1890-11-06 — Page 6

DurLs are till the correct thing down in Saigon. A combat à Példa tank place on the 21st ulto. In which one M. Mezynki was scratched twice. No "one carpse and nemurderer" about this. sort of thing.

"COUNT" Popoff helies his name. A Shanghai contemporary complains that although he was sentenced to be deported on the path Septembry. his departure seems as far off as ever. In the meantime, the ratepayers are compelled to support such renple in idleness.

MR. BECHER evidently finds that the manage ment of two alleged mining concerns does not occupy all his time. The Straits Times announces 'at he will act as agent of the Bentong Straits Tin Co., in place of Messrs. Huttenbach Bros. & Co., who have ceased to act. More half-pay!

Two residents of this Colony, a Portuguese and Parsee, who were shooting near Chinese Kowloon on the 31st alte.. managed to "pot" Chinese bow, to years of age. They were seized by native soldiers and detained at the Magistrate's Yamen. The Hongkong authorities have applied far their release,

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, THURSDAY,

News has been received from Shanghat that Mr. J. Moffat, who was transferred hence to the Shanghai branch of the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank only a few days ago, was thrown from his horse the other day, and broke his collar-bane, besides sustaining other injuries.

THE French gun-boat Pluvier arrived on the 1st Inst. from Haiphong. She will return with M. Frandin, head of the Tonquin Frontier Delimi tation Commission, who has come down from Peking, where he was acting as Secretary of Legation. Besides defining the frontier line he

will endeavour to arrange difficulties that have arisen with the Chinese Customs.

THR tides at Woosung have been very low recently, and some of the steamers have exper enced considerable delay in getting out. The Mecfoo came over the Bar on the morning of the 75th ulto, with an inch to spare, and the Seochow, Woosung and Faisang only got out next day, the former having been detained since Tuesday evening. On Saturday morning the Woosung Harbour-master's signals showed only soft. 6 on the bar, which been for a long time.

as low as it has

FOR some time the relations between the local THE Progrès de Saigon publishes an application brokers of the cotton yarn imported from India, sent in by one M. des Gravier for the position of and the Chinese purchasers thereof, have been Lord High Executioner at Tonquin. He sets strained. The rule hitherto has been that the "out, among his other recommendations for the purchaser could take delivery at his own con- "delicate office," that he is big, well made,venience, the result of which arrangement has naturally cool, and his light-red complexion not unfrequently been that goods have only been would go well with the costume rouge which is taken over, and paid for, two and even three years after the transaction had been booked. de rigger among professors of the guillotine.

The Indian brokers lately entered into a com- THE exploitation of the Red River has given bination to limit the period of grace between trade in Tonquin a great impetus. On the atat booking and delivery to three months, after ult. 25 Junks, laden with goods valued at which godown charges would fall on the $140,000, left Hanel for Yunnan, although about parchaser. The Chinese demur, and have a wee before an even larger consignment had solemnly sworn to buy no yarn on that under heen sent up, and a similar amount was to follow standing. As the Imports are some 50,000 bales a month the result of the quarrel must be about the end of the month. That means millions of dollars a year profit-ll the stuff sells. advantageous to the European salesmen.

The Hongkong Hotel presented an unusual spectacle on the 31st ulto. The half-dozen wives of the sons of the Viceroy of Canton, all gorgeous with flowered silks and jewelry, came ashore from a gun-boat, accompanied by a swarm of amahs and Vicerovs-in-arms, for the special purpose of Inspecting the bydraulic lift! After taking about forty-seven rides up and down they departed, much comforted.

THE Singapore Legislative Council Select Com, mittee on the estimates for 1891 suggest a reduction of 67.670 dollars in the estimated expen- diture which, however, comes to $311,410 in excess of revenue. This comes of careful admin. istration, Inthe Council the other week a facetious member told Sir F. Dickson, the Acting Governor, that in days to come His Excellency would be known in the Settlements as "Frederick the Great in tender."

The Scottish-Oriental boats are having a streak of bad luck as regards weather. The Deva- wongse arrived on the 31st alte. from Bangkok, which port she left on the 15th. She reports that on the 19th, when off Cape Padaran, she encountered a hearr gale, which developed into a typhoon by the 22nd, causing her to run to the N.N.W. until the 24th, by which time her stock of coals had become so slender that she had to proceed to Saigon for supplies, and there her troubles ended..

