1906-07-21 — Page 12

205:

THE

SAINAM

PIRACY:

COMPLETE NARRATIVE.

DKS, BELL'S AND KOCH'S SUCCESSFUL OPERATION,

THE HONGKONG teleGRAPH SATURDAY, JULY 21 1906.

DETAILS OF THE OUTRAGE. It would have been obviously, inconsiderate and injudicious, in the condition of Captain Joslin on arrival, to submit to him questions relating to the savage assault on big vessel, in in the nature of a Press interview. In the circam- stances it was absolutely unnecessary since a complete narrative of the occurrence was re- lated by him to the Captain and Officers of the Kirhan on the Journey to Hongkong! From them our representative was very kindly placed in possession of the following facts:

Foth inst. Since the Metragedy on the high seas on

The Suinam trades between Canton and the 10th December, 1890, pirites have continu- ed to become the scourge of peaceful iraders Wuchow. On Friday (13th inst) with cargo and travellers on the bern coast of China. and passengers on board she felt Kaukong, on the West River, at 6.45 pm, to proceed to The recurrence of organised piratical, raids har

Samshpi. All went well for half-an-hour or so invested with a feel ng of uncertainty and risk the operations al trárial hiver-tonts whose con from the commencement of the journey. At struction and equipment involve no inconsider about a

the Rev. Dr. R. J. J. Mac able sams of money to the enterprise of their Captain Joslin, past seven in the evening, That is peculiarly donald, M.D. of the Wesleyan Missionary builders and owners. hondo when it is considered that it is Society, and Mr. J.Seggie, chief engineer, ware specifically declined by underwriters in contading outside the saloon door, after diener, nectan with cargo and passenger vessels trad gathered in pleasant conversation. ing on the Capion and est River deltus.

That the risk alludes to is not an imaginary but a very sal one is established by the full and ye pecerardy incomplete record of piracies which have decorted in the waters of those deltas. Within as many as six months no less than a like number of reported raids on vessels trading between the riverine pens bas been carried to each - bold in its conception and as cotiplerely sunce slut, in its execution. No locality is unpossible: a distance to close No flag is to the called guards afat respected. Ndscrinusation is sade between tim's A Bruk motor native and fortiga

INDIAN GUARD ATTACKED.

•

only some fifteen dollars' worth of small money lying about which the robbers appropriated. From the Captain's cabin come papers of no value were removed. Capt. Joslin had for tunately par away his money in a plain little wooden box of inconsequent appearance. This the pirates did not imagine. was worth their while to carry away, and so left the box where it stood. The Captain subsequently recovered and had bis little treasure chest with him on board the Kinskan yesterday, tuming it over to Capt. Lossius's tale keeping as he was te- moved to hospital last night,

THE CHINESE PASSENGERS fared badly at the hands of the looters. Al their trunks and packages were forced open indiscriminately, and those of the passengers who remonstrated were viciously assaulted, being sent to hospital at Canton for treatment, The exact extent of the native passengers' many being so seriously injured as to require

losses will never be ascertained.

A PITIABLE SIGHT.

he Samam, presented a pitiable sight of wreckage and débris—in the shape of smashed While so engaged, they observed what apdoors, splints of woods, a profusion of broken peared to be the first symptoms of a slight windows, and bullet-riddled panele

after the whole hour she was held in the ruth. disturbance among the Chinese passengers- sume of whom were in reality pirates in dis less inercy of the plunderers.

THE PIRATES' ESCAPE. quise. An Indian guard was seen to lead one of the ringleaders by the queue, with the The plan of operations must have undoubted. ostensible purpose of taking him before the ly been laid by a professional hand, trained by captain. In doing so the watchman was noticed

practical

experience and unded by a number of confederates no less skilful in the pursuit of to try to reach his revolver on the side of his belt. Perceiving the purport of the Indian's the nefarious traffic which has terrorised tra attitude, the man was at ance overpowervellers and traders in this particular district. by some Chinese and knocked down. Whew For nosoner was the extensive looting com- 11003

pleted than the gang-variously estimated at the three Europeans led by Ca

between 70 nd 150 men-systematically trans- Justin rashed to the watchman's assistance,

ferrell all the r booty into five large janks that without, however, taking the previous precau

were awaiting the spoil in the vicinity. Thecrews tion of providing themselves with any weapons.

af these junks are aid to have been all naked, This was explained in their belief that the

bat had taken the previous precantion of having attack was Waly a case of common assault.

their bodies painted in different coloured dyes as all the insie effectually to complete their disguise. The booty carried away, however, whereof it is trusted a clue might be established the murderous gang who, so far, escaped scathe. leading to the capture of a few, at any rate, of less with not much as a single member injured in the affray.

and four Indian watchmen (ship's guard) were also badly injured.

