1904-11-12 — Page 11

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1904.

the good form displayed. The Royal Standard, at the saluting base, it was remarked, made a poor showing, as the frgain was much too short, so that lu the result, there being but the To-day His Most Gracious Majesty, King float it in the air, the corner draggled on the lightest breeze blowing, and not sufficient lo Edward VII, of Great Britain and Ireland, and ground-scarcely a fitting resting place for our the British Dominions beyond the seas, Em-Roval Standard Everything else went well, peror of India, has attained his sixty third and without a hitch, and proved a very impos birthday, and Hongkong has rejoiced and pating and impressive function. on its gala dress of bupling. The Royal To-morrow, Thursday, the toth 'instant, will Standard was hoisted at Government house, be observed as a holiday by the troops in Gar- Military and Naval Hendquarters, and at lead-rison, and Head Quarters Offices will be closed quarter House. The Government, and many private offices were closed, as were also all

except for business of a pressing nature... the schools throughout the Colony. The ships in the barbour made fall displays of their flags, all, being dressed from stem to stem, while several of the foreign Consuls displayed the British flag alongside those of their own coun try. The usual royal salutes were fred bath

HONGKONG GENERAL CHAMBER

OF COMMERCE.

ashore and afloat, while at noon the members of the Consular Corps in Hongkong called Government House, in offer their congratula-ing, on Wednesday, 5th October, at 3.30 p.m.

tions and pay their respects to H.E. the Governor, on behalf of His Majesty. All offices and shops which could not be closed in the moming put up their shutters at noon.

It was a happy inspiration which led H.E. Major General Villiers Hatton to order the parade for the morning Instead of the evening as heretofore, as this gave all concerned a better chance of holiday-making, and judging by ap- pearances all around, they did not fail to take. full advantage of the opportunity, while the ricksha and chair coolies, to say nothing of the Electric tram, must have reaped a perfect harvest, if, even, the former did not understand why!

Ta-night His Excellency the Governor gives an official Birthday Dinner-party, at Govern ment House, after which he will be "At Home" to welcome all callers. Many private dinner parties are also set for this evening.

THE GARRISON PARADE. Never perhaps in its annals did the Happy Valley present such a gay and brilliant appear- ance in the early hours of the day as it did this morning when all Hongkong appeared to tum cut to witness the Garrison Parade held in honour of the birthday of His Most Gracious Majesty, King Edward VII.

·

In command of the troops was H.E. Major General Villiers Hatton, C.B., who was accom- panied by his staff, comprising Captain E. S. Ward, A. D. C. Major A. A. Chichester, D.5.0. C.SO, Major R. J. Ross, D.A.Q.M.O., and Lieut. Col. F. E. Kent, O.C.R.A

The Naval Brigade consisted of 522 men from B.M.S. Vengeance, under the command of Commander Gaunt, R.M., Lieut. Moir, com

manding the seamen, and Capt. Harris, R.M.A., The whole body of the forces, naval and military, presented a very smart and workman like appearance, and executed the movements mentioned below with excellent precision, while the volume of cheers literally rent the To-day being the day appointed for cele. brating the anniversary of the Birthday of His Majesty King Edward VII at this station the Royal Standard was hoisted at Head Quarters Hause, and the Union Fing on board the hos- pital ship Meanes.

commanding the marines.

heavers,

A Royal Salute was fired from the Saluting Battery in conformity with the Royal Navy.

The troops in Garrison paraded as strong as possible on the Happy Valley, drawn up in line facing S.W. and parallel to the racing track, at 12 paces interval, with bayonets fixed, in order of precedence of Carps, at 9.45 am.

Naval Brigade.

Royal Garrison Antillery.

Royal Engineers.

1st Sherwood Foresters.

H.K.S.B.R.G.A.

Hongkong Volunteer Corps,

11th Mahratta Light Infantry.

gird Burmah Infantry.

114th Mahratias.

The Naval Brigade was on the right of the line; Regiments of the Indian Army being on the left of the Volunteers.

The 15 pounders of the H.K.S.B.R.G.A. were on the track on the right of the line.