CAPTAIN DUNN, of the Army Service Corps, sent twelve shipwrecked fishermen round to Mr. Herspoel, the Acting Deputy Superintendent of Police this afternoon (31st ulto.), with a report stating that they had been picked up this morning ❘ in the Ly-ee-mun Pass by an Army Service Corps punt, launch, just after their frail craft, a sort of had capsized. The men stated that their junk, which left Macao about a fortnight ago, was cap- sized in a heavy gale, and that they escaped in a boat, from which, afterapassageof much difficulty and danger, they were this morning rescued. They were very kindly treated, and well fed, at the Commissariat Barracks before being handed over to the palice, who in their turn gave them in charge of Mr. Mitchell-Innes, the Protector of Chinese. The junk was towed into Shau-ki-wan same ten days ago, with not a soul on board, all- hands being, presumably, drowned.

A VERY extensive fire occurred on the 25th ultimo, on the Cemetery Road, Shanghai, just outside the limits of both the English and French Settlements, and close to the junction of, the Yang-king-pang and Defence Creeks, The alarm was given at 1 o'clock, and on arriving on the scene, the French Company, who were naturally the first to reach the place, found that the conflagration was situated in a large vard, the properly of a native dealer in bamboor, Foochow poles and timber, with which articles the yard was stored. The wind was unfortunately very high, and once the fire took a firm grip of the inflammable materials among which it originated, nothing could be done to prevent it spreading to the neigh bouring houses. Great difficulty was experienced in getting water, which had to be taken from the hydrants at the end of the Pakhoi Rond. and it was some time before any could be laid on, except what the Chinese poured on with buckets from the Creek. From 30 to 100 houses were burned altogether, and the destruction would have been even more extensive had not the block been flanked on the windward side by a large plece of waste ground, which perhaps in to be regretted, considering that all the dirty old slaughter houses at Pah-sein-jeo would have been burned down, had it not been for the intervention of this waste-

THIS day month theelcarle lighting service will be inaugurated here. The wiresome eleven that is now required is to put up the lamps. miles altogether-are already in position, and all

ONE of the prisoners who was arrested at No. 17 New Street on the 6th of September, and for whose rendition the Chinese authorities applied; committed suicide in the Gaol this morning (30th uko) by cutting the band off his trousers and hanging 'bimself from a bar, although two European prisoners were supposed to been duty to watch him and his accomplices. He probably committed the deed in order to escape the tortur which he knew awaited him at Canton, to make

Career as

him confess a lot of crimes committed during his free-booter. An inquest was held by Mr. Wodehouse and after a prolonged hearing a verdict of falo da se recorded,

AT the Singapore Police Court the other day the Police brought up a test case to obtain the magisterial ruling on a new form of gambling Two Chlaamen and two. Klings were charged with keeping their premises as common gaming houses. They had displayed on their walls each bore a photographs and pictures for sale Dumber, corresponding with a number in a sort of lottery going on inside the house. Another variety was the old ring-and-stick game; rings were thrown at a number of sticks or knives stuck upright and all numbered to correspond with the prizea kept at the back. The evidence was not questioned, but for the defence it was claimed that this was not gambling within the meaning of the Ordinance, The Magistrate decided that it was, but being only a test case, he imposed a nominal fine of $5 and costs on one prisoner, and diuraibed the others, cautioning them all to close their premises within a week. In connection with the former the plan adopted is to hang on the wall photographs, each with a number on the back corresponding to a number on certain articles; for ten cents one photograph can be pointed out, and the corresponding prize is awaited. It may be worth two cents or two dollars. A tale is told by the Singapore Free Press of a certain Inspector of Police going down to make a test case. He paid his coin and as a prize got a mirror worth a couple of dollars. Being a good-looking man be kept the leaking.glass and dropped the case. Query, was the prize the result of his good locks, or because he was an inspector, or because the owner of the lottery was a wily man ?

· THE SURVEY OF GAP ROCK,

The Scretary of the Chamber of Commerce forwards the following correspondence for pub. lication:-

|HONGKONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE,

Hongkong, gid October, 1890.

NOVEMBER 6, 1890.

the Rambler is at present employed on a survey of the Chusan Archipelago,

4-1 am further to add that before the light- house on the Gap Rock is completed, the position of the rocks in the neighbourhood will undoubtedly be fixed.

I am, &c.

(Sd) GEORGE W. WHILLIER,

Secretary to Commodore, F. Henderson, Esq., Secretary, H.K. General

Chamber of Commerce. HONGKONG GENTRAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE,

Hongkong, 23rd October, 1890. Commodore E. J. Church, R.N.

