1905-04-11 — Page 4

Intimations.

A. S. WATSON & CO.,

LIMITED.

ESTABLISHED A.D.

1841.

WINE AND SPIRIT

MERCHANTS.

ALEXANDRA BUILDINGS.

WATSON'S

CELEBRATED

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, TUESDAY APRIL 11, 1905.

All communications" "intended for pubileation

The NOONG TELEGRAFH" should kn

addrawal to The Hilor, 1, Ice House load, and should be acompanted by the Writer Name and

Addrew,

Ordinary in communications or bead

to The Manager.

asaborki

has gone to Singapore has been taken as another point by the alarmists. On the 6th inst, we published the following: "H.M.S. Iphigenia will leave for Singapore in a few. days, and will relieve H.M.S. Thetis "os senior officer ship." Yet, the visit of the

Mn. Newman Mumford, Lloyd's Survey r leaves the Colony by the next French mail, and after a short stay at Singapore on private business, will proceed, to his destination" on a P. & O. steamer.

WAR 'RISKS.

HONGKONG RATES RAPIDLY RISING.

The Elitor will nɛt undertake to be responsible for higenia to Singapore has been cited as an on the toth ult, a Japanese company, he present, greatly exercised and agitated over

any rejected VS.. nor to return any Contribution. SUBSCRIPTION RATES (IN ADVANCE). Datur-130 per amomać WERKLY-813 per antium,

The rates per quarter sand per musvom, popniowa, The daily issue is alliveral free hou the addres i

accesible to inessenger. Ou empies sont by prať an additional $1.80 for quarter is charged fo rpóstage. The postage on the weekly iste to any part of the

work is 80 cente por qpistier,

Single Cople. Dally, ses cente: Weekly, twenty

fire cells.

* DEATH,

On the 1th Varil, at 3, Ganville Avenue. Kowiann, HNRIQUE LOURENÇO NORONHA of bronchitis. Aged 63.

Funeral will take place at the Roman Cathe Cemetery, Uappy Valley, to-morrow morning at nine o'clock. Friends are invited to attend.

Straits papers please copy.

The Hongkong Celegraph

HONGKONG, TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 1905.

example of the Navy's determination to have

JAPANESE PRINCE ARRIVES

IN HONGKONG,

As mentioned in our columns fast evening Prince and Princess Arisuagawa who are en route to Germany, where they will represent the Mikado at the wedding of the German Crown Prince, were expected in Hongkong last

a "lock-see" at the Russians. The Venge ed by 4,000 Russians. The Japanese expected of the Baltic Fleet to these waters. As one of evening on board of the Prinz Heinrich. The

ance was due to leave Colombo for Singa. pore and Hongkong on the 7th inst., and doubtless she also was bound after Baltic Fleet; but so far we have not heard

to invite them to surrender, and on the second

AccoRDING to a Japanese paper, at Erhtaitse

miles north of Mukden, was suddenly confront annihilation, but the Russians making no move ment, the Japanese Captain sent an orderly attempt the Russian regimental commander accepted the invitation, and the 4,050 Russians that suggested, which is really remarkable. | surrendered to one Japanese company without Of course, pilots, from Hongkong and firing a shot. Shanghai have been engaged. That was bound to come.

welfare of the Chinese colony there. He will,

AN INSURANCE AGENT'S OPINIONS, The shipping interests in Hongkong are, at

the turn of events brought about by the advent the great shipping ports of the world the im- portance of Hongkong cannot be minimised, given to the effect produced by the arrival of the Baltic Fleet in the Far East.

and too much prominence can scarcely be

During the past few months shipowners have been in a continual state of anxiety regarding the safety of their vessels. They have had to

manifold.dangers of the sea. Now they have a new cause for anxiety in the uncertainty after visiting there go on to Kwangtung date iding the objects and intentions of the Fotien to investigate trade before returning to

Batic Fleet. Nobody can forecast, or even surmise, the attitude of the adinirals make his report to the Minister who will take

ecessary measures to encourage improve of either one or, other of the belligerent ment. Secretary Yen WAS to start with new credentials and introduction to

armadas. They cannot guess whether the authorities in whose territories he would destruction of shipping may not be one of Admiral Rodjestvensky's ideas. In fact, travel..

to put it in the language of one who is in the best position to know-"it is a marvel if ship owners in this part of the world are able to sleep at nights."

