1925-07-28 — Page 5

BIG PUBLIC MEETING.

AND THE HONGKONG

CHINA CRISIS.

THE BOLSHEVIK MENACE.

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH.

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 1925.

A Taikoo Suggestion.

A State of War.

vant and employed going out in difficulties with which it is surround the interest of the community that rank Bolshevism on the British Ein- and he rolled on our co-operation the usual British way we were a od I personally do believe a it should be undertaken, then pire and British institutions (Ap to help him (Applause). little soft and a little ovar-just, and voluntary system of registration that objection should be over-plause), and while wo desire a set- generous in the settlement which not a compulsory system because ruled. With these remarks, Sir, tlemont of this trouble as early na was made on that occasion, and we any compulsory system involves have much pleasure in second- possible, wo shall not give way any Since then the trouble has not höped it might never ooour-again. ponaltjes on both sides in kaneeing the resolution now before of our rights by Trosty,

beon easy; and the troubles are not It has occurred again, and, without tion with employers and employees the meeting. (Applause).

It sooms to me that unfortunately, those of a strike in which a section aby desire to be vindictive, I think —is not only possibly but ought to

people. at Homoy in order to get of the community, demanding bet- that the Colony ought to see that be brought into force. I will now

some knowledge of Hongkong, have ter conditions, leave their work in these strikes cannot recur without content myself with proposing the Mr. J. Russell (Taikoo) thought merely looked up a mai and have the hope that they may bring their the consequences being placed upon following resolution, and will leave the mattor might bo very easily discovered simply a pin point on employers to a different point of those who provoke them (Applause). it to Mr. Bird to denl further with arranged by the various Residents the coast of China. By the map view. It is not a revolution in I have already stated, and I believe it in his remarks, na aucondor: Associations forming Sorvanta Ro- they lose sight of the fact that we which one section of the communi- to as a fact, that those who left "This meeting requests the Hong-gistration Bureaux. This Penk Re-havo in this great port, vessels in ty, unable to achieve its ends with our employment, were the dupes of kong Government to co-oporato insidents Association could look after the course of a year entoring and out force, sucks by the use of force The Theatre Royal was packed to overflowing last night when spirit of intrigue which brought the establishment of a voluntary sys the Punk, and Kowloon Residents clearing, amounting to 40 million to achieve its ends, but it is ac a very representative gathering was held on the call of the Hon.rom out, and might possibly have ton of registration of office em Association could deal with the ser- tons. We totalled in 1984 a matter tually a war by an external go- vants on the Kowloon side, He of from 00 to 70 millions sterling in vèrnment socking to establish it. Mr. P. H. Holyoak (Senior Unofficial Member of the Legislative brought them out in spite of any ployees and domestic servants

thing and everything we could have - Hon. Mr. H, W. Hird... thought_n_system" of voluntary, re-imports and about 10 millions less self in power by the utilisation of the present Council) to discuss and piss rosolutions on

The Hon. Mr. He W. Bird and gistration would meet the ense In in exports. I feel very certain that every anti-foreign elemant, every Obin'a crisis. Exceptional public interest was displayed in the done in this Colony to prevent".it. meeting, & number of resolutions were unanimously endorsed (and Noorteless, ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Chairman, Ladies and gentlemany places steps had been taken tho Home Government will welcome disgruntled clement and every many intorosting speeches were delivered. The chair was occun I think it is desirable that we should men, in rising to secdd the reso- upon this subject, no he did not an expression of the opinion of ros Bolshevistic element it can Tay. by Mr. Holyoak, thosa alão present on the platform being the Hon. register our feeling upon that point lution now before the meeting, I see why something similar could, not ponsible business peoplo in Honghands on. This government has Mr. H. W. Bird. Mossrs. W. S. Bailey, J. Owan Hughes, W. Hand possibly of mercy, but with that if the registration of domes the registration might be made to see the announcement mudo by cenaries who had established Sir Henry Pollock, K.O., the Hon, Mr. C. G. Alabaster, the Hon. With the spirit certainly of justice do not for one moment suggest be dons hare. (Applause).

little less merry than wo registered tie servants becomes, an accom-

Bail and W. A. Dowley.