SIR, I am directed to acknowledge receipt of your esteemed communication of 6th instant in reply to the Chamber's letter of and having reference to a Government notification of dangers to navigation existing in the neighbour hood of the Gap Rock Lighthouse and further to thank you for the information conveyed in the above favour and also for your kindness in promising to forward the Chamber's letter to the Commander-in-Chief.

In Hongkong might lead to most serious as an alloy, on account of the whiteness of that pecuniary sacrifice to shipowners,

metal This alloy of tin was doubtless intended The question therefore appears to the Comto prevent all attempts at melting the imperial mittee to be reduced to the smallest proportions. coins. The melter could only lose by the act, The Coast trade officers can obtain, without and if it was not worth his while he would not doubt, on individual application to their respecplace the coin in his melting pot. This seems tive employers, freedom from supervising cargo to be a clear historical Instance of silver coinage work on Sundays, while officers of Ocean lasting for a very short time. Neither the silver steamers remedy rests also with their employers. coins of Han Wu-ti nor the painted squares of The latter, while considering the officers white deer skin remained long in use; and the application for relief, will doubtless bear in mind high value, assigned to the deer skin would the infrequency of the incidence of Sunday work suggest that it was something like the million occurring in this port; and the probable great pounds bank-note of Samuel Rogers, which he loss they incur from delays in prosecuting their displayed in the chimney piece of his breakfast voyages if they concede the Sunday in this" parlour. It was more an object of admiration Harbour to their employees, w Wrong song || than of utility, in an age of luxury and gaady

The Committee desire me to thank you for show having brought the matter to their notice, and hope their efforts will result in the settlement of a question that has for some time troubled a section of the community!

I remain, Dear Sir,

Yours faithfully,

SEAR margatiu

(Sd) E. MACKINTOSH, mano thugs #Chairman CHINESE CURRENCY

Messrs. Kelly and Walsh have just increased their library of Chinese lore by the addition of brochure on "Chinese Currency," by Dr. Edkins, The learned" writer has invested, Mordid subject with great interest, and there are many instructive passages, as will be seen from the following excerplsized all qu

THE ORIGIN OF PAFER CURRENCY IN SEALS.

The introduction of paper currency in Cklňa is very closely connected with the ancient history of printing Those native authors who have referred to early paisages which speak of the employment of seals by officers to give a money value to certain articles as the real.commence incde of paper currency have done quite right. Grass-cloth, silk and paper all admit of an Impression being made on them with ink or with vermilión. In fact, vermilion mixed with oil was perhaps, the oldest printer's ink, and the silver, gold or wood was if we allow the world Impression of the seal made of jade, copper, block to include itene" and metal, the oldest block printing, The Chinese saw seals from with their own writing cut upon them to bo used Western Asia and they made them themselves

to employ thema amulets to protect them from imaginary evils. The seal was not only Tortoise, ilger or some other emblem of used to stamp charms, but the handle was longevity of power, in order that it might have

The statement on the third paragraph of your letter that the programme of work to be carried out by the surveying vessels is under the direc tion of the Hydrographer of the Navy and that the Rambler is at present employed in a survey of the Chusan Archipelago suggests possible difficulties in the way of immediately fixing the position of the dangers above referred to.

In connection with this remark my Committee beg to point out that in the course of correspon dence with the Commander in Chief with refer- ence to the discovery of Pinnacle Rocks bePAPER AND SILVER CURRENCY, HEIn giving validity to official documents, as also stated when writing from Yokohama on 26th. September 1889, that should Pinnacle Rocks be reported any of Her Majesty's vessels under my Command are fully capable of fixing their por

tion accurately.

That the exact position of these dangers, situated as they are in the direct track of vessels approaching or leaving Hongkong, should be at once ascertained seems to my committee to be of the utmost importance and they beg to request that you will kindly bring the matter to the early notice of Vice Admiral Sir Nowell Salmon with the abject that, should he see fit to do so, one of Her Majesty's veascis under his command might be detailed for this special service without delay.

I have, &c..

