1903-12-26 — Page 13

RUSSIA AND JAPAN..

While actual baules i Ung 2ar Last Bay be postponed for a' coíï domblé period, ophi ion in Loudon, as throughout America, is that a conflict is inevitable. as delay enables the Russians to add ships and men to their already great force in the danger zone it is thought they will avoid an act of war for the present, but there are signs that they inay pursue a course so offensive as to furce Japan's hand and make her the actual aggressor," Harper's. Weekly sa anttresung review of the causes leading to the present tension says, to port: The strife between Japan and Russia in the Far East springs from economic causes, and is therefore inevitable.

the view of both parties, the actus outbreak of hostilities has been, from the arst, only a quest on of time and preparation. The moving force in japan's case is self-evident; an immense population fall of energy and enter, rise, shut up withn a narrow territory. With an area of less than a hundred and fifty thousand square miles, Japan has a population of drer forty-five millins, a large pat of which is crowded together with alestiny of from four to five hundred to the square mile, japan compares accurately with Germany, in both size and numbers, if liavaria be lest out. As in Germany, the question of a future outlet dominates al others. Korea, sep. urated fem Japan by a 'narrow strait with a. population of perhaps eight millions, spread -over eighty thousand square miles, and with great untouched resources, for Japan a Promised Land, the goal of centuries of ambit

ion.

Manchuria, with the immense area of three hundred and sixty thansand square miles, sparsely epled by tome eight millions, is a prospective paradise. The Japanese hare, therefore, dreamed of a great carpire, o nearly half a million square aules, which, with their enery and resources, would make them one of the greatest of nations.

"THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1903.

Miscellaneous quotationa¡—.

are for sale at $31)." Ludo-China's, after ady | bi put, dawn to the ran. These have taken 11n King has not be in advised to exercise his ·SMr. F, Carl, who was recently in charge of ivory.....$250.10.050. „Saltpetic......$też 10-21-1-vancing-to-$77,-with-a-rise-in-the-Nurth-1---Tis, -place in tiles targreaves ni 205 and 207,"in" power of disallowance with respect to Ordin. the Lappa Customs, is going officially to the St. Borax om 17.

Senda... 5 7 | 56 have gone back to $76, the latest quotation Belats, a fair y new tin Mine in Pahang, at 11 ance No. 16 of 1905, repealing the Water-works is Exposition, Mr. H. U. Morse, Comumis- Olibinom,, 7, 24 Cloves ..............5 35 || from the North being Tls. 541. Clins and dth, in Bersawahis at 16, io Straus Traders Consolidation Ordinance, 1903, aud providing soner at Camori, will replace him as Statistical

+4 Venuilión,,87

Manila's have sellers at $18, and · Donglases | at 33, and later at 3-7 xd."

for and regulating the water supply in Hong- Secretary, and will himself be succeeded at kong, and for the maintenance and repair of the Canton by Mr. aphael de Luca, who has wurks n connection therewith..

recently retumed trom leave.

Beans

1)

3. www.p

“SHANGHAI SHARE REPORT,

Messrs J, P. Bisset & Co. write in their share port, dated Sha ghai, the 18th instant, as

Gutt ws:-

We have ngàn 10 sep in a good business in our principal st uks, Parotany, Langkats, and Edu-Chisas but the scaling his teen princi. pally caused by the short sellers for December covering their sales. In Shanghu and to g kew 1 harves we have to report a very consider- able rise in rate, the market clasin, at the

end of last week with sales for March at Tis. 18/17). To-day basi ess has been done for March at is. 227 and 225. Business in this stock has been abnost entirely confined to forward sales, only a limited business being done for cash, The T. T. rate on London to- day is 2/1.3/4

SHIPPING-Indo-China.—Shares havel een

placed for December at Tls. 55 and 56. On the 16/17th matke: weakened slightly resulting in sales at Tls 3 and 541. To-day business Prefetence shares have again been placed at has been cone at 14 April" Shanghai Ings-

Tls, 47.

Docks & WHARYEŃ. --A Consitlerable bus'- ness has been done in Farplums. The market opened on the t with sales at 7is t8 a d 174 cash 18 2018 Dec.119/118 arch. 1 ber 125, 127 March 14th: 28) cast, 119, 128, April and May, 12th at raz) cash. 125 Decem 147) Dec. 139,129) March, 130'Apal, rith 124 cash, 127, 116 Deceiver. 130, 138, 129, 127 March. 128 April, 16th 125 December, 127), 177 March 128 Apri“. 17ílí 176, 12 December. 127, 1274 March 128 April – Shanghai &+ Hong- kew Wharves-On the ith the market opened Afer analyzing the naval strength of both nations, Harper's asumes that Japan work with cash sales at 114195, with sales for Warch at 195, 193, 1973 and 195. On the 12th March cont the sea at first, but emphasises her val-

shares a am fetched 195 14th March shares nerability as compared with Russia. Defeat

were placed at Tls 203, and on the 15th at would mean annihilaton for Japan unless there

