1900-04-10 — Page 3

THE CRISIS IN- CQUA,

Kong, March 31st To-day's detailed news of the developments in Corea still leaves out the essential point as to the nature of the demand, made by Russia. There is no no doubt that a demand has been made, but, as yet, no official or authoritative declaration is available as to its character There seems to be an increased disposition on the part of the leading japanese journals to re gard the matter as a serious one and most of then insist that Japan's policy must be a firal and consistent one. It is generally understood that the Japanese Government has decided on the action it will take, but nothing is known as to what that action is to be. The procive stage The demand has been made and, so far, it does at which the affair stands is not perfectly clear, not seem that the Corean Government has replied. It is probable that Corca waits to learn the attitude of Japan and the European powers interested before definitely replying to Russia.

PROGRESSIST PARTY'S VIEWS.

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1900.

BY THE MAIL.

[From Our Exchanges.)

Turkish Armaments. Turkish Government intends to expends a There is good ground for stating that the sum equal to 150,000 sterling on new guns of great power, for the better defence of the Dardanelles. Correspondence is already pro ceeding between Constantinople and the firm of Krupps in this regard, and a deposit was expected to be paid shortly after the mail left.

The Damaged" Pique." The damage sustained by the Pigue cruiser was hoped to make the repairs in the coruse of in the recent collision was not extensive. It a week, and in the meantime it was officially announced that her departure had been in definitely, postponed. The Pique had a com missioning trial on 28th Feb., the results of which were as follows:-Steamfi in boilers,

135b; at engines, jolbs; vacuum-starboard port 1362; hp-starboard 3,366, port 3,539, 28in., port 27 4in.; revolutions-starboard '12512; total 6,905; air pressure, sin. A mean speed al 173 knots was attained, the trial being.

successful.

The Budget and the City. On the whole the City accepted the Budget atement with philosophic resignation. There was little in it that had not already been anti- cipated with tolerable accuracy, and business

factury condition, and the Chinese population is, of course, the Great Siberian Line, which appeared to be very comfortable under German may now be said to be nearing its conclusion, rule. Wealthy Chinese were removing to Kiao-though large portions of the road completed chow, and German capital was also accking have to be reballasted and relaid,.numbers of employment there. In about two years the first bridges have to be reconstructed, &c. This section of the Shantung Railway would be led to an additional sum of R.33,000,000 being opened, and about the same time the harbour assigned last year for these purposes, attributed works would be completed. The health of the to the unforeseen increase of goods traffic on troops would improve is boon as accommoda. the line. Its value has been greatly enhanced tion had been provided for them in Infly since the Chinese Government leased Hiau- 3 barracks. Educational affairs at Kiao-chuw tung Peninsula to Russia, thus opening a more had also improved, and it was now possible for direct route for this line to the ice-free Yellow one year's volunteers for the Army to pass their Sex, The new town and port of Dalni at the examinations. As regarded the number of terminus of the line was begun list year and cases of sickness the Secretary of State in- is to be a free port. About 800 versts of the

Chinese railway timated that he would make a statement on the

are already laid

subject in Committee. Only one case of malaria testinal calarth and spotted typhus. A goot ad occurred, and disease was confined to in spring for the supply of water bast been dis covered a few kilometres from Tsin-tau, and a central aqueduct would be built immediately. After an unimportant discussion, the debate on the Naval Estimates was concluded. The estimates for Kiau-chow were referred to the Buxiget Committee.

A meeting of the council of the Progressist party was held yesterday when the following resolution relation to the Corean affair was passed "That the rendering of assistance in the development of Corca and the combatting of the interference of foreign powers at any time in its territory are absolutely necessary to the preservation of Japan's position. The party determines to carry out its object by working in unison with any political party to connection with the carrying of the result. tion the party regards the Russian movement in Corea as having been originated some time be endangered if the present movements go through. The Council says that there is a view that Japan should insist on the possession of a Corean port to balance any that may be acquired by Russia or any other power, but such an act, the party thinks, would only fur- was the readiest means available to the Chan Handie's appearance was the signal for the ther endanger realations between the two countries. Therefore, the Council says, we pablished our opinion and determined in carry out our object in unison with our friends and all politicians of the same opinion."

down.

