1903-09-05 — Page 11

The statistics of the construction of the cable are by no means dry reading. The total length is 8,300 nautical miles. The great coils contained in the aggregate 19,000,000 pounds of brass sheathing, 3,000,0`0,000 pounds of jate yarn, 5,090,000 pounds of preservative tapes, 52,000 pounds of brass sheathing. 40,000 pounds of copper, 7,310,000 pounds archa and 4,220, a pounds of preser- punds: The total length of the Lapes used was 306,00,000 yards, work was completed within eigh as after the contract was signed

PEARL HARBOUR WORKS.

TWO DRY DOCKS.

Last week we printed a wire stating that the figures of the estimated cost of finishing the constructive work at Pearl Harbour, Honolulu, are placed at $15,000,000, and that the work is progressing but will not be finished for several years. From the Honolulu Independent we gather that Captain White had made the fol- lowing statement in regard the improve- ments as recommended by him in his report to Washington: "Judging from the past I consider it quite likely that the Secretaiy of the Navy will'appoint a board at Washington to draw up general plans for the work to be done. I have sent on my estimates of what in my opinion should be done. These suggestions will be submitted to the board, who in turn will sub- mit their report to Congress, and it will rest with that body as to what action will be taken towards beginni g the work here. Heretofore the department would take no action in the matter as our title to the necessary pro- perty that was not clear, but with every thing satisfactorily settled should be taken in the near future. the plans which I have submittel are followed out-over $5,000 cco will be spent in improving our holdings around Pearl Har- bour. I have asked for two drv-locks for I think that they will be no more than we shall need and it will be cheap r to build both at once than in build a second later on place which I have selected for the dry docks is on the mainland across the channel from the southern end of Ford's Island. One of the dry docks will be 750 feet long and the other sso feel in length, and the gateway will admit a vessel with a beam of ninety feet. In fact any

some

action

THE

HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1903.

COMMERCIAL:

PUNJOM MINIng co, ¿d.

We are informed by Mr. A. R. Lowe, Acting Secretary of the Punjom Mioine Co., [d, that he is in receipt of a telegram from Mr. W. Kerfoot Hughes at the Mines reading "About to commence crushing, Ore pays; work is being pushed ahead. The mill will work night and day."

WEEKLY SHARE REPORT.

OUR MYSTERIOUS PROGRAMME. Concerning this latest proof of Russian ship- building activity, it is interesting to note what our own Government is doing. In May, 1903, a return was issued to the House of Commons in which our three projected ships were mon- tioned, but nothing was said about the two Russian battleships which have been started this year, and the further two which are to be laid down in a short time, although comparative tables of shipbuilding of the various Powers were furnished. On July 2, Mr. Arnold-Forster said that the whole of the Russian ships contemplated had been taken into account by the Admiralty in passing the programme submitted to the House. This means that, allowing for the four Russians, there was a excess of seven ships building, or about to be built, by France and Russia to be provided for by the Admiralty. But, introducing the Navy Estimates on May 14, Mr. Arnold-Forster said that "the number of battleships of these two countries being built, or about to be built, washanghai are Tls. 724 for a T/T, and Tls. 773 three more than the battleships of this country,"

for a three days' sight Private Paper. I, therefore, the Government knew, as Mr. Arnold-Forster now says they did know, about these seven ships, instead of which they pro- vided for three. The House of Commons seems to have been purposely misled in this matter, for when they received the return credit- ing us with three projected ships and Russia with none, a confidential statement issued to the navy mentioned that Russia was planning no fewer than six new battleships.

NEW PACIFIC MAIL SIZAMER LAUNCHED.

The steamship Mongolia, built for the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, was launched on the 25th July at the yard of the New Jersey Shipbuilding Company, USA. The Moggetu Tis the second largest ship ever built in the United States. She is to be used in the Philip- pine and China trade. He sister ship, the anchurin, will be launched in October next. The Mongoli was originally intended for the Atlantic Transport Company, but was pur- chased by the Pacific Mail Steamship Com- pany. Her dimensions are: Lengi, 6.5 feet 8 inches; breadth, 65 feet; depth, 1 feet 3 inches; indicated horse-power, 12,000; speed, 16 knots; displacement, 36,512 tons; gross tor

age 13,500 passenger capacity-first cabin, 359; sccond cabin, 68 steerage, 1,301 When den she will draw thirty-two feet of water

vessel in the world would be able to enter the docks. Nothing will be put on Ford's Island The land which we have there was only oblain- ed that we might control the channel. There is a reef which crosses the channel and I shall ask for an appropriation to have this removed, and also to have some dredging done along different, paris, of the shore line. The ordnance department, accord ing to the plans, will be on Kunbur island. The site for the dry docks is about 4,800 feet from the Oahu Railway, and the line of our land crosses the railroad tracks about 1,100-feet from Punton station..

