Directory_and_Chronicle_1902 — Page 861

SZEMAO

from Keng Tung. A telegraph line from Túng Hai, viâ Yuan Chiang and Pu Erh-fu, connects Szemao with the existing Chinese overland telegraphs, and another one from Szemao to "Moung Hou" (the first French post across the frontier) makes a junction with the Tonkin lines. A few years ago there was much talk about connecting Szemao by railway with Burmah, but as the trade will probably never be sufficient to justify such an expensive undertaking, the idea seems to have been given up. During the winter of 1898-99 the Burmah Yunnan frontier from Bhamo to the Kunlung Ferry, and from a point west of Meng Lem to the Mekong, was properly defined. There yet remains that portion of the boundary running through the territory of the Kawas, a savage tribe of head-hunters who are likely to give some trouble to the Frontier Commission, and on the 9th February, 1900, the British Consul, Mr. Litton, accompanied by Major Kiddle, of the R.A.M.C., and Mr. Sutherland, an official of the British Shan States, visited the neighbouring market of Mêng-tung. There they were unexpectedly attacked by a number of Was, armed with guns and swords. Mr. Litton was knocked senseless, but was eventually saved by the bravery and presence of mind of a Chinese soldier; his two companions were killed, and their heads borne in triumph to the village of a Wa chief. Reprisals followed, the escorts of the British and Chinêse Commissioners acting in concert, and about 60 Wa villages were destroyed. Shortly after this the work of delimitation came to a standstill, as the Chinese were unable to accept the British conception of the proper frontier; and in April the party broke up, after having decided to refer the disputed points to Peking. The future of Szemao is dependant largely on railway construction in Burma. If ever a line is laid from Mandalay due east to Kengtung, Szemao may hope to participate in the increased trade which better means of communication is bound to bring to this inland province.

CONSULATE GREAT BRITAIN

Acting Consul—F. W. Carey

CONSULATE - FRANCE

Médecin-Dr. G. Sautarel

Consul-J. Dautremer

DIRECTORY

CUSTOMS-IMPERIAL MARITIME

Assistant-in-charge-F. W. Carey Assistant J. M. Č. Rousse Examiner R. Sarran Chinese Clerk-Wong Leung-tso

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