1909-09-17 — Page 15

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

16th lost.

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH

quired liquor for export they would bave their stocks replenished. He therefore thought 'the revenue derived from import duties during 1910 would be less than the ordinary A meeting of the Legislative Council was, amount and he thought they should not held in the Council Chamber this after estimate it at more than seven sud a ball lakhs. Boos. Present:-Hir Excellency the Governor, From that deduct a sum for the collection of Sir Frederick Lugard, K.C.M.G, His Excel the duties, which would probably amount to acy Colonel Darling, E. Hon. Mr. A. M.the best part of a lakh, leaving some six and a Thomson (Colonial Secretary), Hon. Sir Henry half lakhs to meet the five lakhs' deficit on last Berkeley (Attorney-General), Hon. Mr. C. Mcfears Budget is addition to the oplam less. Messer (Colonial Treasurer), Hon. Mr. P. N. Looking to retrenchments which they had H. Jones (Director of Public Works), Hon. been able to effact and other savings, he hoped Mr. F. Badeley (Captain Superintendent it might leave us a little to the good of Police), Hon. Mr. A. W. Brewin Registrar but the margin would not be a large one General), Hon. Dr. Ho Kai, M.D., C.M.G., Hon. With regard to 1911, he reminded them that I Mr.. W.. Grasson, Hon. Mr. Wei Yuk, C.M.G., that year they would have to meet the interes! op ine capital account for the railway. And Hon. Mr. E. Osborne, Hon. Mr. E.A. Hewolf,

that the Sinking Fund came into operation in Hon. Mr. Murray Stewart, and Mr. G. Clementi (Clerk of Councilt), a

that year. Moreover, no railway orvery few rail- ways ever paid expenses at first an being built. If the duties derived from this Bill considerably increased in, fort, with efficient machinery and when the existing stocks in the Colony had been consumed be.thought there was not too large a margin to meet the increased cost due to the undertaking of the railway. His Excellency hoped that with those remarks many arguments would not now be rendered necessary

་

MINUTES. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed,

FINANCIAL MINUTE.

The Colonial Secretary laid on the table Financial Minute No. 40. was agreed that it be referred-to-the Finance Committee,

LIQUOR LICENCES, The Resolution under Section 6 of the Liquor' Licences Extension Ordinance, 1908, was not proceeded with.

IMPORT DUTY.

The Attornay-General moved the second reading of the Bill entitled An Ordinance to provide for the collection of duties upon to. toxicating Liquors.

Dr. Ho Kai did not approve of the drastic principles proposed to be enacted especially with regard to detection He also doubted the idea that, the Chinese would indulge in smuggling.

Mr. Wai Ynk concurred.

Mr. Hewell proposed that the Bill should be delayed so that they might understand the alterations which had been made in it since first it came before the Council:

chose, we hope, the lesser evil, but we were not. so blind as to fail to see it in the light of an evil.

Personally I regret having had to agren to the surrender of a single inch of our freedom from trade restrictions. It goes against the grain with me to witness the Institution of even the smallest Customs service. I am haunted by the prospect of seeing upon our quays the man In the brass hat whose business it is to challenge the passenger to unstrap big trunks. I object to that mau wherever mot. I object to meeting him so often. He straddles across the thres- bold of yearly every country standing nuisance to travel the symbol of economic false doctrips, financial heresy, and political schism. He is the outward and visible sign of denial of the great doctrine of universal free trade. In that I still beliave, although the which it is based seem more hopes on than ever dim. But dim though, they may appear, and though elsewhere it may be that retaliation 'i justifiable, the jealous guarding of that doctrine in this Colony in dictated by the vital necessities of our

situation. And so when I read the version of this Bill which reached ma last Thursday evening the evening before the first reading took place-i was staggered to find that the Goversirent proposed to abrogate to them selves powers under which a complete customs service could be established.

How extensive those powers were does not seem to have been fully realised in some quare ters. Under themi Customs stations could have been established at every wharf in the harbour, in every bay, in the cosa line, and on every road leading into the Colony Passengers landing from any steamer could have been held up and arrested without warrant if they objected to open luggage at the bidding of any revenue officer, who might be a Chinese or an Indian talking no English.

