1888-09-12 — Page 3

the Braidway, passes the important ciles of Mo to, Ngai-mun, Sa-nui, and branches ff to Wu chau-fu in Kwangsi äfter joining the Nor!! River which is in connection with Canton That a vast opening will be found for British commerce with China in the region which ji is proposed to open to foreign trade, and. that Hongkong, as a base of operations, will double its importance and prosperus in the com. paratively near future, are eventualities that de nct require much fotest;ht to predict.

The main question, however, which is now hcing discussed in all tommercial circles in the Far East, is whether the news reported by the Tientsin newspaper has sufficient foundation in fact to warrant implicit belief in it; The language ised by pur northern cntemporary would seem in imply this desideratuan. The Chinese Times hapes "soon to be able to announce that a suitable port

for foreign trade has been selected to be opened on the West River," with right of access to it by vessels under foreign as well as Chinese flags." And before the paper reached here, it was current rumour and belief that Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Co: had received the news by wire. If these hopes are well grounded, and everything seems to point in that direction, we may rely on seeing at no very far distant date an extraordinary aggran disement of the commerce of this colony, and a proportionale development of the whole district which is thus placed in contact with Western trade and civilisation.

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1888.

East; they seem always to be in a state of profuse perspintión and cargo-tallying."

Really, "Mail Boat's" effusion assumes more ludicrous aspect with every line.

He says, very sagely, that we betray undus eagerness to come out here and that, if we don' like the life and the pay now we are here, we can take ourselves to a better market. He say too that we are always climbing over each other's backs, that our labour market is over stocked and that owners will always go to the cheapest market.

Now, did ever a "man who thinks," to use his own expression,-make such absurd asser tions ?

Every proper man is cager to earn a livelihood,

•is cager to earn it where he best, can, or wher it best suits him-whether it be on the China const, or the coast of Hades mintiers little; but wherever it is, the scale of, pay 1 mentioned is insufficient, as he admits. And besides, a man" is always liberty, to ask for more money. and to show how it can be given him without being picked up by every absuid prattler who chooses to put pen to paper. With regard to the cheapest market, I should have imagined undoubted that a man with "Mail loat's' acumen would have found by experience that the cheapest market is not always the best. He says that if we are not satisfied we should enter a mail service, where they have large and com fortable boats. But we can't all be in mail services, and as he admits that our labour market is overstocked, why: follow it up with sich a 'stupid temark? We wouldn't be in the P. & O. or any other.mail service, for reasons I have already stated, together with the fact of perfect discomfort, your room being situated in a dark and stuffy alley-way with, its door immediately opposite a latrine or a cook-house -, as we are "Free lances," we contera, and would not suffer any uniformed and unnecessary discipline for twice the money a P. & O. officer receives. Our existence is burdensome enough as it is, sa why ask us to undergo a harassing uniformed discipline, night and day from the morning to the evening of our lives, and with many of us, it would be far into the night ere we could be rid of it!

that absurd nonsense, merit

We cannot presume to penetrate into the mysteries of the Tsung-li-Yamên; but are strongly inclined to believe that China's Ministers of Stale and China's ruling power are gradually but surely acknowledging the absurdity of their long stand ing policy of exclusion of the foreigner, and that what with railways, and new Treaties with foreign powers, and the partial opening of her rivers and ports, the vast expanse of territory which forms the Celestial: Empire will soon be opened in its entirety to all nations of the world. This is a compensation which the world demands of China for allowing China's subjects free access toall the ports and cities ofthe world. Terestric tions which are now enforced on Chinese immi- gration in the United States and Australia, if