The whole ship was plundered, doom broken open, trunks and furniture smashed. The ship presents a horrible spectacle After completing their dastardly work the pirates dropped an chor, and left the ship by Chinese Junks that were awaiting them. The crews of these junke were entirely naked and painted in fantastic colour.

H.M. Runboat. Monrken, stationed at Sam- shui, left at once for the scene of the robbery. Commissioner of Customs at Samshui, von Lindholm, at once wired details of the atrocity to H. E. the Viceroy and the Commisinger of Customs at Canton, and sent to-day, by first train a deputy to communicate with the author ities.

At once upon receiving the news of the out rage Mr. von Lindholm sent word to the Chinese Admiral lo Samahni, who considered bis full duty done by sending a. Mandarin of lower degree to investigate the matter.

The Sainam is expected to arrive here al noon to-day, carrying the remains of Dr. Mac donaid.

Dr. Macdonald leaves a widow who resides At Wuchow, where the deceased was for years one of the most respected and popular residents, The funeral of the late Rev. Macdonald, M.D., will take place this afternoon about 2.

A faunch will leave the French Steps at about that time. _

[The foregoing narrative was issued in a spe- cial edition of the Hongkong Telegraph at six o'clock Soday evening.-Ed., ?!,KT] CAPTAIN SUIN PROGRESSING FAVOURABLY, From inquiries made at the Government Civil Hospital at 3 o'clock this afternoon, we learn that Captain Joslin is progressing in the most favourable manner. He was enjoying the breezes on the balcony of the Hospital and spending the passing hours in the most are

There is no doubt that the Cap- tain will make a speedy recovery from the

on the Sainam.

Grat

squatted on the upper deck of the Hankow; were absolutely quiescent, and one of them was even able to smile when questioned as to his injuries. But perhaps it was the reaction that sot in last night, after the

were visible. He seemed to be looking into vacancy; at least, he had no interest in what was passing around him.

Captain Clarke, secretary of the Hongkong, Canton and Macao Steamboat Co, was the

up

the gangway when the Wastow had besc

moored. He received packets from Can-excitement of the previous three days. ton and at once proceeded to examine the condition of the Indians. But little could be got hom them they were tongue-tled and could of only appear miserable. On the instructions Captain Clarke, the men were removed to the Government Civil Hospital in chairs. They do not seem to have been dangerously wound. od, although there can be no doubt they had suffered greatly at the hands of the pirates

The fourth Isdian, who was very seriously injured, has been detained at the hospital in Canton.

MOTIVE OF THE 'URIME.

PIRATES: WHOSE M1891ON. FAILED.

17th inst.

**BRITAIN, MISTRESS OF "THE SEA?"

passenger brat was leated wain basling, das

Samsta Thies native junks were tance simultaneousy held up riding at anchor in Sam-ko when

the Rev. Dr. C. R. Hager (an unelican subject) was half stripped and robbed of all his belongings. A native junk was ransacked of its valuable cargo with: in the terracral waters of the Portugues Taipa, near Malag

La The Standard Oil Com pany's launch coverAmerican) was boarded twenty or mure fiends who'viciously attempted inay yet prave their very undoing, by means effects of the wound he received in the affray Naturally, it is very difficult to get informa. I hours, he'd darned soon give the pirates their

able fashion. off

and robbed of all invaring, and Amunition in broad daylight within sight of the Chinese forta: Whaupa, The Chun-kong was twice victimised on the West River, and the latest of all these numerous and unavenged outrages was first reported" in the Colony by the Hongkong Telegraph on Saturday. Thanks to the special arrangement with our newly-started and enter. prising Cantos contemporary-the Daily News this journal was able to disseminate the news in the Colony within a couple of hosis of the facts being officially reported in Canton. This latest occurrence is attended by circumstances which render the outrage far mor serious than any

of its

its predecessors. The Sales-the vessel involved-beloage to the triple combination represented by the Hongkong Cinton & Macao Steamboat Co., Ld., the Chiu Navigation Co., 1.-, and the Lodos China S. N. 4, 1d. She is the British flags she is commanded and officered by Britishors; and she carries special guards of four Indian wacher who are ex-soldiers in His Majesty's me, gud who, on signing the ship's articles, are legistered at the 3sh

Consulate Gener at Canton the other day.

