1907-07-06 — Page 3

NATIONAL BANK OF CHINA; LTD.

ANNUAL MEETING.

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH SATURDAY JULY 6 1907.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND.N

A PERSONAL EXPLANATION,

[Contributed.].

After a while the moise seemed gradually to die away, till all was dead silence: Alice had just come from the Trial, but Bill the Lizard had insisted on explaining all about tire White Kabbit's hutch and she had got so sleepy that she crept u

THE SUPPRESSION OF OPIÙM

"SMOKING."

We take the following editorial from the W. C. D. Neur of 24th Jupe:-.

The day fixed for the closing of the opium dens in the native city of Shanghai has passed, and the banging of fireworks in Chang Suba's Gardens on Saturday afternosa announced the official colebration in honour of the enlarge-

FRANCO-JAPANESE AGREEMENT,

OFFICIAL TEXT.

As reported in our yesterday's issue the Franco-apanese agreement has been duly ap proved. It was signed on the roth Juce at. Paris between. Mr. Kuring, Japanese Ambas

She had not walked out for when she heardment of the prohibition. No untoward incidentador to France, and M. Pichon, French

This," he said, when he had recovered," the most important section, a very important section."

Alice looked at it and found it was covered with the figures 175.

"And this," said the Knight as he produced a long and very complicated looking instrament, "this is the Bill."

The sixteenth ordinary annual general meet ing of shareholders in the National Bank of China, Limited, was held at the bank premises at noon, on the 19th ulto. There were pressat Mr. J. Scott Haraton (chairman), Messis, G. C. Moxon (managing director), Ellis Kadoorie, E. Howard, J. E. Joseph, E. S. Kadoorie, Chan Kl Pan, E. Haskell, Leung Pak Leung and P.

a great shouting and the White Koight gallop. Loureiro. The notice convening the meeting ed down upon her and shouted out, "I tell you having been read by the managing director,

everything I know. There's little to relats," The Chairman said: Gentlemen he report his hand he held a curious looking and balance sheet for the year ending 31st object and when he had recovered his breath, December, 1905, having now been some time for he had been talking to himself all the time, in your hands I will with your permising he said, "Ab, 1, see you are wondering what this adopt the usual course and take them as seadis? As he spoke he brandished what he held

de not think the figures call for special and fell into a flood of words. comment, but I am sure you will be pleased to see that profits exceed those of the pieced log year. Your board still desire to carry out the policy set forth in the Bank's report for the year 1905 and pay no dividend until reserve unds show a substantial sum as they lect ure that this is a wise and prudent course to pursue. I am glad to be in n position to inform

récant decision of the you that by House of Lords thic appeal of the Founders against the finding of Mr. Justice Farwell in the Chancery Division of the Supreme Couit of Judicature in England has been dismissed with costs. The net result of this is that the Bank is now absolutely the property of its

and ardinary shareholden its Accounts may be presented in the form now before yait. Balore formally moving the a toption of the report and accounts shall be glad to answer any questions in my power,

No questions were asked. The report and Accounts were adopted on the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr. Ellis Kadoorie.

Os the motion of Mr. (oseph, seconded by Mr. Howard, Mr. J. Scott Harston was re- elected a director at the head office board, and Mr. Horace Mocatia on the London com- mittee,

The re-election of Messrs. Lowe and Bing ham as auditors was carried on the motion of Hr. Moxon, seconded by Mr. Haskell.

The Chairman thanked those present for their attendance, and the meeting ended.

WATER POLO,

V.R.C. U. R.E.

"Another friendly match-way played on, the afternoon of the 28th ultime at the R. E. brat camber; between a ̋téhin „repre- sensing the V. R. C. and the R. E. which caded in an easy win for the former by four goals to mil. The match was very exciting one, while the easiest goal could not be scored. After play proceeded for some time a goal was scored by N. H. Alves: Many good tries were made by the Engineer. against the club goal, but they could not get the ball in. After the whistle was blown, ia the second half, many tries were made by the VR. C. players,. but they, too, failed for some time, until ultimately V. H. Alves scored another goal, Immediately the second goal was scored, Barros succeeded in scoring a third from the middle.. Just before the whistle went Ribeiro scored the fourth goal, which ended 4 to ni. The Engineers have improved a great deal since the last match, but still they are weak in handling the ball.

