1909-02-13 — Page 6

58

The Opium Trade.

ATTEMPTED PROVINCIAL

MONOPOLY

BREACH OF TREATY,

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH SATURDAY FEBRUARY 13 1909.

Treaty to be thrown open for the resort of British merchants, a fair and regular tariff of export and import customs and other dues, which, tariff shall be publicly notified and pro mulgated for generel Information, and the Em peror further engages that, when British more chandisa shall have once paid at any of the said ports the regulated customs and dues, agreeable of the tariff to be hereafter fixed, such We are courteously favoured with the follow merchandise may be conveyed by Chinese ing correspondence by the General Committee merchants to any province or city in the in- of the Hongkong General Chamber of Comterior of the Empire of China on paying a fur- amount as transit duties, which shall not exceed par cant, on the tariff value of such

Anicio XIV of the French Treaty

pourra desormais s'établir en Chine; et il se commerce privilegide na

dans le but d'exercer une monopole sur te sora de même de toute coalition organfade En cas de contravention dn

• Hongkong, 9th December, 1908. Sir-We have the honour to bring to your attention:

(a) Copy of a letter dated the 9th Infant

addressed by as to the Colonial Secretary (b) Copy of a letter dated 23rd September last addressed by us to the Acting Con- sul General at Canton" and referred to In (6)*

ther

goods

Manila's Carnival,

A DISTINCT SUCCESS

it will be done. The interview lasted about balf an hour, during which time the Governor General planned tour for the press represen tatives to the waterfalls in the provinces, and; afterwards a trip to Bagulo, the summer resoit of the Phillpplue Islands. In all of these outings the Governor-General will be present and with his klodly manner and bis affectionate. smile a good time is alooming on the horison

CANTON-HANKOW RAIL WAY

“LOAN

dealers to raw oplum have been fired and im- prisoned by the Provincial authorities at Chia Chow and Wal Chow, thus causing extrems: uneasiness amongst the local Chinese, which has prevented them purchasing caw opism and thus causing a complate disorganization of this THE GOVERNOR GENERAL AND THE HONG trade and a violent decline in prices, resulting in much loss to the foreign merchant

KONG NEWSPAPERMEN.. general want of consdence in the fore and a Finally, we would wish to point out that

(By Our Special Representative) British interests are a widely and heavily lu volved in the opium trade that the whole ques tion should be approached with the utmost

Manila, February 3rd, 1909. gravity. Before the British Government heard all over the towns the swiabing, of With the clashing of guns which could be Involve themselves in further diplomatic action rockets, and to the sweet tunes of about half a

'LOAN AGREEMENT. oduced to clearly show that the Chiness have taken steps at least proportionately equal by Vice Govern one at Ling wel, the former Commissioner of Educa authorities are not only well-intentioned, but puto, Manila's great Carnival was opened yest

H.E. Chang Chi-ung has instructed Kao

production by the British Government to those being taken by way of curtailing the that can not be credited unless seed with the securities for the proposed foreign, loan for That je was a success--and a Rital tion of Hupeh, to proceed to Canton to arrange It may not be out of place to here give a few

Das's own eyes; and those who saw this big constracting the Canton Hankow Railway with thow, on which many thousands of golden dol the trade which will suffer and to emphasize

the gently. H.E. Kao Ling wel has proceeded the serious blow that will result to British in Dreamland.

Syndicate-Shanghai Times

the representative of the British Chinese

Aucun société Treaty of Tientsin with the Chinese, conclusiva proof, should badoren different bands, including our own Raj."

'commerce.

HONGRONG DEFEATED.

LOSES TO MANILA AT SPRINTING

POLO.

By our Specias Representative,]

Manlia, 4th February. Hongkong defeated all round. This is the ragilt of the games played by our military re- prefentatives hers

There was a very large attendance at the Military Camp Ground at PaDay yesterday. afterouan to witness, the polo match between Mapila sportamen and a team from The Buffs. The game was a very interesting one from start to finish, although the local team had the better Mans 6, Buffa r. of The Buffs. The result at the conclusion wa?

Mar de SPRINTING,

enclosed herewith. [This letter was publihea Présent article les autorités chinoises sur i of the most important interests connected withers have bean spent, lipiägined, that they werete Canton with Mr. J. O. P. Bland who acts speculation had been's aroused. The Corpi A

In our issue of 18in November last.-Ed., H.K.T.)