Tls, 2074, 16th a sale for cash was made at was interference in her behalf: Japan has the

215 with sales for March at Tls. 215 and 17 advantage in certain respects. Thus she can

On the 17th December and March shares were land her troops either on the north, the south, or the west of Korea, concentrating all her placed at T, 220, and for April at 222). To- efforts on whichever point she selects. They 2:7 March and 225 Maich are reported. Piegtie Wharves & Galewus.—Puyers offer Russian fleet cannot so conve strate, as it mat to some extent guard both the eastern and 197, for shares, Sellers m zon,

INDUSTRIAL-In Catipit stocks a sale of Soy western Korean coasts, and is thus of necessity Chees hits been made at Tis. 170, and in Lau divided. Therefore the preliminary advantage of position is with Japan. Yet against this Kung Mows at Tis. 40, and shares are offering at this rate.. Ewas are obtainable at Tis, 375.

at Tis. roji, and Shanghii Gus at Tls. 107. Jeer at 134, 14. Maatschappij, Ge, in Lang- cales as is 310/307) cash and 3271 March, kut -The market opened on the ruth with 12th March shares were placed at 330 14th cash shares were placed at 3.74 March at 330. Sales at 335 have been done. 323, 325 and 330 15th at 315, 307, 310, 312 and 315 December March.. 16th 3ro cash, 35, 312 and 310 Dec. 332, 330 and 325 March. 17: 310 and 3123 December 29 3278 and 330 March. The market closes steady with buyers at 312) and for March al 330.

are offering at $30. Star Ferries sold at $30 for oid, while new shares are quoted $19. Sh-l Transports sold at 224, 6d, to 235, clasing with sellers at Jatter rate.

Refineries--China Sugars have been door At $105 $104. $103 and $, clog with seilers at Sios. Lužans unchanged,

Maiing kares- Unchanged,

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The rest report concerning Sir Frank thin, ays the Malay df, is that he will return to the Straits for a further period of two years.

.

Thx nume of Ma, elfred Wright has be added to the list of authorised architects under section of the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance, 1903-

Hacks Wharves and Godowns.-Hongkong nd Whampoa Duch unpany shares sold air is reported the the s.s. Saladın, which has $24 to $197, and she could pobbly been disuasted, is she towed to Penang placed now at $205... Hongkong and Kowloon | 23455. {{yson, She will be used as a tobacco Wharf and Godown Co. shares improved to bulk in Penang. $98, but this rise was not maintained, and the market closes with sellers at $97. Any Docks are unchanged. Farahams are weaker in the north and the closing quotation is selles at Tls. 117'ex the interim dividend of Tis, 3 per share paid on 22nd instant. Shanghai” and Hong ew Whirves have receded to Tis. 215-

Londs, Hotels, and Buildings Hongkong and Investment Agency Co, shares, after improving to sales at $158, are, on the market at $157 Kowloon Lands upe hanged, and se are West Points. Hongkong Hotels have been. fixed at $ 48, closing with sellers at thạt rate. Humphreys have bayers at $1

The

Colton MillsUnchanged in, values Ewo Cotton Spinumg and Weaving Compa y paid the dividend of 11s. 4 per share on 32nd instant, which accounts for the drop in the rate to Ts. 33

THE Hamburg-American Line's s. 5. Syria, with a relief transport, for the German Kavy: stationed in the Kast, left Co ombo on the 221 d inst. p. tungkong direct.

MR. John Roberts has again been playing billiards at Taiping. In a match 'a, ainst Mr Chumming at die New Clob, he won cavite aßer conced ng his opponent 750 in 1,000,

BARON Kodama had a long interview with Admiral Yamamoto, Minister of the Navy, un the 14th inst. and subsequently saw. Admim) Miscellaneous -- Creen Islands sold at Saito, Chief of the Naval Staff Office. and $25, and have sellers at inter rate Borneos have improved to Juyers at $88.

Chin

atsons sold and are wanted at $144. Fen wicks fetched $49, and at that fure there are hovers. Tramways are quoted $300 ex the dividend of $10 per share paid today, Clona Providents have been fixed at $9). Lingkats, after sales at Tls. 312) cash and Tis. 3271 per 3th April, are weiker in the north and quoted Fls. 305.

Benjamin, Kelly and Pott, write:--

In their report, dated 24th inst., Messrs.