The Chairman's Speech. The Chairman, in opening the meeting, said: Ladies and gentle. men, the hour for which this

had to face a strike that must have disastrous economic effects and Qurselves On the Chinese

Whatever may be alike,

(Applause)

Mr. W. S. Bailey,

kong as to the present situation. I only been established a little more Mr. L. M. Whyto suggested that am sure we are all very plowed than a month and while the, mer- last time, because it was, abused plished fact, it will prove to be a general in order to avoid any in- the Prime Ministar at a meeting themselves in power were being

panacon: for all our troubles, but vidious tistinction. At the present the other day at Liverpool, when hydriven out, these people wero shel jit la mshonest belief that it would/time Europeans had to have passatated that there would be no delay tering in the hospitable dwelling Mr. W. S. Bailey said: Mr. Chair-be to the general, benefit of the ports, and he thought that system in "onsidering with sympathy and houses of this capitalistic and Im- said man, Ladies and gentlemen, community if registration were might be extended to the Chinese | generosity the legitimate requirk perialistic Colony (Applause). Be-

community. (Applause).

ments of China. I am sure, Mr. of the first strike, this time, there have much pleasure in seconding undertaken on the right lines) We

The Chairman suid that, person- Chairman, that the voice of this fore these leaders left our hospi and it having been necessary to was absolutely no 'cause or justi.this, resolution. These strikers should think of, those who are ally speaking, ho did not think there meeting will be helpful to the table abores they told us they were cation for it. The workers, and have done their utmost to para-coming after us and endeavour to was the slightest hope if any legis. Government at this present juncture and they asked us to see what they establishing a new Government; lyze our trade. No "business make this type of so called strike, lation being enacted at the present and with these remarks I have very it employees had no grievance, comColony can exist indefinitely with-where the actual strikers had no time. If it was proved that there much pleasure in secondling tho would achieve in three months": would be, we will now proceed plete: harmony prevailed eve out adequate income. The econ-grievance,

meeting is called having passed

transfer it to the Theatre, 29 from the first I anticipate? with the business of the evening. where, they did not

that that situation arose my days ago and a publle meeting was elamoured for, and I personaliy have been asked, again and again, to cull a public meeting as the senior Unofficial member, and la the end decided to do so in the interests not only of the Colons but of the much wider questions

the consequences,

waht

Bolshevik Conspiracy.

ta

1.

more difficult

Al-was sufficient interest in voluntary solution proposed from the chair time (Laughter)

We have seen

half of it, und wu are quite pre- 1 um one of those who believe that strike. The memories and dis.omic losses of both European and though I do not suggest that such registration, the Government night (Applause).

The resolution was carried unpared to see the other half (Re a public meeting should only be comfort of the lust strike and the Chinese businesses are alike very registration would stop strikes, it encouraged to go further with

newed laughter). Their methods called on maro occasions, but this non-fulfilment of false promises heavy and must seriously react is my opinion that it would be it That was why the resolution animously.

Confidence in the Government.

of conducting this war have been when justification arises it is on by the labour unions, were too on staffs employed and on wages a partial safeguard. It would be had been put before them, perhaps a form of combination on thes they might think in a lukewarm

The Chairman: Ladies and gon-directed to driving all the foreign very great value. Well, ladies fresh in the memories of most of paid for some time to come.

There appears no just use part of employers to counter the and somewhat mild manner, but it clomen, the fourth resolution really element out of China, and then to and gentlemen. It has been per them to do so; yet, at the bidding for this strike, the employees combination of employees, and was with the view to trying to get amounts to a vote of confidence in raise behind them such a surge of ofectly evident to anyone, who of alien agitators from Canton

nothing" that is recognized all the world the Government to back some form the Government. As you will have so-called patriotism that they may knows anything whatever about and as the result of Intimidation, having absolutely

of registration of survarits. Person- noticed from Press reports within be driven along to Peking. Their the psychology of the Colony, hey fled in terror,, and for five which to complain. British firms, fover as equitable. (Applause).

weeks we have been dealing with especially British shipping firme.

