1905-04-20 — Page 1

The Hongkong Telegraph.

NEW SERIES No. 4827-.

CONTENTS.

Birtha, Marriages and Deaths. Loading Articles :-

The Fleets.

Pasillanimous Seamen.

A Sanitary Evil.

Japan and French Neutrality,

The Warning to Hongkong Junks., Telegram:

Opium for China.

Meeting-

The Yangtze Insurance Association, LL

Legal Intelligence:-

The Criminal Sessions.

Police.

More Refractory Seamen

Alleged manslaughter in the Harbour,

Water for Shipping.

Correspondence-

The Navy Estimates. "Pastilainous zeamen" Miscellaneous Artioles and Reports:

The Ballic Fleet.

The Salving of the Sully,

Naval Notes.

Marine Court.

Shipping Jetsam.

Collision in the Harbour..

School Sports.

Body Dumping.

Case of Anthrax.

St. George's Day,

Weismann and Co., Ld.

Hongkong Volunteer Reserve Association. Cricket League,

Wind Motors Wanted.

An Interesting Wedding,

Death fa Prominent Reformer.

Pekin Syndicate.

Slavery in Siam,

The Situation in Manchuria

Mukden.

Sugar Duties Abolished,

Commerclil:-

Yarn Market.

Shanghai Freight.

Coal Report. Exchange.

Opium.

Looal and General.

BIRTHS.

On 8th April. at No. 4 Yuen-ming-yuen Road, Shanghai, the wife of CHARLES KIEVE

LEY, of a daughter.

晚六十月三年一十三精光

MAIL SUPPLEMENT.

(ESTABLISHED 1881.)

THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 1905.

far as their naval forces are concerned seems to be something radically wrong some seems to rest with them. A well-found where, and it is to be sincerely regretted and adequately-equipped squadron efficiently that the Magistrate was unable to see, cyo la officered and manned, and for which proper eye with the defaulters.. p provision for the replenishment of its bunkers has been made, should have a reasonable chance of reaching northern waters, and although there is some doubt

that the Russian ships south of Hongkong

are satisfactory in these respects there seems to be a growing conviction that the Balticers,

A-SANITARY BVILL

(19th April.)

Sanitary Board yesterday, with reference to An interesting question came before the the dumping of dead bodies in the streets

四拜禮

就十二月四英港香

TELEGRAMS.

pace of time that is hardly reason for alleging | warned, however, and if they neglect that that the French are playing a double game. warning it is difficult to see how anybody The French rejoinder to the Japanese con- could be blamed if accidents occur. tentions is decidedly straight. It is to the effect that the Baltic First has never been within the three piles limit; and the Temps calls for proofs that the rules of neutralify have been violated. There is nothing more trality has occurred. There are two par- difficult than to prove that a breach of neu- the neutral and the friendly belligerent,

are not composed of untried men on slow Hongkong. The fact that no less than 70 to use a paradox-who are keenly interested

and faulty ships

PUSILLANIMOUS SEAMEN,

ہو

(18th April.)

bodies, of which 426 were infants under o 60

HONGKONG TELEGRAPH "

SERVICE.

Opium for China. [From' Our Own Correspondent.}

BOMBAY, 18th April.

The P. & O. Co.'s mail steamer left Bombay yesterday afternoon with about 320 chests of Malwa opium, Prices are as follows:-

Malwa (Now) ...Rs. 1,500

(Old)

11,710. (Older) : "1,800 (Oldest) 1,050

17th inst.

year of age, were dumped is a terrible revelan proving that no breach has taken place, tion which was, we take it, unknown to theThe other belligerent is in the position of a hostile witness whose er fare spement guneral public. The respect in which the must be sified to the bottom. They again, Chinese hold their dead might naturally hare been thought to prevent such callousnes, nifi case, Japan is in the peculiar position It is not our purpose in interfere with the

but it would appear there is a deeper. reason fe conditions of neutality were defined. of being no party to the Treaty under which course of justice as administered by the for this action, it was suggested at the med. It is, indeed, held that France is not bound Hongkong Bench, whose character and ining of the Sanitary Board that the dumping by the precise rules governing other tegrity are unimpeachable, but there are oc of badies in the street was not caused by the nations in this respect, but that is a casions when even the best of judges is liable people having died of plague, but because the point which may be waived for the pre- MORE REFRACTORY SEAMEM, to ere, and in the belief that a mistake his

relatives were too poor to afford the ex occurred we would direct allemtion for the

fense of decent burial and they consequently of opinion should seriously suggest that sent. The fact that Japan's leaders

