1909-05-28 — Page 5

RIVER STEAMER THREATENED,

AN ALARMING RAPORT...

· 24th inat,

A report, of a somewhat alarming character, with circumstantial detalis, reaches us ofatbreat that had been made in regard to a river steamer trading between Hongkong and Canton, In the

· absence of any confirmation" of the rumour, owing to to-day being a public holiday and the difficulty of securing authentication of the report, we refrain to mastion names, it is stated that a letter has been delivered to a well-known local skipper to the effect that it is

phosed to destroy his vessel by incendiarista.

The letter has been transmitted to the Police authorities who are said to be conducting secret. investigations in order to trace its authorship. In order to disguise the origin of the threatening communication it is said that

signed

by A Pirate Chief of Canton." Curious to relate, when a number of Chiness. women were about to embark on board the adme steamer for Cantos last night, a dumber of native loafois, who are in the habit of Congregating near the wharves, frightened the would-be passengers by that vessel with the intimidation that they would be dose to death if they ventured to travel by that boat. Needless to state, the wo men became so terrified that they at once abandoned all idea of proceeding by the vessel. of their Grst choice, and made for a neighbour: ing wharf where they took pasange by another visel of a rival company. There is just the possibility that these loafers might have been bired intimidators, in which case if suspicion cup be established for a fact, they should be made to suffer for what is totamount to thể”- festitution of a practical buycost against a particular steamer.

CLOSING OF VLADIVOSTOK.

EFFECT OF THE MEASURE...

Since the closing of the free port of Vladi.

vostok a serious state of affairs has arisen in the port. As will be seen below, owing to the bad conditions at the Customs, the trade of the port la seriously dislocated, while the prohibi ilvo tariff placed on imports has reduced Japanese residents at the port to an unfortunate plight.

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH FRIDAY MAY 28 1909.

WANNING TO SHIPMASTERS,

FLOATING MINE DISCOVERED WITHIN HONGKONG WATERS,

24th inst.

An extraordinary story was told by the mau- top of one of the Macassieamers regarding a floating mise, which, if existent, is presumably a remnant of the Kusso-Japancic War.

According to bis report, which has been sub- mitted to the shipping authorities, it appears that while on the run to Hongkong yesterday be sighted a floating mine just between Dumi bell Island and Grean

half from the shore Island, about a mile and It was impossible for him to take any stops to remove the obstruction, but it is to be hoped that such a menace to shipping generally will be removed as soon as possible.

If this kind of thing becomes common on the high sens it is well that the now, arrangement arrived at by the Power, whereby floating mines shall have a restricted area, should come into force.ded armow

If to be hoped that this danger to ship- ping traffic at the mouth of the harbour will not be encountered by any of the numerous vessela entering Hongkong.

a

SEARCH INSTITUTED,

CORRESPONDENCE.

194 do not necessarily endons the opinions expressed!!

'by Correspondants in this columu.) B +4||

FRANCE IN TONKIN.

THE JAPANKSB IN KORKA.

The manual report for 1907" on the Japazers reorganization'ai Korea, which has lately beno isined by the Residency-General at Seoul, must be read with special interest; in that it contains TO THE EDITOR OF THE "llongrong Telegram the history both of the old administration and oi DEAR SIR, The Bongbong Telegraph pub the new. On July an, 1907; it will be remem lished, in its issue of the 21st fast, a telegrambered, the Emperor Vi Haul, who had filled up from Peking, 18th May, reproduced from the the cup of wrath by secretly dispatching envoys Chinese newspaper Shrung Po relating to to the Hague Conference and was accused, supposed violation of the Chinese frontier of not without reason of plotting a coup d'état Kwangal by French troops stationed in Tonkin, that involved indiscriminate assassinations, was I am authorized to give a formal denial to forced to abdicate in favour of his son, the pre official talographic information. I have just ment was signed whereby the Resident. there absurd rumoun which, according to sent Emperor Four days later a now agree received from the Governor-General of Indo-General acquired initiative, as well as Chias, have no foundation whatever. I may consultatory competence to enact and enforce ever add that the authorities on both sides of laws and ordinances, to appoint and remove the frontier are working in perfect harmony, Korean officials, and to place capable Japanese Believe me, very sincerely yours,

GASTON LIEDERT, Consul for France.

Consulat de France, Hongkong, Hongkong, 13nd May, 1909.