....

the

steamer arrived here about six o'clock and was immediately bearded by Mr. M. Noma, the Consul for Japan, who was accompanied by Mr. Noma and the leading Japanese mer

chants of the Colony, It was then learned

that His Highness the Prince, who is a cousin of the Emperor of Japan, had contracted a savers cold which had prevented his leaving

But considering that there Minister Sen Pao Chi in Paris has deputed his consider the possibilities of capture, the chance the ship at Shanghai, and which has since Legation Secretary Yen Pe Yu to Cochin of striking floating mines and all the ordinary kept him closely confined to his cabin, Con- China to study the commercial aspect and

sequently he was unable to meet the members. of the Japanese community of Hongkong, who, however, were received by Princess Arisua gawa, who subsiquently entertained them at. dinner with Mr. Salto Totaio, Director of the Court Treasury, Mt. Ito Yukichi son of Mar- quis Ile) Marshal of Court, Mr. Haruo Kinsaku, Chamberlain to the Crown Prince of Japan, Captain Bawa Kinsaku, of the Japanese Navy, Major Hishida Kikujaro, Artillery, Mr. Mimura thinoske and Mrs. Hashnobi, Lady in Waiting, by whom Their Highnesses are Accompanied Had it not been for the in- disposition of the Prince the party would have stayed at the ilongkong Hotel where arrange- ments had been made for their stay pending the departure of the German mail steamer to- morrow. His Highness, being unable to land, this morning sent a mil tary officer ashore and accompanied by the secretary to the Japanese Consul he paid an official visit to Government House. Al noon the party, including Princess Arisuagawa, were entertained by Mr. and Mrs.

is even now a paucity of pilotu in Hong kong, it can only be surmised that these ex- shipmasters whose services, it is alleged, have been requisitioned by Rodjestvensky, were the noble commander "of sampans and junks. But it all goes to show how easy it is to raise a scare, and bow flimsy and visionary need the foundations be. The fact is, the British Fleet in these waters is pursuing-not the Russians the even tenour of its way undis- turbed by the whelping of the others. Let the Baltic Fleet come along, as it may, the fact will not affect us, unless the Russians start playing pranks with our shipping. After the lessons gained in the Red Sea, A great deal of capital, founded on however, it is safe to say that there need be rumours which do not seem to have the no fears on that score. There may be some slightest foundation, is being made out of who would like to see a "scrap" between the fact that the British Fleet now stationed the Japanese and the Russians within easy at Hongkong has been taking in stores distance of Hongkong, but, it is to be feared, preparatory to a journey south. The idea, they are not likely to be gratified. This apparently held by some people, is that the much is certain, if there is any news to be fleet is to pursue the Russian squadron untold, we shall hear it in good time. Russia der Rodjestvensky, or at any rate to keep a watch on the movements of the Baltic fleet. MELLOWhat it is expected the British fleet would

E

A WHISKY

OF

BLEND

GREAT AGE MATURE,

AND

BALTIC FLEET SCARES.

do even if it did happen to meet the Baltic fleut it is difficult to guess. Great Britain is a neutral Power with practically no status FINE FLAVOUR. in the present conflict. All she cares for is

A Blend of the Finest Pure Malt

Whiskies Distilled in Scotland.

ALEXANDRA BUILDINGS

Hongkong, 1st April, 1905.

(32

will be the last to hide any victory she may gnin; and from past experience we are all well aware that the Japanese Government

have a profound belief in the publicity of their side of the question." So that no matter how events go we shall not be kept in the dark.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Yokohama Specie Bank is opening a branch at Chefoo.

