1903-07-04 — Page 12

Tientsin, June 22nd. ".] Rain at last! It may have been the Troue Tablets, it may have been the prayers of mis sionaries and churches, it may have been the

rain in due season falling in the natural order of things. Who can say, and what matters it, so that it rained! The Chinese are satisfied it was the Tables; the Christian peoples rest happy in the knowledge it was their special prayers, and the earth is wet. The rain first fell on Saturday renoon, and continued more or less through Sunday and the two nights, but he sun is already shining and it is to be feared that we have not had enough. The Iron Tablet in the City had only been sacrificed to twice before the rain came, but the one in Pekig has not proved efficacious, and it is said the Emperor has ordered it to be banished. A properly con stituted Tablet certainly should have responded to the personal attentions of the monarch

The Methodist Episcopal Annual Conference took place in Peking last week when Bishop Moore, LL. D., presided. All the preachers were present and it was reported that only one bad died during the past year. Collections from native sources were above any former year and there was a gratifying increase in membership Six young Chinese were ordained and with then two foreigners, namely, the Rev. G. Davies and the Rev. J. St. John, one being appointed to Tsun-hus and the other to Shanhai kwan Itwas decided to open station at Chang-li where school and medical work will be pushed with energy. The beautiful Asbury Church in Peking was dedicated by the fishop and as it takes the place of the one torn down by the Boxers there was great rejoicing. The present building is phobey the largest Pro- testant Chinese Church in the country and the workmanship leaves nothing to be desired. Standing on Legation street in a prominent position is the "Hopkin's Memorial Hospital" for Chinese. It is an ornament to the Legation Quarter and reflects great credit on the gentle man who superintended the building, in fact all te buildings of the Methodist Mission have been put up by Dr. N. S. Hopkins who has spared nothing that they should meet the requirements of the situation. This building was dedicated yesterday. On the whole the Conference year has been a good one and the Mission is gradually regaining the ground lost

in 1900.

I must confess that I do not know very much about the part of Mongolia styled the New Dominion," but we hear much of it now, and

KOPAO O SEE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, SATURDAY, JULY 4, 1903.

RUSSIA IN THE VANGILE VALLEY

Yangize Valley is Great Britain's sphere of How much Russia regards the claim that the

endeavouring to obtain from the throat, Influence is shown by the fact that she is now through a Mr. Pollak, who is the Russian stalking-horse, a concession to build railways, chuan, and from Hankow to Foochow. These from Hankow to giu, the capital of Sze tailways will, of course, have to be duly guarded; and the result may be judged from the present condition of Manchuria, and, of Shintung, which is completely: Germanised throughout the line of the German railway, The M. C. D. News learns that the conse thas been obtained of T. E. Chang Chih-tung, Yuan Shih-k'ai, and Sheng Kung pao, and of the Waiwupu, to these proposed Russin railways, and the necessary imperial edict is now being sought.

RUSSIAN NAVAL REVIEW AT PORT ANTHUR.

Squadron, preparatory to the arrival of the The great naval review of the Russian Asiatic

Wednesday, the 16th ult Russian Minister of War, took place on

assembled outside the harbour of Port Arthur, Almost the whole of the Squadron were and a marvellous sight they presented.

Among the first line of defence were noticed the Nostra, Retirsan, Dimitri-Denskri, Vladi mir Afanmach, Pamiat Azova, Sistei Veliky, Peter Stujietch, Gramohoi, Diana, Razboynik Navarin, Admiral Kornilof, Petropavlosk, and Nickolajevsk,

There were 23 warships of the first class includ.ng torpedo boats, brought up the total to present, and these, with the smaller crait 57 ships of all descriptions.

assembly from the many sightseers. At 10a.m. In the early morning a densa fog hid the when Admiral Alexieff started out in his vachi, only 7 of the vessels were visible from lift, and before long the whole fleet were to be the harbour, but at 11 a.m. the fog began to plainly seen," cleared for action."

witnessing a few manoeuvres, and receiving The Admiral passed down the first line salutes from each vessel in succession. After complimenting some the commanders (to the grief of others not so fortunate) he inspected the lighter craft, after which he (accompanied by the staff) repaired on board the Rossia where

LELAND O. CO.

a soup-plate was wanted, but the waiter could understand him. After several attem,As lockhead was made to see what, was

In Russia, as in China, calculations are made wanted; and then supplied the necessary article.

difficult to be added even by a first-class clerki by the machine board. Figures on paper are Saw an arcade, the largest, I believe, in the world. The city has improved considerably in its architectural aspect since I visited it in 1887.