MEXICO FAVOURS ADOPTION

OF GOLD STANDARD.

A cible from Mexico, dated 3rd ul. reports: The third sub committee on the Monetary Commission has adoped the report made by Ricardo #randes; which, after showing figures regarding the world's present stock of gold, says those figures demonstrate that gold is at present nominally "not scarce," but tends to predominate absol tely as the sole standard and measure of values, silver being relegated to a secondary and subsidiary role as a token of coinage. The report continues:

"Our commerce is carried on at present al- most exclusively with gold-standard countries, and if we wish to avoid or mitigate a monetary and mercantile crisis it is imperative that we introituce a monetary reform that will give stability to our currency."

We shall have our own system of railroad in the running over the government grounds. No," he said in answer to a question, "as the government does not allow nutside parties to use its land the Oahu Railroad will not be allowed to extend its tracks across DIF territory, save where they already have the right of way and are now running their trains.

The adoption of this report by the Commis However they may run a branch line alongsian is taken to indicate that a gold standard the Bishop Estate lands just outside, but fol.

is likely to be recommended in a modified lowing the course of our property line. The form by the entire Monetary Commission way has already been surveyed in fact, hat which met to-day for the first time in full what the railway company will do in the

session. matter I do not know."

A CANADIAN PACIFIC CHINA”

COAST SERVICE.

The Canadian Pacific Railway and Steam ship Company now in end to extend the route of their steamship line in the Far East and to open a coast service in China. At the moment that such a step came into contemplation Mt. Harry Bush of Bush Bros. of Newchiwang is re- ported to have made a proposal to the head office of the C. P. R. to open a steamship service between the Gulf of Pechili and Hong- kong, and we (China Gaz tir) understand that the C. P. R. will act upon the suggestion of Mr. Bush as soon as its Atlantic service, now being organized, is working.

SUGAR CONVENTION BILL.

A wire from London of the 4'h ult, says that while the House of Commons was in commi'tee on the sugar convention bill that day a long discussion arose as to whether the importation of bounty-fed sugar should be prohibited or countervailing duties should be imposed. Many of the Liberal members referred to the Ameri can imports, which, although new insignificants might increase if the price of sugar rose. It was printed out that the prohibition of sugar from the United States would be a violation of the most favoured nation clause and stress was laid by the opposition on the same question as it might affect Argentine.

Gerald Balfour, president of the Board of Trade, in replying to critics said that if it seem ed likely that a large supply would be cut off by the prohibition, the Government would con- sider the advisability of applying countervailing

duties,

CHINESE AND Mexico.

A despatch from E. L. Paso, in Texas, dated 7th ult, says:-A report from reliable sources has reached here that Secretary of State Roman Corrol of the Mexican republic has just issued an order that Chinese be excluded from Mexico. The order is directed especially to the western const along the Gulf, where Chinese have been arriving by the shipload and scattering throughout the republic, many finally making their way to the United States by smuggling themselves across the border.

The order becomes effective at once and it is stated that several cargoes of Chinese, now on the seas and destined for Guaymas, state of Sonara, will not be permitted to land.

The next Mexican Congress, which meets on September 16, will, it is said, pass a general law for the exclusion of all Chinese im migrants.

CHINESE IMMIGRATION.

The Government is to be congratulated on this decision to relieve the pressing require ments of those who employ hundreds and thousands of Chinese and whose demands for his most useful class of labourers is ever in- creasing. Plague disap; cared from Amoy innger existent in anything but a purely arme time ago, while at Hongkong it is no

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Messrs. Erich Georg & Co. write under to-day's date The month has opened very Hull, and no signs of improvement are yet noticeable; quotations are, therefore, more or less nominal, as sellers for most stocks rule the market. The Sterling Exchange on London for demand is 1/10 the Rates on

Is their report dated 4th inst. Messes Benjamin, Kelly and Potts sinte

The tightness of money still continues, and Business in consequence remains very restricted.