TE Japanese Commissariat line at the battle of Mukden was at one time 250 miles in length, which is quita unprecedented. MAJOR-General and Mrs. Villiers Hatton re- turned to the Colony from Shanghai to-day on board of the Empress of India,

the strict observance of the neutrality laws, and there is no question about neutral con ditions on the high seas. Even if the Baltic fleel made for Saigon that would not con. cern Great Britain. It would be a matter solely for Japan; and the Japanese, at the present stage of affairs, are not likely to tolerate any interference with their objects. The interesting portion of the argument, that' A. S. WATSON & Co., the British Fleet is likely to be detailed for scouting work, appears in the effort to show LIMITED,

that the movement of the fleet towards the south is all part of a deeply-laid scheme. It

As the Russian prisoners in Japan are costing almost attributes to the Navy a prescience her over 12 million yen a year to maintain, it which the Navy would probably be the lasts proposed to employ them on some useful to claim. It was only on Saturday last that work, paying them wages, the news was received that the Baltic fleet had passed Singapore. Before that time the whereabouts of, the Baltic fleet was un- known. It might have vanished into thin air for all that people knew of it, yet when ever it appears at Singapore the inevitable naval 'expert comes forward to tell just ex- actly what the China squadron intends to do in the circumstances, and how it will be done. In support of their arguments, they show that the Fleet is under orders to proceed southward, presumably (according to them) to keep an eye on Kodjestvensky and his men. Now a few facts will show how utterly unfounded these statements are. More, the China Gazette. they will show that the plans of the fleet up to the present time, at any rate--have PREMIER CIGAR not been changed in any respect. On the

BAHADUR

CIGARS.

No. 1

·

THE

OF

INDIA.

a

Mr. F. J Bardens of Kobe fell into a well in his compound and was three or four hours up to his neck in ice-cold water before he could

make his cries for assistance heard.

THE transport Swanley left Shanghai on 5th 10s1. for Odessa with upwards of 90 sick and wounded Russin siders as well as con. valescents from Port Arthur on board.

MR. 1'hilipp Heineken, of the well known has been appointed commercial manager of Bremen cotton firm Heinecken & Vogelsan,

the freight department of the Norddeutscher Lloyd (the office is next that of General Manager) from the first January 1996, says

a tin of oysters sold by a grocer at Ballarat, Victoria, a customer found a pearl as large as pea, which he has had mounted as a breast | pin. There ought to be a fair boom in that savoury mollusc after this. But the pearl in the oyster in may prove as hard to discover as the pea under the thuable.

Noma.

AT the Supreme Court this morning before the Puisne Judge (his Honour, Mr. T. Sexcombe Smith) the hearing of the case in which R.

Great as is the anxiety of shipping firms, the freiwald Valjacek and E. Phillis are suing apprehensions of insurance agents can be none Willy von Uffel för $400 and $aço rospectively the less. The difficulty of estimating the war was continued. Mr. H. W. Looker(of Messrs. risks involved by the proximity of the 'Baltic Deacon, Looker and Deacon appeared for Flect is almost insuperable. It was compara- Japanese struggle to impose a percentave plaintiffs, and Mr. H. E. Pollack, K.C, instructively easy at the beginning of the Russo- ed by Mfr. 14. Hursthouse (of Messrs. Dennys which would cover war risks; and with the and Bowley) for the defendant. Further destruction of the Russian warships at Port evidence was tendered and the case had not Arthur the way was cleared for vessels to Japan. A few adventurous spirits tried to concluded when the Court rose.

reach Vladivostock, but, it is to be feared, the majority were unable to reach Russian soil. Now, however, a new situation has developed. The Baltic Flest cannot be very far from Hongkong, provider, of course, it has not made for Saigon. A vast trade is being carried on vessel engaged in that trade is subject to dan- in foodstuffs all over the China Sea, and every

THE SUNKEN RUSSIAN WARSHIPS, gers which might well alarm the sicutest heart. The risks are apparent to anybody who has

On the authority of a certain person who given the matter half a moment's consideration. recently returned here from Port Arthur, a In these circumstances, what are the Hongkong vernacular paper states that, with the excep.. insurance companies doing? With the objection of Sevantape, all the Russian war-vessels of ascertaining their attitude, a representative of the Hongkong Telegraph called upon the now lying sunk at Port Arthur can be mailed. secretary of one of the local Marine Insurance The battleships Poltava, Pobieda, Rewizan Companies for his views on the question of war and Peresult, the cruisers and gun-boats are risks as affected by the unforseen developments taying in comparatively shallow water. Tho which have taken place within the last few extent of the damage sustained by those vessels days

