1883-11-03 — Page 3

Entimations.

A. S. WATSON & CO.

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1883.

THE French frigate Volla, and the ironclad Triomphants, from Shanghai, were both at Chefoo on the 26th ulto. H.B.M.'s surveying vessel. Flying Fish left her reliefs, on the 30th ulta p

-Secondly, with regard to the Legislative paras6) that on my arrival'here I found that the Council, all here agree that there are two con practice for some years past had been to summon spicuous and inconvenient anomalies in its pre-the Executive Council to meet only at rare and sent constitution.

uncertain periods; and that, for the reasons (a) The General Commanding the Troops assigned, I had conformed to the custom in force on this statten, though admitted to try in all other Colonies, by dieseling a meeting ta

be held on a fixed day in every week;—of course e ecutive, in excluded from the Legislative Council, contrary to the rule which obtains without prejudice to extraordinary meeting in all other Crown Colonies. It appears should so require have now to report that whenever the exigencies of the Public Service that the General in the early years of this

Y AND DISPENSING epty-declared that the: Chinese Onagitz was-- Shanghal for Hongkong.ta, await the awiyalal botir-the financial and the political position oftmal

FAMILY

CHEMISTS,

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DRUGGISTS, DRUGGISTS' SUNDRYMEN,

IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS

PERFUMEKS;

OF

MANILA CIGARS, WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANTS, MANUFACTURER'S OP

AND

AERATED

In an interview which Mr. Challemel-Lacour had with the Marqui's Teeng, he called the late ter's attention to the attacks of the Chinese Gazelle, and the "war cries" which it made in ach of its issues. The Chinese Ambassador in

not subsidised by his government. mund WE note the arrival to-day, per steamer Glen gies, of Mr. James Parker, First clerk at the Magistracy, who has returned from a year's leave of absence in England, Judging from his ap. pearance, his sojourn in the old country would seem to have vastly improved him both as regards health and vigour.”

'.

SAYS the Shanghai Mercury of the gist ulto. The first batch of policemen, who were ordered | WATER S. by our Municipal Council from home, arrived

THE HONGKONG DISPENSARY, ESTABLISHED ́a.d. 1841.

THE SHANGHAI PHARMACY, 24, NANKIN ROAD, SHANGHAI. BOTICA INGLESA

14, ESCOLTA, MANILA., THE CANTON DISPENSARY, CANTON. THE DISPENSARY, FOOCHOW. [3

The Hongkong Telegraph

HONGKONG, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1883

ACCORDING to lale advices from the North, the thieves who robbed Governor Bowry of his clothes and valuable note book in the inn at Nankow are to be severely dealt with by the Chinese authorities. Possibly it will strike our readers, as it strikes us as being exceedingly strange that the pressing claims of our Canton friends who, through no fault of their own, have been burned-out of "house and home" should altogether hang fire and be treated with the utmost indifference, while the difficulty raised by His Excellency's coat (or was it

here to-day per s.s. Ajar. They number foun and 'nre well picked men. They are the first who will have to stand the test that a European can live in this country decently on $40 a month. The Council can hardly expect them to deposit more than that amount monthly, in the Folice Saving Bank, at 6 per cent, without suspecting them of acting dishonestly.

TWELVE of the subscription griffins for the Hongkong Races were shipped on board the steamer Fooksang on the 31st ulto..

It is reported in the colony that Mr. W. M. Deane, Superintendent of Police, now on leave, has been offered the Colonial Secretaryship of Fiji, and that it is not likely he will return to Hongkong,

MEETING OF THE LEGISLATIVE

· COUNCIL.

A meeting of the Legislative Council was held yesterday afternoon, when there were present: His Excellency Governor Bowen, Chief Justice Sir George Phillippo, Mr. W. H. Marsh (colonial secretary), Mr. E. L. O'Malley (attorney general), Mr. A. Later (colonial treasurer), Mr. J. M. Price (surveyor general, Dr. F. Stewart (registrar general), and Mcars. F. Ryrie and F. Bulkeley Johnson (unofficial members).

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and duly confirmed.