The objections to registration ally, he did not think there was so the last few days, the Labour party, first effort was to drive every man the most liberal and generous of which I have heard expressed, and favourable in ppportunity of in in their supremo ignorance of con and woman and child, whether employers, distributing yearly read of in the papers, do not troducing such a form of registration ditions existing out horo, have seen they were there as traders or as thousands of dollars gratuity to strike me as very serious. I can-wocks ago, every servant who regency regulation, which was enacted ing stations and drive them for pre-

as at the present moment, Two it to attack and criticise the emer missionaries, away from all outly What of the future? Ladies employees, together with other not see why it should cause dis mained in the Coldly was soared by the Governor in Counet for the tection to other flags. Their se and Gentlemen, it must first be benefits these firms have been content. All of us have realised and stated that we have discriminated against and all their sccustomed ever since the been stiff by an imaginary digger drawn protection of this place, and which cond method was to start un armed upon a piece of paper and left upon was agreed to wholeheartedly by and unprovoked assault on the no quarrel with the Chinese, Vessels abandoned while

began, to obtain passports wit the office 'doak, He with whom for over 70 years we vessels under the Chinese

Kag our photographs in duplicate, servant),

(the the Chinese, as much as by the small concession of Shameen ncar have lived and worked apon and paying lower wages

have We submit without a murmur to was

life British representatives. Tho ra Canton. Their third method has threatened Now ho was solution asks you to endorse that been to attempt to destroy the very terms of the closest friendship and been allowed to run.

the indignity of stating our ages, asking for a chis to say he had been regulation as being necessary under foundations of life and busincas The Chinese Unofficial man-

Businesses in the Colony, both Our physical disabilities, our employed and that he had given the circumstances and in no wise in this Colony, and to do this they hers have desired me to state that mutual trust. They have no real

we Chinese and European, have lost distinguishing marks (Laughter) faithful service during the strike different in policy from that lopted would gladly have taken advant- grievance against us, nor their absence this evening is not with them, and the cause of the money right through this strike-why should Chinese domestics Why To protect himself against at me ander exceptional circumage of any industrial disturbance, due to any want of symity strike and the present trouble and have paid salaries and wage take these matters more to heart the Longkong police and not against stances We ask you as a untural bit at the time there was none asid whatsoever, but to the feeling that

must be looked for in other direc-hot from profit but from capital, than we do? (Applause).

any imaginary dagger (Apple) corollary, to endorse the pufity of so they made use of their printing possibly resolutions" might be

tions than to Chinese sources. thereby reducing the earning

There is in force at the moment The Chairman went on to refer to the His Excellency the Governor in the presses to print leaflets which adopted which might be embarass-The fact is that for long past power of these businesses and compulsory registration for raids now being made by the general ponduct of the purike. were detributed among loyal em ing to them later in the nature the Bolshevik conspiracy has been preventing them, however willing Europeans, by the police author-police, adding that the terrorista have been associated with him very ployees threatening them with the, of legislation, if they did not

essen were now in turn being terrorised, plosely, as others have, and I do red dagger to themselves, and have an opportunity of studying abroad in all parts of China, and they may be, from giving emlities, in connection with

The resolution, ou being put to hot think anyone could fail to be worse than the red dragger to their I sympathise with, and which given it in the South by the late terms and gratuities as formerly home have a form of registration the meeting, was unanimously car struck not only with the immediate wives and families, if they did not- them before, it is a view which more especially since the support/ployees in future the same libential servidus. All domestics at

that are involved.

feel you all will sympathise with,

Sun Yat-sen to propagate the

because they have proved them

selves throughout this strike, as

have done their uimost,

ге

been helped more than I can say by loyalty of the Chinese who

haye remained and have assisted

on and maintain the essential ecr-

Pro

rival

war

Unity and Determination.