"Mail Boat" evidently likes (to use a purely Understood in their true light, do not embody a -policy of exclusion of the Chinese.to the nematical term) to have "the guts worried out of

extent as China excludes foreigners from.ër him." We don't." hermetically sealed ports and territories, except- A man who joins the P & O. does so as fifth ing the few Treaty ports. The American and officer and at a very small rate of pay, and with Australing restrictions are simply protective all his gold braid and buttons, large ship, good measures taken to save national labour from service and comfort (7) he will be years in arriving. deterioration and loss. Chinese merchants ofhigh at the enviable (?) past of chief officer-perhaps standing nie to be found in America, in Australia, never, for

to and all over the British Colonies, and as they n use some one's expression), is at an enormous well as Chinese tradesmen of every description discount. To rise at all quickly in that service, contribute to the business welfare of the cities infe, to the post of "Kapting" it is not really which they live, they are surrounded with all the necessary to be a smart officer, or a gentleman protection and security civilised nations can give, in the ordinary acceptance of the term, but your It is especially against the labouring classes who name must have been put on the nomination work at starvation wages that, the restrictive roll as soon as your parents had decided that measures have been enforced as a necessary you were a male child, and you must be a gen protection, of national labour. To-day's cable tieman (?) in the extraordinary acceptance of message, published in another column, is a clear that term, fe-you must have a rich uncle who confirmation of cur nesertion. Now, let us suppose, is a butcher, brewer or baker, but he may be a for the sake of argument, that England and soapboiler, pickle-man or candle-stick maker to America, Germany, France and other hations equal advantage, provided he has ever so small obtain from China the opening up of the vast an interest in the Company. empire to European and American trade, and There are a goodly number of gentiemen (of that they stipulate not to import European or the ordinary type) in the coasters," although American labouters into Chini, but to train and "Mail. Boat" foolishly supposes there are not. There are also many even in the "Tramps he use Chinese labourers, artisans and mechanics in preference to those of their pwn nationalitics! Isis so disgusted with, and why he should this an altog her impossible hypothesis? Once suppose that a tramp is less valuable or of less it is granted and accepted, would it not literally consequence in the eyes of its owner, or of mer raise China to a height of civilisation and chants and underwriters generally, than a mail progress never dreamt of by her most Utopian boat: or, why he should suppose that such vessels well-wishers and patriots ? -

should be given to the care of ignorant ruffians, I really cannot conceive, for it is valuable property, has valuable lives on board, is insured ai Lloyde, and requires just as much care and navigation as the finest or largest mail boat afloat, and, if the truth were known, the " Tramp" makes the most money. A decently put together and economically found "Tramp" is no mean thing to own.

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We hope China's recent move concerning the opening of the West River is an indication that the influential advocacy of Li Hung-chang and the Marquess Tsong has convinced the high Imperial authorities that China's future as a leading factor in the world's political history depends solely on the sensible utilisation of her immense resources now lying comparatively neglected, and in moving onwards in the advance of progress and civilisation with Western Nations.

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not, necesarily endorse the opinions expressed by Correspondents in this columa)

Speaking by comparison of mail services, take for instance the fairly well paid Royal West India Mail Co., than which a finer service does not exist. But, who stays in it more than two or three years, or after he is tired of that most absurd discipline which tends always to lower a man in his own estimation-I mean that rule which prohibits officers from having any intel course with passengers? Why, no one, unless he is cocksure of promotion, which is terribly slow and goes by favour,

The only well paid and decently cared. for service that sails the seas, is Alfred Holt's and all the credit be his, for he runs his boats regularly and has great oppo ition to contend with.

But what sort of officers does "Mail Boat" suppose these ships carry?, Griffins of all ages and nationalities, or men holding any grade certificate ?. No, most assuredly not, for with very few exceptions these Boats are offered by fairly educated, and decently behaved men, who held master's certificates, from the chief officer

FIFTY DOLLARS ON THE BRIDGE. TO THE EDITOk op the VHɔnocond TelegraPA," SIR,-Permit me again to ask a small space in your valuable columns. Since my previous communication appeared I have been in the North, and owing to some difficulties in mailing, your number containing the two absurd and most unnecessary pieces of correspondence which appeared as replice, (for they cannot be called refutations) has only just reached me.