Bakewell and Cumming, who arrived in Cay-Oriental Steam Navigation Company state that

The staff of special engineering surveyors- Messrs. Crossthwaite, Ummaney, Henderson, March, the directors of the Peninsular and In their half-yearly report to the end of ton seven months ago ip connection with the the position of the Eastern shipping business, survey of the proposed wet dock for Colombo, far from iniproving, has deteriorated consider wave got through their work expeditiously, notably within the six months. The f eight receipts out in water and in swampy land, under most withstanding the fact that it had to be carried in connection with the, indian and Australian disadvantageous circumstances.,

trades have been adversely affected by the pro immense, the noribern boundary stretching drought in Australia, and the intesc slonial track valence of plague both on the Bombay and The portion of land and water surveyed was engal side of India and by the prolonged from Mulwal through Alutmawatie and Bloe between Bombay, China, and Japan has also men all to the Victoria Bridge road. The suffered a considerable relapse, due to the mulla and Pansula Rods in Kotahena, and the the trade between London and Chinn, the western boundary stretched down to Berawn unsatisfactory markets in China. As regards castern boundary caine down past the Madam pitiya Cen etery to St. Toseph's Street in Grand- the great fall in silver has naturally depreciated revenue has been more nearly maintained; but pass. The southern boundary cut across in a the returns from that quarter.. On the whole Joseph's Street. Several hundred borings were north easterly direction from Kotabent to St. there has been a decrease of over £900,000 in

the freight earnings of the hat depth of 150 feet, and a good deal of rack was provement." made by the surveyors, some of them to a passenger traffic has shown a 4ar; but the nights days for the sake of pleasure. Kestau-

moderate im- The coal contracts are inore com across, chiefly towards the Mutwal side favourable than last year; but the general level of the groun surveyed. The wet dock is to be of expenditure at all ports continues excep. and most of the lard with n that area is low, 187 ACRES IN EXTENT,

tionally high.-Financial News. rising on the sides to a height of about 35 feet. canal, about 1,500 feet in length and vessels. The entrance to the Unck will be through a

will come in from the harbour. The canal building on which will be taken down, and cut will go through the utwal jail premises, the

great risk of losing all their dollar Ho pre THE COLOMBO WET DOCK. sured it was absolutely necessary, in fixing the ratio that it should be fixed at a point not likely Looking at the currency arrangements made to be reached by silver in the open market. in the neighbouring countries, at the Philippines where the American dollar was fixed at 21, at Japan where the value of the yen was about as, old, and at the recent change to gold standard in Siam-he thought they might say that unless the ratio be fixed at something & ficulty. He therefore ventured to suggest for near as they might find themselves in some their consideration that the ratio should be 25. He would move the fallowing resolution: "That this meeting is further of opinion that the ratio of exchange between the new dollar and the sovereign should be ultimately brought up to 25, per dollar.”- conversational nature then ensued, in the Mr. Serget seconded. A discussion of a course of which Mr. Thos, Whitehead drew attention to the possible wrongs that night be inflicted on current contracts and those extend ing over long periods as between debtor and creditor. Mr. F. C. Bishop also pointed out that although they were proceeding on the same lines as had been pursued in India, still the conditions prevailing in the two countries were of a quite dissimilar mature, Mr. Cuth- by ur. Whitehead, he did not suppose it was bertson said that in regard to the point raised possible, even if they wished it, to bring the any of exchange at once to 2s. It would naturally be a somewhat long process. How long be was not in a position to say. They the beginning of the scheme to bring the knew that in India it took some six years from rupée up from 15, id, 10 is, 41. How long it would take in Singapore he did not think anyone could say. The process would be a slow and gradul one. In regard to the relations between debtor and creditor he could only say the disturbance on the had been by the fluc uations in silver. Look present occa ion would not be as large as is ing back to the past he did not remember any very great difficulties arising in Singapore as between debtors and creditors. He did know that for some time back business had been made very difficult by constant fluctuations in silver. The Chairman added that the intention of the committee in declining to name a ratio was to allow time for the matter to be fully considered by the mercantile community gen. rally, and also thinking that, as time went on, a better opportunity would present itself than silver would be the progress to a higher exchange would be It was always supposed that slow. After further conversation the resolution was put to the meeting and carried unanimously.

