The Hongkong Telegraph.
NEW SERIES No 4430.
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CONTENTS.
Loading Articles
Legislation Needed.
The New Territories..
The China Squadron.
Russia and Japan.
Our Food Soprty."
The Siamese Question.
Christmastide.
¿Telegrams:~~
War Impending.
N. Y. K. Steamer Stranded.
Mootings:-
Steam Laundry Co,
Legislative Council.
Liri.
SUPPLEMENT.
(ESTABLISHED 1881)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1903.
二日八初月一十年九十二赭光
with his arrival in British waters, as when North Rivers. The revenue of the possession the ship was on the point of making the" is increasing very favourably, and there is return journey several of the hands left the need of no ideas of pecuniary hopes blighted vessel, and hasty inquiries for other men by blind faith. Even the fishermen, who last had to be made in order that the sailing of year paid one thousand dollars in revenue the steamer might not be delayed. The case more than they did the previous year, would in question is one of the usual type only like a little more leniency, more especially as too frequent in these waters. This, surely, they contributed in a great measure to the discloses the urgent necessity that exists suppression of piracy round the coast. The for some sort of surveillance over the native immeasurable resources of the New Territory crews, who find berths on British vessels should come for a great share of official in this port. Such a state of affairs should attention, and notwithstanding that the have been remedied long ago; for, whether Chinese Syndicate have neglected the silver regarded as a means of facilitating the load-mines at Lantao Island, there is abundant ing or discharging of cargo, or of improving evidence of the mineral being such as would the conditions of navigation, the control of repay some outlay. The whole country is the shipment of native crews in the Colony well worth attention, and capitalists will is a step which requires the urgent attention probably go farther and fare worse" by of the local legislature.
directing their flow into other channels of industrial enterprise."
امر
THE NEW TERRITORIES.
(21st December.)" By the completion of the survey of the two coast wise strips of land from Tai Lam, Chung to Tsu Wan, and Launa Island in the New Territory, one of the final | difficulties in opening up the Concession to commercial enterprise has just been over-
come.
The Hongkong High-Level Tramways Co., their dealings, were among the initial
Lid.
Legal Intelligence :---
Judgment for $28,800,
The December Criminal Session..
A Collision Case.
Correspondence:-
The Race Course.
Miscellaneous Articles and Reports:-
Christmas Festivities. Christmas Customs. Financial Returns.
Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders. Turf Topics, Macao's Hospitality to the Hongkong Press. Rowing Men at Dinner.
Masonic Installation.
Suicide in a Hote).
The Arthur Hill Co.
THE CHINA SQUADRON.
(22nd December.)
more in.
grasp
of
army and navy are ready, and readiness in Japan means perfection to the smallest detail. Her ally, England, has made, an incidental diversion" "by her inevitable expedition to Lhassa; and, a much more important point, Japan has succeeded, as it seems from the news from the North, in bringing China over to her side. The educated Chinese generally took little or no interest in the war between China and Japan, but they seem, curiously enough, to be even terested than the Manchus themselves in recovering Manchuria from the Russia. The existing uncertainty cannot continue for long and (as the Japan Times states) the Japanese Nation "now unani mously demands to be speedily relieved of tf intolerable suspense to which it has been subjected during these long and weary months." There can be no doubt that the very existence of the Empire of Nihon will depend on the results of its struggle with the Colossus of the North. That the sympathy of the majority of the British Nation will be with the smaller of the contesting parties there is not the slightest doubt, `and all Englishmen will look towards our own Government to uphold by its attitude our most cherished traditions, by staunchly affording all moral support to our ally, await
OUR FOOD SUPPLY.