Why "Mail Boat" took up his pen and wasted valuable time and paper in championing office boys, 1 cannot conceive; for really his 'cone spondence treats of nothing else, and is nothing more than a weak effusion of a succession of trite facts altogether foreign to the subject into the fourth, and are highly paid in consequence. question. He confesses to have read my corre- spondence with an effort, as it contained a vast amount of unnecessary verbinge. Why did be read it at all? However, since he did read it, it is evident he is not a student of rhetoric, and equally so that he does not understand that what he terms verbiage is really and only neces sary to the simplest expression and illustration of thought,

It seems to me that he wrote you merely for the sake of seeing himself in print; I may be wrong, but it looks horribly like it.

..

He says a great deal about office boys, tramps, and mail boats, although my letter treated of neither; but since he has mentioned them, I may say at once that I was not comparing any kind of ship officer to any sort of office boy or even his boss: I merely asked an increase of our pay, through a reduction in the pay of Hong" men. By "Hong" men I meant those who sit in: the highish places and are in receipt of hundreds of dollars a month, not shivering, anfvelling, stamp-sticking, envelope-addressing and-licking receivers of from $50 to $100 salary

per mensem.

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But what compensation do these men get for. years of hard work, beyond their good pay? Nothing, as, without exception, I believe that the commanders of th se boats are drafted as such from other services, are tried and experienced men (?), are decidedly lucky and are proportionately long-lived; for, a man now in command on this coast was seventeen years in that service in all grades of mate, and a number of years as chief mate, but he never got a com- mand, though one or two vacancies occurred during that period. And this is not the exception but the rule.

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I will tell thee now, “Mall Boat," the reasons with bamboos and mamaties, tried to release why we're on this coast and why we remain in 200 prisoners from the workshops and to open its "coasters," in preference to being in your the gate. The deputy gaoter from the turret mighty mail boats. And they ate:

fired over the heads of the crowd, and some 1st.-Promotion is quicker.

prisoners helping the warders, the riot was zad.We all stand a fair chance of some day quelled in, ten minutes. The Chief Commis- becoming "Kaptings" (mark it).

sioner atrived soon afterwards with a guard. rd Bechuse we have a little spirit and careTwo warders were hurt on the head and back not to put up with the hide-bound humeurs of respectively; many prisoners assisted in quelling unscrapulous owners and overzealous "Kap, the riot; 28 rioters were injured, but none were tings," which (humours) are styled discipline and shot; fifty of the rioters were sent on to Rangoon Are enforced, to the total extinction of that proper yesterday. The present number of prisoners in pride and manly spirit which every man posseses the gaol amounts to eleven hundred and seventy. at some period of his life.

SIMLA, August 27th. The other members of the Cabul Mission will be Colonel Nevill Chamberlain of the Chief's Staff, Lieut. Manners-Smith, Attaché, of the Foreign Office, and Dr. Owen. The abject of the Mission is to make certain proposals to the Amcer which will strengthen our position in Afghanistan: the appointment of a British Resident at Cabul being probably one of them. Considerable apprehension prevails up here as to the probable result of the Mission, it being considered not unlikely that the Russians may make a counter move, and thus precipitate a rupture between us.

4th.There is no cargo-tallying.

Mail, Bont" likens our existence to a yachi owner's pleasurable life, in further justification of his argument, though I fail to see the resemblance. Would it were so, and then we should not complain, as everyone knows that the nere ides of yachting is synonymous with perfect pleasure, a large fortune, and supreme indifference to the things and people of this world, and that "sailor"-is the euphonious 'synonym for hard work, indifferent food, imperfect accomoda. tion, perfect subjection, small pay, weighty responsibilities, in fact, slavery in every sense of the word, and any other opprobrious epithet which can be applied to the human animal.

However, Sir, nothing in this argument, or in anything Mail Boat has or has not said, goes to prove, or to substantiate the proof of any reason which can be put forward, as to why we are not worthy a higher remuneration for our services.

If the author of the pitiful effusion I have been dealing with is really a " Mail Boat" man, I can say nothing further than that he is a pessimist of the first order, and deserves not the title of "Mail loat;" and that he and all his kidney. should be swept from the face of the earth and sea as a reward for their virtues.