To-morrow being Christmas Day, we are issuing our circular one day easier than usual, During the period under notice, Irmisactions put drough have been few and far between and Call for no special comment, beyond the fact that Langkats and Farnhams have weakened in hanghai, probably owing to the approaching Settlement there which is reported in be a heavy one. We take the opportunity of wish-*

Xmas

The following appointment has been made at the Admiralty-Engineer Commander J. ED, Grahm. to the Tamer, for the Hrv.za, and Ilongkong Reserve, to date Nov. 1o.

H. E. Tu ficer Administering the mert has appointed Mr. A. G. M. Fletcher. cadet, to act as assistant Registrar General, with effect from and including tile toth instant.

points.

|

CAPT. Outerbridge, of the s, s. Sunkiang, from tanila, reports that at 4.30 am. on the 17th it, when 20 miles to the S. S. W. of Hermana Mayor Island, he spake the Uited States coast guard steamer Mindanao, which had last be propellor. As the vessel required no us. sistance he came on to Hongkong. TIENTSIN sends to the Asahi Shimbun a

statement that 'he Küssians 'in Thibet are building fors to oppose the progress of the British expedition and are moving a force westwart with the sanie object. If this news were credible, the expansion of Russia's military horizon would be very remarkable.

A LETTER in the A. & 7. Times a few days 2,0 drew attention to serioas inconvenience caused some British travellers home via Siberia in consequence of their passports not being properly vised, and not st.ting clearly that they were travellers out of as well as into Ru-sin The omissin cost tliem 10 as well as delay. The Trang Wen Hi Po learns that recently, there was a fight between the Government troops and the Kulangal rebels numbering over three hundred. On the 3rd of this Moon th city gate of Liu-Chou was closed, and a thorough search was inade for rebels, resulting in the capture of about a hundred, and on the next day these were decapitated.

Dk. Middleton and Mr. Ines, the Commis sioners appointed by the Government to nquire into the alleged irregu arities in the Gover-administration of St. John's Island, and the conditions which obtain or obtained in con nection with coolies quarantined, left to-day for Penang where they commence their inquiries, says the Strait Triner of 11th inst. Norice is given is the Gazelle that a coaling wharf is about to be erected in front of Kow foon Marine Lot No. 35 (late the Coal !triquette Works), While the work is in pró- Kress, all vessels are advised to give the spot a wire berth, as rubb'e will be dumped in the Harbour to form a foundation for the whatf, forming an obstruction in the vicinity. A SPECIAL wire printed in the Kobe Ghronicle

Minister at Peking, writing in the Neue Feic Presse, comments on the indecisi a apparent in Russia's Far Eastern policy. He expresses the opinion that Japan is better prepared and better equipped for war than Russia, and criticises the masterly inactivity of the English Government.

GNR. L. C. Rees and Gut. A. J. Darby made the best scores in the Decembar carbine com- petition, held on the Tai Hang range jester- day, the farmer securing 86, and the later & THE S Van Phe is advised that the Board of Commerce is at present occupies in dealing with the question of weights and measures with the object of making them unilorm throughout the Empire.

3

Oy the 15th inst, at 6 p.m. the str. Tahung daru collided with and annk n loaded sixty- on cargo-hot, near the New Dock, Shanghai. While the Jahing Mary was coming up the river, her steering gear became jammed and she ran into the cargo-boat which was lying alongside the str. Atagonia. The damage susta med is not known, as the bont sank a few seconds after being struck.

AN attempt was lately made to wreck the train running from siphong to Hanoi. During the night ome natives removed the mails on one side of the track, for a distance of several yards. This was fortunately discovered an hour or so before the first train passed the spot, and an accident, which might have had terrible consequences, was averted. The police active y searching for the authors of the obt rage.

IN order to avoid conflict of authority, Viceroy Then Chun-hu 'n of Liang Kwang memoria lized the three sometime ago asking that t military command in Kwangsi be rested solely in Governor Ka. Feng-shil of that Province. As no reply was given by the.Throne to his application, the Viceroy again memorialized. to the same effect and ari edict has now been issued granting his request and appointing Fo Fun-shih to take sole charge of the military campaign in Kwangsi,-Ex,

IN a paper en a journey in Sumatra, Travel says that scorpions, centipedes, and mosquitoes are most familiar to the European sojourner in the land, while one of the chief annoyances met with in the bush is a small leech, which drops off the dew-laden leaves as he passes in the coal of morning, and exacts a henvy 1011 from ankles, legs, and any exposed part of the body. Fireflies fit among the trees at night, and yield so bright, a light that it is quite possible to read by the glow of two or three confined under a glass.