Russia appears to be rapidly setting her trade asumptuous banquet was laid out, and forsome at the moinent of seeing what the course of mark on that territory also. A special tele-time afterwards the residents on shore and the grim from Sin Kiang states that a Russian pleasure of listening to the straies of what is Governor General has been appointed and that the name of the province has been Russianized. Supposed to be the finest band in the East, The nearest approach to the sound my inter- namely, the private band of Admiral Alexieff. pr.le gives me as the new name is Ultz.

The Admiral returned to Port Arthur at about 4 p.m.-Chefoo Express.

The Chinese Governor hangs on to his post nevertheless, and in order to demonstrate the legality of his position he is bestirring himself to get the waste lands culivated and is institut- ing a pole tax bat te what avail. He has neither instructions nor froops with which to mke a stand against the great glacier of the North.

The magistrate at Chincho in Manchuria was recently notified to expect 100 Cossacks to be quartered in his town, and he issued notices with the idea of calming the people and preventing panic. But the panic took place all the same, and all those who could Aed The Cossacks were supposed to be on

a fortnight's visit, but they are probably there Lu Chuang-lin appears to have been cultivat ing quite a progressive tone lately. He and Chiang Po-hat have been much exercised about the shortness of finances, and the irgeness of expenditure to be undertaken. First there is wie dread of famine, and an empty Treasury with which face demands for relief. So he proposes the only chance of raising money tu reorganize the purchate of rank offices. it is not, however, in this respect that any progressiveness displays itself. He has been agitating for the wholesale dismissal of the swarms of clerks who do the real work in all the Boards and Yamens, while the officials smoke opium. Needless to say the e fellows are the ones who dribble away the finances, and many officials have essayed to clear them out. But a Prince has put his veto on any such innovation, and the Empress Dowager has had to set memorial on one side, but to her credit be it spoken, she personally favoured the idea of clearing out the blood. suckers and setting the officials to work. Na Tung's idea for getting a little ready money was to stop the pay of the Banner troops, bui this too has been strongly negatived as a pro- bahic source of trouble, as it certainly would be.

The Board of Revenue officials are said to have been fined a year's salary each on account of the recent fire. The work of clearing the Treasury vaults and removing the

silver is still in process, a sum of million taking some days to transfer. It is proposed to rebuild the Yannen in foreign style as being cheaper than native, and the present tenders are reported to be about Tis. 600,000.

Tientsin City is evidently in a more sanitary condition than it used to be, as I hear the late heavy rain has not inconvenienced the streets a bit. The roadways themselves are higher -and-more even, and the water rolls off into guiers now in quite a rational way instead of hanging around in hollows as it used to. authorities are also using plentiful supplies of The lime and tar in the drains.

YANGTZE PILOT BOATS.

BRITISH NORTH BORNEO RUBBER.

AN AMERICAN COMPANY TO EXPLOIT,

We have just received official particulars of an agreement between the Governor of North Borneo and Mr. Alleyne Ireland, of Boston, U.S.A., that the British Government have placed at the disposal of an American company about 20,000 acres, to be selected by the company, at a merely nominal rent, and for 999 years, of rubber and gutta, and for the future planting of suitable land for the collection of the existing

these trees.

Mr. Miller then proposed: "That the chair- man be instructed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Secretary of State and to telegraph the same to the Straits Settlements Association at Singapore.". Mr. McLaren seconded, and the resolution was unanimously passed.

A vote of thanks to the chairman proposed by Mr. Gulland terminated the proceedings.

The following letter, signed "Straits," appeared in the Sundant;—

inquire into the expediency of introducing a The report of the Committee appointed to gold standard into the Straits Settlements has now been published As was to be expected from the composition of the Committee, the gist of it is. follows: Here follow, cragraphs report is a very lucid and able document. The The agreement seems to us a most generous one, and, while we have no published by us -Edit. & C. A)--This 57-63 of the report, which have already been doubt that it will eventually result in North scheme, which it may be pointed out inciden- Borneo's good, we regret very much that such tally is substantially on the lines suggested in a large tract of the best country should have the communication you published in your been placed in the hands of an American com- issue of Nov. 27 last, seems, as far as can be pany, without first being offered to a British judged, to find universal favour among the syndicate. Considering the number of respon-people interested in the trade of the Straits sible people on this side who would gladly Settlements. There are, however, two points have financed such an undertaking, we think to which it may be advisable to draw that it would have been well if the Governor attention. In the communication above refer- had advertised his intentions of granting such of rubber or gulta exported from the State of a lease. The duty payable upon each variety British North Borneo will be to per cent, valorem, the current Sandakan prices being duty will not under any circumstances be in taken as the standard of value, and this rate of creased, and at no time shall the lessee be called upon to pay than that paid by any other exporter of rubber rate of export duty greater

Journal.

or gulta from the State.—India-Rubberhibited.