SS. "ST. HELENA," case of the search, who were sentenced to

cast the

because an alleged costavention of neutral

The Captain of the 2.5. St. Helena this morn- were to poor when such an occasion arose, principles has taken place, the co-operation of ing prosecuted 22 members of the crew for obstructing the navigation of that vessel by but evidently the officials of the Board were should be asked, shows how deeply Japan that the men signed an agreement to proceed Great Britain, under the terms of the alliance, refusing to proceed to japan. Prosecutor stated, quite convinced that such was the real rei' son, and there should be few better able to feels on the subject. Dut it is not likely Japin was included. After loading a cargo of in the ship between certain paints in which judge. Mr. Lau Chu Pak, however, denied to reach such a climax. Even if France coal at Cardiff the vessel received instructions that the object was to avoid burial expenses. has, wittingly or otherwise, broken the to proceed to Hongkong for orders. All went well until they arrived at Gap Rock, when the He noted that the poor Chinese could neutrality conditions, the grace and Captain received orders, by signal, to proceed always obtain coffins gratis from the Tungnesse of our French neighbours, and the to Barebo, Japan. These orders were com- wa Hospital, and held that the cause of the power of the entente cordiale, should bring municated to the crew, and the men at once struck work, and refused to perform any fur- dumping was mainly due to the stringent them out of the corner without difficulty.ther duty. The engineer officers accordingly measures adopted in plague cases which of Japan may be righteously indignant at the curred some years ago. There was great complacency of the French authorities in diversity of opinion at the Board as to the extending even the slightest assistance to the Russians, but none will for a moment

imprisonment yesterday, foc refistes ie grase burden on the Government ceed to Japan with a cargo of command It is perfectly true that the men had signed an agreement towork.heir respective vessels between certain points within which Japan tay, but they had to take into consideration the character of the cargo and the risk they ran of capture by the Russian Flect. When they left Cardiff with a cargo of coal for Japan they little dreamt that the Baltic Fleet was in the vicinity of Hongkong, and under ordinary conditions the voyage to Japan would have been absolutely devoid of risk. But with the Baltic Fleet in a position

took charge of the stokers' work, while the third officer took charge of the wheel, and thus the St. Helena was brought into harbour. The men said they would not go to Japan with the present cargo on board, but

not contraband-of-war shipped in place of it, they would go to fapan in the vassil, but noi

to make their power felt and lying some real cause, but it was not apparent that any believe that such a consideration would if it was discharged here, and another cargo,

where in proximity to Hongkong the condi- tions have materially changed and none can say with any certainty that a collier proceeding to Japan now is likely to be free from risk of capture or des truction. When the question arose in LODER. Pingchiao Quarries, of a daughter,

On toth April, at Shanghai, the wife of F.the Marine Court on a former occasion, the At Peking, on sith April, the wife of . G. HILLIER, Manager, Hongkong and Shanghai

On the gh April, at Seremban, the wife of W. R. SMITH, of a daughter.

Bank, of a ton.

On 13th April, at 13, Yangtsepoa Rand, Shanghai, the wife of A. G. H42, D., M. E. Mission, South, of a son,

On the 11th April, at St. Anthony's Retreat, 236 Serangoon Road, Singapore, the wife of GEORGE G. JAMES, of a daughter.

On the 17th April, 1905, at No. al, Et. Francis Street, the wife of T. COTTON, Ins pector of Animal Depot and Slaughter-houses, Hongkong, of a 500.

On 19th inst., at No. 2, Century Crescent, Kennedy head, Hongkong, to Mr. and Mrs. EVAN URMISTON, a daughter.

MARRIAGES.

On 7th March, at

St Marien Church, Danzig, HERMANN SCHLICHTING, of Hankow,

to KATI, younger daughter of Franz Herr manu, Danzig,

On 12th April, at H.B.M.'s Consulate Gentral, Shanghai, and afterwards at Union Church by the Rev. C. E. Darwent, MA., Percy, second son of W. Crighton, Esq. Whalley Range, Manchester, to Mabel, second daughter ofthe late Alexander Law, of Shanghai.