PROPOSED REFORMS. -

3-It will, perhaps, be convenient that I should in the first place request your Lordship's attention to my reply to a recent deputation from | the Chamber of Commerce at Hongkong, in which I have briefly explained my views as to

this Colony. The reply was as follows:----

(This has already appeared in our columns.) 4-I hope to address your Lordship before long, and in full detail, on the financial 'condition and prospects of this community. In this present despatch I propose to confine myself to an ex- planation of the reforms in its political constitu tion which are required for the purpose of re- moving the mischievous and irritating anom. alics which now exist; of placing the Executive and Legislative Councils of this Colony on a footing similar to that held by those bodies in other Crown Colonies; and of securing at once greater concord and efficiency in the Adminis fration of the Government, and the weighty sup port of enlightened public opinion.

5.-First, with regard to the Executive Coun. cil, I would observe that, on my first arrival here, 1. found that this body; during several years past, has been summoned to meet only at long and uncertain intervals. In all other OUR latest advices from Haiphong state that

Colonies with which I am acquainted, whether possessing Parliamentary Government or be Dr. Harmand, the Civil Commissioner for the French Republic in Annam and Tonquin, will

longing to the class of Crown Colonies, it is the fixed rule that there shall be an ordinary meet. shortly proceed home on leave.. In all proba-

ing of the Executive Council on one stated day bility he has been recalled 'in consequence of the notorious differences between the civil and Governor Bowen-Hon. gentlemen of the Leg-in every week. I forthwith directed the adop military authorities which led to Generalislative Council, as you are already aware, 1tion of this rule; and my Executive Council now meets every Wednesday. It will be recol flouet's retirement, and which that gallant of have strongly recommended that the unofficial lected that the Queen's Instructions contemplate. ficer went specially to Paria to lay before the members of your body should be increased in that every Governor shall censuit his Executive Government. Admiral Courbet will assume the number, so that the community at large may be Council on all matters of importance, although more adequately represented in the Colonial, supreme directiori, of effairs in Tonquin.

Legislature. The official correspondence which in Crown Colonics he is not under the obligation A CORRESPONDENT at Chiakiang, writing to the I now lay before you will show how far the Se: desirable in the interests of Her Majesty's ser of following their advice. Moreover, it is very Shanghal Courier on 26th instant, sayı:—cretary of State for the Colonies has

adopted

vice, that the Representative of the Queen should "H. E. Teo Tsung-tang returned here from my recommendations. You will perceive that know the views of the chief local Functionaries, Shanghai on the morning of the 35th instant, in the future, there will be five instead of only and should maintain with them those cordial The Peking was saluted at 9 pm, on the 24th two anofficial members; and that two of those personal relations which alone produce efficient by the Farts on Silver Island, but it was not till five will, as a general rule, be appointed on the

co-operation. I or in the morning of the 25th that would-be nominations of the Chamber of Commerce, and

6.-In Hongkong the Executive Council now sleepers were suddenly awakened by the thunder of the Bench of Justices of the Peace. I of guns all round of the genuine salute. Tso has shall make the new appointments, and I shall consists of (1) The Governor, (2) The Officer now gone up the Grand Canal in a small steamer summon the re-constructed Council to meet for Commanding the Troops, (3) The Colonial Sc to inspect the repairs that are now being made to the despatch of business so soon as I shall cretary (4) The Attorney General, (5) The Sur- -veyor General,-who-la-also-director-of-Public the banks of the Grand Canal at Shao-po, etc. receive Her Majesty's Order in Council, giving Works. So far as I am aware, this is the only

me formal authority- för, this action-that is, Some of these works are superintended by our excellent Tastal, who spends an undue propor- hope, in the course of five or six weeks from the Colony in which the Treasurer, who is (so to tion of his time over this work, allowing in the present date. A considerable number of legisla-the-Chancellor of the Colonial Exchequer, is speak the Minister of Finance and Trade, and posed during the ensuing session. Full informa commend that this anomaly, which causes great tion respecting these proposals, and respecting official inconvenience, should cease. I further the financial condition of the Colony, will be strongly recommend that the Registrar General, contained in the address with which I intend to open the session. And now, hon. gentlemen, inform the overwhelming majority of the popu taking leave of the Council as at present consti tuted, I desire to express my deep sense of the loyal support which I have always received from you, and of the benefits which you have con- ferred on the Colony by your constant and on- lightened attention to your public duties. ›

trousers?) and hat, which were lost while meantime foreigners' affairs to be somewhat tive measures and of public works will be pro excluded from the Executive Council; and I re-

|

overlooked."

