1906-06-23 — Page 9

The Hongkong Telegraph.

MAIL SUPPLEMENT.

NEW SERIES No. 6185

联二初月五年二十三亿光

CONTENTS.

Births, Marriages and Deaths

Loading Articles:-

The "Garette.”

A Matter of Convention

Appeals.

Far Easter Fleets.

The Fire on the Doric.

The Hongkong-Bangkok Line.

The Attack on Europeans. New-Disinfecting Apparatus. Minerals in the New Territories. The Chinese in San Francisco, Telegrams:-

An Extraordinary Conflict.. The Dendly Mines. Nanchang Tragedy. Kowloon Canton Railway Tungan Disturbance. Sunken Mines off Corca. The Tungan Outrage. The Drydock Dewey. The Dewey Adrift, Straits Civil Service.. The Nanchang Affair.

Dear Food Riots.

The Hunghulzes, The Shanghai Riots. Mosting -

Legislative Council.

Legal Intelligenco:

Claim for Rent.

Claim for Wages.

A Careless Debtor.

Landlord Non-suited.

The Lat Hiog Bank Case,

A Conundrum.

Laundryman's Liabilities.

Polico.

Engineers at Variance. Wily American Sailor.

Breach of Postal Regulations.

A Reckless Indiaa.

Stealing Tram Tickets. Thrashing a Conductor.

Serious charge against a Lukong. Smuggling Arma into China: Ship's Compradore Charged. Disobedient Fireman. Alleged Outrage at Wanchai. Schoolmaster Assault a Policeman. Alleged Murder on the Indravelli. An Ungrateful Friend, Chinese Youth Heavily Punished. Alleged Harbour Obstruction. The Suisang Stowaway Case. "The Dog that bit the Boy,"

A Harbour Offence.

The Matrimonial Lottery.

The Clothes Thief.

Correspondence¡—

St. Andrew's Church, Kowloon.

Costumes in Court.

Miscellaneous Articles and Reports 2-

Saturday's Gymkhana.

The Zoong Wo Trial Trip.

The Governor of Macau,

Outrage at Leighton Hill Road.

Hongkong Gardens.

The Botany of Fokien,

Hongkong Volunteers.

Education in Hongkong.

German Colonial Soldiers in Hongkong..

The Admiralty Docks.

Fire on the Doric.

To Macao,

The Pacific Mail S.S. Co.

Fatal Accident at Wanchai,

Hongkong Volunteer Reserve Association. Water Polo..

The Tung-an Attack.

Britons i Siam.

The Awakening of China,

Morality in Manchuria.

The Open Door in Manchurin.

The Japanese Government and Manchurian

Development,

The British Squadron at Kagoshima.

The Japanese Navy.

Japanese Naval Gunnery.

The Evacuation of Manchuria.

Japan's Trade in Manchuria.

Bureaucracy in Japan.

Currency Reform in Korea. China Borneo Co, Ld.

Mad Bul's Escapade in Singapore. Weird Ceremony.

The Bailing-ship Atlas,

Commercial:-

Weekly Share Report.

Freight.

Indo-Chinas.

Raub Crushing.

Exchange.

Opium.

Local and General

BIRTHS.

On 10th June, at Singapore, the wife of Capt. W. Dawson, S.S. Hang Mch of a son, 1

On the 10th June, at Shanghai, the wife of T. E. DUNN, Chinese Engineering and Mining Co., Ld., of a daughter,

On the th June, at Shanghai, the wife of J. G. CARYAGHAN, of a daughter.

On the 13th June, at Shanghai, the wife of A. J. KENT, of a son.