THE STRAITS CURRENCY.

red to it was suggested that the currency should. consist of token cons of half-dollars (on the it will be noticed, has not been adopted by the same lines as in Japan). This suggestion, Committee. The second point is the Committee's arrival of the first supply of the new dollars, recommendation that, simultaneously with the the import of Mexican and British dollars port of the new dollars should also be pro- should be temporarily prohibited, and the ex-

across the new and the old roads at Mutwal and Alutmawulte. The borings on the canal trace showed a rock bottom the greater part of the way. The only deep cutting for the canal will be through a neck of land which is about 20 feet in height. On the eastern boundary of St. Joseph's street, Grandpass, the dock will be erected

▾

A HUGE JET.Y,

discharge their cargoes. 1,80 feet in len, th, stretching into the dock, on both ides of which vessels could raw np and

dock with the canal at Nagalagam road, Grand- There will be a barge lock connecting the pass, through which padda-boats loaded with produce can pass. A wide and well-kept road will lead to the jetty, and of course, the usual warehouses and customs buildings will be

erected.

HONGKONG IN PARLIAMENT.

THE PLAGUE.

On the 25th May, in the House of Commons, Mr. Weir asked whether the Med.cal and Sanitary experts in Hongkong in connection with the plague hd reported.

Mr. Chamberlain said the reports w-uld take considerable time to prepare. They could not be ready for six months.

Mr. Weir: Then I will put a question down next year. (Much laughter.)

On the 28th, Me. Weir having asked the Secretary for the Colonies whether the system of ino ulation with plague serum which is in force in India has been adopted in Hongkong; and if not, will be consider the expediency of calling for a report on the subject, Mr. Cham-

placed in the Hilary of the House that the berlain said: The hon. member will see from Dr. Simpson's report which has just been inoculation of those who wish to be protected carried on in Hongkong, and that Dr. Simpson with Hankine's plague prophylactic is already recommends the continuance of this practice.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND BUILDINGS ORDINANCE.

In reply to Mr. Weir, who asked whether the Bill to amend the laws relating to public health and buildings which was recently under Hongkong has yet been sanctioned, Mr. Cham corsideration in The Legislative Council of berlaio said: The Bl referred to has been passed and brought into operation." The Or dinance was recently received in this Office, visions, which are numerous and complicated, but has not yet been sanctioned, as its pro- require careful examination.

MR. CHAMBERLAIN'S HEALTH.

states

A writer in the Daily Dispatch, of 26th May,

declarations little attention has been directed In the midst of all the heated discussion that has been raised by Mr. Chamberlain's recent

The first point appears to be very important, which the Colonial Secretary has lately ex to the marked symptoms of impaired health and its being disregarded might, in the future, Aibited. On his return from South Africa his lead to serious consequences, in fact, to far atter uation of figure and haggardness of feature more serious consequences than the state of affairs which has given rise to the appointment ing effects of the severe attack of gout from were generally attributed to the merely pass- of the Committee. The object of the measures A meeting of the Straits Settlements Asso-

recommended is to bring about fixity of ex

which he had suffered on the homeward voy. ciation was held on the 3rd ult, in the offices change, which object, however, would not be remains in anything but his former robust age. It is now evident, however, that he of the Tanjong Pagar Dock Company, to con- which it is intended to establish ultimately's man that he was before he set out upon his sider currency matters with special reference the exchange value of the Straits dollar to be famous mission.

certain to be attained. Supposing the rate health, and that physically he is not the same to the question of ratio." Mr. W. Adamson, 25, it would only be necessary that silver Messrs. W. G. Gulland, T. Cuthbertson, H. would, although on a higher level, again have George's spirited attack uppa him in the C.M.G., presided, the others present being should rise to above 28d per ounce, and we entered the House to reply to art. Lloyd. On Friday afternoon of last week, when he layson, A. Currie, W. McKerrow, S. Carr, But what is more serious Padday, R. F. McNair Scott, A. Young, J. Fin

all the vicissitudes of fluctuations in exchange, debate on the Aged Pensions Bill, his worn

THE QUESTION OF RATIO.