It may not be generally know that the Admiralty have been urged to augment the British naval force in the Pacific by greatly increasing the strength of the fleet at Esquimault, at Hongkong, and by the mobi- The formation of districts and sub-lisation of a cruising squadron for the Far districts, and the appointment of committee. East. The appointment of Admiral Siring the necessity of our actual intervention. men who would be loyal and upright in all Gerard Noel to the China Station must. shortly be followed by the decision of the Ad- troubles attending the taking over of the Con-miralty in regard to the incessant applications cession on. April 17, 1899. In the four from Admiral Sir Cyprian Bridge, who is now years and eight months which have passed hauling down his flag as Commander-in- since the British flag was hoisted, the great. Chief in these waters. His successor has est pessimist will be bound to admit that a served His Sovereign for over forty years colossal task has been undertaken, and the and is a most able man in his profession ground thoroughly paved for a residential and it is to be hoped that the Admiralty will resort where a thorough sense of security carry out, without delay, any suggestion can be felt, as well as a field where the which he deems advisable to make for the enterprising capitalist need no longer fear protection of British influence in the Far any betrayal of his confidence. Whatever East. In these waters at present Great may be said of the eforts of the last Britain has four battleships (while another local administration-and there were many will shortly be joining the station), two carping critics, who spoke unkindly of modern armoured cruisers, eight protected the steps put forward at the time of cruisers and older armoured cruisers, six The Vate of Censure in the Mikado's Ad- the acquisition-this much can be now old cruisers, seven destroyers and six torpedo boats. Japan has six battleships, six modern and 17 protected and older armoured cruisers, four old cruisers, and a torpedo flotilla, comprising two catchers, 15 destroyers, and 58 torpedo boats. Russia's fleet consists of eight battleships, two modern armoured cruisers, ten protected cruisers and older armoured cruisers, two old cruisers, three catchers, o destroyers and twelve torpedo boats. France is represented by a single battleship, a couple of modem armoured cruisers, five protected and older armoured cruisers, two destroyers and twelve torpedo boats. Such is the relative strength of the fleets in the Far East, and a correspondent in China, who is cognisant of all the facts in relation to the matter, aptly puts it: "If war comes suddenly and the requests of the
what is to happen.?"
The Shanghai Cotton Mills.
Monopolies in Tonking,
dress.
The Convocation of the Diet. The Mercantile Fleet of Japan. The Money Market Prospect, Japan. Russia's Reply to Japan,
Sir Frank Swettenham's Successor.
Chinese Agriculturalists.
The Perak Sugar Cultivation Co., Ld.
Gold Prospecting in Ceylon.
Chinese Labour in South Africa.
A New Steamship Service for the "ricat.
The China Association.
The Hongkong Civil Service.
Russia and Japan.
More Russian Warships.
Plain Speaking.
Growth of Cane Sugar Industry.
Coinage of Gold and Silver. Hongkong Exchange.
Commercial:-
Yarn Market Report.
Fortnightly Market Report.
Shangliai Share Report.
Freight.
Weekly Share Reports."
Financial Notes.
Opium.
Exchange.
Local and General,
DEATH.
SETNA-On the evening of the 24th Decem- ber, at his residence, Chandanwadi, Hombay, Mr. COOVERJEE BONANJEL SETNA. Deeply regreted. (By telegram),
The Hongkong Celegraph
MAIL SUPPLEMENT, ISSUED GRATIS TO SUBSCRIBERS.
HONGKONG, SATURDAY, DEC. 26, 1903.
LEGISLATION NEEDED.
