1899-08-10 — Page 2

To-day's

Advertisements.

DOUGLAS STEAMSHIP, COMPANY,

. LIMITED.

FOR SWATOW, AMOY AND TAMSU!, THE

THE Company's Steamship

**FORMOSA,"

Captain Douglas, will be despatched for the above Ports, on SATURDAY, the 12th instant,

at 10 AM.

For Freight or Passage, apply to

DOUGLAS LAPRAIK & Co.,

General Managers. Hongkong, 10th August, 1899.

เ

[10124

CHINA NAVIGATION COMPANY,

LIMITED.

FOR PORT DARWIN, QUEENSLAND- PORTS, SYDNEY AND MELBOURNE. THE Company's Steamship,

"CHANGSHA," Captain Moore, will be despatched SATURDAY, the 12th instant, at Noon.

on

The attention of Passengers is directed to the Superior Accommodation offered by this Steamer, The First-class Saloon is situated forward of the Engines. A Refrigemting Chamber ensures the Supply of Fresh Provisions during the entire voyage:

A duly qualified Surgeon is carried and the Vessel is fitted throughout with Electric Light. N.B.-Return Tickets issued by this Com- pany to and from AUSTRALIA are available for return by the Steamers of the EASTERN AND AUSTRALIAN 5.S. Co. and vice verså, For Freight or Passage, apply to

BUTTERFIELD & 'SWIRE,

Agents.c

Hongkong, 10th August, 1899.

£9135

CHINA NAVIGATION COMPANY, LIMITED

FOR MANILA HE Company's Steamship

THE

"CHANGSHA,”! Captain Moore, will be despatched as above

on SATURDAY, the 12th instant, at Noon.

The attention of Passengers is directed to the Superior Accommodation offered by this Steamer. First Class Saloon is situated for ward of the Engines.

A duly qualified Surgeon is carried and the Vessel is itted throughout with Electric Light.

For Passage, apply to

BUTTERFIELD & SWIRE,

Agents. Hongkong, roth August, 1899 (10051

OCCIDENTAL AND ORIENTAL STEAM-

SHIP COMPANY, .

NOTICE

CONSIGNEES OF CARGO per Steamship: "COPTIC," The above Steamer having arrived, Consignees of Cargo are hereby requested to send in their Bills of Lading for Countersignature, and to take immediate delivery of their Goods from alongside.

Cargo impeding the discharge of the Vessel will be landed and stored at Consigners' risk

1. S. VAN BUREN, Agent. Hongkong, 10th August, 1899.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

#

It requested that all conmunications relating to us seriptions, Advertisements, Rc., he dresses

•Managar, diangkong Telegraph" and not to the F.ditor. Lecters on Editorial matters to be seat to "The Editor and not to individasi-members of the staff.

Communications intended fr publication must be ackno panied by the name and address of the writers, not necessarily. for publication but as evidence of good faith.

While the columns eď živy Złońękang Teligraph will always he open for the fair chiscaission by correapsectedin of all ques tfont affecting pullie terests, it must be filctly wer stood that the Editor does not in way way hail himself responsible for opinions thus expressed.

TO ADVERTISERS.

Adventistrs are requested 15 forward all notices intended for insertion in that day's laste nut laser than Three o'clock so as net in retard the early publication of the paper.

Advertisements and Subscriptions which are not ordered for && perlad will be continued until countermanded.

The Hongkong Telegraph has the largest circulation of any Engilah newspaper pulkshed lu the Far East, and therefore the best medium for Adverthers. Teams can be

learnt on application.

Entimation.

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, THURSDAY, AUGUST 10 1899

BIRTHS

At Shanghai, bn the 15th July, Countess BUTLER, of a son

On July 27th, at Yokohama, the wife of ROBERT T, BELL, of a son; YO

On July joth, at Tokyo, the wife of GEORGE E. L. GAUNTLETT, of a daughter.ge

At 14, Whanggoo Road, Shanghai, on the 3rd of August, the wife of A. W. DANFORTH,

of a son.

* MARRIAGE."

On July zatli, at Yokohama, WILLIAM GEORGE SMITH, of the Nobles' School, Tokyo, to EDITH GRRIG, of Dartford, Kent, England. DEATH,

ว

At Yokohama, on July 29th, GEORGE SCHAERER, 30 years of age, suddenly, of heart disease.

The Hongkong Telegraph

HONGKONG, THURSDAY, AUGUST 10, 1899.