McLaren, G. W. Butt, James Greig, R. Murray Bell, James Miller, A. G. Wright, T. White

is that if

INDO-CHINA STEAM NAVIGA- TION COMPANY (LIMITED).

The twenty-second ordinary general meeting of this Company was held on 5th ult. at 29. Cornhill, Mr. Keswick, M.P., Chairman of the Company, presiding.

viarre, served with ha f a lemon and fresh-cut The national dish in this country is the ca onions. There are 24 species of fish who pre- duce enviarre (roe), therefore there are 24 VH rieties or qualities of roe (cavi'rre). The l'est is available this time of the year. What is The best must be eaten fresh, or only a few inned and sent abroad is of the fifth quality. days old. It will not keep, therefore it is not preserved. The well-to-do people make their rants are open till 5 am. Even on board the trains the restaurants keep open tilla.m They are supposed on this account not to open before 9 a.m. the next day.

The cost of the journey from Hongkong te this country is 20 per cent, less when compared with what's usually paid by the Suez Canal

route."

THE SILVER QUESTION.

THE SIAMESE CURRENCY. The following interesting note on the effect The Chairman, in moving the adoption of of the currency reform recently introduced in the repot and accounts, which were taken aslam is published by the Times from a cur read, said that the report briefly set forth all. res; andentia Bangkok, dated April 24 that need be said with regard to the operations

Siam's great experiment in closing the mints of the Company. As the shareholders were to the free coinage of silver and seiling her aware, last year was one of considerable ticals at a fixed sterling rate has now been depression in the shipping trade, not in China lested by four months' working. There it is alone, but throughout the world. In China the something of a disappointment, though i pro- depression was very sever, and the competitionbably does not affect the prestige of the cuun. for the reduced amount of freight was most

try in the eyes of the commercial world. Ple keen, both on the Yangise and on the coast.

Government has its selling rate, but there are The result was seen in the revenue of the

no buyers. The banks, on the other hand, reduced. The account, however, which the Company, which was unfortunately greatly have gone back practically to the market rate of silver. Fortunately silver is high for the Directors are able to put before the share-

time and also steady, but the collapse of the holders exhibited under the circumstances a fixed tical does not tend to that confid. nce very satisfactory state of things. They were

which is so necessary in trade. The business fortunate in having to the credit of their

world realised, of course, from the first that underwriting account a very large sum, due to the Government's action did not ensure the the immunity from loss or serious damage to absolute fixity of the value of the tical. But the fleet over long period and the

Siam is so happily situated with its exports. Directors felt they were justified in re largely overtappingits imports, with nodebt, and ducing this account by £28,55, which had consequently no large amount of gold to been carried to revenue account, leaving still remit, that it was hoped its experience would the large sum of £250,000 10 the credit of under-be more favourable than that of India. writing account. They had also in reserve,

where exchange tell for about two years untouched, £100,0 0, and consequently they

after the closing of the mints. What Has were in a position to declare a dividend at the Happened is a fall of Ad. in the dollar rate of 5 per ce t, and to carry forward a small rate within a fortnight--certainly a large balance. He thought that in the circumstances drop-and if silver bad not luckily been high. this result could not but be regarded as satis.

than it had been for nine months past, the factory on the whole. The position of the drop would have been even greater. The Company was one of great strength, and they position in Siam is peculiar, Naturally the only wanted a return to better trade. He was adoption of a good standard in any form has, to glad to say that this year they had began better start with, an adverse effect on exports. People than last year, and should the favourable condi are unwilling to forego the splendid prices that tions continue they might hope to see the steadily falling exchange, and when the sup

have been coming to them for paddy under a much better account at the end of 1903. The Kw-shing indemnity claim had been settled plies of the small holders were exhausted, ike. by the Chinese Government for a lump sum, large holders have been refusing to sell at the and out of that they had to settle with the reduced rate the enhanced value of the tical. injury in other. The only defny that would fallen off for the moment, imports were fit. the claimants, for loss of life in some cases, and for made necessary, Exports have accordingly now take place in the distribution of this money same time brisk, and the bills that the banks: was the delay which was necessary in order to bad to negotiate showed hugo..preponder verify the rights of the various claimants. He ance on the one side. There seems to be no might mention that the sum received would not doubt of the fact, though certainly up to the give the Company back the full value of the end of last month the Customs returns showed. loss, and also the loss of interest from the ports. It was inevitab, therefore, that the steamer they lost; there would be some small