Bands were massed in rear of the centre under the Bandmaster of the 1st Sherwood Foresters,

The General Officer Commanding, H.E. Major General Villiers Hatton, was accom- panied by his staff, and a trumpeter (detailed by the O.C.R.A.) They met him near the Golf Club at 9.45 a.m The Garrison, Police and Local Company Royal Engineers, kept the ground under the direction of the Garrison Sergeant Major,

mittea of the Hongkong Chamber of Commerce, At a monthly meeting of the general com- held in the Chamber Room, St. George's Build. present:-Mr. E. A. Hewett (Chairman), D. R. Law (Vite-Chairman), Hon. W. J. Gresion, Mestre, A. Haupt, N. A. Sieb, I. R. M. Smith, R. C. Wilcox, A. G. Wood, Hon. R. Shewan (ex officlo), and A. R. Lowe, Secretary,

matter, end that the Treaty Fowers are justified in bringing some pressure to bear in order to ensure the due observance of the same.-We have.

7

Commerce.

Chairman, Shanghai General Chamber of

Commerce.

Chairman, Hongkong General Chamber of Chairman, Tientsin General Chamber of Commerce.

for Austria-Hungary and Doyen of the To His Excellency Baron Czikann, Minister Diplomatic Corps, Peking.

MARINE COURT.

CONTRABAND OF WAR.

IMPORTANT RULING,

8th inst.

Lawrence, Harbour Master, and Marine Magis This morning before Hon. L. A. W. Bames- trate, Genge C. Dusting, Master of the British steamer Salfordia, charged twenty-one of the crew with wilfully continuing to disobey the lawful orders of the complainant on board the ship and refusing to proceed to sea, since the 5th inst., at Victoria Harbour. George C. Dusting, The minutes of monthly meeting held on 5th fendants, 21 in number, signed on at Cardiff to Master of the s.3. Salfordia, stated:-The de proceed to Manila, and any other ports or places between 75 N and 60 8, on a three years'

- MINUTES.

ultimo were read and confirmed.

QUARANTINE.

It was reported that the Hon. Colonial Se- cretary had courteously informed the Chamber of the removal of quarantine restrictions against arrivals from Hongkong by the authorities at the ports of Singapore, Saigon, Batavia, New chwang and Bangkok.

The Chairman referred to the correspond once regarding the stringent restrictions at Newchwang, and it was agreed to let the mat. ter drop in view of the extraordinary circum stances in which the authorities were placed this year.

ZONE TIME.

decided to recommend the Government to Further correspondence was read, and it was bring in Zone Time on the 1st January, 1935. The Secretary was authorised to publish the whole correspondence.

CURRENCY QUESTION.

The correspondence relating to the recent joint letter to the Diplomatic Corps at Peking from the Chambers of Commerce at Shanghai, Tientsin and Hongkong was read and passed for publication.

PARIS SANITARY CONVENTION,

The copy of the new Convention on which give their opinion regarding ita adaptability for the Government have asked the Chamber to use in Hongkong was discussed at some length and referred to a Sub-Commilles for further REGISTRATION OF CHINESE PARTNERSHIPS. subject, and the matter was again adjourned Further discussion took place on the above until the next meeting.

report.

NEW OFFICES.

agreement.

"I left Cardiff on the 12th of August last, and proceeded on my voyage round the Cape of Good Hope, calling at Durban for bunker coal. After leaving Durban I proceeded to Labuan for busker coal. The day after my arrival there I received instructions by cable to take in sufficient coal to take me to Vladivostok, Soon after I called all the crew together and informed them that the vessel was ordered to Vladivostok, and I asked then if they had any abjections to going there. The whole of the crew refused.. I tried to reason with them, but with no effect at the time. Three or four days later I again put the question, and they again re- fused. I cabled this decisionyo the owners and I received instructions to proceed to Hongkong to prosecute the men for refusing to proceed on the voyage according to agreement. I arrived here on the 5th inst, and asked for a summons on the 7th ins

To the defendants: You have heard the

of the vessel carrying contraband when the By the Court: 1here was no mention made articles were signed No remarks were made or interest displayed about my making the voyage round the Cape. I have had no diffi- culties with the defendants in respect to their usual. I was authorised while at Labuan to duties, everything having so far gone on as The bonus offered was two months' pay. offer inducements to these men to proceed. Should any of the men express their willing ness now to proceed I am prepared to with charge. Before hearing any further evidence draw the charge against them."