TELEGRAMS.

REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.

DEBATE ON CHINA IN THE,

HOUSE OF COMMONS.

LONDON, August 8th,

In a discursive debate on China in the House

of Commens Mr. Brodrick said, that English men natumlly viewed any reforms in China with favour, but the customs of centuries could not be changed quickly. The Government hoped for good results from the co-operation of Germany in keeping ports open to their trade. The Goverment though appearing to proceed alone was often voicing the opinions of other Powers. Adverting to the Manchuria-Peking Railway Mr. Brodick said it would probably be found that other Powers shared the British view, that the predominance of a single power at Peking cannot be viewed without concern and that the condition of affairs in China must continue to be fraught with some peril to peace. The Government's attitude however was one of patience and watchfulness.

RUSSIA CHINA AND JAPAN.

and Chosoki and a police detachment pro ed to Talheisho yesterday, Big

THE YOKOHAMA MURDER.

TOKYO, July 31th The tina given for an appeal against; the decision of the preliminary examination judge in the case of Miller, accused of the triple murder in Yokohama, having expires on the 29th inst., the case has been set down for hear ing on the 5th proxiio,

THE KOWLOON CUSTOMS REPORT,

nt Hk Tis: 6,646,000, were imported." In 1880 | worthy of the attention of the Governmenta Cos! an importation of 3,007700 piculs was valued | we find represented, by the very insignificant at HKATI. 4,513,000, which is a fair measure, quantity of 200 tons † yet it is reported, that The following is, the Kowloon, Custanis re- of the the in prices durlig the to years. The there is plenty of good coal in the province, port for 1898

rice imports vary in inverse ratio with the crops avall saraples," said to be frons the vicihlty of california LOCAL.

in the two Kwanga.. Rite bran (1,607,000 piculs - Fatshan, have been tried in the blacksmith's: valued at II- Tls, 1,495,000) comes next in forge of the docks, and found very food. . It is order of value Kerosine oil follows, with a reported that plenty of this coal goes to Canton, value of Jik. Tis, 1,940,000, representing and it may be anticipated that the wise policy 7,933,000 gallons, This is a decrease of nently of encouragement to mining enterprise now: 1,340,000 gallons on the trade of 1897, but it being inititted by the Government will lead to exceeds that of 1880 by 1,400,000 gallons. While its production in sufficient quantities to at least! the American oil has held its own in the to ebimpete with the coal from other countries in years, Russian lias risen from 631,000 to 2,155,000 its own markets, if not for export, Samples of gallons, and Sumatra, which first appeared in good coal lave also- comd to "Hongkong from the Returns in 1805 with 700,000 gallons, has the North River, bn), it is so badly mined and risen le 2,657,000 gallons. The shipments | full of dirt is to loses half its value ¡an limport- under foreign dag or by steamer to Canton and ant-source of commercial profit and Govern- West River ports, together with the junk shipment reverus is thus last, ments frans kowloon, will probably be found Coastwise Arrivals (46, produse exchanged to equal, if they do not exceed those of 1897 between Chinese · priti zid – the Khwloon The import of $1,300 tons of conl valued at H | Stations) The value of this trade gas risen Tis, 37,000 secina unnecessary to a province | from lik: Tls. 1 415,000 in 1889 to Hk. Tls. ̈! reported to possess extensive coal fields of good 2,533,000 in 1898, nearly two-thirds of which is steam coal. The import in 1880 was only contributed by salt, amounting to 3,003,000/

13,600 tons. Nearly 9,000 piculs of wheat plculs, valued at HT15,685,000. This salti tour presumably from Amerian does not trade has rearly doubled in impormace during show much advance on the -26,000 picuis the past to years, and the price of salt has rison. shipped in the year 1889 38,000 piculs af from 40 to 3; tael cents, a pleul. The bulk of saltpetre 22,000 picull of sandalwood-2,too the salt comes from the coast north-east of piculs of white sharks' fins, 486,000 pieces of Hongkong, Split, bamboos, fish in brine, and stone slabs 25,000 piculs of white sugar and packing mats are the other items of importance, 15:400 pieces of hardwood timber are other which all show a remarkable

The year opened with an outbreak of bus bonic plague in Hongkong. The first case was reported early lh january, and the disease pre- trailed until the beginning of July. The num

ber of cases icported in the colony was 1,240 Chinese, of which 1,111 died, and 75 non Chinese, of which 49'were fatal. In the district' of Chinese Kowloon the plague made its ap. ITALIAN WAR-SHIPS,

pearance on th March, mud, there were 385 Tosvo, Julygiški.. deaths reported. The most noteworthy event. It is reported that the Italian cruiser of the year was the cement, signed on the men left Shanghai for home on the 28th inst, fith June, by which China leased to Great and the cruiser Christoforo Colonide is, shanly Britaine for patiod of 99 years, the waters of to take her place in Chinese waters.