An attempt has been made to

under the National Insurance

ried.

of

are

believed hig

•

Be it resoluçů:

Paid Intimidators.

third resolution which I beg to pre-regulations enacted by the Gover-openly and and lift

poor

scrvants

across

way in which he uscrificed his own immediately leave their employ- home leave, which was then, dugment. Bolshevik principies, which open-starve us out financially by ead Act. Moreover it is the custom Speeding Up of Negotiations.

This Chairman: Ladies and gon- and the meeting with his wifey but ly set out to destroy the very ting off our sources of income. here with a number of the large I know well from inside sources, Principles of civilization, of law That attempt has only failed business concerns to register all tlemen, We now come to what the way in which he has acted since

It was necessary for the Govern men who from the first did their and order, and of international complete success by the splendid their Chinese staff who are in gard as the serious part of the the strike broke out. No one could utmost to prevent it and after itade, and which is specially di-unselfish work of our own people, permanent employ. Furthermore, programme, for which this meeting failed to be filled with admiration atment of Hongkong to counter that

Irected at the present momeni

our own residents of ali ruces, all indentured labour is registered was called, and that is for dealing his administration Io is worthy measure and they countered it by with this crisis with which we are of every support we can possibly censorship which, in a large secured here with the Chinese against the British, must altand by the loyal service of the through the S. G. A, and I am all faced and particularly the mer give him. (Applause).

measure, prevented the, dissemina- ately re-act upon those nation.

a murmur. many Chinese workers who have told there le never

The next chants. throughout China, and the

tion of these leaflets. community, to mitigate the

which at present are disinclined stood so faithfully by us. With against it.. sults of the strike; and we have to accept the burden of the Agh, such complete unity and cheerful As regards finger prints, I da soon, conditions are going to be cent criticisms in the House of government was to send paid. Intl

fact tint unless something is done "That having regard to the re-move of this hostile Bolshevist be determination as has been shown not consider that is absolutely extremely serious for us all. The Commons concerning emergency midntors to the Colony to threaten,

covertly, but who ultimately will dragged Into the whirlpool we could never be beaten, bat necessary. The photograph is trouble which must embrace the surely our first duty is to rewar duplicate, one on the card to be

nor in Council to deal with abnor-amaha, pose says: ip one way or another to car whole civilised world, unless the those who have so, worked for us filed at the Bureau, and the other

"That in view of the extremely mal and threatening conditions, men, and other lowly paid em vices. (Applause). This, I think.hreatening growth of Canton in and not the strikers whose action on the card held by the domestic, heavy losses being suffered by all this meeting desires to express the ployees. Sometimes they did it by desires saying, from a British the body politic of Chinis is cut has so deeply injured both us and is all that would be necessary. British traders here and in China, approval of the foreign communi- word of mouth, and when they did and is could be made un" offence present negotiations should be acty and all right thinking Chinese, so the Government offered rewards platform during a strike by the utere it grows too late and ever, them. (Applause).

the missionaries who to-day There may be some who would punishable by a fine for any ane colerated as much as possible, con of such regulations as being at and threatened the ordinary Chinese against the British In

registrationsistently with retaining all treaty solutely necessary under the cir- punishment of the law to the in- British Colony. If there is one have thrown in their lot in the formerly have dealt even more to tamper with thing more than another for which port of the principles now dieleniently with strikers, but later card

rights, but it is the nanimous eumstances, and the entire con-timidator, But they did not always the British nation perhaps, de- tated by Bolshevism, have reason developments have certainly war Registration By The Government. opinion of this coting that no fidence of the community in the do so by word of mouth. I have serves recognition, it is for to flee in terror from the after-ranted. their adoption of a strong- Because the law has been in-discussion concerning rovised actions of the Governor through-myself seen a red chilli drawn out

er attitude in this respect, By operativa in Ceylon, as we customs tariff or extraterritoriality out this crisis, and is of opinion of a man's pocket and fairness in an argument, and math which it is likely to

coke. (Applause).