The Japanese Administration, on 14th ult. issued an order to the effect that no steamers would be allowed to enter Newcliwang until same had been, officially declined open to navigation. This order was stupidly misun- derstood by many native concerns, with the

result that rum urs travelled south to the effect that no vessels, excepting those under the Japanese flag, would be allowed to enter this pori-absurd, of course, but yet, it would seem some shipping hongs at hanghai and Hong. kong really believed the "bunder" as "gospel" for a time, says the Newchwang correspondent

of the N. C. D. News,

THE police do not put much faith in the report that the death of the old fakir was due to murder. The man was not tied up in the sense of having been bound by alliers, but was merely swathed around bis limba with such rags as he possessed. The idea of murder is the inoce unlikely as the fatis are consider ed holy men in the eyes of Indians, and to touch one of them would be the greatest sac- `rilege, while the Chinese would have no rea- son to believe that such a poor, dishevelled and raged aid piece of humanity would be likely to be possessed of anything to excite their | cupidity, and certainly not such as to incite them to sacrifice his fife to obtain his belong ings.

A MAN claiming to be a Norwegian, when charged before Mr. F. A Hazeland this morn-

public street last evening, admitted being ing with being drunk and disorderly on the drunk, but denied being disorderly, and said was going home to Hamburg" to-morrow in a German steamer the name of which could not be ascertained. It was proved that he was disorderly in that, while drunk, he was trying

man, until he was stopped and arrested. His to jump on the backs of every passing China:

Worship said he was reluctant to send the man to gaol, if there was any prospect of his leaving the Colony as he would only get on the beach and be a nuisance when he came out of prison. He remanded the man in police custody until 10-morrow morning for inquiries to be made about his going away.

The question was asked whether war risks had been increased since the Baltic Fleet had been heard of at Singapore?

Since the beginning of the war," our infor been paying war risks, but it is impossible to mant replied, "shipowners and agents have lay down any general rate. To-day, the risk between Hongkong and Newchwang or any port in Japan is one-half per cent, in addition to the ordinary rate. But the rate varies very greatly."

"Suppose a coal-boat wanted your war risk quotation?”

mediately for Japan she would probably have "If the boat came in to-day and left im. to pay only a hall per cent, if she dully-dallied unlil the Baltic Fleet might be in the vicinity she would not get a quotation at any rate. The fact of the watter is that marine insurance is largely a matter of intuition—you can learn the details of the business, but in quoting war risks a great variety of things have to be considered, and you can only arrive at an estimate intui- tively,"

"Is there a particulaṛrate for special cargoes ; risk than a boat laden with rice or a general would a coal transport be considered a higher

cargo of foodstuffs?"

NAVAL NOTES,

is not yet known, says the Japan Timer, but it is believed that more than half of those ships will after repairs be fit for service. The

damage inflicted on most of the gun-boats is not heavy. Recently a Russian transport which had been sunk at Port Arthur was raised, the work having been accomplished in less than a fortnight., Her displacement is some 1,200 tons and she is but little damaged, the Russians having sunk her by removing ber sea.cock,

́S.S. "KONGNAM"

SAFELY TOWED TO DOCK.

Al eleven o'clock this morning, the 5.5. Kongnam was successfully fluted from the rock where she stranded on Ma-Wan laland, Capsimun Pass, and, taken in tow by Messra.

belonging to the Dock company, was safely Wilks' launch Eileen and launch No. 7,

conveyed to the Kowloon dock, and placed on fast rule. Shipowners in paying a war risk at

"It is impossible to lay down any hard and the slip. She has sustained very slight damage, present look to the dangers arising from mines.

a seam opening fo.ward, and another under the It is probable that the Formosa Channel is boiler, and it is confidently expected that sho honeycombed with mines, and we know that will be on her run again within a week or ten

neutral, with a cargo not considered contraband, accident which at first pointed to the total loss. all the ports of Japan are mined, so that a days. Messrs. E. C. Wilks are to be con- vessel even if it be sent by a neutral to a gratulated on this successful termination of an is exposed to heavy risks. You cannot exactly say that one cargo is more liable to risk than of the steamer. another at present. But when the Baltic Fleet comes, in sight the situation will be vastly leaving Hongkong for japan to-day with a different. For instance, a vessel might be cargo of what the Russians would consider contraband. In ordinary circumstances we might take it that the vessel would make the eun without incident. But suppose she struck nudbank and could not get off. Then she would be an easy prey for the first Russian boat that came along; and that is not taking into consideration the dangers of mines."