But, hmnmn methinks "Mail Boat" smacks suongly of "Hong" man (office boy), as his pithy remark:-"The business offices here in Hongkong and the Banks in particular, have all reduced their pay and in this way they have sent the supercilious and often offensive Dritish clerk about his business, and have taken on Portuguese and Chinamen to do his work, at a very great reduction' and the shipowners would do the same if at suited their purpose, but it does not " brands him," to those who think "as a very poor man and one not deserving the proad title of Britisher.

From his championship of Portuguese and Chinamen, thinking people naturally conclude or other of these that he is of either one cheap labour nationalities, and that, in con- sequence, his poor effusion is of no material value, being scarcely worthy even a comment, atbeit-1 have taken the trouble to tell him so.

In the same number of your paper, Mr. "Coaster" gives us rather trite, though very useful piece of information, and as a thinking individual I thoroughly concur with his views of the case,

We know that "Scandinavians” literally infest our Merchant service and that they are more objectionable parasites than spitfires, but they are an irreparable evil as long as free trade cxists.

The fact of any foreigner being able to ootain an English certificate of competency and thereby being enabled to rob us of our means of subsistence is a howling shame that cries aloud for redress. Every British Sailor fects it moré acutely with every day's recurrence; his heart weeps in silence and he growls a dozen times a day that it is a shame and should be stopped" and that the Government ought to be ashamed of itself, (supposing that a Government can feel ashamed); but here he stops, for he has not heart enough to go further, and had he heart enough to do so, he has not brains enough to know how to do it.

Mr. "Coaster" tells us in the most confidential manner that it is a shame and that it should be stopped, (of course it should) and "thinking people" agree with him, but they naturally look. to him for an idea at least of the manner in which this national grievance can be redressed. Where is it which is the way and where the means? How can we do it, Mr. Coaster?

There is a way, I assure you, and only one way, but its execution will require pluck, energy, perseverance and perhaps privation, but our end will be gained to a certainty, and the future sailor of the English Mercantile Marine will be an Englishman. It would be a proud boast.

Now, sir, leaving trespassed on your valuable space and tried your patience to a great extent, I must conclude by saying that in a short time I hope to be able to lay before you a scheme by which the English merchant service can be cleansed of all the human vermin that infest it, and by which our scale of pay as well as our social position can be raised to their proper level. Thanking you sincerely for according me so great a space,

I remain, Sir,

Yours faithfully,

FIFTY DOLLARS. Hongkong, 11th September, 1888.

LATE TELEGRAMS.

LONDON, August 23rd. Mr. Henry Richard, Gladstonian Liberal member for Merthyr, is dead.

Advices have been received that Major Barttelot left the camp at Yambanga early in June with five hundred men to convey supplies to Stanley.

PARIS, August 23rd,

M. Goblet's reply to Signor Crispi is couched in terms similar to the note, addressed by him

"Madhai,`August 24th-

"Mail Boat " grandiloquently informs us, that the social position of the members of other pro-to the Powers on the 3rd inst. fessione, the navy, the army, the church and the law, is immeasurably superior to ours, (whisper: and to that of trade and business, be it known, for, quill-driving is a trade, certainly not a profession). We know that it is supposed to be; but why, we cannot tell, for a goodly number of us have kinsmen of all kinds in every profession, but none in trade; we have the average education of the higher middle classes; we know how to say "please" and "thank you! as well as they, and, apart from our profession, our social position is as good as theirs; so I naturally ask,-why should we be snubbed-in- foto F

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Really, "Mail Boat's" absurdities are most refreshing, inasmuch as he arrogates such an enormous amount of knowledge and perspicacity to himself. We don't want to change places with any sort of office 'boy, and wouldn't if wo Surely we have a social position somewhere could; so, why bother us about his health, or his in this world, and it surely is far above what is paltry salary after his washing bill is paid, or permitted us?. his insane desire to become a “P. & Ho hofficer?” I wonder "Mail Boat” didn't tell us to take With regard to "Saigon tramps" which hail ourselves and apply for a commission in a from nowhere and belong to no one, I am not in cavalry regiment (we're not suited for a marching one, have never been in one—would never go in | regiment), for a lieutenancy in the Navy, one, because I am not a "coarse grain of hemp," | elther of which is equally impracticable. but rather a fibre of finest silk; am only twenty- Now, the church and the law are both open to four years of age and foolishly suppose nothing, us, as, in the first place, I am perfectly convinced

service is composed of, having been in all kinds having bumped on every rock and stranded on of services in all parts of the world.