DEATHS.

On 11th April, at 314, Kue Sikiang, Shanghai, VERA, the dearly beloved daughter of Mr and Mrs. J A. Urquhart, aged 18 years.

On 13th April, at the Victoria Nursing Home, Shanghai, FERDRRICK NEVIL-MAY, of the Imperial Maritime Customs Service, aged 71.

a

decision was arrived at, even after the mat ter had been discussed by the members; Opinion seemed to be equally divided, and where those who may be considered experis on the matter are at variance it is difficult for the layman to arrive at the root of the question. There is no doubt that the prac Magistrate held that if there was reasonable tice is far too common and if it can be stop. grounds for believing that tirk attached to pedor in any way mitigated by the reception of vessel proceeding to the North, the men hodies at the various receiving houses which would be justified in complaining and in re have been stared by the Chinese community fusing to go on the vessel. In that case, for the benefit of poor compatriots a great however, it was not thought such risk exist work will have been accomplished. It is ed and the men were punished accordingly. repugnant to the feelings of every one that At the present time, however, there is a vast the bodies should be cast into the street, change in the conditions prevailing. The and the sooner the evil is checked the bel Magistrate laid it down that no risk was to ter it will be for Hongkong. Whether the be feared by the seamen proceeding on a practice originated with the protective mea voyage to Japan with a cargo of cantralrand: sures adopted by the Sanitáry officials in That dictum, however, is not universally nccepted. It is known that the Baltic Fleet is somewhere in the immediate vicinity of Hongkong; the Flest is provided with scouts capable of steaming 20 knots an hour; and doubtless every precaution is being taken to guard against surprise. In the case of a collier bound to Suselo there would be distinct risk, especially now when the Russians are so close. It would therefore seem that the men had a clear case

times of plague, or whether it is due to economic reasons matters little; the fact that the practice exists is sufficiently regrettable, and it is to be hoped that the assistance now offered to the poor will be understood and appreciated by the Chinese concerned.

JAPAN AND FRENCH

NEUTRALITY,

serve to imbroil Great Britain in the war.

It would be an unfortunate day when such a catastrophe occurred, and we do not be lieve it is likely to be brought about by such question as that which apparently agilates Japan. The fact is, probably, that Japan is anxious to see a meeting between Toga and Radjestvensky, and until the latter comes into the open the nervous tension of the people will be strained to the uttermost. The time fast approaching, however, then the clash will come, and then minor questions will be relegated to the winds, and forgotten in the larger results involved.

THE WARNING 10 HONGKONG

2 JUNKS.

It would be interesting to know how far the skippers of Chinese junks in Hongkong waters are aware of the orders issued by the Harbour Master in connection with the proximity of the Baltic Fleet. Captain the Hon. L. AW. Barnes-Lawrence, H.N., has issued a notice warning junks to keep their lights well displayed in order that the boats may not be mistaken for torpedo boats. The tragedy in which the Hull fishermen suffered is, of course, responsible for this notice, and however tudicrous it may seem

for refusing to proceed to Japan, and the No disinterested spectator can deny that claim that they saw risk ahead could be there is much force in the Japanese protest easily substantiated. The pusillanimity of against the alleged violation of the rules of that junks should be warned that they may the seamen may not be worthy of commen-neutrality by the French authorities in Indo-be taken for hostile ships, the order is ab. dation, but at least they were honest in their China. Since the Baltic Fleet passed Sing-solutely necessary. The question is whether

other

Mr. Hazeland pointed out to the men that at present there was no risk; they had signed a specific agreement to go to certain parts in the St. Lana in which Japan was included, and by now refusing they were breaking that agree ment and must bear consequences the mes remained firm in their determination not to proceed to Japan under present conditions, and His Worship sentenced them to three weeks imprisonment, the men to be replaced on board the vessel should she return to this port before expiration of their sentences.

S.S "BATTERSEA BRIDGE." The captain of the 5.3.

fridge charge of refusal of duty, and thus impeding prosecuted 14 men of his crew on a similar the progress of the vessel on her voyage. They

had a similar defence as in the above case, and His Worship said he would remand the case | until one o'clock to consider his decision, and

o give the men time to change their minds.