The following were the teams. V.R.C. Goal, O. R. Chunyat, full backs, A. V. Barros, R. C. Witchell; half back, P. M. Kemedius. forwards, J. W. Bains, N. 11., Alves, A. Ribeira,"

R. E-Goal, Staff Sgt. Walsh: full backs, Co. Grandy, Sapper Carr; half back, Supper Vaughan; forwards, Sapper Morrish, Sapper Goodyer, Staff Sgt. Weitern.

"But don't understand,"

"pro'ested Alice "Of course, you don't," answered the Knight, 'nobody does. Now," he continued, "I sup pase I have had more experience of this son of thing than anybody ele, and I had only been speaking for a few days when the King shouted, "Of with his head."". The Knightshook his head sadly. Bill the Lizard spoke first, so I had not nearly enough time and it was really very very important."

has occurred in mar the success of the pro- of liminary step towards the total suppression opium-smoking in Shanghai and for this satisfactory, feature the Chinese community has to thank solely the Shanghai Tauni. Some time elapsed before the Unium Regulations issued in an Imperial Edict last November ware authoritatively promulgated, in this Viceroyalty, and consequently the period el grace provided for the saforcement of their terms, which expired la Chihli on May 17, holds good for the major portion of these pro vinces until August. Taotai Jui, however, decided that if the prohibition was to be pur into effect, dia sooner the better, and fixed Juné 22 as the day on which the opium dens in the city were to close their doors. On May 27 he issued the first of a series of proclamation deal ing with the approaching closure of the deus, and from that date until Saturday there is ample evidence to show that some anxiety existe in official minds regarding the attitude of public opinion towards the measure, it required ug sion and very specific threats to secure general acquiescence in the proposed closure but liberal promises to the employees is the The Keight again fell heavily into a flood trade and a happy decision to throw the ro of words, and Alice had time to look at sponsibility for the enforcement of the prohi him more closely. The horse was hung bilion on the gentry and public bodies brought around with axes, and logs; they didn't about the desired result. Silver medals were look very good axes or very real logs, Alice to be given to the owners of deos who closed thought; and she noticed they were all marked down before June 22; all taxes were remitted "Imported." At his hack the Knight had a for two months; employees whose homes were large box without lop or bottom na which the in other parts of the country were to be repa word "Evidence" was written. "Alice was much triated free of expense; others were to be ad surprised at seeing this, nod was just going to mitted to industrial schools where they would ask what it was for when the Knight, who had have opportunity of learning a different trade. been muttering to himself, auddenly said:

1 hus-Shanghai city has fallen into line with "I shall speak till tomorrow,"

Peking and Tientsin, and a fresh notch can be shall speak," continued the Knight who in China. "I beg your pardon," said Alice, "but could-marked in the calendar of opium suppression could not bear being interrupted. I shall speak on and off, for days and days.".

Excuse me," said Alice, "but could you tell ine what that box is for?"

"Yes," said the Knight with a smile. 1 put anything I can get in and call it evidence and that is the same thing.".

...

Plenty of evidence, plenty of evidence," continued the Koight, and fell once more into a flood of words, . ·

When he had regained his seat he turned to Alice and said:

"You look bated. I will make you a per- sonal explanation."

Is it very long?" Alice asked, for she had listened to a good many that day.

"It's long," said the Knight, but it's very, very personal. Everybody that hears meit

either sends them to sleep, or else......

"Or else what?" said Alice, for the Knight had made a sudden pauit-"or else it doesn't, you know."

Alice listened for some time and then she, interrupted saying, "But that's not a personal explanation."

No, you don't understand," the Knight said looking a little vexed, "that's what I call it. It really is a repetition. Now, before I was white Knight on this chess board I was a pawn over there; but I was very nearly made a King, Then i could speak for as long as I liked. But here, he continued, looking cautiously round, "the King is jealous of me the other day he caught my poor old horse Port eating the thistles and shamrocks which he had planted in his garden and he was very angry. That's why Bill the Lizard and I have been speaking ever since,

"What a funny name for a horse!" said Alice Why do you call him Port?"