These letters fully sat forth the views of the merchants engaged in the opium trade upon the attitude of the Chinese authorities in weak Ing to imposs restrictions on the sale of raw opium, which we contend are contrary to the rights conferred by Treaty enabling raw opium and all merchandise in any quantity, whether large or small, to be freely sold to anyone wishing to purchase, same, without let or hindrance,

We need scarcely add that in consequence of the endeavour of the Chiasse to enforce the regulations which are objected to, an element of uncertainty, with a resulting want of con fidence, has been introduced into the opium trade, which is having a serious affect on the .business.

We, therefore, beg that you will lay this Important matter before your committee at an early date with a view to the taking of such further steps, as they may deem advisable to protect the particular and weighty interesti lovolved. We have, &c.,

DAVID SASSOON & CO., LTD., E. D. SASSOON & CO.,

Kj,

DAVID & CO

E. PADANEY,

TATA SONS & Co.

H. M. H. NEMAZKE,

M. H. E. ELLIAS,

P. F. TALATIs.

les representations du consul ou de l'agent consulaire, aviseront aux moyens de dissoudra

de semblables association dont elles s'efforce-commerce if the opium trade is to cease in the prohibitions piéalables, afin d'écarter tout ce rost d'allòurs de prévenir l'existence per des course of a few years qui pourrait porter attelete à la libre cop

currence.

We would wish to lay special stress upon the: fact that by the regulations now sought to be enforced by Chips, the right allowed by Treaty to all merchants whether British or otherwise, to sell their opium to anyone, is taken away, vilegitle" as quoted above, has been practically and that the "Bocidé de Commerce pri-

abuse which led to misunderstandings between brought into existence again ; thus reviving an

which the Treaties of that period were special. the European Powers and China and against

ly intended to safeguard Free Trade in the. future.

Wo submit that if Article 5 of the Edict is dealers in raw oplum will dwindle to a very carried out, in course of time, the number of small number, healthy competition will cease, and the British merchant will be at the mercy of the few native shops left in the trade.

Hon. Mr. E. A. Howell,

Chairman, Boogkong General Chamber of Commerce.

Hongkong, 9th December, 1908, The Hoa. Mr. F, H. May, C.M.Gy

Sir-We have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the arst ultimo, in which you are directed to inform us that His Excellency the Governor has received a des patch from His Majesty's Minister at Paking to the effect that he regards it as doubtful that the regulations, as they stand af present, can be regarded as establishing a monopóly; that they appear to do little more than reproduce the rales passed for the enforcement of the Opium Edict of September zoth, 1908, and that he has accordingly instructed His Majesty's Consul-General at Canton that, while the work. log of the system would doubtless require to be carefully watched, it is inadvisable to take further action pending reference to His Ma jesty's Government.

We have in our letter to Mr. 'Harry-IL. Fox, H.M. Consul-General at Canton, of the 23rd September last (copy of which was forwarded to you in our letter of the zsib September and of which is hereunto annexed) so fully dealt with the pernicious, effect that shess to- gulations will have, if brought into force, upon the raw opium trade, that no useful abject would be gained by recapitulating them save to again contend that it must be obvious that if analysed to detail to a logical conclusion, the regulations sought to be enforced in the Two Kwangs, and in particular the regulations that "after the ascertainment and registration of the number of oplam shops in the Province of the Two Kwangs pow in existence no new opium shops doing business in the buying and don that the pestry shed and tend to the idea that the primary intention in the creation of monepoly amongst a certain number of existing opium shops, which shops will, as time goes on, decrease in number by either

Inasmuch as the Indian opium trade has already been regulated by the Government of India and will, under the conditions agreed apan by Great Britala and China, obtirely cense in the course of ten years, there is ab. solutely no reason whatever for the Chinese Government to interfere in any way with this.. trade by inuing vexatious notifications to the CAWASILE PALLANJEE & CO public; as has been done lately by the Viceroy P. B. PETE & CO.

of the Two Kwangs. Therefore, any interfar ence on the part of the Chinese Government be with any legitimate object. Provincial with the Indian opium trade cannot possibly thorities all over the Empire are quite capable of using the Imperini Edict as a pretence for ulterior object of taking advantage of the ata purpose of raising revenue, or with the

tion in order to be able to squeeze the po pulace. We have only in this regard to refer to the recent action of the Viceroy of Nanking in order to show how far this can be carried into effect by unscrupulous authorities.