that the exports continued to exceed the im wrote lost until ding-seceres bonho should desire to lower their rates, and

me petomary or the strand 15 katto da the adoption of the report, and it was agreed of the banks. When the Government closed Mr. W. Paterson seconded the motion for position was never more absolutely in the hands to unanimously,

the mints its intention was to fix its selling rate- of ticals at 17 to the pound sterling, but a con promise had to be come to with the banks that the Government selling rate should be fixed at 20 to the pound sterling, and should noi-batm changed for three months except as silver fose The value of the tical would go up in prdig en portion to any rise in silver, but would, not go. down if silver fell again. The actual rate at the time was between at and 23ticul to the pound sterling, but owing to the rate has been is to the pound for some tider recovery of silver the Government, selling Probably there have been no Governdicot sales at that rate, though it ruled the bank rate! for some time. But since the closing of tha mints the three banks have bought sunieilling like half a million sterling of ticals, a consider pound. They are, therefore, in a magnificent able portion of them at the rale of 20 lotite

hardly realised at the time the compromise +23 position whatever happens: This outcome was made, and apparently the Government is cou tent to wait till things adjust themselves pain. In effect it probably puis off the realisation of a gold standard in Slm for about a year; by. that time the banks will probably have to buy ticals again. The stagnation in trade will of fast so long as that, however exports will revive with the coming of the rains, which will from the interior. bring out the later paddy and other products.

payment (hear, hear),

Mr. Patterson, who retired by rotation, was

firmed. re-elected director, and the appointment of Mr. H Beazley as a member of the Board was con-

Mr. Sawer, in moving a vote of thanks to the Chairman and Directors, coupling with it the general agents of the Company, and the offi-

place on record their regret at the loss which cials afloat and ashore, both at home and abroad, said he thought the meeting ought to

Chairman, Mr. McAndrews, and of Mr. W. L. had been sustained by the death of their late Watson, and their sympathy with their relatives (hear, licar)

The motion was agreed to.

The Chairman, in returning thanks, said that the Board had sustained a real and serious loss would take care that the expression of sympathy in the death of these two gentlemen, and he

to their families, A great deal of the pros on the part of the shareholders was conveyed

able a Company and he felt certain that the ex- the management of the affairs of so consider.. perity of the Company was due to the captains and officers of the fleet, and all connected with

pression of their approval would be very much

The proceedings them terminated.

THE TRANS-SIBERTAN RAILWAY.

F.C. Bishop, W. R. McArthur, Hon. C. Stringer, silver should rise above the price indicated/Appearance-accentuated now that he has quite appreciated by them A. G. Angier, R. Craig, A. Johnson, J. B. it would lead to all the full weight Straits lost the "tan" produced by the African sun- dollars being melted down in be sold as bullion, with the result that the Straits Settle-haps his most formidable assailant in the House was particularly apparent, and the unwantedly quiet and subdued manner of his reply to per: rency. This, it must be admitted, is a serious that he was far from well. It is characteristic ments would be entirely denuded of all cur- of Commons, too,, deepened the impression treated, all the more so as the simple remedy that he is ill except under the direct compul- contingency, and ought not to be lightly of Mr. Chamberlian that he will never admit above indicated is available.

head and L. Fraser.

The Chairman said the object of the meeting they might bave in regard to this question of was to enable members to express any opinion the currency, and more particularly to state their views in reference to the matter of ratio. There was very little doubt, he thought, that the Government of Singapore was about to take immediate action in the matter. He un- arrangements were being carried out as far as derstood that, generally speaking, the necessary practicable, and it would be very desirable that their friends in Singapore, the members of the rally should understand what is the opinion of Straits Association, and the community gene the mercantile body here. It would no doubt assist them very much in coming to a decision themselves. If any resolution were passed dealing with the matter, he would take care 10

sion of circumstances.

CHINESE LABOUR.

of a booklet of some sixteen 8vo. pages, giving MR. E. R. BELILIOS'S EXPERIENCES. We received by the mall on Thursday a copy Mr. E. R. Belilios's experiences on the Trans- himself. The particulars of this journey are Siberian railway as related by this gentleman

friends and afford some useful hints to any one given as will probably be of interest to his We give below a few brief extracts from the pamphlet. Mr. lilios writes contemplating travelling by the new route.