Mr. Murray Stewart said-This day's work in this Council will, in any event, be note worthy in the annals of the Colony. The deci sion which we are to-day driven to take is

And not only could auch an officer have so fraught with possibilities of danger. No one

held op any passenger landing; he would have cae fail to feal the grave responsibility of sharing is it. The occasion takes you by the been equally formidable when, after landing, throat and puts you into a corner and demands the passenger might reasonably have imegloed that you should speak out, if it should seem that himself safe in the bosom of the Colony Ac Any aspect of the question peeds emphasising cording to Clause 31 in my version of the Bill One aspect does, in my opinion. Through all "any person landing or being about to land or the discussions which have led up to this mo- having recently landed from any ship, or an- ment I have been haunted by the fear of antering or having recently entered the Colony impression getdog abroad that the Colony bas by land shall, op demand by any revenua, or' fallen away from its old faith in the freedom of police officer, permit his baggage to be searched, the port. Your Excellency bas tried to dissi- etc. Having recently landed! This meant pate this impression, but in spite of all that has that none of those buge tracks of luggage been said, in spite of the very satisfactory as which are manbauled up to the doors of our Barances which you have given, doubt will, leading botels in the travelling season would I fear, still tend to linger.

be safe from the danger of being arrested by any fodian constable or Chinese lukang whose suspicions might fasten on the saratoga iruak of some American globetrotter, probably an elderly total abstainer from a prohibition State. (Laughter.)

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 17 1909

Staw. et bad said, His Excellency assured bim that any reasonable suggestion made in Com. mittes would receive the utmost considera. tion from the Government. He denied that there was anything-in-the-Bill opponad of a protective nature. He had always under. to free trade; there was nothing in it stood that duties impored for the purpose of revenue were not an infraction of the principle, of free trade. As regards the provisions they would have an opportunity of discussing them

in Committee.

The Blil was read a'second time. On the motion of the Attorney-General, conded by the Colonial Secretary, the Coun cil went into Committee on the Bill.

The Council adjourned at 6.30 pm, till to morrow at 4.30 p.m. to resume consideration of

the Bill in Committee,

BUFFS AQUATIC SPORTS,

FIRST ANNUAL MEETING... The Boffs Aquatic Sports were concluded last Friday afternoon at the Victoria Recreation Club's enclosure, kiodiy lent for the occasion, and in spite of the wretched weather prevailing throughout the afternoon, the P. and O, lighter and the Club enclosure were simply packed to its utmost capacity. Unfortunately the po- patar Band of the Regiment was unable to attend on account of the death of obe of its musicians during the morning. The finishes in all the swimming events were very good, some of the contestants just winning by a mere touch. Some excellent swimming was witnessed, par ticularly in the 100 yards open race for the members of the Victoria Recreation Club,

The prizes were presented at the conclusion of the sports by Mrs. Bayard, wife of Colonel Bayard, D.5.0., the popular Colonel of the famous Regimbat.

The following interesting programme was gone through

4 pm, THREE LENGTH: Corporal Burke won easily in 8 seconds. The fight for second place was very exciting, Lance Corporal Field just winning by a touch from Lance Cor poral Bringer in 84 seconds.

*-4.15 pm. TWO LENGTHS:-(Open 10 men who bave learnt to swim this season.)

Only three started in this race, all keeping close to one another, Privalo Sear getting le first in 65 seconds, Private Lamkin second in 67 seconde. Boucher finished third.

34.30 p.m.-DIVING, COMPETITION ;- Grees proved to be the best diver, and won easily. Williams fioished second and Smith third.

4-445 pm. RELAY RACE:-(Open to teams of 4 mes per Company, each man swim- ming two lengths).

"C" Company carried off the honours after The phraseology of clause 32 was similarly o severe struggle with "A" Company, "F" open to objection. 34 gave power to any reve-Company finishing third. que officer to arrest any one without warrant op 5.5 p.m. Two lengths :-(Open to the Boys suspicion of bis having in his possessico any of the Battalion),

Five started in this event and after a close dutlable liquors and 35 gave the right of domi- ciliary search on the warrant of a single J. Prace, Master Redway won in 73 seconds,

Master Stevens finishing a good secopd. Altogether those clauses seemed to leave nothing of our former liberties beyond what the

6.5.15pm. Duck Boat:-(Entries limited Government might be pleased to allow us to to 3 men per Company). enjoy on sufferance. Having agreed, after much painful beartsearching, to the surrender of the port's freedom to the extent of a most carefully measured inch, immediately the Goverment andex an ell. In explaining this Your Excel lenty assured us that all these powers which it was proposed to take were not intended for use, but that from the Government

view point of them.