THE OPIUM HABIT,

· INQUIRIES FOR' REMEDIES. Prince Kung, Anti-Oplom Commissioner in We udden and that, immediately, upon to Peking, has telegraphed to the Chinese Minis ceipt of the report, the Harbour Master caused

search of the waters around and near Dumers abroad asking them in make extensive bell Island to be immediately instituted. To inquiries in the countries to which they are this end the Government, tender, Stanley was accredited for efficacious remedies to cure despatched to scour the waters near the vicinity opium habits in order that they may be intro- duced and used in Chias. His Highness and where the danger was reported to exist by the colleagues propose that prohibition of poppy captain of the Macao steamer. Kai-i-chow plastations should precede that against smoke the waters made; then the Stanley steamed down Pg, but Duke Tsai Tae holds the opposite view and contends that when amoking has been As far as the Lingsting where the fleet of fishing

entirely suppressed, importation of opium as jooks was closely questioned as

whether

well as plantation will cease of its own accord. They had observed, any Aonilag milan or buoy

·adrift in the course of their day's cuite. „The

The Anti-Opium Commissioners hava appoint masters of the entire fleet had seen nothing

ed deputies to proceed to the various provinces to make secret inquilles as to whether the which corresponded to the appenratice of a mine as busy. On the return journey the Stanley dignitaries are addicted to the habit. They Viceroys, Governors and other high provincial stopped and spoke the Suf Taf, another Macao

will then report to the Commissioners who will steamer, bote master could not going to report of the existence of any floating dangertoppism. C. D. News. navigation along his route that day,

Irland was first visited and a close scrutiny of

be mentioned that the waters a bit may southwards of Kai-i-chow Island had been reser. ved as a sort of dumping "ground" for refuse from Hongkong, where the conservancy boats re-ploceed to empty their daily freight. A

The Dalekaya-Okraína,-of-Vladivostok, produces a telegram dispatched to the represen tative for Primarskaya province in the Duma, M. Shilo, by the president of the, Vladivostok Bourse Committee corresponding soniewbot to a board of trade, to the effect that an inspec: tion of the condition of the Customs by the Committee has revealeda terrible state of affairs. The warehouse accommodation is totally Inadequate for the calls upon it. The existing sheds are in a dilapidated condition, and owing to the penetration of water the goods are being spoilt and becoming valueless, The warehous yards are varitable quagmires, in which the mer- chandise is floating about. The unloading of the steamer Dend's occupied three weeks in stead of five days, and the consignees are still awaiting their goods. A responsible Castomi staff has not yet been assured, though several meetings of the Custome Tax Department have taken place. In remedying this condition of affairs the Bourse Commiten invites the co operation of consignees of goods. There is already a local fund of more than 200,000 roubles towards the improvement of the port, bat for some unknown reason the allocation of the sum is delayed.

buoy was placed near the "grounds" some eighteen months ago with the word "Ashes" It is quite painted on it in legible letters. possible that an old tub or broken cask bas been mistaken for a derelict mips.

DROWNING PATALITY.

HONGKONG GIMKHANA CLOD.

THE SECOND MEETING.

The programme of the second mesting to be held at the Happy Valley, on Saturday, 29th init, (weather permiiting) is as follows : 1330pm.-FIVE FURLONGS FLAT RACE

For subscription grimas of any season'which, have not won an official men. Walght for, "Inches as per acalo,/ Umplecod runners at official meeting 1909 allowed 3 lbs, it winner. at tst Gymkhana to carry to iba extra To be ridden by jockeys who have not won an official race in Hongkong, or China. Entrance fee $5.1st prize: Presented by the Hong kong Gymkhana Club. 2nd prize: $25.00. Entrance fees to go to winnen f Mr. G. E. Anton's Dunkerry, 158lbs, » Major Co. Davidson's Seraph, taglbs. Cobbe's The Thief, 155ība, Mr. F.B. Deacon's Butcher, içalbs. Mr. D. L. M.'s Tamar, 1óziba. Mr. K. K's Highland Heather, 149lbs. Mr. H. G. Moore's Lyeman, zggibs,

Penalty of salbs,"

350 WELTER RACE. HALF A MILE,

For all China poisy hacks de polo ponies”- To be ridden by owners; pony to have been property of rider for at least one month prior to date of entry. Catch woights 12.stodus. Winner at the Gymkhana 14 lbs, extra. Opsa to members of Jockey and/or Polo Clubs, also members, of bath Services Entrance fee $5. ret priza: presented by Commodore H.

and

subjects in the ranks of Korean officialdea." Therewith the old order passed away for ever and if, after nearly two years of operation, it is still too soon to speak with unqualified appro val of the new, no doubt can well exist of the Justification of Japan's faterforance. Even her most adverse critics admit that the old Court was a hot-bed of sedition and a harbourage for the least desirable characters whosesole purpose was to enrich themselves at the Imperial, that is to say thenationalexpense, in 1906 the Resident- General, al we are told in the presentreport, ob- tained the Emperor's permission to set a ground at the palace gates and to institute a system of masses; but in the opposition that this measure

