1906-09-15 — Page 5

DEATH OF MR. U. W MITCHELL.

iath inst..

It is with deep regret that we have to ap nounce the death of Mr. E. W. Mitchell, which event took place in Bedford, England, on the 7th fast, from apoplexy, the news being received by telegraph this morning by Mr. F. Lammert, acting manager of Mestre Caldbeck, Macgregor and Co., and brother-in-law of the deceased. Immediately on the receipt of the sad news the establishment of Messrs. Galdbeck Mac- gregorand Co, was closed, out of respect for the memory of Mr. Mitchell, be having been con- nected with that firm for the past 17 years, first na an assistant, and latterly as manager, having joined the firm in 1889, coming from Shanghat, where he was previously engaged in the tea business. He first came to China in the Spring of 1878, and from the first manifest ed a keen interest in all mailers perinining r Sort, io all its forms. In Hongkong he was president of the Cricket Club, member of the committees of the jockey Club, the Victorin Recreation Club, the Yacht Club, the Corinthiau Yacht Club, and the Amateur Dramatic Club, which practically owed as life to him, and in most of which he showed his lively interest, by giving many

a cup and shield to be con tested for while at the same time presenting innumerable minor prizes at Athletic Sports and Gymkhanas. His was a well-known figure at all cricket matches and race-meetings, and to members of the Press'it was ever a pleasure to find him on the ground, at those functions, for he was untiring in his courteous endeavours to afford them every facility for oblaining all the information required by them. Many years ago he abandoned Masonry, but only last year he resumed an active part in it, and was elected Senior Warden of his Lodge. On April 7th last, exactly five months before his death, he left Hongkong for a trip home, in tending to return in December, in time to spend his Christmas in this Colony, During the summer he took a trip to Scotland, in com- pany with Dr. Lowson, who, it will be rement- bared, was one of the only two surviving cricketers in the Bokhara disaster, now fresh in everybody's minds, the other survivor being Captain (then Lieutenant) Markham, of the Shropshire regiment.

The deceased leaves a wife and seven children, all of whom, it is understood, were with him at the time of his death, to mourn his loss, and to them the greatest sympathy is extended in their sad bereavement. Born in 1855, he was only 51 years of age, though his appearance gave the impression of greater years. His popularity, was universal, for he was a staunch friend, a kind counsellor, and a supporter of every scheme of manly recreation, and there are but few in this Colony who did not know, and who will not miss, him,

ARMED · KOBBERY I

SAMPAN WOMAN'S SENSATIONAL STORY. Į

cath inst..

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH SATURDAY,

ALLEGED WHOLESALE

MURDERS.

PRISONER TO. DE EXTRADITED,

DUNY TIMES AB THE DUCKS.

TWELVE VESSELS IN FOR TREATMENT. TREATMENT.

rath inst.

#

SEPTEMBER 15 1906.

THE HENTSIN TRAGEDY.

MURDER OF THE, RUSSIAN CONSUL..

We take the following report of the murder of Consul Laptew, reported in these colonos by telegram, from the PT. Times of 1st just,:~

SHANGHAI & HONGKEW WHAKK GU., LTD.

265

BEFORE THE DECREE RE- CONSTITUTION.

FURTHER INCREASE OF CAPITAL,

The Sinwanpas of sth inst. reports!— After the arrival of the Travelling Commiss sioners at Peking they all memorialized the Shanghai and Hosgkew Wharf and Godown constitutional government, but as some of the At a meeting of the board of directors of the Throne asking to fix a date for inaugurating Yesterday morning, Tientsin was shocked Co., Ld, held at the Company's office at Shang. Grand Councillors made exceptions the matter and grieved to learn that Mr. N. Laptew, the bai, on Friday, the 31st ult, the following reso had not been decided. Thereupon Prince popular and much respected Consul for Russia, lutions were passed-

Ching wired to Yuan Shih-kai and Chang. (1)-1bat under the powers conferred by Chih-tung asking if they were able to come up had been shot, Many at once jumped to the natural conclusion that the act was that of a memorandum, and articles of association four to Peking to be consulted in the matter, but as revolutionary or had some political significance. thousand shares be offered for allotment at a Chang Chih-tung's hands were tied Owing to The Consular Officials when seen with repremium of fifty per cent. (50 per cent), that is, the reported movements of Dr. Sue Yat-sen's gard to the matter were naturally much excit-it the rate of one hundred and fifty taols for partisans he replied that he could not come up ed I and confused, but WC gathered from Prince each share of ane hundred tools face value

to l'eking and thus Yuan Shih-kal alone was Merstchersky, the vice-Consul, the following

Cally paid up).

