1907-02-16 — Page 9

L

The

NEW SERIES No 5985

CONTENTS.

Births, Marriage and Deaths. Leading Articles:-

Kowloon Canton Railway Loan Agreement

*Sanctioned,

Chinese Immigration in America. British Prestige.

Chinese Immigration into Manila. Hongkong's New Trado Rivals, Singapore Affairs.

· Plague in Bangkok,

Telegrams —

Royalty in Canton,

Royalty Sight-seeing.

C. A. Biddle Sentenced;

Interport Rugby, Alleged Abicander. -Mootings --

Humphrays Extates, Hongkong, Canton and Macao Steamboat

Co., Ltd. Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corpora

Police:

tion.

A Point for Shipmasters. Theft of a 'Promissory Note, Trickster Heavily Funished.

Alleged Kidnapping.

Power of a Chop-stick,

Attempted Highway Robbery, A Runaway Truck

Leap for Liberty.

Inhuman Grand-dame.

A Faction Fight,

New Year Filferings.

Murderous Assault.

A Doubtful Case.'

Miscellaneous Artioles and Reports :-.

Our Royal Visitors,

Royalty at Canton,

S.S; Wongkoi Reflonted,

H. A. L. 5.a. Silesia.

Amateur Theatricals,

Chinese New Year.

The Hongkong. Ice Company, Limited, Water Return.

Cricket.

Wuchow Notes.

“The Hongkong Companies Ordinances;

Suppression of the Opium Trade. Faial Explosion at Shanghai. Steamship Subsidier.

The Prevention of the Opium Habit.

E. B. Hayes v. 8.5. Culmore.

The New German Club.

Foreign Schools in China, The Japanese Training Squadron. Imperial Diet.

Death of Captain E. J. Liddle.

Japanese Floating Exhibition,

Great Fire-nt Kobr.

New Enterprises in Japan. Chinese Representation Abroad. The Copper Mine Rint

The Japanese Shipping Combine. Insolence of Japanese Coolies, Fighting Rinderpest,

C. C. St. Clair Arrested. -

Commercial:-

Weekly Share Report

*Yaro Market.

Freight Market.

Exchange.

Hongkong Telegraph.

魏四初月正年三十三光

Į

MAIL SUPPLEMENT.

ESTABLISHED ~1881,)

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY

BRITISH PRESTIGE.

business intent. on

{HONGKONG'S NEW TRADE-

NIBALS. -----

(15th February.)

六拜禮:

̇號六十月二 英港香

WA

$13 PER ANNUM

SINGLE COPY, 25 CENTS.

PLAGUE IN BANGKOK.

well known fact that Viceroy Chow Fu's pre- children; and attach severe penalties for is of the Department with that Chin. has been hoped that the attention and | being done to popularise. Sabang at the ex decessor was bitterly antagonistic to the permitting Chinese seamen to land. It is ese actors, printers, et celour is hereby energy given to the trade, the ability with pense of Singapore itils: only right and pris. scheme, for the simple reason that he had quite evident, if this pricks of the report fersed and the rulings of the Bureau of which it has been fostered, encouraged and per that there should be no delays in (tho other objects in view, notably the construe may be accepted as approximating the Immigration, Treasury Department, in con- developed would bring their natural reward matter of public, and particularly, harbour, tion of a railway to Amoy, which was in meaning of Commissioner, that he has no formity with Attorney-General's opinion, will in the future. With the advent of the improvements, even if it is necessary to tended, without a doubt, to divert traffic from sympathy with those who would seek to hereafter be followed. Secretary of State Japanese that reward may be far to seck, borrow the money for the purpose. the Anglo Chinese line to the purely Chinese relax the hidebound laws enacted against cabled Consuls at Amoy and oilfer places unless strenuous efforts were made to retain undertaking. It may be argued that is the Chinese. The recrudescence of the similar instructionsEdwards." With a and, if possible, increase the advantage Excellency. Shum never actually showed the boycott against American goods probably view of giving effect to the new ruling of the pained by being first in the field. As for cards in his hand, but there was ample cir- occurred after the Commissioner had sub- Immigration Law, Collector McCoy has Insu- the coast trade it has heen none too flour. cumstantial evidence to prove the trend of mitted his report to the Senate, and conseed Chinese immigration circuler 185. cm- ishing for some time past, and the Japanese his play. What he failed to do as Viceroy quently he may have fancied that it had bodying the cable and calling the attention are not likely to lead to any marked improve-