Lyon, R.N prize: Sa5.00. (Entrance fees aroused little or no improvement was effected, The Imperial Household. Department and the control of the administration, which had been Mr. Blank's White Heather, 168lbs, carefully divided when Japan first acquired the Mr. Elwes Kirkdale, 168lbs, right of protection over Korea, were now inex Major H. Findlay's Billy, 183lbs, tricably confused, and while the nation las-Hon Mr. W. J. Greason's Birthday, 168lbs. guished, the Court was crowded with expensive Mr. K. Kis Droschkengan!, 168lbs, Binecures. Whaterer advice Japan tendered

Penalty of 14lbs. was politely received, we read, and invariably disregarded, while the nation at large, which certainly had cause enough to be discontented with the existing order, maintained an attitude of stubborn resistance to all innovations;

to go to winner.) -

197

Commodore H, Lyon's Swan, 16zlbi... Mr. H, G. Moore's Lyemun, 155iba' Mr. Seth's Macrow, zgolbu.. Ma Panaity of'ziba † Penalty of Islbs.

At Allowance of albe, deducted.jp 55.20 p.m.-ONE AND A QUARTER MILK FLAT RACE: Handicap-For all Chian ¡poziss." - Entrance fae 55. First prize I' presented by the Hongkong Gymkhana Club, and prize: $15. (Entrance fees to go to

inger.

Mr. FB Deacoo's Dart, 15tibs. Mr. Dryandust's Coxcomb, 158lbs, Mr. Dryasdust's Best Friend, 156lbs. Mr. Dryandust's Triad, 1541bs., Major W. A. Eaton's Game Chick, 142lbs. Major Findlay's Whitebait, 140lbs. Hon, Mr. W. J. Gressen's Garth, 154ibu. Hoa, Mr.. W. J. Grosson's H. H., rrriba. Mr. J. Johnstone's Just-in-Time, (late Wh

• Heather), 15őlbu. Tá

Mr. K. K.'s Highland Heather, 130lbs. |Menn, Leah and Moore's. Sportsman: Clath

Volge) 150lbs,

Mr. L. K. Leston's Seafoam, 1581b1. Hop. Mr. F. H. May's Astral, 16 lbs.” Mr. Sherlock's Larkspur(late Cantistock), x481b9,

STRONG MAN IN HONGKONG..

PHYSICAL CULTURE DISPLAY BY "THE POCKET REXCULE:,"

At the invitation of Mr. Harold Evalyn (Bon Hur) a gathering of Press representatives and the medical profession of Hongkong attended the Hongkong Cinematograph isst. Tassday- afternoon. The show was one of the best of its kindscen in the Colony, and the audienceshowed their appreciation by their numerouE ENCOPEE,

The proceedings opened by the young athlete," who is only twenty-two years of age). and 139 pounds in weight, lifting on his

ed on a large' pole. This fast was accom. 3-4.10 PM.-GYMKHANA STIKES-Valusel 1,300 pounds of inde which was suspend-

$100, Distance one mile. For all China plished with great caso. ponies. Catch weights at rost: 6lbs., Wine The next item on the programme, we ners nf an open race or open griffa 'race

impeach those discovered guilty of smokin from time to time in these columns, but it may Shanghai or Tiestein allowed gibt. A cop

HEROISM REİVARDED.

Not a few of the changes described in the Residency General's report have been poled

be convenient to summarize them briefly as they are now set forth. The first care, we are told, was to put the Household and the Execu tive again on separate bades, a process which NAVAL OFFICER'S GALLANTRY RECOGNISED,

led to the reduction of the Household staff by -Fing-Commander D.T: Naris, of the King about-two-thirds aed-a-timaly investigation_of. Alfred, has just been awarded the bronze the mperial private property, Mennwhile the medal for life-saving by the Koyal Humane temaelling of the Administration involved. Society. The officer in question rescued a practically a complete Japanization of the whole scaman of the flagship from drowning by jump-system of government A Japanese Vice- ing into the water whilst she was going 12

Minister, whose powers of supervision would kunts as hour off Hongkong va Feb 3 last, appear to be considerably in excess of those The man, a stoker onmed Williams, slipped off usually associated with this offic, was allotted to a gangway and would have been inevitably every Department of State. One la every three drowned had it not been for the gallantry of of the secretaries and clocks in Japanese, as are Flag Commander Norris: The medal was the chieft of the Bureau of Police Affairs; of also earned by Privats J. R. M'Lavy, Royalbe Metropolitan Police and of the Customs. Marine Light Infantry, for his plucky' rescue

