1919-11-10 — Page 4

WATSON'S HYGIENOL

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH.

A Powerful Disinfectant, Germicide, Antiseptic and Deodoriser.

In handy tins, containing about gallon. Price reduced owing to the high rate of exchange to

$2.25 per tin.

A. S. WATSON & CO., LTD.,

THE HONGKONG DISPENSARY.

Cable Address: Telegraph, Hongkong.

Telephone: No. 1. A.B.C., 5th edition. Western Union.

Office address: 11, Ice House Street.

The Hongkong Telegraph

HONGKONG, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1919.

THE SHANGHAI CONFERENCE.

NOTES & COMMENTS.

BRITISH PUBLICITY.

MÒNDAY, NOVEMBER 10. 1919.

CURRENT COIN.

CHINESE MINISTER TO FRANCE.

PASSES THROUGH HONG. KONG.

[BY MERCATOR."] Our special telegram on Satur- day reporting the doings of the The boom in Indo-China shares Conference of Chambers of Com- during the week stands out as merce in Shanghai contained an the one consistently strong The M.M. liner "Sphinx," interesting resolution on the feature of the local Stock Ex-which departed on Saturday for question of British publicity work change. The recent rise in this the North, carried a distinguished | in China. It urged that the Gov- stock is due to the placing of passenger in the person of Mr. ernment and Chambers of Com- buying orders from England in Hoo Wei-teh. Chinese Minister to merce at Home give consideration this market.. This has been con-

France,who is returning tohisown to the need for the development | fused with. the presumably

country on furlough after more of such publicity in respect of the unfounded rumour that the P. than six years service at the diffusion of general and com- and O. Steamship Company, is Chinese Legation at Paris. mercial news, and that an 'or making a bid for the Indo-China canisation

Mr. Hoo has had a distinguish- be formed and Company's fleet. This report based career, being at one time! subsidised for that purpose. already been refuted by Messrs. Minister of Foreign Affairs, and With the end sought, we have Jardine, Matheson and Co., who is perhaps one of the most every possible sympathy. British should be the first to get wind of trade and commerce have unit. What really is back of this Chinese Officials. He entered enlightened of present day doubtedly suffered in the past strong buying is, probably, a

the Chinese Diplomatic Service because of lack of publicity and recognition at Home by invest- "boosting" Other nations havears that Indo-China shares are

in 1889. and was appointed shown us what can be done very cheap at the present prices. Legation, in which

an Attache in the London capacity along these lines, but we have, Agroupofinanciers at Home have

he served bis country for as a general rule, been too slow, been buying in Hongkong, and it

three

then too conservative and too unenter-is reported that their intention is transferred to the Washington prising Still there is publicity to obtain control of the Company. and publicity; the question is one Two years ago the market in this Legation as Secretary. In 1896 that needs taking up on sound, stock experienced a similar boom he was appointed to the post of sane and well-organised lines on reports of an amalgamation Washington, where his ability counsellor at the Legation at of itself will not with the P. and O. Company. won for him rapid promotion. "Boosting" accomplish much; it must be The earning capacity of this backed up

following. year with enterprising | steamship company was much methods of doing business and a less then compared to what it is st was promoted to the Minister- readiness to supply those goods the present time, and the biggest until 1907, when he was recalled ship, which post he occupied which a careful study of parti- feature has been the exchange. to China to fill a responsible cular markets shows to be most Look at the freights they are position in the Foreign Office. needed. It needs to be tactfully getting to-day and the high rate done, too, if it is to be of any of sterling for their dollars.

His next appointment was to the Ministership real value.

of Japan.

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By the French mail steamer there also travelled

General Tseng who is returning Home after a year's travel in Europe. General Tseng is an ex-Minister

France

1914 1918 1919. 1919.

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July

Nov.

In 1910 he was again recalled to The following remarks

Peking and given the post of Vice Some of the methods followed | London Opinion of October 4th are Minister of Foreign Affairs. at the present time in South China interesting: The accounts for This position д only 8 are discredited by their crudeness, 1918 have not yet been issued, step to his appointment to and they only represent so much but at the end of 1917 the Foreign Minister in the follow- wasted time, energy and money.investment stood ai