Doup and Mirs Bays, the territory lying between them, and a number of the islands adjacent to Hongkong, reserving to itself the city of' Kowloon only. This expansion of the colonial territory was received with much satisfaction by the colonists of Hongkong, many of whom ap peared to derive particular gratification from the prospect of seeing the Stations of the Chinese Customs moved further from the colony. The Honourable J. H. Stewart Lockhart, who was specially deputed for the purpose, proceed ed on a tour of the newly leased territory in August, and made his report to the British" Government; but up to the close of the year no steps had been taken for effective occupation.

PRINCE HENRY,

TOKYO, July

A telegram has reached the Goverment stating that the Germans flagship Deutschland, with Pince Henry on board, arrived at Gensan on the 26th inst.

THE PEACE CONFERENCE.

TOKYO, Aug. 1st. According to further news of the Peace Con- ference, it has been decided that nit the con-

ventions agreed upon shall be signed in December next. The summary of the resuls and proceedings of the Conference, is now being laid before his Majesty the Emperor, and it is expected that they will be made public shortly. It appears that the obligation of the re presentatives of the Powers to observe relicence regarding the proceedings and results of the Conference will continue dll the conventions have been signed. Under these circumstances, only these parts which are not prejudicial to such agreement will be made public. It is unknown what conventions have been agreed upon on how long the representatives of the Powers will remain at The Hague,

TREATY WITH GREECE. :

Tokyo, August 15L

The Treaty of Commerce. lately signed between Japan and Greece is now being con sidered by the Legislative Bureau. It will be promulgated after being approved by the Privy Council

PRIVY COUNCIL..

TOKYO, August 1ÈL At yesterday's meeting of the Privy Council his Majesty the Emperor was present-from 10.35 am to 12.25 pm, and again from 2.35 to

A note from Mi de Giers warns China that an†4.05 in the afternoon alliance with Japan will give great offence to Russia and that the consequences would be most serious.

(FROM JAPANESE PAPERS.] THE HAGUE CONFERENCE.

TOKYO, July 29th.

The thing report of thię Japanese representa- tives at the Peace Conference at the. Hague reached the Government fast night, and a summary of it will shortly be published. It is stated that the Conference has only adopted a resolution to prohibit the Dum Dum bullets and another for the application of the Regula- tions of the Red Cross Society to naval battles.

AMERICAN TAX ON DRAZILIAN COFFEE.

TOKYO, July 29th. It is reported that the Brazilian coffee which escaped the imposition of the War Tax Duty in America last year, will have imposed upon it a daty of 3 cents per pound. If this report is true, it will be likely to improve the export of Japanese tea to America.

ཆ་དག་,--ན་བར

CHINA AND FOREIGN POWERS.

TOKYO, July zhth. According to a report from a reliable source, a secret Council of the Chinese Govenment was held on the morning of the 11th inst., under the presidency of the Empress Dowager, and it was decided that in case of any foreign Powers, now leasing land in China, attempting to extend the area of the land so leased, such action should be resisted by the force of arms, and instructions to this effect have issued to all the Tartar Generris, the Viceroys and Governor-Generals; of various provinces throughout the Chinese Empire.

THE CIVIL CODE AND THE EMPHYTEUȘIS PROVISIONS,

Tokyo, July 29th Messrs. Hirose and Natsuwa, as a deputa tion from the farmers holding land in the province of Tosa under an emphyteusis arrange A. S. WATSON & Co., ment, who will be deprived of their land by the provisions of the Civil Code, filed a petition to the Cabinet yesterday signed by over 4,200- tenant farmers.

LIMITED.

WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANTS,

ESTABLISHED A.D. 1841.

BRANDIES.

For Cale

Ide1.