In local government the same system was of Private Reedwood, of the same.corps, who closely followed, with a secretary, competent to slipped from a ladder and fell into angkook sct in the Governor's absence, a police inspeci barbour whilst embarking on the cruiser Kent

tor and three clerks in each provincial govern on the same date,

gent, all of whom are Japanese. Not the least important of the Resident General's work was the reformation of the judicial system, which, in addition to being most deplorably corrupt, had permitted such abominations as the torture of wit- sesses and the putting under arrestofdefondents to civil actions. The law courts, we are to be love, have already been reorganisedila Japanese judges (e all tribunalt. The laws themselves are being codified, and, the.. now code is expected to be completed by about the ranization of Korea wa can touch but lightly middle of next year. On the fiasucial rear. it involved a thorough overhauling of the whole scheme of taxation, which under the old régime had certainly given rise to the most wasteful leakager reassessment of taxable property; currency reform, and the com pilation of an orthodox annual budget. Fin- ally we are told that new industries have heen introduced, roads and railways have been constructed,

OPIUM CULTIVATION IN INDIA.

SAD ACCIDENT TO BRITISH BLUEJÀCKET.

A sad drowning fatality is reported to have occurred at a late hour on Thursday night, re- ports the Shanghai Mercury of 220d last, the victim being one of the men of IE,M,S. Cadmur About 10 pm, on Thursday Leading Seaman George Frank Stewart, commonly known as Donald Stowait, and a companion "were going on board U.M.S. Cadmur in a sampan. As the frail craft neared the ship both men stood up on the deck of the sampin ready to step on the gangway when the ship's side. was reached. We have already noticed the decline in The sampan mau suddenly slowed his craft popularity of opium cultivation, in the Bebat round and there being a swelt at the time the And Benares Agencies (writes the longer 10 men, losing their balance, were precipitat and the annual report by the Bengal Board ed into the river. The sampin mas on seeing of Revenus shows in detail the reasons which his passengers in the water raised a cry for it fluence the ryot in preferring other crops to help, which was heard on board the Cadmus and that of the poppy. Unfavourable seasons, the. a beat was at once lowered. In the meantime the rise in prices of food-grains and the dear sampan man bed leaned over the side of his craftness of labour have all contributed to bring and caught hold of one of the struggling men about a change. The average area cultivated has steadily diminished, and the villager no and tried to haut him on board the sampan, but could not succeed and he clung to the mas longer looks to the poppy plot to put money until assistance come. Meanwhile the boat into his pocket, whatever may be the character from the Cadmus was searching for the second of the season. Mr. Shirres, who took charge of man who proved to be Stewart. No trace of. the Behar Agency last October, draws at him could be found. The other, MAD WAS tention to the fact that the price paid to the rescued from his perilous position and taken cultivator for oplum has remained fixed aboard the ship. The accident was then reported since. 1894, while the price of other agrical to the River Police, but up to the present no tural produce bas, rires, As regards rice in North and South Behar its average" price frami Race of the body has been found, though a close search has been made and the river the ten years anding with 1894 was Rs, 3-2, or dragged. The deceased was a native of Scot- 23 per cent higher. it the case of barley, land and was quite a young man and greatly, which is said to compete more directly with esteemed by his shipmates. He was a. noted opium, the increase averaged 17 per cent. But boxer and wrestler and had taken part lo some this does not show the great rise in the

Jo · 1906 and, of the recent boxing tournaments at Chang Sulast two or three years,

o Gardens and other places,

2997 the prices of tice and barley were actually 70 and 55 per cent, above the decennial average of 1884-94 and last year the figures were higher still. Mr. Sbirres says: "On the plots close to his dwelling the ryat raises his most valuable crops, namely, tobacco, chileet, potatoes, mustard, etc., and all these things are direct rivals of opium. Barley and wheat are also mentioned in the reports as competitors, and sugar cane competes indirectly by using up manure. it is said also that Java indigo is frequently ousting the poppy from its place, for the java plast remains in the ground for two years, and cannot-therefore be grown as an alternating crop. Ons of the opium officers goes so far as to say that any crop now payt better than poppy, and this would really seem to be the case. It is clear from these statements that Government will have no difficulty in restricting the area under poppy in Behar, and that the cultivators will, willingly fall into line in the matter. The less produc- tive lands will no longer be licensed and the poppy crop dwindle to small dimensions. In favourable seasons, when the rainfall is good, the crop will probably pay a fair return, but so long as the prices of other products remain high there will be none of the old eagerness to cultivate the poppy. ..

It is stated by the Osaka Mainichi that since the closing of Vladivostok a considerable fall.

