1906-03-17 — Page 12

Intimations.

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 1906.

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five conta.

37. PATRICK'S DAY,

St. Patrick, whose greatest exploit, from the outsider's point of view, was to clear "the distressful country" of snakes, will be hon oured by all good Irishmen in Hongkong to-day: And yet St. Patrick was not an Irishman at all; be was, according to the best authority we have on the subject, a pare, out and-out Scotsman, speaking the doric with such fluency that he frightened the poor wild Irish out of their wits. Whether he left the shores of "Bonnie Scotland" clad in a kilt and a sporran, or whether he was attired in what have, of late years, come to be known as rationals, it is impossible to say, On such points history is frightfully slack. It will

The Hongkong Celegrapli describe where a man was born, where he was

HONGKONG, SATURDAY, March 17, 1905.

THE QUESTION OF PIRACY.

Some time ago, when we received the an- nual reports issued by the Customs author- ities in South China, we commented on the

stress

on the effects resulting from the piracies which had occurred within easy distance of every port along the coast. 1n

We are

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The German mall of the 14th February was delivered in London on the 16th inst.

SAMPANS v. MOTOR-BOATS.

BOYCOTTERS IN HONGKONG harddur.

When the electric tramway service started in Hongkong, there was a general belief that MR. T. W. Clarke has been added to the list the 'ricksba-puller would attempt to play some of authorized architects, in the Colony.

hanky-panky tricks with the innovation and, New rules and regulations, made by the Go display of the "trades union" spirit among the indeed, the authorities were prepared for some vernor in Council and relating to vessels pullers. But the electric cars started and there arriving at this port with dangerous goods on board, are published in the local Gazete. MSSRS Howarth, Erskine & Co., have had their tender of $69,743 for the construction of foundations in connection with the new Tan Tuck Seng hospital, at Singapore, accepted. ACCORDING to the schedule just published by the Administration, the steamships of the Vo lunteer fleet will make twenty trips during the current year between Odesen and the Far East. Iris stated that the Chinese British subject, arrested in Bangkok recently in connection with the forged currency púles, has been com- mited for trial, after a preliminary inquiry at

H. B. M. Consulate. ·

UNDER the Chinese Passenger Ship Act, the Governor has proclaimed that the voyage of a passenger steamer from Hongkong or any to be a voyage of not inore than thirty days' duration.

Iris officially notified that the timber jetty near the north-cast' angle of the reclamation formed in connection with the Naval Yard Extension Works at Arsenal Street may be used by the general public, and shall be known by the unme of " Arsenal Street Whari." THAT portion of Madras hitherto known as Black Town will in future be called George Town. A Gazelle Extraordinary " issued by the Madras Government states that the change is made at the expressed desire of the Prince of Wales, to whom the popular sentiment in the matter has been represented.

OME anxiety is being felt in Kuala Lumpur anent the outbreak of glanders-a disease fatul to both horses and human beings. It has been suggested that, if any more deaths occur, every horse ip the place should be inoculated; and that if animals have to be shot by order of the Government Vet.; compensation should be paid to the owners, as is done in similar cases at home.

a

CANTON-HANKOW RAIL-

WAY.

MELTING OF SHAREHOLDERS,

IMPORTANT RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED.

[From Our Correspondent.]

Canton, 16th March. At the general meeting, held yesterday afternoon, of the shareholders of the Yuet Han Railway Co., Ld., it was agreed to de- posit the cash collected from shareholders, and amounting to $1,320,000, amongst the several large Chinese banks in Canton until

otherwise decided.

The telegram to the Shangpu, relative to the commencement of the construction of the line, was also approved of; and it was announced that the actual work would com- mence in a few days.

The following resolutions were also con sidered and passed-

3. That before any Hongkong merchants are appointed their character and standing should be investigated.

4 That Tong Sze-lung of Heungshan should be appointed the superintendent of

the line.

5. That the outport shareholders should be consulted and must acquiesce in any ap. pointment before same becomes effective.

was none of the boycott idea shown towards those who took advantage of the system. As inosi people know, a very different state of affairs prevailed in Singapore. Rails were torn up cars ovesbrown, and passengers injured. Now matters appear to be going rather more smoothly in the south, but it was as anxious time for the car employes and the passengers alike. As a matter of fact people used to ask each other it they had taken out a special accident insurance policy before they entered the car, Lately, there was introduced into Hongkong the motor boat, and these small craft were to be seen careering around the barbour at a high rate of speed, and yet no smoke was visible, the driving power was

1. That the telegraphic address of the out of sight, and the boat was a model of neatness and efficiency. One of the features Company should be "Ling Chin Hong.”