Temporary traffic has been opened for 445 line from Missovni station 7 Uhita to Stietensk was laid down by Dec. 28, 1899, so that only the lee round Lake Baikal remains to be done. From Jan 1, 1990, the former Western and Central Siberian Railway Administrations have been abolished, and everything connected with the construction of the whole line transferred to the newly established Central Siberian Rail way Administration.

versts from Port Arthur to Mukden. The main

THE RELIEF OF LADYSMITH.

HOW LONDON REJOICED.

The following extracts from a letter received

from England by the mail will doubtless prove

of interest to our readers :

SATURDAY, 14th. 18th Annual Prize Meeting of the Hongkong Rifle Association at Kowloon Noon-3rd Ordinary General Meeting of Shure-

hoktors of the Punjon Mining Co Ld.

SUNDAY, 15th. (About) D. & Co's steamer Pathan leaves for

New York via Suez Canal.,

MONDAY, 16th.

Easter Monday 18th-Annual Prise Meeting of the Hongkong Rifle Association at Kowloon.

TUESDAY, 17th. O. S. Co's steamer Hector leaves for Liverpool

(direct). 9. S. Co's Prometheus leaves for London via

Suez Canal.

"Of course you have heard of the general rejoicing that there was in London. From ten o'clock in the morning, when the news was given out at the Mansion House, till past mid night there was a continual roar of voices in the City. They say all London went mad; never was such a thing known before, All traffic was stopped all round the Mansion House. Everybody at once went for flags; red, white and blue ribbon was sold in such quanti- ties that they had to send all round the place and buy up every bit to supply the demand. The Stuck Exchange people all turned out, some without their hats, and they climbed up on the busses, wagons and two or three brewer's drays.-N. that were passing, tossed up their hats, cheered and sang "God save the Queen." Old men came out of their offices and shook hands and danced, and if a soldier or sailorcame by he was lifted on to the shoulders of the people and carried along. Mappin and Webbs, the big silvermiths just at the corner of Cheapside, were giving away whiskies and sodas to anyone who. came along.

"This happened in the morning, and when Dad came home with Cecil and Lea they were decorated with red, white and blue bouquets. and little buttons of Roberts, Buller or one of We had tea and then the generals at the war.

ago, but peace between Russia and Japan will deal with a difficult situation. To be sure the the doors of the ball were closed, and guarded have been over R. 500,000,000, in addition there was the same roar going on. Such a

men were not ton ready under existing circum- stances to cavil at the Government's efforts to addition to the incume-tax of 50 per cent, of the existing rate was not liked, but it was recognised that unless indirect taxation was to be more generally increased, or the loan made to cover the bulk of the war requirements, this cellor of the Exchequer. The imposition of fresh duties on several of the articles of general consumption lately suggested might have interfered with treaty obligations, and this, of course, was to be avoided.

MARQUIS ITO'S POSITION.

The China Squadron. Importance attaches to the views of Mangals

A naval correspondent writes to a home Ito. A vernaclar paper reports that Marquis paper: cannot believe that the Admiralty Ito has said to a friend that he thought the Mag- ampo affair was probably being exaggerated, are going to be so misguided as in weaken our naval strength in the Far East by substituting He could not interfere directly in the the second-class cruiser Apollo, carrying 273 affair as he was so a member of the Caen, for the first-class cruiser Undaunted, binct, but he stated that he had to mark out his which has a complement of 497. There may own position if diplomatic measures had to bere be very good reasons for ordering the Umiauni- sorted to no matter whether he had been asked one, at the end of her three years, in May by his Cabinet friends or not. He declined to give his ideas about the affair though he stated, size ugh certainly to be releived by that he bad made up bis mind on the matter.

the Gibraltar or the Grafton, Anylon, two Apelles would not be a match for a ship of the Undaunted's weight of armour nud armament. I look upon the China Seas as alway slungerous waters to us, and principally on account of Russia. Were we to show the slightest symp toms of diminished watchfulness, it would: simply mean an invitation to Russia to come on."

MILITARY MOVEMENTS,

1.

Cofonel Kojima, Commander of the Tsushima Defence forer, who was in Tokio, left for the is- land yesterday. Captain Saites, Vice-Minister for the Navy, will also proceed to Tsushima from Sasebo shortly.

PRESS VIEW.

