1917-04-27 — Page 9

"LAST NIGHT'S MASS MEETING.

OVERWHELMING FEELING IN FAVOUR OF EXCLUSION OF GERMANS.

SPEECHES IN FAVOUR AND 40AINST THE RESOLUTION.

What was undoubtedly one of the most enthusiastic and largely attended public meetings ever held in the Colony was that

Royal last night on the burning question of the hour-the exclu-

sion of Germans from Hengkong

that!

Rhine.**

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1817.

:.

With apologies that the langu age of this memorandum is notas it should be,

I remain. Dear Sir,

Yours truly:

Applause followed the reading of the letter, and the Chairman then called upon Mr Holyoak to to move the resolution.

I www.d

#

to other

that our local Government seems

"The workers on the Yarra be- war right down to the latest probably be told in the papers to-cartsin bills of Hen and on which will do so when this resolution fore the workers on the Thamës, i and most horrible of the morrow that this is a policy of re-be gave a letter of lien was de pat-that we are in favour of thin but the workers on the Thames sinking of hospital ships with taliation and that it cannot be delivered to Chinese merchants and motion that has been proposed before the workers on the defenseless and maimed creatures fended upon Christian grounds. the money obtained for it was (applause). And I think gentlemen on board going to a place of refuge, But I have no hesitation in saying not used to pay scoounts against it is very necessary that we should all merit our honour and cannot that it is not a policy of retaliation that bill of lien but to pay other express our opinion, that the busi- be forgotten for many years to but just retribution (Loud ap bills loog over-due. In other ness men come. Now, gentlemen, I want to plause). So much then, gentle words, that is, in practical Colony should express their opinion and the public of this try and prove to you that German men, for the question of sentiment phraseology, a charge of criminal characteristic brutality is so which cannot be excluded from fraud (Hear, hear). And I on this subject-in view of the fact the German people that you will, Replying to the argument that the knowledge that the liquidations, disposed as regards this matter interwoven by education in this argument, try as you will can also tell you from personal not be able to eradicate it, even time is inopportune which, after though personally I had no hand rather to adopt a Wait and See" after defeat, for many years to all, is a policy of "Wait and See" in them and therefore perhaps saw attitude. Gentlemen, we don't wish come. I should like to quote to which wrecked the Asquith war more of the game than some of to "wait and see." This is an impor proposal who are working in

you words in support of this: Government, I contend that.un- those who had, that it was no un tant place and we want in this mas favour of German interests here

Hon. Mr. Holyoak's Speech. words which were offered rot preparedness and others who believe

and inefficiency common thing for the Germans ter to hold out a hand to those who Mr Holyoak, whose rising was many weeks ago within the con- brought us within deadly peril of here who had cargo in their we believe will think and act with the Germans would be ashamed the signal for a long and enthusi- fines of this building by au emin- defeat, and to blindly shut our eyes godowns, belonging which took place in the Theatre to come back to Hongkong, whose astic outburst of applause, said: eat American professor, who was to the future and say that we can people, to osrry on the same a (Applause). This is a question. aim it is to take the place, Gentlemen, I have brought this well qualified to speak as a not now decide questions which game, using that cargo which was upon, which this Colony is so stirred. of German firma in the introdue resolution before you at a public student of International-history, affect post-war issues is to admit held in trust for the payment of that we cannot remain mute. It was tion of German goods, and whose meeting because I was inundated The words he uttered were taken practically the same propaganda liabilities which were overdue said recently in the Legislative. only fear is that your proposal, if with letters and telephonic mea from the maxims of Frederick the which has been charged against and which were not concerned Council that the aim and object of adopted, would result in the sages and enquiries as to whether Great which were designed for the Great Britain over and over with the particular firm in every war was a lasting peace, but inbabitants have been concentrat exclusion of German goods from the general public of Hongkong political instruction of the again by her very foes. And question. And this, gentlemen, on ing on this issue, and the Council this Colony. Should you require could attend the Chamber of Com- Hohenzollern Dynasty. Here we 1 sayit is here and now that broad lines, was the system of the as my honourable friend, the mover Chamber and the meeting room of other explanations and particu- merce meeting, but I was obliged have the beginnings of that which before the war comes to a definite credit trade which the the Hongkong Chamber of Com-lars on the point I should be to say that I was afraid they could has led to all that has happened issue that this Colony, jointly with merchant had to meet and which aonable hope is there for think: of this motion, has pointed out, what - British merce have been the scenes of pleased to be at your disposal., neither attead, because the build-since. I will quote you a few of other Colonies, which memorable discussions. In the Yours faithfully, F. di Caneva ing capacity would not bold them those maxims.