(2). That the shares shall rank for dividendmentioned in the Decree regarding the con- ference in the presence to decide the questions from the first day January, 1937. holders on the Register on the 31st day of

(3) That the shares be offered to the share. of constitution, Chang Chih-tung's name being

omitted.

December, 1906, le the proportion of one new share for every eight existing shares held by them (bia) so that no fractional part of a sure he issued) and such offer share be made by notice to

facts.

A glance at the official dock returns from the Izlb insi,

Hongkong and Whampoa Dock Co, Ld, After several days of careful examination how a very exceptional state of affairs. The into the charges preferred against him by the list gives no less than three men-of-war-H.M.S. Canton government, the case against Cha Alacrity, invalided after her recent collision up Sia Mun, who is wanted by the Chiest north, H.M.S. Toks, undergoing overhaul and authorities, was concluded at the

police court, at noon, to-day. It was alleged prisoner mur periodical repairs, and the French Vigilante Next we find the Serta, which was recently in dered six persons in the Pi Ching village, in collision with the 3.5. Strathmore in this bar the Namhoi district, in the province of Kwangbour, which latter vessel has had to be accom tung, in February Inst. The circumstances modated with a berth in the Cosmopolitan of the alleged murders, as related by witnesses,

Dock. Then there is the s.s. Athenian, also were to the effect that prisoner was a partner

in a collision, in Yokohama, but held in a slaughter house in the Pi Chung entirely blameless, and which left for Vancou. village. On the 24th February, god, at seven o'clock in the morning, he had a quarrel with ver today. Then come the Davaronese, Sor afoki, employed in the slaughter house, which sogon, Champke, and Woolwich, all with their tale of the troubles of maritime naviga- ended in prisoner drawing a n evolver and mor tally wounding the falf. In consequence of thate the fer close the list, they being laid up

tion, while the Empress of Japan and operations at the slaughter house were stopped merely for the purpose of the periodical over. and a few hours later it was announced that haul, and to undergo any minor repairs that prisoner had do further interest in the business. Some time later he turned up at the slaughter Company's staff will have a busy time goes That the Dock may be found necessary. house and asked for the loan of a gun. His without saying, but that they will execute the request was at first refused, but when he gave work required of them with a complete finish as an excuse that he wanted the gun in order to smuggle in some salt the weapon was handed and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned over, with eight cartridges. Prisoner loaded may also be taken as a foregone conclusion. the gun and as soon as he gained the open he discharged two cartridges in the air, and a third at a man standing near by, which went wide of the.

mark.

The watchman of the abattoir, rushed up to prisoner seized hin, und a siruggle ensued. The prisoner was the

man and the watchman knocked down. The crowd which had gathered was so dumbfounded that they could level Gaining his legs again prisoner tions for repairs to the U. 5. A. T. McCleifum † çide in front of them.

was

his rifle at the prostrate forms of the watchman and shot him dead. The watch man's brother, who by this time had heard of the disturbance, arrived on the scene and see- ing the dead body of his brother on the road, he grappled with the murderer. Again there was a straggle for life and death and in the scuffle the merderer was relieved of his rifle by the crowd. Both men rolled on the street, each, trying to get the upper-hand. This prisoner was successful in doing and seizing his victim by the throat, be switched a dagger out of his pockel, and ran it through the man's heart. All that time, and even when the first murder-that of thic foki-was committed, prisoner made no attempt to escape, but as soon as he had killed the third man-whether he had regained his senses ar not, could not be said he took to his heels, dropping the dagger on the street. ile ran down to the waterfront, jumped on board sampan and ordered the hoalwoman to sail away. The crowd that as sembled on the waterfront told the boatwoman next to sail, but to wait until the arrival of the soldiers, to arrest the murderer. Seeing the woman was hot going to obey his order,

DOCK CO'S OPPORTUNITIES.

REPAIRS TO THE "MCCLELLAN," "

12th just.

Mr. Amos P. Wilder, American Consul General, has received from Manila copies of general instructions to bidders and specifica together with one copy of blue prints of decks and of boilers of the vessel. The fatter are on view at the consulate-general and the instruc. tions are for distribution to partica interested while they last.