Convicta mutiny near Cairo. Seventy convicts at Tural, the great prison near Cai, mutinied on the 7th ulte. They were collected in one room, of which they lock-

Pro-Boer Meeting Squashed. Following the precedent set in other towns in the country, the pro-Boers resident in Edinburgh attempted on 7th ulio, to hold a incoting in Queen-street Hall, to protest against the war. The result was an uproarious meeting, ending in a tree fight, in which the platform was cleared of its first occupants, and the few policemen struggled hopelessly amidst a swarm of students and young citizens, wild with enthusiasm, Long before the hour of meeting

by policemen against hundreds of young fellows, who were surging round the doorway, shouting patriotic songs, and cheering at the waving of the Union Jack, or the name of some gallant Ceneral. Still, a large number of young men had gained admission in the ball. Mr. Keir Grst authurst, which was renewed again and again, and presented the rejected of West Ham being beard. All those in front could learn was that Mr. Cronwright Schrierter bad taveiled from Glasgow purposing in ad- dress the meating, but that he would remain at his hotel unless an undertaking were given that he should be beard. The uproar, however, continued, and the útjast efforts of Mr. W. D. Macgregor, who acted as chairman, and Mr. Theodore (apies, failed to secure anything like quietness. Mr. Keir Hardie uitunately aftcopted

to read the proposed resoliations denouncing the war, but he failed to gain a hearing, and was compelled to announce the meeting at an end. Immediately, afterwards the disturbers rushed the platform, and it was with the utinust difficully that the police succeeded in clearing the hall. Those who occupied the platform were rather roughly heated on appearing out- side. The disturbers afterwards walked in pro- cessional order through the streets.

P. and O. Co. and the Italian Contract.

The British Consular report on the trace of Venice for the years 1898-99 states that the cintact between the Italian Government and the 12. and O. Company for the service Venice Brindisi-Port Said, every three weeks, in con

ñection with their steamers to the Far East, which began in 1895 and was to last unitil Sept. 30, 1900, will be suspendeded on April 30 next; the managing directors having already given natice of discontinuance to the Ministry, owing,

The former divisions were:-The West Siberian, from Chiliabinsk to the Obi, 1,328 versts; Central Siberian, from the Obi to Irkutch, 1,754 versts; the Circum-Baikal, from Irkulch to Missovi, 292 versts; the Trans-Rikal from Missoval to Stientensk, 1,009 versis; and the Ussuriau, from Babarovsk to Wladivostock, 729 yersiS, The Manchurian replacing the Auur line is, from an administrative point of view, distinct from the Siberian. The pecuni- ary expenses of the whole line, the first went up to Town to see some of the excite

ment. When we got to the Mansion House part of which was laid on May 12, 1891, to which about R. 130,000,000 will be required crow, all dancing and shouting and singing in 1900.

The whole amount of the cost partriotic songs. "Girls and boys, young men of construction will exceed K. 750,000,000, and women were marching about with lule From a commercial point of view, irrespective flags and hitting each other with red, white of the influence it will have on the development and blue paper whips, or blowing penny trum and population of Siberia itself, the new line pets. Then you would reg a lot joining arms opens out large channels of tinde, more es and two rows marching backwards and for- wards like they do in "Here we come gather- pecially in Chinese teas and silk, to the dis- advantage of the at present increasing importing nuts in May; others would join in a into Russia of Geyton and Indian teas.

ring and dance round, but there was no Another important line, much talked of lately, rowing, all seemed to be just gone jollily mad. When we had got some little way up Cheapside for which foreign capital is being appar

we found some busses which had had to go up ently sought, is one from St. Petersburg to Vologda and Viatka, and thence over the now back streets all the day. We got on one and existing line to Perm. It seems the conces

went up to the West; here there was more sion had been given to the Moscow-Yareslayroom for the traffic, but large crowds were at Archange! Railway Company, but owing to the every open space, cheering everything and practical failure of this company, which will sonu be taken over by the State, the concession their doors at about ten o'clock, for their was withdrawn. This projected line would own safely, only they closed them full of bring the Siberian Railway direct to the people and they kept it up inside; such capital, open out a more direct route for Chi.hubbub, dancing on the tables and cheering nese teas and silk, and help to develop the everybody at the war and now and again |

real mineral industries of the Urals.

singing the national anthem. We got home at about eleven, but I read in one of the newspapers that, at about four in the morning, a ring of old men were found dancing round and round, which they kept up for hours, and there was one man with a big jar of something, They and he kept filling them up in turn. didn't unclasp hands, but the stuff was poured down their throats,"

WAR NEWS BY WIRE.