command of a colonel. The two transports will

the-er-ofido Protector of the Chinese, who

-CouncilThe confidence of the Chinese in the

lation, should have a scat in the Executive Govenment would thus be increased. More- over, there is scarcely any Government ques- tion in this community which can fail to affect, directly or indirectly, the Military, the Revenue, Mr. Ryrie-1 consider it my duty to express

the management of the Public Works, and the unofficial members of this Council and this.com-therefore evident that the General Commanding, to your Excellency the gratitude of the present interests of the Chinese. I submit that it is munity generally for the efforts, which have been the Treasurer, the Surveyor General, and the Council on the basis which you have proposed. Tive Council so that they may he present to so successfully concluded. for reforming this Registrar General should form part of the Execu I think it will be a benefit to the colony in many give information fospecting their several Depart ways. It will enable your Excellency to nacer monta; together with the Colonial Secretary, tain perhaps more fully than was the case in former days the ideas of the various sections of who advises respecting the general administra- the community; and it will also be of assistance tion, and the Attorney General, who advises to your Excellency in dealing with matters of respecting the legal points that arise in connec finance. I have sometimes thought that at meet advantages, the personal presence of the chief tion with all the departments. Among other ings of the Finance Committee the addition of a Heads of Departments avoids the necessity of a few more members of the community who are

mass of official correspondence, which, as ex- outside the official circle would be of consider-

perience has too often shown, has a strong ten- dency, especially in small communities, to de- generate into personal controversy,

7-There are other aspects in which this sub.

able advantage. There are also many other ways in which I think the change you propose to make, and which has the approval of the

are accused, rightly or wrongly, of "an- dignified for his exalted position. We are Secretary of State, will be a boon to the Colonyject should be considered

nexing" the gubernatorial raiment and -note-book; but a deluge of crocodile tears will be but poor amenids to the miserable.victims and their friends and relatives. Travellers to Nankow and the Great Wall will, if we mistake not, have reason to remember for years to come the loss of Governor Bowen's garments, and note book, in the curses, execrations and thinly veiled hostility of the Chinese in the neighbourhood......

FINANCE.

The Colonial Secretary moved the adoption of certain payments in excess of the estimates of 1883, which had been passed by the Finance Committee but required legislativo authority. The most important items were $1,063.80 as the salary of the assistant colonial secretary and assistant auditor general from August 6th to November 30th; $1,083 salary of land surveyor at $2,500 per annum; $516.82 in connection with the quarantine ground at Stonecutters' Island; $600 for removing noxious matter in the westem districts; $5,810 for scavenging the city of Victoria and You-ma-ti from 16th Sept to 31st December;

-1

Colony was a member of the Legislature. I find that the practice here, equally at I have caused diligent search to be made variance with that of the other Colonies, in the official correspondence, and I am has been to summon the Legislative Council assured that no reason was ever assigned also at rare and uncertain intervals; and for his subsequent exclusion under the that, subject to your Lordship's approval, I Queen's. Instructions now in force. It have decided that, here as elsewhere, there seems probable that this exclusion may shall, in futuro, be a regular annual session, have arisen from some clerical error or beginning in November, at the commencement inadvertence, especially if we regaid the

of the cool season; again, of course, without strange inconsistency that the General, prejudice to extraordinary sessions whenever though excluded at his Head Quarters they may be required. While I was Governor of at Hongkong, is yet a member of the Leg- Mauritius, I introduced in that Colony, with the islative Council of the Straits Seitler sanction of the Imperial Government, and ments whenever he proceeds to inspect the greatly to the public advantage, the system of an, Troops also under his command at Sin- annual session and an annual recess. I found that gapore. It is, at all events, certain that there, as here, the work of the Legislature bad there is no even plausible reason for this been carried on in a somewhat fax and hap flagrant anomaly in a Military Station which hazard fashion. I propose that during each re- has been called "the Gibraltar of the East" cess the business of the ensuing session shall be As it has been already remarked, almost all carefully prepared by the Governor and the legislation here cannot fail to affect the Mil- Executive Council Each anntal session, here itary, directly or indirectly so that the with a short address, containing a programme of 'as elsewhere; will be opened by the Governor exclusion from the Legislature of the General Commanding is alike unjust the Legislative and other business to be taken and inconvenient for the proper and in hand; full explanations as to the reasons for speedy despatch of public business-Proposing every new Ordinance and measure; Moreover, this exclusion has proved and a general view of the social and financial the main source of the bitter Official con-

condition of the Colony. The Legislature will thus be accurately informed of the requirements troversies and personal disserisions which of the public service, and enabled to afford the bave frequently sprung up, in former years,

