1907-03-02 — Page 14

#PLEGISLATIPE GUÜNCIL, E.

Ameeting ofthe Legislative Connell was held- on the 28th ulto. Present:-His Excellency the Governor, Lieut. Colonel Sir Matthew Nalban E.C.M.O., Hon. Mr. F. H. May (Colonial Secre fary), Hon. Mr. H. H. J. Gompertz (Attorney General), Hon, Captain F. J. Badeley (Captain Superintendent of Police), Hon. Mr. W. Chatham (Director of Public Works), Bon, Mr. A. W. Brewin (Registrar-General) Hon, Mr. E.-A. Hewelt, Hon. Dr. Ho Kai, H., CMO, Hon, Mr. Wol Yuk, Hon. Mr. W. J. Grosson, Hop. Mr. E. Osborne, and. Mr. A. Ģi M. Fletcher (Clerk of Councils).

ARSENT.

His Excellency Major General R. G. Broad. wood, A.E. (Commanding the Troops), Hos. Mr. A. M. Thomson (Colonial Treasurer).

MINUTES.

The minutes of the lass, meeting, were rend and confirmed.

FINANCIAL MINUTES.

The Colonial Secretary laid on the table Financial Minutes os 1 to 13, and it was agreed that they be referred to the Finance

Committee.

to

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THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH SATURDAY MARCH 2, 1907.

voler-Public Works | recurrent and public KUWLOON DUCK AMENITIES,

works extraordinary for the following items

Public works recurrant

Typhoon and rainstorm

damages

PRESENTATIONS. TO DEPARTING MEMBERS,

28th February."

A goodly number of the staff of the Bong kong and Whampoa Dock Co, met last night in the Kending Room to make presentations $53,000 to Capt. Dodds and afr. John Kyles on the accasion of their departure for home to-day The presents consisted of a silver tea set and pair of silver vares for Capt. Dodds and a silver tea and coffee service, caddy, and pair of vases for Mr. John Kyles

Public works extraordinary

Insanitary property resump-

tion.................................zo 13,000

Mortuary at Kowloon i.....$ 5,150. New roads in Victoria

extension cast and west of Conduit, Road

5,200 Insanitary property resump- tion.

12,060 3,410 Water supply, Tai Po Time-ball tower on Blick-

head's Hill, Kowloon..... 678a-

-532,690

-?

NEW TERRITORIES REGISTRY OFFICE. A sum of one hundred and fifty-three dollars and eighty cents in aid of the vote, Judicial and Legal Departments, Land Registry Office, New Territories-Other charges, typhoon expenses,

IMPERIAL INSTITUTE.

A sum of three thousand two hundred and sixty-three dollars ($3263 @ af:= 1,326.60) in aid of the vote, Miscellaneous services, grants- in-aid of other institutions:-Imperial Institute.

KOWLOON RIFLE RANGE,

A sum of one thousand and fifty dollars in aid of the vete, public works extraordinary, resumption of private property for rifle range,

Kowloon.

A TEMPORARY, HOSPITAL. » A sum of fifty-five dollars in aid of the vote, Medical Departments, Hospitals and lums, other charges, New Territories, rent of tempoery tiospital.

'FIRE BRIGADE, . ;

A sunine thousand three hundred and „thirty-four dollars in aid of the vote, Police and Prison Department, R.-Fire brigade, other charges, tyloon damages.'

PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION. A sum of five thousand doll rs, $3,430.15 being a revate, in aid of the vote, Miscellaneous Service, Public Health and Buildings Ordin-

ance Commission.

"

THE CONNAUGHT RECEPTION.

A. sum of six thousand two hundred and nine

FIRE IN CONNAUGHT ROAD,

ONE HOUSE GUTTED.. Several thousand dollars worth of damage was done last Thursday morning by a fire which -broke out at No. 68, Connaught Road. Centra), The fire alarm was rung at the Central Police Station shortly before tralf-past ten o'clock and

atiend.

AN INSURANCE SQUABBLE

QUESTION OF 5.5. "MACAU'S" INSURANCE.

Atthe Supreme Court, on the 27th ulto., before his Honour Sir Francis Piggott, Chief Justice; Yae Tsai, a merchant, brought an action against the Fook On Assurance and Godown Company, Limited, of No. 123 Des Voeux Road Central, to recover the sum of $40,000, being the amount of the insurance of a certain ship, which foundered in the September ty phoon, and which, it was alleged, was insured with the defendant company.