am desirous of affording you an opportunity of good reasons for your actions in your defence, altering your decision. You will possibly urge but your case may, probably will, present difficulties, and in my opinion, taking into con- sideration that you have been offered a bonus

The Chairman aid that this was the first occasion they had met in the new offices, which would be found more convenient under existing the Chamber than the old room; but the Com-to proceed, you will be well advised to accept. conditions in which to transact the business of

regret in vacating the room in the City Hall, mittes would not doubt experience a feeling of

which so much good work bad been done for which had been occupied for 34 years, and in mercantile interests of the Colony by their predecessors,

It was resolved that the settling of the terms of the three years lease of the two offices-rented by the Chamber from Massrs. Shewan, Tomes and Co, should be left to the discretion of the Chairman or Vice-Chairman and Mr. A. R. Lowe (Secretary), who are empowered to sign the lease,

THE CURRENCY PROBLEM.

between the Chambers of Commerce and the The following correspondence has passed

of China's currency. foreign Representative at Peking on the subject

Hongkong, 28th May, 1904. Sir-I have the honour to refer you to the correspondence which passed last year between relation to the presentation of a petition to the your Chamber and the Hongkong Chamber in Diplomatic Corps at Peking requesting that Body to urge on the Chinese Government the imperative necessity of taking steps to establish a uniform-National Coinage throughout China an a first step towards the institution of currency

make up their minds, when they all declared Five minutes were given the defendants to

Jansen, donkeyman, representing the defend persistence in their refusal to proceed. H. ants, stated:-We signed articles to proceed to Manila vid Durban and never went to Manila. With respect to proceeding to Vladi. vostok we refuse for the fellowing reasons:

lost in this contraband trade, owing to striking Several ships have been destroyed and lives mines and other causes, in the vicinity of Russian Ports. We have also received news paper cuttings concerning the hardships er dured by the crew of the sa. Chellenham who were sent to England via Siberia, and which at this time of year, when we have no warm clothing, would be a great hardship.

suppose you would be sent home via Siberia? By the Court: What reasons have you to H. Jansen-We were informed we should be sent home from Vladivostok.

Master, recalled: The only reason for this statement is that I informed the crew if the vessel was captured they would be sent home. whatever to suppose that the coal would be 11. Jansen, continued: We had no reason discharged elsewhere than at Manila,

way to suppose that we were carrying contra

We were neither informed nor led in any band; had we been so informed we would not have signed on.

By the Court: We are willing to proceed in provided we are not carrying contraband.

MASONIC QUADRIELK" "LUB.

8th inst,

The Government's policy has been to study inore the necessities of trade, than to slavishly follow the "piocedure as laid down by the cheme of Conversion, and in this respect they have been wise, even although "fixity," which when once secured. is aimed at, may be more difficult to maintain,

301

HOPE FOR THE HUMP. INDUSTRY

The success of the young American inventor, Ir. Robert Edward Lindsay, in perfecting a machine that will accomplish as much in a day at'stripping hemp as the combined efforts of two men could possibly necomplish in many days, cannot but revolutionize the hemp in

The Masonic Quadrille Club opened its season last night with a very enjoyable dance which was quite up to the mark of these so much enjoyed last year, and was a pronounced ucces, as are all functions planetied by that caergetic president, Mr. H. O. Wolle, who cer.where it can be secured without adversely af- "Fixity" is no doubt a very desirable thing, tally is endowed with the knack of carrying lecting the trade of the Colony, but it is by no successful issue. Many of the old faces on all bla entertainment schemes through to a means proy d that such is the case. Sir, Idustry in the Philippines, where it has been fmiliar at these dances last season were again lone to rush "fixity" even if such were pos have every condence that nothing will be noticeable amongst the dancers, and the gene-ible, without every consideration being given ral lack of formality seemed to gire ense to all. 19 the effect on tinde. Mr. J. Vanstone had got the floor into perfect condition for dancing, and it shone like a mirror, magnetizing the feet of the trippers in the light fantastic steps of the mazy dances. A well arranged programme of dance music was well executed by Sergeant Fielding on the

a very early hour this morning. An excellent piano, and Staff-Sergeant Jenkins, R.B., oa the violis, and they kept the trippers at it until suppor, under the supervision of "Steward" Eagleton, was done full justice to while the duties of masters of ceremonies were very ab y carried out by Men W. H. E. Smith and J. J. Sibbitt. The second dance of the season, we are informed, will be held on the 5th of December.

