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THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH-WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5mm, 1881.
·Colony by that gentleman.. It is al- most superfluous to add that no one better could have been found out here to afford the information need-!
appear
The United Service Gazetta under- stands that the whole of the engineer officers and ongine-room artificers of the fleet are to go through a course of torpedo and electrical instruction as rapidly as possible.
We observe froin our Shanghai ex. changes that training for the Autumn Race Meeting is now in full swing. On receipt of programmo, with full list of ontries, we may find something to say about the national sport in the Model Settlement.
Wo are glad to observe that stopa are to be taken to stop the obstruction of business in the House of Commons, about which so much has recently been said and written. The Speaker, Sir T. Erskine May, and other authorities in to House, will, it is said, during improvement of the House of Com- before the Cabinet when they come to mons. These suggestions will be Inid consider the subject bofore the opening of next session.
the recess prepare suggestions for the
Wo note from recent home news
tive morning issues—their subscrip- tion for the same being at one period as much as to £300 (each) per annum. The measures and appliances or- ed-Major Palmer's high repute as dinarily required for the purposes a scientist being supplemented by a stated of this branch of physical local knowledge of the country, ac inquiry-acrostatical physics-are quired from residence. Major Pal- neither as difficult nor intricate as is mer's report on the project, in com-commonly supposed. A communica- pliance with a requisition from the tion with Mr. Blandford, Meteorolo- Government, deals with the subject gical Reporter to the Government of of the three chief objects of the Ob- India, or a reference to his Vade servatory-Astronomy, Meteorology, Mecum, would have furnished the and Magnetism-separately, and in desiderata. We might reasonably the order mentioned. A few remarks moderate our requirements in the on Tidal Observations, and details of carlier stages of the project and rest the financial aspects of the question, satisfied, pro tem, with the system of as regards prime cost and main- observing, registering, reducing, and tenance, complete his lucid and ex- comparing in operation in Calcutta, liaustive report. It is, perhaps, a from which Mr. John Elliot (Second trifle too discursive at times-drift Wrangler and Smith's Prizeman,| ing into what would, prima facie, Cambridge,) is able to produce and uncalled for channels, as give those forecasts of the weather may be instanced in the methods and storm warnings that prove such given for obtaining difference in an unvaluable boon to mariners in, longitude, fixing a meridian mark, round, and about the Bay of Bengal. and laying out the building, or the In fact, when we have advanced so that an order has been prepared at explanation of cause and effect re far as the collection and compilation Whitehall for issue to the commandors Time Balls-thus approaching in of such data as those from which Mr.in-chief on the different stations, diroc tone and style to some of the recent Elliot (who is the Meteorological ting that a return shall be sent home works on elementary practical astro- Reporter to the Government of Ben-ually, to reach the Admiralty by nomy with which the world is beinggal) evolved the most complete and inundated. The impression that masterly investigation extant of the might be created on some minds by controlling forces which govern a these and similar items would, per- cyclone in the Indian Ocean, there haps, be far from complimentary to would be much cause for congratula- the attainments of those likely to be tion, and, doubtless, more suitable employed on or connected with the ways and means at command for ex- scheme from its earliest stage to sub-tending or developing further inves tigation into the cycle of celestial ob jects. It is pretty generally under- stood that the objects of an Observa- tory are not attained by the mere notation of certain facts and figures, which is only a preliminary stage or medium to the end to discover the mysteries of nature and trace out the intricacies of the combinations of her elements. Before utilising the re- cords of an Observatory, they have to be reduced by principle and in order, involving an expenditure of time and labor not always procurable when they embrace both quantity and variety. Pogson's long series of care- fully recorded astronomical observa-
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THE
Hongkong Telegraph.
HONGKONG, 5TH OCTOBER, 1881.
MR. P. DOYLE, Civil Engineer, who has recently arrived in the Colony, has favoured us with the following communication upon the proposed Hongkong Observatory, which we have much pleasure in reproducing for the benefit of our readers. We do not, of course, necessarily endorse Mr. Doyle's views, but merely submit them, in the public interest, as the opinions of a practical man, who has had a good deal of experience of the matters dealt with.
In the early part of January last, Mr. Whipple, Superintendent, Kew Observatory, circulated the interest- ing fact, of world-wide importance, that the Kew Committee of the Royal Society of London having memo- rialised the Secretary of State for the Colonies with reference to the establishment of an Observatory for meteorological and magnetic pur- the receipt of a favourable reply to poses at Hongkong, was gratified by the effect that the Governor of Hong- kong was authorised to propose a vote for the establishment of an Ob servatory in that Colony. The me morial adverted to, although sub- mitted as far back as 1879, was, however, anticipated by Governor Hennessy, who, in the very first year of his administration-two years be- fore the Kew Committee moved in the matter made a provision in the Colonial Estimates for 1877-78 for both an Observatory and a Time granted, apparently lapsed, but only Ball. The vote of $5,000, then to be renewed and doubled during the current official year. The present proposal takes the form of a more elaborate scheme, going far beyond
Major Palmer, it may be well stated that, as far as we can perceive, the substance of the document under comment, was not drawn up for pro- fessional or scientific men. Its main purpose, apparently, is to place with- in reach of "all" information on certain subjects not readily acces sible, and this intention disarms any resentment that may have arisen from misconception of the aim held in view throughout its composition. These strictures are, however, to use an Hibernicism, on a "good fault."