Ohr telegraphic news on Saturday was, bl necessity, incomplete in all its details, and so, full particulars of this sad and unfortunate affair were awaited with considerable anxiety in Hongkong

"After we had gone to -press-on-Saturday- a second telegram searhed us from Canton which

·read :-

"Cadion, 14th July, 2.30 p.m. "Captain Joslin.comes Hongkong this after

noon,"

ARRIVAL OF THE KINSHAN."

On this information a representative of the Telegraph was detailed to await the arrival of the 5.5. Kish on Saturday night He arrived at the wharf at to p.m. It was evideng that all that forethought could devise o render immediate medical aid if necessary) to Captain Joulin, who was reported to be seriously wounded had been carefully thought sat. Avered-in, wheeled ambulance was in padiness with four beaters from the Government Civil Hospital Dr. G. M. Harston was the medical officer in attendance, there beink, aten on the wharf Captain W. E. Clarke, Acting Secretary of the Hongkong, Canion & Margo Sira, bớng Co., Ld., Mr. John Arnold, another officer of the Com pany; Captain R. Innes, inarine superintendent, Captain B. Branch, West River superintenden (Messrs. Butterfield & Swire); and a few cavi lians who, probably, prompted by natural anxiety to ascertain Capt Josha's condition, had proceeded the wharf to leach the earliest intelligence personally.

in

EUROPEANS MURDEROUSLY CHARGED. When the Europeaña got near, a concerted mordeinus charge was made by a gang of to reach the doctor and the ship's officers with swords, one ruffian meanwhile firing a shot from a rifle at Capt. Joslin, which lodged a hullet under his right breast bone, penetrating to the back.

It at once dawned upon the three men that' they were face to face with desperadoes such as the locality has a notoriety far, and a desperate hand-to-hand encounter would have to be inught to the death. With wonderful presence of mind the three ran to the wheel house for the shir's arms; they were closely pursued by the murderous gang. Before the officers had time to get the rifles out of the stand, they were forced to seek an exit by the apposite iner of the wheel house. No sooner had they emerged from this exit than a abp quite as numerous as the first, and armed with rifles and swords, charged from the opposite direction. Meanwhile the pirates were reinfanced by their confederates. See ng the overwhelming odds against them, the Europeans turned to the saloon, where they hoped to find shelter. Engineer Seggie was the last to get into the saloost, and promptly

second

closed the door behind him.

1 AM WOUNDED!"

All this time Capt. Joslin was unconscious that he had been wounded by the first rifle shot from the pirates. Aar as blood now began to how from the wound, and he felt his coat wel on his skin, be turned round to Dr. Mac The donald, saying, I am wounded!" doctor's first thought was to render immediate aid to his injured companion, and proceeded to open the (aptain's coat to ascertain the extent of his injuries.

་

DR. MACHONALD SKOT

While he was so engaged a stinkpot, was thrown into the saloon, dispersing the men there. Capt. Joslin and the doctor rushed out no the starboard (or port side of the ship-it has not been clearly established),

35

1005

as, they were outside the saloon, Dr. Macdonald exclaimed to the Chi nese, in the vernacular tongue, in which he was quite proficient, “Um hal Um ho!" ("Don't, don't. Before he could utter another word the thirst for blood so goaded the vile feads on that one man deliberately drew out his re- volver and, pointing at Dr. Macdonald, blew his hairs out.

THE PIRATES' FIENDISH N135.

4

THE PIRATES' DeparturE.

In less than no time the piratical fleet was out of sight. When all danger was thought to he over the pilot assumed charge of the Saf new and promptly cleared her. The native fireman at the same time went up to Seggie in is retreat as the messenger of the joyfuldings that "Alla makes go" meaning that the pirates He also told his chief thai had departed.

Captain belong dead," so completely sucess. fui was Joslin's ruse. Seggie got out of his hiding place almost immediately, and made straight for the captaie in Dr. Macdonald's cabin. Capt. Joshin recognised his fellow- he stepped and in no- afficer as soon as

"Is that you, altering tones inquired":" Seggie." On being assured that he was no other, the juy was mutual, that both survived the dreadful ordeal of the evening. The chief engineer's injuries, though severe, were due to burns from the primitive Chinese infernal inachine and the scalds from contact with

the bot boilers...