Ol,"said the Knight, "that is another of my inventions. 1 call him fort because he is only Nu. 2 and he is something like a Report. It is not a very good horse," continued the Knight, "but I must ride something; if I can only ride it to the end of the board they may make me a King. At all events I am certain to be able 19 pick one of the beautiful flowers which grow there in such plenty."

little

persua

Minister for Foreign Affairs, and the official text is as follows:—

"The Government of his Majesty the Em- peror of Japan and the Government of the French Republic, animated by the desire to strengthen the friendly relations between them and to remove therefrom all future cause for misunderstanding, bave decided, to conclude the following agreement

**The Governments of Japan and France be- ing agreed to respect the maintenance of the independence and territorial integrity of China, and the principle of equal treatment in regard to commerce and to the rights of subjects or citizens in China of the various Powers, and specially being concerned for the guarantee of order and peace in the regions of China contiguous to the territories over which the two contracting parties hold sovereignty, protectorate, or the right of occupation, mutually

to ly engage

support one another with the object of assuring peace and security in the said regions of China, for the purpose of maintaining the respective positions and tenkorial rights of the two contracting parties in the continent of Asia.",

!!In witness wheres the undersigned Kurino- Shinichiro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of His Imperial fapanese Majesty to the President of the French Republic, and Stephen Pichon, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the French Republic and state, each having been legally commission ed by their respective Governments, have signed, and fixed their seals.

Done in Paris on this foth day of juhe, 1907,"

(KURING SHINICHIRO. Signed

(S. PICTION. "The following declaration is annexed to the Agreement:

+

"The Government of Japan and the Govern- ment of France have postponed opening negotiations for the conclusion of a Treaty of Commerce concerning the relations between Japan and French Indo-China; and have here. with agreed upon the following first of all:-

"Japanese officials and subjects shall receive. the treatment of the most-favoured nation in French Indo-China, concerning all matters relating to the protection of life and property, and the subjects and protegés of French Indo- China shall receive similar treatment in Japan. the Agreement just signed shall cease to be binding upon the termination of the Treaty of Commercs and Navigation signed between Japan and France on August 4th, 1896,".

Signed

[KURINO SHINICHIRO. '. 1S. PICHON.

A Tokyo dispatch quotes a statement issued by the Foreign Offics by way of explanation of the circumstances which have led to the éffect", was about Novembar last that conclusion of the Agreement, to the following negotiations for the Agreement were entered upon in definite form. After the exchange of

preliminary communications, the relations between the authorities of the two countries increased in sincerity from March lasi, and оп the 30th ultimo the negotiations bad progressed to the stage, of signing the agreement. At first it was proposed to extend the force of the existing Treaty

AS OTHERS SEE US

•HONGKONG COMPARED.

During a recent trip to various points on the coast of Chine, I poted especially the contrast between Hongkong, the much vaunted Paris of the East, Shanghai, the futura manufacturing centre of China, Haokow, and our much despised and "knocked" City of Manila,

To be stranger visiting Hongkong and Shanghai, the building "aky-line" appals to his view, as the vitte from the bay or river unfolds itself from the steamer's deck.

Buildings of from four to six stories in height, of the most diversified siyics of architecture, in many cases nondescript, line both the Hongkong Harbour front and the Shanghai Bund cu

may

Shanghai architecture be described as. ranging from heavy modern English to the elaborate and handsome types of Garman and Grecia, as exemplified in the buildings of the German Club and the Russian bauk. The residence types are of a hideous sameness, terraces of connected houses" mod flats, and of a vivid red or deli grey brick; The streets at the settlement known as the English con- cession are with one exception, the Nanking road extension, narrow,

and with the tall four, and six story edifices, are, during, the hot and humid season,veritable furnaces. Having a very cold winter the designs of the houses are of a character that nowite appeals to the Manilaite, whose ideas of comfort are for broad verandabs and lots of siry rooms.

Neither In Hongkong, Shanghai sor Has kow are the buildings constructed in as satis- factory a manner as here.

Outwardly the effect is certainly better but the carpenter work, the actual building con struction and general finish are not on linos that would-be passed under oar building re- gulations. Until a faw months ago Shanghai municipal regulations had no provision for the construction of reinforced concrete build- ings. While the recent exposure of graft in the Sanitary and Building Dept. at Hong- kong exhibited a lamentable ignorance of the knowledge of construction.

Manila's buildings, public and private, lowly and modest though they be in comparison with China's three principal foreign settlements, arc for aliead in architecture and construction.

TAXATION.

Now to touch upon the question of taxation, a theme that we are accustomed to hear com. mented upon hourly,.