He said that this Bill was so fully dealt with by His Excellency in his speech to the Council when the Bill was read a first time that it would not be eccessary for him to address the Council at any length. Hn Excellency on that occasion gave the reasons which had led the Government to introduce this Bill, told the necessity for its introduction for the raising of revenue necessary lot carrying on His Majesty's Gaverament in the Colony, and dealt generally with the Bill in a macber that enabledevery member of the Council and every person out of the Council who read the speech in the papers to be fully acquainted with the principle of the Bill and with the measures that were to be included in the Bill to give effect to that principle. The principle was, shortly, the imposition of duties upos liquors an being, after consideration, deemed to be the article most properly subjective to duty on the occasion that had arisen for raising revenue to

Only the other day an old resident who used meet the necessities of the Government. He

to occupy a seat at this table wrote to the papers referred to the fact that originally it was intond- ed to raise the revenue by an increase in the saying that madeers lies the way we are going There are many old residents here, and many fees for liquor licences. Afier considering the

more at home having interests here, who will representations that were made to the bead of the Government it appeared that on the whole it view with apprehension the proposals contained would be less harsh if, instead of following in this Bill. The imposition of an import duty that course, a duty should he placed by which in any shape or form may well seem to them the whole community would bear a part. The to indicate an ominous weakening of the ideal whole community were copsumars of liquor. which has bitberto been the Colony's guiding It was, therefore, considered fair and equitable

star. Anyone familiar with Hongkong's history to place this duty on the whole commanity but knowing little of the inside workings which have resulted in the present measure may' quite instead of a single class-hear, hear). He

conceivably imagine that an extraordinary thing naod not dwell upon the necessity for dis

has happened. He will have it in mind that covering some fresh source of revenus. It had

hitherto proposals to impede by taxation the readily and generally been recognised as a living necessity in view of the measures wafettered freedom of trade have usually oma nated from the Government and have stead- which the Colony had taken for the aid and assistance of China in suppressing the fastly been apposed by the mercantile comma- oplum It was the abandonment of the rel

nity. He will note that the present proposals seemed to come from the community and he vanne obtained Liberto from opium, which

may conclude that the attitude of the com there was every reason to believe would not come in in as large a volume is the future. as, munity's representatives" towards an old and vital question has undergone a remarkable in the past, that had compelled the fionaces of this Colony to look for some source that would change. That is not the case. True, responsi bility for the proposed step rests upon the give a supply of the ready money needed to

'unofficial members. I do not seek to skirk any the Government, The source believed was generally the most appresibility inherent in our proposals. Iam ed was the consumption of liquor, by the responsibility and to disclaim any for proporals Colony. He held that the Government of the Government which go farther than the In bringing forward this Bill was giving effect recommendations in which I concurred. 1 to the resolutions adopted by the unofficial am loath to tread ground sa familiar to most members. He referred to the provisions of the of us but for my purpose I must sketch the Bulke some detail and, with regard to the search circumstances under which these recom of baggage, said that princip's was nothing moodations were made. They may be brief anastal. He deprecated the use of the term ly stated thus. The Government, having "domiciliary visit" in respect of a constable who decided to raise revenue somehow from was acting on a watrant granted by a magistrate the sale of intoxicating liquors, brings for on sworn information that it was believed cer- ward a scheme-admittedly a faulty one. tain goods were stored in a certain house. Discontent with it is widely expressed. The And to-day the Govamment bas`anoounced The provision was taken from the Straits Sel- ungficial members ment to see if they can the deletion of clause 30 and sundry other im tlements Ordinance, although, it would be less arrive at some solution of the difficulty. We portant modifications. I admired the skill and offensive here than in the neighbouring Colony, did not most to discuss other sources of re-address with which the Bon.the Attorney General He stated that there were several alterations fo

It is not our business to prepare the having built up a defence of certain important the Bill, the duty on spirits being reduced to estimates, This dose out seen to be fully powera, gracefully retired under cover of it from I commend the con $2.40 gallon or 40 cents a bottle. There understood. We did, however, as it turned an untenable position would be no licence fee for the storage of naval out, discuss other possible sources. None ciliatory spirit in which our representations and military wares. He expressed the beliefseemed so avilable as the source indicated. have been thus met. I hope it may prove that the members of the Council would see

A happy augury of the spirit in which this their way to pass this Bill unanimously.