Mr. M. W. Slade, instructed by Me. A. G. Jackson of Messrs. Johnton, Stokes and Master, appeared for ilie plaintiff, the defendants being represented by the Hon. Mr. d. E. Pollock, X.C., who winstructed by Mr. C. F. Dixon, of Mr. John Hastings' office.

Mr. Stewart, chairman of committee, of pre- senting the ten service, &c, to Capt. Dodds on behalf of the staff expressed, regret at losing the captain, and said that those who had known him knew him as a jolly goud fellow; and hoped that when he got into the bosom of his family that he may have many a pleasant cup The statement ofcialm set forth that the plaio- of tea from the teapot, and that he might have till, a merchant in Macao, insured his steam- pleasant recollections of his sojourn in Hong: ship-the Macau with the defendant company kong.

for $40,000 on September 17th, 1956, the vessel The Captain briefly replied.

being then in the harbour of Hongkong and the Messrs, Logan, Baxter, Davison, and Rutter policy was to remain in force until the Macau also expressed regret at the Captain's departure arrived at Amay, In the typhoon of Septem- from the Colony,

ber 18th the vessel was lost. By the terms Mr. Neave, on presenting Mr. Kyls, through of the policy the steamer was valued at $95,600 Mp Stewart, with a silver tea and coffee service, and it was agreed that $55,000 of the Value etc. said they had met there to offer the should be insured by the owner himself and beautiful silver pieces as a memento of the not with any other person." Plaintiff paid respect they held for Mr. Kyles, who had been premia amounting to $1,200 and stamp duty, a member of the staff for a good many years. but on the vessel being lost the defendants re- They wished him bon voyage and a speedy repudiated all liabilly under the policy, and in turn to health in his native land, He regretted consequence the plaintiffs brought the action that Mr. Kyles was not able to accept the pre for $10.000. would convey to him the good wishes of the tien put forward by the plaintiff, though they sents in person but hoped that Mr. Stewart The defendants did not agree with the allega- wa meeting and their regret at his inability to agreed with them in general. The steamer, ar any other sum by the said policy, but was merely stated therein to be estimated to be of the value of 595,000, such estimate being pinced upon the steamer by the plaintiff himself, who falsely represented her to be of that value, but such estimate of value was not assented to or agreed to by the defendant com plaintiff agreed by the said policy that he as owner would insure the steamer to the value of $5500 and would not re-insure with any other person, hat the defendants denied that the plaintiff had performed that agreement and said that the value of the slcomer at the time of the policy was only $25,000 or $35,000.

While denying that they were liable in the full sum of $40,ono, the defendants admitted that they were liable for 40/95ths of the actual real value of the steamer and explained their willingness to pay that amount, which might, be determined by the Court, or otherwise.

Mr. Slade addressed the Court at some length and quoted authorities on the question of insurance policies and the wording of such policies, and the case was subsequently ad- journed.

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ANALUPTAL GT ION

THE PENANG ASSOCIATION.

The Penang Anti-Opium Association is full ing a monthly Journal from the Chinese New of life and energy. It has commenced publish Year and its very first issue is full of interest ng Anti-Opium Agitation items. The follow ing two leaders in the first issue of the Journal state the aims and objects of the Association.

OUR APPEALED

shall endeavour from time to time, to giva Information on the 'progress of the morement. We have already received, many inquiries, official and unofficial, from people Interested in the Opium Question from India, China and not already done so to justify our existence. England. We hope, therefore, soon, if we have Singapore Bastern Daily Hall

THE BANK OF JAPAN.

SPEECH BY THE GOVERNORA

It is out pleasant duty in this, the first number of the Journal, of the Penang Anti- At the general meeting of the Bank of Japan, Opium Association, to be able to makes held on the 16th ultimo, Mr. Matsuo, Govern- direct-appeal to our readers and enlist the or of the Bank, made an interesting speech: sympathy of those who have the welfare of their from which we make the following extracts. fellow-boing at heart.

So many harsh things have been said and Meiji) may be described as a period of transl

"The year under review (the 19th_year of” even done against us due, we do not doubt, to tion during which financial conditions were misunderstanding, that we feel it right to take awakening from the state of torpor induced by this early opportunity of assuring our readers the war. The first half of the year perbod Very that we have started this Association with a quietly, but on entering the second half a ten- selfish or vindictive, but with purely dency to gradual activity manifested itself, philanthropic, spirit.