sent
stated, that the officials who were to labour in the New Territory can now see almost the realization of their wildest hopes, and their fears for the future develop ment of the country must fade from the memory. Three hundred and seventy square miles of land, tenanted for the most part by a complete horde of brigands as wild in their purposes as the most bloodthirsty pirates of the West, have been practically sub- dued and brought under British dominion, while the land itself is, to a considerable extent, cleared from a chaotic condition, to
One
promising hope of great commercial development. Forty-five thousand acres, or
sixty-one square miles, of land brought under cultivation for a population of one hundred thousand, who over four years ago were
(24th December.) Commercial circles in Hongkong will be interested to learn that a Celestial syndicate is in course of formation for the importation of Shorthorn bulls, for stud purposes, in the New Territory. The step is the outcome of a Government report on the condition of the pasture land on the hilly slopes beyond Kowloon. The move is one of no mean importarice, as it is likely to improve the well-being of the European inhabitants. of the Colony. The food supply has always been a burning question, and one upon opinion. Vegetarians have held that there which there has been much diversity of
is danger in greenstuffs in consequence of Chinese methods of cultivation, and others have looked to rice as the prin- cipal cereal for the table. There have been many who have expressed an opinion that, in the event of hostilities, both Hong kong and the mainland could be cut off with, practically; no source of supply; and others have urged that the Govern- ment should do something fowards perfect ing the victualling of its subjects. The general cry-even at this time when the bountiful hand is held forth in every direction is, "The price of food has again increased." It is the complaint of the hour, and one which is voiced in many a petition to the autho- rities for better pay, and a more liberal consideration for services rendered. The
а
大拜禮
就六十月二十英港香
$13 PER ANNUM. SINGLE COPY, 25 CENTS.""
October 3rd, 1993, by which the Siamese
FINANCIAL RETURNSSANHÃOO Government renounced all pretensions to
The financial returns for the period, January the left bank of the river and the whole
1st to October 31 t, 1903, aro published in the Gal of the different islands. A new treaty was
seite. The actual revenue during the ten months drafted which met with the approval of the
was $3 802,433.63, as against $3,432,557-29 for the same period of the preceding year. To statesmen of both countries, but the Cham- this has to be added revenue derived from land ber of Deputies, influenced by the French sales, totaling $499,236 26 as against $73,344.37. 8. Colonial Party, at whose head is M. Douner, ing year. The total increase under the various collected during the same period of the preced- the former Governor-General of Indo items in revenue was $831 092.06, and the only China, refused to ratify the terms of the decrease, miscellaneous receipts is $35,322-73 The expenditure for the ten months under review, new agreement. Desirous of gaining time, wis $4,383,095.30 as against $4,854.451-56. The and to avoid the defeat of the Ministry on
total increases amounted to $673,245,52 against which is a total decrease, under various head- question of secondary importance, ings, of $1,152,601.78, including $19,364.25, M. Delcassé announced that the discussion l'oblic Works, extmordinary, $629,900. 28, mis on the question would be delayed until Decem Works, recurrent On the 31st October there cellaneous services, and $24,265.c6, Public ber this year, the treaty of 1893 remaining was a total balance in hand of $371,418:45; the modus vivendi in the meanwhite. The $350,875.94 being in longhong and $21,542.31 Colonial Party in Paris claim that, not only
with the Crown Agents. the right bank of the Mekong should come under the administration of France, but that the teritories, of which Kont and Bussak. are the principals towns, should also he added to the possessions of the Republic. Their plea is that the country was formerly wrested by the Siamese from Cambodia, now a French protectorate. It is certain that in the negotiations, now going on between the Quai d'Orsay and the Siamese Plenipotentiary, have as their main object the discovery of a middle way," likely to be acceptable to the progressive colonials in the French Chamber and capable of nursing the susceptibilities of national sentiment in Siam. However, it is just possible that, profiting by the gravity of the crisis in the north, France's statesmen might judge the moment opportune to seize and occupy, mane militari, the contested territories.
CHRISTMASTIDE.