we must make two heary offsets in Rus Shanghai Paper and Pulps have been placeding our constituents, une and ail, a very Hanne THE Acting Colonial Secretary has on Tues-states that Herr von Brandt, formerly German measured mile was 17.76 knots, and this was

sia's favour first, that Japan, having once got her troops landed in Korea, will have to operate far from her home base, and conunually haunted by the problem of keeping open her line of communication and supplies, perpetually menaced by the Russian fleet. Secondly, Japan is immensely more vulnerable than Russia in case of adverse fate. Russia, the real Russia, lies thousands of miles away, with Asian deserts and Siberian wastes be tween; unthinkable remote from all danger of invasion. But not so Japan All her 45 min children, her cities, and resources are opes on all sides to attack by the Russian flect, and invasion for Japan would mean the end of the game. While Japan has certain advantages at the start, she practically risks her whole national life. Russia, diough some- what handicapped by circumstance, has practi cally nothing to lose; nothing that she could not reasonally hope to regain by dint of bard and resolute fighting. The writer says the latex news from the Far East "confirms the belief that the interests of Japan and Russia are essentially irreconcilable by egotiation,

and that a reference ofthem to the arbitrament of, war cannot be long averted."

COMMERCIAL.

YARN MARKET REPORT.

la their report daled the 18th inst, Messrs. Gimasjee, Pallanjee & Co. write:-Since the isse of our last circular dated the qil inst, Our yarn market has remained firm in best al suitable threads owing to the continuance of the telegraphic advices of a stronger t ne in Bombay, coupled with a fall in the rate of exchange here. The importers asked for advances in rates on last mail's prices, and the Chin se at first showed less inclination to operate, hence the first week passed of quite blank; latterly, fureigners canie forward in the market and began to repurchase freely, and the Chinese speculators wok advantage of this opportunity and quilted a good fot of their former cheap holdings at best advantage. The prices have advanced from two to five dollars per bale in almost all counts and descriptions, still the prices here compared with those ruling at Bombay are not at all satisfactory, and are not covering cost. A moderate business is re ported in No. 20s in a few of the best and se lected threads, others are not inquired for, the denness of this count has greatly retarded business-Only one thread of No. 16s changed hands at an advance of $2,--A moderate business is reported in No. 12s in selected threads only. The continued demand for No. tos have made holders firmer who have succeeded in establishing a substantial advance in prices on last mail's quotations, and this count closes firm with further, buyers. Nas Es and 6s are not in much request. The mar} el closes firm. Sales during the past fortnight comprise about 1,400 bales, of. No, 103–330 bules of Na. 125-25 bales of No: 16s—and 225 bales of No. 20s-in all about 2,000 bales. Arrivals per steamers Simia, Capri, Kuusang, Tientsin, Catherine Apcar, and induion of about 17,000 bales. Shipments to Shanghai and Coast ports about 9,500 bals. The unsold stock is estimated at about 39,000 bales,

No business is reported in Local as well as Japanese Yarns:

Exchange-We quote to-day on Indian at Rs. 137% London și Sh. 1/-84d.

FORTNIGHTLY MARKET REPORT.

18th inst. Cotton---Market rufed very active and prices have advanced from St at $1 per picul. Sales are reported of about 900 packages at 53o to $14 per picul. The unsold stock is estimated at about 450 bales. Sales of about 35 purkages of best Ningpo are reported at $35 per picul, Stock Nil.

Yarn.-Advices of a stronger tone at Bombay, coupled with a fall in the rate of Enchange here, made importers firm, hence prices advanced from two to five dollars per balé on last Mail's quotations. Sales are reported of about 2,000 bales. The unsold stock is estimated at about' 39.00 bales. No sales are reported in local as well as Japanese Yarn.

|

Shanghai advices, dated 19th inst, report business done:-Shanghai and Honghew Wharf shares at Ts. 217 for March, Farnham, Boyds at TIs. 127/127) for Decem. ber, and Els, 428 for March, Púlps at Tis, no. Langkats at Tls, 315 cash, T. 315 for De cember, and Tis. 330 for March.

FREIGHT.

In their circular, dated 19th inst., Messes. Lamke and Rogge write:-

The freight market is unchanger, and next to nothing is doing. Beats of the handiest size and the must suitable type continue unem ployed for the reason simply that paying freights cannot be procured Not only do rates rule disastrously low, but there is anyhow

very Bttle business traceable; there is an unusual scarcity of cargo in all the principal directions so that difficulties are being ex- perienced also in making up occasional berth carnes. All this accounts for quite a number of steamers being laid up.

Very few inquiries after tonnage have been on the market and a very small chartering business only has resulted during the fortnight under review, principally in coat freights, as follows:-

From Hongay to Penaag at $2.co per ton, from Kuchinoize to Hongay at $2.co per ton, from a Southern japan cost purt to Hongkong at between $1.65 and $1.50per ton. Details of reported fixtures are as per appended list of settlements.

