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the London office, and from time to time officers might with advantage be brought out from home to fill acting appointments, as recommended by Mr. MAY. Thus the "Hongkong Post Office would be kept in touch with the modern developments of postal business and there would be a saving of the time and labour now lost by officers having to learn everything for themselves, or trying to learn it, perhaps ineffectually, for years.
The self-taught man is as a rule an estimable individual, but he will be the first to acknowledge the advantages of a good school. Trained Postmasters would be better for Hongkong than self-taught ones especially during the time the latter are gaining their experience. The Cadet sys- tem is up doubt a very good thing in its way, but a course of the Chinese classics will not help a man much in the acquisition of those business habits and attention to detail that are so necessary for the successful conduct of a Post Office.
REPORTED MURDER OF THE EMPEROR OF CHINA.
THE EMPRESS DOWAGER AGAIN IN POWER.
THE HONGKONG WEEKLY PRESS AND
THE POSITION AT MANILA.
THE AMERICAN ULTIMATUM TÒ
[SPECIAL TELEGRAMS TO THE DAILY PRESS."]
SHANGHAI, 22nd September. An Imperial Decree has been issued to-day by which the Empress Dowager is associated with the Emperor in the Government.
SHANGHAI, 23rd September. Fairly credible reports are in circulation that the Emperor has been murdered.
It is certain that the Empress Dowager assumes the Regency to-day.
The following appeared in the N. C. Daily News of the 13th September-Fears have been expressed by those who know the ways of Peking and of Oriental Courts generally. that the young Emperor has been going too fast for the comfort of the old officials at the capital, and for his own safety. It is pos- sible that the Empress Dowager has been merely giving him rope, and already ominous rumours have come down from Peking that he is seriously ill. It is reported that there is a posthumous son of the late Emperor Tung Chi at the palace, ready, if called upon, to ascend the Dragon Throne, but we trust that there is no real foundation for these rumours.
AGUINALDO.
TRADE PROSPECTS. [FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.]
Manila 13th September.
troubles in Manila are over, he is labouring If anyone thinks for a moment that the
under great error. If anyone assumes that the future is only fraught with routine problems to be solved and difficulties to be removed that might arise under ordinary conditions, he is drawing conclusions not in harmony with the interesting and at the same time the most com. situation. In fact it now looks as if the most plicated events are to follow. What is passed may be only child's play with what is to come. Of course we hope not, but unfortunately hope
does not control the attitude of either Am- ericans or natives. We are all on the qui vive as to what this week may bring forth. Thurs. crisis which is the most important since the fall day or Friday may witness the passing of
of Manila one month ago to-day.
a
President Emilio Aguinaldo of the independ ent Philippine Republic has received and is carefully considering an ultimatum from Major- General Otis, Military Governor of Mauila and Commander-in-Chief of the American Forces. This ultimatum has been expected for some time by those who understood the Inside of the local relations of Americans and insurgents. It is an absolutely necessary result of conditions. To think that 15,000 energetic soldiers scattered all over and around Manila in detachments here and there can avoid
American
collisions with an entirely separate force of armed men under other anthority and command who have camps and headquarters alongside those of the Americans, is indeed foolish. Such collision is, in brief, unavoidable. Were the insurgents some other nationality than Philip. pinos the same result would follow. Two forces under different commands not understanding each other's movements, suspicious to a degree one of the other, even though they may be inspired by a common desire to rid the Islands of Spanish rule, cannot be stationed side bý side without petty difficultes arising which may easily develope into serious complications
SERIOUS FIRE AT SHANGHAI, most important step, and upon it much depends.
THE CHINA MERCHANTS' GODOWN BURNT.
[SPECIAL TELEGRAM TO THE "DAILY PRESS."]
Shanghai, 18th September. The China Merchants Godown at Kinleeynen was burnt last night.
The loss is heavy.
ANTI-FOREIGN KIOT NEAR CHUNGKING.
PROTESTANT AND CATHOLIC MIS- SIONS DESTROYED.
[SPECIAL TELEGRAM TO THE" DAILY PRESS."
Shanghai, 18th September. The rebel chief Yu Man-tze organised a riot at Hochow, near Chungking.
The American Mission was looted and the Roman Catholic Mission destroyed.
There were no personal injuries.
[September 24, 1898.
Cavalry, of Indian fame, have been brought over from Cavite, and the outposts everywhere have been doubled with reference to quick and deci- sive action. Fully 16,000 men can be used against the natives if they provoke an attack.