Upon resuming at p.m. to-day, the men still remaining obdurate and refusing to pro- reed in their vessel, were sentenced to three weeks' imprisonment and also to be placed on board their vessel if she returned to this port before the expiration of their sentence.

WATER FOR SHIPPING.

A PROSECUTION.

+

showed that he had not the usual certificate

“ŞÍZ PER ANNUM.

SINGLE. COPY, 25 CENY.

THE BALTIC FLEET.

"BRUNHILDE'S" EXPERIENCES

OFF PADARAN

Minkayath inst!

The Russian Fleet is on the look-out for contraband runners in Far Eastern water. This morning news came to hand that the German cargo steamer Brunhilde, bound from Bangkok, with a full cargo of rice for Hongkong, had been stopped and examined. Inquiries made by a Telegraph reporter elicited the statement that the Brun hilde left Bangkok on the 11th inst idem, when between Cape Padaman and and early on the morning of the 13th Fishermens Islands, she sighted a mano'. war, whose nationality could not then be made out, as daylight had but just appeared and the weather was very thick and hasy. At seven o'clock," however, a cruiser left tho. Fishermens, and bore down upon her and it was then seen that both she and the man- o war were Russian vessels. Not expecting any sort of molestation the Brunhilde kept on her course, and was startled to hear the report of two shots fired in quick succes sion, froin the port and starboard bows respectively, of the cruisers which was over. bauling the Brunhilde from. dead astern, This caused the latter vessel to stop, and awalt developements. These soon came, for a was almost abeam of the Brunhilde, and boat was lowered from the cruiser, when she

was pulled alongside. The merchantman was boarded by an officer and five men, one of whom was placed at the gangway as sentry and another, amidships. At the re quest of the officer the captain came forward and asked what he could do to oblige the Russian fleet. The officer replied, with a counter-question as to what he meant by mot stopping when signalled to do so. The captain informed the officer that it was his duty on board to keep a look-out ahead, and see where he was going and not look astern. Moreover, it was the firing of the shots that first called his attention to the fact that the "stop" signal was flying from the cruiser. The officer spent an hour examining the ship's papers, studying the log. book, and inspecting the vessel, even having the hatches opened in order that he might see for himself what the cargo really was. At the end of that period he withdrew his men, and, telling the captain to wait until he

was

further signalled from the cruiser, returned to that vessel, and a quarter of an hour afterwards the signal was hoisted, you may proceed." The Brunhilde then resumed, het interrupted voyage to Hong kong. Inte meantime, the cruiser circled- around the Brunhilde, passing under her officers on board the German boat could see stern barely half a ship's" length away. The that the cruiser, whose name they were unable to translate, had once been painted white, above water-mark, but was now a non-de- script greyish-brown, while below she was simply green, and covered with barnacles and other sca-growths. Her decks were crowded with men. Very soon after the officer had signalled to the Brunhilde she steamed off and disappeared among the islands, and when the latter had proceeded but a very short distance she sighted 33 vessels in all, consisting of battleships, Cruisers, and colliers. The Brunhilde was not further molested, and arrived safely in harbour last night after a very fair voyage, and is now quietly discharging her cargo.

The Hanging legraph contention that they feared the dangers of rapore, it has been variously reported is the junks will hear of the order or under- voirs, showing the amount of water saken athered mod fry tiles sorts of the Mahind

MAIL SUPPLEMENT,

ISSUED GRATIS TO SUBSCRIBERS.

HONGKONG, THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 1903,

THE FLEETS,

P

(17th April.)

Now that the Baltic Fleet has actually arrived within a few hundred miles of Hong kong and the talk of battle is heard on every

elsewhere they are able to avoir this charge, and sell it at a cheaper rate than the European companies, the usual rate to the hips being 30 cents per ton. Thus they also Instrate the object of the Ordinance which is to ensure the ships in this harbour securing Lure water only. A very strict watch is to be

buying water, to demand to see the certificate masters and officers are strongly advised, when of sale of same issued by the authorities at help to expose any attempts at fraud in this direction.

[N. C. D. Newr.] THE TOKIO PRESS ON THE ARMADA.

Tokio, zoth April, The Tokio papers write in high spirits abaut

the approach of the Baltic feet to the field of action; there is a delightful expectation of music in the air.