have made it so difficult, for him in ing in view of the atrocities com, already raised their voices, should times of depression of trade. simp-mitted by the Germans in this wa former case the proposal to (Applause).

nor if they attended could they exclude the Germans, put forward The Chairman exbibited an- vote

"If a ruler is obliged to sacrifice declare in no uncertain man-ly because naturally the Chinese in view of their barbarities especi- because they by the Colony's commercial other letter, saying this letter is qualified to do so, and everyone's his subjects, he is all the more obterests we will not have them back can buy cheaper for a rise he takes ers of war, that with the advent of were not his own person for the welfare of ner that if it is in the Empire's in- dealer loves a gamble and if he ally directed against British prison- representative, was defeated by also from the same party to the reply was "Well, will you arrange liged to sacrifice tresty engage (Applause). I have said clearly the gamble-and he did too. Now, the official vote, and it was in President of the public meeting a public meeting where we can ments, the continuance of which we do no not seek to dictate to the the results of the liquidations have peace there will be a magical change consequence of this that a special for the exclusion of the Germane have our views expressed." That would be harmful to his country. Imperial authorities, and all this convinced the merchants of Hong-in the mind in the German people? meeting of the members of the and Austrians from this Colony is why I have ventured to call you Is it better that a nation should motion seeks to do and all I have kong that all this trading, which (Applause). Gentlemen, have we Chamber of Commerce was held on Tuesday last in order that it

striven to do up till now is to on-they have for so long deprecated really any good reason for suppos sure that the voice of this Colony was unsound and immoral, and ing that there would be such a might be demonstrated that the

should be adequately represented with which for two and a half sudden change of view? (No). I think ably take place as to the post-war produce a state of order out of friend has pointed out, that the at the debate which must inevit years we have been struggling to it is quite clear, as my bonourable policy of the Allies (Hear, hear chaos. That has very nearly been

for a period of years after the war.

For over a week past the Colony's

business community practically solidly hold the views of their spokesman in the Council. The endorsement then given was enthusiastic, but it was felt by members of the general public who could not express their opinions at that meeting that a public gathering should be called so that the public opinion of the a whole could be Colony as sounded. Andlast night's meeting was a revelation to all, for not even the most sanguine supporter of the proposal cou'd ever have hoped for such a demonstration of righteous anti-German feeling

lime the speakers walked on to the platform the large building was packed. Among those present were practically all theprominent business men of the Colony Quite a number of ladies were present, too, and these displayed just as much enthusiasm for the

J

Italian Community's Views.

Dear Sir. The andersigned, owing to a previous engagement with regret is unable to attend the meeting. However, he wishes that the expression of the local Italian commurity should resch

you.

a sentimental cause.

2.-The war may last for five

together this evening because I

am confident you will endorse the resolution I am going to put before resolution which I have to propese you this evening (applause). The

is.

"That it is the opinion of of this meeting that it is in the best interests of the Colony that persons of German nationality should be excluded therefrom for a prescribed period of years

A very

re-

perish, or that a Sovereign'should break bis treaty ?

"Do not be ashamed of making in- yourself can derive the whole ad- treated alliances from which you

antage. Do not make the foolish when you believe your interests mistake, of not breaking them require it"

to say that this Colony alone should Hongkong have said that credit permeated with the doctrine of It would be presumption and folly evolved, and the merchants of German people are thoroughly exclude the Germans and if they is a thing of the past, and I state world power, and they are also fur- should be admitted into the Em-it with absolute confidence that ther permeated with the idea that pire if for the benefit of the the trade of this port is in a beal-in order to obtain world dominion Empire, as a whole, they should be thier and sounder position than it all means are lawful, all means 'may allowed to return and enter the has been for very many years be employed. They say that war is These words represented the Colonies throughout our great past (Applause). And again I

When he is about to conclude a treaty with some foreign power, if a Sovereign remembers he is Christian, he is lost."

