1900-05-01 — Page 3

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1900.

THE REDUCTION OF CABLE RATES,

Fresh representations strongly worded were accordingly addressed to Her Majesty's Repre- sentive at Peking, to whom the utter futility of asking for documentary proof of the methods employed by the Hoppo was demonstrated, and the desirability of demanding the abolition of the Native Customs and the whole collection to be confided to the Imperial Maritime Cus- toms strenuously insisted upon as the only cure for the evil. The Minister, while admitting that this proposal went to the root of the evil, in timated that it would involve such widespread ing consequences that he must refer it to Her Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and nothing farther has, as yet, been heard on the matter." (Appendix T.).

THE INLAND WATERS STEAM NAVIGATION REGULATIONS.

garded as dangerous were included in that into and institute a permanent: system of Ad- | about to be issued by the International beloj preferential duties on shipments by junks, category in the Dangcous Goods Amendment niinistration for the Phillipines in place of the graph Authorities the consecutive numbering Ordinance, and the suggestion made that theso Military tule hitherto necessitated by circums of the words would be abandoned, the matter goods should be continued to be excluded from tances, and it is to be hoped that their recom. was duly considered by the Committee, but as the list, this suggestion was adopted by the mendations will move towards legs onerous it appeared that the step had been definitely Government. I have already referred to the taxations and regulations, which will assist resolved upon, it was thought useless to take Arms and Ammunition Amendment Ordinance, Instead of interfering with the natural expan any action thereon. which was very strongly criticised by those sion of the trade of these fertilo islands. interested in the trade and also by the public, At the Philadelphia Congresa held last Octo The question of the reduction of the tariff and the original draft of which on the zeber, which was a great success and calculated of charges for telegrams between the East presentations of this Chamber experienced to have valuable results, among other interest considerable modification before the Bill was

and Europe has again-come to the front and ing points brought forward, our representative, has engaged much of the attention of your passed.

Mr. Townsend, dwelt strongly upon this subject Committee, who have passed resolutions on the Last year we were subjected to all the and his remarks are well worth attention. subject, laid them before the Government and -restrictions and annoyances of being declared The apparent ommission on the part of the the Telegraph Companies and circulated then an infected Port, which continued through the Dominion Minister of Customs to include widely among the various Chambers of Com summer months, and it is a subject of great Hongkong in the list of Colonies and Depen merce, seeking the co-operation of the latter in regret that we should find ourselves'in a similar dencies of the Empire entitled to the the attempt to secure a reduction of these rates. predicament again this year. The problem of benefit of the British Preferential Duties in The Telegraph Companies, on their part, say how to succeed in stamping out the plague has Canada having been pointed out by the agent that they have addressed the Imperial Govern still to be solved, although amelioration can of the Canadian Pacific Railway, your Com- ment proposing a general lowering of the tariff undoubtedly he secured by strong sanitary mittee have addressed the local Government under certain conditions. Your Committee, measures. The loss caused silly to the on the subject, and asked His Excellency to however, urge that in any case, the Telegraph trade of the Port from this disease is enormous, bring the matter to the notice of the Secretary Companies can afford to make a substantial The revival by the Canton Government of❘ of State for the Colonies. Already some trade reduction in rates, and that they would eventu the farm for the collection of the ckin in has been diverted from Hongkong in conse-ally be repaid by the increase in the traffic that Kwong-Tang naturally led to expectation of quence of this omission, and in the future such would ensue if the cost were reduced to a point all the abuses which attended the last monopoly, a drawback might have a far wider effect, so it that would render it possible for the public and the Chamber accordingly addressed is to be hoped that this matter will soon be to make more frequent use of the cable. Her Majesty's Consul at Canton on the rectified. subject. Mr. Mansfeld, with his แรนค promptitule, tail already made a protest to the Viceroy against the establishment of of the Lekin Farm, and although that official did not admit that the Farm was an infringe ment of Treaty Rights he issued stringent orders against any abuse of their position by the farmers, apparently with some success. The principle of these monopolies is, however, distinctly opposed to the spirit of the Treaties, and their establishment cannot be tou strongly deprecated.

You are aware how, fully we have been re- presented on the Legislative Council by Mr. Whitehead, who deserves cur thanks, and is now on a well camed holiday, and in whose place for the time being we have just elected

Mr. Herbert Smith.

In regard to the secretary ship, I cannot speak too highly of the care and attention given to the affairs of the chamber by Mr. Wilcox, whose work, as 1 have before remarked, is steadily increasing and requiring more and more time and attention. -

THE WORKING OF THE HONGKONG POST OFFICE.