On the 14th June, at Shanghai, the wife of

WALTER CARTER, of 2 300,

MARRIAGES:

On the fith June, at Shanghai, HENRY W. CHANDLER, of Woodmansterne, Surrey, to. ELIZA MACGREGOR, daughter of the late David Aitken and Mrs., Aliken, of Singapore, On the rib June, at Shanghai, SABULL WILLIAM, elder son of Samuel Robens of Caterham, Surrey, to NORA LILIAN, second daughter of George Cassie Wilson, of Bhangbai, On the 16th June, at theßé Cathedral, Macao, LUIZ GONZAGA NOLASCO DA SILVA, banister- at-law, son of Pedro Nolasco da Silva, to Miss BEATRICE EMILIA, daughter of the Inte Major SHEWAN WOOD; on the 21st June, at the Church of Saint Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafal- gar Square, London, by the Rev. Hamilton Hoze, M.A., ROBERT SHEWAN, tu HOROTHY KATE WOOD, only daughter of Mrs. Lucas, 64, Asblay Gardens, S,W,

Fernando Antosio.

DEATHS. At Glasgow, suddenly, on the gth May, Captain WILLIAM OGSTON MILNE YOUNO, youngest surviving son of the late Rev. R. O. Young, Minister of Fortuuse.

At his residence, 71, Fine Apple Street, Brooklyn, USA, on the toth ultimo, WILLIAM E. S. FALEE,, formerly U.S. Vice-Consul at Amoy. 4 On the 13th June, at Shanghai, A., W. BRIGHTWELL, 1. M. Customs Service (aged

(ESTABLISHED, 1881.);

SATURDAY,

JUNE 23, 1906.

六拜四

三月六英漕香

The Hongkong Celegraph usually to be found wearing garments of not do justice to himself. If he adheres to to Le Temps, of Paris, three cruisers will be ing such potent influence as the Norddent-

MAIL SUPPLEMENT,

ISSUED GRATIS TO SUBSCRIBERS.

HONGKONG, SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 1906.

THE "GAZETTE."

(16th Junc.)

In connection with the proposal of the Government to withdraw from certain kongs

enjoyed of collecting Chinese letters in

firms and persons in Canton, and distributing them through the media of responsible par ties in Canton-a feform brought about by the declared ability of the Imperial Chinese Post Office to undertake the duty-certain remarks were made on the vote in the Legislative Council which are Cu. titled to consideration.. The Hon. Dr. Ho Kal asked whether the hangs which were empowered to collect and deliver Hongkong letters in Canton had been informed of the new arrangement? reply, the Colonial Secretary said be pre- sumed that the Postmonster-General had in. formed the hongs that their services would be

and sartorial sanitation."

the

come....

THE FIRE ON THE "PORIC"

(20th June.)

scher Lloyd. For not only has the latter. company built up an extensive and lucrative business in Bangkok, but it is assisted by the growing and important German com munity in the capital of Siam, The answer of the Norddeutscher Lloyd to the implied, challenge of the Nippon Yusen Kaisha was decisive On the very day that die Childar

at Bangkok, carrying ago Chinese passengers from Swatow, the agents of the Norddeutscher Lloyd announced that the'

If the facts in connection with the delay fare for Chinese from Bangkok to Hong- 12 ticals as before, or in other words a de crease of over $4 on the single trip. And the Dorie yesterday afternoon, are correct, the Rajaburi left Bangkok with a full.com- it seems clear that there is something radi-plement of Chinese coolies who had taken cally wrong in the organisation of barbour advantage of the reduced fares. It was in told, while the vessel was being fumigated, Lloyd bicant to fight the newcomer tooth fire brigade. The outbreak occurred, we are mediately apparent that the Nontdeutscher and after the boatswain had endeavoured to and nail, and as the N.D.L. has had con-

dividual efforts were futile, a hurried call- flag wat hoisted asking for assistance from Bates were cating their way into the ship's the harbour fire brigade. Meanwhile, the vitals and spreading rapidly. The officers and crew of the Doric found themselves un able to resist the march of the fire, and it can well be understood that they looked.