Nevertheless on the whole the year may be Our primary object is to discourage as much said to have terminated calmly and unevent as possible the habit of opium smaking and, fully.. For although from the time of the out incidentally, of morphia injection, and to break of war considerable sums of money had render medical aid to those who are desires, been scattered through the country, in the of it at no expense to themselves. It is general form of military and naval outlays, thus ly acknowledged that a large number of our young men first acquire this babit without gradually producing a plenitude of float knowing the disastrous consequences which capital, still the people at large re result later on both to themselves and their mained under the influence of a sentiment of Caution. Moreover, the spring season families. Amongst our womenfolk, 109, wa

was marked by, an -abundance of politics regret to toe that a good many have taken to wa

¤l affairs. Thus a Special Finance Law, for. the drug; this has most often been due to ill

Consolidation of the National Debts, a Law for discomforts occurring during the course of one's Law, Law for the Nationalisation of Private advised attempts at trying to relieve minor amending portions of the Extraordinary Tax natural life. For the above class of people. Hailways, and other measures all having an utmost.

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Mr. Stewart in accepting the gifts on behair defendants said, was not valued at $95,000 especially, our Association will try to do its important bearing on the national, economy,

of Mr. Kyles said in the words of the old pro verb that it was better to give than receive, but to receive this present for their old friend Mr. Kyles, gave him great pleasure, although he regretted exceedingly Mr. Kyles inability to be present. On looking back to the long acquain tanceship with Mr. Kyles with regard to the Reading Room he could say that Mr. Kyles was a most energetis member,

After speeches from a number of those pre- sent, a pleasant hour was spent in harmony; Messrs. Taylor, Logan, Purves, Crispin and Henderson contributing

WUCHOW NOTES.

VILLAGE PILLAGED.

pany.

The defendants admitted that the

THE OPEN DOOR” IN

MANCHURIA,

QUESTIONS IN TIFE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Of the twenty or sa promoters of this Association only a few can really be called men of independent means; the rest have to work bard to cara their daily bread as well as look after this charitable work. But so long as we receive encourage ment and co-operation from the public, for whose interests we have spent and are spending many hours in self-denying labour every day, we shall strive our limost to carry out our programme and hasten the time when the smoking of opium may be looked upon on every side as a relic of the past.

The present anti opium movement is spread far and wide all over the East. In Malays, our sister societies in Singapore, Perak, Belangor and Malacca have done excellent work, and it would indeed fare ill with the good some of Penang Chinese, who are usually regarded as the most progressive of our race, if they did not join the cause. Hepte, although we have had to fight for our very existence, for two months, we have never despaired of ultim ate success, and to-day, the 29th of January (or the 16th day of the Chinese twelfth moon), we congratulate ourselves that we have at last managed to see our Association along with its Hospital formally opened under auspicious

circumstances.

victorious,

were presented to the iet, giving rise to much discussion and apparently bewildering people's minds. Moreover, as the facts relating to the failure of the previous year's crops in the north easterly districts became known, and the very. severe suffering thus entailed was bruted abmad, a still greater sense of depression was produced. Probably for these reasons busi. test condition thoughout the country did not show any sigh of recovering from the tie in trea digers of the previous year. that from January welcome followed welcome in honour of the troops returning

that no outward appearance. of revival was presented by the market, but this briskness was confined to transactions of retail trade and did not make itsu.f felt to any great degres in the world of genemal business. Further, at the time when woven staffs, which constitute a barometer of the general commer cial condition, were inclizing to a state of depression, a violent depreciation of colton yarns, which took place in April-May, inspired apprehensions as to the future coures of eventa and resulted in a general declios of production. It is true that during this time an increase the spinning industry and schemes or the establishment of various new enterprises found some, few promoters; but pevenheless, in/res- ponce to the commercial depression, there seriously ahead. On the other hand, if the seemed to be a renewal of the tendency to look

state of the money market be considered, it is lays continued month after month from the seen that the payments on account of war out.

beginning of the year, leading to an increas ed scattering of capital, while, at the same