Meeting of Loyalists Demanding Compensation for Losses of Property.

LONDON, March 25th.

A great meeting held at Beaconsfield has demanded annexation of the Republic, the confiscation of the property of rebels, and com- pensation to loyalists for losses of property etc.

-~-

Active Vigilance of the Loyalist Committee.

LONDON, March 25th. The Loyalist Vigilance Committee at the

it is said, to this line not being renumerative. Cape is extremely active in defeating the action

certain conditions. The remaining 500 pri soners at Turah also showed signs of mutiny, but were driven into cells by the prison guards. The original mutineers were then warned that if they did not come out they would be attack

The Iulian Government is now strongly in ed, and as they persisted in their refusal a blank cartridge shot was fired from an upper window favour of entrusting this service to the "Navi- commanding the mom. As the mutineers still gazione Generale italiana," granting them the proved oldurate the guards fired a volley of me subsidy namely, sop,000 lire. A pre all cartridge through the window, with theminary agreement has already been con result that five convicts were wounded, two cluded in be submitted to Parliament for of whom are not expected to survive. The approval, by which the steamers of this con- pasy will proceed fortnightly to and from Venice remainder then surrendered, and all are now

and Alexandria and to and from Venice and Port Said, alternating the voyages in such a confined in cells,

way that half a year the steamers will run to and from Venice and Alexandria and half to and from Venice and Port Said, according to the different seasons in which passengersproceedto or return from Egypt. The colls at Ancona and- Bari will be suppressed and the sleamers will only touch Brindisi in order to be able to com- pete with the Austrain Lloyd Company. The steamers on this line are to be of 1,000 tons at least, with a minimum speed of eleven knots. The service will be in communication with the steamers of the company carrying on the non- thly service Genoa-Bombay-Singapore-Hong- kong. The majority of the merchants are strongly in favour of better arrangements being made with the P. and O. Company, and do not appear to be satisfied with the new agreement proposed by the Italian company and accepted by the Government, It is said that the Italian Government, in order to induce passengers 30 prefer the Bologne Brindisi route to that of Marseilles, have been in communication with The Mediterranean and Adriatic railway com- panies, in order to obtain, if possible, a diminu tion in the cost of the tickets and better facilities for the conveyance of luggage. The works for the improvement of the Brindisi Harbour, which had been urged by the P. and O. Company, are being actively carried on, and it is said they will soon be completed. The question is of importance also for Venice, as a great number of travellers prefer visiting Venice on their way to and from Brindisi.

The Japan Mail summarises the views of the leading Tokio journals:-The leading Japanese newspapers all write about Corean complications. They show some excitement, but, on the shule, treat the affair more mode rately than is their wont. The Nippon, ofed the door and refused to leave except on course, takes a strong line. It declines to be- lieve that recent incetings of Cabinet Ministers were for any purpose other than to discuss the Korean suupuan, and it shows even a disposi tion to conhect the naval manoeuvres with Russia's doings in the peninsula. The Kokuin and the Yomiam are concerned chiefly about the fact that the publie is not more fully in. formed. Both point to England's method of publishing Blue Hooks and answering questions in Parliament, and both agree that though diplomatic honey manufactured in glass hives may sometimes be of inferior quality, the general approval thus secured for the pincess is invaluable. The Asahi considers that Russia has shown herself arbitrary and overbearing