-hich

vacue.

to make: Clane che mature-af<th>n!

I

Private Field won this event. 75.70 p.m. THREE LENGTHS Handicap.. (Open to Members of the Victoria Recreation Clab).

Battalion).

Corporal Vincer, Privates Jarvis, Southee, Right Half Team:-Corporal Burke, Lance Strond, Stiff and Gibbors,

THE NAVAL COMMISSIÓNERS.

HEARTY RECEPTION AT CANTON,

[From Our Own Correspondent.]

350

been promoted to be Tung Pin Tastal by the the Imperial Goyomment

THE DROUGHT,

Raid has long beeu wanted by the people in "Canton especially-the-farmers-in-the-neigh

bouring districts, as, owing to the drought, the rice plantation has been considerably damaged. The two district Magistrates of Namkoi and Pan Yu to-day, personally proceeded to the Shing. Wong Temple to offer prayers twice in the hope that the drought might be broken. No slaughter of cattle was allowed in the city to-day,

MACAO'S DELIMITATION.

After the seventh conference with the Por- tuguese Delimitation Commistionar on the Macao boundary question the Chinese Delimi- tation Commissioner, H. E. Ko Ye Him, has come up to Caston for the purpose of consult-" ing with the Viceroy, H, E. Yuan, on certain matters in connection with the question.: H. E. Ke will probably stay here for five or six days before returning to Hongkong.

The Chinesa residing in Aouan bave now for the third time wired to the Miamity of Faraiga Admits at Peking, the Canton Viceroy and the "Delimitation Commissioner, H. E, Ko Yu Him, urging them-to-maintain--firm-attitado.in. protesting against the Portuguese over the Macao delimitation question, and to claim the restoration to China of all territories that are alleged to have been encroached upon by the Portuguese.

Canton, rath September. The two Naval Commissioners, Prince Shuu Pai-lap and Admiral Sah Chen-ping, since their arrival here yesterday afternoon until their departure at a late hour last night, spent only busily engaged in receiving visitors, attending a few hours in this city, during which they were diapers, etc. After being entertaimed at Admi ral Li Chuu's official residence, the Commis sioners, accompanied by H. E. Viceroy Yuan Shu Hiun, the Three Tartar Generals, and other officials proceeded to the Mun Lan Shu Yoon, where they were ontertained at a tea-party given by the local gentry. Thousands of people gathered in the streets, through which the Prince had to pass, with a view to Catch a glimuse of the distinguished visitor. The congestion of traffic, was so great, that the Police authorities had to drive the crowds away, and consequently the stresis ware empty when the Prince passed on hia way to the reception hall. The peo- ple, who were anxious to do honour to the Commisionare, expressed disappointment with the action of the police. The Prince was received by Mr. Tang Wab Hi at the Man Lao Sbu Yuen, and an address of welcome. was read by Mr. He Tax Fung. The build-

After assumption of office as Viceroy, H.. E. ing was tastefully decorated with foliage and silk-embroidered hangings for the occasion. Yuan Shu Hkup issued a proclamation in which At the conclusion of the tea-party the Com-he prohibited his subordinates from visiting tha pleasure resorts and from indulging in "spar "row" gambling, Chamber of Commerce, where they were re missioners once more proceeded to the Canton ceived by H. E. Cheung Pat Sze. The Prince greatly admired the address presented to. im, and the decoration of the building. A group photograph was then laken. "It was nearly 10 o'clock when the tea-party was over, when the Commissioners procended into the city and Klangia and left for Hongkong, accompanied after a short stay they boarded the cruiser by H. E. Viceroy Yano, Admiral Li Chun, Commander-in-Chief Chun, the Tastar Geos rals and several other officials,

OSAKA SHOSÚN KAISHA,

· PRESIDENT'IN AMERICA,

Tokugoro Nakubashi, president of the Osaka Shoten Kaisha, which has established a line of cargo sinamers between the Orient and Faget sound, wat a passenger on the steamship Siberia, arriving yesterday from the Far East reports the San Francisco Chronicle of 15th ult

He will be present next mouth at the recep tion to be tendered by the Chamber of Com merce to a party of business men from Japan, who are now on their way here, coming by the steamer Minnesota, which plies to Seattle. The party is due early in September