SINCE the accident of war gave fictitious ima portance to a Hongkong judge's judgment (on contraband) the judges, high and puisne, bave been apparently contending as to who can sum up a trivial case in the greatest number of words: and the local papers bave been minis. tering to this harmless (?) vanity, says the Hongkong correspondent of the N.C.D. Newr. They might be sent as specimen papers to the School of journalism, to show the possibilities of a "penny a line. The joke is, according to a newspaperman who spoke to ine the other day, that a certain judge did give instructions, THE last performance of "One Sapimer's that the Press night have these great essays in Day," by the Amateur Dramatic Society, at the lacidity to copy on payment of so many cents per folio. The Press were not paying for such Theatre Royal last evening, was another un- qualified success. There was a large anendance, contributions, and I learn that they may have and judging from the remarks of those in a them now by the yard, for the asking for. As

"So that a half per cent, as war risk is likely to be increased every day that passes?"

THE KWANGSI REBELLION.

A TEMPORARY LULL.

A correspondent, who has returned to the Colony after an extended tour throughout the Southern and Central districts of Kwangsi Pro- vince, writes bearing out the report which re cenity appeared in these columns to the effect

"There can be no question about that. The that the rebels had stopped operations for the Baltic Fleet should be within range of long-present. He does not agree with the statement kong on Friday, and then it is doubtful if we that this has been brought about by the opera- wou d take any war risks at all. But there are tions of the Canton Viceroy, but, basing his always special circumstances. In the case of an old customer, we might be willing to take the risk, whereas if a stranger come along we would not have it at any price."

sons on reliable material, avers that the temporary cessation of the rebellion is be

7th inst., before the presence of the Baltic fleet in these waters was at all certain, the Hongkong Telegraph published a couple of short paragraphs giving the movements of the British fleet at this port "Ships of

DIREE guaders of the Royal Garrison Artillery the British fleet have been busy during the

were placed before Mr. F. A. il 219 at the past few days taking stores and ammunition agistracy, with disu.derly conducta a tram aboard," we stated, "preparatory to putting car, refuring to pay her lates, and with break. to sea." In the same issue the Telegraphing one of the windows. The charges were also stated that it was expected. H. M.Sproved against them and on the three charges Glory, Giean, Sutlej and Centurion would they were each fined $1, $5, and $15 respec- leave the port on the 12th inst., for Mirs lively, and ordered to pay the fares due. Bay, and that would be the temporary headquarters of the Fleet which in all prob. ability would leave from there for the south." There was nothing very astonishing in that The Fleet only intended to follow the usual position to speak the'play was appreciated as a newspaper reader I am hoping they will not much to lose. What they will do is to barass / expressed a desire to be allowed to proceed $2.75 per 100 practice of making a run south before the being equal to many, and surpassing most, of ask for any incre.

hot weather sets in. It has been doing that those staged by professional companies in for years now, and nobody saw visions of Hongkong.

in

a

naval cataclysms on the high seas when they AT a recent meeting of Chekiang people No. 2 - $2.50 - per 100 did it before. But now we are told that the Shanghai tu discuss the construction of

British Fleet is up to some little game Chekiang-Kwangtung railway, which Pe which involves a meeting with the Baltic Che (7) the representative of the American squadron. Why these quid nunes did not Development Co. applied to undertake the majority oppose granting the right to him, as he had been refused the right to continue the Canton-llankow line. The Governor in Chêkiang has telegraphed reporting their views to the Government-Eastern Times.