New Colour for Warships. with reference to the Masampo afikir, but it For years, Great Britain. France, Germany, is careful to distinguish between the lawful and other Powers, have been trying experiments and the unlawful aspects of the case. Corca's with colours designed to render a ship less Irenties confer on foreigners the privilege af conspicuous. The French once thought they owing land in and around the settlements, had solved the problem with a sort of white, within fixed limits. If Russia's proposals de the Germans with a dirty grey. Now, an not exceed those limits, no objection can be experiment has been carried out in the raised thought her manner of advancing them be Mediterranean, and the Revenge and the Fulran. a little peremptory. Great interest attaches to have been painted a light grey. The Revenge England'saitituile. England has sacrificeil many was the first ship so caloured, and it was thought of her interests in various parts of the world for that it would interfere with the smartness of her the purpose of placating Foreign Powers and appearance, but this proved not to be the case preventing them forms interfering with her prose. In the daytime she is practially invisible at a cution of the war in South Africa. It may be distance of two miles, which is well within the that she will adopt a similar policy with regard recognised distance for opening fire, and at to this Corean problem. But when she gave night she is a veritable phantom ship., Further up Port Hamilton, she obtained Russia's experiments are to be tried, and if the new colour assurances that there should be no encrunch turns ont as successful as it promises to do, it ment thereafter upon Cnrean territory, and will be adopted for all the slips of the Medi- if she pleases, she can now insist on havterranean Fleet. In such a case it will not be ing those assurances carried out. The Jiji long before the employment of it spreacts to Shimpe is conspicuously moderate. It finds other stations. that the matter is simply one of a conling station, and at seeins to hint that the best solution is for Japan to obtain some counter- Notwithstanding the recent visit of Prince concession so as to preserve the balance. The Henry of Prussia to Bangkok, it is stated that Nichi Nichi Shimbun preserves silence. in the organisation of his Government upon It will be observed (adds the fail) that the Western lines the King of Siam is leaning to vernacular press is, to a great extent, groping wards to English models rather than the German in the dark. None of the journals seems to or the French. A military police has been know clearly what Russia has asked for or formed, and it is clothed and equipped with what answer Corea has given. The only supplies drawn partly from India and partly from telegraphic news relating to the Seoul Govern Great Britain. A shipment of bull's-eyes" ment's attitude indicates th-1 Curea is disposed of Birmingham manufacture is on its way out, to follow Japan's lead, and is therefore waiting and the Midlands have also furnished other until her neighbour declares herself. It may articles for the saine purpose during the last be taken for granted, however, that Russin as few weeks. The regular army is also,being undoubtedly asked for a coating-station site out equipped from this country, and consignments side the limits of the Settlement at Masampo. of helmets, footgear, and small arms are now Some say that she has supplemented heren route. The Siamese Queen, who was application by a corollary in the sense that a formerly disposed to accept the advice of Paris site on an island near Fusan will suit her as well in matters of fashion, now looks upon London as Masampo, but as to that there is some un as the source, of inspiration and considerable certainty,Kobe Herald.

orders for finery and knicknacks are now in course of execution here.

RUSSIA AND CHINA.

Bium.

: A Levee.

By command of the Queen a Levée was The leading Russian journal Russia expresses held on 7th ulto, at St. James's Palace by ... the opinion that the retrograde policy adopted the Prince of Wales, K.G., on behalf of Her by the Dowager-Empress of China, is a menace Majesty. Presentations to his Royal Highness to the safety of the Manchurian Railway and at this Court are, by the Queen's pleasure, can- in general to the enormous interests of Russia. sidered as equivalent to presentations to Her in the Celestial Empire, and holds that the Majesty. The Diplomatic Circle was attended Russian Government should consequently take by the Ministers for China and Siain, and the measures to safeguard its interests. The most Charge d'Affairs for Japan. The following practical of the measures to be taken for that were amongst the presentations made in the end would be, according to the Hassia, for Diplomatic Circle. By the Chinese Minister, Russia to annex purely and simply Manchuria Mr. Chen Ivan, Attache. By the Japanese and the Lingtung Peninsula, instead of Chargé d'Affaires. Mr. Mitsunojo Funakoshi, being content with those places remaining Third Secretary, Colonel Kosuke Iddiui, Mili- in her sphere of influence. The journal adds tary Altacht Rear Admiral Hikanojo Kam that the annexation should be undertaken, as imura, Mr. Kotaro Sakura, Fleet Paymaster, no protesty are to be feared from France, being Imperial Japanese Navy. The General Circle an ally of Russia, nor from Great Brithin, which was altonded by Mr. George: Greville, CM.G. is at present paralysed by the South Africah (Her Majesty's Minister Resident in Siam). war, nor from Germany, which is less than ever Amongst the Agents General for the Colonies disposed to stand in the way of Russia, nor, in present were Licut, General the Hon. Six the last case, from Japan, which is already Andrew Clarke, Agent-General for Victoria. sufficiently indemnified, in Corea, with, the | The following were also in attendance at the assent of Russin. The Rostia goes on to say Levés-Sir William Des Voeux, Siz Marcus that as far as China is concerned, it is for her Samuel, and Mr. Sassoon, car, AL own interests to be in agreement with Russia, and to acquiesce in her demands. The journal concludes by saying that the very basis of a wise policy consists in knowing how to profit by circumstances and now or never, is the time for Russia to prova il da