JUSLIN ON DECK.

Qapi Joslin, with assistance, was taken up on the top deck, and there be remained in a chair at his post till Samshui was reached..

GUARD OF BLUEJACKETS ABOARIV

At Samshui an official import of the occur reuce was made. The fourdes (Britisk river gunboat) which was in port sent a guard of bluejackets on board the Sainim. Capt. Joshu was then attended to by the doctor of the

Moorhen. First aid having been entered bim, the Saixam proceeded with all speed to Canton reaching that part at 1.30 p.m, on Satur. day (14th inst.).

AT CANTON,

The Chinese officials and the British and

foreign Consular authorities had had communi cated to them by wire from Samshus the main outlines of the tragedy, and so on ilie arrival of the Safmum at Canton the principal officials promptly boarded the vessel, on a preliminary visit of investigation. Tantsi Wen Tsung-yac appeared on behalf of the Viceroy.

The injured Chinese passengers were all re- moved to the Canton Hospital and Captain Joslin's wound was dressed by Dr. Davenport,

THE LATE DR. MACDONALD

Resistance against such frightful numerical ouds, armed as they were cap-a-ple, was com

Just before the Kishan lelt Castor for pletely hopeless, and Capt Joshin, practically incapacitated. fruin further fight by his serious tongkong on Saurday, the remains of the late wound, bethought himself of Dr. Macdonald's Rev. Dr. Macdonald were being put into a coffin. In a special despatch received from our cabin to escape slaughter at the hands of the nganised band A. he reached the cabin lisanton, correspondeni yestday he wrote: dropped on the four throu exhaustion and "The remains of the late Dr. Macdonald will to of blood prutusely streaming from his Le sealed in an tight coffin and taken to wound. Even here and in the helpless condi- Wuchow." tion that he was in, the pirates, beal on doing han to death, followed him. The murderers started kicking Capt. Joslin as he lay on the floor, and mercilessly knocked him about. His presence of and did not fail him even at his critical juncture, and Capt. Joslin feigned death. He wore a gold ring on his finger, before the pirates departed, they cruelly ch wrenched off, teating his skin and a portion of his flesh as they did so. They then left him far dead on the floor, giving a contemptuous parting kick on his prostrate body as they turn ed away.

To complete the narrative it should be men. unned that before the pirates left the Sainam they piled some lothes in a heap and set fire to it, with the idea, no doubt, of burning the hip and so extinguishing every trace of their infamous dred. The fire failed to increase, however, and they failed in their last diabolical conception. For had the ship caught fire there could have been no kanwing 10 what ember e dreadful casualty list might have reached.

3. p.m.

CAPTAIN JOSLIN ABOARD, The sis, hinahon entered the labour on the stroke of ten o'clock and drew alongside her wharf at 10.10 p., making fast within a couple of minutes later. As soon as the gangway was hoisted up Capt. Clarke was the first to step Hasion across to the ship, followed by Dr. and the other Europeans, including the Tales graph's representative. The groupe arched the weather deck of the file Kinshun, and here Captain Joslin had been

single accommodated in an easy chair on the journey down from Canton. Captan 1.1. Losius, of the Kinsan, standing by lus wounded called

On an appointment being arranged yester gue, received the chief of the Steamboat Co.

day morning a representative of this paper and the surgeon allending. Cptain Joslin,

THE GUARDS HORS DE COMBAT.

called at the Government Civil Hospital who is a comparatively young man, is pussers-

Before the struggle proceeded between the shortly before three o'clock to interview ed of splendid physique and a constitution far above that of an ordinarily strang man. He pitates and the Europeans, the ruffians made the captain of the Safnam, On arrival at the was reclining in the chair, dressed in loose sure of overpowering all the four Indian guards institution he was told to go to the first floor he world find the Captain, night garments and his chest exposed. A light who, as already stated, were the first objects of and, in Ward No. 5, he wor

On his way to Ward 5 he met a Mister and, an white bandage girthed his frame immediately attack. By sheer force nt numbers the Indiana

were ultimately placed Aprs de combat, not be informing her of his mission, he was told below the lungs, and under the right breast

fore, however, showing a plucky fight in the want, while she hustled off in the other end of bone is located the wound through which the

with a revolver bullet penetrated But for his reclin.stubborn resistance, they made against such the verandal and engaged in conversation erect in a long A gentleman, ad those men been armed with odds ing posture, it was impossible la detect from hig

cutlasses, instead of a six-chamber revolver, chair, and who, our representative was later his cheerful and robust appearance that Captain

which is a defensive weapon of restricted uti-informed, was the captain of the Sainam. Joslin was suffering from the brutal attack, and