Banks-Hongkong and Shanghai Banks. lave further receded to £637). The London quotation is 63 10/- ex the dividend. Nationals are unchanged at $18.

Marine Lasurances-Cantons are in request at $181. Further transactions 10 China Traders at $60 have taken place, and more shares are wanted at the figure. Unions have inquiries at $497. North China, remains unchanged at the previous week's quitation of Tl. 225. Yangiszes have been bought at $135.

Fire Insurances-Hongkong Fires are still on offer at $327. China Fires have again changed bands at $863.

Shipping.-Hongkong, Canton und Macao- Steamboats are quiet at $34. Indo-t hinos atc again easier and there are probable sellers at $82. China and Manilas keep offering at $20, and Douglas Steamships have' declined to $38. Star Ferries are lower at $27 and $17 for the old and new shares respectively. Shell Trans- pons have been dealt in at L1 and close with further buyers at the rate. We have removed from our list the Shanghai Tug Boa Company, the Shanghai Cargo Boat Company and the Co-operative Cargo Boat Company, the business of these concerns having been taken over by the Shanghat Tug and Lighter Com- pany, Limited. The capital of the latter is Tiś. 1,500,000 divided into 20,000 Ordinary and 10,000 Preference shares of Ts. 50 each fully paid up. Latest advices from the North quote this stock at Tls..62.

Refineries-China Sugars have weakened to 993 Business has again been done in Luzons at $41.

Mining-Punjoms are still quoted at Sri There is nothing doing in Raubs and rate re mains at £9 nominal,hinese Engineerings have been sold in Shanghai at 11s. 6.

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YARN MARKET REPORT

In their report dated the 28th ult., Mestrs, Cawasjeo, l'allanjee and Co, write-

1

LAST YEAR, OLDEST

OPIUM QUOTATIONS. Today's quotations are as follows.

Per chest MALWA NEW.

@ 9:0 @.940/960 .@ 1,000/1,040 1,100 No Sales 1,09: @ No Sales @ 750 840

D

}

OLD BENARES NEW

OLD

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Since the issue of our last circular dated the 14th instant, as stated in our previous report, the up-country demand bas continued during PATNA NEW the fortnight, and a considerable business has to be recorded during the first part of the in terval under review. "The rise in exchange had the tendency of weakening holders, and prices PERSIAN (PAPER).. gave way 53 10 $2 per bale on last mail's quota- tions; buyers do not like to purchase more of the spot yarn, but prefer to operate for delivery October or November next, when the Chinese think the money market will be much easier, and a fall in exchange will have the effect of strengthening prices. Latterly, the buyers are less eager to purchase, but wait to see the turn exchange will take. Out of the sales specified below about 5,500 bales have been contracted to arrive. The market closes weak and unsteady. Sales during the past fortnight consist of about 150 bales of No. 66,600 bales of No. 10s-900 hales of No.-12-325 bales.of No. 165, and 1,325 bales of No. 20. in all about 9,300 bales. Arrivals per steamers Laisang, Idrumi Maru, Lightning and Balla- arat total about 3,500 bales. Shipments to Shanghai and Coast Poris about 2,500 bales, The unsold stock is estimated at about 17,000

bales.

Local Productions-About 1,600 bates of No. 105, nt o and 600 bales of No. 125, at $1033 per bale are reported in the market.

Jadineze Von:—Sales of about 8co bales of No. 205. to $127.126 are effected.

Exchange -A big risc is to be noted and we quote to-day on India at Rs. 139 %. Lon. don at Sb. 1/10

Miscellaneous quotations.

Ivory...... Vitriol. Cassia. Saltpetre.

..$zca to $700.

19.

16 $ 25.

13,

Cloves.

12)

15.

Borax.

18 fa

20.

Ve milion

88 G

89.

Glibanum.

5 @

27.

I @ 110 (@

125

Senna. Camphor.

FREIGHTS..

Of the five seulements effected for the week since the 28th wit, two were for loading sugar. *One Danish vessel of 1,857 tons was fixed for 4 ports N.C. Java to 1 or 2 ports Japan at 35. cents per picul, while a British steamer (1959 tans) obtained 27 cents for three ports N.C. Java to Hongkong. The charter of a Ger man steamer of 1,184 ions has been settled, Kuchingszu to Zamboanga and Jolo, on the asis of $5.65 per ton. Hongay to Swatow commanded $1.90 per ton for a steamer Two Norwegian (German) of 903 ions. vessels of 722 and 891 tons, respectively, were 11/1 mos. at $6,000 per month, and 4 mos. at booked on monthly charters as follows:

$5,600 per month.