Taxation in Hongkong is conducted by the Colonial authorities, in forms that are not utilised here. Rentals for the ground, upoo which buildings "stand, license fees and revenues from opium. farms and other ex- traneous sources, comprise the revenues. But the host of officials in many instances poorly paid swallows. ap large sums. The Hongkong tax-payer is not

well served

is contributions. The fire service is poor, the apparatus inadequate, nothing of a modern type is milised despite the efforts of the Captain. Superintendent of Palice to rails the efficiency. Hampered by a clique of officials, hide bound by "red tapo,ind die. posal of "official" channels, the city of Hong- kong will not have a modern fire protection And still the configuration of Hongkong Ja until a vast conflagration sweeps its limits, eminently adapted for fire protection. Upon the summit of its hills reservoirs of salt water could be built with adequate pumping engines on the sea-level to fill them, and with the pressure so engendered, there would, with a defined system of hydrants, be no need for steam or other angines.

Sanitary arrangements and clean streets as we know them here, are unknown in Hong. kong. Of course, horses and vehicles, olber than rickshas are absent, thus the visitor from Manila is prone to note the dirty condition of the bye streets, and even the business and. residential parts of the town, when comparison is made.

Commerce between the two countries over Indo-Chinn. In France, any amendment of a Treaty of Commerce requires the approval of the National Assembly, as it affects the rights of the people. In consequence, such a course would take at least three or four months, and so this proposal was postponed and it Hongkong's police force composed as it is, was agreed that a declaration should be adopted of English, British Indians and Chinese, is an regarding the protection of the lives and efficient service, regulating as it does a popula property of Japanese and French subjects in tion of Chinese whose sole aim is to get the dominion of each country to meet imme-around the ordinances, and who lack upon diate requirements and with that object in view Hongkong as a place of living free from the the agreement just published has been trammeled life they experience on the main- signed. The object aimed at by the Agree land-in fact Hongkong's. Chinese population meat is to guarantee the territorial integrity is a very varied one, when the morality of of China, and the security of the position of ordinary life is considered, every malefactor or

law breaker striving for refuge on the island. Japan and France is the Continent of Asia, it

Taxation taking it as a whole, in Hongkong Alliance, and is aimed at the maintenance of is nothing more than the Anglo-Japanese

may be said to be 21% or slightly more on peace in the Orient. Prior to publication, the the property valeation and the public service lext of the Aurcement was communicated to ja no wise so well conducted as in Manila, all the Great Powers, by each of whom it was heartily welcomed.

In a telegram to The Timer from its Peking correspondent, which we reproduce in another colume, the general situation a month ago in regard to the opium campaign is briefly That," said the Knight proudly, "that is my set forth. It is found that in only one province, own invention. It is to catch evidence. Any Chibli, are the results of the Opium Edict thing that goes into that, box is evidence.wholly satisfactory" in six other provinces "What nonsense," and Alice, of course they are regarded as satisfactory in a miner it isn't"

degree. To the latter category may now pos sibly be added this province of Kiangsu; but if we remember the relatively small headway made in the serious campaign against opium, even where dens have been actually closed, it is clear that China bas still a very considerable amount of ground, to cover before she ride herself entirely of the evil. What has been accomplished in the native city of Shanghai, thanks to the energy of Viceroy Tuan Fang. and bis vigerous subordinate Taptai Jo, is merely the closure of public resorts for the smoking of opium-a far less effective measure towards the elimination of opium than would be the closing of public-houses in England for the cause of teetotalism. No embargo has at present been put upon the sale of opium, si though the original scheme, which has yet to be carried out in its entirety, provides for the licensing of retail opium shops and of smokers. There is every probability of these latter men. sures being carried out with equal rigour within Tanai Jui's jurisdiction; but their per manent enforcement is a matter of sound administration, which does not leed itself to fireworks and official dispatches; and may, therefore, become a dead letter in other parts of the Enipire, where less capable and less energetic officials held sway. If we seem to emphasize the little that has been actually accomplished as yet, it's not from want of sympathy with the anti opium movement, which mus necessarily command the respect and admiration of every well-wisher of China; .but rather from a desire to prevent, any relaxation of efforts in this "direction on the part of officials and others, who may be led to suppose that the success of their experiment on the corpus vile of a few hundred opum den keepers implies the eradication-for all international purposes of the opium evil,