THE ATTACK ON A CUSTOMS' OFFICIAL.

ANOTHER VERSION.

7th inst.

THE TIME FOR DEVIATION. We are now in the position that India was when she closed her Minis, and the framers of the currency scheme appear to have thought hat what was successful in Indin must neces-

surplus population; the "Straits," a, Colony, sarily be successful in the Straits.

entirely dependent for its very existence on the import of its food supplies, with an alien popu. lation, constantly on the move. Could the conditions be more different?

India, is a self-contained Continent with a

To a free exchange of commodities without fat or bindrance, the prosperity of this Colony it to a very large extent attributable, and that portion of the currency scheme which recom- mended the prohibition of the export of our new currency, and which the Government have set aside, would, in effect, have set up a barrier to free trade, and I have not the slightest lesitation in affirming that the backward trend of our trade which has been so noticeable dur- ing the past 12 months, is chiefly due to the restrictions set on the free movements of the that is the prohibition against the free impor tation of the Iritish and Mexican dollars, but currency. There is still a barrier left, and

this I hopa will soon be rescinded,

OFFICIAL OPINIONS.

question of small silver in the Colony, the In the course of his speech, turning to the Colonial Secretary remarked-Undoubtedly there had been very large quantities brought in of late and they had written to Hongkong 10 try and find out where it had been stored.

It appeared that the thrifty Chinaman was prepared to pay 50 cents a thousand to get them from there. The Hon'ble member had silver, but he knew of no other way of finding criticised the method of distribution of small out what was wanted than that of allowing people to express their wants by asking.

Sir John Anderson said: was very much interested to bear the opinions which were felt on the steps which have been taken with re-

some days ago, we reported a case of an alleged It will be remembered by our readers that murderous attack on a Customs officer, named G. M. Carter, in the New Territory. A report was made, by the alleged victim, to the police of the occurrence, and by dint of their exertions and inquiries in the locality they managed to find the coolie who had been engaged to carry Carter's luggage. He made no attempt to deny anything or hide any of the facts, but stated that the murderous attack was not made upon Mr. Carter, but by the latter upon the coolies, for no reason that he could give, and certainly the appearance of the coolie appeared to uphold his story, for he presented a very brought in the Central Station by the púlice, battered pair of arm, leg and back when nor did he look like a murderer, but rather like a harmless imbecile! However, hom Mr. Carter's report he was charged with the alleged assault, and notice sent to Mr. Carter to attend being called on it was found that Mr. Carter gard to the currency scheme. The small coin- the Court this morning to prosecute. The case

to tell a straight story, Mr. Hareland ditcharged come back here, as soon as the dollar became was not present, and as there was no prosecutage has become so popular here because ing witness against the coolie, who appear d

the presumption that the small coin would the man. From inquiries subsequently made appreciated, was right. The dollar currency by the police it transpired that Mr Carter had

became appreciated and naturally the small not been seen or heard of since the day after

cains flowed back into the place where they were worth more than they were in the places in which they found themselves at the time of the appreciation. The whole question, how ever, is one of such importance and intricacy, that it is not one in which it would be wise to give any premature expression of opinion. I Imay say, however, that hitherto in the steps we have taken we have had the most cordial co. operation of the banks of the Colony, who have placed at our disposal all the information we have required, and who have co-operated most fully and helped us in all the steps we have taken. I should like therefore to take this opportunity of thanking them publicly for the invaluable assistance they have given the Gor erament in this matter, up to the present, and to express the hope that in future steps we may bave to take, we may meet with the same generous treatment.

the alleged attack upon him, and his where abouts were entirely unknown to anybody Territory. aither in his office or his district in the New

PIRACY ON THE WEST RIVER.

S.S. "WANG FAT" SEIZED.

TWO FIRATES CAPTURED,

(From Our Own Correspo-dent.)

Wuchow, Nov. 5th, 1993.

+

the Wang Fat, trading between Wuchow and - 5.30 2m. to-lay a British steam daunch, Konghau, started on her journey. Before pro- ceeding she had to come down to the Custom House where the launches are examined for arms, etc.