Government effective' asssistance in settling its between the Civil and Military Authorities financial and general policy. Again, here in much to the prejudice of the Queen's vice and of the interests of this Colony. We all know that when gentlemen'äte Fin the habit of meeting at the same Council-ming up the proceedings of the year, and review- ing the general condition and prospects of the table, they usually manage either not to differ materially, or to adjust their differ. Community. There can be no sound reason cnces in a friendly spirit. If I do not ad- why the Legislature and Public of Hongkong duce further evidence in support of the above should not enjoy the same advantages of being argument, it is merely because it is so ob- Officially made acquainted with the views and vious as scarcely to require proof. Intentions of the Government.as.drs enjoyed by with me that the General Commanding stated aboye, and, for, the other reasons which confident that your Lordship will agree the Legislature and Public of every other Colony. Tovagtlup once more; for the reasons should be restored to his proper position in will readily occur to all men-experienced-in the Legislative Council."

Colonial Administration, I recommend that the Legislative Council shall be composed in the future of 14 members, viz !--- D

(6.) of the four (so-called) Un-official. Mem, bers of the Legislature, two, de, the Re- gistrar General, (Mr. Stewart), and the Surveyor General, (Mr. Price), are really

paid officials of the Government. The At torney General (whose opinion i enclose) pointed out that, in the existing termá

all other Colorics, each annual session will be 'closed by an address from the Governor, sum-

Official, (8.) **

The Governor (President), 2.--The Officer Commanding the Troops. 3-The Chief Justice.

4-The Colonial Secretary.

6.The Treasurer.

7.-The Surveyor General. 8.The Registrar General

of the Queen's Instructions, it is imperative-The Attorney General that Mr. Stewart should be counted as an Un-official Member, I am confident that this anomaly was not brought to your Lord.. ship's notice when the Registrar General was recently added to the Legislative Coun- cil. For it need scarcely be said that the

nomination of two salaried Officials as Un.

of these 6, two should be appointed, a A Un-official, (6.) ́ ́- general rule, on the recommendation of the Chamber of Commerce; one on that of the Bench of Justices of the Peace while one-should-be- nominated for 6 years, but should be eligible for- re-appointment...

s

official Members is a device which deceives nobody while it irritates everybody in the community, which naturally expects that it should have in this, as in other Crown Col- onics, a fair proportion of independent Relating Executive, and Legislative Councils re 15.I have consulted the members of the exe presentatives in the Legislature. It has indeed been remarked, with much truth, that it would have caused less general irritation here to have abolished the Un-official ele ment altogether than to have filled with Officials two of the four places reserved for Un-officials according to the real intention of the Queen's instructions. "Colonists," it has been said, "like other men, will sub- mit more readily to open and honest force, than to a proceeding which they regard as an infringement of their just privileges, an as an insult to their understandings. Here, again it would appear that there must have been somewhere error or inadvertence."

ipecting the proposals submitted in this de

patch and they have all signified their cordial.. agreement. The voice of the community at large dually unimpus in favour of the gro

Amendment of the constitution of this Colony. If the plan of reform now submitted. for your Lordship's consideration should meet with your approval, it will undoubtedly have the effect of removing much official incon venience, and much public dissatisfaction; it will secure for the Government and the Legis lature the valuable aid and weighty support of the intelligence and property of the Colony; and it will powerfully strengthen the hands of the

For no plausible reason can be assigned for Governor in carrying out the views of Her

G. F. BOWEN.

The Right Honourable The Earl of Derby, Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies, &c, &c, &ty [Enclosure in Despatch No. 62 of 1883.]

the proceeding in question. It certainty Majesty's Government] bave, dic cannot be alleged, with any show of truth," apa s THAI that it was necessary for the object of keep ing the control of the Legislature in the hands of the Governor, as the instrument of the Colonial Minister in England. For the Governor already had a decisive majori- | | MEMORANDUM BY THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL. ty of Official Members even without reckon › Article raʼof the Queen's Instructions to the ing his original and casting votes. I AM Governor provides for the constitution of the confident that your Lordship will agree | Legislativo-Council) which is to consist of the that this anomaly also should cease, rinj fira persona frascetime to time, lawfully discharge 10-As It is proposed that three new members ing the functions offer the General Commanding, the Surveyor Chief Justice, pre General, and the Registrar General should be added to the Official element, I submit that it is proper that at least two new member shoulds also be added to the Un-official element in the Legis lature. There would be thus eight Official and six Un-official Members; the Governor, of course, retaining (as has been stated above) his original and casting votes, made by