Kiaorohow. "The Reichalig on 2nd alto discussed the Naval Estimates. (On the vote for: Kizo-chow Admiral von Tirpitz Secretary of State for the Navy, staled that affairs there were in araatis

His Ex-

of the South African News and that of the Africanders in trying to obtain peace at the price of the independence of the Republics.

Mission of Sir Alfred Milner to Disaffected Districts.

----

Calcutta, March 26th. The Barly Netes correspondent at Cape Town states that Mr. Schriener, Premier, and members of the Cape Ministry, are loyally supporting Sir A. Milner's pacifcntory mission in the disaffected districts.

War Office and Lord Methuen's Despatch from Magersfontein.

The War Office has made Lord 'Meibuen rewrite the Magersfontein Despatch, awing to -the defects of style and of farm in the original It is suppossed that this action has been taken in consequence of Parliamentary agitation in favour of Colonel Gough.

The Kaiser Praises the Irish Regiments.

In the course of conversation with some high officials at Berlin, the Kaiser is reported to have expressed the highest admiration of the bravery of the Irish regiments.

Recovery of General Macdonald.

General Hector Macdonald has recovered from the wound received at the Modder River, and has returned to duty.

----

Considerable Delay in the Advance from Bloemfontein. Boers very Sullen and not to be trusted to Keep the Outh.

LONDON, 26th March,

The correspondent of the The Timesal Bloem- fontein, in referring to the ralt which has taken taken place in the advance and which is causing some anxiety at hoine, says that time is neces- sary for the Proclamation to make itself felt. The line of comununication would be endanger- ed unless the territory behind the advancing Army were rendered secuse. The utmost cau- tion was needed in dealing with apparently loyal Boers-those who have been surrendering at Philipopolis which has just been occupied by General Clements. Generally throughout the country they are very sullen, and cannot be trusted to keep oath they have taken under com- pulsion.

The Russian Petroleum Industry. From St. Petersburg, says the Odessa corrës- pondent of the Standard, there comes an announcement of an important nature, inas- much as it closely concerns a numerous body of British capitalists and shareholders who have many millions of money invested in this country. It is to the effect that M. Witte, Minister of Finance, is now claborating a scheme for the conversion of the whole petro- leum industry of the Caucasus into a Govern ment Monopoly, M. Witte bases his chief reason for the introduction on the fact that the "ringed" combination of foreign proprietaries have, by a purely speculative process, raised Ominous Speech by Mr. White, the. the price of naphtha threefold, and the

Transvaal Agent at Baltimore. enhancement steadily continues.

LONDON March 26th. cellency has failed in his many efforts The necessity for caution is further em to persuade the Russian and foreign prophasised by a somewhat ominous speech which has just been delivered at Baltimore by Mr. prietaries to content themselves with a smaller but reasonable profit, and he has received white, the Transvaal Agent. He stated that many hundreds of strongly-worded representa events would shortly occur which would startle lions on the subject from people who have the

the world. public interest at heart. This may or may not be a pretext for the launching of this Monopoly project; but in many quarters it is believed that the Minister, encouraged by the success of the Liquor Monopoly, is desirous of attach- ing the immense revenue of the petroleum industry to Exchequer purposes. It is certain that the scheme will be energetically opposed by the foreign proprietaries, the majority of which are British; but if M, Witte be fixedly determined upon the conversion, his Ministerial position is sufficiently strong to bear down the strongest opposition.

The Siberian Railway, An interesting report on Russian Railways by Mr. Henry Cooke, British Commercial Agent in Russia, has recently been issued by the Foreign Office.. The following extract relating to the Great Siberian Railway is of interest Cutter

Coming to the progress made, in fact or in project, by separate lines, the first importance

Canada's Army Commissions.

LONDON, March, 29th. "Forty-two Anny Commissions have been allotted to Canada.