A-Hennessy's Old Pale, Red

$18

321

$24

Capsule Superior Very Old Cognac

Red Capsule CVery Old Liqueur Cognac V.6.-D.-Hennessy's Finest

Very Old Liqueur Cog-- nac, 11872 Vintage, Red Capsule

70-E-Finest Very Old Liqueur Cognao, 1862 Vintage

$90

All theso Brandies are guaranteed to be PURE COGNAC, the differences in price being merely a question of ago

bottles and smaller quanti supplied at proportionat

THE FIREARMS AND GUNPOWDER REGULATIONS.

TOKYO, July 29th. A special meeting of the Privy Council was held to-day to consider the Regulations relating to the control of firearms and gunpowder. The Ministers for War and Navy, Major-General Nakamura, Vice-Minister for War, and Colonel Saisho attended the meeting and explained the Regulations. His Majesty the Emperor is said to have been present.

THE PILOTS' LAW.

TOKYO, July zgh.. An Imperial Ordinance, No. 356, decreeing that the Pilots' Law shall be put into operation

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The year 1899 will, however, most assuredly in- augurate a new order of things, and it will he appropriate while reviewing the trade of 1898, probably the last complete year of the old order, Ito compare it with the opening year of the ad

ministration of the Kowloon Customs under the Foreign Inspectorate, which began in April 1887. This comparison, it may be hoped, will remove the impreson which seems to exist that the adininistation of the Customis has been detrimental to the trade of the Colony. It will be best to take as a basis of comparison the figures of 1889, when the work under the new conditions was fairly established. The total volume of trade for that year was valued, in round numbers, at Hk. Tis. 32,200,000; that af 1895, though not the best on record, reached the value of Hk. Tls. 45,700,000, This was divided as follows:-

1889

1899 HK. TIs. Hk. Tis. Foreign goods imported

from Hongkong........ 12,895,000 17,139,000 Native goods imported

from Hongkong... 3,712,003 3:517,000 Native goods imported

from China to China... 1,415,000 2,533,000 Native produce exported

to Hongkong............ 14195,000 22,512,000 Junks inward and, out;

•ward...............

16,995 Revenue: On general

cargo

JAPANESE RELIGIOUS LIBERALITY. | Revenue ;, On Opiunt...

TORKYO; August 1st.

It has been decided that the Christian

churches in the city and rural districts of Tokyo shall, counting from the 27th ult, be exempted from imposition of the House-tax the same as Buddhist temples, in accordance with the Home Department Order No. 41.

PURCHASE OF AN IRON MINE.

TOKYO, August 1st. The Akatani Iron Mine in Niigata prefecture owned by the Mitsu Bishi Company, has been purchased by the Government Iron Foundry for Y200,000, of which Y30,000 was paid down, and the balance will be paid next fiscal year

SNOW ON MOUNT FUJI?"

'Toxvo, August 1st. An official of the Central Meteorological Observatory states that the temperature on the suminit of Mount Fuji since the beginning of fuly has been abnormally low. The reports of a commission sent by the Observatory to Fuji on the 24th July, state that oven at midday the temperature has not risen above 2 deg, or 3 deg. Cent. From the 25th to the 28th snow fell at intervals, and that which commenced to fall at 4 p.m. on the 18th reached as low at the Sigute, the summit being entirely covered Such a sight has not been seen for many years The snow which fell last winter in the hollow at the top is not yet entirely melted, the quantity being larger than was ever known be fore. Icicles 4 or 3 feet long are to be seen on

the sides of the craler at the summit,

WEATHER REPORT.

The Observatory report says On the 10th at isa.m. The barometer has fallen on the China coast, particularly in the North| risen-in Tongking. A shallow depres. sion, which may have advanced from the Loo choos, lies over the E coast of China Gradients slight for S. winds in S. China. FORECAST Light to moderate S.W. winds; showery.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

DIRECT telegraphic communication with Foo chow, which was interrupted by the recent heavy weather, is restored.

STEAM was raised yesterday on the captured cruiser Isla de Cuba, now being refitted at the Hunghon Decks under the superintendence of Lieutenant. Hobson, U.S.N.

THE Northern Pacific Steamship Company inform us, but too late to allow, of their time-l table being altered, that the s.s! Glinogle: will sail to-morrow, the 11th instant,

on the 4th August, 1899, has been issued THE Hon. Treasurer of the Alice Memo pilots Law have been issued by the Minister with thanks the following donations

Regulations regarding the operation of the and Nethersole Hospitals begs to acknowl

for Communications.