This moming, however, the dropped down on the opposite side of the river to the Custom

cials that pirates had captured his launch. came down and reported to the Customs offi House, and half-an-hour afterwards her agent

Soldiers were thereupon embarked in another launch, which proceeded to give chase. The Wang Fat was going down river instead of up

LATER.

about 20 miles belowe Wychow. The soldiers chase of the Wang Fat, found her berched The launch with soldiers, which west in

part of the pirated booly, One of these men went ashore and succeeded in capturing two pirates who were making off over the bills with a hut e muscular fellow) has been brought a number of determined attempts at suicide. back to Wuchow. On his way back he made

captured him. The captured pirate is atypical Chuen, as it was soldiers from that place who desperado

THE HANKOW-CANTON RAIL WAY QUESTION.

under an unmistakeable cloud for some years. ductiveness of the hemp plantations of the is The long period of total or partial non-pro- lands sent the price of that staple soaring, until, after the opening of the ports of Leste and grade of hemp would pay the grower and the Samar, the price was so high that almost any stripper as well as the best quality of abaca paid in the old ante bellum days. Being child-

grade of hemp, rather reu of nature and victims of Philippinitis they chose the easier path-to take the customary

pride in wage and profit and turn out the poorer

very best hemp that their faims would produce than to take their work, turn out the and thai their hands could prepare, and arm more money and make larger profits Buff- cient unto the day was the evil thereof, and straight way the evil aboda with them. The deteriorated quality of hemp caused a bus and cry that was heard the world around, wherever the why fibre is twisted into rape or cable. Yellow, tarnished hemp, rotten in places, took the place of the gleaming bright silvery stranda, strong as wire and cutting as a knife that had ance been the pride and glory of the Philip. pines. The complaint reached the ears of the secretary of agriculiste of the United States From so many different quarters that he recom something to prevent the market for the famous Manila hemp being ruined altogether, tnended that the government out here do

There did not seem to be any way by which the planters of the Philippine islands could be quality so long as their own misguided avarice compelled by legislation to produce a better made them believe that it was more profitable to produce the poorer kind.

were treated. Instead of being stripped while It was all in the manner in which the stalks still fresh, which, as a matter of fact, is most ruelly hard work, they were allowed to rot in the min upon. the ground until stripped easily. The roiting was what spoiled the colour of the hemp and sometimes made the fibres faithless: It does not require much demonstration to prove that when ropes of a certain kind of hemp get a reputation of being unreliable that shipowners, miners and others who have use. for great quantities of rope, will seek other kinds upon which to risk valuable lives and property,

hemp stalk and combs out the strands of fibre horses instead of men, tears the tissue of the Now the new machine, with the strength of

in all their pristine strength and silvery beauty. will be no comparison between the cost The hemp can be combed out so fast that there of the old and the new methods. The differ quality so universal that a machine will pay ence will be so great and the improvement in for itself long before the harvest season is over, There will not be any difficulty about the hemp growers adopting the machine on account of old fogyism or ancient prejudice, after the first quality that will result from the use of the mas season. The bright, clean' hemp of superfion chine will quickly restore the prestige of Ma nila hemp and crowd the dirty, tarnished stuff out of the market.

We have no fears for the success of the young inventor in getting capital to finance his new invention. That he is inade of the right stuff is shown by the persistence with which he bas clung to his ideal for three years of ex perimentation and disappointment-Manila Times.

EXCITEMENT IN THE HEMP MARKET

AT MANILA.

Writing from Manila on 31st ult, Messrs. Warner Barnes & Co., Ltd., state:-The hemp market over the past fortnight has been strong and at times excited and the large proportion of arrivals found buyers on the basis of $22 for

fair current.

Adjutants and Markers were on the ground arrangements of a less fluctuating chacter the ship anywhere but to belligerent ports, The other pirate has been detained at Fong the meeting with Mr.Conger only remarked that generally show no disposition to sell to arrive.

at 9.to a.m.

Officers attending the Parade as spectators wore "Keview Order" White.

The P.M.O. made the necessary Medical Arrangements, and the CRE arranged for the saluting flags, and flagstaff in conjunction with the C.0.0.

The O.C.A.S.C. provided the Royal Standard which was unfurled on the arrival of His Ex- cellency the Governor on the ground, which took place punctually at 10 am. H.E. being accompanied by Captain H. Smith, and Havil- dor Bhrada Sba,

The following were the movements executed. Officers Commanding units gave the Execu- tive word of Command for each movement on the last sound of a "G" from the Trumpeter.