Thanks to sundry improvements in the internal arrangements of the Post Office and the efforts of the Postmaster General, the com- plaints against the working of the Department have been greatly reduced, but the need for a new building for its accommodation has in nowise abated; on the contrary, owing to the continually increasing amount of corves pondence, it has become more pressingly felt. | The Committee, in November last, at their monthly meeting, passed a resolution urging affê Covernment to proceed immediately will the erection of a new Post Office, and with the re-organization of the staff on a more liberal scale than that now existing. The question is under the consideration of the Government, on the committee for many years, will, If and it is hoped that consideration may soon understand, remain at home. It will be forgive place to action. yan to-day to elect a new committee as well as a chairman and vise chairman. The re- maining members of the outgoing committee have agreed to serve again jí plected;

That ancient grievance it is a quarter of a The General Committee had dwindled down century old-the levy of preferential duties on to five representatives, four of its members hav- Junk borne cargo by the Hoppu of Canton, basing recntly gone home, three of them with the again come to the front and drew from this intention of returning, but - Mr. McCona Chamber a fresh and strong appeal to Her chic, who is rendered valuable service Majesty's "Representative at Pekin, Your Committee upon this occasion, as a last, resource strongly recommended the abolition of the dual system of Customs in the Two Kwangs, and Mr. Bax Ironside then,in charge) admitted that it would go to the root of the evil, but was himself naturally unable to move directly in the matter. He laid the suggestion however before the Foreign Office and I since rely hope that when a convenient time arrives this grain of mustard seed will develop into a goodly tree and produce that fiscal reform which is so badly needed.

When it was given out with great, éclat by Lord Curzon in the House of Commons that China had granted the right of Naviga on of the Inland Waters to Foreign vessels, it was hule imagined that this concession would be turned by a farce by the interpreta tion placed upon the regulations by the Ine perial Chinese Customs, but this is unfortuna- tely the ease and, as far as the West River is concerned, foreign steamers have not benefited in the least, and the expected development trade from the opening of the Waterways of South China Steam Navigation has not been. realized. This has naturally caused great dis appointment and loss to the large shipping Companies who have been induced to construct craft specially for the River Service and who have appealed in vain for a reasonable inter- pretation of the Regulations which would enable them to benefit by the so called conces sion, I trust that agitation upon this subject will be kept up in Parliament and elsewhere until the Chinese Government are induced to act up to the spirit of the arrangement instead of to the letter only:

A further interference with the development

|

The roll of members has gone an increasing am glad to say, no less than 15 new members having been elected since last meeting, whose election you will be asked to confirm directly. We have lost three during the year, two by death, one of whom, Mr. Granville Sharp, we all miss here to-day. Mr. Sharp was a regular attendant at these meetings and we always listened with much interest to the trenchant

expression of his views, even if we did not en- tirely concide with thein.

י

THE PIERS ORDINANCE, 1899. The attempt nnde by the Government in 1898 to greatly increase the rents paid by piers and wharves, which were formerly almost nominal, was last year renewed, though de scale propose was more reasonoble. The Ordinance giving eflect to this proposal was submitted to the Chamber for consideration, and was criticised and condemned as, un. necessary, but though some amendment was made in its provisions the Bill was passed and has become law.

THE RAW OPIUM AMENDMENT BILL., 1899,

In pursuance of the understanding relently arrived at with the. Chinese Government to I have again to remark on the still improving give such assistance as may be practicable in financial position of the Chamber. As will be the protection and collection of Chinese reves observed by the statement of accounts, our nue, the Colonial Government last year drafted Reserve Fund mounted at the end of the year an Ordinance designed to prevent the sug: to $10,000, and I am glad to inform you that gling of opium into China, by the establishment. this has since been increased by the addition of bonded warehouses in this Colony and the of $2,000 taken from the balance at credit, and provision of certain checks on the movement placed on Deposit at the Hongkong and of the drug. This Bill was also referred to the Shanghai Bank We have had no opportunity Chamber and was subjected to a searching of making use of the Pinnacle Rock Fund.

crineism, which appears to have had the effect Having now touched upon most points dealt of causing the measure to be shelved, the tam with in the Report, before proposing its adop-mittee showing that most of its provisions were tion the committee will be glad to hear unnecessary, and that the object sought might remarks in these or other subjects on which just as readily be obtained by making the mer any members present desire to express chants godowns bonded stores, keeping an opinions.

account of all opium actually discharged in of the Chinese Imperial Maritime Customs Hongkong, and farnishing the representative with particulars of all permits issued for the export of opium.

The following is the report of the General Committee for the year ended 31st December, 1899, which was crowded out of our yesterday's

issur,

A great variety of subjects has engaged the year, and they have been enabled to make some progress in certain directions.