From the rice ports nothing is doing for prompt. For the Saigon trade, to commence same time in January, German s.5. Emma Layken about 3,150 tons cargo deadweight capacity, fitted with all China coast.trade re- quirements and Hongkong Government pas- senger license supplied by owners, has accepted a 6 months' mecharter for native account low as $5,000 per month.

|

|

Banks-Hongkong and Shanghai Paules are weaker, no doubt due to the critical state of political affairs in the North, and we make the closing quotation $565. The sterlig price london has further dechned to 63. Nationals have appreciated and are in request at $31.

Marine Insurances.-Unions have been fixed at $ go and more shares are offering, otherwise there is no business to report in stocks under this head.

Fire Insurances-Hongkong Fires keep steady at $310, while China Fires have risen to $go at which rate shares are in demand.

Shipping ongkong, Canton and Macao Steamboats have been disposed of at $12 and now close at $31). Indi-Chamas are quiet at 376. Star Feries (old) have been the medium of business at $10: the new shares are steady at-519. Shell Transports have declared an intes dividend of one shilling per share for 1953, and on the strength of trig news the stock has firmed, and there are inquiries for shies after sales at 1:16. Other stocks in this section are unchanged at last week's que tations.

Refineries.-China Sugars have cased off and are on offer at $105.

Mining-There is absolutely nothing doing locally. Punjons have fallen to St and Raubs to $% Chinese Engineerig continue in de-

and in Shanghai at Tis 6

day received a telegram from His Britannic Majesty's Consul at Hatavia to the effect that quarantine against arrivals from Hongkong has been removed.

CAPTAIN . Barnardiston, R. E., execu ive engineer, North-Western Radway, Indin, has been selected as engineer for a Railway Syndicate in China, He is said to be an officer of exceptional ability.

HE. THE Officer Administering the Govern- ment has given his assent, in the name and on behalf of the King, to the rdinance to amend The Public Health and Buildings Ordinance, (903, (No. 1 of 1903).

FOLLOWING the resent discovery of a submers ed wreck in Barkeley Sound, British Columbia, supposed to be tha of the last British, warship Conder, the rush cruiser Grafton has been ordered to make investigations."

THE CN steamer Puating upon arriving at Shanghai from Swatow, reported having sighted N.3 W. s3 miles off Turnabout a large junk, with bow & feet above water, having been sunk by collision. Dangerous to navigation,

H.E. THEfficer Administering the Govern- ment has been pleased, to withdraw the Pro clamatior, No. 8 of the 3rd ultime, declaring Na asali to be a part er pl ce at which an infectious or contagions disease prevails,

THE Ofor Administering the Goverment has, with the approval of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, appointed Mr. J, H. Kemp, to be assistant secretary to the Sanitary Board, with effect on and from the 1st of January, 1904.

Docks, Wharves and Godowns.-The weak ness in Hongkong and Whampoa Docks re- enried in our last issue has disappeared and shares are now inquired for at $208. Farbams have not maintained their position and sales are reported from the North at Ps. 117 ex the in-. terim dividend of 11s 5-paid on the 22nd instant. Kowloon Wharves are to be had at $97. Hong. E. the Governor has g ven his assent, in the Lew Wharves have been posted with in Shang- anme and on behalf of ilis Majesty the King, to hai at Ts. 215.

Titles Ordinance, 1901, and the Ordinance to the Ordinance repealing the New Territories further amend the New Territories Land Court

Lands, Hotels and Buildings.-Hongkong Lands have changed hands at $1578 closing with sellers at $157. Shanghai Lands have advanced to Tls. 105 at which rate sales have been effected. Hongkong Hotels have again found buyers at $148. Humphreys' Estate are are in strong demand at Sci, but there are no shares coming out, China Providents have been negotiated at 191

Cotton Mills.-Ewos can be obtained at Tls. 34 ex the dividend of Tls, 4 paid.in Shanghai on the 22nd instant, Quotations for the other Mills are unaltered.

Ordinance.

As a rule, the exportation of rice in Canton is prohibited. Owing to the financial conditions, the local authorities there showed a relaxation of the rule, and this has met with much opposi- lion from the five well-known benevolent institutions.

It is learnt that Prince Pu Lun, China's Com- missioner to the St. Louis Exhibition, will leave Peking by the beginning of the 11th Moon (the next few days) for Shanghai whence he will proceed to the United States by one of the mail steamship lines.