• Japan's trade with the port has been løg-off in SIGD, There are now four Japanese steamships esgaged on the Vladivostok rug-the N.Y.K. Talagami-mar irom Kobe and Ones maru from Osaka, the O. S. K. Horan-mare from Turuga, and; the Ketu-maru from the Bok Laido. Now according to inforination brought by an officer of the famed vertal, since the closing of Vladivostok as a free port, not only bave very heavy duties been imposed en wholly manufactured articles, but oa soy, sake, rice, &c., exported from this country, the heaviest dues, have been imposed and the importation, of these goods has apparently been entirely discontinued. The cargo carried On each voyago by the vessels above-named Las now dwindled to no more than one or two. Eundred tons. Further, the export of bean- cake to Japan, which reached its highest point of prosperity last year, has ceased, and the trade this year has been entirely diverted Europe, the beat cake being exported thither by the Mitsui Bussan Kaisha, Hence the steamers referred to

affected in Both directions. But the quantity bean- cake reaching Vladivostok by the Chinese. The fiji, in noting that the loreign insuranca Eastern Railway is increasing to an enormous companies which have representative agents extent, and the wharves at the port are being and transag business in Japan each deposit a ceaselessly piled up with mountains of beans security ofY100,000, states that Lloyd's is under of bean-cake. Now Russia is not a manufac-aking Are Insurance business and bassncceeded tang country, and she has been compelled to in obtaining a contract from the Kanegafuchi look to other countries for her supply of mana-Spinuing Company to cover:

risk af Y400,000 factored articles. Owing to the fact that goods encertnia buildings. The Government thereupon from the neighbouring country of Ispån ere. issued an order to Lloyd's requesting them to for the most part apt to be of costic manufac deposit the usual security of Y 100,000, Lloyd's, ture, German goods have almost obtained the however, refused to obey the order, contend: monopoly. The number of German vessels ing that the concern was got a joint stock com eptering the harbour was very large, but they pany, but a credit corporation. Lloyd's did returned practically empty. Taking advan hot maintain an agent in Japan, but merely lag of this circumstance, the Misul Bussan appointed canvassers, and insurance policies Kaishe undertook the shipment to Europa of were signed in England, so that the Govern- beans and bean-cake, and derived much, ad. meat was unable to enforce its demand for vintage therefrom. Every month thirty or security. forty thousand tons of bean-cake are exported,

are

LLOYD'S FIRE INSURANCE IN JAPAN.

CONFLICT WITH THE GOVERNMENT.

coasis lighted and buoyed, Jaditation instituted, posts, telegraphs and tole phones provided, agriculture stimulated and equipped with new appearances. For all those undertakings it is not surprising that Japan should have had to be principally, if not entirely, Korea's banker, and according to The Times correspondent's estimates sho is at present out of pocket to the extent of something like fourteen and half millions sterling.

But to turn

gibs.extra. Non-winning subscription griffinsliced, was the lifting of an iron dumb-belly (weighing nearly 200 pounds) above his head allowed glbs. Jockoys who have not won

and dropping it on to the nape of his neck. more than two official races in Hongkong. Then, at the invitation of the performer six called the Gymkhana Cap will be presented and one of the most marvellous scenes wit

of the spectators, ware lavited to the stage,

at the end of the season to be won by the

nessed took place. These men, the lightest pony scoring most marks in the races for the

of whom weighed no less than 160 pounds, Gymkhana Stakes at the gymkhana meetstoad on the performer's frame, while be ings during the season, cousting 4 points for rested on two tresties. This item was much Khal; for a second and r for a third. The admired by those present. But the sensation. benefit of marks already scored to pass with of the evening was yet to be seen. Mr. Harold the pony on a sale. Any winner of the race Evelyn, to the amazement of his audience, pur to carry gibs, extra for each win in subst mitted a stone (weighing nearly 200 pounds) quent starts for the race, but la the event of to be dropped, about four feet high, on bir a pony carrying the penalty not winning, abdomen, from, which it rebounded like s zibs, to be deducted next time he starts. rabber bail. Such zibs, to remain deducted until he wies' again when he will carry the fall penalties without deduction. Penalties accumulative up to iglbs. Entrance for $5. 2nd Prize $15, (Half entrance fees to go to winner.) Mr. F. B. Deacon's Dart, 145lbs, Mr. Dryasdust's Coxcomb, 15tibs.. Mr. Dryasdust's Triad, 146lbs. Mr. Dryasdust's Best Friend, 1stību. Hos: Mr. W. J. Gressga's Garth, 15ribs. Hon. Mr. W. J. Grasson's H. M., 146lbs. Mr. John Jobastone's fast-in-Time (late White

Heather), 145lbs.