the

The merchants in China have a very strong claim on the British Government to protect their trade against this interference by the Chipere, unt aply the ordinary protection fact that the merchants buy direct from the due to legitimate British trade, but from the Government of India at the Government's monthly sales in Calcutta, and it is the duty of the British Government to see that the mer: chants get a fair and unbindered outlet for the oplum purchased from them,

before they allow the opium trade to depart It incumbent on the British Government, entirely from ludia and from Braish merchants dealing with the Indian Goviroment, to see that Ching is really doing her share to eradicate the so-called evil: -

The repost of Mr. Leech clewly shows that the British Government is keeping well ahead of the Chinese Government in the steps taken to stamp out the opium habit, although British trade is only 1/8th to ficth of the whole of the opium consumed in China.

in the trade

British bottoms

It was about four o'clock that the Vice Gov. emor steamed into the Carnival grounds in bis the Committee at the gate and was accom. automobile. Of course, he was received by pauled around the sceas. The crowds pres sant exceeded everything yat sean in this city.

It would be absolutely impossible to give ant account of all the things that were exhibited on the grounds, but I will endeavour to detail

LUSITANO RacrKATION CLUB SUCCESSFUL SOCIAL FUNCTION ON SATURDAY

Of the aumerous

Social-functions promoted

podrome last night, the occasion, being the Over 10,000 persons assembled in the Hips rupping off of the finals over which much Andrews, of the Buffs, one of the champion spriators of South Africa was a much favoured

in each he was beaten. In the 440 daih, pro person; but unfortunately he did not come up to the occasion. He entered for two races and bably owing to a bad start, he came in last But in the half mile ho showed up batter Manila's champion was pitted against him. He la coloured map, by name George Washing taken round the band by Andrews, who kept a to. From the start George led, but was over- good load for some time. Much excitement prevailed when the men were a low feet away from home, with "Andrews abend. George, however, put on a hard sport, and won by a short distance.

TENNIS

1. A loss of over five million pounds sterling to India on the sale of raw oplam alone. 2. A beavy blow to Brilib merchants engaged 3 A heavy loss to steamer owners, mostly British, as nearly all opium in carried in 4. A heavy loss to fire insurance companies, a few interesting facts. First of all there was by the Portuguess community this season,

mostly British, who insure whilst le 'is.

the appearance of the semi-wild man and wonose equalled in enthusiasm the successful stored upon land.

men from the provinces-Sutu, Zamboangs dance which was organised by the Lusitano 5. A heavy loss to marine insurance com

and Joln. These people were under the com panies, mostly British, who insula. Taw

mood of American officers, and their war and opium whilst it is boing carried on ship. social dances caused much comment. From board.

the provinces were exhibited such things as 6. A great loss to the British trade of Hong- ancient Moorish fighting weapons, textile

kong and Shanghai, and the treaty ports, sponges, brass and copper work made by the Involving directly losses to labour, property people, war boala (resembling a small Chinese and various other interests, We have &c. junk) and the last but not the least seven

DAVID SASSOON & CO., LTD. Typical Moorish ratsbeds, "which" attracted with the arrival of Mr. 1. 1: Leiria, Consul for wise The Buffs, and a good game is anticipated.

altention.. This part of the ground draw large crowds, due no doubt to the fact of the

E. D. SASSOON & CO.

E. PARANEY,**

TATA SONS & Co.,

H. M. H. NEMAZKE,

M. H. E. ELLIAS,

P. F. TALATI,,.

B

CAWASIER PALLANJEE & Co.

P. B. PETIT & Co.

Hongkong Chamber of Commere

Hongkong, 8th January, 1929 Sir, I beg to inform you that the British forwarded to the Chamber of Commerce a copy firms dealing in raw opium is this Colony have

theirs to the Consul-General at Canton dated of their letter to you dated 9th ultimo, and of 23rd September, with a request that my com mittee take such steps as may appear desirable being taken by the Chinese authorities in the to assist them in combatting the action noW

trade in imported opium.. Two Kwang which is calculated to hamper the

Recreation Club on the occasion of the prize distribution on Saturday last. No more ap propriate meeting place could have been selected for the pleasing ceremony has the familiar ball of the Glub Lus tano which was kindly lent to the Recreation Club by the cam mittes and members of the former institution.