The preparatory word being given by the General Officer Commanding.

(a) Division came to attention and sloped

Arms.

{c.) Division sloped arms. Inspection by (b.) Division-Royal Salute-Present Arms,

H.E. the Governor.

(d.) Division fired a feu-de-joie.

(e.) Division fixed bayonets and sloped arms. (f) Division-Royal Salute-Present Arms. (g.) Division sloped arms

h) Division ordered arms. (i) Division removed Head dresses. (1)-Division gave 3 cheers, taking the time.

:

than those at present in use.

The importance of not allowing this matter to pass into oblivion was referred to by the

Master, recalled: It is stated on the ship's Annual Meeting, and my members of this Chamber at their recent manifest that the coal is intended for Manila.

Committee are

Each of the crew expressed here his agres- anxious to know whether your Chamber is ment with what their spokesman had said." the Diplomatic Body at Peking with the object said: The points I have had to consider in willing to make further joint representations 10

The Hon, Barnes-Lawrence, in sumralog up. of urging it to a course of action of a more determining this case are as follows:-Articles determined nature than a mere expression of were signed by which the men were pledged sympathy as was the case last year.

to proceed to Manila in this vessel, with Awaiting the favour of an early reply,-1a cargo of coal, where they were under have, &c.

the belief it would he discharged. A. R. Lowz, Secretary.

rival at Labuan the master was informed Leslie J. Cubitt, Esq, Secretary, General and on communicating this news to the crow that the coat was intended for Vladivostok, Chamber of Commerce, Shanghai.

The Secretary of the Shanghai General they refused, for reasons stated, to proceed to Chamber of Commerce replied that his Com-that port. By the general and customary terms mittee were fully in accord with the Hongkong proceed anywhere within certain latitudes, viz., of the agreement the crew also undertook to Committee in thinking it desirable to keep the question of currency reform constantly before 75 N. and to 5. and under the normal con ditions of an ordinary voyage, service between

*

to the necessity for definite action.

Hongkong Committee to meet their views, and they suggested that a copy should be forwarded to each member of the Diplomatic Hody The letter was as follows:-

(Enclosure.)

On ar

Great credit is due to the local soldiers and Several soldiers were wounded in the milde. officials forthe way they sepromptly gave chase. goods and money out of the Weng Fat

The pirates took about taels 4,000 worth of The soldiers are still scouring the country after the remainder of the piratical gang.

This is one of the most barefaced piracies seized right in the barbour of Wuchow, we have had to record lately. The launch was

THE STRAITS CURRENCY

AND BUBSIDIARY COINAGE,

on this basis.

The work of the Hankow-Canton railway in Kwanglung is at present at a stand-still. At the request of Sheng Kung Pao, the fureign employees have been recalled by their respec- tive Consuls at Canton, and the minor bonds have been ordered not to be issued. The Wai

caused by Sheng Kung Pao, and that demands Wu Pu has been informed by the China-Ameri- can Development Co. that all these steps are

The last two or three days have been calmer of indemnity would be presented to the Head

owing to news of an attempt on the part of bear office. Mr. Conger, American Minister at Peteliers in London to stem the tide of advancing view of such methods of procedure, there would To-day a few small parcels could be acquired king, has also notified the Wai We Pu that, in prices, and values here have reacted a little.

e demands of indemnity. The Wai Wu Bu

on the basis of Sar.so for current or say at has not yet decided how to proceed, and during exchange 2/13=£11. 10f- fo.b, but dealers

interested sent here (Peking) & telegram the satisfactory arrangements would be effected.

Governor Wang Chucb Tung and the others

As we pointed out in our last circular the advanced prices had caused a rush of ready other day, as follows: with reference to the hemp which we expected, in view of the general middle of the 7th moon, according to which it from the interior, could hardly be maintained, telegram sent by the Hunan gentry in the

reports from provinces of scarcity in arrivals was staled that, after the cancellation of the

his is borne out by receipts which for the past agreement, the transfer should be Americanweek are only 14,000 bales, and the estimate Peitz) would take up, the transfer, we have respectively 19,000 and 15,000 bales, or say and that one Pashu (probably the same as for present and coming weeks are reduced to Wang Yi Wu, by way of making inquiry, and looks like continuing for some time we can. to intimate that a telegram was sent to 16,000 average over the three weeks.