THE EASTERN MAIL:

CONTRACTS.

ing notice:A small committee has been

The General Post Office has issued the follow..

ing for the conveyance of the mails to and from apointed to consider the best means of provid the existing contracts with the l'eninsular ned the East and Australasia on the expiration of and Oriental and Orient Seam: Navigation, companies. It is constituted as follows:am

"Mr. Evelyn Cecil, M.P., Chairman.

Mr H. Buxton Forman, CB, Assistant Secretary, Post Office.

Colonial Offices

Sir John Anderson, R.C.M.G., Principal Clerk,

counts, India Office.

's

The second point, although of comparatively little importance, nevertheless deserves con- ty disdainful of exercise, Mr. Chamberlain has Thouls ar incessani smoker and notorious necessity for the proposed measures. Their varied only by those occasions when "his old sideration. There appears to be absolutely no hitherto enjoyed singularly grod health, The reliability of a steam pilot boat at the

interfere with legitimate trade, while its non-it is not surprising to learn that his present. adoption is bound, in some way or other, to enemy the yout has taken him i inw," but math of the Yangtze was amply demonstrated during the recent had weather, when on the

enforcement would, no doubt, contribute to the appearance is causing some mount of anxiety morning of the zzad ult, the lightkeepers on

clatge of standa'd being effected more to his personal and Lolitical freinds, the temporary Tungsha light-ship enjoyed the

which will effect the appreciation of the new smoothly. It is admitted that the contraction. novel sight of the steam pilot beat (4. M.

I was told the eff rt would break down my Bisbee), coming in from the Bell Buoy, with a

health. My experience has been the contrary. procession of inward bound steamers behind

in iust take some time. Nothing would

This route is bound to be the route of the her, she flying the signal follow me." The

mandations. The mere fact that it will be therefore, be loss by dropping the above recom-

Juture between Europe on the one side, and steamers were the Glenesk, Ballarat and Jisa, none of whose pilots could possibly have

telegraph them to Singapore that night. That and British dollars will be demonetised will, Colonies whether he is aware that the Rand days between Dalay and Aloscow. In the first']. MỀ. F. C&Holiday; Auditor of Home Aca known that on some date or other the Mexican having asked the Secretary of State for the journey is expected to be reduced to one of jen boarded them, under the system prevailing members of the Association to make any re- being curtailed as much as possible, and, in to China to inquire into possibilities of pro- against 30 to 35 days required by the sea; the In the Conimons on 27th May Mr. Labouchere China and Japan on the other. The railway was all he had to say at the moment; it was for in itself, lead. to shipments of these, coids Native Labour Association has sent pers-05 until recently. But owing to the pilots going in

instance, the recommendations in favour of the for steam, and also owing to the steady im-

marks they might wish,

route are: the short time necessary to do it,

Mr. S. Graff, C., Civil Assistant to tho. pavement of the pilot service generally und r

Mr. W. C. Gulland: I have pleasure in pro- supplies, it is only reasonable to expect that under contract and whether the Hou will sity of the constant change of linen; no neces struction Accounts, Admiralty

stead of people being anxious to increase their curing Chinese to work in the Transvaal mines cold climate, against the hot climate; he neces present commonsense management, the re-posing this resolution-"That this meeting everyone will do his best

Director of Transports, Admiralty jahang

Mr. W. E. Smith, Su erintendent of fan- quirements of modern shipping are being well cordially approves of the proposal to adopt & of these dollars as he possibly can. Under to such importations being permitted before sity of carrying two sets of baggage one for

get rid of as many; met, and such a thing as ships coming to this gold standard for testraits Settlements and these circumstances, and considering that they are allowed by Lord Milzer,

have an opportunity to express an opinion as port and not obtaining the prompt services (nion that the recommendations of the Currency is no hardship if, after the supply of the new.

the Federated Malay States, and is of the opi everyone will have been fully forewarned, there Mr. Chamb dain replied:-1 am aware of in a long voyage, even in the best season of

Sir T. W. Blomefield, Assistant Secry summer and the other for winter; no apprehen- for the Finance Department, Board of Traile.. pilots, is being rendered more improbable Committee are eminently practicable, and that dollars will be considered sufficient, for the There is of course nothing to prevent the ! ouse daily. The sea at the Bell Buoy on the night their adoption, by the Government is most requirements, it will be notified that after, say, from discussing the question but in my opinion Mincuria, 59 stations between Manchuria and I am told upon excellent authority that only. sion of meeting bad weather, which is inevitablence, Post Once, tard, of the Secretari the fact stated in the first part of the question, of the aist was very heavy, and had the pilots

, even in the best season of

Post Office, as Secretary, the year. to depend on sailing craft as heretofore, they

desirable."