THE MANILA OBSERVATORY AND TYPHOON TELEGRAMS,

The temporary interruption in the receipt of the very useful typhoon warnings received by telegraph for some years past from Manila having ceased, this valuable service has been in operation during the year.

THE NEW TERRITORY.

of trade in the wo Kwang has been the out-attention of your Committee during the past break of lawlessness and piracy under the misrule of the late Viceroy, who, was probably the worst ruler these provinces have had for many years, and who allowed this state of affairs to increase to such an extent that now it has becouse so organized that it will require extensive measures to successfully cope with it. The attention of the Chamber was first, called to the subject by the attacks on the silk trade in districts not far from Canton, anda telegram was despatched early in August to the London General Chamber of Commerce Peninsula lensed to the Colony under the Con- The tentory at the back of the Kowloon pointing out the unsettled state of the provinces, vention of June, 1898, was not taken over with- the unreliability of the Viceroy, the interference

out opposition, such opposition having been with trade, and need of more gunboats to organised in the districts adjoining the leased pretect our interests on the Wes! River. We territory. The military operations thereby have to thank the London Chan:ber for at once necessitated involved considerable outlay and bringing the matter before the Foreign Office, trouble, and the Committee suggested that, in but I regret to say that the only outcome was compensation therefor, the British Government the placing of the old Tweed, and a torpedo should insist upon the frontier being extended ok as a reinforcement to the little Sand to include Shamchun, that the Chinese officials piper" on the West River, although this should be removed from Kowloon City, and Chamber represented strongly to the Hong- that the lease'should be either extended beyond kong Government the inadequacy of such a its present term of 99 years or a cession in force to do anything to really stem the evil. perpetuity be demanded. These suggestions I think it most unfortunate that the hou

were duly submitted to the Secretary of State government did not "sue fit to take a serious

for the Colonies, but the Government appar view of the matter, instead of practically merely ently only saw their way to adoption of the looking on, and doing nothing substantial to second. This, however, is a very important assist in preventing this crying evil from reach-gain, for the Colony will now be spared the ing its present proportions. The latest stage humiliation and annoyance which would have is that all steamers are recommended to keep resulted from a Chinese Alsatia being preser- to one particular Channel of the West River ved in the centre of its area. entrances which can be specially protected from pirates. This think is the most eloquent illustration of the present condition of the West River Delta which could be desired, and you will doubtless look with much interest for the effect of the combination between our Naval Authorities and the new Viceroy which we are told will put down the present unfor tunate state of things.

THE MERCHANT SHIPPING CONSOLIDATION ORDINANÇE, 1899,

The interpretion placed by the Inspector- General of Chinese Maritime Customs upon the above regulations has rendered the long looked-for concession of the navigation of the Inland Waters of South China by foreign sleamers practically valueless. Strong represent ations on this subject have been made to the British Government, and your Committee do not intend to allow the matter rest where it is, though questions of great moment to the home authorities have caused it to be shelved for the present. (Appendix U.)

and Rc.

THE PIRACIES IN THE TWO KWANG. Piracy in the interior of the Kwang provinces assumed such startling proportions last sum mer that the deliveries of silk were seriously interfered with, ade generally in the West River districts was obstructed, the navigation of the river rendered perilous by alt but large steamers, and a general sense of insecurity induced by the daring robberies outrages of alnost daily occurrence. presentations by, importing firms were in consequence made to this Chamber set- ting forth lists of outrages and praying that something be done to put a stop in the con appeats by telegraph and letter were thereupon tinuance of these raids and robberies. Urgent made to the London Chamber of Commerce, to the British Minister at Peking, and to the Colonial Government, begging that Her Ma- jesty's Government would despatch a flotilla of small gunboats to safeguard the inland water- ways of South China. In response the Tweed and a torpedo-haat were ordered to reinforce the Sandpiper, which had been some months on the West River, but although these boals may have had some influence in their immediate neighbourhood, no evidence is forth. coming of their having any effect on the general situation, which has become more and more intensified until blackmailing is now a recog nised condition in many trades and the whole watershed is more or less in a state of insecuri ty. It is unnecessary to dwell upon the dia- | astrous effect such a state of atlairs must have upon trade generally, and the disorganisation to all its branches, thereby preventing its natural development. (Appendix V)

these,

... "HONGKONG AND WRAMIDA DOCK RETURNS.

man, having felt the Colony, and Sir Thomas Jackson, Mr. H. A. Ritchie, and the flan. T. Esta de H. Whitehead having gone home on leave.

U.S.S. Monterey Zaire....

Cosmopo

Shipping.