2. That the entire committee and presi of the motor boat as we now know, is its cheapness. An engineer from Austradents should be appointed by the share-

decided to hire one for the conveyance of passengers from vessels in the harbour to the landing-stage. The journey in a sampan through a choppy sea, against a contrary wind, would try the patience of a saint. To sit huddled up under an awning, surrounded by ropes and rigging, while the boat rose like a fark under each wave and sank like piece of lead into every hollow, was enough to try any but the most experienced sailor's powers of fighting sea-sickness. And, besides, there was always the uncomfortable feeling that, should anything happen, and the boat be overturned, there was practically no chance of escape, for the ropes would entangle the occu pant even if he managed to get free of the awning. Consequently, when the motor-buat apeated, it was hailed as a boon and a bless ing by nervous travellers, and secured a considerable amount of patronage. When the motor first appeared on the water, the sam pan people attached little importance to it, They could not believe that by any pos sibility the sampan would be superseded. In fact they laughed at the Sail-less mid- get which lay at Blake Pier. But soon they began to realise that the motor-bost was, in their own parlance, robbing them of their preferred the motor-boat to the native dug-out! rights, Amazing to believe, people actually Here was a pretty kettle of fish! What were they to do?, Apparently they held a consulta tion and determined to take concerted men. sures to drive the motor-boat off the har bour waters. So one night they played

the custom of the sampans to lie alongside Blake Pier, but on the night of the "accident" not a simpan was to be seen n hundred yards near Blake Pier. It took two hours to repair the propeller. Another time the motor was found to be useless until a lot

6. That in all matters in connection with, the Railway, as between the Viceroy and the Company, the president has full power to discuss and decide upon same.

[Mr. Tong Sze-lung is the ex-commissioner to Calcutta appointed by the Chinese Govern. ment to negotiate with the Viceroy of India on the question of Tibet last year.-Éd., HK.T.]

1-

ARMED ROBBERY NEAR CANTON.

FATAL FIRE AT FATSHAN.

[From Our Correspondent.]

educated and when he went to gaol; but it will carefully, as of malice aforethought, ignore his powers as an infant prodigy in the steam-whistle line, or his character as a speculator in saccharine products, or his general ability to illustrate that famous adage which runs to the effect that "the quickness of the hand deceives the cyc!" So that when we state that we have no knowledge fact that each Commissioner. laid,special whether he was reared on porridge and I put of China to Ocean Island shall be deemed lia, seeing the possibilities of the motor-bont, holders alone.

slops, or preferred.. pate-de-foie-gras" and oysters, it will be understood speaking the absolute truth. The sug the majority of instances, the pirates bad gestion has been made that it was the exercised their nefarious calling with supreme Saint who, in his, unregenerate days, intro- success, killing and mutilating the unfortun-duced as a side-dish the well known and ate boatmen when resistance was offered, favourite Irish meal now known as “ potatoes and in some cases sinking the junks after and point," but like all good stories that in imprisoning the junkmen in the hold. The probably a myth. What we, and everybody Customs Commissioners made strong re else, do not know about St. Patrick would presentations to the Chinese Government to fill the Encyclopedia Britannico twice over, take active measures with the view of including the datest addition to the series. suppressing these gangs, of pirates who But, we take it, he was a good, honest, haunted the principal waterways of the sonsy Scot, for the first thing he did was to Kingdom, to the detriment of trade and the rise from his cell and leave Scotland. disgrace of the Empire. Yet not a finger has Wherever he went he left his mark. He been moved by the Chinese Government in came from Kilpatrick, went to Dalpatrick, response to these appeals, with the result journeyed to Kirkpatrick, sailed from Port that the pirates, grown confident by repeat-patrick and so on, ad lib. He spent a start ed successes, and feeling secure in the time in England, but the heathens there would have nothing to do with him, so he absences of retributive measures being

went across to the sister isle to fraterise adopted, have become bolder and more

with the genial, laughing, devil-may-care audacious until now they appear in

Irish. What St. Patrick did not do there is the open, and impudently flaunt their busi-