(Sd) F. HENDERSON,

Secretary,1 H.M.S. "VICTOR EMANUEL.". Hongkong, 27th October, 1890. SIR, am desired by the Commodore to Instant which suggests that one of Her Majesty's acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23rd ships, not being a surveying ship, should fix the position of the racks in the vicinity of the Gap Rock and to inform you that he does not consider SIR, The Committee of this Chamber bave the rocks alluded to as being dangerous, in the on several occasions had the honour of address-sense urged in your letter, for they are situated ing you in reference to lighting the Southern so close to the Gap Rock, as not to be in the track of vessels approaching or leaving Hong. approach to the Harbour of Hongkong when it

kong." was finally decided to fix on the Gap Rock as The Committee consider it would add much the most suitable site for a Lighthouse, to the usefulness of the Lighthouse if it were put in direct communication with Hongkong, and at a recent meeting it was resolved to bring to the notice of His Excellency the OfficerAdministering the Government the desirability of establishing communication either by electric cable, or, should such a course be feasible, by telephone. It appears to the Committee highly desirable that the Gap Rock should be connected with Hongkong not only for the purpose of keeping up communication between the authorities and their employees at the Lighthouse at such times as the state of the weather readers ordinary THE intercourse dangerous or impossible, but also as a means of affording early loformation of the approach of vessels.

The expense of laying a cable would of course be considerable but the Committee are very

strongly of opinion that any undertaking which promises to encourage and facilitate shipping business-the mataspring of Hongkong's pro- gress-merits liberal expenditure at the bands of the Government.

Should additional fuads, to those already voted, be received to carry out the suggestion of the Committee the temporary tax on tonnage now levied could be continued till the additional Requesting that you will be good enough to lay expenditure was liquidated. the content of this letter before His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government for his favourable consideration,

I am further directed to acquaint you, that the Commodore had already requested the Com- mander of the Rambler to fix the position of these rocks on his arrival here.

I am to add with reference to the last paragraph

of you letter that the ships on the South China Division, are at the immediate disposal of the Commodore for any service that he considers necessary, without reference to the Commander in chief.

I am, &c.,

(5d.) GEORGE W. WHILLIER,

Secretary to the Commodore. SUNDAY LABOUR QUESTION.

A HOLIDAY FOR THE OFFICERS. Pursuant to Instructions received from the President of the British Mercantile Marine Officers' Association (Capt. Samuel Ashton, forward you enclosed AL.N.A.) I beg to copy of the decision which the Chairman kindly forwarded to me to-day, with regard to of the General Chamber of Commerce bas the cessation of labour on board ships in this harbour on Sunday; a subject which was dis cussed at some length at the Conference held at the City Hall on Friday the 17th ultima

By this decision it is clear, I may point out, that the officers of coasting and ocean-going vessels will shortly be exempt from labour on the waters of this colony on Sunday, board ships inading and discharging cargo in

Yours faithfully,

defensive effect against evil. These Ideas imported from Western Asia with the seals were as the more reasonable Idea of employing the at willingly adopted by the Chinese for imitation

'documentsotaND SISTE

cal as a caalfest proof of the genuineness of

THE HISTORY OF PAPER CURRENCY.

The first attempt at paper-currency in Chins of which any record remains was in A.D. 805, when hills of exchange were called "fying money Merchants in the capital could by an ordinance then first made receive govern ment bills in return for the merchants' copper. money, On arrival at any provincial capital the provincial they could receive from treasurer the amount stated on the bill. There was'à' return to this system; which was's wort

the government, about the year A.D. goo. bureau ar instituted fa Kai-feng-fu, then the of banking facility offered to the merchants by

capital, for the transaction of this business. In 102 Stechien was suffering from the fron cash coinige hich the government from scarcity of copper was forcing on the people there. The paper notice then put in circulation at Coéng-ta by the government were meant as a relief. They were to be seturned once in three years. The idea sprang up among the rich merchants and was accepted by the government, and the merchants conducted the business. The limit of capital represented by the notes was 11255,300 stringe a string being a thousand copper cash, In-A.D150 the Golden Tartare bad just adopted a currency in paper because conquered North China, and about this time their capes incarce, Copper, sliver and gold have always been chiefly found in South CHINE, A North-China kingdom finds it convenient to use paper so far as possible to prevent its being dependent on a southern neighbour. Fram this time forward, during agentury of the Golden Tartars and another century of the Mongol domination, strenuous efforts were made to maintain a paper currency. All the efforts of the Goverment did not secure the credit of the notes at par. On the contrary, the became depreciated to an extreme degres." This, however, did not prevent the Government of the Ming dynasty, which acquired the sover eignty in A:Dot365, from continuing for a time paper s