Major Palmer is a philosophical enthusiast; and we are constrained
SE
The letter of Fusilier will ap. pear to-morrow. It came lato, and space is limited..
Amongst the passengers by the City of Peking we notice the name of Captain Augustus Bonning, of tlio Hongkong, Canton, and Macão Steam. boat Company, who has returned from leave of absence.
Thomson, which arrived here this The steamship Fleurs Castle, Captain morning from Singapore, reports hav- ing encountered a typhoon on Sunday last, the 2nd inst., in lat. 14 N. long. 114 E., wind N. E. round by E. to S. E.; lowest reading of barometer 28.10.
have been current in the colony for Rumours, apparently well founded, the past few days, to the effect, that Sir John Smale intends returning to the colony on the expiration of his loave
application to the Government regard. of absence to resume his duties as
ing his retiring pension was not re- ceived so favourably as he anticipated, so he at once determined, in the old
Chief Justico. It seems that Sir John's
impetuous way we know so well, to return to the scene of his former la boura. We have a high regard for the learned Chief Justice, and greatly ro. spect his undoubted abilities, but we Nov. 1, setting forth tho slips' officers shall be sorry if he returns to Hong- and mon that will have completed their kong. terms of service, and be entitled to ro- lief during the coming financial year. This order is to be issued in conse- quece of complaints of irregular des patch of reliefs.
It is reported that we are likely to have a grand wapiuschaw, a Wimbledon in miniature, at the Kowloon Rifle range about the middle of November, Subscription lists will shortly be issued, and we donbt not that the endeavour to provide a good day's sport at what has become a national pastime, will meet with liberal support from the public. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, and Mr. Lieutenants Charley and Young, of the W. Dunman are the prime movers in the project.
tricity announced is its utilisation for The most novel application of oloc-
days are apparently numbered, and the the steering of ships. The helmsman's
quartermaster's occupation likely to be considered a relic of antiquity---both institutions of the past. The modus. operandi of the proposed changs will doubtless interest one nautical readers:
The compass card is fitted with an index, and when the ship deviates as wrach as a single degree from her course, the index touches a metal pin which causes a curront to flow and marks the helm. The variety and actuate a hydraulic apparatus which number of purposes for which electri- city may be applied are simply legion; new revelations are of every day oc
currence; and, withal, the cry is still they come."
We regret to hear from Mr. Ludwig Beyer, Consul for the Netherlands at this port, that a despatch from IIis Ex- cellency the Netherlands Minister for
By a telegram from Bombay, dated China, dated Peking the 20th ultimo, the 12th ultime, which appears in a was received at the Consulate this Calentta paper, we note the death by morning conveying the sad intelligence an attack of dysentory of Senhor Mar- of the deatli, on the 8th September, atques Pereira, Portuguese Consul-Gene- 10.30 pm., of his Royal Highness al for India. Senior Pereira will bo Prince Frederic of the Netherlands, bost remembered in Hongkong as uncle of His Majesty the King, after plaintiff in the celebrated Echo do Povo an illness of two days. The Nether-libel action, which resulted so disas lands flag will be lowered half-mast to- trously for the late Mr. J. da Silva o morrow the 6th instant from sunrise Souza. Senhor Pereira, who was Pro- till sunset, to commemorate the death curador in Macao, was openly charged of the deeply regretted Prince. - with bribery and corruption in the.
the charge entirely broken down so far performance of his official duties, but
as he was personally concerned, and after the trial he was honourably ac- which was instituted at Macao to in- quitted by a private court of inquiry vestigate the whole circumstances of peccadilloes of a member of the Procu-
Macao by the Portuguese Government, rador's family led to the belief that ho was also implicated. Recalled from Senhor Pereira returned to Lisbon, where he obtained some celebrity botli in political and literary circles. Owing, it is said, to family differences he ac ceptod a colonial appointment as Con- sul-General to Siam, from which place he was promoted to India only a few months back. Senhor Pereira's un- timely death is a great loss to his country.