His Excellency the Governor said-Financial minute No. 1, which is for $2,515 is neces sitated by the outbreak which took place at the Dairy Farm at the commencement of the your Under section 34 of the Public Health and Buildings Ordipance, the Government was called upon to pay compensation for at diseased cows and one healthy one that had to be slaughtered to prevent the spread of the disease, Fleancial minute No. 2 for $1,484 is required resume some land adjoining the police station, land office, and officers' quarters at Taipo in prevent this land being used for Chinese shops and dwellings which, it is considered, would have been insanitary to the surrounding_build ings. Financial minute No. 3, for 90, is pacersitated by the fact that in the years 1904, 190 and 19.5, through an oversigh the amounts voted by the Colony in aid of the Cancer Research Friod were not paid to that Fund. To obvinte such a re- vote in the future, the Crown, Agents have been sent an annual list of the Colony's contri butions to various funds, with, instructions to pay them without further reletence to the Colony. Financial, minute No.4 for $2,000 isBars in aid of the vote, Miscellaneous Ser: for repairs to the dew fairway buoys. These vices, Connaught reception. repairs were necessitated by the hawy typhoons at the end of September last. Finan cial minute 0. 5' for $1,000 is her repairs and -the provision of some additional rifles for the use of the Volunteer Reserve Association. The

Wochow, 26th February, considerable use of the rifles made in the past bas necessitated the repaits, and the opening

One of the most cruel and daring atrocities of the new Peak range which will be used at

was perpetrated on the village of Wong "Pu the same time as the Kowloon range neces

Tau, on Sunday, the 24th instant. From news sitates additional rifles in the future. Financial

to hand it appears that a large body of robbers, minute No. 6 consists of two main items one of

alleged to be some couple hundred stron, ap- peared at the above village on Sunday even- $53,920 fur works and the other of $32,690 is a there was a rush made by those who were revote of moneys not expended last year. The first Sittending the police court to get to the scene. ing at 6 p.m. and without any provocation on item consists of $400 on account of typhoon without any delay. The fire brigade, which was the part of the villagers, proceeded to pillage the various huts of the villagers. Wong Ta and rainstorni dainages. I foreshadowed the in charge of Chief Inspector Baker and Assist necessity for this vote when Last referred.to, at Engineer 1 ane, arrived at the fire in goo Tao is a village barely a mile away from

That our way will not always be smooth we Wuchow, on the opposite bank of the liver, the subject. It was no use taking it last year time and work to extinguish the blaze, which

fully understand, and it is because of this that a the repairs could not then be carried out. by that time had a good grip on the building, and almost within sight of some of the foreign

we are issuing the present appeal to our friends The remainder of the $53,000 is an item of was started. Fire engines Nos, 4 and 5, worked! houses, on the Wuchow side of the river. The

of both sexes, to assist us in crery way they $12,500 for insanitary property resumption. by Engine Driver Macdonald, were striven villageis naturally resented the behaviour of the

can. We shall thankfully welcome pecuniary This is in addition to a revole of part of the close to the edge of the praya wall. a little to marauders and in desperation attacked the

aid (however small it may be) and advice as to money voted last year. The total of $32,690 the cast of the burning building, and water was robbers, but being very inferior in numbers.

the best means for effecting our purpose, from revoles is account of some of the wOIKS drawn from the harbour to commence opers they suffered at the lands of the ruffians, The commenced in (goy not having been.com- finns. The maine along Conpaught Pond, robbers, it is significant, were armed only with

The Japan Chronicle of 16th ulto. says:-The persons interested in charitable work. Those

who are not opium smokers may enrol them-time, as a result of the spread of a war-induced pleted that year. It compares favourably with Gilman Street and Des Voeux Road were swords, knives, scythes, etc. bel no fire arms. proceedings on Thursday of the Budget Com-

On each of these mairy This is a clear indication that the above romittee in the House of Representatives are of selves as members on payment of the annual spirit of effective economy among the people, the amount of the revutes in the last two years, called into service.

bers were doi a rebel gang, but just plain mar Financial minute No. 7 ar $153 80 is on.ic-lengths of base were attached and in a round-

interest, the Estimates for the administration of subscripion of St each, which sum also entitles large sums were placed on deposit in the hanks. Money became easy both in town and Kwantung and Kabufuto (the Japanese half them to a free copy of this Journal and Count of the destruction of the mistsbeds in about way reached the scene of activity, leav-auders, who are very numerous around the but

of Saghalien) being considered.

other publications of the Association. To parip country, and the banks in the various locali

of which the Land Office records were kept ating Connaught Road, where all the hoses met, lying districts of Wuchow, of recent days. In the fight that ensued between the Tob.