MEMBARA increased during the past year. The Chamber Progress The roll of members han again considerably St. Bene has lost three members two by death, viz, Messrs. Granville Sharp and H. J. Holmes, and D. Jan Austria

Taiyuan one lay resignation-Messus. Befilios & Co., who independent have discontinued business. In Mr. G. Sharp Decongre the Chamber has lost not only an old member, were exceptional, but also its readiest debater. whose experience and knowledge of the Colony The following, have been admitted to member- ship, subject to confirmation at the annual meeting Mr. W. S. Bailey, The Extension Australasia and China Telegraph Co, Ld, Messrs. McGregor Brothers and Gow, Mr. D. Haskell Mr. R. C. Wilens, Messrs. L.. Sculfort & Co., Banker & Co., Wench & Co., M1. Léon Jordan, The Deutsche Asiatische Bank, The A. Levy, Messrs, U. Nervegna & Co. Dr. Imperial Bank of China, Messrs. Hotrs' Jacob & Co., and H. Price & Co.

PINANCE.

The accounts for the year ended 31s December, 1899, has as usual, been audited by Messrs. J. Thürbunn and J. Y., V. Vernon. The balance at credit of the Chamber, after purchase of four debentures of the Hongkong Hotel Company of $500 each and transferring $730 to Deposit Account, was $678.26. The Reserve; Fund stood at $to,000, of which $8,000 is on deposit in the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank and $2,000 is invested in Debentures. The Pinnacle Rock and has been further increased by the accruing interest for the year and now stands at $356.

NOTANDA.

CALENDAR.

MAY. Mricanlogical micans based on ten years observations to 1593.2

.29.867 ..76 3 :840. 15.0

Barometer Thermometer...

Humidity..... Rainfall

TO-DAY.

WEATHER REPORT,

Barometer....... Temperature Humility Rainfall.

Ch date a

to A

29.90

73

76

Crise at

200

. TO-DAY. Tuesday, May, 1900. Chinese-3rd of ørd móon of 20th year of

Kreang-su. Sun- Aiars

Set

High water--Morning- Afternoon Low water.Morning

shr. 20min.

bar. 25min.

ghr. Symin.

Jahr 45min. 34. Hain.

Afternoon ..... par. again. ANNIVERSARIES.

AMOY AND THE FORMOSA TEA TRADE. is inuation in july last to impose a duty ofyen The Formosan Government having notified 1.50 per picul on tea exported from Formosa to foreign countries, whilst tea exported to Japan 1764-Rev. Robert Hall died. thence abroad free, ibis step being taken with 1850-Duke of Connaught bom. would be free of duty and could also be shipped 1841-Hongkong Gazette first published the obvious intention of diverting the export of 1196--The Slab of Persia murdered while enter the Formosan leaf from its accustomed chan- nel vid Amoy, a protest was made by the 1898-Battle of Cavite.

ing a shrine near Teheran. Chamber of Commerce at that port on the sub-1868-Americans destroyed Spanish dect at jert to the British Minister at Tokyo, and the Committee, sympathising with the Amoy co-operation of this Chamber invited. Your Chamber, addressed a representation to the British Minister at Tokyo, a copy of which was also transmitted by the local Government to the Colonial Office, and the matter has been referred by Sir Emest Satow to the considera- tion af Her Majesty's Government (Appendix W

PROPOSED BOARD OF CONSERVANCY FOR THE WHANGPOO RIVER,

During the past year an important Hill for the consolidation of the laws relating to Mer- chant Shipping was considered and passed The measure was referred to the Chamber for consideration and suggestions, and the views of experts were sought and obtained, with the result that a number of amendments were sug

A scheme for the establishment of a Board of Conservancy, for the Whangpoo River has gested or shown to be desirable; but Although been formulated by the Shanghai Chamber of these suggestions expressed the opinions of Commerce, and the correspondence with. cover- those well qualified to judge of the require-ing letters has been submitted to this Chamber ments of the port from a mercantile point of both by that Chamber and by the local Govern- view, few were adopted by the Governmen, ment. In reply your Committee have expressed the majority being dismissed as either imprac their sympathy with, and approval of the pro ticable or unnecessary.

posal and expressed the hope that the Colonial Government would give its cordial support thereto on general principles, as the vexalious detentions now caused to shipping at Shanghai constitute a burden on trade with the Far East. (Appendix X.)

THE INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL CONGRESS AT PHILADELPINA.

Manila,

Dock

Arrivals, PRIN HEINRICH, German steamer, 3,902, H.

Supner, 30th April,Yokohama 21st April, and Shanghai 28th, Mails and Genetil.- Melchers & Co. VIENSANG, British steamer, 1,128, P. Rolfe, R.N.R, 1 May, Manila 28th April Hemp and sugar-Jardine, Matheson & Co BENLARIG, British steuner. 5,45 Krotte, 1st

May,Singapore 1414 April, General- Gibb, Livingston & u HAITAN, British steames, 1,185, J. 5. Roach, 1st May,-Swato 27th April, Anicy 28th, and Swatow pah, General-Doughs, Lap

taik & Co.