(16th February.) of the two Kwang he succeeded in acdied a natural death. But there is no doubt of all collectors of customs in the islands toment... Altogether, the position, is by no

Bangkok as a rule enjoys.comparative im- chieving through the medium of liis ns to the sincerity of the promoters of the the revoking of the instructions of April 4, ineans reassuring, although there is no rea

munity from plague, «lthoughitis usually more friends and relatives in Peking The terms. boycott in their propaganda' work, and such 1986.

son to be despondent, for the outcome will or less afflicted at this season of the year by of the Agreement were threshed out back-a'report is not calculated to calm the spiri

rust with those who are most determined to

a visitation of cholera and other discases wards and forwards till it seemed as if the of retaliation among the natives. However,

gel and to keep the trade, and that should caused by the lack of a domestic water sup task of Sisyphus had assumed a new and it is perhaps unjust to judge the Commis

be the shipping community of Hongkong. ply. That the capital of Stam should have oriental shape. It was blocked, sidetracked | sioner's views from an epitome of the report,

escaped the trouble which in the froSMSJEDIT and mangled outil there was real reason to and we can only wait until the original kas

SINGAPORE AFFAIRS... is common throughout the Far East has been fear that the attempt to get it through the arrived in Hongkong,, preliminary stages. would prove abortive. At

For some considerable time it has been Little has been heard of inte regarding ledge of the insanitary conditions prevailing, matter of surprise to those who have anyknow-

length, Sir Ernest Satow, who was then

apparent to those who have given the sub the development of Sahaug as a coaling in Bangkok: This year, however, there has ject attention that the Japanese steamship station and its progress as the rival of been a serious epidemic of plague and at British Minister at Peking, took the matter | in hand and by his vigorous and persistent

(11th February.)

companies were bent not merely on appro- Singapore, but there is reason to believe the present time, there is no evidence that it efforts the Agreement was signed. In the

Now that the Duke and Duchess of Con- priating the carrying trade of the north but that it is gradually emerging from obscurity, has been stamped out or that adequate re- meantime His Excellency Sir Matthew naught have gone, taking with them the also had designs on the commerce which A paragraph in a recent issue of the Mingpressive measures are being adopted to Nathan had arrived in Hongkong and with affection and esteem, which always attach to adiates from Hongkong. It was many apore Free Press gives the following informa check the disease. The fact that the sani the tric spitit of the engineer he determined any of those related to the Royal Household, nths after the war that Dalny was thrown on and comment on the position: The tary arrangements of the city are of the most that, despite the opposition of certain some of the effects of their visit to Hong open to foreign traders, although the Japan.talian cruiser Alarco Polo arrived on Tues- primitive description is not calculated to officials at the Chinese capital, the British kung may be considered: While Their ese steamship owners had free access to the day afternoon from Hongkong and she will afford consolation to the ports which are in section of the line should be constructed Royal Highnesses contributed to the gairty port and the hinterland, and the result was leave this afternoon for home, her place on direct communication with Bangkok, and in spite of all difficulties. Still the authori and pleasure of the Colony, they also were that, practically speaking, nothing was left the Far East station being taken by the are therefore liable to import the disease.

Then came Vesuvio. ties at Canton, relying on the eventual suc- the medium of adding to her artistic riches, for those who came afterwards..