Eoxing.

a

interest of the

that

many

shortness friendship to them! (Never) Are.

years to them "Come back here, let üs

adversaries of the proposal for 1-It seems strange that the the exclusion of our present enemies and their goods from this

following the declaration of Colony for a period of ten years

peace and that subsequently should be afraid of giving full and

they be only admitted to the high value to the moral and sen-

Colony under strict licence."

A century and a half overseas, possessions, Hongkong ask, will you allow the Germans ar and they mess by that that timental motives of the same,

Now, gentlemen, you will notice later Nietzsche wove the gospel of would not be backward in admit to come back and reinstitute that every kind of atrocity and barbarity when England and the British tween the terms of this

slight variation be force into a sort of system, this ting them if told to do so in form of credit, even though may be enlisted in the cause of war.

doctrine being the doctrine of the the Empire have joined in this war solution and that which

Empire, hampered 25 they will be Can we then bold out the hand of super-man and the inalienable but we certainly should not hampered by the for, it is said everywhere, chiefly adopted in the Chamber. In the right of the giant, to act as the welcome them. Now I come to the of credit facilities from the we prepared after the war to say or for so overwhelming a declar- ation in favour of disc.iminating

for Chamber resolution it was stated giant; of the trong to dominates question which is, after all, most banks for a period of ten years" and in the weak; of the powerful to over- important of all, and I have been to come? (No, no.) With regard shake hands and do business just against our present Long before the advertised time

time years altogether, and the con- speaking to that resolution in the whelm and trample upon the charged in an anonymous letter to one important question which for the meeting a good crowd had sequences and the cost of the same Chamber I said that the term of powerless. Then came the great in this connection with not deal-has been raised I think in one the same as if there had been no

will be enormous. Therefore, why assembled outside, and by the

ten years was a purely academic historian von Treitschke, breathing fully with it, and that is the anonymous letter, as to whether war, and as if the borrible barbari worry about infinitesimal damages term, and I said that I and meming the philosophy of force into question of the practicability or this Colony should go on trading ties had never been committed "*" (No). which might result from the above termof the Chamber did not really the very soul of Germany. "Why impracticability of this sugges with Germans, I would say that Gentlemen, it has beer alleged that proposal if it should become law?

talk of founding colonies?" he tion. I, gentlemen, agree with my resolution controls more par sentiment is a blind guide, but, He who would only attempt to

care whether it was for ten years compare the two effects would er it may seen wiser in the opin we shall have them ready-made." question of ponads, shillings and this port. The question of trade that if it had not been for sentiment, simply fall in ridicule.

or for ever (Applause) or whet said. "Let us take Holland, then Mr Anton that it is not merely ticularly resident Germans in Gentlemen, just reflect upon this. ion of the Imperial Powers, to Then came Bernhardi, soldier and peace, and we as it to those with Germany must be a point neither Great Britain nor the United 3.-There is to wonder why whom this question must be re-military strategist, and a frank who are fight og webound up with the whole Imperial

sacrifice, policy and will be some representative of the Chi-ferred, they should say that it must expounder of the same philosophy. should make some

decided, States would at the present momens resolution as did the menfolk of the benefit which could even- But we are determined that what War," presented, in all its ugly pease those at the front who have of preferential tariffs and walls of this war and the United States can

nese community should be afraid be for a period of shorter duration. His book, "Germany in the Next if necessary, in order to recom-I should imagine, on the ground have been at war. We came into After the speeches for the resolu- tion had been cheered time and tually come to other pieces in ever duration shall be decided on brutality, the philosophy of force. done so much for us, because tariffs against our enemies for into this war as a matter of santi-