In reply to a question of Mr. Sasaki, a mem

ladies we would appeal particularly, for it set themselves to lower their rates Taipo. This involved the occupation of a pri- littered with the "canvas pipes."

interest on deposits. This began during is their influence that is most felt in the February in Osaka and Nagoya, and other of the Daido Club, in regard "to the "admini- wate house at Taipo and the amount included

House No. 68 is a three-storeyed building,bers and the villagers, some situated very near to the Charles Hardoui's were killed and a large number wound-stration in Kwantung, Mr. Chinda, Vice household: a word or two from them on the places took a similar step. Our Bank, since

harm caused by: opium will accomplish moze Minister for Foreign "Affairs, stated thai in whark The ground floor was used as a go.

wonders for our cause than pages of printed raising its rate of interest in Juve of the year 1905, had maintained the same figure in con down, where a large amount of inflammable

South Manchuria the Government was work-

formity with the state of the markat, but, la goods, chiefly consisting of matches, was stored,

ing on the principle of the "open door" and matter. We are at the commencement of a equal opportunity," in accordance with the new year, when every one makes some sort of

due appreciation of ruling conditions, twa The first floor, we are informed, was used as the dwelling place for the fekis, the second

spint of the treaty of peace, Some foreigners; good resolution for the future. We venture to Anot was the residence of Mr. Ng to, hend

continued the Vice-Minister, were inclined hope that those who are opium amokers will reductions of a rin each were made in the daily to think that the Japanese Government Association, the specific and the doctors, both

resolve to cure themselves of the habit, for the rate during March and May,

At the commencement of the second half Chinese master of Queen's College, while the

tain the open door in South Manchuria,

prospect of good harvest brought signs of a seeing that duties were imposed on goods whilst these who, happily like ourselves, are recovery of tone. Business, which had been so imported through Newchwang, while Japan- not addicted to the drug, may combine with long depressed, began to revive: Woven stoffs the Association in warding off the ravages of aand in their sequel all kinds of merchandise ese goods were admitted duly free through

vice which has been Jargely responsible for Tairen. This opinion was a mistaken one ; Japanese and foreign goods were alike admit sapping the national strength of China and for gradually came into active demand. Thus, in September, when subscriptions were invited for fed duty-free through Tairen. In fact, the bringing so much disgrace on our people the South-Manchuria Railway shares, the ap throughout the world. We cannot therefore plications amounted to an extraordinary figure, hish a Customs-House at Tairen, as it was con. Japanese Government was hesitating to estab

conclude our appeal better than wishing and he share market, which, fram the spring, before a Customs-House was established by and freedom from opium,

our readers and friends a very happy new year sidered that it was out necessary to do so

Russia in North Manchuria. Now that it had

, OUR HISTORY. been agreed between the Chinese and Russ an The Penang Anti-Opium Association was Governments to establish a Customs-House in ¦ called into existence by public clamour at | Sccasional apprehensions fest an abuse of this: North Manchuria, a Customs-House would the meeting held in the Chinese ora be established at Faren: The "asserance Hall on October 16th, 19:6.“ Ta most present repeatedly given by the Government of the at that meeting it was quite clear that the im "ogén door" and "equal opportunity" D mense crowd had not come to hear speeches Manchuria would remain unchanged after the ¦ or to be harangued about the evils of opium war as before.

smoking; it had made up its mind on that matter very decidedly, and only desired to know where and what the remedy was. A few leaves and twi s and a bigttle of some liquid were exhibited, these were eagerly examined, | and the questions: "Where can we obtain this remedy? When will it be here?" were con stantly being put. Disappointment was plain- ly depicted on many facer as no definite an swers were forthcoming.

5 or 6

The casualties were mainly on the ed.

THE ADMINISTRATION 'OF SAGHALIENĖ

in this vote is for the rent of that house. Finns cial minute No 8, for $3,263, is for an increased contribution to the mperial lastitute for the two years ignn-07 and 1907-08, Tac subscrip tion is now £100. Before making this sub- scription I consulted the Secretary of Council, who considered the Colony would reap advan- tage from it. Financial minute No. 10 for $1,050 is for paying some compensation for and taken up for the military ran, es at Kowloon, play of Messrs. Johnson, Stokes, and Master. There was a vote of $20,000 for this purpose in