The use of seals bad extended much in China about two centuries after, Carist, and this ried gradually to stamping silk, and sking for various purposes. Just at that time the manufacture of paper was introduced from the West and it was found to be an article capable of many common uses. This led the Taolate, for example to multiply charms rapidly by stamping them on paper to sell to the superstitious either to hang on thele doors or to carry with them when travelling. Commercial accounts were, written on paper for convenience, and merchants, and shopkeepers provided themselves with scales for stamping. They came into the habit also, Af stamping the paper before or after they wrote their figures apon ft. This was the state of things when the establishment of the Caliphate on the Euphrates gave an impetus to exatem trade, The Chinese in the eighth and ninth centuries made much more silk than before, for foreign countries The spread of the Veille manufacture in Western regions did not put an or for the unwoven silk. Neither Europe nor Western Asis could manufacture enough of their end to the demand for the silk goods of China

own silk to meet the demands of the markets. The historian Robertson says of this period that the silk of China was purchased in, Shenti, the westernmost province of that empire, and conveyed thence by caravan in a march of eighty or a hundred days to the banks of the Oxus, where it was embarked and carried down the stream of that river to the Caspian. After a dangerous voyage across that es and ascending the river Cyrus as far as it is navigable, it was conducted by a short land carriage of five days to the river Phasis which falls into the Black Sea. Thence it was taken by ship to Constan- tinople. While such was the activity of trade by fand there would naturally be a corresponding expansion of seaborne traffic from the seaports they of China to India, and farther west. The three peaceful centuries of the Tang dynasty at the same time gave opportunity to home commerce to grow in proportion. Trade flourishes when an empire is at peace.. It was there circumstances H.M.S. Rambler. Commander L. S. Lawson, arrived at Shanghal on the 25th October, and

combined which led to the invention of paper reported as follows-Engage in continuation

money in the Tang dynasty, and it was to the Chinese merchants and stateamen, particularly of of survey in Chusan Archipelago sluce leaving

the ninth century, that the credit is due in the first Shanghai on September 15th. Ship and boats

instance of employing paper money in the form Actively employed principally around Chinkea-

of drafts payable at certain cities, die micke mun, Postno, Twa' Hwn, Takon Islands, and

The author of the 7 Chilu who died two outside. Experienced strong N.E. winds. Com- municated with H.M:S, Linnet off Hobson

centuries ago, says that before the Tang dynasty copper cash was the medium of exchange between Islands last night, who had gone to assistance

camery hich was finally abandoned as government and people, and silver had never el Firebrand, now at Wenchow, short of coals,

come into use. At that time, silver was already silver flowed into the country through the foreign introduced in South China, meaning by that trade which brought to the souther ports COMPLAINTS have occasionally reached us for

term Canton and Kuangs. It is a curious fact portion of the products of Mexican and Peturian. some time past as to the objectionable-not to

that at about AD. 500 according to Chinese mines It wasnAmerican silver that gave the say indecent-way in which the arrangements for funerals are carried out by the local firm of

in regard to money circulation three belts of arrival of sufficient sliver was the real relief undertakers. This morning (1st inst,) a strongly.

history, as examined by Ku You Wu, there were death blow to baper currency in China. The country. In the extreme soulb, gold and silver which Chinese trade required. Notes were worded complaint was sent in which we cannot

were in use, Canton being the centre of trade snally abolished about A.D. 1620. Thus the altogether ignore. A highly-respected member

In middle China, all along the Yangtse into conquest made by silver over paper occupied of the community was interred yesterday after noon, and, to the disgust of the large number of

as the medium of exchange. All belts of territory commencement of the trade of the Spaniards gentlemen who attended at the Cemetery, the

Szechuan, it appeara cash were used everywhere about a century or a little more, from the with Canton, Kuangsi and Tongking were then and Portughers with Canton, noisya naw bier was borne by half-a-dozen Malay sailors,

ruled from Nanking as the centres In the North, zidlo sans doul CASH, prepare a apparently hired in Lascar Row! A very

which was under: Tartar administration, copper The chief interest attaches to coins of a time frequent eye-sore is the sight of the hearse passing

cash and grain were employed as a double anterior: to the book-burning, B.C. 211. That through the streets with one Chinaman, smoking

medium of exchange. The effect of Tartar was the period when literature and the arts and a short pipe, driving, and another clinging, like

control was to favour barter and keep back the sciences took a mighty spring upward. It was magnified deaths hend moth, to the back.

onward, advance of monetary conveniences, the time when great books were written, des Properly-organised competition would quickly