SHANGHAI SHARE REPORT.

The following extracts of the week's share transactions are from Messts. J. A. Sullivan & Co's report, published on 29th August

Docks, Wharves and Godowns-Hongkong and Whampoa Docks have changed hands at $103 and $204. Farnhams have considerably strengthened their position and close steady at s. 145, after sales, at Tis. 140. Kowloon Wharfs can be placed at $86 ex the interim dividend of $13 paid on 3rst ultimo. Shang- hai and Hongkew Wharfs have suffered a sharp

Rates continue to fall and unid money be fall and have been disposed of at Tis. 215:

comes more abundant we entertain little hopes Lands, Hotels and Buildings-Hongkong of our market recovering. To add to our pre- Lands are steady at $155, Shanghai Lands vious troubles the collapse in the Dock have been parted with at Tis, ICO. Hongkong quotation is very serious and threatens com- Hotels have found buyers and close in demand plications in September. The rumoured cause at Sigt. In their report issued on the gist is opposition. The general tone of the market ohimo, the directors state that the profit of the at the close is inclined to weakness and pro- company for the balf year ended 30th June,bably we shall see no rally until after the next 1903, amounted to $133,16.17 as computed quarter's clearance. Exchange rose during with $116,370.94 for the corresponding pertad the week to 2/7 T.T., but today rates are of 1902, being an increase of $15,645.23 The easier, 2/7 being quoted. From Hongkong profit and loss account, including the sum of 71 is wired for 3 days' paper. Consols Loof. Shipping Indo-Chinas have been dealt in $172.09 brought forward from 31st December, igoz, show a credit balance of $126,659.40 at Tis. 63,628,60 for cash and the account. which it is recommended to appoition as fol- Shares were bought a few days ago by London lows:-To pay a dividend of 12 per cent. ($6

at an equivalent of £7 10. Hongkong quotes pershare) absorbing 372,00 to write off furni- $56 to-day, November sales have taken place at Tls. 62. For December Tls. 63,61, Tls, iure and fixture $to,00; to write off steam lunch $1,00; to transfer to repairs and 61.60 are reported. Tako Togs are offering at renewals account $10000; to open a special T. Ts 44. Shanghai Tug and Lighter shares reserve fund against cost of installation of elec-

are inquired for at par. tric light by transferring to its credit $20000; and carry forward the balance of $13.659 41. Oriente Hotels have further improved and are wanted at $67. Astor House Hotels are re- poned sold in Shanghai at the advanced rate of $291. According to the company's report the net profit for the year ended 30th June, 1903, amounts to Sic9,835 79 which the directors propose to deal with as under-To declare a dividend of ten per cent. ($2 per share), absorbing $56,00; write off goodwill account $37,533.99 and carry forward to a new account the balance of $16,201.80. Humphreys Estates are quoted at $1 China Providents have been negotiated at $9.

Cotton Mills-Hongkong Cottons are in de-

Dacks-Farnham Boyds were sold early in the week at Tis. 150,140 but during the last two days rates were sinashed indi-criminately from T 145, 137, 132 to Tls, 127 for cash and this month's account. Vague rumours say that opposition is threatened by London financiers, but nothing authentic is known. For September Tis. 1514 and Tis. 130 are recorded. October sales are mentioned at Tls. 153. Tls. 1421 and Tls. 132. November at Tls, 154, and for December at Tis. 156, Tls. 135 s. 153. Tis. 145 140,738. There are further sellers at these rates.

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7

THE value of tin ore exported from Perak during the 7 months ending July 3rat last was $22,075,018, and the duty realised thereon was $3,157,722 which represents an increase of $666,882 over that of the corresponding period last year.

MR. Oaki, one of the principal shipowners in Japan, has decided to build a dockyard and engine works at Hattanda, in Toba. He will have two dry docks, one 500 by Bo feet and the other 360 by 70 feet, and will afterwards'add a deck for small coasters.

.

SIR CLAUDE MACDONALD, British Minister in Tokyo,, returned to the capital from Nikko on No cases of plague were reported to-day.

the 18th ult. He called on Baron Komura, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on the following Tire Mikado sent a personal telegram of sym. | morning, and had a conference which is said

to have lasted for some hours.. - pathy to Hatheld

THE World's Fair buildings at St. Loius have been completed.