When the fire-fighters got to the scene the 1994. Of that, $10,973 was spent in that year, fire was borning as rapidly as possible, and and at the end of the year the account was

a number of lookers-on were heard to remark closed. Owing to some dispute as to who was

that ey had seen many fires before, but for entitled to compensation it has been impossible ferocity there was nothing to compare this one to pay this further account until the present with the others. The fire was one of the worst time. Financial minute No. to for the small from a smoke standpoint the local firemen have sum of $55 is to enable us to set apartja small had to tackle for a long time. The inflam cottage hospital of six beds at Taipo. Imable material stored on the ground floor,inicable terms with the neighbouring clans was recommended by the Principal Civil coupled with the dryness of the woodwork on Medical Officer after his inspection of the the upper floors mide the place burn like a New Territories, Financial minute No. 1, tinder box. Flames poured forth from every $9,334, is for raising the fire float which was

verandah and twirled its way skywards, licking Bunk in the typhoon of September 18, and for

the roof in its asreusion while the smoke which -providing new power nod fitings for it.___ fill--issued-in-huge-puffs-from-every pan of the ancial minute No. 12, $5,000, is mainly a revole building could be seen for a considerable of a sum already provided for the Public Health and Buildings Ordinance.. I have been assured by the chairman of that Commission that very little farther expenditure will be involved, and in my turn I have assured hina that this Council will be much disapprinted if the labours of the Commissiou do not result in a considerable reduction in the annual expendi ture of the Sanitary Department: Financial Minste No. 23 16,100, is on account of the expenditure incurred in connection with the visit oftheir Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Connaught, and in this con. pection the Council" will be interested in

third story was occupied by a clerk in the e- children belonging to the village: Yesterday would not carry out its pledge to maingropean and Chinese, are at their service of the year, the fineness of the weather and the

distance around.

Mr. Yokota, a Progressis, inquired as to the Government policy of the administration of Kabatuto.

Mr. Hara, Home Minister, stated that the new territory would be placed under the juris- diction of the Bome Department from the coming fiscal year, and an official to direct the administration, under the title of the Director of the Kabaluto Government, would be shortly' appointed. The territory would be ruled on the same lines as the administration of the molherland, The Kabafuta Government would not be vested with power to make laws, as in Formosa, but would be placed on the same footing as Okinawa (Luchu), Fishery and forestry were the 'prio-

industries of the new territory.

villagers' side, who being absolutely unprepar. ed and not armed for an attack, suffered accordingly. The robbers after looting every thing of value, in the village, set fire to it and decamped across the hills, taking with them their foot and also a number of women and morning great volumes of smoke were "ol served by a number of people in Wuchaw, who thought it was just one of the usual bon fires on the hills, that are so common about here. At 3 p.m. one of the villagers, who haif and reported the above details of the disaster managed to escape uhhurt, came into Wuchow

reply to a query he denied that it was a clan that had overtaken his fellow villagers. In

fight as he said his village was on the most;

and moreover the robbers who had visited them village. The poor villagers are in the mean were absolutely unknown to any open..the while in a sad plight as they are homeless and all their possessions.have been stolen-qe-ruth lessly destroyed. The majority of them have now come into Wuchow for refuge and help. The matter, was reported to the Wu The water service which was turned on at

chow hsien, or Magistrate, who immediately this blaze was nothing to be proud of:

sent a body of soldiers to the village, with At the commencement the pressure (we orders to follow up the robbers and capture will call it that) was not strong enough to them if possible. Needless to say no such thing reach the first storey of the building. In con- as the capture of the robbers will happen, as sequence of that Fireman Davitt, carrying a the local soldiers are not inclined that way, the hose, mounted the fire escape and from his post-majority of them being ex-pirates themselves. tion aloft got his bose to work. He was followed With a garrison very much below the normal "P by Fireman Cooper. A second escape was strengih, it is no wonder that such daring rob run up the side of the building and Fireman beries should take place, almost within sight Sullivan made his ascent with a line of hose of the port. Wuchow, which used to have 800 but they could not remain there long. The soldiers in barracks, has now barely 200, and beat was appalling, for by this time the upper this great reduction is of course due to the fonts, were a roaring furnace, and the best was officials trying to economize. That this policy unbearable to the spectators standing too fest of economy is a wrong one, is apparent, when away from the house. Gradually the water pres such atrocities as the above can be perpetrated sure became stronger, but although it reached

so near the port. With regard to the women any effect on the flames, and fears were entertain-

aese here say that this is always customary, as The motion was adopted, and the Counciled of the fire spreading to the adjoining houses, in case the robbers are pursued by Govern question of Russia's fishing rights in Kabafute sat in private,