Nakahashi, who is making his second visit to the United States, will make a trip East, re turning here in time to attend the reception. He is one of the foremost business men of

Another distinguished Oriental passanger by the bria was Wong Quen Wab, who comes here as a special commissioner on commercial principal cities in the United States, affairs. He will visit Washington and the

After a grand and very fast race, A. H. Car roll (awes 6 secs.) sscured first place, covering Japan and is president of numerous large hold. the 100 yards in the splendid time of 741ings, capitalized at many millions of dollars. seconds, X. A. Claxton (owes 12 sec1.) com. Bs war deritable to haveing in a couple of yarde behind, with P. M. can understand that, from the Remedios (owes 12 secs) a good third.

is always administrative point of view confortable to have large powers in reserve. LoTR WATER Pod:-(Right But the possession of large powanie srequently which tends to make administration comfortable moko-the-public uncomfortable and these seemed calculated to have that effect. The contemplation of them made me, as a member of the public, most uncomfortable. And as a humble representative of the public I felt bound to protest. I did so at the first possible oppor- tupity, as Your Excellency may remember. Subsequently I found that already, in the first revised version of the Bill, which was fald on the table at the last meeting, the offending words recently landed" had been cut out of clause 31.

Left Hall Team:-Bandsman' Barzand, Prí vater Kennings, Pago, Smith, Davis, Williams and MacMahon..

Both teams showed up well in the first por tion of the game, the Right Half scoring twice. Soon after recommencement of play the Left Hall put in their only goal, the Rights adding another three points to their credit, bringing the score up to 5 goals to one-at-the-call of time.

Private Cloke was greatly missed by the men in the Left Half and his absence partly accounts for the big score agalost his half of the Battalion.

"BANTOS,"

· MIDDLIMEN_IK · JAPAN.

NA VICEREGAL PROCLAMATION.

GANG RODDERY,

On the 8th instant, ni ii p.m., a gang of rob- bars to the number of not less than a hundred. attacked the market of Chua Tana where they ransacked bevaral houzas and removed a large fied with the articles that they had carried away quantity of booty. The robbers were not natin. but also kidnapped five children, for whats re lease the robbers have' now made a demand for a large sum of mousy from their parenta,

13th September.

***SUPPRESSION OF GAMBLING, Immediately after assnmption of office H.E. the Viceroy had his attention directed to the suppression of the evil practice of "Sparrow" gambling; be accordingly assued a proclama tion to that effect. H.E. Yuan has now, how. Istacior at over, received from the Ministry Peking a despatch in which he is instructed to take stringent steps to entirely suppress spar- row gambling in Canton and to severely punish those persons, whether officials or civi- ijans, who may be found transgressing the rule. FIRE.

At 7 o'clock in the evening of the 12th inst. a fire broke out in Hoaam al g bamboo ware shop through the upsetting of a kerosene lamp, The building where the conflagration originated was completely destroyed-and the adjacent buildings were also partly damaged. Nias persons were injured in the outbreak,

CONSULAR VISITS,

To-day Viceroy Yoan Shu' Hrus received, for the first time, the French Consul, the Bri tish Consul, and the American Consul at Can.

100

+

EX-PROVINCIAL TREASURER, -

The ex-Acting Viceroy in Canton, H.E. Wu Seung Lum, who has been permitted to resign. from the Kwangtung Provincial Treasurership, will be leaving Canton in the course of a wook for the Capital, for the purpose of having an sudience with the Prince Regent.

LIKIN COLLECTION,

The collection of Likia duesin Canton during the cand ten days of the 7th moon as report. For some time, says Mr. Crowe, our Com, ed by the Likin officials to the Viceroy amount- marcial Allaché at Tokio, in his annual reported to· 121,423,6.ma tuels, being nearly twice as an animated discussion has been going on in much as was collected in the preceding tea ihe vernacular and foreign Press as to the ad-days: vantages and disadvantages of direct trade, One point in the discussion concerns the pos sible gradual elimination of the "banto," or at least a curtailment of his dutiss

The "bante" occupies the position of chief of the Japanese staff of the firm, and most trans. IN BANKRUPTCY JURISDICTION. || actions are made through him. In this sense

,10-DAY'S BUSINESS AT THE SUPREME

COURT,

be is a middleman, and if one were to get rid of him one would be nearer "direct trade," while the "banto's" profits, which are often consider able, would vanish. There is, of course, the A sitting of the Bankruptcy Court was held possibility that the bauto," if entirely dispens- in the Supreme Court last, Wednesday, the Chialed with, might start in on his own account and, Justice (Sir Francis Piggott) presiding. The with his considerable knowledge of foreign following cases were dealt with:---

business methods; prove a formidable compe- Ra So Yut Sang.