CHASED TO DEATH.

DEATH INQUIRY BELD,

rath inst.

At the Magistracy this afternoon, before Coroner H. H. J. Gompertz and a jury, an inquiry was held into the circumstances touch. ing the death of one Wong Fo, a coolie, who was killed in Macdonnell Road, Kowloon, on the gth instant.

The circumstances of the tragedy were to the effect that on the day in question, shartly before 2 p.m., the deceased had a quarrel with another coolie in Macdonnell Road. The oui-

1

come of the quarrel was that deceased picked up a pole, at the end of which was attached an tron hook, and struck the other conlie with it an the head, seriously injuring the man. The her

ather coolies chased deceased, who rushed

up

I

The assailant was one Levinsky, a man who has been much about Tientsin, and whose striking appearance is certain to have made him noticed, if his identity has been obscure. He has latterly been concerned with the con- tracts for road making and earth works which have been carried out in the Rustian Conces- sion, and to him, or him and others concerned with him, was alleged to be due a sum of $300 or thereabouts,

Yesterday he went to the Russian Consulate and asked to ace Prince Merstebersky to whom he was admited. After some conversation he asked to see Consul Laptew in the presence of Prince. Mersichersky, and this was granted. Levinsky in the course of conversation grew excited, and high words took place between him

and the Consul. What happened then the Prince does not appear to be exactly clear about, but from what we can gather Levinsky produced a revolver. He afterwards alleged that it was for the purpose of committing sui-

Consul Laptew, as we understand, moved towards the man to grapple with him, ond Prince Mersichersky came up behind. Le vinsky fired four shots, one of which entered the abdomen of Consul Laplew and one slight- ly grazed the thumb of the vice-Consyl. Prince Mersichersky at once secured the assailant, and some soldiers were summoned

to take charge of him.

The vice-Consul then gave his attention to Consul, Laptew who was seriously wounded, and messengers were dispatched for Dr. Schreyer who at once attended.'" · When questioned as to the seriousness of the wound, Dr. Schreyer shook his head, from which it is only too easy to infer that the condition of the patient is alarming.

When our representative reached the Con- sulate the soldiers were freeing the assailant from the ropes with which he had been tied, though he was of course in custody,

The man is alleged to be insane and there is no suggestion that there is any political significance to be attached to the event. It is believed that Levinsky was connected with another man in the contracts, and threats ate

prisoner pulled out his revolver and shot at the staircase of a house and made for the roof reported to have been made over payment.

dead. The woman fell backwards on top of her two year-old child and it was killed also. The other boatwoman, who was greatly scared, jumped into the sea to swim away, but the misoner, who was seeking for more blood, ended her lifa in the water, by a bullet from his revolver. He then jumped into the water. swam away, and was seen running up the hillside. He was no: seen again. The officials searched high and low for the murderer but he could not be found. They, however, learnt that he was in Hongkong and negotiations with the police authorities here resulted in the arest of the murderer:

With her hair lying in the wind, her eyes bulging out as if she had been scared to death, a sainpan woman rushed breathlessly into, the charge-room of the Central Police Station shortly after seven o'clock last night and unfolded to the ears of the inspector on duty an amazing story. It was about seven o'clock. She was an board her junk, which is anchored off the Wingthat's wharf. Six men boarded the boat, all armed with choppers. One man seized her by the throat until her tongue hung out. The others ransacked the junk. After that they left, taking with them à cash-box containing $51 in hard cash. The inspector made note of the report and despatched detectives to investigate the matter. in Jess than an hour the detectives got information to show that the alleged rob. INDIAN ROWDIES AT VAUMATİ. bery reported by the woman was a fake.

enough

The information they received was to the effect

that the woman was the owner of the junk. She employed a crew of six men, Just before the end of last month the crew drew some money in advance. At the end of the month they drew their full wages, and when asked to return the sums she advanced them some days previously they put her off. The following day they left the woman's service and obtained work on another junk.' She had been trying for days to recover the money from the men,

Mr. F. A. Hazeland committed him to the Victoria Gaol for a fortnight pending the Governor's order for his extradition.

L

1

CHINAMAN "HELD UP" AND ROBBED.

12th inst,

The pickets and special policemen that were sent over to Yaumati at the time of the riot to maintain order and to keep the Indians and Chinese from clashing have up to the present not been withdrawn, yet the Indians in that district appear to be still on the lawless path.