These considerations, however, do not justify an attempt to evade the opium issue in this In all the measures taken by Settlement. Taalai Jul to ensure the success of the closure movement the dominant idea, as my be gathered from one of his dispatches to Viceroy Tuan Fang, has bees to leave the reign Settlement no excuse for allowing opium dens within its jurisdiction. Although further official representatiess on the subject may not yet havo reached the Consular Body, it is clear that they will arrive sooner or later. At the same time public opinion at Home will probably lead to appeals from the British Government, and declaration of policy may be wrung from this community, which would come with fur better grace if given gratuitously at once, There are many features in the situation which have to be carefully, borne in mind before our policy is declared, and the Chinese authorities will he the first to appreciate a dispassionate con- sideration of them. In the first place a though the licences of opium dens are issued quarterly, provision has been made in the Budget for the collection of the tax for the whole financial year, and consequently the e are practical difficulties in the way of closing dawn the opiam dens of the Settlement before March 31, 1908. From that date China will be asking, this community, which regulates

An important decision of the law counts on its affairs by orderly government, to forego revenue to the amount of Tls, 70,00 per the responsibility of marine insurance com annum and to incur an additional expen panies is published by the ijf. The case refers to the civil suit originally instituted by diture of fully half that sum in extra police supervision for the prevention of illicit Mr. Vicior Heller, of Heller Bros, Yokohama, opium smoking. Shanghai is not character against Mr. A. J. Easton, the local representa ized by a mercenary spirit and would willingly five of the China Traders' insurance Co., Ltd., surrender Tis, 100,000 or mare annually, if of Hongkong, where the plaintiff claimed pay there were really a li elihood of its contribution

ment of Y1,963.82 for damage suffered by goods to the regeneration of China being of practical insured through the leakage of an oil cargo dur avail and appreciated. We can, imagine, how ing transportation on board the Teutonia, ever, the Chinese Government preferring to The action was first heard in the Yokohama make a business arrangement of the matter District Court some time in September than to be under an obligation to this Munici- last (says the Japan Herald translation), and pality: There are many ways in which a guid judgment was given on November 19th for Aro gus could be found, and possibly the the plaintiff. The bone of contention was simplest would be a permanent understanding whether an insurance company was responsible Settlement. Again, whatever is done in of their cargo on board the same steamer or The defendant appealed against connexing with the closing of opium dens in otherwise, one Settlement must be done in the other, the decision, and the appeal was heard by the and it will be well for the British Gov. Toyko Appeal Court, when the decision of the

taking action

in the lower Court was upheld. ernment before

The principal reas n given in the deci matter to satisfy itrol that the French Government is at one with it in its desira alon of the Tory Appeal Court was, e

.

"What are the flowen?" asked Alice. "They are called Cheap, and Muddy Glories, but it peeds plenty of talking to get one."

Alice awoke with a start and found it was time tagetup. She rubbed hereyes and thought over the curious dream she had had of the people who live on the other side of the glass,

THE POOCHOW CUSTOMS SERVICE

a

"As the result of the declaration annexed to the Agreement, the position of the Japanese lo Indot hina has beansecured. Hitherto Japanese visiting that country were subjected to various restrictions. For instance the japanese incurred A poll tax. or registry duty, from which imposition Europeans and Americans aro excluded, and thus the japanese were treated

The bid feature in Hongkong local govero- ment is that the actual taxpay. a have no say as to how their contributions shall be expended. The island being a Crown Colony, the Legisla tive Council is appointed by the English Government and thus is a mère machine com posed of officials and one or two English heads of mercantile firms, who have the usual acute respect for officialdom, and an influential Chi- nese, who ably represents his countrymen, and on the same level as the Chinese. The Japan-has recently made this Council ex ase a system ese engaged in pearl fishing in Tonking Bay' of graft that has long been prevaleat in the were also interfered with in different ways. 11 Colony, is even known that Japanese officials who' visited Saigon on a tour of commercial, Inspec- tion were detained in the quarantine hospital under the pretence of medical inspection. Now all such evils will be removed, and the Japanese will receive the same civil treilment in Freach Indo-China as white men,"

.

IMPORTANT MARINE INSUR- ANCE CASE:

For many years past, Hongkong's governors have been gilded nunentities, until the arrival of its last executive, Sir Matthew Nathan, This officer with the acute sense of busine a, sa dominant in the Hebrew race, speedily saw the many defective pols in the Colanial admi- nistration and during his term of office effect- ually improved many of the glaring points of had service. Prominent residents of all classes, especially the Chinese, deplore his departure

-Montia Times,

THE JAPANESE QUESTION IN

213

YOKOHAMA SPECIB BANK.