showing what show should be begun while anti-foreign that his firm attitude and strong his throat as desire to state here, from my peri

leaving without notice strikers told, only seems to me to Believing this, une do, resol zonal knowledge, that many flution No. 5 is proposed not in

have dismissed themselves and that it is no longer necessary disturbances and boycott continue measures have thus far prevented the red dagger would have in store a sireous outbreak of violence." If he did not leave. It was then reliable to forfeiture of a month's there, and should such registra in any part of China or Hongkong, the Chinese have played the game

Mr, J. Owen Hughes: Ladies and. in jieu

notice pay

and tion, become law, in this Colony

necessary for the Government to Hon. Mr. C. G. Alabaster. and many of Chinese employees any spirit of antagonism to our ancient Chinese friends, but with

natural gentlemen, Before I formally second

introduce another: emergency to prosecution, and it would it will probably die a have remained loyal to their posts

this resolution, I think I should be Hon. Mr. C. G. Alabaster: Sir, eradication of the Bolshevists

you wonder that these, paid' intimi- from their midst Bess not only the employees that returning strikers longer any call for it.

ing if I were to congratulate the it a great privilege to have been dators should telegraph to the be dealt with thus strictly accord.

To my mind It is necessary that moters for having given us an invited to second this resolution, Labour Party in Landon to protest hope-of-international-salvation-in-

ing to British law, otherwise this registration if carried out opportunity of expressing our views more particularly as my public against the cruelty of the Hong- the preservation, of her

They were future traders or workers of any ment. There is, no reason for it consequence to this Colony (Ap on the side of laudation. The foiled, not by the imposition of the nationality in the Colony. But to be a financial drag on the planse), destruction. (Applause.)

I know that this has not function of every government in ustice "should be Ladies and gentlemen, with this with mercy, and we ask only tion should far more than pay for in the minds of the promoters of maintenance of law and order

tempered Colony, for the fees for registra- been an ousy matter, I know that evory well,, organised' stato is the cat but by the mers introduction of the emergency regulation, because are in the first place that Wintroduction I beg now formally the cancellation of the striker's the "personnel of the office. A this meeting, they havo seriously That is its first function, and in belleve that so far it has not been' might deal with two local ques»

for June, although we registry office run as a' tions, which are more or less dove from the dair the first re-

solution :

private considered the best interests of the a well organised and quietly con- necessary, in a single case, to cannot forget that the after that with mestic, and

"It is recomiended that no wages shown by, as after the strike, of I have had some experience of British community primarily, and of boenuse it is assisted by ready.ter); The Government of Hong- concern does not appeal to me. Colony, and the interests of the ducted state it is not very difficult, employ it (A voice: A pity) (Laugh- resolutions which deal more ea

be paid for Junt to returning 1922 was apparently mistaken for such offices, and from the attitude four loyal and friendly Chinese, to made laws which it has to ad.xong, in introdueing these measures pecially with the great interests which Great Britain has not only terms and conditions be made upon. weakness on our part,

mild has incurred of some of them it would seem sco in what way they could best bo minister and by the passive co-which some of us think are per Let us be merciful as expressed that it is to their interest for server and at the same time to operation of the great mass of the hops to in Hongkong but throughout China The first of the two resu

by the resolution, but strong and one to change one's servants as assist the Goverment in the difficult po ulation in normal times. There criticism, and it is only right that just, just to ourselves, to lutions makes, local representa-

our often as possible: (Laughter.)