Last night a Chinaman entered the Yaumati Police Station and made a report that he had

said that about 9.30 o'clock in the evening! while walking along Gascoigne Read he noticed two Indians, both in mufti, and wearing belts, coming in his direction. Instead of passing him the Indians stopped him and said they wanted all he had. The Chinaman, who was greatly scared, said he had nothing of any value, but the Indians relieved him of his umbrella, which he said was worth forty cents, and told him to move on. The man had a few cents in his pocket, but according to him, the Indians, who apparently were in a hurry, did not attempt to search his pockets. He thought they were soldiers. The police have taken up the case and are now looking for the man carrying an umbrella which tallies with that of the native.

but they refused to speak to her. Finding shebeen robbed by Indians in the street. He was not going to get back the money the wo man occupied every day a prominent position on the street near the wharf, and as each of her debtors passed the would yell out: "There goes a thief, a robber, a swindler and pig." The seamen found they were losing face every time they passed the virago, so they decided last night to have her stop it once and for all. At seven o'clock the mea went on board the woman's junk and wanted, it was said, to come to some arrangement with her, for they were afraid of her tongue. The women, thinking, perhaps, that the were "kow-towing" to her, raised an uproar and called them all the names she could re- member, without repeating herself The men, it was alleged, then assaulted her and left the boat. They carried no weapons, nor did they remove anything. The woman then. faked up a robbery in order to get the men in trouble. Although there was no armed robbery committed, yet the law does not cacourage assault, and we are informed that the seamen are arrested for assaulting the

woman.

JAPANESE PAYMASTER'S

EMBEZZLEMENT..

THE STORY OF A CURIO DEAL..

meg

On the 7th ultimo, First-class Paymaster Mayeda Toyobachi, attached to the 11th Army Division at Zentsuji, Sanuki, was arrested at Sums on a charge of embezzlement of public funds, and was some days later escorted to Zentsui, where he will be tried by a military Court.

THE ROYAL HONGKONG GOLI

CLUB.

12th inst

The following cards were returned at the meeting held at Happy Valley from 8th to 10th September;~~

ROBERTSON FAREWEL CUP.

Mr. E. J. Crist.... *** 794-75 Mr. H. Pinckney

**00-12:78

Mr. F. R. Barry, 1.N....... 79 scr. 79 Mr. T. 9. Forrest... 704 483 Major Pedley, R.WK....... 84 ser. -84

21 entries. 100%.

Mr. C. B. Down, RA... 82-7-75 Mr. J. Clurk... 70- 1-25 Mr. F. R. Barry, R N....... 76 scr. 76 Mr. T. S. Forrest

79+4=83

1 entries.

THE PROPOSED NEW JAPANESE SHIPPING COMPANY,

His pursuers were at his heels and when de- ceased arrived at the end of the block of houses he attempted to gain the street by sliding down the water-spout. It was in coming down the spout that he lost his balance and fell into the street. He was removed to hospital, but died later from the injuries he received..

An eye witness to the occurrence swore to standing in his verandah on the day in gaes. tion and seeing four Chinamen running on the house tops of Macdonnell Road: These four men were being followed by another man (detective). When they got to the end of the houses all attempted to get down by the water. spout. Here witness ran into the street and as soon as he reached the footpath he saw one of the men fall. Witness, went up to deceased and stood over him until the arrival of a police.

The Coroner-What made you run

down? Witness-Well, when I saw ile men running I thought there was something happening and

The Coroner-Where, were the other three ment

Witness-They ran away. Medical evidence was given by Dr. Mcfar lane and the jury-returned a verdict of acciden-

man.

I went to see,.

tal death.

..

KOWLPQN BOWLING GREEN CLUB.

12th inst. The draw for the second rounds resulted as follows:-

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP.

Whi, Ramsay G. K. Haxion W, J. Crawford R. Lapsley A. Ritchie

2ND ROUND.

R. Whyte Bye,

D. McIntyre or R.

Hunter

F. H. Dixon

2/

T. Skinner

น.

T Neave

दै

T. Wright

2.

V.

J. M. Henderson, R. H. Baxter or

G. Wilson

A. A. Milroy

A. Ritchie G. Edwards A. Ramsay

W. J. Crawford

77.