Even now soldiers are paid in grain when they tined to be eter after preserved by a grateful do away with such an ill-directed monopoly.

are upon the old régims, but the new drilled nation those precious heirlooms which a troops are paid in silver pengeOSTITEL mail conqueror in his enmity against the sages THE report which we mentioned on the 29th ulfo,

THE abolition of Chinese secret societies by the

The silver which circulated, by weight in failed to destroy.The coins of that time ats of the loss of iwo vessels belonging to the Pelyang squadron was not altogether unfounded, Straits Government has revealed to some

Canton In A.D. 500 would be partly, Burmest indicators of progress in commerce and the arts and partly what Arabian merchants and others in yadous localities of northern China. We may says the N. C. Daily News, for two of the ships extent the amount of ferrorism exercised by the had an uncommonly narrow excape. The Celestial rowdies. The Singapore Free Press

DEAR SIR-The Committee of the Hongkong brought from distanta ports. The Arabian trade consider it as proved that bronze casting and the other day said :-A peculiar incident

Chamber of Commerce have given most careful would certainly have a share in the introduce the mansfilcture of Iron implements as well as Ching-yuen and a consort were coming down from Vladivostock, when the Armstrong cruiser occurred this morning in North Bridge Road

consideration to the subject of Sunday Labour in tion of silver by weight into the commerce of gold-inity and Flyer-smith's work were well Ching-yuan bumped over the rocks off Cape which forms an example of the sort of thing that

this harbour, which your deputation brought so China in its southern provinces. We find many advanced long before Confucius. The history Brest, her consort ruaning unharmed between frequently goes on amongst the Chinese without

forcibly to their notice at the interview held on proofs of the activity of the Acab merchants from khown as Away shews that this was the case the rocks and the Cape. The Ching-yuan anything coming to the ears of the authorities,

17th inst. To assist them in coming to a con- the Han dynasty downwards, This is probably in regard to work in, bronze: But card were was very seriously damaged, her stem being A respectable Chinese gentleman was dilving

clusion, based on the widest views, the principal an instance of it out sit cast before, B.,534, for it is recorded in that broken, her am driven in, lot of her into town is his private palanquin, and when

Members of the Chamber interested in the

QUEER BANK NOTES, of wind year that, large coine, that had been before Shipping of the Colony, were invited to meet According to a Soochow writer ancient states made re then cast in Honan on the baske outer bottom torn away, the inner bottom-near the end of Sago Street, a notorious haunt pierced by the rocks, and one of her proof samsengs, he was surprised to see a China

the Committee to discuss the subject.'

nen saw the propriety of drawing a revenue of of the Yellow River by order of the Chow pellers stripped of all its blades. She got lato man, apparently a coolie, endeavour in a state

The unanimous opinion of those present was cereal products from one locality of exile emperor, From the collections of the nuns port with several compartments full of water, and

that it would be impolitic to ask the Government, fabrics from Another, and, of Colned money from mudits appeats that a square hole in the had a very narrow excape of foundering with all

as you desired, to legislate specially to stop a third. They did not see the need of a large talle audierend of two character weld on board. She was ordered to come to Shanghal to be docked, after the necessary temporary

Sunday work in this harbour-the restriction issue of coins, except occasionally, when doods in useasticine Chis, in Chinese coins wa being applied to vessels of all nationalities. and drought compelled the adoption of this was the word for money, meaning that which repairs had been effected. It was little short of a

The Committee are of opinion, that the expedient, Nor did the Finance Minister in very is changed (a) for something cles. Peo Pentasty? Wir parented to it. But colds must miracle that her consort got through safely; another lostance of China's proverbial luck.

Government could not legislate for the complete early times limit money to silver or to copper. suppression of Sunday labour in this Harbour Pedils and fade, tortoise shelf and cowrick, bindies have listed before to, and in the Han dynasty DURING the past fortnight no less than 200,000

the questions involved are very serious of silk and grass-cloth, served as money In It was fall balleted ther King Talkung, the piculs of rice have arrived at Canton from the

and would affect injuriously all the shipping China's ancient markets About B.C. 550 an chief minister of wen Wang in the rath century north-Wuhu and Chinking. That is owing to