HUNAN, British steamer, 1,158, Frazer, 1st

May,Chink any April, General,- TAISAR, British Stramer, 4,549, P. W: B.

Butterfield & Swere

Lake, 1st May, Shanzbar 26th April, and Swatow, goth, General. --Jadine, Matheson Easr, Geman steamer, 993, T. Petersen,

1st May, Clanton 1st May, General --Jebsen & On, -

KWAND PING, Ch visar tanier, 1,5.13, C. P.

Clement, 2nd May, tanton 2nd May, Gentral--C. E. & M.

HAMBURG, Germant Remmer, 1,507, P. Luneshinss, rst May, Breierhaven 21st March, and Singapore 27th April, Mails "and General Melchess & Co, PETRARCH, Goman 'stemaer, 1,257, 1. Uecker, rat May-Somalaya zeth April, Sugar-- Sander, Wieler & Cis

VICTORIA, Swedish steamer 1,181, J. A. Hellberg, 1st May, thefon 45th April, Cakes.--Ouler.

QUEEN ADELAIDE, British steamer, 1,335, F.

MeNai, 1st Move-Stigon 26th April. Rigg-Dodwell & Co, Ld:

MALACCA British steamer, 2,615, E. G. Amhews, 2nd May," Yokohama 19th: April, General & O, S, N, Co.

SAMIA, German steamer, 3,623, G. Schmidt, 1st May,Jamburg 14th March, and Singapore 24th April, General,--Siemssen & Co.

ORLANDO, Brith crusier, 5,600, J. H. Burke,

1st May, Manila 29th April,

Clearancs-e.the Harbour Office.

Hlse, Germinst, det hefra, Machen, Batish str, for Sugions Hunar, Bish str., for Canton 52. Príaz, British sir, for Rangoon Carlisle City, Batish sur, for Moji. Pik Keng, British, fu Canton, Batoum, Rinsh sto, for Safron Gaelic, British st. Shanghai, Kwai Lung, British stum-brunch, for Macay

1899-Ports of Kanson, Masanpo, and SongMay 1, Krama Luyken, German str., for Spote.

Maya, Garlic, British st,, for San Francisco, May 7des, British str., for Swatow May 1. John Currier, American ship, for Port

German adepts id postage to her Colonies.

Ching in Korea opened to trade.

"

TOMORROW.

"Wednesday, 2nd May: 1900. Chinesemath of fik moon of, 26th year of

Kwang-si. Sun-Rises

shr. zmin. Sets Ohr, 25min. Moon-Max. Dec. H. Shr, am, High water-terning...... ....Johr:1pmin: Afternoon pár omin. Low water-farning ... 3hr, 46min. Afternoon 5hr zomin

ANNIVERSARIES.

1487-Simnel executed at Dublin. 1863-Battle of Chancellorsville and death of

"Stonewall" Jackson. 1886-Treaty between Portugal and China

ratified at Tientsin. 1896-Armed attack on a shop at Wanchai; a watchman murdered and a inbong wounded.

¿

Darwin

May Kaghlair Mars, Japanese str. for

Katchingtzo.

May 1. Liguria, Italian cruiser, for Singapore. May 1, Chunshan, British str., for Swatow, May Carlisle City, British str., for San

Francisco,

Passengers- Avvivej,

Per Hailan, hairCoast Ports-Mr. and Mrs. Graham, Mr. and Mrs. Millward and child, Messrs. E. Rise, Lu Chu Nyum and servant, tu Tai Jin, J. McDonald, and 100 Chinese.

Per Feinz Heirich, from Japan- Mr. J. H. Pye, Jru, Mr and Mrs, Bticley, Mr. and Mrs. Lemke. Mrs. Hoare and family, Miss Cocroft, Messrs C, F. Milne, J. Sinith, f Rese and Kumsicy.

Per Vunsang, from Manila-M. and Mrs. Angier, Miss Tuton, M. Mercer and child, Mrs. Legarda and child, Messrs. Hennanns, Tapi, Hierli, Brown, Tuason, Phelan, Voll

1878-Prince Kung died 1899-Fire on the Sabine Reckmers at Lai day, Mupez, Meier, Manchon, Baptista,

the-kok.

AGENDA.