21,

A. Ramsay

PRESIDENT's.

2ND ROUND.

G. K. Haxion T. Skinner

7.

Wat Ramsay T. Neave

2

21

R. Whyte

A. A, Milroy

~.

R. Lapsley

20

R. H. Baxter

A. Nicholson

T. Wright

W. M. Russell

Zda

Hunter

VICE-PRESIDENT'S, IND ROUND.

Wm. Russell

J. Ramsay.

G. K. Haxion ....

7.

R. Whyte Byc.

F. H. Dixon G. T. Wilson R. Hunter.

J. C. Gow

D. McIntyre

C. R. Edwards

2.

A. Ramsay

T. Wright

T. Skinner

J

W. J. Crawford

Dr. Swan

These rounds to be completed by rith Octo-

ber.

CHANG CHȚIITUNG AND HIS

70TH BIRTHDAY,

From details obtained by the Osaka Jiji it appears that this officer was sent to Peking in 1903. In August and September last he ad vanced the sum of Y2,500 from the funds in his charge to an intimate acquaintance, a dealer in carios, and the loan was promptly repaid.

KARLY FORMATION EXPECTEN, Encouraged by the success of this negotiation, the p

paymaster in February or March advanced

In the eighth moon this year Viceroy Chang Y10,000 to the curio-denter, who was to make

It was reported some months ago that a pro. Chili-tung will become seventy and the Viceroy extensive

purchases,

ject was on foot for the formation of a new ship them to Japan, and

has written an open letter saying that this is a divide the profits with the officer. This scheme.

fapanese Shipping Company on a farge scale time of difficult situations in China and the however, proved a complete failure. The under the auspices of the Japan Shipowners natives in the provinces of Hupeh and Hunan dealer returned to Japan with his purchases,

Association. According to statements" then are still suffering from the effect of the last but the Customs duty and freightage involved made, it was expected that about 100,000 tons inundation and many affairs which have to be him in difficulties.. He sold his stock of curios

of shipping would be taken over by the Com- carried out are still undone and the Viceroy is by auction for Y1,000 and went to Nagoya, pany. There have since been certain hitches, anxious about these matters day and night, but his further movements have not yet been is now and that as the result of a visit fearing that he can not discharge his duties traced,

paid to Osaka by Mr. Nishikawa Shozo, a property and at such a moment the Viceroy Meanwhile Paymaster Mayeda was in Pek. member of the Committee, an understanding hereby informs his friends that he will not re- ing waiting to hear from the curio-dealer, and has been reached, and the Company will be-ceive anything to congratulate him on his 70th was compelled to falsify his accounts to come an accomplished fact much more quickly birthday and if any one sends him a letter of conceal his embezzlement. On June 13th he than had been expected.-Kobi Herald. congratulation on a screen such screen will be was transferred from Peking to the headquarters

returned to the person who sends the same, but the letter will be copied by him as was doce in the case of the old scholars such as Tang We cheng and Wang Yuco-wen, etc. The Sin quampio.

of the 11th Division. On the way from China A KURE despatch to the Mainicht gives a to Zentsuji he come to Kobe, and instituted rumour to the effect that a sum of Y62,000, inquiries for the missing curio-dealer. Find which was in the safe of the #fikara at the fog no clue, he obtained leave of absence and time of the disaster, was found to be missing continued his serach. In the interval the when the ship was refloated. Some of the defalcations at Peking were discovered, and, divers engaged on thie salvage work are said to THE Japanese Foreign Office is informed that the Kobe police being communicated with, he be suspected of the thell. The message adds, Mr. H. E. Fulford, British Consul at New was arrested at Suma as above-stated-Japan however, that there is at present no confirm chwang, has been appointed Consul General Chrenicia.

atlon of the report.

at Mukden.

Later.

Drs. Schreyer and Irwin and a German military doctor operated yesterday and found that the balier had grazed the left fung, grazed the spleen, and went through the diaphragm. The bullet is now embedded in the muscles and flesh. The patient is very weak, but the doctors say there is hope of his recovery,

There were numerous friends and callers at The Consulate yesterday afternoon.

Mr. Laptew is the most respected Russian Consul who has ever been in Tientsin and the affair has caused the greatest grief and coas ternation.