› JAPANESE CRITICISM, The Tokyo Asaki raverts to the discussion of the Government protection of the Yokohama Specie Bank. The special protection of the bank by the Japanese Government began in 1889 and since then she degree of protection has gradually increased; • The Specie Bank is the only Japanese exchange bank.” In the business of an exchange bank of such a difficult nature as to 'require "official" assistance to such an extent" as to borrow Y20,000,000 to Y30,200,000 of capital practically with- out interest, asks our contemporary. I it really so difficult to conduct such

business there may be a semblance of justifi. cation for a share of the Government protection which is granted in the name of the encourage- ment of foreign Trado.” If, on the contrary, it can be shown that the business of an exchange. bank is not only not difficult but would prove very profitable under proper managamenti with but shy outside assistance the protection-which is now given to the Specia Bank would seem to tend to defeat the object in view as it gives the bank a monopoly and excludes competition, The Hongkong and shangbai Banking Cor- yoration and the Chartered Bank of India, Australia, and Chica, are the twe leading ex change banks doing business in the Far East and our Tokyo contemporary reviews the busi- nets with these institutions. The former, at the general meeting of thareholders held at Hong- kosg on February 16th, declared a dividend for 1906 at the rate of 134 par cant, besides . setting aside $750,000 for reserve and carry. ing forward $1,730,000 to the new account. Is this not an extraordinarily good result? The directors of the bank submitted a pro- posal to increase the capital from $10,000,000 to $5,000,000 to meet the requirements of the time, and the proposition met with the ready approval of the shareholders. The Hongkong and Shangbai Bank, enjoys zo government protection or privileges, yet the business is eminently satisfactory and pro- sperous, The Chartered Ban also paid a dividend of 13 percent, for last year after make- ing provision for resive, etc., and the directors father recommended an increase of the capi. tal from £800,000 to £12,000,000. These two are the leading exchange banks doing business in the Far East and are showing very good results as outlined above, without any govern ment prolection or privilege. Unless Japanese are not particularly incapable of doing banking business on the "innia lines as foreigners there can be no doubt that business of exchange banks should provű profitable-without official assistance. The protection of the Specie Bank, mai tains the Asahi, is not only unnecessary, but distinctly pernicious as it prevents competi ilon. So long as the Government extends its special treatment to the Specie Bank nohady will enter ato competition with it, Zimply, because it is useless to do so. Nobody could expect to successfully compete with an institution which employs capital for which practically no in- terest is paid; or in other words it would be similar to entering into competition with the Japanese Government. Even the two foreign Banks referred to above are said to be unable to compete with the Specie Bank in the matter of discounts of bills of exchange. The protec tion of the bank must mean so much injury to the interests of foreign traders or an obstacle to the growth of Japan's foreign trade. Japan Chronicle.

STRAITS QUren's scholAR- SHIPS.

STRONG REASONS FOR THEIR ABSOLUTR ABOLITION,

It may honestly be said that the Queen's Scholarships have not fulfilled the purpose for which they were founded.

This is the opinion of the Pinang Gazette, which admits frankly that it is glad that the reduction in the number of scholarships is to be permanent, and that the large sum of

money, which will thus be saved, is to be expended on other more useful educational objects.

The scholarshipit, remarks the same journal, have not been, as it was hoped they would be, the means of creating a number of native in- Tellectuels who would represent a link between. Oriental and European thought; they have not helped to draw the different communities of the Colony together socially. The best that can be said of them is that they have given Singapore and Pensng a sprinkling of Asiatic doctors and lawyers, who do not seem to attract native clients in anything like the same pum- beri as do their European colleagues..

'In some cases, the Queen's Echolars have surped out absolute rates and the money spent. Lon giving them a University education bal been worse than wasted. Others have been distin-

strange dislike of Europeans, and have done. guished after their return to Malaya for a much to foster what little anti-European feel- ing exists in the Colony. Nor is this altogether to be wondered at. A young native, a Queen's scholar, goes to England to Oxford or Cam bridge; if he behaves himself nicely, as he pro- bably will do, he will be taken absolutely on. his merits and will enjoy the same social advan- Lagsasany otheryarsity man; a number of Lon- don clubs of goodslarding are open to him when he has left the University, and very likely he' is introduced to and becomes on terms of amiable friendship with English Indies and their daughters. Wher be returne to the East ho finds a different order of things.