TO-DAY,

THE DANGEROUS GOODS AMENDMENT ORDINANCE, 1899. Among other legislation al for the amend ment of the Dangerous Goods Oalinance was introduced into the Council at the latter end of the year, and attention having been drawn by the firms engaged in the tride in the fact that it was proposed to include certain goods This Congress, which was held at Philadel hitherto regarded as harmless in those classed phia, U.S.A., is October, was very successful. as dangerous, representations were made to Mr. A. M. Townsend, the New York Agent of the Government on the subject, high the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank, attended thorities cited, and the opinion of the Chamber as delegate for this Chamber, and made an expressed in favour of the continued exclusion interesting speech on China Day" (October 8.30 for y p.m.-Regular Meeting of the Zetland of these goods from the dangerous category, 18th), in which he emphasized the great import- The Government replied to the effect that theyance of the American Govemment adopting a were prepared to make amendments in the Bill liberal commercial and fiscal policy in the in the direction suggested. Appendix O.) Philippines. Other speeches by representatives THE ARMS AND AMMUNITION AMENDMENT from the Far East were made on various sub. jects of interest, and an account of the proceed. ings with the correspondence thereon will be found in Appendix Y. - -

ORDINANCE, 1890,

The above measure as tirsi presented to the THE CHINESE CUSTOMS IN KOWLOON, Legislative Council called forth a good deal of Owing in some degree, no doubt, to the per- hostile criticism both from those interested in sistence with which the Colony, and this Cham-"the trade and from the public, and a letter was ber in particular, urged their removal beyond the addressed to the Chamber by the fisnis engaged frontier, the Chinese Customs Stations in the Colony's waters have been moved to positions to that body for consideration and suggestions. in the trade suggesting that it should be referred outside the new frontier, and the scheme which Correspondence with the Governinent ensued, would have practically converted Hongkong and an exhaustive memorandum on the Bill into a Treaty Port has had to be abandoned,

prepared by its opponents was sent in strongly THE SYSTEM OF FINES FOR SMUGGLING supported by the Committee. The Bill after

AT SAIGON.

soine opposition on the amount of the licence fee, was passed by a majority. (Appendix P.) MEDICAL INSPECTION AND QUARANTINE. The port of Hongkong was again in 1899. subjected to quarantine by various countries owing to the re-appearance of plague, though the disease could hardly at any time be said to have been epidemic. It is to be feared that annually unless mare- drastic steps be taken to this is a contingency that will have to be faced stamp out this pest from our midst. (Appendix Q.)

Although the question of the revision of the Treaties on the point of Tariff is not included in the correspondence of the past year, I think Great complaints having been made, early that a few words now on the subject would not

in the past year, of the practice resorted to in be out of place. We have the word of our Saigan by the Customs Authorities of giving Minister in Peking that no active movement is rewards to informers for the discovery of opium taking place on this question, and that before on board steamers arriving from Hongkong anything is done those most deeply interested out of all proportion to the value of the drug con in it will be consulted. I do not see myself fiscated, followed by the infliction of crushing how anything can possibly be done until the fines, representations whole fiscal arrangements of China are altered Government on the subject, who not only were made to the local in such a manner that we know for certain the passed an Ordinance making it penal for any exact duties which will be paid. With that person to conceal opium on board of any ship, guarantee there would be, I am sure, no opposi but represented the case to the Imperial Gov- tion to a fair increase in the Tariff, which after ernment, by whom it was referred to l'aris, all would probably leave foreign goods better where it was, at last information, being con- offin that respect than they are now under thesislered. As no further complaints of confisca present scale of duties, the indefinite inland tory measures at Saigon have been received, taxation, (quite against our Treaties) and possi- the Committee hope that either the system'has bly in these provinces a Blackmail tax as well. been abandoned, or that it is worked with more

ed into the business of the Foreign Customs I

...

REVIVAL OF AN ILLEGAL MONOPOLY IN KWANGTUNG.

THE CHAMBER AND THE PHILADELPHIA COMMERCIAL MUSZUM.

Lodge, at the Freemasons' Hall.

TO-MORROW.

Noon-N. L. steamer Prinz Heinrich leaves

for Europe. Nuon-1. C. S. Co's steamier Suisung leaves

for Singapore. Penang and Calcutta. 5 pm.-C. & M. S. Co.'s steamer Diamants

Jeaves for Manila.

Loyzaja, Mr. and Ms. Houson, Mr. and Mrs. Caído aid son,, Bajanan and son, Mr. and Mrs. Augustin and daughters, Mr. Topia and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Martinez, Mr. Munoz, and 130 Chinese.

Per Sambla, tom Singapore-338 Chinesus Per Taising: fan Shanghai, &-Mr. and Mrs. Chilfer and child, Mr. Talbot, and 69 -Chinese.

Per Malacos, from Yokohama-Capt. and Mrs. Hatherley, Dr. and Mis. Hoskyn, Misses Hoskyn, Schwabe (2), Pattison, Sharples, Mrs... Shaw, White, Roger, Messrs. Arnould, Cerc sole, Blechynden, Sharples, Schwabe and Beurt.