Some of the papers point out that Russia's vacillation as to the conclusion of peace after the battle of Mukden is now. explained. Russia is apparently resolved to risk all upon the last throw of the dice, the result of which will be absolutely final.

Inspector Langley, of the Water l'olice, has for some time suspected men of obtaining water to be supplied to shipping other than from the prescribed localities and when, yester. KEPORTED FIRING OFF THE NATUNAS.

When the Blue Funnel steamer Telemachur day, he saw a native water-boat approaching one of the ships in the harbour, he stopped arrived yesterday afternoon from Singapore it her and asked where the master had got his

was generally believed that she would have water from. The man replied that he had news of interest aboard. Members of her crew got it from Laichikok, but further inquiries were subsequently interviewed and told an uslooked-forstory. At twenty minutes past threa afternoon of rath about issued by the superintendent of the reser. aboard, and the amount paid for same. He Islands, some of them heard what they believed was accordingly arrested and this morning to have been the report of heavy gun fire, and trip to Japan and begged to be signed off lying in Kanranh Bay and sending out stand it. The majority of Chinese in Hong- the articles. If theic ever was a case in scouts to interrept passing merchant vessel. kong have a very clear idea of the progress placed before Mr. F. A. Hazeland, at the Magis- although others aboard declare that they must have been mistaken as the reverberations werd iracy, charged with being in unlawful posses- which the justice of the Bench might have During the last day or two it has disappear of events. They are kept informed by the sins of water, intended for ships use, taken unt heard by everyone on the ship the men are heen tempered with mercy this was one.

ed from sight, but few would argue that it is newspapers of what has occurred, and they from a place other than the Laichikok reser. In previous cases, when seamen have refused beyond the ken of the French Colonial are not likely to be misled by false stories.vors. As this was the first case of the kindpecially up their assertion, which they made

that had come before the Court His Worship officially upon arriving in Hongkong. to proceed, on vexatious and frivolous Government. Japan holds that the French But the floating population of Hongkong is

find the man S15 only, and warned him grounds, we have been in entire sympathy have deliberately concealed the presence of not a reading people. Whatever scraps of against a recurrence of the offence. For the water taken from Laichikak the boatmen have with the shipmaster and the shipowners, the Baltic Fleet, but that is rather a strong information they may glean are obtained

in pay a fee of 7 cents per ton, and by getting But then there was no danger looming contention in view of the fact that it has from curent chatter among themselves, ahead. The men had been bally advised, heen known to the whole world that the which is hardly likely to be of much and they suffered for their costumacy. In Fleet was temporarily stationed at Kamranh value. And when they hear that they side the question of its fighting value assume the two cases heard yesterday the men had Bay, and that it was replenishing its collare expected to keep their lamps' trimmed, es a fresh importance. If the ships do meet a very real grievance. They were willing to and provision stores: Where the Japanese like the wise virgins, they are just apt the Japanese, as undoubtedly they will, is it go to Japan if the contraband was unshipped, have a distinct grievance is in their allegato mistake the meaning of the cau-keps on these water-boats in future, and ships' strong enough to fight the vessels command-bust refused to go if the coal was carried. tion that the French have allowed the Rustion and prepare themselves for nights of ed by Admiral Togo? llefore the question That can scarcely be called unreasonable, sians to make Kamranlt, for the nonce, at can be answered it is necessary, first of all, to and in view of the magisterial decision least, a base at which they can refit the gloon. It is hardly likely that there will be compare the naval squadrons. A list of the given some time ago that, where risk Fleet preparatory to the run to Vladivostok.recurrence of the Dogger Bank incident; battleships and cruisers with the converted prevailed the objections of the men could Naturally the French have a soft side tout, of course, the possibility exists, and if cruisers and non-combatant vessels compris be considered, this was eminently the wards their "friends and allics," and what the Russians were in a state of nervousness on their passage through the North Sea, it is ing the Baltic Fleet, has already been printed occasion when such consideration might would be deemed a distinct breach of new- in our columns, and it must be confessed have been given. Of course, the difficulties of trality conditions might be overlooked and to be presumed that they are by no means that, on paper, this makes a very formidable shipowners and shipmasters are sufficiently forgotten where the Russians were concern calm now, when they may be called upon to ficet, especially when supported by many great already, and it is not desirable that ed. But the same argument applies to Brit-battle for their country at any inoment. fast destroyers. The impression is confirmed, they should be increased; but on this occa ain, in a manner; for while no attempt has is safe to my, however, that the junks, if they too, when the four principal cruisers are con- sion there seemed to be so much reason on previously been made to prohibit the er have been taking risks in the past, will quiet sidered. They are reported to be well-amed the side of the men that their views might purtation of coal and other articles of cot-ly ignore any order now issued, and trust to a and manned and capable of steaming up-have received a little more sympathy from traband, no sooner does the Baltic Flect ap beneficent providence to preserve them from