IT is reported that Japan will compete in the international yacht races next year.

THE British gunboats Bramble and Britomart returned from gun practice yesterday..

British schooner Gold Seeker capsized off

The Isle of Pines, and three men were drowned.

THE Tokio Government denies that a commer. cial treaty is being made between Canada and Japan,

THE landing of dogs in the Colony frout Shang hai is prohibited for a period of six months from the 28th ult.

DURING the absence on vacation leave of Mr. F. B. L.. Bowley, Mr. Henry Hursthouse will act as Cown Solicitor,

FOR some time past much of the trade from Hangkang to Yunnan and wire zeria has been going by the Red River.

In the budget of japan next year, which is now being compiled, the revenue and expenditure are estimated at about the equivalent of £23,000,000 sterling.

OWING to a number of players being away the list of entries to the six-a-side competition of the Hongkong Football Club, will not close till September 19.

MR. Consul Little of Pakhui, in his trade re- port for 1903, says that an attempt is being made divert the Yunnan tin from Hongkong and ship it direct to France.

THE work of the St. Louis Exposition Board in Manila is progressing rapidly There are now over 29,000 exhibits catalogued, and in all about 23,000 exhibits on hand.

Tuż Wakanoura Moru, a steamer owned by Japanese at Chemulpo, was to open a regula service between Chemulpo and Wiju, staning on her first voyage on the est inst.

r is notified in the Government Gazette that the King has not been advised to exercise his power of disallowance with respect to the new Public Health and Buildings Ordinance (No. 1 of 1903).

ACCORDING to a Japanese newspaper corres pondent, the troops now stationed at ori Arthur and Dalny number 84,000, while the war-ships there, including torpedo boats, are 74 in all

THE report that the French Colonial Ministe would grant a monopoly to a compnay for sugar refining in Indo-China is officially de- clared to be incorrect. No such course is cop. templated.

FOR neglecting to erect a fence, or to place a light around an excavation at Quarry Bay dur- mg four days of last month, a Mr Heckward was on Wednesday fined $80, $20 for each of the four days.

BEFORE Mr.'J, H. Kemp at the Magistracy this morning, four boat-people were charged with being in Yau-ma-ti bay after gun fire last night. They were fined $7 or fourteen days' hard labour ench.

Ir addition to the regular weekly N. Y. K. service between Yokohama and Shanghai, the. Yokohama Muru is to run a regular fortnightly service between Kobe and Si anghai, calling at Moji and Nugasaki.

Sugurs.-Peraks have changed hands at Tls. 60. Chinas are wanted at $96.

Alining Weihaiwei Gold have been soldON her last voyage the s.s. Progress picked up at Szo. "Raub Australian Gold Mining Co.

the crew of a shipwrecked junk between Foo The returns for Joly give 739 ounces of gold chow and Wenchow and brought them on to won from 2,90 tons of stone Shares are shanghai. They were sent back to their native wanted at $g. There is change on Chine

place in the South. Engineering and Mining Co. shires,

Good news for employers generally, comes from Singapore, says the Straits Echo. It is to the effect that the Straits Government has at last withdrawn the proclamations prohibiting the unigration of Chinese caelies from Hong-mand at $15. The net profit on working for kong and Amoy ; but the usual quarantine the twelve mouths ending 31st July, 1903, restrictions on arrivais from those parts will be

amounts to $171,121.55. An interim dividend of enforced for the present.

4 per cent. (40 cents per share) was paid in April fast absorbing $50,00. It is now pre posed to paid a final dividend at the rate of 6

· Tabuccos.—Sumatras have changed bands at TIs. 56,57, and are offering to-day at cheaper THE Bangkok Times is informed by the Acting per cent. (o cents per share) making in all

Financial Adviser that intimation was sent to 10% (or $1 per share) for the year, which will rates. Matschappij in Langkats have received

of all stocks the most attention. Cash shares the Banks on 22nd uit. that the Government absorb $75,000; vrite off property account $35,000, and carry forward the balance of

have been let go at Tis. 275,3721 Tls. 2671, selling rate for ticals was 17] to the pound

are unaltered.

21.55. Quotations for all Shanghai Mills 265, Tls. 2661 and Tls. 265. For the 31st sterling, until further notice.

settlement Tis. 267,165, Tis. 265. 2514, Tis. Cigar Companies-Sumatras are inquired for 265 265 are reported. For September Tis. Tis. 51. Albambras have buyers at $150 and 275, T. 270, 11s, 270 267), Tis. 266, and Tobacco Trusts are in request nt $15.

