1890-04-02 — Page 2

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 1890.

THE Sikh Jemadar has been home to his native MEETING OF THE LEGISLATIVE wilds, os recruiting service. He brought back

57 stalwart Injuns for police service here, on the 26th ulto, by the Japan.

A HANOI correspondent of the Courrier d'Haiphong says that, on the 12th ulto, an English expert, from Hongkong, left with a military escort, to examine General Schaedelin's coal concession at Dno-son.

ADMIRAL Salmon informed the Chamber of Com. merce the other week that H.M.S. Rambler has been ordered to return to the China Station to resume her surveying duties, but the require- ments of the service will not admit of the con- tinuous employment of a surveying vessel in the China Seas.

INSPECTOR Swanston must have a very fatal breath. He found a Chinaman lying in the street at Wanchal, on the 26th ulto, so he lifted bim up and asked his name. The picked-up individual looked at the Inspector, rolled his eyes, said "Ah-h-hl," and expired. We must put Swanston on duty along the Rialto, WE are requested to correct a mis-statement in our paragraph in a recent issue with respect to the officers of the Canadian Pacific Company's steamship Batavia. The increase of wages, was asked far and given, the officers inform us, without trouble of any kind, and simply through the ready recognition by the Marine. Superintendent of their good services, and subject, of course, to the owners' approval. A CORRESPONDENT asks if there is any truth in the report that officers and men. from the

COUNCIL.

A meeting of the Legislative Council was held yesterday afternoon (March 26th). There were pre- sent: His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government (Mir. F. Fleming); the Acting Colonial Secretary. (Mr. W. M. Deane), Mr. S. Brown, Surveyor-General; Mr. A. Lister (Acting Colonial Treasurer); Mr. W. M. Goodman, Attorney-General; Mr. N. G. Mitchell-Innes, Acting Registrar General; Messrs. P. Ryrie C P. Chater, A. P. MacEwen, Ho Kai, (unofficial members) and Mr. F. A. Hazeland, Acting Clerk of Councils.

MINUTES.

"

THE SURVIVOR-GENERAL'S APPOINTMENT.

The Queen's warrant appointing the Hon. S. Brown a member of Council during the time he holds the appointment of Surveyor-General having been received, Mr. Brown took the usual

oath.

FINANCE.

The Acting Colonial Secretary laid on the table the minutes of the meeting of the Finance Com- mittee held on the 19th March and moved that the votes recommended therein be approved.

The Colonial Treasurer seconded. The votes were passed.

POOR LISTER.

The Acting Colonial Secretary moved: That Special Committee of this Council be appointed for the purpose of framing new Standing Rules

His Excellency That is as best suits your argument. I think there can be no objection to their being proposed en bloc.

Of course with regard to this resolution the they are asked to pay the money the gamison unofficial members feel pretty strongly that if promised should be forthcoming as soon as it can possibly be arranged by the military autho- rides. The second resolution is

The amendment was accepted. "

Royal Navy are to be drilled to work the guns and Orders for the regulation of the Council's | increase as shall from time to time be made in f-if he does not pay up and look pleasant ho gratifying to find oneself at the head of a Council

in some of the new forts of this colony." We don't know, but should think not as it is pretty well known that the vessels forming the China Squadron afe by no means over-mnuned, and that the men are sufficienty hard driven on hoard ship without being called upon to do soldiers' work ashore.

Proceedings in pursuance of Article XIX. of the Royal Instructions of the 19th of January, 1988."

The Colonial Treasurer seconded. Carried.

resolution :-

In despair, set him free on the roth ulto, only up a great deal of time-in fact, I find it difficult lowest, of the value of three millions of doitars,

13th February. He was badly lashed, but his captors cured him, and then demanded $1,000, A lot of silk, opium, vifles, revolvers, ammunition, etc. as ransom. Instead of getting it, they were hunted incessantly by the authorities, and at last,

charging him $64 far his maintenance. Titg full extent of the stagnation in local shares and stocks rines not appear to be fully recognised, in spite of the very forcible remarks on this sub jest made in the Legislative Council on Wednesday last by the. Hon. A. P. MacEwen, the dismal-appearance of Queen's Road Central, and the phenomenal scarcity of dollars. A -brokers' strike has been suggested, but that would hardly mend matters-as the brokers' business has been out on strike for the past six

to

The Acting Colonial Secretary-I beg to move the second reading of a Bill entitled The Vaccination Ordinance, 1800, The principal difference in this Bill from that which is at pre- sent the law of the Colony fo that this does away with vaccination during certain times of the year. It was represented by the Saaltary Board that to carry on vaccination during the summer months might prove very injurious to the patients. One of the objecta of this Bill therefore le to do away with that necessity, which at present exists. Another point is that it deals with the question whether the vaccination has been successful or not, and there are several other smaller points- that the hon, members will become better. acquainted with as we go through each section in Committee.