Proceedings commenced shortly after 6p.. Portugal, and Madame Leiria, who were the central figures in the evanleg's coremony, Machadi's string band played of Consul Leiria, the Portuguese national anthem on the arrival

at

part

few bars of

wild nod barbaric nature of the tribe,

Hemp took up a large space an exhibits, bat little or nobody paid much attention to that kind of product. This material, and the finest and best quality yet seen, was grown by

The guests and their friends were entertained American planters on irrigated ground, which, was a short interval when the most pleasing t a dancing party, during the evaolog. There according to my informant (Mr. John S.

of the function took place in the presenta Taillies) by this method of farming responsition of prizes to the successful competitors in the ble for the increased quantity and quality of billiard tournament, walking competition, and hemp grown to these islands.

football match. For the billiard tournament, Mr. Rocha presented handsome silver cup. who beat his opponent, Mr. P. A. Rozario, after The trophy was woo by, Mr. F. M. Roza Pereira a keenly contested game, which was witnessed by almost the entire body of members on Fri day'; such was the enthusiasm aroused over the tournament.

The heroicized statues, the work of the Taft was much in evidence, and so was Rizal, natives, next called for attention. "Big B" the George Washington of the Philippipes who was murdered by Friars same years ago Between these two distinguished men were be seen an immense 6gure of Liberty same four wooden statues representing pative arts and science. Some little distance away is to

what similar to the one outside, New York barbour,

mittes, introduced the popular and successful Mr. J. L. de S. Alves, president of the Com- winner to the gathering, and in a brief speech

accorded a hearty ovation. hands of Mrs. Lairia. Mr. Kora Pareira was asked Mr. Pereira to receive the cup at the

he advanced to

donk

ciation grennds, the interport teasin, (doables) This afternoon, at the Manlis Athletic Asso

good players representing this pert, and like- will be played. There are some, extremely

It is to be hoped that Hongkong will this time be able to win back some of its lost lasrols, ***

***NATIONAL “FLOATE

The streats of Manila presented a very ani. mated appearance yesterday afternoon. A pro companied by ten bands, pardded the trepta. cession, ranging over a mile in length, and ach The most interesting thing of this torn-out which were drawn about the streets by horses, were the "Rosis" representing all nations, while England's cams next, el The prettiest "float" of all was that of Spain;

THE CORONATION.

Who are to be the Queens of the Carnival ?. This is the question that is bothering people hare, and speculation is rife. Many of the ladies' names are whispered, but that will be

course, it is known by now that two ladies chosen to preside over this grand affair. Of sailled to-night when the Queens will be

have to be chosen-one to represent the Occid append balow, at one or two are known'la your eat and the other the Orient; their names 1 Colony:Misies Helen Dorrington, Mary G.: Ribelio, Alberta Clark, Luz Parez Rubio, Bella: Goodman, Nina de Lis Emily Elliott, Abby Starbird, Constance Clark, and Kathrys Ladd. Carson, Harriet O'Briep, Mary Macleod, Ethel

After the Qgeons bave been selected the Coronation Ball will be beld, and everybody programme. who is anybody is highly interested in to-night's

THE FATSHAN” INCIDENT.

mittee who are entirely in accord with the is much to interest young and old alike. Thase This letter has been considered by my com-So far as amusements are concerned there view expressed by the British merchants in the is the human rouletin wheel, on which you can two letters above referred to.

be presented with the beautiful trophy. get hurt for the price of ten coatimos,. This u The letters in question have so fully dealt wheel" measuring some twenty feet in dia Lusitano Recreation Club, who was supported with the master that little remains to be added. meter and is enclosed with wooden palings by Mr. P. M. dos Remedios, honorary secretary, Mr. A, G. da Rocha, president of the

are made out a clear case of breach of treaty on top of the wheel, which is sent flying round,

My committee consider that the merchants which is padded. You pay your ten cents, get then said-Consul, Leiria, ladies and gentle gainst the officials in the neighbouring pro-to the accompaniment of an automatic brass

mED-The object of our masting.here to-night vinces. If cannot, in the opinion of my com- band and then if you fall over yourself then petitors in our sports. It is a pleasure, to me is to distribute the prizes to the successful com- mitoe, be denied that the regulations now. It is not Mr. Lewis's fault. There is a ten hip. to be associated with the Lusitano Recreation being enforced to limit the number of existing air ship which is said to bold 12,000 ft. of by Club, and the lively and keen interest shown dealers in raw opium and to prevent new firms drogen. Fat there was no ascension altempted by the members in the various competitions breach of the treaties. They consequently go-round, a vaudeville show, shooting galment of the club. I have to thank the Come from coming into existence do amount to R In the Paloman Park there is a'circus, merrys taken up by. His Majesty's Minister at Poking and Tally-pops, and other things to set the the loan of the premises for this social gathers ago, a thiness passenger travelling on the str.