not worth doing. Whenever he thought his FURTHER testimony of the popularity of the ness in public, terrifying peaceful traders, flock, or whatever he called them, were stray-article last evering, is forthcoming in the fact carbolic acid plague specific, alluded to, in on and disorganising traffic at every centre. ing from the narrow way, he descended into that Mr. Ho Kem Tong received a fresh appli- A. S. WATSON & CO. Such a condition of things cannot be allow-purgatoryand returned to tell them all about it, caion this morning for a supply of this reput- ed to continue. It was only the other day He must have scared the wits out of the sim-able preparation, Mc Lam Man Sheung, of the that a piratical gang "held up" a steampie, unsophisticated, peace-loving Irishmen Austrian Lloyd's Steam Navigation Co., has passenger boat-which had been built in of that day. It is rumoured that he invented asked for a number of phials to be forwarded Hongkong and stole $5,000 worth of goods a word called the "shillelagh" and employ-somewhere in the flungshan district' wherebavoc with the propeller. Now it had been from the officers and passengers. The facted it to punctuate his remarks. At any rate, 4 that this was done. in' broad daylight shows there are half a dozen places in Ireland the contemptuous scorn in which the rob-known to this very day as St. Patrick's Pur- bers held the Chinese authorities, Now, gatory, ur plaia Purgatory. And what did we learn that pirates, gaining assurance St. Patrick find in Purgatory? We know every day, as raid after raid is crowned with what Sisyphus found, and Tantalus, and, success and nothing is done to check their later on, Dante. But St. Patrick knew his lawless and desperate ventures, have carried Irish and he dispensed with shower baths their operations beyond the bounds of the which used to be the favourite penance in- Canton and West River delta--which has flicted on penitent Scots by the priests in always been a favourite hunting ground for the old days-or fiery darts, or boiling oil, desperadoes of this type-to the borders of or hard work. No. The worthy Saint said Portuguese Territory,. At a spot not far dis-that refractory Irishmen would be set before THE new motor fire engine for the Municipali tant from Macao a piratical garig attacked a

delicious banquets with all the delicacies of ty has arrived in Peking and has been taken out several times to enable the drivers to be the season spread out, wines galore, us-

come familiar with its working. It is a hand- defenceless trading vessel, flung the crew

quebaugh at every corner, and all the choicest

some and powerful engine, capable of deliver to the hold, battened down the hatches, titbits of the earth within reach. Then-justing five hundred gallons of water per minute secured $3,000 worth of valuables, and de-

as the bad and bold impenitent Irishman and of steaming twenty miles an hour. It was camped: After some time, the unfortunate

was about to reach forth his hand to grab constructed by Messrs. Merryweather and traders managed to break open the hatch the bottle, whoop and bedad! the whole she.Sons, who are the makers of the other engines steamers yet introduced.

used by the Municipality.

EFFECTIVE

LIMITED,

ALEXANDRA BUILDINGS,

Hongkong, 3rd March, roof,

TO PREVENT MISTAKEN

WHEN BUYING

WHISKY,

PLEASE NOTE THAT

OUR

way and reach the deck, only to find that their vessel had been looted from stem to stern, the pirates having worked with the rapidity and fore-knowledge of where the valuables lay, born of previous ex-

been would disappear; and the hungry or rather thirsty sinner would be left with no- thing but a colic. The Irishmen who heard that sad and stirring story nearly fainted in terror and dismay at this terrible picture,

plague is reported to be prevalent.

-!

THE engagement is announced of the Marquis of Graham, the eldest son of the Dake of Montrose, and Lady Mary Hamilton, the only child of the late Duke of Hamilton, and the richest heiress in the United Kingdom. Lord Graham, as a youth, served for two years as a midshipman in the Navy training squadron, then two years in the Merchant Service, as an able seaman and earned a master's certificate. He then served with the Black Watch in South Africa.

of repair work had been done to it. Not a

sampas in sight for miles. And so on the game went, and so far as we know the "unionists," who object to machinery, are still at their pratiks. Nights have been spent watching for those who are thus manifesting their objection to mbtor-boats. Not a single But the sam-

Canton, 16th March. Acother armed robbery was committed on a house in Sze-ká-li last night occupied by a man named Chan, The robbers gained admit.. tance through the skylight and succeeded in carrying off booty exceeding Tis. 2,00 in value, ...Two boys and a small girl were the victims enveloped the door and prevented their egress. of a fire at Fatshan on the 13th; the flames They were asleep when the fire broke out.

SHIPPING NEWS,

The s.s. Kemun, which arrived to-day from Singapore, reports that she sighted on th March, at I am., lat: 2.50 N., long, 104° 55′ E. a four-masted barque, painted a light colour,

and steering .W., burning bright lights turn- ing to red, one at bow and one at stern.

SINGAPORE'S, TAXES,

SUGGESTED INCREASED DUTY ON SPIRITS.