5.15 p.m.--Public Lecture at the Chamber of Per Hamburg, for Hongkong from Bremen Commerce Room, City Hall, by Mr. H.-Mesurs. Otto von Jerlan, Rudolf Leissing: 0. 5. Co's steamer frion leaves for A. Schunemann, Miss Adele, Schoonemann E. Pollock.

-Hugo Lieb, Gustav Meyer, Mr. and Mrs.

Liverpool (direct) viæ Suez Canal.

This Chamber, its Chairman, and Secretary membership of the Philadelphia Commercial (About) have been admitted to honorary permanent

reciprocated by the election as honorary corres- Museum, and this compliment has has been pondents of this Chamber of the Museum, of its Director (Dr. Wilson), and its Chief of the P. & O. steamer Jalatra leaves for London W. N. Fleming, Vice-Consul Lang, Con-

Foreign Department (Mr. Wilfred H. Schoff), and diplomas exchanged.

THE FOURTH CONGRESS OF CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE OF THE EMPIRE, The Chamber having bech invited by the organising Committee of the above Congress to send delegates to attend the meeting to be held in London in June next, your Committee have nominated Sir Thomas Jackson and the ber, and it has been arranged that they will Hon. T. H.,Whitehead to represent the Cham propose resolutions dealing with the naviga tion by foreign steamers of the foland Waters of China, the reduction of Cable Rates, and fresh Marine Surveys in Eastern Sens. (Appendix Z.)

HONGKONG AND THE CANADIAN FREFERENTIAL DUTIES.

&c.

THURSDAY, 3rd.

SHIPPING AND MAIL NEWS.

MAILS DUB.

Indian (Arratson Apear) 3rd inst. American (China) 5th inst. Canadian (Empress of Japan) roth inst American (Doric) 15th inst. American (Nippán Maru) 23rd inst.

Miss Lizzie Schuitemany and Mr. H. Schieren- berg. From Genoa Messrs. Eduard Am hold, Rudolph Brandes, Fritz Bargmann, sul. Siemssen, and. Mr. J. F. Wablen. For Shanghai from Breinen Misses Helenc Götsch, Elly Münch, Mrs. Nebel and children. From Antwerp--Mr. Coppieters. From Houthampton--Miss Burnett, Mr. and. Mrs. H. Bennertz, Mr. Collins, Mirs Crocker, Mr. Gen. Fisher, Miss Zelin, Munnex, Messrs. Humnex, Cico. Kay, Mieses Parker, Prindiville, Mr. Alex. Reid, Miss Slater, Mr. T. B. Clarke Thornhill and valet. From Genoa-Misses E. Bäumer, Suloine Blumbardt, Mr. and Mrs. F. The N. P.S. Co.'s steamer Argil, has arrived. Schüter. From Naples Mr. G. Lemet, A. Carl, Messrs. Endel, W. Noack, and Mrs. at Yokohama and sailed for Portland Oregon Taotai Mein and secretary For Yokohama to clay.

from Southampton- Mrs. Cox, Consul and Mrs. R. G. E. Foster, H.B.M., children and maids. Coan: Alexander Hoyos, Mr. and Mrs: W. K. Wilson, children and amah.

From Genoa--Vice-Consul Adolph Boje, Messrs. Outo Meyer, Carl Raab, Richard Stelbach, and Marie Rehling on

The N. P. S. Co.'s steamer Victoria, has arrived at Yokohama and will sail for Hong. kong on the 3rd inst

Until the collection of provincial taxes js merg-maileration. CANTON SUDBIDIARY COINS who addressed the Viceroy, whereupon His fic Railway that this Colony has been, appa (Bombay Line) left Bombay, via ports for this

do not know in what direction there is the. slightest possibility of any reliable guarantee being forthcoming.

THE INFLUX

The N. Y. K.'s steamer Hiroshima Alaru,

port on the 26th ulto, and is expected to arrive

Another question not, dealt with in the R. Deing flooded with tokens produced, at the mediatsly abolished. In the meantime instruc- Minister of Customs as entitled to participate here on the 18th inst,