It is somewhat significant and As a matter of fact, from latest accounts the cess of their representatives at Peking, ro and, no doubt, from the feminine stand the amalgamation scheme, by which the also an indication that Sabang is getting epidemic is spreading into the interior where fused to move in the matter, blandly offer point, affording an opportunity of illustrat mest important companies agreed to combine furmidable rival to. Singapore that the nothing or almost nothing can be done to ing, the excuse that the agreement had noting her local resources, But that is not the with the declared object of ousting their fasco Polo will coal there on her way to stay, its ravages. It has been shown that been sanctioned by Imperial edict. Even al point, for it is the spoutaneous exhibition of ivals in the Far East generally. They had Colombo." It is certainly curious that a

the Siamese people have a fatalistië, turn Kowloon-Canton Railway Loan Agreement. though the Agreement had been signed, the good-will, and loyalty which is of most im already made a beginning with the Yangise warship should deliberately indicate its

of mind which leads, thent to "view Marine Cour

opposition had by no means lost heart. They portance.. After all, given a bright sky and trade, but their operations had not extended preference for Sabang, when she had to call coalesced in their resolution to defeat the gay scenery, it is a simple matter to make a as far as Hongkong, and there was, indeed, at the important part in the South, and it the increasing death-roll with a calmness. scheme, and that they managed to prevent Rumah holiday, but there are deeper rettle reason to believe that their programme cannot be suggested that in patronising thing to equanimity. When cholera its final adoption for so long is a tribute to suits to flow from the Royal visit. It contained any reference to the Hongkong Dutch port she could have been influenced at its height in the dry season, the natives persist in drinking the brackish waters of their skill, ingenuity and influence at head was recognised from the first that the and Canton trade. It was thought that by matives of self-interest, national con-

the Menam, in direct opposition: to...the... quarters. It need not be suggested that Duke was

Its with the schemes to innagurate lives to the siderations or neighbourliness. The only vice of those in authority. They are told there was any chicanery employed; the fact Royal Highness came out as an other United States, South America, Australia rational view to take is that the commander what the results are likely to be, but whether temains that they stood a solid phalanx of the Crown charged with special duties and Europe either emerging from the of the Italian warship.had-received-reports it is due to ignorance or apathy they con- in the way of those whọ favoured the agree- in the way of examining the defences of chrysalis stage or recovering from the concerning Saburig as a coating station

tinge the practice and suffer accordingly, ment. H.E. Tang Shao-yi, the Senior, the Colony. Thar the. Duke managed, in disorganisation caused by the war the which induced him to give Singapore the Vice President of the Ministry of Posts and the short time at his disposal, to form an question of entering into competition with "go by." That speaks ill of the Settlement Cholera was an accepted fact which could not be denied, and they were far Communications, became so wrath at last accurate idea of the capabilities of Hong the local bouts was still for the future to and is far from creditable either to the late from allempting to deleat the ends of Provis that he wrote a stinging letter to the kong do resist an invader, we diffidently beg decide. Assisted by their Govertiment, Tanjong Pagar Dock Company or the

Board,

dence. But plague is practically a new feature opponents of the Agreement denouncing leave to doubt. It is quite possible that However, largely through the benevolence of present Dock

"Quoting again their tactins and condemning their attitude. His Royal Highness realised the efficiency, financiers on the London and ew York from our contemporary it appears that which appears to be exercising the natives No sooner has this loan been made and of the forts to repel an attacking force Exchanges and the Paris Bourse, the "steady endeavours are being ninde in. vari mainly on account of its novelty. Tha us ports in the Far East to influence cap observes that:-Plague follows a preity