ris in itself a great assistance in the manage view with considerable uneasiness the auitude leries, magicians and fortune-tellers, swings mittee and Members of the Club Lusitane for

CANTONESE AGITATOR.IN.SHANÕHAL It will be remembered that a few months in this matter as they fear that this cannot but people's hearts abonting. Besides these things ing, and I trust that our members will have done Farahan from Hongkong to Canton died, it is result in encouraging the Provincial officials to still further aggressive acts against foreign where you can obtain all sorts of things from a favoured us with their company. Now I have kicked by a Portuguesa quartermaster or ticket immense stalls are located all over the place, their duty in entertaining the ladies who have alleged, as a result of having been violently: trade.

drink to confetti, which covered the ground the pleasure to ask Madame Leiria to be so collector. The matter, created a great ngita- and people's clothing inches deep.

good as to distribute the prize to the winnerstion among the Cauissate, who urged that the

Go as you please" Competition

Portuguese, should be saverely punished for In F. M, da Cruft

the offence. Some time ago and D. E. Carvalbo.

was posted in these columos that the matter was fair way to being settled, as the Portuguese Consul bad promised that the case should be justly dealt with, and the popular excitemeat was set incorrect, says the N. C. D. Ne, *3 = Cle• once, Mr. HoChen-huan, has arrived here and

lions.

THE HIPPODROME, Thousands of electric lights, and with couple of search lights thrown into the bargain, lighted up the Hippodrome last night. It wa a pleasant picture to behold, and for miles around the clear sky was lurid. In this arena the sports were held. There was a military

1st Team-D. E. Carvalho (Capt)

F. M. G. Otorio. F. Soares.

Football Eleven-a-side Competition.

selling of raw and prepared opium will be opium smoking in China is by getting the chairman's letter to you of 3rd September, Parade, drilling of all the troops, bara-back, "Paper Chase."-ist and 2nd-D. E. Carvalho, at rest. This report now seems to have been

(a) Retirement from business. (b) Seisure and closure by the Authorities of the shops for infringement or alleged in- fringement of the law, and

(c) The purchase by Capitalists of the shops

and of the licences.

Is the course of time, therefore, the sale of raw opium will be in the hands of a few, thus creating a monopoly.

We cannot agree, therefore, with the dictum of His Majesty's Minister at Peking that he is doubtful that regulations, as, they stand at present, can be regarded as establishing & monopoly. We contend that the regulations, I carried into atringent effect, will form the nucleus of a monopoly expressly contrary to the Treaty of Nanking.

We contend that the same mast be said of Article 5 of the elevan articles for carrying out the probibition of opium if it is brought into force In China. i reads as follows-

The production in China of native opium being 8 to to times as large as the total import of the foreign deug, the cultivation of China epium is the thing to watch, not so much the foreign trade, and the only way to stop provincial authorities to cutail the production of the native drug, otherwise, while our trade will dwindle, Chinese opium will flourish, and derive benefit of the falling off of British trade, and this is surely what the Chinese provincial officials desire, and in this regard we would. call attention to Sir Edward Grey's despatch to Sir M. Duradd dated October 171, 1996,

where he says:

If, on the other hand; China was simply to order that individual Chinese might grow more prevent the importation of foreign oplum is opium themselves and realise a higher price

for it to China, then it would be useless for us to make sacrifices."

words, the Government of India and Great "Us" there, means, Great Britain, or in other Britain's merchants dealing in raw opium,

nut to the British Government that it is a We would wish that it should be pointed known fact that China not only consumes ed into Chipa, but she also exports China les times as much more opium than is import-

Bangkok and other places. grogs opium to Hongkong, Saigon, Singapore,

"Ta closely inspect opium shops in order totion, in his second Report on the Oplom Ques. Mt. Leech, Councillor at the British Lega. facilitate preventive measures, and which article is further explained as follows:

in states:~

"All shops in any city, town or village which sell the raw drug or prepared opium must be severally inspected by the local authorities who will draw op a list of them in the form of a register and issue to each a licence which will constitute their permit to carry on this trade. Once the inspection has been made so addi- tion to the opium shops will be allowed."