The Acting Official Receiver (Mr. A. G. M. Fleicher) stated that at the last sitting of the Bankruptcy Court an order was made calling upon the debtor to show cante why he should not be committed to prison. He subsequently found that heavy debts had been incurred by the debtor; and there was no possible expectation to pay them. He did not wish to press the case against the debtor, as the latter was un-

titor,

ROBBERS CAPTURED.

Recently the bad characters have showo great-activity outside the-Northern-gate.-On- information received, the officials yesterday sent a number of "braves" to the spot to raid the robbers' lair; they succeeded in capturing.

ve robbers.

14th September..

POOK OUTLOOK FOR SILK CROP, On account of the long drought the muf berry plantations have been greatly damaged in Faishan and its surrounding districts and the price of mulberry leaves has consequently ad- vanced considerably. The excessive heat also bas told severely on the silk worms, resulting The head of one of the largest Japanese con cerne told me that when he wanted to do busi- a great loss to the sericalturists. The Bith ness with a foreign firm, it was only with the crap of silk this year has an unpromising out- greatest difficulty that he could get past look and it is considered that it will be the the "banto

And see the principal. Most worst for the whole year. "bantos" are bonourable and hopest men, some are not, and it is not always easy for a Britisher to find out at first whether his pro- bers of his Japanese staff, are all that the should be. British firms might take into consideration the advisability of insuring their employes with a Japanese insurance company doing-fidelity guarantee business.

as 10-day they were bringing forward the private meeting at Government House to maintaining the essentials of freestrictions | able to engage any solicitom. The debtor had spective "banto" as well as the other mem-

The Senior Unofficial Member has dealt with certain other clauses to which he objects. At present I do not propose thus to criticise the Bill. I shall have many objections to make in Committee. We have now to vole on the principle of raising revenue by an import daty on liquor. To that principle the unofficial stand committed. We

cantot therefore vole against the second reading... I hope we may find the officials whose duty it will be to operate the Bill imbued with the idea of ing the temptation to introduce convenient to their immediate purposes but calculated to hamper trade or hinder travel. entirely speculated in land and had hoped to That will be one of our dangers, It is not pay off bis abilities if land values bad gone up "Debtor's discharge was suspended for two that officials are loss thoughtful than other

1-years. mon.

ion. Other men in their place would do the same. They would he just as liable to get carried away by zeal. Further, all protective services tead to expand. Week spots keep revealing themselves to officials eager for efficiency. A demand sets up for more and more stations, more and more regulations, more and more officers This I dread the multiplication of minor officials. In this cast their one thought will be revenue. They will become eager to stop every conceivable hole and corner whore it may get past. They Will need restraining..

Re Sang Cheong Chow (Leung Pak 'Pat); The public examination showed that debt- or had been a wholesale timber dealer. no proceedings bad been taken against him, he would have been able to carry on his business as asual Two debts had baen dae to him, one of $6,000 and the other of $2,000, by persons who had gone bankrupt, which bad never been paid. The allegations that debtor had removed stocks prior to going into bankruptcy were

falio.

CANTON DAY BY DAY,

MAGAZINE EXPLOSION,

[From Our Own Correspondent.]

ENCOURAGING INDUSTRIES.

The Canton Total for the Development of Native Industries proposes to establish an ox- hibition ball in the Southern suburb, where a variety of articles, both of foreign and nativo manufacture, will be put up for inspection and study by the general public with a view to encouraging the people in the development of industriesExpectant Magistrate_Ngal_Tro Pai has been instructed to select a site on the new bund in that suburb for the building of the proposed ball.

MILITARY COMMANDER.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Land Forces, Chan Ping Chik, who came to Canton a few days ago for the purpose of receiving the two Naval Commissioners, Prince Shun and Admi- ral Sah, returned to Weichow on the r3th instant.