INTO HONGKONG. Complaint having been made of the Colony

Canton Mint of a somewhat inferior value to port, but of no small interest to this port, is the the Hongkong subsidiary coins, to the loss of Customs Tarifi and. Regulations in the Philli the native tradesmen as well as to the detri- pine Islands. A copy of the new Provisional ment of the Colonial revenue, the matter was Tariff and Regulations has reached this Cham- taken up by your Committee, in deference to ber from the Acting Tritish Cunsu! at Manila whose representations the Governor appointed through the Colonial Government and this wasa Commissiono inquire into the question and circulated amongst the members most inter report thereon. The Commission, on which ested in the made with the Philippines, but so far we have only received one or two replies and discussed the question, with the result your Committee was fully represented, met There can be no doubt that the duties levied that they recommended in their report that an by the American Authorities are practically the ample supply of Hongkong subsidiary coin same as those imposed by the Spaniards, and should always be kept in the Colony, but that, the general opinion, I lielieve, on the part of it being the only legal tender, restriction or pro ship owners and masters is that the Customs hibition of the. Canton coins was Regulations are even more stringent and obs- and impracticable.

unnecessary tructive. I understand, however, that there is a probability of the early departure from the United States of Chill Commission to enquire

OFFICIAL TELEGRACH CODE VOCABULARY.

It having been brought to the notice of this Chamber that in the new. Official Vocabulary

The publication in one of the local papers of a translation of a proclamation by the Lekin Office at Canton to the effect that a farm for the collection of lekin in Kwangtung had been established, led to representations by your It having been brought to the notice of the Committee to the British Consul on the subject, Committee by the Agent of the Canadian Paci Excellency promised that if the former abuses-rently by an oversight, omitted from the list were reverted to, the farm should be im of those Colonies named by the Dominion tions had been given to the Lekin Office top the benefits of the British preferential tariff, exercise the most careful supervision of the whereby trade in certain goods formerly sent monopoly. (Appendix R.)

through Hongkong has been diverted, repre- sentations have been addressed to the Colonial Government praying that the omission may be State for the Colonies, with a view to securing brought to the attention of the Secretary of the advantage to which, under the Tariff Memorandum, Hongkong is clearly entitled. (Appendix ZI.)

THE LEKIN AUTHORITIES AND BRITISH"

CRAFT ON THE WEST RIVER. In May last year a case of unwarranted in- terference by the Lekin officials with British owned vessels plying on the West River was brought to the notice of the Committee, but the British Consul at Canton, there seemed no as the matter hart been placed in the hands of ground for the Chamber's intervention. (Ap- pendix S.)

PREFERENTIAL DUTIES ON JUNK-BORNE CARGO.

*

Departed.

Per Garlic, for Shanghai--Messrs. R. H. Foy, R. Inglis and native servant, L. Spitsel, The T. K. K. steamer Nippon Maru, with Mrs. Eric Hudson, Master Hodson, Infant and A. J. Findlay, Brown, C. W. Dickson, Mr. and Mails &c., left San Francisco for this port viu European neid servant and one Chinese For Honolulu, Yokohama, Inland Sea, Kobe, Na-Nagasaki-Messrs. D. Noma, Sigamot, A. gasaki and Shanghai, on the 25th ulto.

#

The P. M. S. S. Co.'s steamer City of Río de Janeiro, with Mails &c., which left hence 27th March for San Francisca via Shanghai, Na rasaki, Kobe, Inland Sea, Yokohama, and Honolulu, arrived at destination on the 16th ulto..

THE GENERAL, COMMITTEE. Since the Committee was elected at the last annual meeting, the only changes during the year 1899 have been the resignations of the The Canadian Pacific Railway Co.'s R.M.S. Hon. I. J. Bell-Irving and Mr. W. Poate, whose Empress of India, arrived at Nagasaki at 7 aggravation in the middle of the year, futher J: Keswick and Mr. Herbert Smith. The Com again at 4 p.m., on Tuesday, the sst inst, for This perennial grievance came up with fresh places were taken respectively by the Hon. Jain, on Monday, the 30th April and leaves cargo having been diverted from the Steambonti milice has, however, quite recently lost four Kobe where she is due to arrive at 6 pm, en Companies by the action of the Hoppo in Jevy-members-Mr. A McConachie, the Vice-Chair Wednesday, the and jur.

Gillet. R. Boyles, E. D. Hargreaves and M., Yokohama Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Robertson," Null For Kobe-Mr. F. Uenderson. For. Mr. C. R. Cunning, Mrs. C. H. Holder, Lieut R; F. Peiniger, RA, Mrs. B. Allen, Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Hoppin, Ms. L. Wheaton and F. Natividad For Fan Francisco-Rev. C. A. Nelson, Mrs. Nelson and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. A. C. S. Glover, Messts. A. Hockwald, Tam Pui-Shum, Thaddeus, R. Deal, Robt. H Hampson, O. D. Hampton, C. C. Holberton, Mrs. E. 1. Marsh and Dr. Wollaeger. For C. P. Hall, Moy Fat, Misses Beal, I. Swenson, London-Messrs. W. F. Ackland, Pierre Re veilhac and F, Boulton.