Some discussion took place on the motion for the third reading of the Bill to amend the Public Health Ordinance. The object of the Bill is to 'declare certain cemeteries legal burying, places under the Public Health Ordinance, and the discussion was as to the form in which this should be done,

The Bill was re-committed and its further consideration adjourned,

LEAVES ADJOURNMENT.

The Council adjourned until the 9th April. CAVERNEN ISLAND CEMENT

COMPANY

Green

tion is not and never has been anything like whose incomes are £600 or £700 a year pay 6d. the Bill through the Council. Meanwhile, I beg

In the pound as income tax also, it is evident to propose that the Bill be read a first time. 215,000, but for the sake of argument will take him on his own figures. It must be borne a working man paying 73d, in the pound altoge Mr. A. P. MacEwen seconded. Mr. P. Ryrie-The first resolution is

In mind that a very large proportion of the ther pays a very small sum indeed towards the Carried That this Council, while recognising the justice population is of the poolcat description of the defences of the country.To avoid confusion THE VACCINATION BILL. and fairness of the demand made upon the colony labouring class. I suppose the ordinary wages I must ask it to be distinctly borne in mind this for an addition to the Military Contribution, a coolie cams here would be equivalent to some is their contribution to the whole taxation of the desires to place upon record the fact that the thing like 4id, a day. Now, of this population country, not their quota to the defences. But volo. authorising the additional. payment has I have it on very good authority, and I can then gos, a week is a comfortable Income for a been passed by the unaniraons valce of the appeal, and it is some satisfaction. I can do so, working man's family. How many are there Members, Official and Un-Oficial, in the belief to the experience of the hon. member on my left who live on 128., 108, even 76. 3 week Then that the proposed increase in the strength of the (the Colonial Treasurer) of this population we must remember, ton, the Secretary of State's troops stationed here is essentially necessary for and I may say I have not the least wish to estimate of 8s. 9d. a head includes the inmates the safety of the colony and with the full assurexaggerate my figures--I think it may be safely of workhouses, gaole-where people have very ance that the force mentioned in the appendix taken that at least 135,000 are of the class that little option as to expenditure on beer and to the Secretary of State's despatch of the 20th contribute little or nothing towards the revenue tobacco-orphan schools, in fact the whole in- | January, 1890, 1.018 men of all ranks, of whom of this Colony. If you take away from your lant and pauper population of the country, so The minutes of the last meeting were read and 2,525 are to be Europeans, will be present in a15,000 125,000 that leaves 90,000, and then if that if we were to pick out the wealthiest portion confirmed.

the colony within the year and will be retained you take it out in the same way as the Secretary of the population of the United Kingdom and of State, you will find that we are paying.gs, as divide the expenditure by their numbers I should here.

against 85. gd, paid at home, according to the say the probability is the sum paid by each of this Colony is not and never has been over despatch. But I malutain that the population, would reach at least 15 or 168, if not-it inje mere guess of course--to aos per head for defence. purposes. Before I alt down I will take The Bill was read a second time. 105,000, which are the figures given in your own Government Gazelle of the 28th February, 1890 the liberty of suggesting to my hon, friend op THE LAW ON CEMETERIES. Well, now, if you take 125,000 of the poorer pops-posite (Mr. P. Ryrls) one little verbal amend "It is the unanimous hope of this Council lation from the total population of 195,000, and ment in the second resolution It is the that as the additional moneys voted have been then apply the same rule, it works out that we pay ananimous hope of this Council no asked for and granted as the Colony's contribu-18 4d; which is considerably more than what demand will be made instead of “should be

made. tim to an increase garrison and priscipally, if is paid by the taxpayers at home. I must say met entirely, because of the proposed increase, this is a point which I think, in all fairaces, no demand will be made by the Imperial deserves your Excellency's consideration. Ii