--0-

General Joubert in Command at Kroonstadt.

LONDON March 26th. The Boers are rapidly concentrating forces at Kroonstadt, the newly-declared capital of the Free State, and are preparing to offer a stren uous resistance to the further British advance. General Joubert is in command.

Better Treatment of the British -Prisoners at Pretoria.

LONDON, March.zútb. Since the surrender of General Cronje a marked change for the better is reported in the treatment meted out to the British prisoners at Pretoria,

everybody. Most of the large restaurants closed

SHIPPING REPORTS.

Captain F1 Sommer,, of the steamship Habáta Maru, from London, reports: On the 30th March, passed K. R. 11. F., 4-nast. barque Haikar, Liverpool) in Lat. 5.53′ N., and Long. 34° 57' E., steering North.

NOTANDA.

CALENDAR.

APRIL..

Meteorological vienus based on ten years! observations to 1863.

Barometer Thermometer

Humidity. Rainfall

YESTERDAY,

• WEATHER REPORT.

Barometer....

Temperature" Humidity Rainfall

-On date at

TO-DAY.

30.05

.62.c

.85.0

108

Onilare at

10,th,

4 chat!.

39.97

29.87

75

79

94

B3

Tuesday, 10th April, 1900. Chinese-7th of zed moon of 26th year of

Kwang-si. Sun-Rises

Sets

High water-Morning

Afternoon Low water-Morning ...

Skr. 40min.

Skr. 10min.

Qure Samine

Shr. amin. shr. azmin.

Afternoon ... the qzwin. ANNIVERSARIES.

1813- Battle of Toulouse. 186-Suez Canal opened.

Dinner given to Sir Claude MacDonald by the China Association, Shanghai,

TO-MORROW.

Wednesday, 11th April, ryox Chinese Yath of 3rd moon of 26th year of

Kwang-si Sun-Rises

shr. 45min. bhr. 17min.

Shr. batin. Skr. 58min.. 2kr. 2gutin. zhr. z8min.

Set..... Moon-in Apogee shr. p.m. High water-Morning..

Afternoon Low water-Morning

Afternoon ... ANNIVERSARIES. 1713-Treaty of Utrecht. 1873--Hongkong Volunteer Fire

formed. 1878–Terrific tornado in Capton ; 2,000 houses

destroyed, 10,000 lives lost. 1894-British protectorate over Uganda pro-

claimed,

Brigade

1898-Glen Lige steamer Glenturret grounded

at Woosang. 1899-Friendly, Islands become dependencies

of Creat Britain.

AGENDA.

TO-MORROW. Noon-C. N. Co's steamer, Chinglu leaves for

• Australian Ports. 5 pan.

C. S. N. Co's steamer Loongsang leaves for Manila.

THURSDAY, 12th.

Noon-Estraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of the Green Island Cement Co., Ld. Noon-I. C. S. N. Co's steamer Kamsang leaves for Singapore, Penang and Calcutta.

C. N. steamer Nanchang leaves for Tientsin.

FRIDAY, 13th

Good Friday, 18th-Annual Prize Meeting of the Hongkong

Rifle Association at Kowloon... C. N, Co's steamer Ichang leaves for

kianga

A

Cargo ex Urano subject to rent.

13.45

P.---

Co's steamer Kuriyang leaves for Tien-

tsin.

WEDNESDAY, 18th. pm-Extraordinary Meeting of the. Hongkong and Kowloon Wharf and Godown Co., Ld.

Grand Entertainment under Distinguish- ed. Patronage, in aid of the Indian Famine Fund at City Hall.

Carge ex Theridis subject to rent.

SHIPPING AND MAIL NEWS.

MAILS DUE.

English (Chusan) 13th inst,

American (City of Peking) 14th inst Canadian (Empress of tudia) 16th inst German (Freussen) 17th inst. German (Weimar) 17th inst. Aulerican (Gaelic) 20th inst. American (Hongkong Maru) 28th inst,,

The N. P. S. Cal's steamer Tacoma, arrived- at Yokohama and sailed for Kabe to-day.