She returned in somewhat of a hurry and lite at short range, the issue of the fight might bint the serious

O cruelly inflicted injury He conversed with Captain Clarke and replied have given results far more satjalactory than said that she was afraid the captain could not then be interviewed. "The captain is not at the complete victory and mastery of the situa in a perfectly cohe to Dr. Harston's, inquiries:

tion gained by the depredators in the present present in a fit condition to talk," she cos rent manner. After the surgeon load ascertained

tinued. "le has just had as operation per bis patient's condition the sunbulance was

formed and the bullet extracted, besides he is ordered on board, and, as ro.30 p.m, Captain

"Then under the circumstances the Joslin was removed to the Government Civil

in pain," Hospital, where h he is under treatment.

interview is off." You might call to-morrow when I think he will be in a condition to After a short convertation, in which the had great difficulty in lying down, but could sit erect, our reporter took his departure, pro- pluck

"CANTON DAILY NEWS" APPORT. Our promising new contemporary at Canton, the Canton Daily News, issued the following Express on Saturday (14th July)

Yesterday, at 7 pm, while so miles below Samahui, the .. Satnam was plundered by river pirates

t

On

instance,

CHINESE FIREMAN'S GALLANTRY.

If the connecting links in the chain of this narrative present sad reading, one feature of the tragedy is not unworthy of special

Dr. C. R. Hager was a passenger on the .. Kishan last night, and stated that he was nate and comment in particular reference

on deck with Captain faslin, during the trip to the damaging assertions

and was astonished at his power of endurance

o often ap

"Beak"

who

ANOTHER ACCOUNT,

[From Our Own Correspondent.]

Canton, 14th July.

The steamer Jainam which left Canton on the morning of the 13th for Wuchow was pro-; ceeding as usual on her regular voyage when the passengers were suddenly attacked by pirates nent the village of Samshui. The only foreign passenger aboard was Dr. R. J. Macdonald of Wuchow, who for 17 years has been a missionary under the Wesleyon Mission at that place. The remaining foreigners were Cap. Joslin and the engineer. It seems. the pirates had taken passage at Canton, Yeung K and various other villages between Canton and the place of attack. About 7.15 last, evening, after the evening repast, the pirates simultane- qusly attacked the Chinese and the three Eng lishmen, 1r. Macdonald was instantly killed, being shot in the forehead in the dining saloon where the doctor fell, the wreck of the furni- ture showed a hard struggle. Capt. Joslin was wounded in the chest and abdomen, and, being seriously injured, feigned death and was kicked and knocked about mercilessly; but owing to this ruse he was let alone and owes his life to great presence of mind..

The entire ship was looted from stem to

The engineer took to the engine-room and crawled under the boilers where only one man at a time could attack him, and, cowardly, fearing such adds, left him unmolested. stern, the money from the purser's office and all valuables, wherever found, were promptly seized. The steamer's cabin doors, windows, and furniture were smashed and splintered, as though she had been attacked by a gunbost with shells at short range.

The vessel is strewn with broken glass, splints of wood, door frames, and every bort

of debris,

A number of Chinese passengers were se

tiously injured and were taken at once to the Canton Hospital on the arrival of the steamer

at this port

The remains of Dr. Macdonald arrived here this afternoon (July 14th) on the ill-fated steamer which returned to Canton instead of proceeding on its journey.

The doctor will be interred here this after coon, by the members of the Wesleyan Mission residing in Canton, Dr. Macdonald is a veteran missionary; has had an honoured service in Wuchow, being held in high esteem by the foreign community there, being the Customs physician, by the missionary body, and by all who knew him in this city and Hongkong, not only an account of his professional attain ments, but for bis great culture and learning, to ether with his most earnest devotion to help the Chinese. Dr. Macdonald leaves a widow and two children.

The pirates, to the number of 150, alter.col. lecting the inating, were met by five large cargo boats which have alongside the steamer, and thus marie off. Not one was captured, The English gunboa! Moorhen has gone to the scene of trouble. The Chinese officials met the Satnam at the port and a full investigation is being made through the Chinese on board at the time.