no longer required, buthe, at least, had taken themselves no matter what medical men and quently the petition fell to the ground. The anxiously for the appearance of the fire. difficult to see how the N. Y. K. can put up

if

out competitors the prospects did not look altogether rosy for the Nippon Yusen Kaisha. the Hangkok Times to interview the agents An attempt was made by a representative of;' of the rival shipping companies, but they, were not to be drawn. In commenting on the situation the Times, observed: It is a fight with only the two vessels at present. on the run, but doubtless others will follow. It was rumoured that an agreement had been come to between the N. D. L. and N. Y. K. so as to avoid hostilities, but it is certain that up to this morning nothing of the sort had been arranged, and the action of the Rajaburi in firing the first gun, do to speak, tainly looks very well for the Chinese pas-

$13 PER ANNUM, SINGLE COPY, 25. CENTS.

been led astray by their British friends, are liappy, and the judge appealed against can-epithets to express their disgust. According opponent so powerfully backed and exercis- white cotton which permits them to perform his previous decision while his brother on immediately re-called from the Far East to their daily round of duties with the minimum the Bench thinks the appeal should be take up duty with the Mediterranean squad of discomfort. But the Briton, proud of sustained then the appeal falls to the ground ron, and there is a possibility that further re- his self-martyrdom, continues to wear the on account of the difference of opinion, ductions will be made. Wemaytherefore take high collar and tweed clothes of what he is One judge for and one against means that it that in the opinion of naval experts in pleased to deem civilised life. A corres the appellant loses his case, so that he finds Europe the Far East is not likely to become the battlefield of the world for some time to pondent writing on this subject remarks, himself both right and wrong at the same The acquirement of the dark suit habit' time. If it be necessary that by reason is one to be deplored quite as much of the paucity of judges the Full Court as any other unlicalthy practice. In fact, should comprise the judge whose deci it is a vice little less injurious than drink sion is being reviewed, then the Court or drugs. Fortunately, so far, it is chiefly should consist of three judges, so that the privilege, which they have hitherto limited to the Britishers whose general mad-there may be a majority to decide the in the arrival of the fire-float to assist, in kong would, in future, be 5 ticals instead. of

ness is as proverbial in Continental Europe appeal definitely, one way or the other. Hongkong intended for delivery to Chinese as among the people of the East-the dark One of the few occasions when two judges extinguishing the fire, which, occurred on: suit in the tropics is the outward and visible sit together in England occurred the other sign of it. No doubt, there was a time when day when Mr. Justice Gmatham and Mr. Britons were sane, but then they wore blue Justice, Lawapce heard the Yarmouth paint, now they wear blue serge which is a clection petition. The defeated candidate totally different material. It remains with alleged bribery on the part of his P the Continental Europeans and the Ameriponent and the evidence was of the cans to uphold the standards of cleanliness most extraordinary character. What hap-cope with the flames and found that his in-siderable, experience in the way of starving

A curious reason pened? Mr. Justice Grantham found that has been adduced for the wearing of clothes the petitioner had failed to prove his case; which are entirely unsuitable to the Far on the other hand, Mr. Justice Lawrance Fast when the sun has crossed the line. held that the election should be rendered It is argued that the real instigators null and void because bribery had been of British fatuity in

matter of proved. Here was a division of opinion; clothes are the ladies, who demand and there was no casting vote, so to speak, no secure that the male element shall decorate possibility of a majority verdict and conse no step to make the arrangement known

common sense may teach. They look upon unfortunate point was that Mr. Justice Grant fighting machine. But there was not a sign to indicate that the signal had been recog. to them personally. But, he added, "the

the linen collar as the badge of respectability, ham has been accused of political bias and

nised. The fire-float might have been at new regulations have appeared in the

and the dark coat as the insignia of rank. the question is to be discussed in Parliament. Gazette." The Hon. Dr.. Ho Kai observed that: "The Government Gazette is not No matter whether the mere man feels as Had there been three judges, then a clear Aberdeen for all the crew of the Doric knew, read by them," and therein lay the crux of he were being slowly grilled in front of verdict must have been arrived at, and the and in the circumstances they wisely hoisted additional "hurry" flags. The outlook on a fumace; no matter that his health may be suggestion that political bias entered into the the situation. It is immaterial whether the gradually undermined; the unwritten law of decision would have been eliminated. In M.S. Tamar was not to be caught nap Postmaster-General of his own initiative in conventionality has to be obeyed. Yet the deed, had there been only one judge, the 'ping, and in a few minutes a boat from the docs not augur a peaceful future. It cer formed the hongs of the new arrangement. ladies take pains to attire themselves in the decision would have been more satisfactory, receiving ship was alongside the Doric, and That is beside the question. The point is that raiment specially adapted to