Cigar Companies-Sumatras have been From Quang Chau Wan (Cochin-china) to booked at 1s. 52. Kobe, a boat is reported fixed for salt at 12.50 Miscellaneous-Green Island Cements have per ton, whilst rates locally for cargé to Japan changed hands at $15. China Burners are ports are no better than 1 to 10 cents per wanted at $4 A. S. Watsons can be placed at pical, and at that the supply is exceeding the Stal. Gea. Fenwicks have been done at the

IN the fifth race in the champion class, in con- demand.

further enhanced rate of $49, and, are grill

nection with the Royal Yacht Club on Satur- inquired for. William Powells have buyers al

day, Vernon caine in first, Klspeth second, and $9. We make Tramways $:00 ex the dividendelee third. The fifth race of the one-design of 5-6 due to-day. Owing to forced sales for class was sailed yesterday and resulted in a the settlement in Shanghai, Langkats have win for Kathleen, suffered a decline in value, and transactions at Tis. 305 have taken place..

Sai ers.-No fresh fixtures have transpired. American bark Belen A. Wyman having com pleted her loading for New York, sailed on the 8th December.

British ship Glendeon left in ballast on same dale for Anjer, for ordeis.

There are no disengaged sailers in port Saraw. bark Vale of Deon arrived from Rajang on cath instant, but is engaged for a further trip from Rajang under a previous charter.

'Saif-tonnage loading or to load -- for Baltimore and New York :-

British bark Brilliant, anived 24th October. For Callao- Italian bark Lothair to arrive from Callan.

WEEKLY SHARE REPORTS, Messrs. Erich Georg & Co, write,under date, 24th inst. :--

i Owing to the Christmas holidays, our chcular is issued to-day, instead of on Saturday. Since the issue of our last circular only a moderate business has been transacted, and rates have not undergone any very material change, although the political outlook has effected some stocks, noully Bank shares. The sterling demand rate on London'is 15. 8 9/16., while The rates on Shanghai are unchanged, viz. Tis. 71] for a T/F, and Tls 714 for three days sight Private Bills.

:

ܕ ܂܂

Bank Shares. A faw fongkong an ) Shang- sig sold at $170, but there are sellers now at $65, while the London quotation has dropped to £63. Nationals have improved to $31

buyers,

Marine Insurance Shares. -Unions are still ou offer at $490, while China Teeders have fallen to $56. Other stocks under this heading unchanged.

Malwa Opium. A good business transpired. Sales:-13 chests at $90, 31 chests at $.50, 15 chests at $950, 18-cheats at 5980, 62 chests at || $999, 9 chests at $1,000, 35 chests at $1,020, 34 chests at $1,040, to chests at Sr,ogo, and za chests at $1,060, in all about 247 chests. The unsold stock is estimated at about 1,203 chests, HyBengal Opium.—A good business is reported, Fire Insurance Shares-Hongkon„'s are on Sags:—470 cheats at $1,665 to 1,085 of Patna, offer at $310, China's have been done at $90, and 213 chests at $1,065 to $1,085 of Benares and a small lot can be placed now at $gol; a reported. The unsold stock is about 1,225 sale at $93 per 31st next has been put Bests,

through. Persian Opium.-Ruled steady and about Shipping Shares kong, Canton and 160 chests changed hands at $60 to 3810 per | Macao Steamboat pe changed hands in nicol. The unsold stock is about 2,000 chests, small lots at $33j to" $31f, and a few shares

|

FINANCIAL NOTES.

"Finance" writes to the S. F., Press on the both inst. :-Since our last Note, Ex bange has fallen one penny, and the price of silver two pence per ounce; this leaves the ratio out of order, for whereas on the 23rd olt, the ratio was abuul forrect, since this last fall in silver, rates of exchange have not yet moved in parity, and have another three or four sixteen:hs to fall to put them on equal torme. If no steadiness or upward tendency therefo e is displayed in the near future we may look for a further decline in the rate. Four months rate at closing is

/9 3/8ths.

Kawasaki, vice-president of the Kawasaki Dockyard Cn, and Mr. Yasumoto of the same company, are at Bangkok at present, negotiating, for the construction of a yacht for the Siamese Crown Prince. Might not the Hongkong Dock Co. put in a tender as well?