Ths. 265. October at Tls. 275, Tis. 270,272), Miscellaneous-Green Island Cements are Tis, 2578,265. Kovember at Tis. 295, Tls. December at Tls. wanted at $22. A.S. Watsons are still asked285, Tls. 273,377) 270. for at $14. Electrics are quoted at $ra for the 2831, 285, 287, Tls. 285 and Tis. 272. The old, and $7 for new shares. Langkats have market is unsteady at the clote. been done in Shanghai at the improved rate of Tls. 2678.

sporadic from. It is therefore obvious that the careful watervance of the usual quarantine COMING 'RUSSIAN REINFORCE-regulations in the Straits ports is all that is

MENTS..

requisite to prevent the introduction of plague from Hongkong and South China ports.

The Russian naval reinforcements which recently left St. Petersburg for the Far East consist of the following ships:-

Csarevitch, armoured cruiser Emperor Alexander II, armoured

cruiser................

tons. 13,110

So far so good? But why should not steps be taken forthwith to prevent a recurrence of loss and inconvenience occasioned by the pro- hibition of immigration from Hongkong, Swa- tow and Amoy? The Government unquestion- ably acts wisely, as things go at present, in 13,516 stopping immigration when some infectious 12,574

disease appears in the parts of South China in 5.800 epidemic from; but what we now want are 7,800

large segregation camps on some islands near, Aurora,

6,610 Singapore, where hundreds of conlies could be Almas, and class cruiser...... .... 3,285 landed and kept under observation for a few

days prior to landing in the Seitlements. The whole squadron of seven boats totals 62,815 tons, and carries 220 guns and 4.300 arrangements could be made for this-and we believe it is not an impossibility shipping men-a formidable addition to the already very powerful fleet in these waters.

firms, tin miners and others, who employ

Osliabia, armoured crúiser................... Dimitri Donskoi, 1st class cruiser Bojus,

A do do

FORTNIGHTLY MARKET

REPORT.

Cellon. No change is to be recorded in our market, Sales of about 197 bales are recorded

The unsold at $25.50 to $14 50 per picul stock is estimated at about 1,700 packages.

Yarn-1 he rise in exchange had the effect of weakening prices which show a decline of to go to. Sz per bile, and about 4,000 bales of is estimated at about 27,000 bales.

Local Yarn-Bales of al-out 1,650 bales of No. 10s. $.01 and about 600 hales of No. 125. $103.50 per bule are reported in the market. Japanese Furn-Ahout 800 bales changed hands of No. 203. @ $127 per bale.

FARNHAM BOYDS.

The shares in S. C. Farnham, Boyd & Co., Ld., were quoted at the beginning of January last at Tls 81.25, and they were sold on Saturday at TIs. (27.40, remarks the N. C. D. Nws, of the 31st uit. There are 55,300 of these shares, which means a total difference of Tis. 2,967,000. It may be noted that this difference would be very much smaller if the values are taken in sterling, in which case the Inss is about £200,000 or, at 25. 6d., Tls. 1,600,000. It is not known that there has been

earning power, and it must be a long time before there can be any sexinus competition in Shanghai, so that the fall is principally an indication of the tightness of money..

TO-DAY'S EXCHANGE,

NOTIFICATION appears in the Carette of a sale of Crown land at Tung-lo-wan, registered as Inland Let No. 1,697, and comprising aco square feet. It is held at an annual rent of $2 and the upset price is $80.

WITH regard to the recently issued report on the Brinsh Consular service, Mr. W. Bolland writes that from a climatic point of view it would be inadvisable to start a man of 27 as a consular junior in the Far East.

THE Chinese are dying like flies of cholern and are being picked up dead in the streets all over the settlements at Shanghai. The China Garette says the sale of fruit ought to be stopped for a week in the settlement."

THE Grand Council is said to be in receipt of a telegram from Viceroy Tsen Chun Hsuen, which contains information to the effect that

On Saturday night at the Royal Engineer Theatre, Wellington Barracks, a concert wAS given and was well attended. The stage was very tastefully arranged, the musical treat was thoroughly enjoyed, and the performers ro ceived well-merited applause.

