chiang Kai Chang Chung Chang's army to delegates dare say what is in their feared that drought would ruin the remainder of the year... This sud- stocka, and, granted that gormal Drill Ground on July 17th Sheca men would come up soon.support.

bearta; but how u it possible ! — eropa, a strangs contrast to the con- den fall in exchange would have | conditions return/ they will absorb (Continued on next Column.) North China Daily Newt.

(Continued on nezi Column.) North China Daily News.

ditions prevailing in the Upper and i proved, as advantageous to the ux, what Bhangbai has to offer."

an outburst, is likely to happen.

With the coming of the Hankow

THINAN, August 1st. The Shantung armies still con- tinue their victorious southward march and are taking point after point on the Tientsin-Pakow line. To-day's papers tell of a successful engagement 18 miles south of Nan- hauchow, which is well into Kisag

Trade would soon mend if only copious rain would come for many au territory. It is not easy to say districts are still suffering greatly how much energy the Southern from prolonged drought. forces are putting into these en-

Financial Panic Averted.

$10.

make