The return of another Christmas recalls the memories of the past. Bitter though they may sometimes be, when looking through the vista, we can generally bring to mind some brighter souvenir giving to our sombre regrets a certain sweetness. has as much force as it did when it went To-day, the spirit of that " Peace on Earth"
forth from the manger at Bethlehem. It lingers in our memories with the vitality of old, unmarred by time, infusing in our sentiments a desire for good-will towards
our, fellow men. Now comes to us the return of our former hopes and aspirations, and we cast to the four winds all the recriminations of the past twelve, months. We, in the Far East, should specially feel this season of goodwill, being for the most part exiles from the Motherland-the objects of our cherished affections, and our ties of boyhood friendships afar and overseas. Yet can we find some compensation in the assurance that in the Homeland the absent ones are not forgotten, and in extending our good wishes to those, who like ourselves, are fighting life's battles in this distant corner of
writhing under the lash of the ever "squeez- Admiral remain unknown and unanswered, contemplated effort to import English cattle our Empire. Whole hearted is our wish
RUSSIA AND JAPAN.
is not altogether new, but it opens up a tremendous thought for those who are interested in the welfare of the Colony. There are now over two thousand head of (23rd December.)
cattle in the Colony, the best portion of There can be no possible doubt as to the which are for export to Manila. Four or five acuteness of the present political situation in steamers leave every week for the Philip- the North, and each wire that reaches us, pines with their live freights, carrying away either from home or from Japan, brings in-absolutely the pick of the market. There formation to the effect that the tension is hourly growing, and may reach the breaking point at any instant. Owing to the many changes in the aspect of the situation since the beginning of the year, so that at one time war seemed certain and on the morrow those, that were supposed to know, declared that peace was assured, it is of interest to consider it retrospective summary of the events leading up to the present crisis, as it is given by one of our leading Eastern, contemporaries, the N. C. Daily News For nearly six months the Japanese Cabinet, its temper moderated by the efforts of the Elder Statesmen and its friends in Europe and America, has been endeavouring to get Russia to come to terms, and during the whole of this period Russia has been training every nerve to augment her military and naval strength in the Far East, and to ensure the assistance, or at any rate the benevolent neutrality, of France and Germany. Nearly two months ago, Mr. Kurino, the Japanese Minister, presented his country's irreducible minimum to the Russian Government, whose reply was only received in Tokio a week ago,
and cordial our desire that each and every one of our readers will pass
A MERRY XMAS."
|
INSTITUTION of Engineers AND SHIPRFILDERS.
BALL AT THE CITY HALL
Thanks to the generous and cordial bos pitality of the engineers and shipbuilders of Hongkong, vonries of Terpsichore and her the City all on 18th inst. Members of the pro- satellites passed a most enjoyable evening at fession in which mechanics play the leading role are, like their brethren of the other liberal others-ofadecidedly democratic temperament, arts-tite artist, musician, the penman and so that at fites, of which they are the organisers, spirit of gond-fellowship so necessary to the one is always assured of finding that pervading. complete success of social gatherings of this kind. The large hall was tastefully decorated, as were abo the adjoining salous, supper room, corridors and bar, and compliments are due to Mr. H. C. Michardson for the able manner in⠀ the preparations. Unstinted praise should be which he supe vised this important branch of accorded to the courteous and indefatigable
hon, secretary, Mr. J.T. Miller, to whom Press- men, in particular, can accord a hearty vote of thanks for his unfailing attention. The M.Cs, Messrs. J. Murphy, J. Lambert, R.N.R. and the jovial Vice-President, Mr. W. C. Jack, splen- didly maininined the proud tradition of the Institution, as appropriately worded in the motto on its devise-Ubfque for, indeed, they from start to finish in their attention to the were here, there and everywhere, unflagging, numerous guests of the evening. The attend- ance, as usual, was a crowded one, the space. requirements of the crowded gathering Dan- available proving almost too small for the
Frresters, present by kind permission of the cing was kept up till the small hours to the strains of the excellent band of the Sherwood Colonel and officers of that regiment. The President, Mr. D. McDonald, and the members of tongkang, are to be 'congratulated on the of the Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders brilliant success of this enjoyable, gathering.
SUICIDE IN A HOTEL.