China. Is the opinion of these the Germans shall never come

Germany may explain the "An- ultimately it may be for Chinese representativas an ori- back except under terms on which Gulf Light," the "Petrolite," the but I do contend aleo that it would prepared to go on trading with

the some years to come (applause).ment, and I am ouite sure that we conia; she may explain the national welfare, (Hear Hear); On these terms no doubt we are ginal one? or could the same

dict. arc very proud 80 (Hear hear and applana). Wa we should Germany in-so-far Now, gentleman, the oppostion and it is pleasing to record that opinion have been endorsed be. We can control them. (Applause).Communipaw" and the "Persia," be of benefit that

cause, with the Germans in Hong so far as I can follow it in the the "Susser" and the "Yasara exclude Germans from apart from a little good hum kong, there would be hope for cer discussions that have taken place, Maru." She way indemnify with-entering our port for a period of and dealing also with the most plause). We did so to show that a

terests or helps us to do so, did as in order that we might bonour.

our plighted word to Belgium (Âp- tain people of having the credit

(Applause). and in the various letters, both out apologizing. She may apolo-years.

At the important question of shipping system reintroduced and chesp

But outbreak of the war anonymous and otherwise, that gize without indemnifying.

the which has also been raised, treaty must not be treated as words. Ca the motion being put goode ? It is not to be supposed have appeared in the papers is, in feven the marvellous richness of liquidations proved that there whether we shall admit or re- mere scrap of paper. (Applause). only two voted against ít, and ithat the credit system, after has a word, at least the most import. the German tongue will never en- were no less then $10,000,000 admit German shipping into our Gentlemen, it has been pointed out in merchants should be re-establish- ant part of the opposition to our able her to justify her presence in worth of the goods. to say the port, in the first place there is the the letter which our Chairman read resolution, is to be found in this Belgium or the murder of those very lesstof it, revolving in credit, question of the ton for ton policy out from Mr. Canes the Italian The full speeches of the meeted by the enemies of yesterday, great question of sentiment (App- thosa tiny corpses now forever which had passed out of the con- which has righteously been community of this Colony is the

The term of ten years is sufficient lause). And upon that I shall entombed in the iron coffin of trol of the merchants. In some demanded as to prevent the Germans and their deal later because it is an import- the Lusitania. For this geners cases they remained still in Hoog-conditions

of the ally in sympathy with us in this friends from going to any place of aut part of this question. Second tion, the word "Kultur" like kong, though in the hands of Chi- this

settlement of movement, and I can have no doubt war (applause) I think that the other allied nations will the neighbourhood with the hope 1y, we were by my honourable Pompey's status, drips with blood." nese dealers, but in others they it will be some few public of Hongkong.outside of the Besides, Canton and other places friend Mr. Lau Chu-pak, and this that spirit has been so breathed on credit, and had not been the question of German shipping plause). I cannot believe qually. of organising & trade of their own. friend were told by my, and shie Loud Applause). Now, gentlemen, had already passed up country befowi were drifty Jeraiso be in sympathy with us. (Ap-

Dear Pongkorg have not the neces- given an opportunity of expressing sary facilities, and it is hardly to be argument, so far as it goes, for into the very spirit of the people paid for. One the greatest difficul- (Applause). If and when we their views in regard to the ex-believed that the Germans would all Chinese and for the Chinese and bas been explained to them lies of the liquidators had to deal have

the obtaining of thin b

to consider it, it will moved with ourselves with indigna- clusion of Germans from the incur enormous expenses with the is inopportune, and, lastly, we parcel of the very national atti- money, money due for those goodsance with

subjects here, that the time so that it has become part and with was

with in

conson-tion at the harbaric cruelties which Colony for a prescribed period prospect that in a few years' time

the settled terms have been inflicted by the Germas titude and mind, so that for many which had been delivered on credit of our allies after the war is con- people in this present war. Ges been told have German goods. could also impracticable and be handled from Hongkong. It is peat dealt fully with the able. That was shown most clear terms. I contend that this $10-with them. Gentlemen, without fore the Germmos and say that we years to come it will be iceradic terms, in some cases long credit eluded and we shall fall into linelemen are we to cower down he not expected, either, that Chinese economic reasons which are in-ly when the

