Directory_and_Chronicle_1911 — Page 606

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VLADIVOSTOCK

June, 1891, the present Tsar cut at Vladivostock the first sod of the Siberian Railway, which was completed in 1902. The port is now the terminius of the great trunk line from Moscow, and there are fast steamship services to Japan and Shanghai.

During the eighteen months of the war between Russia and Japan, the inhabitants lived in constant expectation of a determined attempt being made by the Japanese to take the town, but the Japanese contented themselves with detach- ing a squadron to watch the port and to gauge the strength of the defences by an occasional bombardment. In November, 1905, serious riots occurred in the port arising out of the disappointment of the reservists who had expected to return home. at the conclusion of the war, but were detained at Vladivostock; a third of the town was burnt down, including the entire Chinese quarter, and about 600 persons were killed. Great damage was done to property before the authorities succeeded in suppressing the riots by bringing into the town 1,200 Cossacks, who fired on the rioters when they refused to desist. Four of the best known hotels were burnt down, and travellers have since had great difficulty in finding accommodation in the town. Three new hotels-Russian, German and French-and many other fine buildings in brick and also stone have since been erected. Altogether there is now an air of pros- perity about the port.

NICOLAJEWSK

The port and settlement of Nicolajewsk, founded in 1851 by Admiral Nevelskoi, is situated on the river Amur, about 39 miles from its mouth. The Amur is here abous nine miles in width, with a depth in mid stream of eight to nine fathoms and a current of three to four knots, though the river is very shallow in parts, even in mid-stream. It is navigable for vessels of light draught for more than 2,000 miles, and vessels of 12 feet draught can get up 600 miles. The town is built on a plateau 50 feet above the sea level and gradually slopes eastward down to the river. The most conspicuous edifice is the Cathedral, round which the town is built. This structure is imposing in appearance, with a large west tower, having belfry and dome, but it is built of wood and is showing signs of deterioration. At the back of the Cathedral is a large grass-grown square, two sides of which are occupied by Barracks, Governor's House, and Police Station. There are few substantial houses in the town, except those used as public buildings or stores, and the buildings are small and wholly built of wood. There is little trade except in fish and cranberries, quantities of salmon being dried and cured here. Naval and inilitary head-quarters are again established here and the Port

3 increasing in importance.

DIRECTORY

ALLGEMEINE ELEKTRIZITAETS-GES. (Gen-

eral Electricity Co.)

Mow-sing

AMERICAN TRADING COMPANY

O. W. Lindholm & Co., agents

AMUR STEAM NAVIGATION AND TRADING

COMPANY, THE

Agents at Vladivostock

E. Garbell

AMUR STEAMSHIP AND TRADING COMPANY; Tel. Ad Parotor. Head Office: Blago- weschtschensk

A. P. Liventzeff, manager

E. Garbell, agent at Vladivostock Clemens, ageut at Habarowsk Popow, agent at Harbin Reniger, agent at Stretensk

J. M. Zarembo, agent at Nicolajewsk

BRYNER, KOUSNETZOFF & Co., Merchants, Commission, Landing and Forwarding Agents, Stevedores, Ship, Freight and Custom-house Brokers ; Tel. Ad: Bryner

Jules J. Bryner

A. A. Maslenikoff

A. I. Sitnikoff, signs per pro. L. F. Sjostedt,

V. E. Niklevith

Leonide J. Bryner

do.