£809,500, ing

just year,

before the There is a failure, too, to make and cash in hand a £795.100. Great Revolution. During the full use of all the mediums avall-the total reserves being troublous times ensuing, he re able. Take Hongkong for £1,459,300. The Compaay has mained at his post and was example. This is a British Colony made large profits since then the first Minister of Foreign -the centre of British influence and seeing that the deferred Affairs under the Republican in the Far East. Here all the share, capital, which alone is regime. In 1913 he was English-printed papers are entitled to any bonus, amounterausferred to his present British. Yet no attempt what to £247,945, it looks as if the position in Paris, and was China's ever is made to secure the co-

melon is pretty ripe for cutting representative in France during operation of any of these journals The Company is registered in the Great War. He is now on a in British publicity work, despite Hongkong and is, therefore, six months furlough, and is the fact that hundreds of English- iramune from income tax, besides returning Home accompanied by speaking natives both in Hung- which it should be making a big his wife and family.. Kong and the Coast Ports read profit on exchange as it receives them. Such British publicity a goodly proportion of its revenue work or propaganda that these in Eastern currencies. Last year papers do, they discharge on their the dividend on the deferred share own initiative. During the war was £2. 16s. per share. This year it especially, the local Press did no promises to be a good deal more, of War. end of propaganda on behalf not to speak of à possible share The special telegrams which "we published on Saturday detail. | of the British

and bonus. In view of the Hongkong ~~ ing the many resolutions passed by the Conference of British it js constantly "boost-value of the assets, the shares Chambers of Commerce at Shanghai must have been reading "British trade. At times we seem cheap at their present with very great

interest by the whole of the commercial begin to wonder whether the price." community here, for the subjects dealt with are vitally im- work done by the newspapers portant to British trade in the Far East. But perhaps the along these lines is appreciated, The shares have steadily gone most important decision arrived at is that dealing with the or whether it is just so much up to £65 and they seem to be establishment of an Association of British Chambers of Commerce in taken for granted. Native steady at this figure.

19/9 206 23-6 26;10 A large China and Hongkong, for there is now set up a machinery that journals and "rags" printed in number of shares have been taken

Belgium 19:11 24.5 27/11 should prove of the greatest utility. The question of some such English are fed with news denied of the local mark t.

Italy 20'10 24 - 291 318 I: seems Finland association has been in the minds of business men für a consider.to the British papers of the incredible that Messrs. Jardine,

20,2 44.7. 50,9 able time past, for it has been very reasonably felt that, if a unifica Colony whose efforts on behalf of Matheson would consent to any USA

23,8 344 356 40:11 Portugal tion of effort could be secured, then those matters upon which British

20:4 197 1811 17-3 scheme of sale or amalgamation of commercial men have to make representations from time to time acknowledged.

Canada

204 20 196 17/9 not the Indo-China fleet of steamers Holland would be given greater heed to by the authorities concerned. grumbling we rite these things

20/1, 18.11 19/5 18:9 Coming from a body expressing the united opinion of British to demonstrate the shortsighted- mainstay of Ewos for many years. Switzerland 20- 19

as the Company has been the

Spain 207 19/1 185 188 business men in China, any recommendation or suggestion is much ness of those charged with British If the F. and O. or any other

19/10 18/10 more likely to be acted upon than if Chambers of Commerce singly publicity work. Let us as

Greece 1911-- 194 18:4 interests wish to absorb the Indo- made a move, If, as the outcome of this first Conference, nothing people go in for more publicity. China Steamship Company, they

Norway 20/2 19.4 20:3 201 else is achieved than the establishment of the Association, the past by all means. But let the work must first of all secure a large Denmark 20/2 198 212 213 Sweden 20/2 18/11 19.8 18:11 week's meetings in Shanghai will have been fully justified. The be done on sane and reasonable proportion of the shares to give Japan present condition of amity existing between the various Chambers Eines.

20/2 17/10 18 7 17:3 Fan only be regarded as a very bright angury for the intelligent ARMISTICE DAY.

them a voice in any matter. Since

Brazil 22/11 25/10 24/7 .25:- market writing this the direction of British trade in the Orient and the removal of very

in

Argentina 19/10 18/6 187 174 many disabilities that at present hamper traders. We note that the suddenness

By its very novelty and by the London has slumped £3.

Germany 202

878 Conference is to be a movable one. visiting the various parts from have come to learn of it, tol

with which we which the Chambers emanate, and it is to be hoped that the Hong-morrow's

People are kicking against the simple act of re-increase in the Conference Line Great Britain's chief concern kong Chamber will see its way clear to invite the Conference to this membrance will possibly have rates for freights from 100 shilings is, of course, the heavy fall in the Colony next year. Hongkong is by far the most important Port struck a good many people 29 to 120 shillings. A hundred and New York exchange. The norm- (we do not include Shanghai) to which the Conference could go and being a little trivial. We have twenty shillings is about $25 gold.al rate used to be 4.86, it is now a visit from the Conference could not fail to quicken the interest even heard it said so. But on which from here to London is near 4.10 to the pound. In other of traders here in the very many problems facing British trade.