Bangkok Times in discussing the matter: the Agreement therearient signed," he which can only come by water, but it is a Japanese have been rendered able to come wrote, "than I find you advocating the can- well-known fact that the island is far from to the front once more with wonderful tains of trading steamers to make use of well defined course when once it has South The late celerity. We read in a Japanese contem Sabang as a coaling port. The inducements established itself in any big town, and the cellation of this very Agreement. Although vulernable from the your views may beexcusable in the light of your Captain Barnes Lawrence viewed withporary that the scheme to incorporate the pre, presumably, of a monetary character, patriotism, I am afraid that you will fed on anxiety the struction of the Kowloon Vajate corvices of the four companies--the and, therefore, of such a nature as the Can prospect, not of sporadic cases, but of siderable difficulty in realising your hopes." Canton railway, believing that it afforded a Nippon Yusen Keisha, Osaka Shosen jong Pagar Duck Hoard, now not a private serious epidemics for some years in the His Excellency was right, for the Agreement loophole for those who had slates inten Kaisha, Daito Rise Kaisha and Llunan company but a Colonial institution, cannot future, is not a pleasant one. If that pro has been sanctioned and the matter is settled. tions against Great Britain. He had a Steamship Company, has matured, and the possibly offer. Things being equal, Sabang difficult problems that the authorities will

spect is realised it will raise not We can only trust that, after the Chinese scheme somewhat rescinbling the Channel finel meeting of the representatives of the will score with skippers of a money-making have to be prepared to deal with. But we New Year, evidence will be forthcoming to tunnel, idda, whereby the strategical import-four companies has probably already been turn of mind-there are a few such for re- show that a serious start has been made with ance of the line might he discounted, but it held at which all matters concerning the bates and commissions are arguments that fancy a serious increase of plague cases the section running from Canton and join was never brought to fruition. At the same amalgamation have been arranged. It is convince sea going persons of an acquisitive means more than that. It means that the ing the Kowloon section at Sam-chun. The time he was firmly of opinion that the further stated that the capital of the new then of mind. The per contra argumentuestion of the sanitation of Bangkok will become one of practical politice." The first great obstacle has been surmounted, southern approaches to theharbour were quite company will be 12,000,000 yen, made' up, that the Singapore Dock Board, to give it a and it should not be long before the rest of inadequate and even went so far as to say as follows:-100,000 yen, the capital of the generally intelligible name, must offer, are

essential sanitary rules will have to be enforced as in other towns under proper the difficulties are cleared away, and the that they were practically useless. Whether Daito Kisen Kaisha, with 15 sleam tug boats the lowest possible rates as to coaling, dock. Kowloon-Canton, railway an accomplished the Duke realised this important fact is with an aggregate tonnage of 340, and 15ing and repairs." In the opinion of the administration, and money will have to be fact.

locked in his own breast. Of course, it may lighters with an aggregate tonnage of 676; writer, if Sabang can do things better than found for the water supply and other." be said that His Royal Highness was able 750,000 yen, the paid-up capital of the Singaporethen the former deserves to succeed. Decessary works, Only accessity perhaps could force the matter forward at present, from the charts and documents placed be Human Steamship Company with three | As yet Sabang is a very pany rival, the total fore him to guage the value of each fort, steamers, representing a total tonnage of number of ships that coated there in 1935 becomes a matter of the first importance. but with plagne in the country public health and, equally of course, the Duke, from his 3,370; 4,000,000 yen, representing six being 176, and in the first ten months of

This has not been recognised yet, however, for It is not astonishing to learn that last long experience, was in a position to appraise steamers on the Yangtse, and other property is year 178, which may be styled progress

even the elementary Act making registration year a record was established in the number their utility, but a-close personal examina belonging to the Osaka Shosen Kaisha; of sorts, at the very fact that there is a of immigrants to the United States, the total tion is apt to reveal defects which are not alient 3,000,no yen

of death compulsory is still on the 'st.ell," representing two competitor at her gates should stir the Set.