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The following sentences were passed to-day in the Tellicherry bribery cases: Kunjen Menon, Sub-Judge, two years' rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs.1,000 in each case. In default further nine months in each case. Kunhi Paki, the second accused in the first case, one year's rigorous impris-nment. The second accused in the second case, Sankunni Nair, one year's rigorous Imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 1,000, In default, six months' further imprisonment. The third accused was acquitted.

LONDON, August-zgth. The Pall Mall Gazelle states that the counsel to whom the report of the Commons Committee was submitted is of opinion that the Deccan mining concession was unlawfully obtained, and that the Hyderabad Government is entitled to its being annulled

It is currently reported that the Boers have captured Dinizulu and delivered him to the British,

·Berlin, August 25th, The North German Garette, in discussing but Europe generally will welcome his succesi,

France.

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CALCUTTA, August 27th... During a heavy storm in Calcutta, and a cyclone in the Bay of Bengal, the tug Clive and the ship. Champion had a narrow escape in the Enstern Channel on Thursday, and have retumed to town damaged. The Survey steam launch Research collided with the Hooghly Bridge on

Saturday owing to the high wind and strong tide prevailing, and sank; two live were lost. The remainder of the crew, sixteen in number, were pluckily saved by the Bridge kalassies. In town. two houses came down, but the inmates left in time, and no lives were lost,

BOMBAY, August 18th.. Cabul news of August 19th says that the Ameer's troops sent from Sherpur reached Bamien; they confirm news that the Balkh people and the troops garrisoned there decline to be misled by Isak Khan, even though he declared himself as Ameer. Two men were arrested at Cabul and blown away from guns in the presence of the troops, for spreading the news of the death of Abdul Rahman this took place before a great concourse of people. Isak Khan has sent emissaries to Eastern Afghanis tan to excite discontent against the Ameer.

LONDON, August 28th.

A fatal accident occurred to a balloon which ascended at Kensington yesterday for the purpose of crossing to the Continent. The balloon collapsed in Essex, and the acronaut Simmons and his two companions were pre- cipitated from the car, Simmons being killed and his two companions severely injured.

An official despatch from Capetown states that the invasion of Khama's territory by the Boer Commander Grobelaar last month was an accidental affair, and that the territory in ques- tion remains uninvaded. President Kruger is cordially co-operating with Sir Hercules Robinson in allaying the excitement,'

POLITICS IN CHINA.

The following interesting letter from a corres- pondent appears in a recent issue of the N. C, Daily News:-

It has often been a matter of surprise to me that while so much is daily written and published of and concerning China, so very little of it throws any light upon politics in China at the present time. With your permission I propose to send you some contributions, on this subject, not for the purpose of airing my very limited amount of knowledge, but in order to draw attention to, and create an interest in it, so that others who bave valuable information at command, or the means. of acquiring it within their reach may be induced to take some trouble to increase their knowledge, and to place it at the disposal of your readers."

One fact of overwhelming importance is bardly ever referred to in print, yet it is, I believe, the dominant factor in all high Chinese politics.

eventually took his passage by n. P. & O. point of view, and graphic descriptions of his steamer, and only a day before he started, an.j.conversations with the Tsung-li Yamba and with official despatch was published in your columns the Viceroy at Tientsin, and of what he expected by the British Consul, by order of Sir Thomas would occur if war between Russia and China Wade, warning British subjects of the penal actually broke out. The latter bins a strong, consequences of taking service either against, or bearing upon the dynastic question, but as my under the Government of China in certain present letter is already so long, I must reserve circumstances. This had already been the sub the second chapter of the story for a future ject of the communications between Sir T. Wade occasion. and General Gordon, when the latter was i the North of China, and be naturally regarder this official notice as an unnecessary and cruel insult to him..