After much consideration wo decided to re- commend an impon duty. We passed resolutions | bill will eventually be operated, His Excellency the Governor said he consid- indicating plainly that we did not intend tha cred it desirable to explain the ficancial posi. through trade to be touched in any way-the tion of the Colony, in the hope that it would Colony was only to pay on liquor actually can expedite the business of the Council. He took sumed in it and we united in the hope and be It the question is the mind of a good, many lief that the Government would receive and members of this Council was somewhat as favourably consider certain sufigestions as to follows: On the 13th August by the resolation the method of collection which would not introduced into the Council it was estimated change the character of the port. A method that the revenue derived from the operation of of collection believed to be at once efficacious that resolution would amount to some and almost frictionless, as regards ocean thing like two and a half lakhs, where steamers, was suggested and thrashed out at Bill to impose import duties by which which reference has been made. The risks of It was estimated that the tax derived under its patty smuggling by sengers coming, from operation would amount to perhaps some seven great distances were held to be so small as to or eight lakhs or even, as the member for the be negligible. It was pointed out that unless Chamber of Commerce had. said, perhaps ten cates of wine are very carefully packed, break lakhs. The question was: Why if two and a ago is likely to occur, and that therefore, half lakhs were considered sufficient in the if in any quantity, such cargo is certain to be first instance, why was the taxpayer being, declared. Anything less than a case was voted asked to contribute so much more towards to be not worth bothering about, certainly not the finances of the Colony? In the first worth while changing the character of the port place, he would remind the Council that for. The assumption was that, as regards ocean when he introduced the Budget last year he steamers, the collection of the duty could be. worked entirely through the Harbour Office. pointed out that by appropriating the sum of

It was seen and agreed to in all these discus- $371,500, the capital amount of the Widows' and Orphans' Fund, together with that which sions that the cass was different as regards the Government paid as interest on that sum steamers arriving from Macau, Canton and the and equalisation of exchange they incurred Coast Parts. It seemed to me that special

Canton, 11th September. total liability of $14,500. In addition the Bud-power to deal with passengers by these "get did not balance by $72,170. Altogether steamers would have to be taken by the Go-

And the power behind them, the Governmeal,

On the 8th instant there was an explosion They got with these sums a total sum of nearly verament, But after hearing the Senior Un-may conceivably now and then also need

at the Wing Oban powder magazine, situated at five lakhs. That was the amount of the deficit official member this afternoon I should like to restraining. That is perhaps the main danger.

the back of the Five-storied Pagoda, in which an last year's Budget which they had to make think over that again. But upon this we were Appetite grows by what it feeds on. The Mr. d'Almads (of Mesem. d'Almada and

no gunpowder has been stored since the dixar good in estimating for next year. In addition to all agreed that there were to be no finnikia re Government will be exposed to the constant Smith) made an application for lists of protect- trons explosion in 1907, with the exception of s

gulations for dealing with that they bad whatever deficit might secre

by ocean passengers the fender for the Opiam Farm., From that lass steamers. The globe trotter and his luggage temptation thing to get more and morning estate and moved for payment of costs in a quantity of explosives which was seized by the

revenue in this way. Here it will be the duty sammary case.

Likin officials in the Wongths Railway station they could deduct whatever sum the Imperial were to go free. From thete hints as to what

of the representatives of the community to Government gave us as a substantial part of occurred it will be evident that the unofficial keep watch and ward, remembering that no

His Lordship ordered the payment of Sasa few days ago and was stored there tempora and costs out of pocket,

rily. The roof of the building was blown away one loss. If the imperial Government were to members were not indifferent to the principle amount of rerenna could compensate for start Re Yuen Lan Him.

and the walls completely destroyed almost give us half that sum there would still remain of freedom which it is perhaps their first daly ing a diversion of that through trade by which

The Official Receiver stated that debtor had down to the ground No person was in charge day surveying work on the proposed route was two and a half lakhs to make good. His to protect.

carried on a business as contractor for a period of the magazine at the time of the accident, so commenced. Excellency could not estimate yet with any Your Excellency commented on the unusual the port lives and thrives.