The firemen worked as they never did before, ment troops, they put the women and children would be submitted to the decision of the every man did his utmost; Foreman Grani

between themselves and the troops to escape Hague Court of Arbitration, or thateuch Russian yelled. his orders lustily, the engines pumped being fi ed a', When not pursye, after lend rights would be purchased by the lapanese harder than ever, until a hase burst and hering their captives some considerable distance Government, asked whether there was any pressure had to be reduced several points in from where they have taken them, the robbers truth in these reports. order to save the remaining hoses. Mr. K. release their victims to find their way Mr. Chinda, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Coughtric, secretary to the Union Steam Water back to their own homes, as beat they are able. replied that the views of the two Governments Boat Company, was as busy a person present as

la some cases, where possible, the children were in opposition on the question, and that anyone else. eeing the condition of things he and women are sold for what they will fetch, efforts were being made to settle the difficulty ordered the coxswain of the steam water boat hut the robbers never do this where a possible diplomatically The Vice-Minister added that Tal See, which was at the time moored along chance of detection will lead to their own cup-nothing definite had been. decided as to whe- side the Charles Hardouin, to come alongside ture. One of the survivors of this villageoutinge ther the question should be submitted to the the praya wall, facing the burning home, and mentioned that he did not think that these rob decision of the llogue Court or the Russian get busy. At 10 55 Tai Sze got alongside and bers were old hands at this game, as mary of rights purchased. her suction hoses were rus ashore. Some the were quite as alarmed as the villagers minutes later the fire showed signs of abating themselves. The survivor in question goes on The heat grew less and the crowd, which was to say that he thinks that they are a lot of farm forced to keep at a distance before, closed in labourers from distant districts, who having and the special policemen experienced some been famine-stricken, in their own parts, have Trouble in trying to keep them outside the banded together for the purpose of rabbery, to fire line. When the fire showed signs of dying enable them to tide over this bad winter, the out a rumbling sound was heard and the fire proceeds of their robberies. He stater, äs his men sought a place of safety. The doors and

reason for this view, that so many of the rab« pist of the roof had collapsed.

hers were armed with farming implements The local gentry are combining to relieve the unfortunate villagers and in the meanwhile the officials promise to do everything possible to capture the robbers and to recover the women and children stolen.

learn that I received from His, oyal Highness a telegram when he landed at Singapore saying how delighted they were with the re- ception and that they much regretted they were unable to spend a longer time with us than they did, an

FINANCE COMMITTEE.

A meeting of the Finance Committer was beld immediately after the meeting of Council, the Colonial Secretary presiding.

It was unanimously agreed that the followi1 g votes be recommented for adoption by the Council.

THE MINDERPEST QUTBREAK.

∙A sum of two thousand five hundred and fif teen dollars in aid of the vote, Sinitary Depart. ment--Other charges, compensation for infect- ed cattle slaughtered.

RESUMPTION OF TAXED LOTE. A sum of one thousand four hundred and sighty-four dollars in aid of the vote, Mis cellaneous Services, Resumption of taxed lots in the New Territories.

CANCER RESEARCH FUND. A sum of £90 in aid of the vole, Mis- cellaneous Services, Cancer Research Fund.

+ HARBOUR NEEDS.

A sum of two thousand dollars in aid of the vote, Harbour Master's Department, Harbour Ofice-Special expenditure, purchase of three fairway light and buoys.

..... VOLUNTEER EXPENSES. 1. A sum of one thousand dollars in aid of the wote, Military expenditure, B. Volunteers Other charges, purchase of 24 "barrels and; 13

PUBLIC WORKS, Wes

It was a great surprise to most present that such a wide-spread feeling was in our midst. Since that time it has become clear that a great

wave has passed over a great part of China and has sprear down through the Straits and Fede rated Malay States.

had developed an upward tendency under various influences, grew increasingly active; the inception of various now enterprises grew gradually more frequent, and there were di puisition should be witnessed. Still the financial condition, remained as easy as ever and thus the close of the year approached. There was indeed a temporary incresis of de- mand for accommodation, but this was merely. the outcome of business' arrangements ins <idental to the close of the year, and thus the situation may be summed up by saying that things passed quietly alike in business and in finance."