His Excellency-Gentlemen, I have listened Government for the payment therefor until the must not be thought for a moment that this extra-

with much pleasure to what I may call the very strength of the garrison has actually been raised £20,000 that the colony is called upon to pay moderate and very considerate remarks that to the full extent of the figures in the Secretary will not. prove a very heavy burden. It is the af State's despatch, and that, if any additional case in private life that when one is supposed to have been made by the hon. members who Payment is demanded before that point has be possessed of more incans than he actually have addressed us to-day on the important kien reached, it should be proportional to such has continual calls are made on his purse, and question we are now considering. It is very Board where proposals made by either the home This second resolution appears to me nearly to the force stationed in the Colony.”.

called mean. So, I take it, is it with public arthe local Government are treated with the same finance. There are two questions we have to

fairness and the same impartiality as the hon. follow the first-it is simply expressing further consider with reference to the means of the members have "treated this vote with. It too The adjowned annual meeting of the share- that until the troops are forthcoming we should Colony, revenue and population. In the art frequently happens that when proposals are made holders of the above Company was held this The Acting Colonial Secretary moved that the

not be called upon for the money. The third place, is our revenue likely to increase or even by Government they are looked upon with attemoon (March 28th), in the Hongkong Hotel Attorney-General, the Colonial Treasurer, Hoa,

to be maintained'? 'It is a well known fact that A. P. MacEwen, and Hon. He Kai be appointed That in the opinion of this Council the at our principal source of revenue is the Opium auspicion and are frequently opposed, not because Mr. C. Ewens; general manager, presided, and on examination they are found to be objectionable Tessrs. L Foesnecker, G. Fenwick, T. Arnold, a special committee for the purpose stated in the tention of the Secretary of State should be directed Farmer, who pays us about $470,000 a year, an in themselves, but merely because they have been Hi J. James, W. Judd, R. K. Leigh, J. Barton, KIDNAPPING is becoming a business in Tonquin.

to the fact, to which no reference is made in against what we formerly obtained, which was

put forward by the governing power," perhaps A native missionary named Khanh, in charge foregoing resolution. at Dar-phong, was captured by brigands on the lency's permission I would ask to be excused. A 1990, that the Military Departments are in the secret that it is not probable that we shall derive night to all parties concerned. We have beard: Sin Asin, Poon Fong, Lee Sing, J.de Sonneville, The Colonial Treasurer. With your Excel- Lord Knutslord's despatch of the 20th January, something like $180,009. Now it is an open with every spirit of fairness and every desire to do J. D. Hutchison, GMurray Bain, R. Dipple,

etc. and J. Foreman, (secretary), were present.. concurrence of circumstances has thrown such occupation of rather more than 337 acres of land the same amount of revenue from that source in by the Secretary of State's despatch, as indeed The Chairman said that, the annual meeting we knew before, that in 1865, that is now a qual on the 28th nit had to be adjourned on account an amount of work upon me, as your Excellency is this Colony, of which 84 acres are in the City the future that we do at present, and it is also an knows, that I do not see how I can make time of Victoria; that these 84 acres are situate in the open secret why, but I do not propose to enter into

ter of a century ago, the amount paid by the of an insufficient attendance, the only business for anything else and these committees do take very centre of the town and are at the very

that just now: The point is that this revenue that Colony for military contribution was the same we derive from the Opium Farm represents about

as it is to-day. At that time the population of one being the election of directors, Since get through the work I have.

the Colony was, I believe, one hundred and then Mesura, Danby,, Leigh, and Orange, and His Excellency-I can quite understand the representing a revenue in the shape of Crown a third of our total revenue." Another point that