A steamer of this size has not been attacked on these rivers for a long time and a thorough search for the pirates will doubiless be made by the authorities.

Later.

The remains of Dr Macdu.ald will be sealed in an air-tight coffin and taken to Wuchow.

INJURED INDIAN GUARDS.

ARRIVAL IN HONGKONG TO-DAY.

A MASS OF BANDAGES AND MISERY,

ΠΟΙ

|

10

THE VICTIME IN HOSPITAL Inquiries were made at the Government Civil Hospital to-day regarding the condi tion of those who were wounded in the Sainam píra ty. We were courteously in formed that all the victims are getting on as favourably as could be expected. Captain Joslin was sitting out on the verandah” this afternoon, enjoying a rest after the exciting experience he had last Friday. He is well on the way towards recovery, a fact that may in great measure be due to his stalwart frame and healthy condition, combined with hir optimistic and cheery disposition. The Indians were stated to be in the same condi- By far the most interesting developmenttion as they were on arrival yesterday after- of the Sainam piracy is contained in the noon. It was hardly to be expected, how- statement which a Canton correspondent ever, that there would be much change in makes to-day, to the effect that the pirates them in the short space of 24 hours. were not after aloney as has been suggested, but were seeking to obtain possession of a large quantity of arms and ammunition which was being sent by the Chinese Gov- ernment, per the Sainam, to be distributed TO THE EDITON, OF THE "Hongkong Telegraph” to Government troops in the interior. Ac- Dear Sir, Since the publication of the sen cording to the writer, the information of the sational news concerning the Safnam piracy case, bundreds of Britishers have felt inclined pirates that arms and ammunition were to

to put a ? after Britain's hard-earned title: be put board, was perfectly correct. How

"Mistress of the Sea," and, furthermore, are they obtained it is a mystery but their in- asking themselves the question: "Is the Bri

iu. the formants were certainly trustworthy agents.tish Lion's tail no longer sensitive?" The point to be cleared up is whether the light of recent events one can hardly blame ans and ammunition were actually on them for thus taking leave of their senses, board. Our correspondent says they were,

neither can one laugh ironically at the man who vehemently declares that if the authorities and that the pirates got what they wanted.

would but lend him the Moorhen for, a taw tion on the point, either corroborative of the gruelli is by an' means pleasing to think absolutely story or the contrary. It is beyond doubt, that at a time when prompt action however, that if the shipment was necessary, these who should be up and doing actually made the Chinese authorities had their duty are tied hand and foot with coils of the intention of dispatching such warlike red tape, and are commanded to hold their souls Mandarin of low degres material into the interior for the purpose, we

In patience until is superseded by another with a more valuable are led to understand, of suppressing the handle to his name. Such shilly-shally busi- activity of certain malcontents.

ness is warranted'io exasperate an angel, and A PIRACY FRUSTRATED., "

tempts the sober-minded journalists to dip their pens in vitriol. The British Admirals An exceedingly interesting narrative has

who patrolled the coast of Southern China as the result of the_Sainam thirty or forty years ago were not accustomed leaked out

to hang upon the word of a Mandaria; on the affair. About a month ago, the com mander of the steamer Sani-Captain other hand, they hustled and bustling inspired Black-which is engaged in the same trade, the piratical bands with a wholesome dread of had a curious experience. The compradore the "Foreign Devil." with the result that, in a others of that ilk tank to oyeler culture in. of the vessel in going his rounds. had his hot space of time. Cantonese pirates and preference to a trade which had suddenly suspicions aroused by the "disreputable ap pearance to two evil-looking, blackguardly grown distinctly precarions, Britons would Chinamen. He made inquiries and found like to see the living images of such strenuoue that they had come on board without any naval men in command of the China Seas to whistle loud and long for them. Our naval tickets. The perspicacious compradore luggage whatsoever, and without passage

brave fellows, ready to go anywhere and do any called the Indian guards, who promptly led officers and men of the present time are all the men into the presence of Captain Black. thing to protect their kith and kio, but they They were cross-examined to no purpose. cannot take the law into their own hands at Then they were searched, when it was found formerly, he fantastic code of official etiquette that each was armed with a loaded revolver. of the XXth century demands that the officer in comamn i shall, before taking action in any They were at once put in irons, locked up'

laced flunkey who with " "bit of pasteboard on in a cabin and an armed sentry was placed matter whatsoever, await the advent of a gold- outside in order to frustrate any attempt to

silver salver, shall. present the same to the On arriving at Samahui the dis-officer in command with be observation : escape.