The London correspondent of the Birming There are 75 stations between Dalay and ham Post, writing on and ult., says: would have been practically helpless, in fact

Mr. S. R. Carr seconded, and the resolution three months, Mexican and British dollars will such discuss on at the present time would be Mussevainh, three stations between Mussovaiah as recently, as yesterday no agreement, had they were helpless so far as boarding vessels

was adopted without discussion.

cease to be legal tender. The bulk of these entirely premature. at the Bell Buoy was concerned, hence the

Mr. T. Cuthbertson said there was practical disappeared from the Straits, and have found dollars would by that time no doubt have

and kutsk (crossing Lake Baikal), and 512 been arrived at between the Postmaster. utility of the steamer, as she was able to lead unanimity as to the Straits going on a gold their way to China and other countries. For THE Hs pig, C. E. & M. Co.'s str, arrived at 654 stations. The train, stops at every station,spect to the conveyance of vitish mail matter:

stations between Irkutsk and Moscow. In all, General and the Russian Government with te her procession into smooth water, where board basis. He did not know whether they would the opposite reason there is no need to. pro- nisin with 261 French officers and men. hills here are racky, similar to the hills in the An official announcement was made at the ing was possible with safety, thus avoiding be equally unanimous when they came to talk hibit the export of the new coin. Everybody

Shanghai on 24th ult from Chitwanzo and although it is called an express train. The to the Far East by the Fans-Siberian route, considerable delay to inward bound steamers about the question of ratio. Tht, of course, will know that it is in the country. By publish: Shortly after leaving port she was caught in the neighbourhood of Hongkong. Thursday, 23rd beginning of the year to the effect that this what important point. He noticed in the ing these remarks in your influential paper tail end of a typhoon, but owing to the splendid April Thermometer at 6 am, stood at 60 in report Sir Frank Swettenham telegraphed you might, chiefly as regards the first point, be way in which the ship behaved, and the smart my compartment, but, being a windy day, the know that the letters so markd, were, ja poist home in December last year that be indicated instrumental, in preventing what might at a

roule was now available, but I have rearon lo APARK broke out at Shanghai on 26th ult, in his wise or desile the the that current rate of future data prove a calamity in an important damage. During the storm the French troops it were not for a few passengers who spoke China. In this connection letters handed

manner she was handled by her officers the temperature is keenly felt a Large Chinese store at the corner of the Kinat something about the then current rate of

slip came through without sustaining any The officials speak nothing but Russian. If the ordinary routes between Great Britain and, of lact, diverted by the ostal Department to king Road. It was confined to one room in exchange. Looking back to the course of part of the Empire. the upper storey, in which were kept a large exchange, since December, the adoption "of

on board behaved splendidly, remaining cool English, French, and German, the English general intereat to know that letters handed "a quantity of European goods. The prinicipal

throughout the danger. The Mercury under passengers would have been somewhat laconin at Russian.post-offices in China have just damage was from water. The premises were

presented with a letter of thanks from the stands that the chief officer of the ship has been venienced. The menials will not understand.reached London within twenty-five days of insured with the Imperial, Commercial, Man

cwsers. After driving in Shanghai the troops of blockheads. A foreigner killing at the table than a week's saying of time, and when the chester, and Butterfield & Swire for Tis. 90,000,

on board thanked the chief officer for bis kind had the soup tureen placed before him, but return journey is arranged there will be a total even when spoken to by signe. They are a sottheir despatch from Shanghal This is mors- but it is not thought the loss will be very large

ness and courtesy throughout the voyage, and there was no soup-plate. He made signs that economy of three weeks upon the roun

- China Gazelle,

that suggestion would have put them in alb

somewhat difficult position. Exchange had A GERMAN syndicate is arranging to put up in advanced sonicwhat rapidly, and he took it that North Carolina what it is said wild be the if the ratio had been settled at the rate of ex greatest woollen mill in the world, having change then current they would have run a 210,000 spindles