FUNERAL OF CONSUL LAPTEW. The funeral of Consul Laplew took place yesterday afternoon at the Military Cemetery in the Russian Concession. It was first decided that it should be at the B. M. C. Cemetery, but at the instance of Minister Pokotiloff, the arrangements were varied. It was a funeral that, was unique in that it brought together the most extraordinary cosmopolitan gathering ever seen in Tientsin. The popularity of the dead consul was amply manifested by the attendance at his funeral. The funeral service began at the Consulate on Thursday night, and was continued at 9 p.m. on Friday morning, in the afternoon and at the graveside. The full ritual of the Orthodox Church was gone through and at the evening and-morning services, though most of those present were intimate friends and nationals, there were other sympathisera there in addition.

Yesterday afternoon at the hour fixed for the Juneral (3 p.m.) the service was still in progress in an upper room of the Consulate, and the building was filled with sympathetic friends and nationals. Outside the infantry band from Peking was drawn up, beside a Russian guard of honour, and the Chinese police also formed a guard. The service took longer than it was thought it would, and it was well after 3 o'clock when the chanting drawing nearer, made it known that the coffin was being borne down

138.

The waiting assembly of sympathetic friends uncovered reverently as the bearers with the coffin energed from the door, and the band commenced playing a Holemn hymn. The coffin Was borne by, among

others, Minister Pokotiloff, Prince Merstchersky, Mr. Levitsky, Postmaster, and officers of the Legation Guard. It was preceded by an officer carrying an Ikon, followed by another officer bearing on a red velvet cushion the deceased Consul's medals and decorations, and the coffin was immediately followed by Mr. Alexander Laplew the brather of the deceased, who was the chief and only mourner. Behind him fol- lowed the remainder of those in attendance. A grave had been dog on the south side of the Russian Military Cemetery, and here the fune- ral service was concluded, chants also having been sung all the way to the burying place.

As many as fifty beautiful wreaths were seat and as for those who followed and were present at the graveside, it is impassible to attempt a list. But we do not exaggerate when

were

to be issued not later than the seventh ay of September, 1906, specifying the number of new shares to which each shareholder is at that date entitled and stating that the offer will he deemed to be declined unless an acceptance of such offer in writing is delivered to the General Agents of the Company or to the Company's Dankers, the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, at Shanghai, on or before the 31st day of December, 1906, accompanied by payment in full for each new share so accepted.

(4)--That upon acceptance and payment within the time above-mentioned the shares so accepted and paid for shall be allotted forthwith. (5)-That all shares not so allotted shall be dealt with as the directors may determine.

NEW OPIUM LAW IN BANGKOK.

PREVENTION OF SMUGGLING.

*

A new. Opium Law received the royal assent on the 23rd ult., says the Bangkok Tines. The preamble sets forth that 'there are already in force the law of the year 1333 (Chulasakarat) and the law of the year 109 (R.S.), but they have not been found sufficient, to check smug sling, which is al present carried on to a large extent, having a prejudicial effect on the revenue of the country." The new law endeavours to meel this with severer penalties.

Prince Ching's message to Yuan Shi-kai contained, it is reported, the following words. "The situation of the Empire being as it is at present, unless we shall have proper reforms it is impossible to continue the status quo of the Empire. I am in a responsible position in the control of State, affairs. 1 cannot sleep with an easy mind. As I am not a man of intelligence, I cannot scheme out any good system to replace those of the present and sincerely, wish you to come up to Peking and assist us in order to decide the present great problems. There are reports that I am very conservative and obstruct the new reforms but I am not at all such a person and I am really having a bitter experience in dealing with the present difficult problems. Of course I have no time to defend myself and therefore please understand me properly, etc."

Yuan Shih-kai came up to Peking at acon of the 26th August and then went to the Sum- mer Palace at once and stayed at the old house of Comptroller of the Household Liu at Tai | Ping Chwan and he had his staff with him and at his residence he had telephone and special telegraph lines connected with Tientsin, The Grand Councillors decided to have a conference in the presence on the 27th as Yuan Kung-pao had come up to Peking. In the morning of the 17th the Grand Councillors presented their proposals to the Throne and at two in the after- noon the conference was held at the Waiwapa's office at the Summer Palace and the majority of the high officials was on the side favouring a constitution but as the matter was very im- portant a further conference was decided to be convened., On the 28th Yuan Shil-kai was received in audience nad had a long con. versation with the Throne but the topics are kept secret. Anyhow Yuan Kung-pao scat in a written note regarding the preparation necessary before adoption of constitutional government. On the 29th it was found im possible to decide the date of adopting con- stitutional government and a circular tele graphic message was sent to the high provincial officials asking their views.