carrd." covery was reported to the Customs officials Sir, here are yer ordhers and here's me car

Now this kind of gloved-hand policy makes at that port, and the men were handed into

Britain look ridiculous in the eyes of other the custody of the Customs authorities. Inquiries were instituted and the prisoners nations, and converts the symbol of Britain's a sickly rampant, into Abortion wit, porcelain-filled teeth, rubber. clad claws, and a tail-wrapped in cotton wool. advanced the excuse for being armed that greatness, the lion they were soldiers of the provincial author- ities. Although their south and unkempt To change all this, and who shall say a change is not needed i respectfully suggest the in- aspect belied the truth of the assertion they evidence to the contrary. It is still believed on board all steamers trading on the Chias had to be discharged for want of definite stallation of the Marconi system of telegraphy coast. A competent official should be placed were members of a pirate gang who in charge with a rict orders not to leave his post until the vessel reaches her destination. Should by Captain Black, however, that these men were only waiting their opportunity to raid

anything suspicious occur on board, or would. the steamer, and would have done so had it

be pitates prove obstreperous, the official not been for the astuteness and quick-in question could immediately communicate witted instincts of the compradore. In with the nearest gunboat, and thus secure shipping circles from which we have gathered prompt and adequate relief. By establish the above absolutely authentic information ing Marcin stations on land, and, in the the matter has been warmly discussed, and eighbourhood of those secluded coves and so much in favour with pirates, much bayi

of many are of the clear opinion that these two may be done to bring about the abolition men were members of the gang which was piracy in Chinese waters. I do not know responsible for the outrage on the Safnam whether such a scheme be practical, but I give the other day, and helped to plan the das the idea for what it may be worth, if the let them tardly attack which resulted in the death of authorities think it feasible, then

hasten to put it to the test, and give trembling Dr. Macdonald.

Britons, twelve months hence, a chance to exclaim with gride, when they hear the ward Piracy" mentioned, "Thank God. We have changed all that!"-Yours faithfully,

ATTITUDE OF THE GOVERNMENT.

Comment is being freely made on the lukewarmness of the Hongkong Govern- ment over the Sainam affair. Shipping-peo. ple hold that the Government should take action, but on the other hand it is pointed out that the Sinam showed negligence in tailing to have a proper equipment of arms and ammunition to meet such an attack. The real remedy seems to lie with the owners of the Sainam and those who suffered at the hands of the pirates. It is for them to move the local Government to take action, and we hope that such representations will be made by those concerned as may enable the Government to recognise the affair officially,

IF IT HAD HAPPENED IN TSINOTAU.

If such a thing had happened in Tsingtau. temarked one shipmaster to-day, the pirates would have been captured on the very In illustra. day the outrage occurred. tion of this idea, the shipmaster related how a case of house-breaking occurred in the German Colony and within a few minutes the perpetrator was in the hands of the police and punishment meted out to him very shortly afterwards. "It seems to me," said the same gentleman, the Hongkong authorities are far too mild in dealing with malefactors from South China."

which was such as he had never met with in pearing in public print against the value of Journalist was informed that Captain Joslin | the raz tag unds and looking the picture ward appearance of the three Indian guards

With a bullet

it his breast Captain Joslin was not only able | Heasing duty to record that Chief Engineer mising to return on the marrow.

all his long medical experience. to take charge of his own ship, but many hours later he climbed unaided to the deck of the Kinshas

CAPTAIN JOSLIN OPERATED ON.

Taquiries at the Government Civil Hospital, yesterday forenoon, elicited the information that Captain Joslin paused a very good night. At the time of nur inquiry (11.1a.m.), Dr. J. Bell, the superintendent, and Dr. W. V. Kech, the assist Ant superintendent, were busily engaged in per forming an operation to extract the builet from the patient. By noon the operation was com pleted, and thanks to the combined surgical kill of the Government Hospital doctors; it was attended with cctire success. The bullet was extracted, and, we are glad to be able to state, Captain Joplin is doing as well as can be expected, und, the circumstances.

Asiatic crews no board British ships. It is our

his life no less to his own Sergio bwes and valour thus to the assistance of his Chinese fireman who helped him to a place of refuge behind the boilers. To reach him at this point of vantage, the pirates could only approach singly, and, cowards that they wore, non dared to show fight.