The recent animated discussion, in the Straits Legislative Council, on the proposed vote for a million and odd pounds, has elicited, pan people have runounced themselves the from His Excellency the Governor, the com individual has been caught yet. offenders by departing from their old anchor-festing assurance, that Singapore, out of all age at Blake Pier. It is to be hoped that the places, is the most lightly taxed in the British Empire. This intimation, however, conveyed police will yet succeed in à laying hands upon

with it a broad hint that the city might not the delinquents responsible for the injuries dose to the motor boat, which is one of the always continue to enjoy the same happy immunity. to the event of any financial emer- gency, arising out of the Tanjong Pagar Dock handiest and most useful adjuncts to passenger

deal, or the improvements to the Singapore harbour, presently contemplated, it would be open to the Government to tap, other sources of revenue than the opium and spirit duties which constitute the mainstay of the Colonial income. In introducing the Estates Duty Bill, His Excellency the Governor remarked

FATALITY AT THE NEW DOCK.

COOLIE ACCIDENTALLY "KILLED.

An accident, which resulted in the death of a coolie named Chan Ying, occurred in the

CLUB No. 1perience in piracy. Su long as the pirates and fortowich vowed obedience to, the will total amount et gold and silver, in the country New Dock at Quarry Bay, at inif-past five that such dues were leviable in England, and

IS THE ONLY CLUB WHISKY

IN THE COLONY AT

$18 per Case.

WE CALL IT, No. 1 BECAUSE

IT IS SO IN

EVERY RESPECT

AND ALSO TO DISTINGUISHI

FROM OTHERS.

The absorption of the precious metals by India continues to be one of the remarkable facts of the world. Figures published show that, in the pine months ending 31st December last, the

was increased by net importations valued, after confined their depredations. to Chinese and command of the Saint. So he be deducting exports, at 8 crores of rupees. Of waters, the duty of rooting them out and in came a power in the land and there this amount crore 32 lakhs worth was gold, flicting condign punishment upon those cap was none to gainsay him. Now, the and 7 crores 1 lakhs worth silver.. Of the tured devolved, in the first instance, on the most famous thing that St. Patrick did silver five crores worth was purchased by the Chinese Government. But when the pirates was to clear snakes out of Ireland. But Government of India for coinage purposes. forsake their former haunts and plunder there was one old ruflian of a serpent who trading vessels in the high, seas, or in the defied all the Saint's efforts to catch him. waters of other Powers, it becomes the mani. The serpent was as 'cute as a serpent shoulPath, which occurred at Lai-Chi-kok yesterday was turning round to retrace his steps when he

be, and he grinned at St. Patrick. Un fortunately, the serpent, although a wily old rascal, bad met his match in the first serpent charmer of the age. St. Patrick made a box, and calmly said "Come and have dinner with the family." The serpent said that to

THROUGH an argument over the rights of

afternoon, between two gangs of coolies two of the

unfortunate man had just finished his day's in to remove an anomaly, the revenue accruing yesterday altersoon. It appears that the that the measure in question had been brought work, and was on his way home from the dock. therefrom being treated as an inconsiderable He had to cross the dock, which was spanned for the nonce. If the principle of removing by cross-beams, about thirty feet from the anomalies be carried out in the Colony, and bottom. What happened, when he got to the the English financial system be introduced middle of the beam, is unknown, but it was into the Straits in all its integrity the revenues stated that deceased forget something, and

slipped, and fell to the bottom of the dock

The coolie, when picked up, was dead, but no brises were discovered on the body except a fractured akull, and, as the bottom of the dock is filled with mud and slush, it is surmised by

disputants are at present lying in the Government Civil Hospital, suffering from serious injuries received in the melee. This trouble has been going on for some time and the matter was settled yesterday under Queens.

of the many cross-beams while falling. The berry rules. The police were summoned, and the police that deceased struck his head on one

of the Seulements might be doubled, but

this augmentation of income could only be

of the Port of Singapore, and Penang. It is indeed a disquicting sign of the times to note rulers or administraters airily proclaim, at

of taxation within their territorial jurisdiction, frequent intervals, the lightness of the incidence

comments the Perak Ploner. Bearing in mind

secured at the cost of the material prosperity

fest duty of the nations concerned to take the matter into their own hands, and sweep these wolf-hounds off the face of the sea. Portugal is unable to undertake the task with a single antiquated gunboat, so that once again Britain, as represented by her fleet in the China Sea, is morally bound his great distress he had made another Sergt. Sims effected the arrest of six.coolica, body was taken charge of by the Shaukiwan the emphatic pledge, given by the Straits to adopt the role of policeman, guarding and i engagement, and could not accept the invita, who were placed before Mr. F. A. Hazeland police, and conveyed to the mortuary, where Government, that no Port dues would be

tion that day. Besides the box was too small. this morning. The case had to be remanded the usual inquest will be held. assisting traders, and executing summary vengeance on the malefactors who have be- St. Patrick invited him to try it, and after for a week to enable the men in hospital 10

come the terror of the coast. It may prove a thankless task, but the presence of pirates in waters adjacent to Hongkong means the

attend Court.