That is rather plain speaking on the part of admissions during the period being 1,166,335 apparent on the surface. The alliance with steamers and other property of the Nippon dement, or then the Government, to re- an increase of 106,598 over the previous Japan naturally diminishes the danger should Vasen Kaisha, the remaining 4,000,000 yen | newed effort in the way of improving the standing in Sium, but it does not come too

a newspaper which bears a semi-official- returns. The summary in the San Francisco there be any less special effort on the part to be subscribed publicly. When the new dock and wharf accommodation, and adopt- On February 6, 1907, at Shanghai, Keneti OSWALD MACKENZIE, son of the late Kabert Papers which have just came to hand, is of Great Britain to consider in particular company is floated, four steamers of over ing the latest devices intended to facilitate arly Here is a country,-which-pretends-to- Mackenzie and Mrs Mackenzie, to ASTRID

somewhat too condensed to permit of any the interests of the Colony as the sentinel of 2,00 tons each will be built, and the services rapid conling and the prompt discharge of be in the forefront of civilisation, as the word ALICE (BARDIS) younger daughter of the late examination of the Commissioner General's the East, but it is not well that. Hongkong will be extended to Hongkong Canton, cargo. Singapore is certainly not up-to-date sunderstood in the Bast, which does not employ the most elementary, forms of sanita N. C. R. Petersen and Mrs. Petersen, of Shang-report, but interest in this part of the world should be relegated to the limbo of the un- Tairen, and other North and South China as regards the common machines which pe bai, and grand-daughter of William A. Carlton, will be directed to certain remarks regarding considered. In these circumstances, we trust ports. That is definite enough in all conscience called inte operation when quick work at the tion, has no idea of inaugurating a water Harbour Master at Shanghai.

the exclusion of Chinese... It is not quite that His Royal Highness has carried away a; and appears in have been inspired by sonic docks is required, and seeing that so much supply system and gives little or no thought DEATHS.

clear whether of the total number of immi full conception of what is required for the person in authority. There is no suggestion money is to be spent on the harbour into the eradication of endemic diseases. If grants admitted 1,154 were. Chinese or maintenance of British prestige here and in that the shipping trust of Japan may do this might be well if the Deck Board considered the introduction of plague induces the au in the applications for admission. Of one whether that was the extent of the decrease the Far East generally.

or that; there is no use for the subjunctive the advisability of modernising their metus tries to give another thought to the in the formal statement ·appearing in the in every way possible, so that the port ent

essentials of health and the principles of thing we may be quite certain, however CHINESE IMMIGRATION INTO Truss; the scheme is already cut and fairly claim to be in a position to defeat the hygiene it will not have proved an unmiti- the number of Chinese admissions' was an

dried, formulated and, possibly, by this time, aims of Sabang,. In this connection i gated evil. But is Hongkong giving infinitesimal quantity in comparison with

in course of being carried into effect. It appears that recently the Government had attention to the outbreak in Bangkok P There is a very considerable trade between that of aliens of other nationalities. The

(12th February); >

will be noted that Hongkong and Canton | been discussing the question of securing the Commissioner in. considering the tabulated It will be recalled that early last year an are specifically mentioned as ports whose cancellation of the harbour contract entered that port and this Colony, a trade which section of his report makes reference to the exemption was made in the Chinese Exclu- trade will be cut into by the Japanese into with Sir Jolin Jackson, Ltd.

There was will increase as the rice, crap is milled, and Chinese Exclusion Jars and some of the son Act in favour of Chistese actors being whose appearance on the scene must be evidently some fear that the Settlement ensid unless steps are taken to preserve the com- difficulties which attend its enforcement. admitted into the Philippine Islands and in regarded with grave consideration. In the ill afford the huge sum of £1,264,000munity from a premature epidemic derived He is evidently of opinion that the power consequence several Chinese troupes were first place, the steamers of the four com for harbour improvements, and the contracthrough the agency of travellers from Bang admitted imo Manila from Hongkong. Now, panies are practically certain dividend tors were asked whether they would age kok, the work of the past few years will have however. news is to hand that Chinese carness, for they start with an annual Govern- to caricel the contract in return for a sofatin be in vain. It is not desirable that the of proceeding to the States abould be actors must be classed with those who ment subsidy of 800,000 yen, the estimate of £25,000. A reply was received saying that precautions should be of such a nature as to withdrawn and that a new system should beare debarred from admittance into United for which is included in the Japanese Sir John Jackson declined to name a sum