LOOTING With VENGEANCE.

The desperadoes came on board aspassengers Having disposed of the European Officers

and at Kaulong surrounded the saloon white and the indian guards, the marauders obtained

the passengers were at dinner. Missionary Dr, complete control of the vessel. Little did they care for the Chinese crew who were utterly Macdonald, who was a passenger, was shot powerless. The pirates had the Surnam antead on the spot, the Captain severely wound- hared in a creek and forthwith began the ed. The Chief Engineer took refuge in the work of looting with vengeance. Cable doors engine-room where he hid behind the boilers, ran from where he was later rescued, badly injured were smashed open, the purar's office ran. sacked, and Engineet Seggie's apartments rak-by the intense heat.

worth taking away. Those of the native passengers who offered rd for all that was They didn't got much, however. Seggie had Į rusistance were killed hy blows on the bead,

qur

day, but very much fear they will have to

•

4

A PALE-FACED BRITON, .. Hongkong, 17th July, 1906.

ARMS AND AMMUNITION

REPORTED CAPTURE BY THE PIRATES.

THE PROBABLE OBJECT OF THE ATTACK. [From Our Own Correspondent.]

Canton, 16th July. From further information which has come to hand, it appears that the leaders of the gang of pleates who attacked the Sam had been ap prised of the fact, through some outside source that the Chinese Government had shipped some 98,000 rounds of ammunition and a large number of rifies on that vessel.

It is believed that the object of the attack was mainly to secure possession of the rifles and ammunition. If that were the case, the pirates were entirely successful. The mutat tions of war were found and carried off, toge ther with all the booty that could be stowed away in the five junka,

CHINEIR LOSSES.

Two wealthy Chinsmen who were travelling by the Salaam were robbed to the extent of $2,500, ore having $1,500 stolen from him, while the other lost $1,000.

THE INDIAN QUARDS. Three of the Indian guarda, who were badly wounded by the pirates in an effort to resist the attack are reported to be recovering rapidly. saulted and to whose assistance Captain Joslin and the Rev. Dr. Macdonald proceeded, bu The plucky fellow who was the first to be as

had several bullets extracted from his jaw and is now doing well. The other Indians only received slight body wounds.

Amid a surging throng of wondering Chinese, three of the Jadians who formed the guard an board the Safnam arrived by the steamship Hankow at 35 this afternoon. The reception excitement on board There they had been they received was in curious contrast to the

****INDIAN QUARDS, IN AGONY. accommodated on the upper deck, away from

and babtail, and there they sat Although there was nothing in the out- their ring of misery, They had been squatting on the who landed yesterday in Hongkong to sug. asual Chinese mats and their thoughts seemed

gest that they were greatly suffering from the to be miles away.

effects of the struggle with the pirates on the badly injured indeed. One of the men had Satnam, it appears that they have been very his nose blown off; another had his jaw mashed by bullets; while the third man was shot twice in the stomach. In the case of the latter, none of the bullets has yet been extracted. The man lies in a most critical condition, and it is feared that he will, for eventually succumb to his injuries. All the men saffered agoales in the Hospital last night. They kept crying out in the intensity of their pain, although every attention was paid them by the nurses and doctors. This is

One of the trio, a bearded old warrior, stem- became cheerful when questioned, through an ed to have no wounds at all. In fact, he almost interpreter, as to his injuries. He lifted up his vest, however, and showed a forbidding:looking bruise on his stomach. He was actually the worst hurt of the three.

Another was patched all over the face, He had a bandage over his brow and round his ear. There was a patch under his right sye, and half a dozen peces of plaister on his nose. Every now and again he felt his nose gingerly, and his lips kept moving as if he were saying to himself." My beauty gone for ever, an me!" He could not speak English.

he third had his head swathed in bandages, round sad round about, head, neck and face iply his eyes and s piece of his brown nose

BRITISH GUNBOATE DÉSTINATION. His Majesty's river guaboat Robin has left

the scene of the outrage.

THE LATE DR. MACDONALD, The remains of the late Dr. R. J. J. Mac. Nanning, of the Hongkong, donald were placed on boardton and Maca easiest Company line, in order that the body may be interred at Wachow. The Rev. all the more astonishing when it is recalled. Tope, of Canton, and Dr. Harry Anderson, of that yesterday afternoon the Indians, as they Fateban, sccompanied the remains to Wuchow.