Rents and Taxes of $50,000 a year lost to the has also to be taken into consideration is this, twenty-five thousand souls; its revenue was Mr. Denison, had reported on the Company's hon. gentleman's objection. I have had a great Colony, and that this being so it is earnestly that the value of land hitherto in this Colony has something under $600,000; while the number of cement very favorably. He (the Chairman) been proved to be mere or less fictitious. A ships that annually entered and left the port was the military authorities with respect to using. deal of committee work in my past career and hoped that no further demand will be made on

had also approached the Government· and·· know what a large amount of time committees the Colony in respect of Barrack Expenditure, reaction has taken place. Rents are being something under two thousand. Today, not the cement, and they were now expert- do take, and I also know what a great deal of referred to in paras, 20, 21, and 22 of the reduced, and I may say I am very slad they are, withstanding the observations raade by the hon. menting with it. Mr. Brown, the Surveyor work the Postmaster-General bas to get through despatch above-mentioned, at all events unless

because as soon as we get rents down, the member on the left (Mr. A. P. MacEwen) its Under those circumstances perhaps the Acting Registrar-General would be a good member to the land in the centre of the town be given up probability is the population will again increase. population is very nearly if not over two hundred General, had promised to visit

by the Military Authorities, as has been sug. As regards population we have no reliable thousand-it may be a hundred and alaety-five Island when he had time and inspect put on.

The resolution was amended by the substita-gested, in exchange for other sites nearer the statistics. The only apparent certainty on the thousand, but at any rate it is about two hundred the works. He would probably be asked to

batteries.?

point is that in the years 1888 and 1889 it is thousand; its revenue is $1.500,000; while the take samples to be sent to London for tion of the Acting Registrar-General's name for

This I would call your Excellency's special proved by figures that. 15,000 more Chinese left number of ships that annually enter and leave analysis and test. The tests on the part of that of the Colonial Treasurer and was then attention to as a very important resolution. It this Colony than entered it by junks. I do not its port is about 17,000. It cannot be denied, the engineers had been extremely satisfactory... adopted.

shows very clessly that although evidently there mean to say that this is any concluire proof-Think, that during the twenty-five years that he was glad to say, Mr. Fenwick, who had scen The repairs to the large kain were now completed, THE INCREASED MILITARY CONTRIBUTION is wish on the part of the Imperial Government that the population is diminishing, but I think it have elapsed since the year 1865 this Colony several times, bring quite satisfied with it, and to saddle the Colony with a portion of the cost tends in the direction of showing that there is has wonderfully increased in population, in of barracks, there is a set-off against it in the not that increase in the population of the Colony "That the Revenue of the Colony shall be statement which this resolution contains, There that is generally supposed. Another point that its resources, and in its prosperity. If such be there was no fear of its collapsing again, Several the case it seems but natural that its protective small kiltis, capable of turning out about Ico édnacle-week, had also been built, and, charged in respect of the year 1800, with the is no doubt that the removal of the troops from is always being brought up is the matter of equivalent of £40,000 or $266.666, including the the centre of the town would be a very great tonnage. Fortunately here we have statistics or should also be increased and if its when all the idles were working, that

protective power be increased, it follows as a sum of £20,000 or $133.333 voted in the Appro-gain to the Colony, and it also would be a gain and there can be no mistake. As stated in

matter of course that the expenditure con out-put, it was hoped, would be trebled. priation Ordinance, No. 34 of 1889. in order to to the troops themselves if they could be more the Secretary of State's despatch, in the year nected with that protective power must also be Af the last meeting some opinions had been. meet the claims of Her Majesty's Government readily transferred to batteries to defend the 1836 there entered 6,480,0.0 tons and cleared increased. It may be said "Hongkong exists only a call of Sy had been paid, of which, unfor

expressed in favor of forfeiting shares on which for Military Contribution,"

Ly-ee-moon. Then again we have Kowloon, 6,300,000. But it must also be borne in mind rather for Imperial purposes than for the benefi Hon, members of Council are aware that this where the military departments have a very large that a large portion of this tonnage is merely of those who reside here, but I do not think ittunately, there were still a large number. There vote is made in consequence of instructions from tract of land which may in time, if the predictions passing through. We are more or less a Clapham the Right Hon. the Secretary of State contained that we hear from time to time are realised, Junction, and I do not think it is reason can be denied there have been many--and 1 was some difficulty in dealing with them, as so in his despatch of the 20th January this year. become even more valuable than the land able to compare a colony like this to the Aus-ope there may in the future be many more After considering the matter carefully the direc Since 1865 the Colony has paid yearly the sum they hold in the centre of the town, on account trailan colonies alluded to in the Secretary of who have accumulated wealth in. this Colony. tore had decided to call a meeting to deal with of 10,000 towards the military expenditure in of its size, because they have a much larger State's despatch. I may say that I have no desire And when we bear in mind that out of the