the bandy men were rendering intelligent and tropical for a decisión of some sort a definite deci- the Government seem to believe that they climates, but it may be for that very reason sion at least, must have been forthcoming wards the laggard fire float pulled along of course, in Bangkok, whither Mr. Mihara, valuable aid in quelling the outbreak. Alter.sengers, but how far the matter may extend remains to be seen." The stom-centre is, have only to print an announcement in the they desire in the sterner sex that crintrast As it is, the petitioner is dissatisfied, one official Gasefie and forthwith it becomes pub which is essential to feminine happiness. Dr. judge is open to calumny, and the imputa- side and the appliances for extinguishing the Hongkong manager of the Nippon lic property. As a matter of fact it might be Pedley gives the results of a series of experį, tions against the character of the sling tion. Naturally, the commander of the the flames were eventually put in opera-

Yuten Kaisha, has gone to consult with the buried in the deepest depths of the harbourments which he carried out with the object member have not been cleared away. Bri- Doric deserved an explanation of the dila

manager of the Borneo Co., which re- presents the new steamship line. Eventually, and yet obtain as much publicity as it does of discovering the best absorbed by tweed lishers in Bangkok have no reason to sejoice through the medium of the Gazette: There clothes as compared with cotton raiment, over the terms of the new Order in Council, tory methods of the water fire-brigade and negotiations may be transferred to Hong- a statement was made which cannot in any kong, but in the meantime Bangkok bolds may be a few people in Hongkong who

and the figures are sufficiently striking. It for the system now introduced is no improve- spend their spare moments in perusing the is unnecessary, however, to go into parti- ment on the old procedure, but rather the respect be, described as satisfactory. The the scales, and the prospects of trade will The Nippon columns of the Gazette, but it is sale to sayculars, for all are agreed with the medical reverse,

determine the settlement. It is safe to say that the legal brigade admitted that the signal had been that the vast majority in Hongkong has fraternity with respect to the proper guris, for profession in Siam will not show itself observed, but as the signal was not according Yusen Kaisha taake no secret of the fact that they intend to place several steamers: it. They could not tell its size or its shape on the laws of convention, and it is to be would be interesting to know who is respon could not be sent immediately to the assist never even seen the publication, far less read the sub-tropics. The whole question hinges particularly enamoured of the Order. It to local requirements and as nobody ap

parently knew what it meant the fire float

on the Hongkong-Bangkok run; the Childan. and Prometheus are merely makeshifts and many would be at loss to say whether it feared that it will be many a day before the sible for, these Orders in Council, which

ance of the Doric. The explanation be-pending the introduction of the Company's is issued daily, weekly, monthly or annually.

comer the more ludicrous when it is stated To go farther, we may any with confidence average man will feel himself sufficiently free come from nowhere and were drafted in the

own vessels on their release from Govern- to disregard the opinion of his neighbours unknown. that many respectable persons never heard in everyday life.

that the signal was that laid down by the ment duty. Apparently, if Bangkok opinion. International Code. Had the officers of the is trustworthy, the Norddeutscher Lloyd re- of it. The press of Hongkong endeavour to obtain nutriment from this work of art, but

Dorit known the exact and statutory firegard the appearance of these chattered ships call and boisted it at the mast-head the readers of the Hongkong Telegraph must be well aware that it is a labour of

brigade would have been on the scene in no ordinary magnitude to wade through

rather less than no time. But because a the mass of verbosity in which

signal common to all nations was displayed, nouncements are made. Not only that,

the brigade slumbered, unconscious that but the phraseology is frequently so involved

their services would be required. They and archaic that it is actually misleading.