Punce Ching all through the conference maintained the view of having reforms and endeavoured his best to secure this. There are a few members of the Grand Council who oppose the proposed reforms and it is reported that they will be removed from their offices. The astern Times also publishes the follow ing interesting account of the same affair.

Anyone who commits an offence against the two laws mentioned above by smuggling opium or opium dross into the country, or by buying, or selling, or having in his possession such illicit opium or opium dross, will under the new law, if the amount is under 10 tamlung, be able to a fine of three times the value of the opium seized, or to imprisonment for a perind that may vary from eight days to three months, or to both penalties. If the amount over 100 tamlung in weight, the person convicted is to be fined three times the value of the opium seized and imprisoned for a period that inay vary from one month to three years. The value of the opium is the price at which the Farms selling to the people the time. The fines go to the Government. Any one who is accessory to the commission of such offences will, on conviction, receive two-thirds of the punishment that would be allotted to one actually committing the offences. In the case of a number of people being con. cerned together, then the total of the fines im- posed on them may be fixed at three times the value of the opium seized and must not be less; but the fine imposed on the chief of the

There were three memorials placed before offenders must not be less than Tcs. 100, and

the presence at the conference: namely (1) that imposed on each of the others must not be memorial of Tuan Fang and Tai Hung-ise, (2) less than Tcs. 66,. In the case of a man conmemorial of Duke Tsai tse re constitution and vicled within three years after a previous con.(1) that of Chang Po-hei re administrative viction, the period of imprisonment, is to be reforms, but the last one was not discussed as from three months to five years. Another the matter of constitution had to be decided first. section deals with the case of informants, and

The the concluding section catrusts the carrying out of the law to the Ministers of Finance, the Interior, Justice, and Local Government,

A SHOCKING INSTANCE OF

H

SUPERSTITION.

HUMAN FLESH EATEN DỶ, A CONSUMPTIVE.

Yuan Shib-kai had only a few minutes time allowed on the 27th August when he was received in audience as their Majesties were not well on that day, on the same day there was a conference under the chairmanship of the Prince, Chun and both members of the Government Council and the Grand Council as well as Yuan Shih-kal attended.

memorial of Tuan Fang and Tai Hung- ise is the one which urges the necessity of having constitutional government and that to do that it is necessary to have-administrative reforms and over fifty items are mentioned. On the 27th August these two commissioners sent in a memorial containing over 20,000 words regarding administrative reforms.

Duke Trai-tse's first memorial is signed by Duke Tsai-tse, Li-Sheng-tu and Shang Chis heng urging the necessity of having constitu tional government and that China should adopt a constitutional government system first as there was no other course to take. The second memorial is signed by Duke Tsai-ten alona criticising severely the absurd views Ox- pressed, that is to say, certain two members of the Grand Council having stated that the memorials of the Travelling Commissioners are more favourable to Chinese and unfavour able to Manchus, The Duke attacked this view saying that these Manchus who are against constitution are persons who are simply looking after their own position and salaries and they are not loyal to the Empire and that if such views be allowed to exist and anti-Chinese views prevail, it will cause great „heir Majesties, upon danger to the Empire. and decided to issue an Imperial Decree pro- reading this memorial, were greatly impressed mising to have constitutional government.

A shocking revelation of the superstitions practices in vogue among a section of the Japanese people is reported in the vernacular papers and translated by the Japan Herald, A woman named Karíbura Fuji, aged twenty- nine, who was suffering from consumption, was staying at Fujisawa and was receiving medical treatment at the Fujisawa hospital. Finding no relief, she tried one madícios after another, without apparent improvement. A woman named Mochidzuka Alei, who was living in the neighbourhoud, persuaded her in try snakes and vipers, which are believed to be specially effective in the cure of consumption, and brought hersome, which the patient tried without much hesitation: Towards the early part of last month the woman brought her a piece of human flesh, covered with blood, and represent ing it to be the brain of a man just run over and killed by a train near Oluna, persuaded her to take. The patient, being previously-in- formed that the human brain had a wonderful curative power, was easily persuaded, and is said to have swallowed it without a murmur:is important to have constitutional government it was subsequently ascertained, however, that it was a piece of the flesh of the child of

was suffering from Machidzuki Aki, who gangrene. The patient, learning this, grew nervous, and died on the 10th inst. Acting on information, the police are instituting in quiries into the matier. Rumour has it that Mochidzuka Aki was taking advantage of the superstitious beliefs of the patient to extort from her a large sum of money!