In the foregoing sketch of General Gordon's visit to China, I have given the main facta as briefly as possible, outing many of the minor incidents, and other matters, such as the cause which induced him so suddenly to leave Tientsin, for Shanghai which in itself formed a very interesting, and striking story. The facts were stated to me by General Gordon himself several times in the course of different conversations,

General Gorden gave me the 'results of his observations when in the North, from a military

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hope to be able to give you hereafter a sketch of the events, as they were given to me by an excellent Chinese anthority, of what occurred in Peking on the occasion of the election of the present Emperor, whose election, as your readers doubtless know, was contrary to strict Chinese law on the subject, I also hope to give you, if my time should permit, and you should consider the subject to be of sufficient interest, both facts and reasons tending to show the ever-present anxiety of the Imperial Government, on the dyansile, and national questions.

Your obedient servant,

and September, 1858.

To-day's Advertisements. ROSE

& CO.

TEMPORA.

BEG to inform the residents of Hongkong and; Outports that they have disposed of their STOCK-IN-TRADE,, &c, and transferred their Business to the HALL & HOLTZ CO- OPERATIVE COMPANY, LIMITED, taking + slect from September 1st, 1888, from which date

their responsibility in the said Business ceased...

ALL ACCOUNTS are requested to be sent in for collection by the 1st of October next.

And ALL ACCOUNTS due must be paid by the above named date.

In retiring from Business, ROSE & Co., to thank their many friends for the valued support hithero accorded, and trust a conti lance, of the same will be extended to their `

Successors.

Hongkong, 12th September, 1888.

ROSE & CO.

1895

REFERRING to the above, the HALL & HOLTZ COOPERATIVE COMPANY, LIMITED, beg to announce the purchase, on' 5pt. 1st, 1888, of the old established BUSINESS, STOCK-IN-TRADE, GOODWILL, etc., of Missus. ROSE & Co., and they trust by assiduous care and attention to this new branch of their bșiness to merit a share of public patronage,

THE STORE will be RE OPENED in a few days, when due notice will be given. The whole STOCK is being re-marked and atrand for a great CHEAP SALE, full particulars of which will be'duly announced.

WE

TE have this day REMOVED our Office from the premises of Messrs. LANE, CRAWFORD & Co., to Nos. 37 and 39, Queen's Road,

THE HALL & HOLTZ Co., LD.

MR.

R. ALFRED EDWIN SKEELS has this day been appointed Manager of the HALL AND HOLTZ COMPANY'S Business at this Fort.

The present dynasty is an alien dynasty, and though it has been for about 150 years in poaression of the throne of China, and has been marvellously successful in maintaining on consolidating, and extending the power of the Chinese Empire, yet it must never be forgotten that the Manchu family now in possession of the throne of China is maintained in power by

By Order of the Board,

Hongkong, 12th September, 1888,

NOTICE

DES VOEUX will be unable to SATURDAY NEXT, the 15th instant. Hongkong, 12th September, 1888. [897

receive VISITORS, at MOUNTAIN LODGE,

༔་

WANTED.

J. COOK.

W. W. CLIFFORD, Managing Director.

Intimations.

[896

TENDERS will be received by the under signed upto NOON on the 41st September, RESPECTABLE Steady Young Man to 1888 for the ERECTION of a SANITARIUM at VICTORIA GAP, according to Plans and the

Specifications which can be seen on application Apply to

to the SURVEYOR, ROYAL ENGINEERS. Hongkong, 12th September, 1888, [898 OFFICE, between the hours of to a.m. and 4 pm.; from whom alo Bills of Quantities THE STEAM LAUNCH COMPANY, und Forms of Tender can be obtained,

LIMITED.