lica tnak thint

bofure them fore, it is possible for a. Govern-because His Excellency at the be- tions upon the strike. The third, In support of this resolution wives and families and to

ment to proceed to its second func-ginning of the strike informed the fourth and fifth deal more parti.may state that in the first place the loyal workers who have so suffer a servant a bad character without I very fully andered what has tion and that is the removal of all community of Hongkong that he tuinly with the political situation law says it is unnecessary to payed and will suffer by this strike. dus. cause, I think it will be been stated from the chair, that evils in the state, whether moral, and his Government were ready to I now ask you, ladies and gen-found that people are too afraid in this trouble we have no quarrel social or physical. In a time of stand shoulder to shoulder with the it affect South China, in which can even recover dages from the tlemer, to support our laws and of the law of libel to make that whatsoever with the Chinese. We emergency and we are in a time law-abiding elements in this Colons peculiarly interested. servant who has left, without wara Government and support the in-objection a serious one. who have lived here for many years, of emergency now the functions that the law-abiding cloments in ing. In the second place I know terest of our own people and our As regards written characters know full well the worth of the of the government rovert to their this Colony should now tell the Chinese merchante, It is, low primary order, the maintenance of House of Commons that we stand Inn authorised to state that the

(APpanied by a photograph, as one principle of the Government institumously for the resolution.

never knows whether the charact to disuuss these matters as they the ordinary machinery of govern his Government (Applause). This resolution was carried with ter produced was ever written passions which are coming before thing more than passive coopera-resolution, said he had heard one ara, dealt with in the other disment to secure that without some- Mr. W, H. Bell, in supporting the enthusiastic unanimity.

for the individual who presents the meeting Our trouble, ladies

whilst others have left. To'thow the sincere belief that by the be due to us and due to our loyal death if it is found there is expressing the opinion of this meet- ladies and gentlerhen, I consider measure-the cut (Applause). Can

who have remained we desire to pay this tribute to honest adrira- fion that they have not been in-

timidated by unknown fears of fall dealings with China, but in there could be no security for should be done by the Govern-at a time of sucr importance and utterances have not been always kong Government?

what might come to them,

The reasons for the present rights and country from

meeting Indies and gentleman.

O' utter

strikers and that careful revision of

their re-employment.'!

A Little Less Mercy.

' 1

and more especially in so far, as any wages for June, and that you

ard

The last resolution details a tele

wages

mercy

our

As regards an employer giving (Applause)

gram to be sent home' to the and I think I muy fairly say that loyal helpers by voting unanitheses are useless unless accom ever, not my place at the moment peace, and it is not possible with shoulder to shoulder with him and

it

"Press" with the hope that may correct some of the false impressions existing, by a plain statement of the Truth.

No Cause to Strike.

I ask you now to suffer me for

a few moments whilst I venture

to discuss the resolutions in

plause).

Voluntary Registration.

tions throughout the Colony, be it! the Civil Government, the Army or Navy, is that no returning strikor will be employed unleay be in ab-

The Chairman: Ladies and gen-written by a resident who has quite outside this Colony. It com-tion is required and the law some that was to the affect that they it. The ones used are general' and gentlemen, arises from foroon to by the law-abiding sections of criticism, and one criticism only, of the community. Thoir active coopera the emergency regulations, and solutely essential; and that in that caso he will unly be employed on tlemen, the next resolution deals long since left the Colony, 50menced in: 1a18. The first attack, if

lower gre..e than that at which he with a highly controversial subject, that there is no means of verify I remember rightly, was made in handling this situation, Sir Ed-earlier (Applause). He felt sure times requires strengthening. In should have been brought lato force loft (Applause). For be it from me and I know how difficult it is to ing same. particular, and the points arising to advocate a policy of retaliation, deal with, because I have been deal. Ladies and Gentlemen, 1 ar it in India, in Egypt, in Palatino ward Stubbs hus not been found that all would agree with him that out of them, before putting there but I have enid before, this is the ing with it for a considerable time still to be convinced that there is and various attempts have boen wanting. At the very beginning. the criticlems which had been pass to the meeting."

acoond strike within three years, mostly Behind the acous, and cur any valid objection to the official made in England itself, But Sir, before he started taking the po- ed in the House of Commons and For the second time in less The settlement of the last strike tainly before this strike arose, and registration of servants save the I am one of those who believe that pulation into his confidence, he than three years this Colony has was responsible for very many I therefore know something of the trouble entailed and if it is to this is the greatest and last attack of said he was going to see it through i

America Since then we have luid

(Continued on Lugo 0.),

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