searched the International Code in the end, We have repeatedly quoted instances where

and found that the signal on the Doric pro the writers in the Gazette made statements

claimed the ship was on fire. As it turned which they actually did not mean and had

out, the fire was not a very serious one, finally to retract. And this is the instru-

although it took three hours' labour to ment by which the Chinese are to learn what

extinguish it, while eight leet of water had to be pumped into the hold, but, of course, that is not the question. It is the first half hour which usually determines the magnitude of an outbreak, and if that precious time is lost the result may be disastrous. The water fire brigade should be acquainted not merely with the local shipping call, but should also understand the meaning of the International Code Bags. As one of the greatest shipping ports in the world, there must be a vast number of vessels passing through Hongkong whose officers never heard of the specially designed local fire-call, but that is no reason why o ship should be burned to the water's edge through delay on the part of the brigade, It is to be hoped that the accident on the Doric will act as a warning to those whose duty it is to safeguard the shipping in the harbour, and if that result is achieved the fire which occurred yesterday on the Pacific liner is not altogether to be deplored.

an.

the Government intends to do, and what's what!

utmost respect, but it requires a very keen eye to discern its actual usefulness--except as a book of reference for future generations.

A MATTER OF CONVENTION.

APREALS.

44

FAR EASTERN FLEETS.

The Far East seems to be losing its re- (19th June.)

putation as the possible arbiter of inter- Under the terms of a new Order in Coun-national relations. At one time Great cil certain changes have been made affecting Britain was represented by a fleet which the British population of Siam, and among worthily upheld the dignity of the "Mistress these alterations is one which leads to the of the Sea," but when japan proved her general consideration of a matter which superiority over the Russians and sank the affects alt living in the Far East. It is laid Baltic fleet, and when an Anglo-Japanese down that in future appeals from the British treaty had been ratified whereby the United Judge in Bangkok shall be heard by a Full Kingdom guaranteed to assist Japan in all Court consisting of the Judge and his as offensive and defensive measures in return sistant. Formerly appeals went to Singapore for similar, the battleships of the British and were tried before two judges in the feet were withdrawn from the Far East, and As a rule a Bluebook is Straits Settlements. The advantage of this Lo-day we have only an emasculated edition generally more interesting than the Govern procedure was that the case came before the of the array of men-of-war which formerly iment Gatelfe, which occupies such a high Appeal Court for the first time; that is to rode is Hongkong harbour. Not only that, place in the minds of the officials. say, neither of the judges had previously con- but there are grounds for believing that the The Gazette is mainly valuable as a pigeonsidered the arguments of counsel, and neither best type of cruisers is to be withdrawn from hole where matters of public concern may was influenced by extraneous matters. The the Far East and their place taken by a he filed and forgotten, but as a medium of system by which a judge against whose class of vessels whose performances have communication with the general public it is decision an appeal is made should sit on the been far from satisfactory. In tonnage and absolutely useless. Where the Chinese bench and hear the arguments against the appearance these cruiser substitutes may be community is concerned it should be a stand- ing rule that personal notification should be judgment he has previously given is abrious all that could be desired, but they have not ly unsatisfactory. It is not suggested for a satisfied the requirements of the Admiralty, made of the Government's intentions, so that moment that any judge would hesitate to and consequently they have been relegated mone should be in a position to say they con- stultify his first opinion by reversing his own for service in China waters. Such, at any travened the law in ignorance. As a bul- decision on appeal, but human nature is rate, is the effect of the statements which wark of the State and an insitution of the frail, and the most impartial mind is liable have been appearing in home papers. Now it Crown the Gascite must he viewed with the

tube biassed. An irritating witness, a hesi would seem that France is also disinclined to tating defendant, a hectoring counsel or any maintain a first class dect in the Far East. of the thousand and one trifles which annoy Whether this is the result of the entente mankind may have the effect of giving a cer cordicfe, or whether it is due to other con. tain trend to the mind of the judge, and these siderations which do not appear, France unconscious arbiters of fate may recur has decided to recall all her first-class cruisers to memory when the appeal comes before now in Indo-China and send out second. the Court. How advantageous was the rate substitutes. The cruisers of valeur An article which is singularly apropos at principal of sending cases on appeal from superare in the Far East will proceed to the present time, when the sweltering heat Bangkok to Singapore was evidenced in a the Mediterranean station, which is of more of summer is at hand, appears in a recent cause célèbre which moved Bangkok to its importance than the Far Eastern ́base. ItThe fact that France should deplete her issue of the Rangoon Gazette on the subject very foundations some two years ago.