The right to reject the lowest or any Tender is reserved,

W. H. LOBE, Naval Storekeeper.

Tartar garrisons, commanded solely by Manchu, A or Tartar generale, in all the great provinces and cities of the Empire. These garrisons live apart from the Chinese inhabitants, and from the soldiers of Chinese nationality. I do not intend ́at present to refer to any other element in Chinese home politics besides the one I have already mentioned. Many matters häve happened in recent times, and some are now in progress which throw light on this subject, but THE Steam Dispatch Launch I will content myself to-day by telling a chapter

"BONNIE,"

of a story as it was told to me of a striking is now lying off Pedder's Wharf for Hire. episode in modern Chinese history.

011

For terms apply to

THE COMPANY'S OFFICE, 1. Pedder's Street. Hongkong, 12th September, 1888. 1899

WANTED IMMEDIATELY. "OR TWO YOUNG LADIES, Apartments with Board. State terms by letter only

A. D., c/o Hongkong Telegraph Office. Hongkong, 12th September, 1888

Consignees.

1900

PACIFIC MAIL STEAMSHIP COMPANY.

NOTICE. ONSITY OF PERING

ONSIGNEES of Cargo per Steamship The above Steamer having arrived, Consigneer of Cargo are hereby requested to send in thei Bills of Lading for Countersignature, and to take immediate delivery of their Goods from along.

side.

In the early part of the year 1880 Chion was on the brink of a war with Russia about Kuldja. The Chinese Government was in a great state of agitation and alarm. Just then, General Gordon, who had arrived in Bombay as Military Secretary to Lord Ripon, the new Governor-General of india, threw up his post in a fit of disgust, but without any idea as to what he should do next. While in a state of uncertainty, he received an Invitation from Sir Robert Hart on behalf of the Chinese Government to visit Peking. Almost immediately afterwards he received an invitation by telegraph from the Viceroy of Chill, Li Hung-chang, to pay him, a visit at Tientsin, He replied accepting both invitations and started at once for China. Some time after his arrival at Shanghai he proceeded northwards, and at Chefoo received a letter from Sir Robert Hart cancelling the previous Invitation, urging him in the strongest. Language to retrace his steps at once, stating that his presence in Peking just now, would be a cause of danger, and embarrassment to the Chinese Government, and adding that if he should determine to proceed in spite of what was said, that he should come on immediately to Peking, and on no account Cargo impeding the discharge of the Vesse: either visit or see Li Hung-chang at Tientsin. will be landed and stored at Consignees' risl This was emphasized in the strongest manner. General Gordon was utterly astounded at this and expense, letter. He went ashore-immediately, but on thinking the matter over he very soon determined to carry out his original intention, and he went back on board, and proceeded to Tientsin, where he at once placed himself in communication with the Viceroy, whom he saw frequently. He received no further communication from Sir Robert Hart, but he proceeded to Peking ST. JOHN He received communications from Sir Thomas Wade, then British Minister at Peking couched in terms of strong hostility. He had two interviews with the Tsung-li Yamén, and of information on political and military affairs. He

stay in Peking, but expressed to me afterwards his certain conviction that during each of his interviews with the Taung-li Yaman, Sir Robert Hart was in an adjoining room. The General returned to Tientsin, and there was in daily communication with the Viceroy for some little time. He suddenly decided to leave, went and said good bye to the Viceroy and returned to Shanghai Flere he spent a great deal of his time in my house. I frequently found him sitting him in my verandah on returning home

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CHS, D. HARMAN,

Agent Hongkong, 7th September, 1888,

Masonic.

LODGE

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OF HONGKONG, No. 618, S.C.