conflict with actual traile requirements but adopted. In the words of the San Fran. States territory. The information reaches Budget for the coming fiscal year. Already, for a simple cancellation of the contract they should certainly ensure the safety of the cisco Chronicles "he recommends stationing us through the columns of the Manila the Japanese Government is paying sub. The amount was thought inadequate, but public of this Culony. In these circum- officers to investigate and approve certificates (ablenets of 7th_inst.. which says: sidies to the four companies, an an in- Sir John Jackson stated that his firm would stances, we trust that the Sanitary Depart MAIL SUPPLEMENT,

issued by the Chinese Government to the Yesterday Collector McCoy gave out a cable ducement to make a bold bid for the Yang accept 20,001 to cancel the contract, if ment will take the matter in hand and so ISSUED GRATIS TO SUBSCRIBERS.

exempt classes, such plan to supersede that received by Governor General Smith from the trade, to the aniount of go0,000 yen, but they could reserve the right to go to arbitra continue the work which has had the effect of having the investigation made by United General Edwards, which revokes the ruling it is not stated whether the new subsidy lotion for the loss of prof's if they did not of greatly diminishing the death returns due States consular officers." A sly dig at the of Secretary Tast of April 4, 1906, regarding the joint concem is an addition or an obtain, the Tanjong Pagar contract. The to bubonic plague. HONGKONG, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1907 consuls is made by the Commissioner when the favoured admittance into the islands of simple increase. Even if it were only an telegram further stated that if it was consider he says that greatly improved conditions re- Chinese actors. Since Secretary Taft's rul- increase of $300,000 yen it is very substantial.cd that the contract must be cancelled, sulted from the President's orders of lasting the popularity of Manila as an amuse. Then, the vessels can be worked at a notice would have to be given and the Go spring to instruct consular officers as to their ment centre has been very great if the com fraction of the cost involved on European verament must contem late a claim of duties.concerning the certificates to which ing of three large Chinese theatrical troupes steamers, even in the 'case of tramps, be £100,000. To this the Straits Government he has made reference. It is recommended from China is to be taken in account. Many cause wages are less as a rule and Japanese replied that sooner than, accept the excessive that there should be a system whereby the people claimed that Taft's ruling in sailors de hot demand the fare which a demands of the contractor or go to arbitra- Government might have a complete and permitting the entrance of Chinese actors thoughtful. Hoard of Trade provides for the tion, they were prepared to face the necessity detailed registration of all Chinese in into the islands when they could, not British sailormen. There are other very

for the strictest, economy and proceed with the United States. The object of such enter the United States was in violation of real reasons why those connected with the

the contract. The Governor of the Straits a scheme is to impose a barrier against the rulings of the Treasury Department and shipping trade of Hongkong should give Settlements at a meeting of the Legislative those Chinese who, it is alleged, em the Attorney-General of the United States: close attention to the situation, otherwise Council expressed the belief that the ploy various methods to enter the coun"That Taft's interpretation of the law they may be caught nodding when their Colony was quite capable of meeting the try in violation of the law, one of the chief is faulty," remarks our contemporary, "is competitors wrive on the scene, In any financial situation, and on the work will pro, of these being that they profess to be do evidenced by the cable from General event, it will be a stiff fight which the ceed accordingly. Looking from the put miciled merchants. Any Chinese labourer Edwards. The cable is as follows: Wash Japanese seem anxious to make with the side, we are inclined to feel that it was the found in the United States a year after the inglon, February 4, 1907. Smith, Manila. view of wresting the trade of Hongkong and wisest course to begin operations as soon as registration act who has not a residence cer- Secretary of War, after full conference Canton from those who have built it up with possible once they have been decide upon tificate and is found to be unlawfully there with the President and the Secretary of should, the report says, be deported. The State, has become convinced there must is well known that the Canton and West Ing of a public character hanging over the Commissioner also states that on the Mexi be uniformity of construction of Chinese River trade is far from being remunerative, heads of residents, and it does not tend to can border Chinese, coolies are constantly exclusion law with reference to admission of At each successive meeting of the principal increase the self-esteem of the Colony, bure being smuggled into America from Mexico. Chinese to the Philippine Islands, and the company interested in the trade reference is dened as it would be with an old man of the Other recommendations are designed to admission of Chinese to the mainland of the made to the difficulties experienced in secur-sea who could not be shaken off. This is prevent the admission of Chinese minor United States, and, therefore, previous ruling adequate and profitable returns, but it no time to lag behind and in view of what is

Local and General.