To the event of hot weather, the fiting point will Journalistic speculation is rife on the subject wards of twenty knots, so that they should the Bench. Their objections were valid pear in these waters than a proclamation is all the perks of the sea. There is this point be protected with a sunshade and matsheds of the Russian boldness, and the far flight of the Baltic fleet is appreciated. This menice meet on fairly equal terms the best cruisers and bond fide and they took the only steps issued restricting the free exportation of coal, to be considered, that the Baltic Fleet may have been erected alongside the firing points.

has been openly dangled before Japan for a of the Japanese navy. But the composition available on protest against the continuance ete, the obvious reason for which is to prevent not pass within a couple of hundred miles In reply to a question in the Viceroy's Counci! long time with what might be called irritating of the squadron, at present believed to be off of the voyage. They were admittedly re- Hongkong vessels communicating with the of Hongkong. In that case the junks trad- on the 29th ultimo, the Hon. Sir Arundel intangibility, but the definite news of the ap the coast of Indo-China, does not include spectable men, and they are now enduring Baltic Fleet. Whether France deliberately ing from this port would be free from all Arundel said that it has been decided to approach of the Baltic fleet has produced an point a plague research party, consisting of two almost welcome reaction, and a feeling of relief many battleships; whereas the Japanese are the penalty of their opinions. But when or negligently concealed the position of the danger of being mistaken for Japanese war- experts from England selected by an Advising is observable is the Japanese comments. The known to have sent the pick of their aimed they come out of prison they will be thrown Russians is a matter for question. The ships, but seeing that the Fleet has apparently Commille at home and two, Ind at the pacey present situation altogether seems likely to

Service Officers. The composition of the party foreshadow a dénouement.... fighting vessels into the waters of South on the beach and Hongkong will be bur Colonial French press has certainly not been disappeared as completely as Admiral Togo's had not been finally settled, but a member of China, and when it is remembered that the dened with the maintenance of two score over-explanatory where the Baltic Fleet was squadron, it would be wel that every precau- the Advisory Committee is now on his way to ships are of 15,000 tons and steam eighteen of men whose only fault was that they had concerned, but on the other hand, if the ton should be adopted to guard against a vestigation in communication with the Sani- India in order to arrange the details of the in- knots, the superiority of the belligerent so not the counge to go to Japan,

Fleet did occupy Kamranh Bay for a short misapprehension. The Junks have been & tary Advisers of the Goverment of India,

It

Laichikak, and thus protect themselves, and

THE HONGKUNG VOLUNTEER BESERVE ASSOCIATION,

Mr. W. H. Trenchard Davis, Hon. secretary of this association, informs us that the King's Park.

The command of the sea is the supremaly.

The advent of the Baltic fleet is too late, and :

vital element in the struggle.

rather untimely. Three months having elapsed

since the fall of Part Arthur, Admiral Togo's. ships are now fresh, and quite willing to afford warm treatment to the wearied visitors.

The passage of, the Malacca Simits brings the Armada in the midst of neutral territories; the Japanese, however, are confident of the bona fide neutrality of the Powers.

It is stated that when the Baltic fleet sailed Range will be available on the following dates from Nossi B, they were probably unaware of in: April Saturday, 22nd-1.30 p.m. to 5 pm. the fall of Mukden.

(200 yards), Monday, 24th-ro a.m. to 5 pm. The coming collision between the two main (so yards), and Saturday, 29th-1.30 p.m. to squadreas will be practically the final scene 5 p.m. (500 yards).

Tokio, 11th April.

Competition for April, trophies continued.of the naval drama,

WHAT THE "TIMES" BAYS,

Osaka, 11th April The military correspondent of the Timis says that the boldness of Admiral Roshdiante