J

THE head Indian watchman at Quarry Bay, was charged with refusal of duty and assault ing the two other watchmen on the works,

When placed before Mr. F. A. Hazeland this morning it was stated that the second watch man was sent to call the head watchman, and

No. 3 $2.25 - per 100 drag in the Australian and Indian Fleets is

tell him to go on duty on Friday morning, when he refused to obey, and the second probably because they forgot all about

watchman told him to come to the European them. If they had only thought for a mo-

foreman, and stated why he would not go ou ment, they would have had a grand mobilisa-

duty. The accused then struck the witness on the face, and knocked him down, and when the tion at Singapore two days before the arrival

IN a case of common assault amang sampan third watchman went to the assistance of the of the Baltic Fleet. The argument for such men, an American sailor, who gave evidence, second, the accused seigal hin and pulled his a proceeding would have been quite as good said he initials were "L. C." Asked by Mr. beard-a deadly insult!, Other witnesses as that for the present attempt at a scare. Hazeland what they stood for, the witness corroborated the above evidence. The accused Every year the Admirals Commanding the stated that he did not know. He was known, said he did not go on duty that day because, at China, Australian, and East Indian squa- all his life as "L. C.", and never had any other the end of the last month, he did not receive drons meet in Singapore to confer on naval name. Be knew a lot of men who were called all the wages due to him. He calmoly ad matters. It is rather a pity for the omni- the same way, just by letters alone, without mitted the assaults. His Worship said there any name. It was quite common in the States was no excuse for defendant's conduct, and he sclents that the conference was not due on he said. "That's very interesting," observed must pay a fino of Sts, or go to gaol for one [33 Saturday last. The fact that the Iphigenia | Hin Worship,

Gregor & Co.,

SOLE AGENTS,

Hongkong, 7th March, 1995,

month.

Then what about cargoes of coal from the Straits to Hongkong?"

"I should not think that you could get a war risk quotation for that, nor would you get it from Hongkong to the Straits."

In the opinion of our informant there will no big engagement between the Baltic and Japanese Ficets. "The Japanese have 100

cause that in go, there were three goods crops. of rice gathered in by the natives. He states that if the harvests are equally as good this year the rising may not break out for some time to come. This, he says, is borne out by the fact that, although the Viceroy informed the Government the rebellion was at aa end and

the Fleet. They will keep up running fight north, he was ordered to remain at his post for at eight miles' distance. If they can cut off another year in order that the Imperial authori- the colliers they will have gained their end. | ties might see for themselves exactly what was Probably they will send torpedo boats into the centre of the fleet. If they manage to destroy the conditions of affairs in Kwangsi. they will think the lives of these men well

a couple of colliers for the loss of a few lives.

spent. But I do not think they will prevent the Baltic Fleet from reaching Vladivostock. That would be too much to expect."

To give but a faint idea of the amount of

business which is being done in the aggregate by Hongkong Insurance Companies with head offices established the Colony, apart from those represented by agents in Hongkong, the combined capitals and reserves available for marine insurance purposes of the three com- panies are set out as follows:-

Paid-up Capital. Canton Office... 500,000 China Traders...... 600,000

Union.....

1,000,000

Reserves. $1.481,739

1,835.803

SHIPPING AND MAILS.

MAILS DUE. German (Preu sex) azih inst. American (Tonkin) 171b.inst. Indian (Namsang) 17thį jost. French (Tomkin) 27th inst. American (Mongolia) 19th inst.

The P. M. 5. S. Cols si. Mongòlia will 4,182,633 leave Kobe for this port via Nagataki and Shanghai, on the 13th inst, at mid-night, due Grand Total...$1,100,000 - $75 9174 here on or about the 19h inst. Her mails The recent lossen sustained by the insurance

bave been transferred to the M. M. Co.'s 8.3. companies as the result of the capture of coal frar sports to Vladivostock may be partially Tonkin due here on or about the 17th Inst. made up in the increased premiums which, it The Boston 5. S. Co.'s Hindustan sailed from

safe to assert, will be charged for war insur anca from to-day, provided, of course, that there Singapore on the 8th inst., for Manila and is a fair percentage of immanity from total loss, Hongkong.

is