Interests of the Colony, and particularly the old poem saya "A simple looking Lad, you were before que os fintroduced them in Shensi when the drought prevalling in the province of

large Chinese population connected therewith carrying cloth to exchange it for will be Ufficial in office, and afterwards in Shantung when he Indeed such a recommendation was forma master of the market, anys the commentator, retired to his principality. His special apputa la Kwangtung, which has resulted in the failure of the second crop of rice. Several

lated by the Chamber of Commerce the Com stamped the cloth for use la bärter, and it was for myancing commerce, and it was under his aleamers are now foading grain at Yangtze ports

mittee are of opinion the Government would not two inches fo width and 16 fiches long. The forferdgaroff the salt inde of norther

on the development of Internal commerce 'in for the "southern capital," and it is probable,

legislate in the direction sought by your body, author adduces this as classical authority for an Shantos cans to exercise a decided influence

The Committes look upon the question as one | Inwe of government bank notes. But is the poem we learn from native sources, that the import of rice at Canton will continue unabated for the

that rests solely between employers and mentions merely barter, and the explanatory ancient Chins.The history of Pankoo ascribes next three or four months. Freights, now steady,

employed, But they are pleased to state that remark is that of an author or A.D. zoo, hi can to Kang Tabkong the origin of round coins as will probably be apsome zo 10 30 per cent by the

dating thediscussion which ensued at the meeting we know whether the market officer stamped the distinguished from knives and pieces of cloth. end of the current month, owing to the increasing

strong opinion was evinced that all European cloth or not? It may have been a simple case We may adopt, this view, and may connect h demand for the staple of life" of China's

supervision for the loading and discharging of of barter, Whatever is meant it would with Improvements in metallurgy and new ac teeming millions in the sunny south. At present

cargo during Sundays, by vessels engaged in the scarcely be by stamping, for this mode of quistion of foreign knowledge at the beginning the rate from Bangkok is 25 cents per

focal coast trades, could be dispensed with if the giving official validity was hardly in use so of the Chob dynastyMall, odkappale officers elected. It therefore rests with individual carly. Why, for example, do we find that Woman WE for more discoveries from picul, at which figure the quotation is firm.

officers in the Coast trades to seck that privilege the cash of the Chin dynasty. 200, underground, “The”irallway from Peking to were issued without anyInscription upon Hankow will In Chill and Henan proceed The price of rice itself has risen some

from their respective employers. (34) F. HENDERSON, 10 to 15 per cent. within the past fortnight, and

Secretary.

With regard to Ocean Steamers, as distin- them? Books tell us that the Kan dynasty throughin country occupied by a people who for with the advance of winter It must inevitably

guished from Coast, the matter appears to the monarchs were the first to direct chatafters to four thousand years at least have ploughed and H.M.S. "VICTOR EMANUELE Committee to be somewhat different. reach figures which for the lower classes

The be inscribed upon their coins: This practice sewn the land, carried the produce to market, will be well-nigh prohibitive, The Canton informant, the gentleman himself, appears to

Hongkong, 6th October, 1890, incidence of Sunday work on officers in those commenced about 3.C. 200 and was never exchanged for something necessary for use of authorities; however, have taken time have no doubt. He declares there are many such

SIR-I am dir.cled by the Commodore to services is loss frequent than with the Coast. afterwards neglected. He refers to another ornament, and returned to their homes with by the forelock, it would seem, and are cases, quite unknown to the Police, and he doing all in their power to reduce the anticipated rescued a man three years ago from a similar acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3rd They may, and no doubt frequently do, escape example that of painted squares of white der the new Bossession: The rallway - WOLKE as money. They were priced at four hundred. | spalis of time" yield interesting treasures which suffering of the masses as much as possible. The danger. The latter came to him about a year instant, stating that several dangers have been Sunday in this port. While on the average side, which in the reign of Han Wa-Were used thay Anywherd in that region, rich with the Immediate prospects for the multitudes in the afterwards to thank him, saying that he would reported as existing in the neighbourhood of the duration of an Ocean voyage, any 4 months, an

occasional Sunday work in Hongkang does not thousand cash each, and were presented to the will throw light on the past; * Should there be w from the city of Confucius,ver from densely populated province of Kwangtong are certainly have been made away with had he not Gap Rocky ATK 2-In reply I am to inform you that your letter

at the daily sudiences or at high festivals, after Lan to the worth of it to Tientsin, it would, able burden to officers. With Ocean_vessels brighter, it may be said, thas are those of their been rescued from the gharry in which four men

territory which countrymen in the north, where an over-plus of were carrying him off. The aftention of the will be forwarded by the first opportunity for the bar the Commitee to present an intoler Emperor by the high nobility, or by his relatives, lige

is traditional founder rain caused disastrous foods which destroyed Protector of Chinese might be given to the case consideration of the Commander in Chief touching at Hongkong the working of cargo in which they could pass into circulation for the the crops over so large in area. The lethargy of this morning, for we are assured that it is only 3-At the same time the Commodore wishes port on all days, must be considered one of the amount mentioned. At that time there waE ABS