Volga); 151lbs. Messrs. Lean & Moore's Sportsman (late Mr. L. K. Leeson's Seafoam, 151lbs. Hot F, H, May's Astral, 151lbs. Mr. Sherlock's Larkspur-(lata. Cattistock),

146ibi,

4-30 p.m.-Tent Pegging IN SECTIONS OF THREE-Open to teams, mounted on China popies, and composed of three men, representing any recognizad unit or club In the Colony. Three small cups to be presented to the winning team at each com petition and at the conclusion of the serios atrophy will be given to the team which scores the highest aggregate of points all meetings included. In competing for the small cups a competitor need not necessarily represent the same unit or clab on each and avery occasion, but if competing for the aggregate trophy he can only represant ons digit or one club during the season, that is to say he must continue to compete for the uuit or club first selected by him and for no ather, To provide. for sickness, absence from the Colony, or for improvement of a team, Dew members may from time to time be introduced into a team, but in order to wis the aggregate trophy two at least, of the members-composing the winning team must have competed in not less than three com- petitions.

Points will be awarded as follows:-

3 for each carry, say pot team...9 points or 2 for a carry under 25 yards wi or I for a touch

3 for speed......rma unitaomne 3 3 foraiyle alike 3

Is

A dropped spaar disqualifies the team for the

run concerned.

Note-Style means the proper ·and

work. manlike handling of spears and the synchro nous working of a team. Paints will be deducted from a team should the judge observe any member carrying bis spear in a dangerous and unsportsmanlike manner.

From what we have said, it can be judged that the stamina of the athlete is remarkable. The second part of the performance consisted of series of muscular poses, in which the wonder,, fal development of the "Pocket Hercules" was dirplayad. The performance concluded by Mr. Evelyn dancing the superficial mpacles of his anatomy in rhythm with music. Mr. Evelyn was specially examined by the doctors present, who expressed surprise at the suppleness of his musclei generally. The "show" is worth. visiting.

A IKIP 10 CHINA,

BANGKOK BANKER'S STRANGE EXPERIENCE.

CHAINED, IMPRISONED-AND-FLOQUI

Mah Moo Soop, bankar, broker, and mer- chant, is one of the best known Chinesa basi- ness man in Bangkok, says the Siam Observe He was born in the district of Talcha, China, came to Bangkok when he was sixteen" and "lu” now 45 years of age, He began life here as an İce-cream vendor, and became so well-known

and liked that H. R. H. Prince Devawongse

the special permission to vend ice cream in the Royal-Palaces. By degrees he worked- his way up the ladder till he reached the fluent position be enjoys to-day. Mah Moe Soon has a wife and three children in Bangkók and also a wife and three Children in his native, village Teo Yeo, He has made several trips from Bangkok to hit native place, going via Swatow..

1

On November 3, 1908, Mah Mee Soon left Bangkok by steamer on one of these periodical trips. He had enjoyed about a month's rast in ble native village, when one day a military company of 6o men with two officers came to bia house, and, charging him with "being, a rebel, arrested him. He was bound with a chain around his neck and his bands fastened: behind, and made to walk for a day to a railway station, where he was entrained and brought to Taychoo, the big town of the district.

TORTURE,

Here he was brought before a court and charged with being a rebel. This he denied, but his denial and explanations "were poi accepted and he was, detained in prisos There are several prisons in this town an Mah Mao Soon' was, seot, to one where :60 other prisoners were confined. After three of four daye he was taken before the court again and asked to admit he was a rebel, He refused and was then put in the cangue, the Chinese equivalent for the stocks, and kept there'ân- The judges will deduct points if in their bone Again he was pressed to admit being

rebel but refused. He was next ordered to be opinion a cam be moving at foo slow a pace.

(To avoid delay, each team must be ready to fogged. He got to strokes with a rod, then compete, when called, upon to do so by the was brought before the court once again. Still starter. Any team not ready will be disqualif-refusing to answer as the court desired, he got ed. Teams will run in order mentioned on the Blogged, 50 strokes at a time, till he got 200 programme),

Col, Chamter.

in dealing with Korea the outside world in more than drdinarily in doubt as to what view to take, if on the one hand we hesitato, naturally, to believe the stories that have been freely circulated of oppression of Koreans in re tired districts, it is not unreasonable to think that the Japanese versions of the working дет system may occasionally of the be coloured by the wish that is parent to the thought. Even so well-disposed a critic at the correspondent whom we have quoted above admits the mistake that was made by the Resi deacy-General, within a few days of the ex- Emperor's abdication, ia disbanding the Korean army without sufficient forethought for what would become of its members. Toat the troops in question where equally useless and wasteful appears to be readily agreed, and the new me thod of imparting a general military training to the youth of the country will probably produce far better results in due course. the ex-soldiers adrift without proper regard for their future employment was, in effect, only to swell the ranks of outlaws and insurgents throughout the land, the suppression of whom, not yet wholly accomplished, has already cost Japan nearly a million pounds, The inherent obstinacy of the Korean nation to BANGKOK-SWATOW, SHIPPING.