Mr. S. J. Reubens was found dead in bed at the Magistracy this afternoon, before Mr. Sercombe Waverley Hotel, on Monday morning. At the
Smith, an inquiry was held into the cause of death. Dr. Hunter gave evidence to the effect that he had made a post mortem examination. of the deceased, and found that the cause of: death was carbolic acid poisoning. Evidence was taken as to the finding of the body of
deceased on the bed in his room, and a Euro- pean palice constable, who was called into the Waverley Hotel, stated that he found deceased lying dead on the bed. The room was in great disorder, many papers being littered about. A tumbler, containing a quantity of catholic acid, was on the tabl Witness spoke regarding the removal of the body and the investigation of the room by Sergeant Sullivan. He found some letters on the table, one of these was opened; the other two sealed. One letter was addressed to J. Benjamin, Esq. This gentle. man was in Court and the letter was now handed to him by the Magistrate. After read.
TELEGRAMS.ng the contents he passed it over to Mr.
** HONGKONG TELEGRAPH
SERVICE.
WAR IMPENDING.
GRAVE DISCUSSION,
ULTIMATUM SUGGESTED.
(From Our Own Correspondent.}
are over one hundred head kept in reserve for troops, inclusive of the naval supplies, From the West and North rivers the import- ations are increasing, and with the steady growth of the population, the meat supply must always form a special item of tradal interest. Cattle dealers have not always been successful in their undertakings here, and there have been many reasons why herds have not flourished. Pasture land requires considerable cultivation, and where it has been undertaken by those who are, so to speak, indigenous to the soil, it has almost always turned out fruitful. The Celestial is horn cultivator, and now that the New Territories are becoming to be regarded in more than the light of "A White Elephant," the enterprising syndicate should receive the the most liberal consideration in any appli-garding a suggestion to word the cation they might have to make to the roply in the form of an ultimatum. Goveniment for the furtherance of their The outlook is regarded as most efforts.
ominous,
ing" mandarinate. With all the unmeasur able difficulties brought about by the physi cal configuration of the country an excellent road has been made eighteen miles across undulating land connecting Kowloon with Mirs Bay, and contributing to the pleasure of the citizen, as well as ensuring his im- munity from attack at the hands of the ten thousand fighting Chinamen on the Canton Delta. All these, and many more, are the results of the labours of a few, who have fought with the deadly grip of malaria, and been the pioneers towards bringing about a healthy condition of things—no small factor ingthe opening up of tradal districts in the Far East. There is, however, a great deal more to be done, and with the completion of the contemplated road to Lai Chi Kok (19th December.).
which will be a connecting link with Chin In purely commercial centre, like Hong- Wan, on the Castle Peak, and then round kong anything which may tend to facilitate the Sha Pat Heung and Pat Yung shipping business must possess a certain valleys, the principal portions of the amount of interest for at least a substantial New Territory will be within easy access Portion of the community. We have, on of Kowloon and Hongkong. There is several occasions, demonstrated the necessity need of further Government effort to of legislation being enacted to safeguard the assist the farmers in their endeavours to interests of shipowners and masters from cultivate the land, and although the Land the loss of money and time entailed by rea Court has done a great deal towards dissi- son of the shipment of worthless bands, who pating the general Celestial idea of grinding obtain berths aboard at Hongkong, and landlordism, there are many cultivators, es desert whenever sufficient inducement is pecially at Min Wo and Tai O, who still offered. Although we have one of the feel the burden which necessarily attends largest seaport trades in the world, little or the labours of the patient tiller of the soil.