THE Nippon Yusen Kaisha steamer Sual, which arrived at Shanghai on the 27th ult, reported that when she passed Chang Wong- kong at midnight of the 26th ult, the town was in flames. Chang Wong is one of the river passenger stations close to Kiangyin.

THE Pahang correspondent of the Straits Echo Kerfoot Hughes, of Hongkong, is daily expec wrote on toth ult., from Kuala Lipis:-Mr. W.

ted at Punjom to assume the management of the mines, in succession to Mr. Thomas Lester who has left the service of the Company,

tiorEFUL observers believe there are encourag ing signs of a revival of trade in Japan, and a vernacular contemporary remarks that the circulation of commercial paper, which had considerably fallen off in consequence of trade depression, has this year begun to increase,

AUGUST WALLING, the second engineer of the Norwegian steamer Elisabeth Rickmers, was charged at the Magistracy this morning before Mr. T. Sercombe Smith for being drunk and incapable at Wong Nei Cheong yesterday alternoon. He was fined $5, or seven days'. hard labour.

Tre China Gazelle thinks that if Hongkong could send its best cricket eleven to Shanghai, there would seem to be a prospect of retrieving lost laurels, but "aipans are obdurate, and other difficulties may provent the Cricket Club bination... from getting together the strongest local com

IN his trade report for 1902, Mr. Consul Little says that the proposed railway from Pakhei to Nanning appears to have been abandoned, and it is probable that one from Kwangchowan through the Yulin district to the nearest point on the West River and thence to Nanning will take its place.

THE Russian s.s. Kherson, belonging to the Volunteer Fleet, and chartered by the Russian Government, arrived at Port Said on July 23, The Kherson was to embark 5,000 tons of coal at Port Said on her way to Fört Arthur. Tha Moskun with the Kherson are destined for the Far Eastern Service.

It is estimated that the damage done by the recent floods at Chefso will amount to 2,000,000 thels and the loss of life to 1,000 persons. Other parts of the country also suffered severely. A Foreign Relief Committee has been appointed, and rice, congee, and money are being distri buted to the destitute.

A Row took place on the ss. Banka recently, when she was anchored at Maras, Island, be tween the Malay and Chinese crew of the vessel. The result was that five Chinamen were stabbed. The Banko put back to Singa- pare for medical aid, and a number of the combatants were arrested.

THE new Philippine Coast Guard steamer Min- danao is not so far below the standard as was at first reported. She is now on duty and is giving satisfaction on her first trip, several telegraphic messages having been received from her at points where she das called. As regards speed, she is doing all that was expected of her,

WOLE the 5.5. Taising was at Canton on the 1st nst, a row took place between the native boatswain and the carpenter, 'chips', sub- sequently obtaining an axe and inflicting nasty wounds on the bos'un's head. At the Magis tracy on Thursday the carpenter was sent to prison for six months with hard labour.

There are now seven ·

THE M. C. D. News regret to report that the second engineer of the Yunging and the third engineer of the Store Nordiske have been taken ill with cholera. cases in the hospital. Mr. Watson, chief officer of the Yungging, who was at first reported as progressing favourably, has succumbed.

A CORRESPONDENT writes to the British North Borneo Herald that a different vill ges in the Beaufort district he has come across three small iron muzzle-loading cannon, up- parently very old. The three are exactly simi- larand bear on the breech a Crown, underneath which in relief are the three letters "S. J.S."

THE Malay Mail recently stated that ad vances on coffee had been stopped by the Our contemporary now Singapore agents, explains that they have not been stopped but that, owing to the unsettled stare of the market, the agents at Singapore prefer to advance on receipt of the cofee instead of against shipment.

·

Some interesting particulars are to hand-thousands of Chinese would benefit, while the spot yarn changed hands. The unsold stock any diminution whatever in the Company's Wong Chih Chun, the ex-governor of Kwinesi, | torpedo gunboats, or third-class cruisers of

of the new Russian battleship Cesarevich, which has just been completed at La Seyne, near Toulno. This new member of the Russian Navy has a displacement of 13,110 tons, and engines of 16, or horse power. She is fitted with Belleville Foilers, and has attained a speed of 18.35 knots, which is fast for a vessel of her class. She is clad in armour weighing alto- gether 3.560 ians. There are two armour-clad decks, une 2 4-5in, and the other 1 3-5in, thick. The turrets for the heaviest guns are armour- ed with plates 10 2.5in. thick, for the smaller guns 6 4-5in, thick. The armament consists of four guns of 12 1-5in. in two revolving towers, and twelve 6in, guns in pairs in six turrets placed along the sides and having a very wide range. The forward and stern chasers are two guns of 12 1-5in, and eight of 6in. The supplementary artillery consist of twenty 3in. guns, twenty of 22-35in, ten Maxims, and two 1.12-a5in..guns, besides two field guns for land work.. There are four torpedo tubes, and the ship is fitted to carry an admiral and staff besides à crew of 780 men,