Rightly or wrongly, European públic opinion o Peñan holds that there should not be 100 much social intercourse between the races;

THE ANTI-OPIUM CRUSADE

THE CLOSING OF OPIUM SHOPS IN SHANGHAI

Saturday, the 22nd ultimo, the date fixed by Viceroy Tuan Fang for the closing of opium shops and divaps within and without the native city of Shanghai, outside the foreign Settle- ments, passed off without any untoward incident, Thanks to the stringent measures taken by the Shanghai Tantai, ably assisted by his civil and military subordinates, who were fur ther supported by the Volunteers, associa tions and guilds. There were at first ra- mours current that the rowdy element would seek to excite the populace to a riot on Saturday and also to make a raid on the three foreign-owned oplum hulks, now moor- ed opposite the Chinese Bund. In preparation for this last Tactai Jai Cheng obtained from Admiral Sah a couple of torpedo boats and a gunboat to anchor near the hulks, while armed boats' crews have also patrolled the vicinity, commencing from Friday. The members of the Volunteer Association merchants and schools) armed with rifles, assisted the gen- darmerie to patrol the native city and suburbs As perhaps will be remembered by our beginning from the same day while the troops readers H.E. Chea Fil, now President of the of the garrison were kept within, barracks to be Yuchuanpu, vice Tsên Ch'an-hsuan, retrans ready to reinforce to civil arms and police. ferred to the Liang Kwang Viceroyalty, was Around the T'aotai's yamén was also a strong previously to this Junior Vice-President of the guard consisting of the Taota's own body Ministry of Finance. In March last Cheo guard and a detachment of eighty men Pih was ordered by Imperial Decree to make a sent by the General Commanding at Woo- tour of inpaction of all the provincial mints sung. We understand that over 360 opium with a view of putting them under the entire shops were closed by Friday midnight and control of the Central Government in Peking. the names of those proprietors who closed In consequence of this Chen Pil visited all the before that date were posted front of the provinces of the Empire possessing mlats with Shanghai Magistrate'ı yamên in the city and the exception of the one in Szechuan province, the Chinese Mucicipal offices the suburbs, to which he sent a special. deputy trom with the official commendation attached. Ali Kiangi when he received his promo:jso the stores, shops and education institutions to the Yuchaunpu; this man only returned hung out Dragon dags on Saturday to mark to Peking about a week or so ago. There the beginning of the cra" which will transform are all sorts of stories current about this tour of China from a weak into a powerful nation," investigation, which may be judged by the At 5 p.m. on Saturday, reports the writer of fact that several mint officials were de- "Native Notes" in the N. C. D. News, a large nounced to the Throne for alleged defalcations number of Chinese, some 1,5co or so, met at the and their property confiscated others more Chang Su-ho gardensto celebrate the auspicious fortunate, but seemingly just as reprehensible, avent. The meeting was addressed by Mr. managed to continue in their several posts E. S. Little, Mr. 10 Hai-huan, Treaty Com much to the surprise of these who were sup. missioners, Taotai Eben Tun-ho, and several pased to be au fait with the situation. As the prominent members of the Chinese Gentry, Foochow Customs, which has hitherto been who congratulated the authorities on their under the Control of the Tartar General of that efforts in honestly trying to put a stop to the city, had taken upon itself to strike ten-cash Tale of opium within their jurisdiction. The copper cents and sliver subsidiary coinage, harmful effects of most of the anti-opian pilfs, Chee Pih, as Commissioner of Investigation, with regard to the futura extension of this for demage resulting from the improper loading coune to be taken by the Government. If the be wondered at if he resante what he comma etc., now sold in the market owing to their took upon himself to look into the workings of being mixed with morphine were also depicted that Department of Revenue also. The result -and it was stated that it had been decided to has been that he has denounced the Department start a Red Cross Anti-oplum Society, whose and for reasons of his own succeeded in getting object will be to assist opium smokers to over- it transferred from the control of the Tattar come habit by means of innocuous methods. General to that of the Viceroy, both of whom At the end of the addresses a troupe from the reside in-Foochow city. Chen Pih, who is Tankuei Theatre on Hupeh Read gave a short one of the most conservativa reactionaries, is a to oblige the Chiorie authorities. There ports the Jiji, based on the expert evid performance and after a faw: fireworks had native of Foochow and, as a Tartar Gencial is remains, however, a still more important cabrence given by Dr Murase, a well-known authority on the law of marine insurance, been let off the gathering separated at a little a Manchu, it has been but natural that all the 'sideration, which cannot be overlooked in any