REGULAR MEETING of the above.

as I know exactly the kind of men the merchant that we should make admirable, "aky pilots," General Boulanger, saya that not only Germany also gathered in other ways a great deal named Lodge will be held in FREEMA With regard to the P. & O. or any other mail every shoal with which the social sea abounds, provided he maintains peace and order in did not see Sir Robert Hart at all during his SONS' HALL, Zetland Street, TO-MORROW

service, which "Mail Boat" evidently aspires to, the higher rate of wages is but small com pensation for the restrictions, (unnecessary disci pline) red-tapcism and cargo-tallying, which these officers have to put up with a man

Apropos of "P. & Ho," a naval chaplain who had come from London in one of their boats, Paid to me, alla on board the coaster hound to, n Northern port “What a pleasant life yours

as compared to that of a P. & O. officer 15 "Why I asked,

“Why ? why, you really do nothing, but they, poor fellows well, it seems to me that they and Prickahnooollies are the hardest worked mien in the

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and, having also successfully scrambled through the current of every device, fraud and artifice, with which the wary anare the unwary.

Therefore, I maintain that we could do "Joss pidgin, namba one han some. As for the law I am equally convinced that many of us would excell in it and be a shining light in the profession, for sea lawyers abound among us, and I think there is.ng lawyer who talks in much as st illogically (not even a Philadelphia lawyer); hence our fitness.

We would all be members of the higher (?) | professiona, sage "Mail Boat," but "there is many a slip, etc.," and besides, there must be sailors"

ST. PETERSBURG, August 25th. Colonel Prjevalsky starts next week on an exploring expedition in the west and southwest of Central Asia, the object being eventually to reach Lhassa. The expedition will number 7, including 24 Cossacks, and is expected to last for two years.

Roux, August ifth Şignor. Crispi has arrived at Milan from his interview with Court Kalauky, which was very brief, and merely a matter of courtesy,

ANMAR MANDALAY, August 26th..

the 13th instant, at 8.30 for 9 P.M. precisely Visiting Brethren are cordially invited."

Hongkong, 8th September, 1888

(BBG

LODGE OF

PERSEVERANCE

HONGKONG,

H.M. Naval Yard, Hongkong, September 10, 1888.

NOTICE.

A

[894

N "ALL ROUND" American Journalist wants permanent engagement. Has had Two Years' experience in the East as Reporter, Contributor, Leader-writer and sub-Editor: Best of Testimonials.

UBIQUE, cjo Hongkong Telegraph Office. Hongkong, 6th September, 1888," (880

HONGKONG AND WHAMPOA DOCK. COMPANY, LIMITED,

NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS.

CONTRIBUTING SHAREHOLDERS are

requested to send in a Statement of Business Contributed during the half-year ended 30th June, 1888, on or before the 30th instant, on which date the Accounts will be CLOSED.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

D. GILLIES, Secretary. Hongkong, 3rd September, 1888.

HONGKONG PUBLIC SCHOOL.

1872

THIS SCHOOL is examined annually by the SYNDICATEof the CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY, The Higher Forms are prepared for the Cambridge Local Examinations for which Hong- kong is a Centre. Five University Certificates were gained by Pupils of the Pubile School at Christmas last.

In Order to extend the advantages of the School to European Residents in the Coast Ports, the HEAD MASTER receives into his family a limited number of Boarders.

Prospectuses on

MASTER.

* on application to the HEAD The CHRISTMAS TERM will Commence on MONDAY, September 17th, at NINE A M

NEW PUPILS will be Admilted on SATUR- DAY, September 15th, at TEN AM.

C. J. BATEMAN, flrad Master, Hongkong, 5th September, 1888,

FOR HIRE

THE Fast Steam Launch ELK is always! kept under alcam of Pedders Wharf and

[877

is at the service of the public for proceeding to Parties, etcickieg

from office, and he generally stayed to dinner, REGULAR MEETING of the above and from Steamers, Picnic and Bathing?

LODGE will be held in FREEMASONS and remained till one ortwo o'clock in the morn-HALL, Zetland Street, on SATURDAY, the On Filday afternoon at 4 o'clock a sudden Ing talking freely, and chiefly on subjects con- 13th instant, at 8.30 for g 2.1. precisely rising of yo life and long term, prisonem, armed | nected with China nearly the whole time. He Hongkong, 7th September, 1885, [603

For particulars, apply to FROM CRUICKSHANK & CA, La.

Hongkong, 17th August,, 1588.4

(801