was a case in which a prominent resident flect in these waters is the more extraordin of tropical clothing, the author being Dr. T. F. Pedley, a well-known practitioner in the. was accused of complicity with some Burary, in view of the clamour that lately arose chief port of Burma. Dr. Pedley is excced- mans in disposing of jewellery which had over the possibility of a descent by Japan been stolen. The accused -person was on Indo-China. The Press of the French ingly severe on that class of people who prefer to don the garb of a colder climate to

convicted on some minor count and released dependency was full of the Japanese menace, that which is best suited to the tropics. He pending the heating of the appeal. Now it and the admirals and generals in the reigh is questionable if any judge or jury in a bouring Colony were hastened from point to maintains that the wearing of thick, dark- coloured clothing is physiologically wrong place like Bangkok where everyone knows point to examine the defences and suggest and injurious to health. A few years ago it the affairs of everybody else could listen to new fortifications to guard against the Japan was the general custom to wear while clothes, the evidence with an open mind. The sub-ese invasion. While the scare lasted the but convention, and perhaps snobbishness, ject had been discussed backwards and for- naval and military services in Indo China decreed that the most comfortable apparel wards for days and months, and what people had an unusually busy time, and although for the East was infra dig,, with the result did not know they conjectured, and ultimate-Japan prótested that she had no intention that the most suitable dress for a tropically came to believe that their conjectures of quarrelling with France and had no de- climate was declared Taboo, and, in Ran- were proved facts. A change of venue was goon at least, people are now suffering all eminently desirable and that change was ob the pangs of the nether regions in the attained on appeal. In Singapore nobody had tempt to conform with fashion. The Doctor heard of the jewel robbery which was the remarks that "men who would wear boat sole topic of conversation in Bangkok, and

costume in Mark Lane at 75° F. in the the Court came to the question with mindste first-class cruisers from service in the shade, here dress in black when it is 95° F. free from any preconceived notions, unaffect and notwithstanding the fact that our skined by local conditions, unaware of local does much of the work of our kidneys, we gossip and speculations, and unbiassed or dress in black, unwashable garments even rather unhampered by any previous decision ing after evening, the year through." Of on the matter. The conviction was quashed,tic weakening of the fleet in this part of the course, we are all perfectly well aware if we remember rightly, and there was an that to attempt to masquerade as Esqui- and of the nine-days chatter. Such pro maux when the thermometer has risen cedure will not be possible now under the above the nineties is the height of folly, but new Order in Council. The judge who hat the difficulty is to display that fortitude and already beard the evidence and arguments disregard of fashion which is involved in of counsel, and who has given his decision, the adoption of sensible babits, particularly will sit along with a colleague and review in the matter of attire. The noteworthy fact his own judgment; The same system ob

(18th June.)

is that the only offenders against comfort wins to Hongkong and we would submit and health are Britons. Those who come that it is entirely unsatisfactory to all con from Continental countries, unless they have 'cerned. The appellant is by no means

signs on Indo-China the energy and bustle continued. New interests arose, however, and gradually excitement died away. Recently a new Parliament was elected in France, and it is just possible that the withdrawal of East is the outcome of some new econo- mical policy on the part of the French Covernment. It is scarcely likely that M. elletan would have willingly consented to world; rather the reverse, in fact, for no scheme of increased efficiency would have been condemned by him. The announce ment that the best cruisers of the French Navy in the East were to be withdrawn came a thunderclap to nur contemporanes in Indo-China. They waxed sarcastic over the morance of people in France, concerning the needs of their colonies; they spoke of la manière metropolitaine de defendre dindo-Ching" and they hunted for biting