Aguinaldo has removed his capital to Malolos, eight stations up the Dagupan railway from Manila and 1 hours' ride by train, with all the pomp and glory of a mighty, vlotorious leader in Europe or America. He travelled in a special train attended by his staff, cabinet, and a body guard of soldiers, all dressed with faultless care in nent uniforms and armed with the best
swords or rifles. When the President alighted from the train he was greeted by loud cheers well often repeated and by the music of a trained band, A regiment of soldiers were drawn up to salute him and presented a creditable ap- pearance. The streets were througed with people in holiday attire and everybody was smiling or shouting. Decorations covered many buildings and the Philippine flag was flying proudly to the breeze over the houses used for government purposes. A grand dinner was held at which numerous speeches were made, all lauding Aguinaldo, telling him what a great man he was, and picturing a brilliant future for the Philippine Republic-with very few references to the United States! Aguinaldo is not a speech maker, but he replied in a quiet, modest way that was impressive if not showy. He was dressed in a regulation khaki uniform with white helmet, shoulder straps, sword, and gaiters that gave him a very trim look.
At Malolos he controls the railway, can retreat by it if he wishes, and is in touch with the whole northern section of the island.
Last night at Calvorcan a grand ball was given by the natives under the management of the insurgent army officers, which was very sue- cessful. It was in honour of the Philippine army, and many of the more prominent Philip- pinos were present. Aguinaldo was expected, but at the last moment was prevented from coming.
Some Americans were invited and greatly enjoyed the evening. They were cer- tainly shown every kindness possible by the insurgent chiefs, as were a number of English- men also invited. In the morning a spécial
mass
was celebrated for the repose of dead Philippinos, Americans, and Spaniards, killed during the war. It was an impressive service and the Cathedral was crowded. Thus the day began with chanting and prayers and ended with dancing and gaiety. Everywhere I go and meet the natives, I cannot help being fav ourably influenced by their hospitality and Politeness. Although at first they often look with suspicion on a stranger of foreign blood, they uniformly treat one with marked considera- tion when he himself makes any kindly advances towards them, asks questions, or goes about among them taking photographs or notes. When a person remarks that he is an American or Englishman and acts as if his intentions are honest, he meets only with amiability on the part of the natives. Tact and good judgment can win much from them.
The ultimatum therefore requires Aguinaldo to withdraw all his armed men from Manila by Thursday afternoou of this week. They must retire beyond all the defences of the city aud leave the town and its suburbs clear for Am- erican occupation. The day set is Thursday. but if Aguinaldo acquiesces more time will be allowed him. He must answer the ultimatum not later than Thursday, the 15th. This is a If Aguinaldo refuses to accept the conditions, war with bim may follow. If he agrees to quite probable, the chances of actual warfare comply with the American demands, which is
between the Americans and insurgents will be materially lessened. Immediate causes of friction and ill feeling will be remored and the work of diplomacy in settling matters will be untrammelled by the repetition of unfortunate incidents requiring explanations and invester, but it was accomplished peaceably. The in- tigations.
While every American here is anxious to avoid trouble with the insurgents and at heart sympathises with them in their opposition to Spanish rule, the United States have decided to pursue a firmer policy in Manila than during the last 30 days. There is to be, hence, a con- siderable change in the status quo. Arrange ments are all complete, so that if the insurgents resist, the Araerican forces can be successfully deployed against them. Most of the officers have been familiarizing themselves with the couforination of the land about Manila and The American barque W. H. Conner, which suburbs until they know where every bamboo arrived at Shangbai on the 13th September thicket and rice field dyke is located," The old from New York, when about 70 miles north of Indian fighters in the American army are teach- Formosa, on the 24th August, experienced a ing the "young'uns and volunteers a few typhoon of great severity, in which she lost her tricks in guerilla warfare which will be jib-boom, fore topmast, and main top-gallant useful in case of fighting. Co-operating with mast. The starboard bulwarks were badly the land forces will be a mosquito fleet of forty damaged and 40 feet of the main rail washed
or fifty small boats or launches equipped with away; the steering gear was also badly damaged. Hotchkiss and other rapid firing guus which The ship had about three feet of water in the cau patrol the rivers, lakes, and bay shores, and hold, but this all obtained access from the deck,| do destructive work if required. A large body there being no leak below.-N. C. Daily News, | of additional troops including the famous 6th
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Cavite has been evacnated by the insurgents with little or no trouble. It was feared at first that there might be some difficulty in the mat
surgents marched out without a murmur, sur- rendered their position as guard of the great San Roque gate, and allowed the Americans to take full possession. It would have been much better if this arrangement had been made before, thus avoiding the recent shooting over there, but there should be no more conflicts except in actual warfare in the future. Cavite is very easy to protect with a small force; so that the Americans are now withdrawing a good portion of the troops which were there to Manila, where the water and food supplies are better and they will be in readiness for any emergency.
The general situation in Mazila is little changed. While we are all in doubt about the future, business is being conducted largely as if no war had been fought. The bulk of both imports and exports is even larger than was an- ticipated. Many difficulties are experienced in the Custom House and delays are frequent, but on the whole matters are attended to with despatch. Although a New York and Boston Society warrior is at the head of the Custom House, he is making fair progress in his labours. The only criticism I have heard ofhim is his "patron-
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