It further addu :-

Shops which from time to time drop out of business must surrender their licences for cancellation. The licence must not be kept under penalty or a heavy fine."

Surely this enactment would create a monopoly and be contrary to Treaty. In course of time the trade will obviously be io the hands of a faw Chinese merchants.

XB12:

My committee, therefore, wish to jola with the writers of the previous letters in their pro- test against the enforcement of the regulations complained of, and trust that after full coosi. deration of the matter His Excellency will see his way to represent this in the proper quarters, with a view to a repeal of the new opium regula

In conclusion, I would beg to refer to the 1907, when dealing with the attempted monong, and a host of all other things, which were poly in raw opium which the Viceroy of Nan- king was then endeavouring to establish. In: the opinion of my commities the present posi tion taken up, by the Viceroy of the Two Kwang will have an equally restricting effect upon the imde as that attempted by the Nan above letter apply therefore equally in the king authorities, and the arguments in the sent case-I have &c.,

(Sad), E. A. M. WILLIAMS, Secretary,

tary.

1

mostly prestin or all was the thick as he most interesting of all. was the attack on an imaginary city, which was one of the claverest things noticed, In the background WRE a mass of huge buildings, which looked real, but in reality was only painted on canvas. pre-charged by the artillery, cavalry and infaulty The scene was very vivid. At the signal from the officer commanding the "town" was

and the terrific din of the rapid firing guno

· capoos, savolvers and rifles thrilled the au

Hongkong Chamber of Commerce,

Teams competed, won by "C" Team Capt. da Ross) L. G. Cordeiza, P. A. Car has published a letter in the Chinese press, ap deiro, V. F. Azevedo, J. G. V.. Riberio. C. H. pealing to the Kwangtang community bere, and Lopes, Auz. A. Haptiste, F. A. Barrades, calling on them for some effective action to the Antonio, J. M. Gardner, and J. Sours, F. A. V matter, as he says that in three months since the Riberio played as substitute for E. Autonia in incident occurred, nothing has been done by the final on account of the latter's illness: the British and, Pongaele Consuls or the

Leiria said:Ladies and Gentlemen, no more than "geese feather," and this, be

Mr. Rocha presented "Mr. Leiria with a pretty bouquet of flowers.

Chinese authorities. Should the matter be allowed to rest as it is, urges the writer, Chia- Replying on behalf of his wife, Mr. ese lives will henceforth be slighted and valand have to thank you, Mr. President, and adds, is no happy news for the Chinese Hon. Mr. F. H. MAY, CMO, Colonial Secres diance Ting from, the doomed town, and the for the handsome hauitate Recreation Club brethren in the empire. He bar, therefore, smoke rising from the bouquet which you so kindly specially come to this port and calls for au; ges breaking out of fires on all sides made the presented ber. With your kind permission tions and opinions from his fellow-provincials, picture look very real.

will bow say a few words regarding the Lusi- so as to ensure Justice being done, according to It is my pleasant duty to say that from start to Recreation Club. This Club has at pre-law. He promises further to announce the place to finish there was pot a single, bitch in the sent 170 members, and they all are "Good and date of a meeting in connection with bis programme. Evertthing to the smallest item Spert," including the honorary president those taking part in such a tremendous feat. they are such, you will find them taking part went with a swerve and a desta credit to (Laughter and applause.) To prove to you that

CHINESE GOVERNMENT AND It must not be forgotten that the arrange in all kinds of athletic sports. In the eleven- ments for this tremendous show were the work aside football competition, 77 members play- of volunteers, and to them and the Directored, and the way the teams played each other

COTION INDUSTRY, General, Mr. O'Reilly, and bis able Committee out, was not only a credit to the Clob, but also the greatest credit is due. Nobody who has to every individual player. I am sure every one not seen the show, which attracted something like 15,000 persons (the Hippodroma aloge holding 13,0c) can imagine what things were accomplished by our American friends, and next year it is to be hoped a large number of Hongkongites will be present to see for them- Carnival will exceed this year's by far. selves... Experience tolls a lot, and next year's

11th January, 1909 Sir, in reply to your letter of 9th December last, I am directed to enclose herewith for the information of yourselves and co-signatories a

copy of this Chamber's letter to the Govern. ment dated 8th instant, in which the committee have supported your protest against the action of the Chinese authorities of the Two Kwang in instituting regulations calculated to bamper the trade in Imported opium.—I am, &c,

(Sgd.), E. A. M. WILLIAMS,

Secretary.