POLITICAL MEETING DISPERSED

BY: FOLICE.

AOMORI, July 30th.

A political meeting held here by the Pro gressists was dispersed by the police, and six members of the party bave been placed under the ban of the Law of Admonition.

THE CROWN PRINCE AT NIKKO.

TOKYO, July 30th Upon his arrival at Nikko, on the 28th inst, his Imperial Highness the Crown Prince, summoned the Governor of Tochigi and inform ed him of his intention to present Yen1,000 towards the educational, sanitary and engineer. ing funde Mf the town of Nikko, ----

EXPECTED RISING IN

funds of the Hospitals

C. Ewens...

Chew Dart Tong

326,266 269,817

Total Revenue $96,083

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the

items which contribute largely to the value of Imports. Native imports from Hongkong contain but few items of importance and are for the most part, prodice from other parts of China brought by steamer to Hongkong and reshipped by junk. The most important item, howeven-dried and salt fish (247,000) piculs, välued at Hk. Tis. 1,385,000),—may be consi dered a Hongkong product, for most of the fishing boats engaged in the trade hail from the Colony. The value has declined some. what as compared with 1697, but the figures have not varied greatly during the past to years.

|

during the decades arable velopment

Hongkong Macao Trade via Changchow and Capsuimon The following are the compra. tive values of this trade for the interval of ro years

Hongkong

to Macho,

18982,83,341

Mocioto Hongkong,

1575;313" 1,479,097 The valee of commodules having risen, the decline in the trade is greater than would ap- pear from the above figures.

SHIPPING. Exports. The experts shown in Table No The aggregate number of junks' passing into` V. are all of them to Hongkong. Their valuo China at all stations was 30,217, of which 6,878 is estimated at Hk. Th. 23,500,000. This total were in ballast. In 1889 there were 23,751, of indicates a fairly steady export trade, and, which 3,911 were in ballast. This shows an.... though exceeded in this three previous years by increase in the läden junks of 3,510. Passing: half a million tacle or less it compares very out there were 30,412, of which 7,441 were in favourably with the Hk. Tls, 14,400,000 which ballast, against 23,244, of which 6,140 were in represented the expert trade in 1889 The Dallas, in the previous decade, or an increase opening of the West River has no doubt handle | -3,667 in the cargo-carrying junks. The junks capped the junk trade,and it is pleasing to note to and from Macão and Hongkong numbered that it has held its own so well in the matter of 1,497 in 1893, against. 1174 in 1889, a decline exports. The class of export which appo......which muy be mainly attributed to the opening. priates the largest share of the above toul of the West River and the increased steamer.

is silk in its various kinds and degrees of ¦¦ traffic in that direction, with which a decline in-" manufacture, its total value being returned the whole junk traffic passing that way was as Hk. Tis: 3,377,000 the value in 1889 being contempomneous only llk. Tis 2,200,000 The silk piece PASSENGER TRAFFIC 60430 goods trade of Hk. I. 2,800,000 has more The figures for the year, are the lowest on 1

than doubled in thest 10 years; Refuse silk record. A study of special table No. 113 will 351,902 | (HR)Tis. 983,000) is 12 times greater: "ame show that the falling off is nearly all ar Kow-u 42,520 | broidery (Hk. TIs. 219p00) is doubled; fish-lines | loon, and is due mainly jo the suppression of (IIk. Tis. 37,000) more than five timeg greater. | gambling there, which at one time attracted 394422 A large buyer of silk piece goods informs many gamesters from Hongkong, and to im. me that, with the present low price of silver, proved landing facilities on the British side of The above figures demonstrate sufficiently that the Canton manufacturers are well able to the frontier. The traffic to the other stations the fade has prospered during the to years, compete with the products of Japanese and has been fairly maintained, or has slightly Returns will show that, in respect of Exports, so high as the textures woven by modem

TREASURER and reference to the Special Tables of the European looms. Though their finish in not increased

the progress has been almost unbroken. It machinery, they and more durable. The trade. No treasure of any importance is carried by is noteworthy, that while in 1889 the Opium might be considerably extended, if the many junks as cargo,^- Revenue was nearly one-half of the total col· facturers would take the trouble to have good