In connection with the revelations as to the

we say that most members of every class superstitious beliefs entertained amongst a cer- and nationality of Tientsipe inhabitants | tain class of the Japanese people, stated in yes. present, Out of respect for Con-terday's issue, it is now reported that Kurihara sul Laptew, the Banks and all the foreign Fuji, the consumptive patient, had a belief stores closed during the period of the obse- that the human brain possessed a singularly quies, and every one was present at the funeral..curative power in consumption and was anxious From Peking there were in addition to the to obtain a piece. As this object was not easily Russian Minister, and the majority of the staff realisable the woman grew nervous, says the of the Russian Legation, Senor de Carcer, Japan flerald, until Mochidzuki Aki, who was on intimate terms with the patient, contrived, Senor d'Almeida, Spanish and Portuguese Ministers, and Messri. Barbier and Wilfahrt, of out of pure sympathy, to alleviate the nervous. the Rusio Chinese Bank, Among Chinese ness from which her friend was suffering, by officials were Customs Tuotai Liang, repre- procuring the fish of a frog, which she gave her sick friend under the idea it was human senting the Viceroy, Gen. Hsui, Dr. Mark, Trotai G. L. Chow, Mr. Kwan, lospector Ross flesh. A servant girl employed by the patient had some difference with Mochidzuki Aki, and and Superintendent Lugowsky.

The arrangements for the funeral were in circulated the rumour which led to the arrest of the woman. As a result of careful inquiries the hands of Mr. Pokoliloff and Prince Merst

on the part of the police authorities the mys chersky, and were ably carried out.

tery was cleared up and the woman immediate. B.M.C. kindly sent their hearse over, but it was not used, the bearers preferring to carry ly liberated. the coffin the whole way. Mr.. Bourne, we believe, also sendered some assistance.

Тве

THE ratifications of a Treaty of Commerce, recently signed by Japan and Chile, are to be exchanged at Washington between Viscount Aoki, Japanese Ambassador, and the Minister for Chile. The Japanese Government is taking steps to conclude commercial treaties with all the countries of South America, and it is ex pected that negotiations will be next entered upon with the Republic of Panama.

At least 2,752 officers and men who, took part in the late war are reported missing, the whole of these men being attached to the Third Army Corps 1,012 to the First Army Division, 840 to the Third Division, and 900 to the Ninth Division. The Third Army Corps, look an active part in the assault of Port Arthur, and as the attacks were usually made at night, it was impossible pick up the killed and wounded. Hence the roll of missing is abnor mally large.

These three memorials will first be placed before the conference in the presence.

Yuan Stuh-kai also upholds the view that it

in China which should be promised by an Im- perial Decree but no date should be fixed as it is necessary to wait till such time as the public is ready to have such government.

high officiis as well as Yuan Shih-kai wero On the 29th August "Prince Ching and other

received in audience and it was decided that on Imperial Decree which was actually issued on the 1st September would be issued, etc- Shanghat Mercury.

PROPOSED REFORMS IN CHINA.

It is reported that the Peking Government has been seriously considering certain officials' memorial upon two reforms.

con-

1. The change of costumes, That the pre- sent style of dreas, is inconvenient and needs speedy change is realized by every keen ob- server. It is decided that this change will first be effected in the army and navy, in the stable department, and in the schools,

2.The change of the Calendar. The pre- sent me hod of reckoning of the year is not in accordance with true natronomical calcula- tions. The zealous Jesuits had brought this fact before the Chinese Government many years ago but that time did not demand a change. At present it is deemed advisable to have this present system substituted by the Gregorian standard. That system which is based upon reigning year of the Emperor however is to be retained and continued in use as is the case in Japan.-Shangkat Mercury;

SANDAKAN in particular, and the Northern Provinces in general, may be congratulated upon the prospect of largely increased pro- sperity by the proposed formation of a railway to connect Maradu and Sandakan Days, The scheme has so far been shaped as to warrant the draft of a prospectus, from which we gather that the undertaking will be carried out by a company who will acquire ag aran of 450,000 acres along the route,

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