accept reform is a great and vexatious obstacle to its protectors, who are undoubtedly inspired, Competition between the Norddeutscher in the first instance, with desire for the better. Lloyd steamers and those of the China-Slam.ment of the country. But while no. praise can be too high for the ability and the temperste ese Steam. Navigation Co. would appear to be greatly to the delight of the coolies and other sible that bis intentions are converted joto Chinese returalog from Siam to China. Two something quite different by the time that the vessels left Bangkok on ath inst., for Swatowards into the hands of the petty bureaucrat, exacution of them has been transmitted down- the N. D. La Rajaburi and the steamer Proteus, chartered by the cow company. The Beyond doubt Japan, a mistress of the art of The Hongkong Mounted Rajoburi, albeit she is by far the superior organization, has already achieved wonders in vessel and that the ridiculously low sum of the reorganizing of Korea. But organization. a ticals a head was charged for the 5 or adaptability, and it is conceivable that the fa

is only truly efficient in proportion to its days' trip, only received 66 passengers whil the Profeti took 60s, the full number ska ja

panaes administrators of Korea may take so entitled to by law, although 8 ticals a head was much scientific pleasure in the perfection

their machine as to lead them to forget that charged. The competition in point of fact is

touch of sentiment which is necessary to make aa aa almost entire parallel, with that which arose when the Nippon Yusen Kaisha com acceptable. The Koreans have been tos long ministration to be let out of leading-strings, at menced running boats here a few years ago and accustomed to the casual ways of the old ad- it will be interesting to watch the upshot least for some time to come. Dot the ultimate Straits Times

success of colonization depends on the extent to which the colonists are left to their own de vices; and every fresh concession that can be made to Korbans is the direction of self-manage. ment will strengthen the foundations of the now order ikat was instituted two years ago,—

· N. C, D, Newz,

On bearing of this, saya. the fifi, all' the but it is all secured by the German boats, and other foreign insurance companies have in the import loto Japan is simmast nil. It is ap-formed the.. Japanese Government that if parently feared that this cannot nos continue, Lloyd's bra allowed to take risks in Japan owing to the arrival of fewer vessels at the port without depositing security, the plaer com consequent on the restriction of imports. This panies will pursue the same course," Lloyd's is Is another example showing that the interfer- taking extensive fire risks in Germany, and the ence with the import trade ban a serious effect spacese Government is making investigations on the whole trade of a port.

as to the manner in which this business is The present Japanese residents in Vladi- managed in Germany. The eventual result of "Vostok number some 4,000. Since the closing this question is being awaited with, interest.— rapidly reaching an acute stage, no doubt statesmanship of Prince Ito himself, it is po

of the free port heavy duties have been placed Japan Chronicle. op'imports, as stated. Op saké, for example, a

tax of over a hundred yan per cask is said to

that

• bo imposed, while on the bottles alone: 50 san

RABIES IN TONKIN. or more each is collected. This makes the im. port of the beverage unprofitable. Again on

Summer has set in throughout Tonkin and, nice, the staple food of the Japanese, Chinese, reported. Several natives have died of hydro- with the het seanoo, an outbreak of rabies is and Koreans, an import of 45 sen per so (near: phobia, and the Pasteur lestitutes are crowded ly half a bushot) is qxacted. As a result, Bays with patients. The same thing happens every the Mainichi, the Japanese in the port are being year and bere seems to be no help for it. reduced to à miserable plight. Of late the Experience at these establishment shows number of persons leaving Vladivosok and the Pasteur treatment often fails in-obstinate migrating to Northern Korea averages forty cases. There is also some grabad for believ or fifty persons by every vessel leaving the port, On certain manufactured producis no duty is that, in tropical countries, rabien takes Imposed. Owing to the free admission of uns seadily a falal turn. The most powerful factor "cleaned ride two Japanese merchants of Vindi that works against stamping out the disease is vostock, Mente. Sono and Kursuchli who are, sion of vagrant,dogs,

ibe lack of stringent regulations for the destruc. however, only to a small way of bussess, bave begun to supply the Japanese and KoreRDS THE DOW WE received in the Colony lest with rics by importing the unhulisd graĵo and cleaning it locally, bat she saccess of the two Monday of the death, which took place in the merchants appears almost hopeless, Ip short, Mr. Ferdinand Klone, who was well known in Tatomi (U.S.A.) Hospital on the 24th-alia., of the trade of sapan with Vladivostock is gradu«