ZOBIUML lection, it was in 1898 little more than one samples prepared of, the different patterns and Foreigs. The imports of opium by junk were, tenth but the Revenue on general cargo was frbrics their looms can produce, and if they 386 piculs, As compared with 475 piculs in 1897 considerably greater in 1898 than in 1899: It would be careful that the goods when made and 2,452 piculs in 1889: A considerable quan will also be found on comparing the develop correspond with the pattern. I ara assured City has certainly been smuggled from Hong mens of the steamer trade between Hongkong that large orders are lost though the failure to kong, and the use of Native Opium Is probably during the past to years, that the latter be purchasers when asked for. The item of the Kowloon stations, only rt piculs being and Canton with the junk, trade of Kowloon have full lines of samples ready to show would gained ground, though but little passes through has progressed in considerably greater pro- | ́next importance is the trade in matting, whil, I recorded for the years. The importations. of portion The Kowloon junk trade has from a value of Hk. Tls. 6,000 in 1889, his Foreign opium into the colony, have not de undoubtedly fallen away slightly during the now reached the respectante figure of Hk. Tit | chined in the same rate as those into the year under review but there is little doubt 1,300,000. This articl, and the almost equally Kwangtung province. The total imports: for that this decline in due, in a great measure, to important item fire crockers (valued at Ak TL 1898 were 30,391) chests, while for the year. the opening of the West River to steain traffic. 1074,000 also a growing trade) are mostly for 1889 they were 68,320 ches. The quantliy This may be but a temporary check, for, to the United States, and supply a large portion of opium imported into the whole of China' judge from the comparison with Canton steam-

of the return cargo of the fine sailing vessels was in 1888 82,6175 piculs, and in 1827:49,309 borne trade, the junk traffic may be able to hold trading from that country to Hongkong piculsa decrease of 49 per cent. - The im

Tobaco is another valuable expori, #99,000 ports into Hongkong, during, the dame period its own, and room be found for both, as inde develops, an the West as well as on the Pearl piculs of prepared tobacco and 17,000 piculs of show a decrease of 47 per sent, but the average

leaf, worth Hk.; Tls. 860,000, having been decrease of the Canton, Lappa, and row-- River. It is early to pronounce an opinion as to tlie influence on the junk trade of the new shipped to Hongkong during the year The Joon distrais, which supply the central part inland water steam navigation facilities initiated value in 1889 was Ik. Tis. 609,000. The trade of the province) was 54 por cent. The loss at in June. Towage of junks appears to be the in silk clothing has declined, in almost inyene | Canton, was 58 per cent, and at Kowlcon, 84 favotirite method of applying the steam, power,

ratio with that in cotton clothing, but it is still per cent. At Luppa there has been an increase and this should stimulate rather than injuretheworth half a million taels. The cassia trade of 47 per cent. The Lappa office reckons every junk trade. As the regulations, at present varies greally from year to-year 1898 show chest of Pains at 125 piculs, while at Kowloon stand, these facilities do not extend to places a fair average trade, of Hk. Tis. 600,000 in it has been customary to charge on the exact outside of Chinese water and consequently do 1889 it was only Hk. Th 275,000. Chinaware, weight. The merchant guns a slight advantage. not immediately affect Hongkong?

principally course, represents Hk. Tis, 860,500; in the Lagay system, and impons his oğlum - There have been several cases of piracy in. There has been a steady growth in the export through Lappa in preference to Kowloon. The this district during the year; and an incipient of samihu, which comes chiefly from Shuntak, Chinese dialers in Bengal-opjum are said to rising of the Triad Society, in the country and is valued for the year at fk. Tls: 385,000 have made handsome profits, owing to the bardering of the newly leased territory, was it is mostly for Hongkong consumption. The steady rise price, though the volume of nipped on the but by a military expedition from export of paper, valued at Hk. Tis, 394,900, 8 trade was less The price of Malwa fluctuated Canton in October. The war between the the lowest, for many years, and its decline is heavily, and the dealers made no profesijas, he United States and Spain, declared on the a3rd said to be caused by the dearth of bamboos.from Native There is not the least doubt that April, does not appear to

to have influenced the which it is made and which, owing to drought, the use of native opium has

reatly extended failed to grow with the usual profusion after during the last to years. The quality has im Kowloon trade.