+

The Imperial German Mail steamer Weimar, lek Kobe via Nagasaki and Shanghai on Sun- day the 8th inst., p.., and may be expected here on for about Tuesday, the 17th, inst

HONGKONG AND WIŁAMPOA DOCK RETURNS,

af

Dock. Kowloon

Isla de Crebu.. HMS. vern....... MS. Sandpiper... U.S.S. Scindia. Progress Taiyuan cluping Tailer D. Juan d'Austria Yong Leong

............

Cosmopolitan Aberdeen

PASSED THE CANAL Outward-31st_Match--Bayern, Pyrrhus, Awe Mary 4th April-Indrani, Laos, Gistin, Salakadji, Westphalia.

Homeward-31st March-Chingwa, Patro- clus, Sacetry, Abbey Holme, 6th April-Ceylon, Diomed, Aker, Roma.

Arrivals at Home-4th April-Cowrie, Khulif, Stentor, Wakasa Maru. 6th April -Trieste, Bayern.

Shipping.

Arrivals. APENRADE, German steamer, 61, A. Bendixen, 9th April,-Haiphong and Hoihow 8th April, General.-Jebsen & Co. ANPING MARU, Japanese steamer, 961, Satow, 9th April, Swatow 8th April, General.- Mitsui Bussan Kaisha.

PROSPER, Norwegian steamer, 724, Thorsten-

sen, 9th April-Swatow 8th April, Gene ral. Melchers & Co.

Loosok, British steamer, 1,020, J. B. Jackson,

9th April,-Bangkok 31st Mar., Rice, Butterfeld & Swire.

KINSHU MARU, Japanese steamer, 3,459, F.

Horton, 10th April,-Moji 5th April, Gene ral and Coal.-Nippon Yusen Kaisha. BAMBERG, German steamer, 2,660, H. Jacobs, 10th April, Singapore 4th April, General, -Siemissen & Co.

HAKATA MARU, Japanese steamer, 3,864, F. L. Sommer, toth April,- London and Mar, and Singapore 5th April, General-Nippon Yusen Kaisha.

KWEILIN, British steamer, 1084; Mackenzie, tath April-Newchwing 3rd April, and Chefoo 4th, General- Butterfield & Swire. PROGRESS, Russian steamer, 541, C. B. Gender.

sen, roth April,Wuhu 3rd April, Rice,-

Order:

Clearance at the Harbour Offen. Prespir, Norwegian str., for Swátow. Achrade, German str., for Hoihow.

Alciners, British str., for Shanghai, .. Jris, British bark, for Fremantle. Whampon, British str., for Amoy. -- Diamante, British str., far Amoy. Konigsberg, Ger, str., for Yokohama. Pak Kong, British str., for Canton.. Macduf, British str., for Saigon. Ramberg, German str., for Shanghai. Kwai Lum, British steam-launch, for Macao.

Departures, April to, Quarta, German str., for Saigon, April 10, Sucia, German str., for Kioutbow. April to, Haileong, British str., for Swatow. April to, amante, British str., for Manila. April 10, Shanghai, British, str., for Singapore. April to, Longmon, Ger. str., for Shanghai... April to, Wingsang, British str, for Shanghai. April 10, Whampoa, British str., for Singapore,

Passengers-Arrived.

Per Bamberg, from Singapore-200 Chinese. Per Kinship Marie, froin Japan--Mesers. T. Sasaki, K. Okamoto, S. Yamazaki, Y. Okamoto,, S. Takagaki, S. Kuniyasu, 3 Japanese and to Chinese.

STEAMERS EXPECTED.

Names.

Kawachi Maru' Japan Chiusan..

Pingsucy...

Idomeneus

Japan

From

Singapore

Singapore

Singapore

Duc.

To-morrow. April 12th

April rath

¡April 13th

Singapore ...... April 13th-

...... April sath

April 14th April 15th

...April 16th

City of Peking...Japan Saint Irene.... Japan Glenogic........ Kobe Empress of India..Japan Preussen

Singapore April 17th Weimar Japan .........................April 17th Gaelic

San Francisco... April 20th "Miike Maru.......Bombay....... April 20th" Hongkong Maru... San Francisco... April 28th

We would direct the "atieation of shipping firms to tha style in which "Steamers Expected” and “Projected Ballings't China now published in these colusint, and in so doing respect

fally urge the managers of shipping fera" to give ordeca:19) their clarks to finish this prize, on the farms, sirradý sap/ -piled gratis with the latest wrallably information army key,