Colonial Secretary Attorney General

Colonial Treasurer, Auditor General,"

(a.) In a tropical Colony, it is simply impos- sible for, Englishmen to work as they can work in the temperate climate of England, or of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Further, it will be recollected that in many tropical Colonies there are no hill stations, like those of British India, which enable our high Indian Officials to live throughout the year in a temperature by which their energi on the contrary, it is absolutely are not injuriously affected. At necessary at all times for the preservation" of the lives of the English Officlals, that they, should be allowed periodical leave of ab- ence. Consequently, it is always probable that two or more of the members of the Executive and Legislative. Councils may be away from the meetings owing to illness, or absence from the Colony. In past years it has sometimes been found difficult to secure a quarum of the Executive Council when it consisted of only four or five mem bera. Seven Members (including the Gov. armor,) a proposed by me, are certainly not too many to secure the constant presence of the grorum required by the Queen's In- *structions.

11-With regard to the six Un-official Meme (6) My long experience and that of other bers, I submit that the principle of nomination;i governors, teaches us that it is expedient, in which has worked successfully in Ceylon, should. a high degree, that the Official Members of be sanctioned here. The two leading public and there is rooms for a previsional appointment the Legislative Council in a Crown Colony bodies at Hongkong, comprising an adequate to fill the fourth seat. It is only by filing that should, as a general rule, have seats in the representation of the Inislligence, the education, eat that the Registrar General (Mr. Stewart) Executive Council. These gentlemen ara and the property of this community, are tho can sit in the Council, according to its present expected to support the measures of the Chamber of commerce, and the Bench of Jushi constitution, for until the Governor receives fresh Government, or else to resign their offices, tices of the Peace. I propose that, in pursu Instructions under the Queen's Sign Manual like the members of the Ministry in Colonies ance of the Ceylon system, two of the six Un-

SYARAT POR EDWARD O'MALLEY. possessing Parliamentary Government. It official Members should be, as a general rule, Is, consequently, only just and convenient appointed on the recommendation of the ChambrHE SECRETARY OF STATE TO THE GOVERNOR,

Hongkong, 13th July, 1883 that they, like Ministers elsewhere, shoulder of Commerce, and one on the recommenda- be in a position to understand thoroughly tion of the Justices of the Peace. One more

Downing Street, 7th August, 1883, the views of the Government, and to hear should certainly be a member of the Chinese Sir, I have the honour to acknowledge the fully discussed and settled in the Executive community, as representatives of the native receipt of your Derpatch. No. 62 of the 14th of the measures which they are called upon to communities have for many years past held May, proposing certain alterations in the con- support in the Legislative Council.

seats in the Legislatures of British India, Ceylon, stitution of fie Exécutive and Legislative Coun-

deed, it might be proper to place two Chinese In After full

circum

their owner was on a private journey, and in a place of public resort proverbial for THE French Transports, the Bien Hoa and the such depredations, meets with such prompt Tonkin, under orders to transport fresh troops to adjustment. If our experiences of China Tonquin, left Toulon for Algiers on the 25th of September last. The former of these vessels and Chinese official customs are not at will there embark a battalion and a half.com fault, we may confidently venture to pre- posed of 900 men, 51 officers and 12 horses, and dict that more heads will fall through Sir will then immediately steer for Tonquin. The GEORGE BOWEN's inexcusable carelessness other transport will embark half a battalion at at the Nankow inn than will be deemed Algiers, from which place it will go to Bonah necessary to appease an offended govern- (or Bona) to embark a full battalion, and from thence, will, like the Bien-Hoa, proceed Immedi- ment and satisfy an outraged foreign.com-ately to Tonquin. These troops which form a munity for the worry, excitement-and-cost entailed by the Canton riots. Under all the brigade of "the line" will be placed under the circumstances, we consider that the Gov-return to France as soon as they have landed ernor would have peted sensibly and disthe troops and the moterte for the expedition played greater magnanimity if he had The Sarthe and the Dordogne left Toulon for made some energetic endeavours to stay Tonquin on the 1st and toth ultima respectively. a cruel and altogether unnecessary ap- SIR JAW BONE, we beg pardon, His Excellency plication of Chinese law in connection. Sir George Bowen, has evidently formed a much with such a paltry matter as the higher opinion of his own importance since the loss of his wearing apparel and note celebrated interview with Li Hung-chang, for book. Likely enough his soft hearted since his return to this colony-so we are Excellency will retire into his study and credibly informed he has made strenuous efforts weep copiously when particulars reaches to be made "Patron of the Hongkong Race this colony of the full measure of punish hitherto been held by successive Governors, Meeting, the position of Steward, which has ment meted out-to-the-unfortunates who apparently not being considered sufficiently exceedingly sorry to hear of this worthy official placing himself by his, Quixotic notions in such an unfavorable light before the com- unity. Governor Bowen, it seems, has yet to learn that racing in Hongkong is carried on by gentlemen in every way His Excellency's social equal, who decline to concede the superiority so absurdly and fantastically claimed, and who, moreover, do not require the patronage of Sir George, Howen, or of any other person, however exalted. The subscribers to the Race Fund, underwhose auspices our annual races are carried out, were under the impr salon they were doing His Excellency honor and paying him a LOCAL AND GENERAL.