Incidents of the voyaga Hongkong presents a silver coinage, the sliver being mixed of northern officials stands out, in this connec ons indication of an existing state of things the Committee of the Chamber of Commerce to

**** Chloves Currency," by J. Kálding 13,197 Lion, in glaring contrast to the care and fore- among the Chinese that would imply that the observe that the programme of work to be carried some peculiarities It is not a terminus, the thought of H.. Li Han-chang and bis aub Societies dificulty has by no means disappeared, out by the surveying vessels, is under the direo bulk of Its Ocena traffic ends at Shanghai, where a

tion of the Hydrographer of the Navy, and that "bar" obstacles are met, and the loss of a day - de Wahogy zsalu ordinates.

but is merely assuming a new form...... -

tract. The properly belongs to Akew, the well- known gardener, who is much to be sympathised with in the partial destruction of his garden conservatories, which were adjacent, and in which u luckily were displayed a magnificent lot of crysanthemums. The greatest confusion pre- vailed among the Chinese living in the locality, and it was truly pitiable to hear the walling of the poor people looking on at the destruction of their houses. The Cricket Match between the

Feebles and Duffers," and also the game of Hon. W. M. Dease, M.A., C.M.G,

Acting Colonial Secretary. baseball in progress on the Recreation Club Ground, were broken up in consequence of a 'great number of the players having to rush off to the fire. The property was uninsured.

I have, &c..

(Sd.) F. HENDERSON,

Secretary,

COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE, Hongkong, 6th October, 1890. SIR,Iam directed by the Officer Administering the Government to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3rd instant, suggesting that communication by telegraph and telephone. should be established between the Gap Rock Lighthouse and Hongkong, and to acquaint you; for the information of the Chamber of Commerce that although His Excellency is act at present in a position to make any promise as regards the matter referred to, he will nevertheless give it his careful consideration, and will lose no time in making enquiries as to the cost of effecting the object desired by the Chamber.

I have, &c.

(Sd.) W. M. DEANE,

Acting Colonial Secretary, of excitement to jump into the gharry. AF, Henderson, Esq., Secretary, Chamber of first the impression of the occupant was

Commerce, that he was being attacked, and so he tried to thrust the man back.. But he would not HONOLONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE,

that men were trying to

Hongkong, 3rd October, Igo. be dented, exclaiming t kill him, and forced his way in, begging for help. Commodore E. J. Church, K.N Seeing that the man's fear was real the Chinese St The attention of the Committee of this gentleman suffered him to remain while the Chamber has been directed to Notification particulars were told. From what could be which appeared in the Government Gazette of gathered it appears-taking the man to be sant, September 6th stating that several dangers had as the gentleman concluded him to be that been disclosed in the neighbourhood of the Gap there was a design to kill him, this being Rock; and warning ship-masters not to approach connected with some secret society affair, on either side nearer than rẻ cables.. - doubtless. The gentleman said he would In connection with this Notification I have drive the man, a Teochew, to the Police been instructed to address you on behalf of the Station and put him under the protection Committee who will feel greatly obliged if you of the authorities, The matter was there can kindly inform them, if it is in your power to reported to some European Inspector or do so, if any, steps will be taken to carefully other, but possibly through stupidity or mis-survey, and lay down on the Charts these dangers understanding the Chinese gentleman was which, extending as they do to a considerable treated rather cavalierly, even getting a blot that distance on both sides of the Gap Rock, are a be too might be locked up if he didn't take care. serious menace to shipping and may, if allowed The poor Teochew on the departure of his pro- to remain unsurveyed, render the Lighthouse a tector clang to him, thinking that there was more danger rather than a safeguard to vessels real safely in that quarter than with the police, travelling in these waters.

I have, &c, and when he was being removed to be locked up was most anxious to have the Chinese gentle man with him. The man is to be medically examined as to his sanity, but of that our

•

CHESNEY DUNCAN, Hon. Secretary, British Mercantile Marine Officers' Association, Hongkong.

(Copy) HONGKONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE,

Hongkong, 31st October, 1890.- Captain S. ASHTON, President, British Mercantile Marine Officers' Association,

Hongkong.

2bout many other