**Prezent. ****

-

previous General Report on, the Anti-Opiumi

Since the end of November 1997 when the Metars. David Sassoon & Company, Limited, Movement was written, the two most noticeable features have been the continued interest and the question, as compared with the growing energy shown by the Central Government in apathy evinced by the provincial officials, and their lack of sustained effort to eradicate the

-evil,"

carry out the Edicis, their actions are chiefly to As the provincial officials are expected to he considered and not the ineffective Edicts issued by the Central Government. We ea Minister should lay stress on the Opium Edict tirely fail to see why His Britannic Majesty's of September 20th, 19c6, which is merely an Edict at wish expressed by the Gover ment of Chies, and bas_peyer,_to_aur, knowledge become Trealy

#

between the Chinese Gavernment and the British Treaties do exist between England and China We would point out that regarding the former's trade and commerce, and we submit that so long as those Treatles in the For Kast, and, as we have already point remain unrepealed, British merchants trading ed out, purchasing their merchandise direct protection afforded them by these trostics. from the British Government, should have the

The result of the two recent attempts by, the Viceroy of Nanking and by the Viceroy of the have on each occasion caused a heavy drop in Two KWADRs, to interfere with legitimate trade prices, and a falling off in deliveries, resulting in heavy loss to the British merchants and a complete disorganization of the trade in rave oplom...

We would refer you to Anicles of the British Treaty of Nanking 1841 to Article jo of the same-Treaty, and in Article 14 of the Government. French Treaty of Tootsin of 1858 which for convenience we quote in full :-

Article V of the British Treaty of Nanking "The Government of China having compell ed the British merchants trading at Canton to deal exclusively with certain Chinere mer- chante called hong merchants (or co-bong) who bad been licensed by the Chinese Govera ment for this purpose, the Emperor of China pors where British merchants may reside, and Bgrees to abolish that practice in future at all to permit them to carry on their marcantile transactions with whatever persons they please, And His Imperial Majesty further agrees to pay to the British Government the sum of three millions of dollars, on accostat.of debts, Se due to British subjects' by some of the skid' hong marchants or coibong, who have become Insolvent and who own large sums of money to subjects of Her Britannic Majesty."

Article X of the same Treaty

His Majesty the Emperor agrees to establish 'all the ports which are by Anicle zy of this:

We would emphatize the fact that pressure Kwangs by the energetic action of the Consul was brought to bear upon the Viceroy of the Two General in Canton so that the regulations which he sought to enforce throughout the Kwang Chaton, yet in other prefectures thase regula Tung Province were withdrawn in the City of tidpe haya, been brought into force, natire

Hongkong, 15th January, 1909. your fester of the site instant, cnclosing copy Sir. We beg to acknowledge the receipt of

of the Chamber's letter to the Government

".

**THE POLO MATCH.

Two polo matches will be played the first this afternoon" at, four o'clock at the Division Meet field at Pasay and the second on Saturday afternoon at the same hour and same place. The Carnival people will use the grand stand erected by the military for the recent Meet and left intact and all those baving Carnival pri- vileges, as well as army officers and their ladies will be admitted to the grand stand without charge, th

The game to-day will be between a local team and an English team from the relgh. bouring colony of Hongkong. The line up will be as follows

campaign.

issued calling attention to the rapid increase Not long since a Chicess Imperial edict was will endorse my opinion when I say the best in the import of cotton yara and the injury? combination won the prize, and the players in being done thereby to the Chinese cotton general ought to be highly complimented. It spinners and band loom weavers, whose yara was most unfortunate that Mr. Britto, captain and cloth cannot compare in fineness with that of the B" team, should be burt when the of foreign yaras or goods made therefrom. The game was at its highest pitch, and to prove to

chief reason for this is said to be the inferior you what I said of being good sport" be play. character of the cotton plant and ed the game out limping along (Applause.) As methods of cultivation, in par

careless

daled 8th instant, and have duly circulated

I mentioned, the members of the Lusitano.

The edict, says Commerical Intelligence, Recreation Club go in for all kinds of sports, directed that foquity should be made into the same amongst the firms interested in the

hops this year they will send a team for the methods of cotton growing in other countelem opium trade."