mated to cost, the British taxpayers will pay He then moved the adoption of the report and them, considering the large number they held. State now proposes that this sum should be this third resolution the most important of there ference to the prosperity of the Colony, either in this Colony. The Right Hon, the Secretary of proportion of Kowloon, and therefore I think whatever to appear over pessimistic, with 280,000 which the increased garrison is esti? The time for doing so had better be left to

pay £240,000, it scarcely seems unreasonable increased by an additional sum of £20,000, in which we have your Excellency's sanction to the present or the fature. Neither do I base my that this colony should be asked to pay: the Arnold asked several questions on the estimating the amount of dollars to which these pat to the Council to-day. The fourth resolution arguments on the fact that during the past for balance, namely, £40,000. I will now refer working account, inquiring who was responsible

months we have becs auffering from a period of shortly to the circumstances connected with the for the collapse of the kilp. sums are rquivalent the rate of exchange bass-

That His Excellency the Officer Administer depression. "All colonies have their ups and resolutions which have been proposed to-day The Chairman replied evasively, and said that been calculated at 35, td., as was done in framing the Estimates for the present year. I may adding the Government be requested to forward downs, and it only too, qufered what may fur as I am concerned. A few days after our the loss was about $8,000. With respect that when the £10,oco was first voted the copy of these Resolutions to the Secretary of of this colony has lately suffered what I may last meeting of Council, when I'intimated this to the question of Interest on calls, it had strength of the garrison was 1,000 men. State with a view to their being laid before Her term a perpendicular drop, but I have no doubl

question would be discussed to-day, the unoff been usual to allow several weeks' grace. that in time

shall took up again, but I think cial members of Council approached me and M, Arnold thought that was unfair to those According to a return that came in last week Majesty's Govemment," the strength is now 1,586. There has been, I believe my hon. friend opposite (Mr. we ought to be moderate in our expectations and

intimated to me the course they considered it who paid promptly and who sometimes had not induce others to suppose that all our geese therefore, a substantial increase of 586 men in MacEwen) will second these resolutions. the garrison, and it is proposed eventually to

Mr. A. P. MacEwen-Sir, when this important are swane. I may say we as colonists are pre-right on their part to take, and they informed me to bor money to do it! He was in favor of

that after giving the matter every consideration raise this number to 3.0-8. The present vote matter of the increase to the military contribu- pared to pay our fair share towards the protection they would not oppose the vote miked for by the charging interest--even, for one dayon Hostin

contiqued: With reference to the item in the goes

despatch I came to the conclusion that the whatever to enjoy the benefits without incurring which were then shown to me. I asid I must comp may pay towards fortifications.

The Surveyor-General seconded,

proper course for the, unofficial members would any of the responsibilities entailed by our con

have some little time to consider the matter represents machinery and actual assets, and how.

much good-will 1989 BRAMSALA Mr. P. Ryrie-Your Excellency, with reference be to vote the amount as soon as the promises nection with the empire. But I do say this, that before giving a decided answer, and that The Chairman offered to give the information to this proposition I, as an unofficial member, cóntained in that despatch were fulfilled, namely, there is a limit,, and that limit as far as this would lay the matter before the Executive at the offices, arów i dervete TORR A STRANCE and mysterious tragedy was dis- have at present very little to say. I and my when the garrison was increased to 3,018 med; colony is concerned has been fillecres, and Council in order to get the opinion of its mem-re fed pressed for it then. It should be covered by the pollce, on the morning colleagues admit that the amount is moderate but after consideration and many consultations in the interests of this colony I sincerely trustbers. This I did yesterday, and "I may sow in stated in the accounts. ;; It was difficult to see. About six o'clock some and just, though at the same time, looking at the with my colleagues, it was thought, by the that Lord Knutsford will not call upon us to pay form the Council we agreed the resolutions were where the good,will came in, since the busi- of the 28tit ulto. water-police noticed a body floating. in tremendous liabilities we have before us in new majority at any rate, that the better course at any time for what we have not received. from the Ly-emun Pass, and on lifting it out of the water found it to be that of a Chinaman about forty years of age. His head had been bombly chopped, but he had evidently not been many hours in the water. The peculiarity of the case, however, lay in the fact that a small piece of board was tied to the end of his queue, an which was written ANTAN (Hot chali, kwai tau, sik yan yuk sik yan yuk). The English of this is "Sea Pearl" (which may be the man's nickname), "devil head" (s slang ters for informers) "eat man's flesh" (meaning lives on blood-money). It is surmised that the deceased was a Customs informer who had fallen a victim to his enemies' vengeance. The police are investigating the matter.

months.