a long contention the serpent, to prove his case, jumped or crawled in. Then St. THE Yellow. Dragen for March is devoted en Fatrick snapped down the lid saying tirely to a report of the proceedings on prize. "Aba and ohon," and threw the box into day at Queen's College, and should, therefore, Now we know why there are prove a lasting souvenir of a highly interesting waves, for they are caused by the writh-occasion, especially for those who, as prize winners; have their names enshrined in the inga of the serpent imploring to be brochure. An excellent photographic repro released by the Saint. It is a marvellous tale, duction of the six winners of scholarships forms and shows why St. Patrick is the Patron Saint of Ireland, and why the descendants of those who listened to his teachings are prepared to honour him to-day. St. Patrick being a Scotsman and an Irishman at the same time may help to prove why the two races have something in common; at any rate they have a strong belief in festivi, ties and national celebrations, and, though deprived of a ball and a dinner, the Hong- kong Irishmen will yet succeed, we have not the slightest doubt, in showing, their regard to-night for the memory of St. Patrick,

total disorganisation of trade between the sea. this port and Chinese ports so far as the smaller craft are concerned, and the loss of trade to Hongkong means a similar loss to Great Britain, It has been proved that China is quite apathetic on the question of piracy, and however we may reprobate that attitude, and vent our disgust at the indifference of the Chinese authorities, we cannot be blind to the fact that Great Britain is the sufferer if these pests of humanity are allowed to exist. It seems ludicrous to speak of our boasted twentieth century civilisation when piracy abounds at our very doors, and it will be to the moral obloquy of the British Fleet if it 136-1A is permitted to continue,

GREGOR & Co.,

WINE MERCHANTS.

Hongkong, ajth October, rpog.

VISIT OF FRENCH FLEET.

EXPECTED ON MONDAY.

imposed in Singapore on the shipping resorting to the Port as a result of the heavy expenditure entailed by the harbour improvements, it goes without saying that it will have to resort lo ́some other mode of levying revenue to meet, The French armoured cruisers, Montcalm, the interest on the capital cost. The templation flagship of Vice Admiral Richards, Commander to levy a general income tax may well nigh in-Chief of the Freach Navy on the Chien prova tresistible in the absence of other Station, and the Gurydon, with six destroyers, sources. But happily thers are other more having left Hongay, Tonkin, on the 14th inst. acceptable directions in which the Government are expected to anive bere on or about Mon might look forward to expand its exchequer. day, the zoth inst. With Vice Admiral Richards, The duty on opium and spitits might be cap. on the Montgalis Rear Admiral Kiesel, Chief siderably enhanced, notably the latter. Cheap of Staff. These vessels form a part of the First liquors, of more than doubtful quality, are able conditions of the extremely light duty of Division of the squadron. The Admiral nor flooding the Colonial markets under the favour having intimated the length of his stay in this Port it has been found impossible to arrange one dollar per gallon or two for a case of a dozen bottles. In India the former, rate aix any programme for the entertainment of our French visitors, but it is expected that dinners rupees per gallon has been raised to seven or will be given by His Excellency the Governor, four dollars which is quadruple the Straits and the Admiral, Commodore, and the French Con- the F. M. & tariff. If the Straits Government while the men will be entertained to a dinner for its recent costly undertakings, we would in- and sing-song" by the men of the British dicatethe duty on spirits as the one which would squadron in Port. It is understood that durieg bear considerable enhancement with the least his stay here Admiral Richards will take a trip degree of public inconvenience and a good to Canton, and there inspect the French river deal of general benefit in sundry Important gunboata stationed in those waters,

rospects,

the frontispiece to the Yellow Dragon. The following paragraph appears under the heading of "School Notes:-Mr. Ho Kom-tong, well known for his liberality in the cause of edu. cation, bas extended his generosity to Queen's College, of which institution he is an old boy, by endowing two scholarships of $63 each, tenable for one year, for proficiency in English subjects and translations. The Senior will be known as the Bo Kom-long Scholarship and will be awarded in Class II, January, 1907, sul, a dinner being also given ad the Afonicalm, be pressed for an augmented revenue to pay The junior will be awarded in Class IV at the same time, and is to be called the Alfred May Scholarship, as Mr. Ho Kom-tong desires to commemorate the long and successful services of our Second Master who has, retired on pension,