Lusitania was 000,000 worth of trade was over further words I leave my resolu- are afraid that if they don't return should be more British than the lish people themselves. Evan-

again, a speech on the other side

was made by Mr. A. H. Harris. the Commissioner of Customs"

oured heckling. the audience gave an attentive ear to his

was declared carried amida: a scene of great enthusiasm.

ing are as follows:-

The Chairman said: Ladies and

gentlemen, this meeting has been

called in response to a widely ex- pressed wish that the commercial

Chamber of Commerce should be

after the conclusion of the war.

We all realise and recognise that this question is one of Imperial policy and as such will be ulti-

mately determined by the Imperi:

will be guided in great measure in

its decision by the attitude taken

up by the Governments of the Allied and other powers. All we maintain is that the commer. cial community

this of Colony. has an undoubted

the question at issue should be transmitted through the proper

channels to those at home who

after it

has

ing been abolished by English

that

that

we

dealt

of

one

28 it jE-

that we

moment that they are not

our-

are seeking to offer for of the Colony? (No, and laughter)."

the

great Im Are we not perfectly capable and only just beginning to recover perial questions. We do competent of looking after

At the risk of wearying not attempt in any sense

to seven? (You), Arrethone who will come. you I want to argue this point & dictate but merely to advise, back when peace is declared-

more definitely, because and. "ic that sensBO I

am perhaps badly maimed and wound- the papers were not quite clear on perfectly certain that the Home ed to come back here to this ny statement at the Chamber Government will welcome the British Colony and see a number of Commerce meeting in dealing voice of this Colony as a light of Germans walking about hers with this very point. It was not towards the settlement of wha

оде

in

evitably bound up with it.. Now, sunk as then a public school trade and therefore unsoundtion with you, reminding you al Government, which no doubt tually, we shruld be very grateful gentlemen, I propose to deal, with holiday was given throughout trade. Proof of that is that the that it is merely advice which to this Colony they will take the trade

to the Hon. Mr Lau Chu Pak and this as far as lies in my humble Germany at which the Hymn of Colony has been suffering from his friends if they would use their power and to say a few words from Hate was sung. One verse of that it for nearly 24 years, and is guidance in influence with the object of bay- this resolution which subsequent

this point of view refore puting | 18:

"You we will hate with a last- from it ing the Chinese Custom tariff 15 you will be asked to vote upon. ing hate; raised for German goods,

I said in the Chamber that you We will never forgo our hate-little 4-Besides, all people should

cannot avoid the question of senti- Hate by water, and hate by right that its expressed opinion on bear in mind that it would be a ment in viewing the aftermath to land,

mast foolish thing to allow the this war sad there I feel I am. Hate of the head and hate of enemies of yesterday to come back to the English colonies, to make upon certain and incontrovertible the hand.

Hate of the hammer and hate an unknown thing, as I stated may be a dark question. (Loud During their peaceful axocations? money again with the prospect of ground (Applause). It is not in

there, for Lancashire travellers re-

Gentlemen, such a thing cannot be. will represent the Colony at the having them turn against us in us who have already been touch-d

the nature of things that those of of the crowA,

applause).

What if my mission and Aute ?. This Imperial Conference when the

a more effective way. It is a crime, by the war by pers.nal relatives ing down;

Hate of seventy millions chok-presenting Lancashire manufac. time for doing so has arrived. to forget what happened yesterday being lost, and those who will be

turers and Manchester middlemen

Hon. Mr. Pollock's Speech.

war has shown us that the Empire is The Hon, Mr. H. E. Pollock, in united and indivisible na to come to this Colony during p-r- wish now to call upon Hon. Mr for the hypothetic loss of a benefit, before the end of this war, can

We love as one, we hate as one iods of in terse trade depression seconding, said: Mr. Chairman, war. (Applause). Let us say that Holyoak to propose the resolution,