THE Maiden Libeller and dear old Morning Granny are once more on the war-path, the bone of contention on this occasion being an alleged lever regarding the Chinese demonstra- tions in honour (?) of the visit of the "Dook" of Connaught published by the latter. The Malden" one says that the motive of the attempts made by Granny to annoy "the indefatigable Secretary and the Committee, who have done their work well it is only the. Secretary who is indefatigable, d'ye-see, not the Committee, d'ye-understant-" is not far to seek and is not very creditable," This is a bit rough, on our morning contemporary, and evidently is intended to suggest something very nasty. When birds of a feather, etc., etc.

lative on the 26th ulto, reported in another part THE remarks made at the meeting of the Legis- of this issue, by Mr. Lister, Colonial Treasurer, in comparing the rate per head of taxation in

'England with the rate here, won't bear a moment's inspection. His figures, like his

deductions, are wholly unreliable; his references to what he termed "lower class working people " are offensive and ignorant; and the final con- clusion he strives at-namely, that the rate of taxation in England is virtually from 15 to 20/-, instead of 8/9 as claimed by Lord Knutsford, is simply idiotic. Mr. Lister says that the Secretary of State included in his estimate the inmates of work-houses, gaols, reformatories and. gentleman omitted to give his authority for such

The Acting Colonial Secretary-I have to

move

a

it

"many persons held i both; classes of shares,

accounts

all the pauper population, but the honorable independent of what the Colony has paid or after careful perusal of the Secretary of State's previous history shows that we have no desire agree to the substancé of certain résolutions Company's property, how much of this $436,000

a statement. It is not too late to do so for the

satisfaction of the public, who have arrived at quite a different opinion,

porary has made a most astonishing discovery.

in the St. Andrew's Hall the other evening-- said criticism being a column of the most sicken. ing and meaningless twaddle we have come across for many a long day-this guilciess youth

I

tention of the Imperial authorities to send us

such as the official members could agree to and ness had yet to be created. Could it be stated The Colonial Treasurer-I just desire to add

In the next balance sheet ? ton public works for the Colony, we should avoid would be to vote the amount first and then by

a few words to what the hon, member bas sald, pass. Of course in a matter of this kind I can

not control, as it were, the votes of the official The Chairman We can make a rough cal- paying anything that can be avoided. We set the series of resolutions now before the Council

unanimous vote from entirely on the question of the comparison. he members, but I can inform them that after giving clearly that this cannot be avoided. We hope, it was hoped to obtain

share of taxation

* Mr Athold-Sarely you know what was however, that the amount will not be increased the official and unofficial members, and that by Instituted between the

anything contained in these resolutions to which much in the future, at any rate until the con- agreement we should be more likely to gain our paid by the Englishman for purposes of defence the matter say best consideration I do not see now if desired templated large public works which will be going ends. To order to avoid any split in the camp and the share paid by the resident in Hongkong the official members, can take objections It actually paid for machinery Je on during the next few years are finished and agreed, and I hope that by taking this course we quite agree with almost everything the hon. appear to me that if this Council readily agrees. The Chairman Yes, but some of it is more member has said, and especially as to the pre to the increased vote it undoubtedly does so on: Increased Value of the land. The good will was valoable now than before. Then, there is the paid for. The revenue of the Colony of course may be successful. The resolutions explain so

yearly increasing and we must live in hopes clearly what the views of the unofficial members caution that should be used in spanding our it will go on increasing. We have every reason are that they will require but few words from revenue. I have just had the pleasure of sending the assumption, the garrison will be increased, put a Senad y de 148. EX Crown rests and other sources will increase from that in all fairness this colony should not be the revenue of last year, showing a large increase has very property, been put forward, that if we The Chairman That has been bought since. to belleve so that the amount received from me this evening, I shall endeavour to show your Excellency a very satisfactory statement of and iberefore I do not think the Secretary of Amold There fr $86,000 in another