BIRTHS.

On January 9, 1907, at Feochow, the wife of G. Stemssen, Esq., H. G. M. Consul, of a daughter.

On February 6, at Shanghai, to Captain J. M. DAVIDSON, 4th Bn. The King's Kegt, and Mr. Davidson, a son,

BEATTIE-At Stokes Bungalow, Weit Peak, on the 12th inst, the wife of ANDREW BEATTIE,

a son.

At Shaoghal, on the 14th inst, the wife of GEORGE HUTTON POTTS of a son.

MARRIAGE

On February 2, 1957, at Shanghai, EMIL DALIETO, aged 33.

On February 5, 1957, at Shanghai, CECIL EDGAR VAN BERGEN, aged 4 years and it months.

On February 8, 1997, at Shanghai, ALICE Houps, aged 26. "Ou. February 8, 1907, at Chiuwangtao, D. MCKELLAR, Second engineer of the str, Kof: ping,

CHINESE IMMIGRATION IN AMERICA.

On February 9, 1907, at Shanghai, FRAN- CISCO XAVIER CARNEIRO, aged 44.

On February to, 1907, at Shanghai, 1. BAYOL, of the Imperial Maritime Customs.

Suddenly on the 11th inst, Captain ALEX-deputed ANDER TILLERY, date Masine 'uperintendent C. P. R. Co., aged 63.

The

Jongkong Telegraph

KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY LOAN AGREEMENT SANOTIONED.

(9th February.)

No information could be more satisfactory to those who are Interested in the subject of the construction of the railway which will councat Kowloon with Canton than that which was received to-day, to the effect that an Imperial Edict has been issued by the Imperial Government at Peking sanctioning the Agreement with the British and Chinese Corporation for the Chinese section of the Canton Kowloon Railway. Time and again it was declared that the Imperial sanction had been obtained to the document in ques pon, but the unreasoning opposition of certain gentry at Peking who, perhaps, had their Own ends to serve, delayed matters and at one time it seemed possible that the sub- ject would be quietly ahalved. It was a

American consuls to in vastigats the slaims of Chinace desirous

MANILA.

CONCERNING the staff of H.R.H, the Duke of Connaught a home paper has this: -The Duke of Connaughi, in his forthcoming lustern tour, will take with him besides bit A.D.C., Mr. Myles Ponsonby, an old comrade of his at Tel el Kebir, Major-General Sir John Maxwell,

KCB.

Bination of the Black Watch then,, and was ir John was a subaltern in the 'First taking, as was the Duke, his first turn of war. service. He was to see plenty more, as A.D.C. 10 Grenfell at Giniss, where be got his D.5.0.; at longala, where he got his brevet, lieut colonelcy; and at Umdurman, where he com came South Africa, where he had the manded the Recond Egyptian Brigade. Then Fourteenth Brigade, and finished up as Military Governor of Pretoria, The Duke's A.D.C. Mr. Myles Ponsonby, is the second son of that who is now eighth Earl of Bessborough, and who married the youngest of the present Lord

lieutenant in the Grenadier Guard Wimberge's five sisters Mr. Pontonby, wha stready and an experience as A.D.C.! THESIS Hi A. Blake, in Ceylons: The Duke, and both his officers may be considered fairly adsproofr

so much industry, caution and concern. It It is absurd to have an immense underiak-sometimes busy City man, Lord Duncashon,