The net decline in the Revenue is Hk. 71s..

cutting Paper is therefore scarce and dear, proyed; oving to its lower price if hast been The brick trade, valued at Hk, Tis. 250,000, is found profitable to employ it, for adulterating 127.279. The loss is shown under all heads, of growing importance to Hongkonging to the foreign crug and fhd palate of the autoker with the exception of export ching-fei, which the great amount of building done. The greater, has gradually become accustomed to its use. - was increased to the extent of Tls. 1,749 by the number came from the ľanu district of Canton. From Yunnan and Kweichow it pours into the transfer to the Kowloon Custom of the collecto These bricks are of poor quality and do not | Canton province by, the West River and its rate on several additional articles formerly stand the weather; they are also irregular in; tributaries, and the per-centugés of decline in färmed to Chinese. The heaviest loss is size. I am told that there is a demand for the import of foreign opini given above seem. shown in impon cking-fei, and is due to the better quality of brick, and that the introdue to indicate thatthe competition of the native transfer of the kerosene trade, to Foreign bot-tion of machinery in the manufacture would drug is Etener in Kwangtung than in some toms, in order to escape the so- tax and stimulate the sale in Hongkong. The timber other provinces. It has, however, been slated to enjoy, the advantage of transit passes. exports are valued at about Hk. Tis. 300,000 "to me by a native of great experience; ju such. The rate of ching-jei on kelosone was as compared with HK: Tis, 200,000 in 1889, jt { maitera; that competition of the native drug reduced from 10 to 5 cents in February, to check seems a pity that the immense area of wild- in this pan of China bas reached its climax, this diversion to other channels, but, without mountainous country which spreads over the and that the sale of indan opium is likely to any permanent result, though for a time" some southem provinces of China, which much be increase ruller than to diminia. The pative" of the trade was brought back. That the import well suited for the growth of valuable timber-drug is very much adult on its way from duty decline by Tis, 33,616 was mainly due to should not be better utilised by planting, and the place of production, the price las risen to the kerosene which, instead of going to Chantsun systematic Government Control of Jorest nearly tha and other places direct from Hongkong by junk, Capitallaid out în forestry is slow in banging u ing is com when it would pay Duty, was taken in Foreign return, though the profit are considerable when faw vessels to Craton, whence it was conveyed to they come, it is therefore rather a matter for a | taels: these places under transit pass. The loss of Government than for anindlydiual to undertake of pte L'export duty dad likin, in more than covered by the inco, so as the favourable influence bij less

the stoppage of the exportof glutinous rico.in forests on the rainfall qud the rivers of a countr Apul, the Native Authorities becoming alamed: make their maintainance nimgst at the heavy shipments of this cereal alirad, duty. The export of feathers principally to Japan peserta NEN

many years until it reached FOREIGN TRADE.

REVENUE

Imports. The value of cotton piece goods

imported was about Hk. Tis. 174,000, as com- pared with about Hk Tls.. 150,000 in 1897 and He Tis. 158,000 in 1889. These figures include Japanese goods to the value of Ilk. Tls, 10,200 ORDERS have been received by the commander for 1898 and Hk Tiz. 12,800 for 1897, which of the Spanish transport General Alavato fabrics. The Indian yara import jumped from jadicates & decreasing demand for Japanese proceed to the Camline and Marianas and to 113,300 piculs, representing a value of Palaos islands, in order to take on board the fe, Tis. 1,880,000 the largest importation on Spanish officials and troops at these points, record. Woollen fabrics have declined under and proceed to evacuate the islands. "A German all ends, and the value is HK Tis. gooo, warship is expected to to meet the late against Hk. The 111,top in 1807 and HK. fis, 140,000 in 1880, The demand for this class of the respective officials will arrange for the goods seems to be weakening year by year in this Canton province, Metals show a surprising transfer of sovereignty-Mani

evenness in each year's importations, and there ing very notable in the list, except an old iron. The import of new yellow has declined steadily for years

porta

THE PLAGUE.

|

1331,000 In 1897-During

to HE TIs, 278,000, Shoes and and colon represent a value of and seem to be a steadily increas export of ica has declined to a value 800,000, representing 41,000 piculs 2,300 pcuts of green,belidos dust as greatas those of 1889 153.700 piculs These figures, however, are still more sugar and 7,200 piculs of white, valued Tin 950,000; is the best record fo Two products mica d ar Yangshan, in the north w Kwanglung, are manufcured Company of Hong Long lagging or non-conducting

ship boilers, which has ultra from matine engineers;

been used with success in from its the

lik

and the vultum of boi JessThe present price of. kum 18 about Tis, 30-Jar fod „produces about 55 per cent

when boiled?

the

high,

costs

When's

50 per

India

ce, shou

WA