lucrative posts connected with the Foochow agreement on this subject. Shanghai's existe The gist of the evidence is that no prudent We understand that Pontung is also so Customs Service has been in the hands of once is entirely bound up with the Huangpu mariner, should load liquid cargo on top strongly patrolled by gendarmes and troops Manchus also. The majority of Manchus con and at present it is vitally concerned with the of dry goods in the same batch. The that there has not been the slightest disturbsider themselves conquerors of China, and the conservancy of this river. This is provided for manner of loading the cargo in the present ance there, all the opiar shops being closed probabilities are that when Chen Pih was in by Treaty, and it is stipulated that the funds case was improper. But the defendant must lon time. So far everything has passed of Foochow conducting bir investigations here for the conservancy scheme are to be procured be held responsible for the damage according quietly and suspiciously. There appear to be ceived a snub or two from the representatives from the opium revenue of Szechuan and Soo to the provisions of marine law, so far as there po murmurs of discontent in the air as yet and of the conquering race. These men are most chow China's present policy is to extinguish did not exist in special agreement to the even oplum'smokers! themselves seem to be likely now repeating at lolsure their conduct the revenue derived from these sources, and country; even if the damage might have been pleased that something has been done at last towards his Excellancy, whilst his fellow obviously a revision of the Treaty is called" for, canied through the negligence of the owner of to coerce them into abandoning the injurious citizens are rejoicing and dreaming of basalts before the anti-opium movement gees any the vessel or the members of the crew, and not

farther ∙to come—N, C.-D. News, de Dr

dhod of the underwriters,

patt 7 pm.

AMERICA.

GOVERNMENT TO BE ATTACKED IN THE DIET,

and it is well to be frank in such matters, even at this risk of appearing brutal. Many Asiatics, of course, bold exactly the same opinion, and certainly do not hanker after a society which they consider vastly inferior to their own, So it is that the European has one club, and the Asiatic another."

The relations between Progressists and the Such are the existing conditions into which the returned Queto's, scholar is required to: Daido Club, and their movemente concerning the Japanese question in the United States, are fed himself on als return to the East. He attracting a great deal of public attention. can hardly receive the intellectual and social. We (Jogan Chronicle) learn from a Tokia stimulus he desires and has been accustomed dispatch that the leader of the Daido Club to, from the members of his own race and declare that the object of the party in attack-creed; and, between him and local European ing the authoritier in the manifesto recently society. there is a barrier fixed, a barrier that has been raised as much by the Asiatic-as the adopted by the Daido Club Council, was to induce the Government to reconsider its European, neither being at present particularly, anxious to see it removed. So, the returned attitude on the San Francisco, question, and settle the affair in a satisfactory manner. The Queen's scholar feels himself declasse; if he be party, therefore, will for the present watch the unhappy, it is only natural, and it is not to fatate action of the Government is found to be the unfriendly and overbearing attitude of the anupaatisfactory as before, the party will not European in the Colony and contrasts it wary hesitate to make the matter the subject of unfavourably with that of the English in.

England. question in the Dist.

On the other hand a Progressist leader declares that now that the aido Club has adopted a manifesto, in which the attitude of the Government of the Japanese ques- tion in the United States has been dis- approved of, the fate of the question may be taken as already sealed. The problem which remains to be solved is whether to hold the Cabinet as a body or the Minister for Foreign Affairs alone responsible for the blonder made in dealing with the San Francisco question when the matter is taken up in the Diet. As the wiews of the two panies on the main points and agreed, concludes this gentle man, there may be no great difficulty in settling the views of the parties as to the manner of attacking the Government during the coming ssssion of the Dit kan

In the parrow Intellected and social life of his own countrymen, he will find a place, but he will be cramped and ill at ease, and the Queen's Scholanhip, instead of conferring a benefit upon him, har unsettled him, for, the fature and made him dissatisfied with the pro sent. In the interests of the young Asiatics themselves it would be as wall if the one TC- maining scholarship were also abolished. If the leaders of the native community are strong. ly convinced of the usefulness and desirability of the scholarships, they should experience. little or no diffically in obtaining from wealthy private individualitbe foods recessary to keep them going. Bol for many; reasons, it advisable that Government monny should be spent on the better education of the many rather than in conferring doubtful beneäte on the few,