rowth of the trane of the Straits and Malay States would neither be cliecked nor menaced. Everything that can be done to foster and expand the trade of these thriving Settlements and promising Native States should be done, and we hope to hear before long that Hong

Malwa Opium-Ruled steady and sales of kon, whose welfare is not entirely dissociated from the prosperity and well-being of the about 155 chests @ $940,-16 chests @ $950, ON LONDON, Telegraphic Transfer... 1/10 9/16.

Bank Bills, on demand.........1/10 Straits, is disposed to co-operate in such-ao-16 chests @ 1960-21 chests @ $970-4 important matter as the large and ever-increas- chests @ $990-10 chests @ $1,000-13

Credits, 4 months' sight, 1/10 15/16 ing immigration of Chinese from the "Isle of chests @ $1,010,-13 chests $1,020,–61.

D'ments 4 months' sight...1/13/16 Fragrant Streams" and neighbouring ports. chests $1,030,34 chests $1,040, and 9 ON BERLIN, (demand)

chests $1,060 in all about 353 chests aTO ON PARIS, Bank. Bills, on demand 2.37 Prohibition of immigration should not be ne-

reported. The unsold stock is estimated at

Credits, 4 months' sight ......2.403 19 cessary.

nbul 8:4 chests.

ON NEW YORK, Bank Rills, on demand...45

Credits, 30 days sight. ON, BOMBAY, Telegraphic Transfer......140

Tux timber for the now American Legation at Peking has arrived by the fanley Dollar which was the first of the Dollar Line steamers to arrive at Tientsin. All the ironwork and girders are being made by the Union Iron, Works San Francisco, and will follow the timber in the course of a few weeks. It is expected that the building will be one of the firest in Peking.

Bengal Opium-Ruled steady, and sales of Faina about 720 chests @ $1,070/$1,075 and Benares about too chests @ $1,070 are re- corded. The unsold stock is about 950. chests.

Persian Opium-Cheap rates induced busi- net and sales are reported of about 123 chests $750 to $830. The stock is about 2,860 chesta

"

On demand.....

has been arrested and is on his way to Peking. M. PAUL Veroudart, second interpreter of the French Legation at Peking, is to take up the post of acting French Consul at Lungchow, M. Dautremer, the incumbent, having on account of his health, left for home, old America. M.1.92 ADMIRAL Bayle, travelling by the Trans-Sibe

rian out yard bound, was expected at Vladivo: stock on the 26th August last. He was to take passage immediately for Yokohama, where the Montcalm, on which he is to fly his flag, was

waiting him.

140)

ON SHANGHAI, Telegraphic Transfer....72

Private 30 days sight

OR YOKOHAMA, T.T.

nom.

A JAPANESE was charged at on Friday before Mr. To Sered

istracy for

.91 being a stowaway on board the TROPH

A NANKING dispatch states that. Viceroy Wei Kuang-tao is reported to have decided to order from a certain Japanese shipbuilding yard four great speed, and that a graduate of the Nanking Naval Academy, Lieutenant Jáo, will be ap pointed to superintend the building of the four cruisers.

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THE Governor-General of Netherlands India has presented to the Imperial Universities of Tokyo and Kyote the elaborate and valuable exhibit of cinchona, including a set of photo- .. graphs and specimens, representing the Government cinchona estates at Preanger Regencies, Java, as shown at the Osaka Exhibition.

MR. Gegg, manager of Kennedy Horse Re pository, kindly Informs us that, early in September, an Australian horse-dokler is ex- pected hero by the Chingiu' with 'some hand.” 'some walers which will be for sale Here is a

Sovereigns, Bank's Buying Rate......51078 Maru which arrived here yesterday from good chance for gentlemen who require good Gold. Leaf 100 touch, por tael

(660 Kutchinatru. He was fined $25 or.one man h's polo ponies, which are caldered very scarce Bar Sliver finn

,76200g | hard labour,

Įand just at present, weiss

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F

BCL!