We have One foe, and one when the merchants were abs- Ladies and Gentlemen, I have very we are also united and indivisible which will come up for discussion or for the mean fear that Chinese forget it for many years to come alone-

places near Hongkong might get (Applause). Neither can we forget

lately unable to do any trade much pleasure in seconding the re-in peace also. Let us cultivate England:-(Laughter and aphatsoever and business been seconded and I ask, gentlemen, that the disore busy. It is a treacherous act the manner in which some of them plause)

Was solution which has been so eloquent shipping and trade and commerco against the soldiers who are fight cied, the atrocities which brought

practically stagnant, and yet you ly proposed by my honourable col between the different parts of our cussion shall be allowedto proceed

Gentlemen, whatever may hap have heard of very large orders without undue heat, and that in bave shed their blood for dind their end, the painful death strugg-pen as a re-uit of this war, and being placed with these travellers league in the Council. I think gentle Empire. Let that be our war tolerance be allowed towards those

or have shed their blood for the les from gassing, the wholesale we believe that we are about to in this Colony. The explanation men we shall all be agreed that memorial which we lay humble at Empire. The four million soldiers murdering by "the sinking whose expressed views do not at present fighting in all parts of unarmed, defenceless ships, the stages of the struggle-I do not were sold on credit, and they were is advisable that there should be in this war. (Loud Applause.)

of enter the beginning of the final of that was this, that the goods upon a matter of this importance it the feet of those who have fallen coincide with yours (Applause) the world, when going back to their pouring of shells from Zeppelin say that victory is yet in sight, sold for much below the market. expressed in clear and unmistakable There is a letter which has just work have the right that their raids upon the coast and interior but the beginning of the end is. They were identical goods, in some terms what the views of this Colony, now open for digrussion on the re arrived and which I think might salaries should not be curtailed by of England, where

The Chatman: The meeting'in

interest you if I read it. It is German competition, at least children were shattered merciless-of this war Germany, has to be imported and ware actually lying this important outpost of the Emolution. and I would suggest that -. addressed to the Hon Mr Holy- } within the territories oovered by ly, the murder of Edith Cavell, the brought to her knees and the 'ready for sale spot cash in gore in the Far East, are upon this if any gentlemen intend to address

women and approaching and it as a result cases, with those which had been

Dear Sir, I have pleasure in the Bak which they have so stren-sassination of Captain Fryatt, Frussian spirit is crushed for downs in Hongkonge by British important subject. (Applause). It the meeting it would be better for 5. It is to be highly regretted marine are not going to forget for that it will be remembered by the The German arms in question had must act in this matter with the ther will be better heard by the which the men of the mercantile ever I pledge my word to you merchente at that very moment, has been said, Gentlemen, that we them to some on the staun, bere that this meeting should have many years. And, mark you if German people for all time that it bills falling due in the near future co-operation of others. I think dance. been censured by the local an we do not support this resolution was England who stopped them and therefore they had to go on, Gentlemen, before we offer to co- thorities. for the Hongkong mer we are practically telling these from getting into Paris And yet we not only selling, but what was operate with others we want to be during which the Germent from this Colony chants have endorsed to a certain men that we are going to welcome sraasked to admit these people into more important still, to go on buy, quite clear, and I think this meeting are frem which opinions are shared almost extent the motto of that impos back fik open sims the murder the bounds of this Colony remem-ing, in order that credit might has shown quite clearly, baken entirely by the Italian community ing public meeting held in or of their comrades in the bering that hate is there and it on revolving, and I contend the bere. Therefore, I would, in put-lbourne on November 17h, mercantile marine (Applause). The will not be forgotten by them any fiquidations have proved that conjunction with the meeting resept ting my remarks, point out to you 1917, under the auspices of hat atrocities in Belgium which led more than it will be forgotten breathe cargo arrived, the cargo, ly held at the Chamber of at there are opponents to this Chamber of Commerce which is from the opening phase of this for some years to come, I shall which was hypothecated against zurce--If it has not show

oak:

sending through you to the Presi

oorly defended.

dent of t-day's meeting a memor

andum containing expressions of

my opinion on the exclusion of

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There was considerabl«?

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