Water Polo Competition. With good each and the kinds of cotton planted, that report Kindly accept our best thanks for the sup

lng and training, I do not see why it should beuld be published with charts and drawingo against the scilon port your Committee have given to our protest

not be possible for us to see the Shield to be circulated throughout the provinces, and the Chinese authorities

our possession. Before concluding 1 that regulations be drawn up for the encourage. ia fostituting regulations calculated to bamper

with to thank you, ladies and gen. ment and improvement of cotton-growing. our trade. We are, &c.,

and hope that one and all are enjoying your. lismen, for your presence here this evening, Industry. (5gd.), DAVID SASSOON & CO., LTD.

relves, and if you do pol, you have yourselves E, Shellim, Manager. The Secretary,

only to blame. (Laughter.) I trust also that Hongkong Chamber of Commerce,

tion Club will continue to increase during the the list of membership of the Lusitano Recreas present year, because the more we are, the Colonial Secretary's Office,

15th January, 1909. The English team; 1. Commander Campi merrier it is, and fanker I am a great believer of Sir,-1 am directed to acknowledge the ra- ball, R. N., 2. Lieutenant Crookenden,3. Bajorable to encourage sport personally, on account the old saying "Unity is strength," Not being csipt of your letter of the 8th instant concern-Findlay, 4. Lieutenant Green. authorities in the Two Kwapg Provinces, which at Cavalry, z. Lieutenant Adair, Toth Cavalry, although insignificant in value, to be played for ing the action now being taken by the Chinese The American team; 2. Captain Babcock, will ask you to accept there I Silver Medals, of my age, and many other unft qualities, 1 is calculated to hamper the trade in Imported 3; Lieutenant Koch, 4. Lieutenant Wainwright, opium, and to foform you that His Excellency 1st Cavalry, the Governor has transmitted a copy of your letter to Bir. John Jordan and that this maller has for some time past been engaging His Ex-Americana take the proverbial palma. Every For hospitality and good fellowship the cellency's accipus attention.I am, &c thing is being dous for the comfort of the

(Sgd. F. H. MAY,

British visitors. Nothing is too good for them. Colonial SecretaryThe freedom of the city is theirs. And the Britishers recognise the honours paid to them, Hongkong Chamber of Commerce.

At noon to-day, the Governor General, Mr. James F. Smith, received the Hongkong and RETURN of visitors, to the City Hall Library Shanghai newspapermen at the Aynamianto, February, 1909 --- and Museum. for the week ending the 7th Accompanying the pressman were Rev. MA

Geo. W. Wright and Mr. Samual Trissel, THE Prince Regent and the Grand Cous-clude a report upon the number of variatius of Library. Museum, of the Handia Time. The venerable old cillors have applied to the Empress Dowager

42x109

gentiemas expressed his satisfaction is for permission 10 attend, the funeral of the 5.980 many words at the journalists' presence in lats Emperor on May '1, when his remains will the city and howlebed them a good” time," be removed for temporary interment, but her adding if I can do anything for you all Majesty replied that they need not do on

The Secretsty

Non Chinese.uni Chinese

:590

1

WITH THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL,

from auch improved cotton should receive It was also ordered that yarn and cloth made specially favourable treatment at all likin muid might be increased. Preparatory to the issue Customs stations, so that their consumption of the regulations, mentioned above, a careful investigation was ordered of the condition of cantile classes were arged to autist the Industry, in which investigation the mar

orders to the Frovincial Bureau of Industries to cut the Empire, and the Viceroy of Chibiilisued Tala edict was circulated generally through at another eleven-a-side football competition, prepare a mpon for the province. Inquiries I which must be won before

sels in. were addressed by it to the local authorities, summer (Applause) fresh incentive, he had given to football and the official nowspaper of the provincial governa but have not elicited sufficient Information, Mr.Remedios thanked Consul Leitis for the Therefore a police has just been published in accepted the medals on behalf of the Recrement to the effect that a special commissionar tion Club,

Thres cheere and a "tiger were given for province, at the expense of the bereats, and 199wwaging had been appointed to travel throngboat the Mrs. Lelris, pa

Kama maka, a careful study of the cotton-growing Dancing was then resumed and kept up with industry. The local magistrates are directed considerable spirit until after midnight.

to lend their assistance, and the Chambers, of. Commerce and the gentry are also called upon 10 help in securing statistics Thèse will in

cotton grown in each district, their quality, the production per mou (one-sixth of in sero's the total acreage, and total annual producilozTHE information to be tabulated and returned to the Bureau