In view of this shoringe in receipts which subsequently a reply was received to the effect that the man was unknown, and the telegram hardly expect the attempt to reduce prices in had never been seat by them, and much specu

Landon to still further under the parity of cost lation was occasioned as to its source. Further

can meet with great success, the more so as that the telegram was sent from the Hunan Sisal fibre seems to be advancing and the U.S. Governor's Yamen, and was officially sealed, markets continue firm, but that the culprit so audacious as to send such a telegram should be arrested and pun ished. The reply went on to say that all along the idea of the Hunan gentry was to have the agreement cancelled, and to take up the man-

Word has been received from the two tion. The Wai Wu Pu bas telegraphed to the

(Peking) a telegram as follows: Work has been 30th ult, announced their presence there, but Hunan Governer, instructing him to make

correspondents, Emerson and van Lerberghe, who recently left Cheloo for Port Arthur. investigations.

On the 14th day Sheng Kung Pao sent hereed Thursday, says the Chefoo Daily News of They are in Japan. A private telegram receiv. stopped. Arrangements have been made by conveyed no details of their recent experiences. Negociations of the matter will be carried out the company to pay up all the working ex

gained in the stipulation that the transfer after several unsuccessful attempts to run the penses. Parhu started for Peking on the 9th. and their subsequent mysterious disappearance The fact of the departure of these two men

should be American. The Board is hereby blockade, and that they had been ordered out, was mentioned in these columns a few days ago. by Taotai Chang lia Ling. Strength is being It was known that they arrived at Port Arthur requested to order Chang Tastal to Peking, so that be may carry out negociations together with H. E. Wu Ting Fang, who is the original negociator. As to indemnity will uphold what I have already said and protest again

the Diplomatic Body at Peking, and he sent these limits would not have been disputed. Council, on the 28th ult, when the second for consideration a draft of letter, having for its The statements, however, made by the men as reading of the Hupply Bill was introduced, the At the meeting of the Singapore Legislative object the awakening of the Diplomatic Body to the treatment recently accorded to certain Hon. J. M. Allinson, speaking on the question agement themselves, free of toreign intervez-

This letter was slightly amended by the neutral vessels carrying contraband of war, of the local currency, sald

should Vladivostok be again bombarded and admit unfortunately of no contradiction, while this vessel be in the harbour at the time, danger is between Profit on "Silver Coin" and I notice that under the heading of "Inter to life may reasonably be apprehended. #interest," it is difficult to conceive but so it est (although what possible connection there Under these circumstances, and taking into has been put in former years and will I sup- when they signed articles, that the vessel was ed from the sale of "Silver Coins." These consideration that the crew were not informed, pose continue,) that in 1905 no profit is expect- carrying contraband, I am unable to regard the coins (owing to the currenty reform which has decision of the defendants in declining to pro passed so successfully through its early stages, ceed as an offence applicable to punishment, have drifted back to the Colony in very large and I consequently dismiss the charge. numbers, and to such an extent, as to distinctly

become a burden to the trade of the Colony,

I hope the time is not far distant when Government will make up its mind to with.

Bir-In September of last year, we, the undersigned Chambers of Commerce, had the honour to address Your Excellency on the subject of the instability of exchange and the China of remedial measures. pressing need for the prompt introduction into

FIRE IN THe harbour.

OFFICER'S CABIN GUTTED.

9th inst.

draw a larger proportion of the coin from the Colony. Some time ago i drew from Govern-

ment the information that these colas had

indemnity to the last,

MISSING CORRESPONDENTS

FOUND.

but from that time they were lost track of

Persistent stories wers brought in by Chinese arriving from Dalny about the time of the correspondents' enforced departure from Port Arthur, to the effect that a junk with several It was approved by 11. E. Wa.Ting Fang in at sea near Dalny, and that the passengers. Chinese and two foreigners had been burned Prahu. Owing to the sound opinions of the refused to believe that this could have been Hunan gentry and the subsequent approval of their fate, as they were, both adventurers who H. E. Wu, Koh La Grand Councillor thes could be relied on to extricate themselves from made the decision. As to the discussion of the tight places, and as one man expressed it, pro taking up the transfer, and the preparations by cancellation of the agreement with the U.S.bably neither of them would submit to being Minister at Peking, the possibility of Pashu's burned to death. the Runan and Kwangtung gentry, muchas absence from Cheloo of over six weeks, They have finally turned up in Japan after remains yet to be seen. It is evident how the Emerson will probably remain there, while Government deals with the question.