high compliment when they elected him a supplementary vote of $5,000 for repairs to build. Steward at the meeting held a few weeks ago. Ings: 8694 for the erection of a matshed in the If it be true that Governor Bowen' does not look quarantine service; $409.69 for carbolic acid AN Emergency Lodge of United Service No. upon it in that right, and considers himself and from, Singapore: $300 for preparing site and 1341, will be held in Freemasons' Hall, Zetland, his dignity so much out of place in company making rifle range for the police and volun Street, this evening, at 8 o'clock precisely. with Admiral Willes, General Sargent, CB,teers at Kowloon: $17,700 for the construc. Commodore Cuming, Colonel Hobson, Mrtion of six public latrines; $11,832 for re- THE telegraphic line between Haiphong and Ryrie, Mr. Hulkeley Johnson, Mr. Sassoon, Mr. pairs done to roads, streets, bridges water. Hanoi is almost finished,, and that between Forbes, Mr. Reiners, and other distinguished works &c, rendered necessary by the storms Hanoi and Nam-dinh will be commenced imme-officers and gentlemen-why, then, His Excel- of 11th, 12th, and 13th September: $1,000 gra diately.

of the late Mr. lency has an alternative ready to his hand Wetuity to the widow and children We hear from Manila that the British ship G. appear to have entered on a reigh of official and Geo. Tomlin; and $1,235 the cost of a sub- C. Trufant has been floated safely off the shore absolutely sickening.

social pretension which promises to become marine telegraph cable between Hongkong and Kaulung. In briefly dealing with these votes, at Palawan Island. She arrived in Manila

Mr. March explained with regard to the item for MANY residents must have been disagreeably adavenging, that while the Government pait. yesterday.

bells ring out at about go this morning. It was paid exactly the same amount to the Cover- aroused from their slumbers at hearing the fire $19.910 per annums forscavenging, the contractor but a trifling affair, however, simply a bamboo mant for the privilege of removing excretal mat- shed, situate immediately above Robinson Roadter, the two accounts thus balancing. A report near the base of the hill, where several build from the Surveyor General explained how the ings are in course of construction, which caught original vote of $13,000 for repairs to buildings fire and blated up for a short time, quickly had bean insufficient. From this it would be falling a and becoming utterly demolished. A lot of Lodge had entailed an outlay of $3000; prey to the devouring clement seen that an additional wing to Mountain planking is stacked at the spot, and the fire $920 was spent in renovating Crosby's Store, communicated itself to the ends of several of and $1,000 laid out in teakwood to be stored this and the destruction of the shed, no further report from Mr. Price referring to the $17.700 these, charring them considerably, but beyond for future use in govemment works. Another damage was done, if we except the burning voted for public latrines was also on the of a door of an outhouse in the adjoining table. From this it would be seen that a system compound-which belongs, we believe, to Mr. of free latrines throughout the colony had been

sance of any one of the Official Members Granville Sharpe-to which the fire extended strongly recommanded by Mir. Chadwick, and

of the Executive or Legislature, his tem- the Legislature, if their interests were not already stances of the Colony, 1mm of opinion that an itself. The planks, we understand, belong to his recommendations having been approved,

porary locuni tenens shall not necessarily protected by the Registrar General. Moreover, Executive Council of seven-members would be Mr. Ho Kal. The shed was occupied by coolles these six were the commencement of the scheme.