Among the subjects which have been dealt with this year are a

closer thought the view becomes really as low if not a lower rate words. for every dollar's worth of number that, by their importance, deserve more than a passing re- It

a great deal more sympathetic. than 17 shillings from here to goods Great Britain buys shel ference, but there is not space here to refer to them all. Eminent morrow when silence settled for account the quick despatch. On instead

was twelve months ago to the Pacific when you take into now has to pay about 48. 118. of 25. 16d. as in the list stands the question of the education of Chinese on British the first time in over four years the high exchange rate ruling at she did before the war. lines. There has been a great deal said lately about the universality upon the vast battle fronts of present, the increase is The indebtedness of our Conțin-l of the English language and, in spite of what may be thought by Europe: when the noise of the very much, but it adds to the cost

ental Allies to the United King tose people who have evolved special "international languages, greatest carnage in history was of things at Home.

dom as well as to the United it is without question that English is the most widely known speech Stilled. By a sacrifice, that was

States is reflected in the fall in throughout the world, and the day cannot be so very far distant all the more glorious because it when the language will assume a very definite international charas-was uncomplainingly prodigal, markably steady

Exchange has remained re. the franc. The French franc, for rer. The speaking of English, together with a general education on the men of the Allied armies had week, optimism being rampant almost 5d., whereas the par of ex during the instance, has dropped to below 6d. and the Italian franc down to British lines, will be almost essential for the purposes of trade, and at long lastisucceeded in dispos The violent disturbances caused we are in complete sympathy with the Conference when it suggests ing of a menace that threatened to the debit and credit sides of change in both cases that a portion of the Boxer Indemnity might be remitted to aid the very fabric of civilisation. the international balance-sheets 911⁄2d. British educational institutions for Chinese in the Far East and to Between then and now the world of nearly every country in the send to the United Kingdom an adequate number of selected Chinese has, in the main, been busy upon world by the war are finding a for education, vocational training and experience. Similarly. for the the work of evolving comfortable tell-tale reflection in the foreign very apt at this juncture: "I re- The following from Fairplay is purpose of facilitating intelligent intercourse between trader and order out of the distracting chaos exchanges. Our chief concern is, cently referred to the boom which native, a knowledge of Chinese by foreign commercial staffs has that the Great War left behind. value that is at once apparent. In Hongkong our Chamber has had But now, whilst we

of course, the heavy fall in the was taking place in the shares of established for about two years its Chinese classes but it is no secret with everyday things, the hand gratifying to find that despite the on rumours of amalgamations or are busy sterling. Nevertheless, It is the various shipping companies that the number of scholars might easily be a great deal higher. of Time has brought us round Personally, we think that the fees charged are plenty Eigh enough to

enormous debts incurred during absorptions, and pointed out that but merchants should bear in mind that it is they who stand to ben-fighters victory, and it would commands a handsome premium those rumours, and that the only the anniversary of the the wai, British currency there was no justification for efit. The whole question of more complete-language intercourse rely be a great sin of omis- taking the average in sixteen fact warranting the advances between the two races is one of prime importance and very rightly stan if the day were allowed to different currencies. The fluctan was that the Companies must had a place on the first agenda paper of the Conference..

pass without some collective aer tion of the pound, sterling in sooner One would like to say a great deal about shipping, the sug- of remembrance of the men who sixteen of the principal countries shares and capitalise, a

ΟΙ later issue bonus gested aids to China Coast Navation, and maritime surveying, have passed away.

certain for no matter what else the trader develops to perfection he is of gestion

The sug during the past five years deser-portion of their reserves. Since necessity ultimately dependent on ships for his business. The silence is always symbolical of the average purchasing power of Company have announced their silence and res a little study. It shows that thep the Directors of the P. and Q.. scarcity of shipping from the United Kingdom is a serious matter thought-is in every way to him and it is to be hoped that a fuller and freer service will soon happy one, and, although in some last, was over 27 shillings, or near-is curious to note in connection a the pound sterling, on August 22 intention of giving a bonus. » . It be permitted. The provision of aids to navigation up and down the cases it may Coast-generally recognised as one of the most dangerous in the world able

be impractic ly 7 shillings above the average in with shipping shares the wad rush should be closely followed up for the purpose of ascertaining wherever it can be done it will be

sve ате sure that 1914.

there is to acquire them when whether the difficulties that have been enumerated are so great as Silence, in such a case as this, is value of the £ sterling in various an announcement is made show- The following table shows the rumours are rife, but the moment would appear, whilst the completion of surveys, both in river and far more eloquent than even tidal waters, is a contention that has behind it a perfectly reason- speeches could be, and for our-tion of war, July 30,1914, (2) at ed, the shares immediately fall countries (1) before the declara-ing that the gossip was unjustifi- able desire. That the Conference has done well there can be selves, the suggestion that is the armistice, November 11, 1918, For instance, the P and O. shares no gainsaying, but mere expressions of hope will achieve nothing. Majesty has made in his message (3) on the signing of peace, June have fallen from 350 to 120 and What has to follow now is an insistent demand that the questions to the Empire, is one that finds 28.1919; and 44) at Angost 2a Furness Witht raised ahall be dealt with by those who have the power to do so, sympathetic and cordial support. 1919

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EARLIER TELEGRAMS.