· EMIGRATION TO THE UNITED

STATEST

OPINION OF THE NEW AME"ICAN BILL

The news of the passage through the Wash.

the second floor, it did not appear to have had aud children captured by the robbers, the Chi-cipyakota, referring to the report that the against opium, was enough to stir the heart of view an ultimate transmigration to the United-

Lukong No. 158 was hurt, on the right. foot by a piece of falling timber and he was ordered to hospital for treatment. All traffic along Der Veux Road was stopped, includ- ing the tramcars, owing to the presence of the hoses along the track, T

By 11.30 the fire was totally extinguished. THE Korea Daily News states that a woman leaving the entire building gutted. The in Sung-chun is said to be the proud mother of amount of damage done is not yet known, three boys simultadeous. The Prefect is but it is believed the premises are insured, getting up a purse for her. If it had been one Where the fire started, and how it started are boy more the Prefect, according to custom, Aum fifty-three thousand dollars and to questions which still require clearing up. The would have had to scud her pig's food. That revole sum of thirty-two thousand six police have takes charge of the building and is the difference between three and four; hundred and "pinety dollars in aid of the an investigation will follow.

| mary matter of euhliaction,

Mr, Hasaki further asked whether it was true that the Chinese had taken in hand the con. struction of a railway between Kirin and Cheegchung, The Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs replied that such reports had appeared in the newspapers, but the Government was not yet in receipt of any authoritative intelli- gence on the matter,

ington Senate of the new Immigration Bill is creating something of a panic among the Jap anese emigration companies. A Takyo mes To look in the faces of the crowd and see the sage states that the greater portion of the Japë pathetic look of anxious inquiry for the remedy anese labourers proceeding to Hawaii have lu any one with the slightest philanthropy within States. If their entrance into America from him, so that quite naturally a number of the Hawaii is prohibited, all the Japanese la most prominent men in the Chinese community bourers proceeding to the Pacific islands set about the formation of an Association which will naturally have to remain there, resulte would obtain, manufacture in as scientific aing in a flooding of the labour market, with... - manner as possible, and distribute the specifica consequent declion in waxes. ⠀⠀ Thore- in a systematic way so as to guard against im- can be no doubt that the'emigration of position by irresponsible people, who might be Japanese labourers to Hawaii will be check- inclined to trade upon the ignorance of many ed by this latest legislation, which ⠀⠀ #ill desirous of being freed from the evils of smoke more seriously affect the practical interests of ing, by imposing worthless and harmful decoc- the Japanese thru the San Francisco schools tions upon them. Hence the birth of the question. The emigration companies, regard- Penang Anti-Opium Association.

ing the present situation as being a question, of life or death for them, held « meeting in Monday afternoon, and agreed to inquire at the Foreign Office as to the actual stafa of affairs in America, and then consider the course to be taken, doing their utmost to direct public opinion against the legislation adopted in the. United States,

Up to the present the Association has dons liule but organise and reorganise, gather in formation on all matters bearing on the Opium Question and the specific, and secure premises, The latter are situated at 72A, Love Lane.

We are now in a position to perform the tasks in which we were called into existence, and with the assurance of the Colonial Secre We learn from the ́ Oraka Mainieks that the tary "that Goverment views with sympathy emigration companies have repeatedly inquired any movement the object of which is to induce at the Foreign Office as to the labour quen Mr. Basaki further Inquired if the withdrawal | persons to give up infurious excess" we are tion in the United States, but the authorfiles of troops from Manchuria would not diploma-prepared to go ahead. We would here assure, Lave been reticent. The emigration ¦ come tically affect lapan, The Vice-Minister siated the public that we are actuated entirely by a panies were merely informed that the number that he could not tell what would be the effect spirit of philanthropy and exist solely as an of Japanese proceeding to Hawail, which had of the withdrawal of the troops from a military Anti-Opium Association, and we are not op- lisan restricted" to 1,000' "month" from fast. point of view, but diplomatically it would in posed to anything or anyone else.

month (up to December the number was 2,070), no way affect Japan.

As a journal we have endeavoured to lay would be gradually increased upon the solution "No further questions 'were asked, and the before the public some plain and reliable facts of the San Francisco, schools "question. The meeting having agreed to refer the Estimates and figures which will show that there is a dispatch adds that when the Bill just adopted to sub-committees, the proceedings terminated. general wide-spread spirit of desire to escape by the US Senate once becomes law, crea

A Tairen message states that Mr. Kurosawa,; from the curse of opium, that the Chinese God- the restriction placed by the Japanese- Assistant Chief Commissioner of the New emmeat means business and that thousands of ment of the number of "emigrants to chwang Customs, arrived at 1 airen on the 13th our fellow men are most earnest in trying to is removed, the immigrants, will never instant to make the necessary preparations for free themselves from the 'drug which bas on-schmerous at they were before, and i

establishment of the Customs-House, which slaved, impoverished and all but slain them as will eventually have to be taken or be the is expected to kg opened on April.ret next, It has done millions of their forefathers, We Riot-Japan Ohronicle |

the

miter