fill his seat in the Councils, unless he behave always held that the Governor, as the | unnecessarily large, and that the Office of engaged on the building being erected there, Others would be erected when suitable sites

specially summoned by the Governor. It is Representative of the Queen, la bound to protect Treasurer, which is generally, united with and it ia conjectured that Jose pidgin was could be secured. Mr harsh also explained that

Tabvious, for example, that the chief clerk impartially the interests of all Her Majesty's another office, "and has a salary of only nine the cause of the blaze. The coolies cleared the presence of the telegraph steamer Sherard

or chief assistant of the Treasurer or Sur- subjects of every race. Of course, the final ap-hundred and sixty dollars (1960) a year, should to regions unknown immediately the fire.Ozborne in the harbour for one day had enabled- broke out, and it is doubtful whether they will the government to replace the old and defective.

"veyor General, though competent to carry on pointment would continue, In every case, to rest not, be specified, as conferring a scat, in that

temporarily the ordinary work of the depart- absolutely with the Governor, aubject to the ap- Council, one s ever tum up again. A few of the Government cable between Hongkong and Kowloon by a new.

ment, might not be qualified for admission proval of the Crown; but the partial introduction! In ocher, respects. I approve generally your and Hongkong Fire Brigade were quickly one at a cost of $1,235.

to the Executive and Legislature. on the spot, and did what they could to

of the system which has worked successfully: proposals with regard to the. Executive Council (The position of the Chief Justice of Hong elsewhere would take away the favidiousnet bf and the necessary instrument all be prepared save the

of aundry buckets of water to the smouldering

already a member of the Legislative Council. eisime and merit; while it would confer many of Council, the raising the number to sit folgte ends, and removing those in closest proximity to the blazing debris. The Super

The presence, of the Chief Justices in the the advantages without any of the inconveniency Turging plow to the Legislative Council - intendent of the Fire Brigade arrived on the scene

Legislatures of this and of other Colonies, of popular election; which it, for bbvious reasqiis;;) I have the boncar (ó inform you that the ques shortly after6o'clock, in full uniform, saveth head-

has often led, here and elsewhere, in former impracticable in an heterogeneous commually donwhether the Officer Commanding Her Mas years to much inconvenience. But I would circumstanced us is that of Hongkong co jesty's Troops abould be a bilember of that body dress, which consisted of a seedy looking black

'not recommend the disturbance of the exists. hat, something like the one McGuinness wore, and

12 My experience teaches me that the Un. in a Crowa Colony has of late been repeatedly exerted himself with hearty good will to arrest the

ing arrangement, at all events during the official Members of the Legislature in Crown under consideration; ad it has been deemeri smouldering of the planking, personally carrying

tenure of the office by the presentable and Colonies should hold office, not for life, but for preferable that in the absence of any strong and buckets of waters and gracefully sprinkling the

judicious Chief Justice (Sir George. Ehil-period of six years, each member beina lleiale Epecial acasons that Omicer should not have a strongly of a market gardener.

lippe). At the same time, the wide distinc for re-appointment, I be so deemed advable! Feat Thane Perala ends, reminding

tion between Executive and Judicial posi by the Governor and by the Crown. It has been and the Windward watering cabbages. Upon our way up we en

› the Officer Commar countered a fire engine, or a manual-we

tion and duties properly excludes him from found in Mauritius and elsewhere that while pro ding the troops has recently ceased to take part the Executive Copaci}, DROVE

In Legislation, motion, and retirement cause frequent changes

kod now palyadita in Executive are not sure which, as we were in too

To sum up for the reasons stated above, among the official members, the unofficial mem-un-I may explain that a principal reason for great a hurry to take much notice, thinking to submit, for your Lordship's consideration, ferr wo were in for h big thing-at which a lot tain urgently required dméndments of the defects and for other reagons which might be adduced. | bers are often liable to stagáétion, and to local decisions has been the fact that the Officer of Celestials were tugging to get up the incline in the political constitution of the Colony, which I recommend that the Executive Council of sympathy: lafuence, and what in military phrate

Commanding Her Majesty's Military Forces Is leading from Bridges Street to Caine Road, but now produce much official inconvenience and | Hongkong(shall, for the future, 'consist of the is called "touch," with the community at largerykmorlikdatithe" game obligation ag le incumbenit??

following members:

13-There is another important point won the Civil Officer to support the meatres should now be considered. I stated aboy of the Governinenty and if he should feel it his

We are informed by the acting agent of the P. and O. S. N. Co., that the English mail ateamer Nepal, with the outward mail, left Singapore for this post this morning at 8 o'clock.-------

WE are glad to learn that a new Fire Brigade station, with No. 4 manual engine, has been established specially for the higher levels of the city, at No. 51, Hollywood Road.