THE HONGKUNG:BANGKOK LINE.

as forming the thin end of the wedge. At any rate, they have lost no time in making their views on the subject of Japanese com- petition apparent, and it will be interesting to watch the development of events. It may be in the recollection of readem that a fee years ago there was a short and sharp struggle for supremacy in the Hongkong Bangkok trade, in which one of the con- testants was the influential Norddeutscher The fares for Chidese coolies Lloyd dwindled from $8 or $10 to 85, then to $3, afterwards to $1, and finally the coolies were shipped to and from Bangkok free of charge, and they were also provided with their rice and condiments at the expense of the competing lines. It is sufficient to add that the Norddeutscher Lloyd is still supreme in Bangkok.

THE ATTACK UN BUROPEANS. (aist June.)

Europeans were Tungao, where two assaulted by Chinese pirates, as record. ed in a telegram from our own Carrés-- pondent at Amoy on Tuesday, lies in the centre of a district which is subject to period. ical piratical, outrages. From time to time reports come to hand regarding the unruly character of the natives on the outskirts of Amoy, and occasionally we learn that a European has been assaulted, but no reason is ever forthcoming to indicate that the pre- judices of the people have been violated in any way to warrant the attack. It is usually attri buted to wanton lawlessness pure and simple. The attack made on Dr. Horne When we announced some weeks ago that and Mr. Forbes Eadie is significant as the Nippon Yusen Kaisha intended to inau- showing how unsculed is the country in gurate a new line of steamers between Hong- the vicinity of Amoy. The village or city of kong and Bangkok ta' Swatow we were Tungan is situated about 25 miles north of explicitly given to understand that negotia Amey, or a day's journey by land' from the tions were proceeding between the Japanesetrealy port. It is some five miles from the Company and the Norddeutscher Lloyd with coast, so that it cannot be said Tungan is the object of arriving at an amicable arrange isolated from the world. On the contrary, ment on the subject of passenger fares and residents of Amoy have occasion to make freight tariffs. At that time the negotiations frequent visits to the northern settlement, had not ripened to a conclusion, but there was because an extensive business is carried on every reason to believe that a rate war was in the cultivation and, exportation of tea. in the highest degree.improbable. Indeed, In the present case it may be taken for grant the manager of the Nippon Yusen Kaista ed that neither Dr. Horne nor Mr. Eadie in Hengkong ridiculed the idea that any offered the slightest excuse for the assault thing in the nature of cut-throat competition made upon them by the piratical gang, at was likely to take place, for the simple Tungart. They are both men of experi- reason that the traffic on the Hongkong ence whose whole object is to remain on Bangkok route was of sufficient volume to friendly terms with the Chlaese, and it is suit all parties. It has to be remembered, inconceivable that they should have so far however, that the Norddeutscher Lloyd bas forgotten their own interests as to ruffle the held a virtual monopoly of the trade between feelings of the Tunganites. According to the this port and Bangkok for many years. They telegram which we received yesterday after- have established a reputation for reliability noon the attack on the two. Europeans was and regularity, and they have also fostered a entirely unprovoked and that only confirms trade which was supposed to be languishing the first view we took of the occurrence. It for lack of an adequate service: It was hardly is a well-known fact that the rivers in the to be expected that they would meekly vicinity of the coast ports aro. infested by acquiesce in the appearance of a rival,pirates and blackguards of every description and if Bangkok reports are to be reliedwho prey on the law-abiding section of the upon the Norddeutscher Lloyd refuses to community. Most of these gangs are led be bound by any arrangement which may by outlaws who, having rendered themselves be suggested by the interloping Japanese amenable to law for other crimes, have be line. The Nippon Yusen Kaisha opened taken themselves to the fringes of civilisation the new service with two chartered vessels there to levy perpetual toll on hapless the Childar and the Prometheus. Obviously husbandmen and terror-stricken traveller. no scamship company would dream of The gangs are composed of men who prefer » entering into serious competition with a life of case, which it occasionally enlivened