THE SIAMESE QUESTION, no provision is made in this' respect to A more generous view could well be taken of protect the mercantile community, who the sugar industry, and despite the fact that
Though there are doubts as to the exacti- certainly require and deserve protection. the machinery imported by the Chinese was far Russia's preparations for war continuing all tude of the reports contained in many of the A few days ago the British steamer superior to their primitive ideas, some other the time. The reply is entirely unsatisfac-latest home papers, concerning an impend Laertes arrived from Saigon, and Captain move might easily be made to encourge tory for "to make partial concessions fring zupture of the diplomatic negotiations Jackson reposted that, when he reached the them in their work. The pine apple four-futile; and an enduring settlement of Between France and Siam and little faith French port, the native crew, who hadishes in the main because of the official the Manchurian question is necessary." The can be placed in a recent announcement been shipped at Hongkong, desorted and left attention which has been paid to it; a little only hope is now that the Czar's sincere that the authorities in Indo-China are mass him to find substitutes as best he could. It more of that attention might well be direct love of peace, and the consciousness of the
certain that the vexed question of the owner
LONDON, 18th December.
6.55 p.m. Your London correspondent is in- formed in Paris, by a very reliable authority, that there may be a delay of several days before Japan's reply to the Russian noto is handed over, as grave discussion is taking place re-
N. Y. K. Steamer Stranded.
PASSENGERS SAFE,
Sercombe Smith, Another letter, addressed to the Jewish synagogue, was opened by Mr. Silas, a member of the Committee. The letter. was in Hebrew. Mr. Silas said that deceased wrote that owing to his strained financial situa- tion he had decided on taking his life. He asked pardon of the Jewish community for committing this act.-The boys of the Hotel gave evidence concerning the conduct of deceased, which, on the evening preceding his death, was not in any way abnormal.
The Magistrate's decision was that death was due to carbolic acid poisoning, and that the poison was self-administered.
TURF TOPICS.
Twelve subscription China pony griffins, being The fourth batch from Shanghai, arrived per the 5.5. Kwang Sang on Thursday, and were drawn. for in the afternoon in the presence of a large concourse of local sporting men. Among those noticed were Sir Paul Chater, Major Radcliffe, Kaduerie, Michael, Brutten, J. 1. Lewis, and Messrs Ruler, Macd mald, Clarke, Hart Buck, his partner, H. P. White, who arrived in the Colony by the German mail looking as fit as ever. The result of the drawing was as fol lows!-
Nos. 56 and 57--J. H. Lewis. Made good. running at Shanghai, and are regarded as the best of the batch on time trials.”
No. 58-W. E. Gray.
י
13
59-E. Kadonie, 60-J, H. Lewis.
61-Major Radcliffe.
The slowest
pony on trial, buta fine looking animal, and a thorough racer. 63-Major Radcliffe.
63-Macdonald.
G-W. E. Gray,
65-1. N. Mody,
69-E, H, Hinds,
69--Morgan Phillips.
Eight animals, expected by the next boat, will com le cabe let of ponies from Shanghai
The Awang Sang also brought a number of
(From Our Own Correspondent.) ·
KOBE, 21st December,
2.10 p.m. The Nippon Yusen Kalsha coasting was not until he had put himself to very ed, towards the growing of succulent gras Russian Ministers of the danger to RS troops at Chantabom-it is nevertheless..
steamer Shinagawa Maru, of 1,944 great inconvenience and trouble that he was ses for on the hill slopes in her present unsettled internal condition, ship of the right bank of the Mekong River tous; which plies between Yokohama Mr.K.do.tie; one for Ewos, also the famous
render Hongkong of a possible revert, may persuade; the is likely to lead to serious complications in and Yokkaichi, was stranded yester. to have the steamer safely navigated to independent of "butcher "rings", and even Russian Government to give way at last. the near future. An attempt was trade last day," of Onmuyesaki, near Yokohama. Hongkong. But his trouble did not cease the whole of the supplies of the West and Meanwhile, Japan has not been idle. Her year, by Mr. Delcassé, to revise the Treaty of The passengers were saved.
able to secure sufficient hands to enable him which in ti
Derby grofits and other crack ponies, include ing this Deiby griffing for Mr. Mody: two for./ racers, Set, Polka, Rajah one Derby for bir J. H Lewis together with this old ponies the trainer, Mr. Currum; and oug Derby pony Muscated and Starling, and others in charge of for Mr Simpson
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