Governor Taft of Manila, who has been appointed the Secretary of War of the United States, will arrive in Hongkong in time to catch the 5.5. Koren, sailing at noon on the 16th. The Governor arrives with his family and staff, and will occupy suites on the big liner. MEMBERS of the Wigwam Lan Tennis Club dined at the Hongkong Batel on aturday evening under the presidency of Mr. F. R. cipitat musical programme was sustained by Smith. A very pleasant time was spent, and a

well-known vocalists. There were 58 gentle- men present,

1

A CORRESPONDENT writes to our Tientsin cors respondent, from heyond the Wall, The Liao River sti I open, that is sampans can cross during the day time by dodging the loose ice. A mam- pan now costs $5 however. The chief difficulty experienced by passengers to and from the other side is the absence of any accommoda, lion, there being no rest house."

this recurrence of the violent Anctuations in silver is naturally most trying to business and commerce, more especially as the tendency is again downward, thereby involving the gre-iter part of the commercial community in loss in insparing, for it is always difficult to get prices adjusted when the fall is an sudden and fast. it is greatly to be regretted that in August last, when exchange was up in the neighbourhood of the two shilling mark, the Government could not see their way to decide on fixity at two shillings. There were not of course a sufficient quantity of the new Straits Dollars in the Seulements, but after the steadiness which prevailed right away from July to October in A NAGASAKI merchant who recently purchased the neighbourhood of 1/11 and 2. it is most the sunken steamer Tsuruhiko-maru, which disturbing to again be totally in the dark as to foundered with the loss of many lives off Geta hat your imports are going to cost you, with lard, reir: Nagasaki, in October 1901, has In a margin of 10%,

commenced breaking up the steamer. The If one were writing a review of the home merchant has already mised sufficient in hull share market under similar conditions as have plates and cargo to cover the price paid for the prevailed here during the last forthight, you steamer (Ys op), which at the time she unk woul! probably read that owing to the rainy carried two locomotive engines and a large and unsettled wea her, business has been slow amount of chopped silver yen, in addition to and things are lit, but strange to say the last general cargo. The vessel was abandoned by fortnight, if anything, has seen more tiausac- the company with which it was insured,Ave tious than usual, although of course it cannot | Chronicle,

|

courteous'y informs us that ships or vessels The Consul General for the Netherlands

arriving in Netherlands-India from Hongkong, are not longer subject to quarantine, the poit of Hongkong being declared to be not langer infected wab plague. The prohibition of importation of some articles is also concelled so that all goods can now, be imported into Netherlands-India. -

THE stranding of the Netherland Company's when plying on the lava-Singapore-Sabang steamer Koningin Regentes in Banka Straits,

Holland run, has aroused sharp cominent. The trend of opinion is that the Company, before venturing into new waters, should have profit ed by the experience gained by its competitors, and should have gone more warily to work with its steamers.

THE Tung Men Flu Pio hears that recently the gentry class of Kiangsi held a meeting mongst themselves to discuss methods of pro-

cedure regarding the mining affairs of that province. During that meeting a resolution was passed, and this resolution was eventually sent in to Governor Hya who promptly took up the matter in hand intending to memorialize the Throne on the subject.

By the courtesy, and with the permission of the Hor, W, Chatham, Director of Public Works, we give to our readers, in a special supplement west elevation of the proposed new Law Couris with this issue, a half-tone illustration of the al Hongkong, as designed by the well-known

architects to the Colonial Office, Messrs. Aston Anne's Gate, London. Webb and E. Ingress Bell, of 19, Queen's

IT is notified in the Gazelle that the Secretary of State for the Clonies has intimated to H.E. the Officer Administering the Government that His Majesty the King has approved of the appointment of the Hon. Dr. J. M. Atkinson as an Official Member of the Executive Council. and also of the appointment of the Hon. Basil R. II. Taylor as an Official Member of the Legi lative Council for so long as he acts in The office of Harbour Master,

nits. 2,304,775

1,+86,307

THE fine new vessel for the Nippon Yusen Kaisha, the Nikko-marie, was taken out for a trial trip on Thursday with results which are at once a crecht to her bailders, the Mitral Bishi Co. and a source of satisfaction to her owners. The speed she attained over the

easily maintained. The Nikke-maru will be formally handed over to the Nippon Yusen Kaisha about the end of this month, and will be taken up to Yokohama. From that port she will make her maiden trip to Australia, sailing about the middle of January. The fitting of the vessel is proceeding apaco,

Kaneler, outward-bound from Shanghai to On the 17th inst, at about ram, the C. M. S'

Hongkong, and the 1-C. S. Eldorado collided in the river opposite the Old Dock. The Kuanglee was able to proceed on her unyage without delay, being only slightly damaged by a small hole in her port bow. The Eldorado had just arrived from Chefoo and was prepar ing to drop anchor at the time of the accident, the Kuangle striking her near the bow and stripping her side for some distance. Mir. T. C, was on board the angles at the time Weir, maring superintendent of the CM. S

of the accident en route to Hongkong.

WITH reference to the secret orders promulgat ed by the Throne to the various Viceroys and Governors of provinces to report how many modern-armed and disciplined troops could be sent up to Peking in the event of war with Russia, a recent letter from the capital reports that replies have been received by the Grand Council from the high nuthorities of the follow- ing provinces-Liangkiang (consisting of three provinces), Min-Che (two provinces), Kwang- tung, Flunan, Shantung. Shansi, Szechuan, Shensi, and Hukuang (two provinces), and that the total number of first-class troops from the above provinces ready to go up to the North aggregates 90,000 men.-N. C. D. News.