Hongkong, Mr. Klene, who was connected ally declining, and it is reported that the mig with the Equiteblis Life Insurance Company don of aldent Japanese to Northem Kores is here, and later started out on Els own in the Inevitable,—Japan Chronicle.........

auctioneering lise, left this port same time are for Honolulu, From the latter port be sailed for Tacoma, where his health falled him, and this necessitated his simittance into the local | hospital, where the dad event occurrede Ha

isaves a widow with whom the greatest sym. ¦ squadron, was received in Imperial godiscica patby goss

A FIRE broke out in (be drying room at the International Cotton Hill, Pootangist 3.30 p.m. on Thursday. The mill employesk were' able la put out the fire la Afteen folsules and the Samage done is very triding

་

JAPAN

IMPERIAL AUDIENCES.

Tokio, 17th May

Sir Claude Macdonald, British Ambassador

if

al

at Tokio, will be received by the Emperor of Japan at a farewail audience, when be will be RETURN of visitors to the City Hall Library entertained at luncheon by his Majesty, on and Museum for the week ending the a3rd May at Mr. Horace Rumbolt, the new Conn. May, 190g cillor of Embassy, will be received in audience with Sir Clande Mascdonald, wate

Rear-Admiral Härber of the American 'unval'

Hen Chinese.j Chlosso

Library, Museum, Dior (445 2

24207,303

1. R. A.---"A" Team Capt. Finch,

Capt. Clime. Capt. Leah. Mr. Moore.

2. R. AB Team

3. Buff.-"A" Team

Major Eaton. Capt. Barker, Mr. Potter. "Mr. Wedd.

4. Buffs"and"Team Mr. Sill..

"A" Team

Mr. Brice.

Troop:

Lient. Johnstone. Trooper Gedge. Trooper Dupree," Sergt. Blason, “ "B" Team Trooper Maxweli,

and had become unconscious. The floggings lasted for over an hour and a half. Unconscious and bleeding he was carried on a board to the prison where he lay for eight days unable to move. After the lapse of eight days attempts were made to take his handprints as a tokës of bis admission of guilty, but this hë pre-. vented. For this he was ordered to be again flogged, but ssaing his flesh was too raw for further fogging was put in the cangue in- stead. He was altogether undergoing, this torture for about 68 days, during which he was taken before the court seven times.

LIBERTYA

The last time he was taken before the courl," he was informed a telegram had been received from Bangkok signed by several hundred pao- ple there who vouched for him. . He was given to understand that the officials were satisfied be, Trooper McIlwealth was rich man from Bangkok and on comply 5-5.00 pm-ONE MILE FLAT RACE-Foring with certale demands he was ultimately subscription griffins of season 1908-09, released on February 18 last. The expediting Weight for inches as per scale. Winners of of his release was of course only by convince one face, at 1909 meeting 7 lbs.' extra; two ing those who required it that be really was' or more haces 11 lbs. extra. Winner at tata rich man from Bangkok. "After recuperat gymkhana 7 lbs. extra. Winners at this ing for a month at his home sear Teo Yeo, -meeting 7 lbs, extra. : Penalties accumul ativa. Unplaced paines at roog meeting al lowed z lbs. Jockeys who have not won more than two official races in Hongkong, Shang- *bal or Tleatain allowed 5 lbs. Entrance $5.00, First prizs Presented and prize: $25.00. (Entrance fees to go to wlaner Mr. G. E. Anton's Dunkerry, 158lbs.. Mr. Blank's Grey Back, 16aiba Mr. M. M. Brice's Gambler, Treibs, Masers D. L.. M's Tamar, 159lbs.” Mr. Dryasdust's Barry, 164lbs,§- Hop, Mr, W. J. Gressop's Little Dot Admira, Lambton's Kamranh, iðalba, My Luwork'u zheodolite (late Backstar), 197ibe)})

Mab Mea Scon reformed to Bangkok, where he was interviewed to-day by a representative of this paper. When asked if he had made any complaint to the Chinese authorities Mah Men Soon amilingly replied that it would only' involve explaining to many more that he was rich man from Bangicel and the redress ba was likely to obtain was rot worth what it: might cost to get it: Tu-day Mais Mes Soon - looked none the wors; for his remarkable exper riences, and is vary anxious to convey through the Slam Oberer his grateful thanks for the: Rose, kind efforts of his compatriots" is. Bangkok"!

which saved him possibly his head," av lehnt much": further suffering, at the hands of the . Cklogse authorities,

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