State can turn a deaf ear to the argument that place for machinery & fosgroepe peng year to year. The vote that is now proposed by called upon to pay for the increased garrison in the revenue and a decrease in the expectance readily perform our part of the bargain we should My Arnold--You spoke about holding a meet the Acting Colonial Secretary and seconded by until the additional troops are here. Now, sis, But still, there are so many elements of expect the home Government to perforin ing to deal with shares. I would suggest that it the Surveyor-General I think will receive the I have heard it rumoured that it is not the in- uncertalety in the revenue here that we part, We have heard, and we may have read should also consider the desirability of altering support of the unofficial menibera.

cannot think of saying that because this His Excellency After the observations that European troops as is stated in the dispatch: has been the tree in any particular year it alto, during the last few years a great deal the Articles of Autociation anyone who has about federation between the mother country rated them will see how defective they are add anything myself. It is possible that before Colonial Office has any desire to deceive us confine myself, entirely to the comparison the far and wide over that, vast empire, the Brith be dealt with rumpaldi calls ofThey should be THE musical critic (?) of our morning contem. † have just been made it is unnecessary for me to: I may say, at once. I. scout the idea that the wiit continue to be so 1 wish, however, lo, and its different possessions which are sprea·there is no power in them for the directors/ In his criticism (7) of the amateur concert held this meeting breaks up the hon. member who I feel certain that Lord Kantsford would never hon. gentleman made between the taxation”TM here { empire, on which the sun is truly said to never: fteréd éð as to give that powers. They should: bas just spoken may have something more to have placed his signature to a dispatch containing and in England. Of course if you take out set. But what do we mean by federation but say on the subject, and if so I shall of course statements that he was not willing to carry optand the very poor class of the labouring, popu that the different component parts should readily also be altered in other respects, ceremon

Mr. Leigh-What was the capital of the old be able to make such remarks as I think neces- I'am willing to admit that if, in the year 1865 lition and divide the amount of taxation by

Interests at heart having the samad prosperity to Then when the new Company was formed they arv. The question now before us is that the £20,000 was considered a fair contribution for this what I may call the pick of the population the tento ng ore great whole, having the same Company Wassa is $350,000, in tay nhatos 7. resolution that has been mored by the Acting Colony to pay for military defences, is the year result is you get a very much larger proportion, protect, having the same danger to guard were made 350 shares, so that that accounts for tells us that "a vocni solo hy Mrs. Guedes was rendered in a manner which places her in a

Colonial Secretary, and secondled by the Sar 18go, twenty-five years later, double that amount than if you spread your taxation over the whole prominent position among (sic) mezzo-sopranos veyor-General, and to which the hon, member is not too much to ask, considering the enormous population Now, the hon. gentleman says we against, having the same rights to preserve, and chafer the $500,000, fibil

who has just spoken states the unofficial strides and the immense progress the Colony has pay hers gs. per head, that as a matter of fact having the same freedom, the same prosperity The Chairman. That is so

and the same liberty to ensure Mr. Ryrie The vocal solo was Rossini's famous cavatina "Una voce poco fa," sung by Rosing in "members have no objection so far as the amount made during that time. But, as stated in all the persons who pay anything at all pay 9 Hear, hear. All should ata alike to join in the third resolmion, it, most be borne in mind a head towards defences, whereas in the United this protection. In conclusion 7 will say that I Barbiere," and Sechora Maria Guedes for the

of contribution is concerned, be now passed. ɖɔ

The resolution was passed nem, com that a very large tract of valuable ground is in Kingdom they only pay 8s, ad, Well, sir, the feel sure the Secretary of State Ill not fail to past fifteen years has stood alone amongst

Mr. P. Ryrie-Your Excellency, there is a the occupation of the military authorities, and bon. gentleman must remember there also is in 1sten to the different reasons and the different amateurs in this colony, both as artiste and

series of resolutions which the oficial mem in addition to that, officer of the garrison occupy England a very large population which pay arguments that have been adduced here to-day, vocalist, as an exponent of Italian operatic music.