DURING last month, the Government Mint at and Yen 91,000 of 50-sen silver, while Yen Osaka turned out Yen 3,210,000 of 10 yen gald

2,210,350 of 10 yen gold and Yen 91,000 af 50-sen silver were delivered to the Centen authorities. The total values of the coins struck and delivered by the Osaka Mint in the eleven months just ended are as follows —

Struck. Delivered,

Yen.

Yen. ..26,695,000 23,246,309 749,500 742,000

10 yen gold 50 sen silver

.

Total...

.....27,439,500 24,688,308 The receipts of gold bullion by the Mint for last month amounted to 2,280 lbs.

ROUGH weather is again being experienced in the China Sea, and shipping is being delayed. THe usual tables are given, in the journal of Most of the incoming steamers report the pre- the American Asiatic Association, showing the valence of strong winds and high seas, and values of the principal exports from the U.S. t

in several instances slight damage has been China and Hongkong in the first nine months caused. The s.5. Indrasamba, which came in of 1991 and 1403, in gold dollars as follows:--

from Marila on Thursday, experienced storms, Colton Mineral Wheat Capt. Craven reporting that, after leaving the To China.

cloths,

flour. Philippines, the deck cargo, consisting of ham. 1902........ 13.596,844

135,142 boos, got adrift, and considerable difficulty was 1903 8,102,537

144,559 experienced in securing lashings. The bamboos, To Hongkong.

of which there are 20,000 odd bundles, are des- 21,034 -770,176 2,802,574 tined for the St. Louis Exposition, where they 1973......... 56,270 760,248 3,149,845 |

will be utilised for the purpose of building huts, etc. The cargo also includes a number WWW.C.D. News) have to thank the Statistical of models of native huis, and an old cannon.. Department of the Customs for a copy of the Customs Gazelle, July-September, 1903. ja- published. The comparative figures of the revenue for the quarter are as under, in Haikunn

acts -

1922.

་

1907.

1901. Chinese paris......

7.585.655 7.725,629 Kowloon and Lappa......... 170,834 207,659 Lungchow. Mentz, Sze-?

42,557 42.336 mao, & Tengyueh......3

7.709.046 7.75 60: The revenue collected in Shanghai amounted there being a falling-off in import dues alone to Hk. 71 2.199,668 against Tls. 2,716.151.

of ti. Tis. 600,000.

•

THE following telegraphic information dated 16 hinst has been received from the Sumatra Director and Manager of the Maatschappy tot Mijn Resch en Landbouwexploitatie in Langkar, 1 d.

Gallons. Daily aggregate output of Crude Pe-

troleum? **

79.00 Crude Petroleum in Tanks at date...... 260,0*0.

Cases.

Kerosene made since the date of the

preceding &-monthly telegram... 69, ia Kerosene shipped since the date of the

preceding half-monthly telegram 79,roo Kerosene in stock at Refinery at date

5400

AN alleged theft of $ goon board the Apenrade AT the Wellington Barracks on 19th instant, has just been inquired into at Singapore. n an excellent entertainment was given to a large the morning of Nov. 25th two passengers re house by members of the Royal Engineers ported the loss of money amounting to $290 drawn up, the items including comic sangs Variety Club. A first-rite programme was These men, with seven others, occupied a cornaran the deck under the companion lad and sketches by Messrs. Burnett and Dockrec der. The supercargo had the boxes of all keeping the audience in roars of laughter. In addition to a gramaphone selection. a these, brought out and before opening them asked how much money each contained. One laughable sketch entitled An Amateur Curdle said he had $48 and this provert be the case.

was produced and was certainly the Whitf Another said he had $27, then $10, but when his the evening. To-night another entertainment box was opened, it was found to contain will be given, for which an entire change of $225,21 in four rolls of $50 each and 20 loose programme is announced. It will conclude dollars. The money was so placed that the with laughable comedy, in one act, entitled clothes hind to be taken oui, separately to dis. Viful Murder. Judging by the success of cover it. A cheque for $316 which was found Saturday's, entertainment, a rush to secure.

one of the boxes made the case a very cqm-sents may be expected this evening. picated one. The Court came to the con- clusion that the theft had heep committed and sentenced the twn defendants in a year each: A more complicated case has seldom been before the police magistrates, remarks the "Straits Times.

Printed and Published by. JOSE VERO at The Hongkong Telegraph Com any Limited, at the Printing Office of the Company, Nocti for Linuse Road, in the City. af Victoria, 1105%

•