We learn from reliable Chinese sources that China desires to refer the matter of the Franco Chinese cubroglio to an international congress of the various nations in treaty with the Celestial Empire, and it is said that the Marquis Taeng has been advised to that effect.

A CORRESPONDENT informs the Mercury that some troops, stationed at present at Chinkiang, will shortly be despatched from that port to Chaton. They are under the command of H.E. Wang Chuh-Tang, and are to be sent south to strengthen the garrison at Canton.

Now that His Excellency the Governor has re turned, it is rumoured that Mr. W. H. Marsh, the Colonial Secretary, will shortly take a brief holiday. Dr. Stewart, the Registrar General,

The Colonial Treasurer secunded, the motion

agreed to.

who are to be called, Official Members. There will be also, the then existing four, Un-official Members, or others to be appointed in their place, with the provies that Un-officials are never to be more than four in number

At present there are three Un-ancial mem- Mr. Price, (Surveyor General), Mr. Ryrie Mr. Johnson,

(c.) Itahould be provided that, during the ab. New Zealand, and the Streltä Settlemente. Incils of Hongkongamatas bike parya

will probably act as Colonial Secretary during the planking na far as possible by the appli- authorising the votes and it was, unanimously, a shong is exceptional, inasmuch as he is selection from among many candidates of equal for adding the present Registrar General to the

Mr. Marsh's absence from the colony.

THE French transport Aveyron left Saigon on the evening of the 25th ultimo for Tonquin, and the Shamrock left the day following for the same destination. These two vessels together carried 1500 troops, and a battery of artillery, as 'rein- forcements for the French army in Torquin BEGINNING from the 1st of November, the mall service between Saigon and Haiphong will be doubled, and the departure of the steamers from Saigon will take place the day following the arrival of the mail from France. The Tonquin budget will furnish the funds necessary to meet this additional expenditure.

This concluded the business.

PROPOSED LOCAL POLITICAL REFORMS. The following correspondence respecting pro posed alterations in the constitution of the Execu tive and Legislative Council of Hongkong, was laid on the table at the meeting of the Leg islative Council held yesterday afternoon, by command of His Excellency the Governor

'c

Government House, Hongkong, May 14th, 1883," My Lord, In my despatch No. 50 of the 4th instant, I stated that it would shortly be my duty

A SPECIAL telegram from Shanghai informs us we verily believe they cover got the locomotive much public, discontent that Ambassador, winner of the last Hongkong beyand Bridges Street, and that in all pro- | | 2--) may mention that during the last four Derby, and the property of a well known local bability it is there yet. We confess we feel years | have carefully, studied the proper pie 777 sportsman, who races under the name of Mr Strather disgusted at having been called up from thods of constituting the Executive and Legidla- Vincent, and Mr. Mat. Dawson's Newmarket sound sleep, and having had to accomplish an tive Councils to Crown Colonies, and that: 1 ran a dead hear this afternoon in the one mile exhausting ascent on an empty stomach, to wits recommend for adoptjón af Hồngkong the lead- and three quarters Cosmopolitan Cup. In the mess such a paltry, contemptible affair as that of ing principles which Her Majesty * Government final beat Ambassador won in a canter.

this morning.

have sanctioned at Mauritius and Ceylon,

(1.) The Governor (President),

(a) The Officer Commanding the Troops,

The Colonial Secretary, The Attorney General The Treasurer

(6) The Surveyor General,

(7.) The Registrar, Generalė

and barskagen of mis the racen settled in Hongkong.

• The Chamber of Commerce comprises the principal

CEMETERY Ië në Mhamber of agricultura, Beckum Agric tury ons hardly be said sy ander on this rocky bland

· [↑ The Josilces of the Pisces are now go la

Three Chinese, -Ă

Council

this

duty mating, inshecordance with his own fudge ment, to speak or vote against any rich maUPCA the opposition of kn Officer; holding (so Eight"

Ekind omon of Auditor Caneral. has beas, combined fo VERY EMA wish thing of Golonki Decrittry.