to record our apprehensions that his tions, takes at Madras, are lying suggestions, despite their scientific useless for the requisite agency for merit, are too ambitious for the re-reducing them; and the difficulties sources of so small a Colony as that Perry of Stonyhurst has had to Hongkong, where nothing in the overcome in similar matters are well same line has ever been attempted known and appreciated by scientists. before, and they are not quite adapt- In attempting to imitate the first ed to the immediate practical wants observatories in the world--those of of the day. The higher refinements the Jesuits-there is a possibility of of, and abstruse investigations in, the result being a travesty. It sa solar and terrestrial physics must give yours of presumption; for that won- With reference to promotion in the way to simpler means of recognised derful organization embodies the in- army, the Duke of Cambridge, in con. utility "otherwise expectations tellect of the world; its ways are in- currence with the Secretary of State may-to say the least-meet with scrutable and resources the highest for War, has directed that at the exa- disappointment, and the result possible. The names of Perry in ination for promotion to take place may be different from that origin- England, Secchi in Italy, and Lafont in December next, captaius who wore ally intended. In attempting too in India, are the best guarantee for provisionally promoted to the rank of much we may accomplish very little; our assertion; and with this, space who on that date had completed five better understands than Major Pal- our comments will be accepted in shall be allowed to qualify for promo- and, doubtless, no one in Hongkong impels us to subside. We trust that years' service in the rank of captain, mer himself that, mathematically, good part. They have not been diction by passing the examination in negative advancement is worse than tated from the illiberal spirit of ca- tactics only, provided that before Nov. nothing. He naturally gives undue villing, but from the conviction that 1 next they shall have passed the exa- prominence to the science for which fair discussion and healthy criticism mination in drill and duties as laid he has a well known predilection, and are conducive to much good, parti- down for their rank in General Order in the walks of which he has earned a cularly on a subject whose import- 130 of 1880. well-deserved reputation.
ance on local as well as Imperial grounds" is recognised by both the Colonial and Home Governments.
LOCAL AND GENERAL.
All movements in connection with
inclemency of the weather. the docking and undocking of ships are suspended owing to the continued
We regret that Meteorology should have been relegated to quite a secon- dary position in the Report. Consi- dering the wide-spread and divers interests related to this important branch of physical science-its bear- culture, and importance to the ship ing upon health, influence on agri-
ping interests of the world at large, it should certainly have taken pre- cedence (in the Report) from the in- Brandt, Minister for the German Em- disputable stand-point of its known pire at the Chinese Court, has been so
We hear from Poking that Mr. Von
the original scope, intending to empractical value. This is acknow-riously ill with asthma. Although braçe Astronomical, Meteorological, ledged by the procedure of the Go-now-much improved it is expected that and Magnetic, Observations, as well vernment Meteorological Office at ho will not be able to leave the capital as investigations in other branches of Home in reference to the issuing of until the spring. physical research in fact, to use forecasts of the weather gratis to all Sir John Pope Hennessy's words, newspapers. That in doing so it "the establishment of a general meets a want may be verified from the scientific observatory."
previous action of the same Office in maintaining an evening telegraphic service, at the expense, and for the exclusive benefit of, three subscribing newspapers, the Times, Standard and Daily News, for regularly supplying them with forecasts for their respec-
It was fortunate for the Colony, and beneficial to the interests of science, that the advice of Major Palmer, RE, was available upon the subject, and freely placed at the disposal of the authorities of the
Private advices from Peking report the safe arrival of His Excellency the though the visit is a strictly private Governor at the Chinese capital. Al- one, the Imperial authorities are show. ing Sir John Popo Hennessy all the honour due to his high rank, and their appreciation of His Excellancy's con- ciliatory policy in all matters relating to the Chinese.
major on or before July 1, 1881, or
Says the Overland Mail:-It is ru- moured amongst the ranks of the war rant officers that the intention has been expressed by the Admiralty of not promoting any officer to "chief” gunner, boatswain, or carpenter, who is over fifty years of age. If such be really the intention of their lordships, a manifest injustice will be perpetrated upon the unfortunate officers exceeding that ago. The Admiralty could, how. ever, remedy such injustice by at once retiring all warrant officers over fifty, giving them a special rate of retire ment, on the same principle as was practised with the civil officers retired from the Admiralty and War Office; for it should be be borne in mind that non-promotion to deserving officers bo- tween fifty and fifty-five years of age, arriving at the top of their respective and of coming peusion, and also a re- lists, means deprivation of prosent pay duction in the amount of their widows' pensions. And this to officers of long servico, who look to the rank of "chief" as the goal of a long, faithful, and ho- nourable service aaroor generally ox ceeding thirty years.
the case.
We understand that the
CASUALTY TO THE STEAMER "JAPAN."
The "large staff of experienced short hand reporters" have been at it again. That estimable and ultra-correct jour- nal the China Mail has given us another bright example of its boasted onterprise. In last night's issue wo read "The Cheang Hock Kian pat back to-day owing to bad weather out. isdc." This would have been all right had it been in the slightest degree ac- curato; but it happens to be a grossly incorrect statement, which once again demonstrates what a dangerous system quiry is for a newspaper which pretends taking things for granted without in- to be reliable. We have how much plousure in giving our readers the no- tual reason why the steamer put back. The Ohcang Hook Kian, Captain Webb, left the harbour on the 3rd inst, boand for Singapore, and when about twenty
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.