BRITISH MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

London, Nov. 2. The Municipal Elections took place in England yesterday, those in London being the first since 1912. Only half the results were declared last evening. The public is apathetic and the small poll has apparently favoured the Labourites.

London, Noy, S.

The results of the municipal elections hitherto an- nounced show sweeping Labour gains almost everywhere in London. There will be a large Labour majority in many boroughs instead of a small minority. The figures up to the present in London are: Labourites 209, Muni- cipal Reform $5, Independent 24, Progressives 50, ex- soldiers and sailors 2. Many women have been return- ed. There are also striking Labour gains in the pro- vinces.

London, Nov. 4. As a result of the municipal elections in London there is a Labour majority on fourteen Councils, the Municipal Reformers have a majority on twelve and the Progres- sives on one. Women secured a footing on most Councils, Kensington having twelve and Hampstead six, but Labour shows the most remarkable turnover. For instance Stepney has forty-two Labourites instead of three, Poplar thirty-nine Labourites out of forty-two and Islington forty-four instead of seven. The final figures are: Re- formers 600, Labour 565, Progressives 149. Independents 14, Ex-Soldiers and Sailors 5. Otherwise the Reformers, who have been in the ascendant for a decade controlling twenty-four out of twenty-eight Councils, have now had a majority of 694 converted into a minority of 135. La- bour has increased its representation in Manchester from eighteen to thirty-two, transforming the Conservative majority of sixteen into a minority of sixteen. The virtual extinction of the Progressives is regarded as a dismal warning to the Liberals. The fact that the Liberals and Conservatives combined against Labour at Exeter and other places is regarded as significant of the future of electioneering. In interviews the Labour leaders are jubilant that the election is "evidence of Labour's power and determination to govern the country." They declare that the electors are turning to Labour for deliverance from the clutches of the exploiter and profiteer. The Conservatives admit that the result is unpleasant and ascribe it to the apathy and abstention of the middle classes.

THE AMERICAN STRIKES.

New York. Nov. 3.

The latest labour.estimates are 45,000. The strik- ers' leaders are punctiliously observing the Federal in- junction but insist that the strike will nevertheless be effective despite the prohibition of the distribution of funds. It is estimated that between 100,000 and 200,000 non-unionist miners are continuing work. The executive of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers in a state- ment pledges its support to the Government to restor- ing normal industrial conditions, while deploring the injunction as deferring a peaceful settlement and sug- gests the immediate convocation of an Industria! Com- mission at Washington.

London, Nov. 4.

The American miners' strike has checked the British export trade which was recently steadily increasing, especially wool and rubber manufactures. Now cargoes are limited to essential commodities. One liner which sailed on 1st. Nov., took fifteen hundred instead of three or four thousand tons.

Continued pressure is being exerted upon strike leaders to call off the strike but results are not yet ap parent. They have been informed that the President and Attorney General are ready to attempt the adjust- ment of the controversy as soon as the strike order is rescinded. No disorders have occurred but there is no indication of any break in the miners' ranks.

News of the strike in the United States is somewhat conflicting Officials in Washington believe the end to be near and Government agents report many defections. On the contrary a message from Chicago states that the production of soft coal is paralysed.

A telegram from New York says it is understood that the strike of twenty thousand dockers is over. The Longshoremen's Association announced that the strikers had decided to resume wherever needed.

THE LABOUR CONFERENCE.

Washington. Nov. 4. At the Labour Conference the Organising Committee proposed an International Convention providing for a forty-eight hour week for all countries. The limit may be exceeded in certain industries like public utilities and steel plants working continuously, where fifty-six hours is prescribed as the maximum. For the benefit of Japan, China and India it is proposed to postpone the enforce- ment of the agreement owing to climatic conditions and... imperfect industrial organisation

CONDITIONS IN SIBERIA,

Washington, Nov. 3. The State Department announces that Japan replying to the note by the United States last September regarding conditions in Siberia expresses willingness to cooperate with the American authorities there.

THE KIDNAPPED CONSUL.

New York, Nov. 4,

A message from Mexico reports that Consul Jenkins, who was recently kidnapped by bandits, has been re- leased. His family paid the ransom of £36,000,

BIG GOLD SHIPMENT,

New York, Oct. 31. Gold valued at $400,000 has been transferred to San Francisco for shipment to the Far East

THE SHANTUNG QUESTION.

Washington, Nor.

The Senate has confirmed the Peace Treaty's Sham tung provision by 41 votes to 25

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