I shall vote for the second reading of this bill to of six years with a capital of 54,809. He stood. as lives were lost. As the quantity of the ex- precision what the deficit would be when they nature of the step which we took in making the hope that it may be admleistered, through guarantor for the compradore to the Robinson had completed the Estimates for next year. It public the resolutions at which we had arrived, depended upon the tender for the Oplum Farm Thest were sent to the press pot because WO out in the spirit of Your Excellency's assurances Pines Company, in the sum of $1,000. The and is part of the contribution of the Imperial were so sure that we were right but because in and in the manner originally suggested by the latter absconded, as a result of which, a meet Government. But he had hoped that with two case of the kind the fullest possible publicity unofficial members. In that case the character ing of creditors was held last year and a com- It seems to me desirable of the port need suffer no noticeable change, position of 20 per cent. accepted, which he And half lakhs from the increase of liquor licence seemed desirable. Jess together with considerable retrenchments, that any proposals involving taxation should Freedom may still be our moito. We may still paid fully. As a result, he found it difficult to together with some further savings which he be referred to the public. English political regard it as the pole star of our policy, the fixed get credit and had to borrow money, which he oped would be considerable and which he would liberty is supposed-to-rest-on-the-theory mark which has so far looked on many tempests paid off his estate. The Robinson Plane Com which prompted ooraction. We had some idea and never yet been even so much as shaken, pany duly brought an action to recover the „explain ja'a wook or two when he had the pleasure of introducing the Budget for next year, that our suggestions might stimulate criticians The policy which made the place is not in any amount of guarantee, which caused his bank, he hoped that they should meet or nearly meet and reveal neglected aspects of the question. danger from any fundamental change in the ruptcy, A A PS

attitude of the unofficial members of this Coul the five lakhs of last year's deficit, but that loft But in any case what happened shows that cil and this fact I hope I may have helped to 1man Heinrich Köhler, the celebrated planlat, the loss from the oplum practically untouched. bald statement to the effect that the unofficials Amanded profit on import duties which they urged the Gayarament to put on an impon made abundantly clear. (Applause,) has arrived in, Hoogkong from the North on reposed under this Bill, they would no duty, as if the circumstance had its origie in His Excellency in reply said, he thought his way back to Ramps srid Jaya and India. doberall, agree with him that all persons on their eagerness to impose one, is seen to be at there was little for him to say The Gor Professor Köhler contemplatas during this in the iquor trade who had any stocks of least open to misconstruction. Our choice lay arment, had done its best to meet the wosk giving piano recitals at Cabtos, Swatow the Colony would retain those for sale between two evils, the denbled licensed fees on wishes of the Chiness community in this and Amoy and probably also in Hongkong If Thry rử^, the san hand, the duty on the CENTER TEE matted in pupoon to Tha Ki Many Uma parada prav

The Official Receiver stated that the assoİN· of debtor were fairly good. The statement of affairs showed that there were assets of $15,000 against debts amounting to $36,000. Debtor was adjudged bankrupt.

L

plosives stored was not large, no serious bourhood only the Five-storied Pagoda which damage was done to the houses in the neigh is very close to the magazine, sustained slight damage to the roof.

VE THE VICEROY'S RETURN. --

25th September, SUNNING-KOngmoon raiLWAY, Having obtained sanction from the Ministry of Posts and Communications at Peking to ex tend the Suoning Railway from Kung Yick

Fau to as far as Kongmoop, the Sunnlag Rali+ way Company now fovile public subscription" to shares at $5 each to raise the required capi- tal for the work. The subscription list will be closed at the end of the 12th moon. Yester

COPPER CENTS.

The Canton miat has stopped miatlog copper cents for several months pail, so the shortage of copper coins is beginuing to be fett in the Canton market. The Canton mint has there+ fore applied to the authorities for permission to resume coinage at the rate of fifty thousand. pisces of copper cents daily from the 1st day of the 8th moon to be put on the market, for cir

Viceroy Yuan Shu Hsun, the Tarter Gen emis. Admiral Li Chun and the Commander-in- Chief, Chat Ping Chik, and other officials, who culation. accompanied the two Naval Commissioners, KEN Prince Shun Pal-lap and Admiral Sah Chen ping to lipagkong, on the 9th instant, returned to Canton this morning,

PROMOTION,

The present Tantal for the Development of Native Industries, Hon. Kwok Kwan, has res

ENGINEERING STUDENTS The Director of the Centon Kowloon Rail- way, Chinesa Section, Tantal, Wai Han-la accordance with instructions: received from Paking, has fanusd a notification to invite cane didates to be examined for selection to be sent to the Faking Railway College to pursun, s course of studios la rúi way coriacKER

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