bers would like to have your sanction to place many of our houses, for which they pay no taxes very little. It is qulie true that a cool and Tsual pot fill, when refering to bim the It must be flattering to this accomplished lady

lives perhaps in a coolle house and to And herself placed after all these years, by a

before the Council Notice has been given, but whatever, and with an Increased, garrison we who lives

of the circumstances under which LL NOT critic-save the mark l-who knowi as much the notice was not a formal one. I understand shall have many more officers here, whe, it is sleeps on the floor, pays a very small amount proceedings of the Council to-day to inform

Your Excellency In favour of the resolutions certain, will require house accommodation, so indeed. Towards taxation properly so-called, he being brought forward to-day,

that, this really means a very considerable really does not contribute anything, because His Excellency--I may state the hon. member lessening of the revenue, and thick it is a what he does contribute is to rates raised for gave me private notice that he intended to move print that ought to be taken into consideration. specific purposes, and no part of this defence to-day the resolutions of which he holds a copy Another matter, which is not alluded to in the vets will be paid out of rates. The coolle in his hand. I informed him that in strictness resolutions and which I think ought fairly to be may therefore be said altogether to escape notice of such resolutions should have been considered, is this The Colony has expanded taxation, He does contribute to rates, but not given so as to appear in the orders of the day, a sum of £racoco to pay for, forts, and we have ismailos properly so called, I have some Sgures but I think it very desirable the vote which bat had to borrow money to assist in the payment. Which appeared originally in the Economist, bat been already passed and the different questions do not mean to say that the hole of the loan I am quoting now from the Spictator of the connected with that vote should be thoroughly contracted was for the purpose of paying for 26th January. The Board of Trade' caused discussed and decided to day, and therefore 1 these forts, but at any rate some proportion was inquiries to be made into the expenditure of 34 informed the hon. member that so far as I was and it is only fair to take into consideration the working class familles, averaging five members concerned. I should have no objection to the interest and sinking fand that this Colony, pays to each family.The total numbered 180 and standing orders being sung inded in order that annually on that amount which I presume will the average Income of these people was 731 the resolutions might be proposed and discussed, come to £10,000 of 12,000 should be added to year for each family, that is nearly 30%) werk without the necessity of postponement, There the 40,000 that the Secretary of State now saks what may be called a comfortable position for fore, all that is required now is that some mem to pay. In clauses 16, 17, and 18 of the the lower class of working people. It was found and

te despatch ha bases his their expenditure in the shape of taxation often, ber should propose that the standing orders bo Secretar

He takes our revenue at cocos, and colice amounted to 4id a week for hav suspended and then, we can proceed to the dia. Argument

100% and

each family.But it was urged the worlding classe cussion, et

did not confon themselves to these but used dres: beer and tobac Adding thes

about high-class music as our office gost, In a prominent position amongst local merto- sopranos!

IN answer to several correspondents we have to state that the amateur concert given on fast Wednesday in aid of the Alice Memorial Hospital was not dealt with in our columns for the simple reason that the customary invitation was not sent to this office. When the press is not off cially invited to an amateur performance it is understood that the performers are desirous of not being publicly criticised; and as a matter of courtesy we have invariably adhered to that rule. In this particular instance, however, notices of the concert have appeared in both our con- temporaries, so that we can only conclade either that some of the talented vocalists preferred soft soap to intelligent criticism, or that the person who managed this part of the business has yet a great deal to learn both as regarde courtesy and commonsense. A competent musician, who was present informs us that with the exception of two or three items, the concert was fechte beyond description; so that it is perhaps just as well that we were not there, un

On the motion of 156, Acting Secretary the standing orders were sus

Mr. P. Ryrie asked whether His Ex would like the resolutions to be prog For one by one”

was

foun

to about

sight That accounts for half of the My, Arnold. That is the value of the goods MEN ames, of u hlut from the Chairman, rose Teconded the adoption of the report, etay

scussion, then took place as to thei

the Articles of Associations, but

the proceedings:

so readily agreed to by the unanimous valce this Councily and the reason why al furself an the oficial members consider that we can join the unofficial members in agreeing to the resol ions that have been proposed and which now be submited for this Council Approval The question now is that the resolutions, hich ber on my right; and which have been seconded have been proposed by the bon unbracht mer by the boz, unofficial member on my left, be agred to Uni

Carried Com

Mr CP Chater THE HONGKONG LAND

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