Yac Lerberghe is now on his way to Chefoo,

from the General Officer Commanding and ringing cheers they were. (k)-Division marched past in column and afterwards formed up in line of quarter columps, on original alignment, at 12 paces interval, (1)-Officers and Colours took post in

"Review Order."

In the Memorial setting forth our views, we (m)-Division sloped name. (1)Divltion advanced in. "Review Order." Diplomatic Corps urging upon the Chinese ventured to emphasize the Importance of the (Bands started playing on last sound of Government the imperativa necessity of their

G.")

taking in hand without delay the establishment Division halted.

of a uniform National Coinage as provided for (p)-Division Royal Salute-Present Arms. by Treaty.

At about half past eight last night, the fre never been distributed on any particular plan,regard to the taking up of the transfer by p:rished, Those who knew ibe men, however, -Division sloped armr

Division ordered arms,

The acknowledgment of the receipt of the bell rang out, causing diners to jump from their but have been given out whenever they hap from Your Excellency in the following October that a big ship in the harbour was on fire. It wall have served its end, but now that we have Memorial which we had the honour to receive seats, servants running in to tell their masters paned to be wanted. Whilst we had not con- irol over the currency of the Colony this may was all that could be desired as an expression at was then noticed that the as. Wo Song, lying After the inspection by H, E. the Governor, appreciation of, and sympathy with, the object off Jardine's Wharf, was ringing her fire-bells Currency of our own Lihlak it behover Gov. His Excellency took up his position by the Royal Standard, and the first seven guns of the without it being apparent that any material cabin portholes. The Water Police were soon issue of subsidiary coinage is in some propor we had in view, but nearly a year having elapsed while Games were seen issuing from one of thement to take some steps to see that the Royal Salute boomed out from the 13 pounders result may be looked for, we are constrained on the spot when it was discovered that a fire ties to the other coinage in circulation. of the B. K. 8. B. R. G. A., which was followed again to broach the subject with the object of had in some way broken out in the second by the first round of a fau-de-fole, by the whole finding out whether further representations on officer's cabin, and. bursting through the port of the troops, the band playing the first part of the strength of this letter from the Foreign hole had set fire to the after awning which, with the National Anthem. This was repeated until Commercial Bodies in China, made through the spars, was soon burnt down, the deck being the ar guns had completed the salute and the Your Excellency to the Chinese Government, also slightly charred. The prompt action of the Iroops the third round of the fu-de-fole, the will enable some assurance of a more tangible Water Police soon bad ibe fames under, and massed. bands finally playing the National nature than that present received being thus possibly saved the vessel from destruction. Anthem right through in good style, an

The final march past was executed in splen.

tonal effects, his cabin being completely gutted. readily available in riply,

The second officer, it is stated, lost all his per did style, all the unite moving as one man, the

An inquiry will, no doubt, discover the cause Naval Brigade being especially remarkable for

of the unfortunate outbreak,

-Troops returned to Barracks, on the Mert conclusion of these movements,

It would appear to us that the Chinese Government are not fully alive to the necessity of carrying out their Treaty obligations in this

#

A FINANCIAL EPOCH,

hoted that for the first time in the history of While touching on our currency it may be the Colony the revenue will be collected in its own currency, and not in the currency of any foreign power."

The Government deserve the best thanks of way in which they have carned through the in the Commercial Community for the fudicious troduction of the new currency, and the der monetisation of the old it is fortunate that

gentry wired Taotal Iluang Shou Yuen of the Hunio Mining Bureau at Peking, that in THe steamer. Chunking, arriving at Chefoo

At the beginning of this moon the Hunan

mear it is intended to appoint a representative known dummy funnel torpedo boat which connection with the cancellation of the agree from Newchwang, was held up by the now well whose business it will be to petition the case hangs around the Miaztan Islands. The usual provincial Viceroys and Governon-Universal had to be endured by the Chunking, reports The Wai Wu Pu, Shang-Po, and the various ceremonies incident to inspections of this kind

the local Daily News,

Gazellt, 19