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very bad indeed. It is said that the conditions in Tsintan and surroundings are quite beyond description and can only be borne by a China man. It is claimed that the plan on which the city is being laid out prevents the building of barracks and Chinese quarters. How is it now? Here is a chance for private speculators. The buying of lots in the Chinese quarters and the building of tenements would prove a lucrative investment. Shanghai has shown that a lot of money c
be made in that way. The influx of Shantung labourers is not only probable but certain, but the first condition is houses for them to live in. In a short time shops, theatres, eto, would appear in addition, and a real China towu would be in course of for mation. If the Chinese can get shelter; necessaries of life, and Д certain amount of the peculiar amusements he is partial to, not only coolies will come in numbers, but also an influx of the better or more intellec- tual element may be looked for. This would at least give a certaiu start to trade and commerce. For at present the supplying of necessities to the Garrison and the few other Enropeans here can hardly be considered as trade from a colonial point of view. If, however, no capitalists are found to venture in the above-named speculation Government ought to be urged to take the business in hand. Of course many who now fear to venture their capital, would later on be unsparing in their accusations against Govern- ment, claiming that it is sure to keep all prost- able business to itself.
The labour question brings me to the subject of the projected railway. After the Chief Engineer left Tsintan, things seem to have come to a standstill. Let us hope it is not permanent. It is rumoured that the pro- ject requires farther consideration and con- sultation by the powers that be at home. All the difficulties of carrying out the project lie here, and the most lengthy consultation at home will not overcome them. So let us hope the consultation will be short and a speedy conclusion come to. The rainy weather in the interior from June to September makes all construction of earth works at that time im- possible; therefore, now is the best time for the same. Especially now time is money.
November 19, 1899.
THE HONGKONG WEEKLY PRESS AND
After the official salutes, the distinguished | also to be sent to Lord Salisbury and guests came ashore, horses being in waiting for British Minister at Peking. them at the bridge, and rode through the various camps, accompanied by His Royal High- ness Prince Henry of Prussia and the officers of the garrison. About 11 o'clock the party reached the Artillery camp, where the pride of our garrison, the caule field battery was in readiness.
The political horizon, in spite of all dis- armament proposals, is more clouded than ever, and all signs point to the fact that the Far East will be the spot where the storm will burst forth. Who knows but what in another year time to certain nations coal will be more valuable than gold? Every day gained in the building of the railway is of great importance. It claimed that the money for it is ready by the millions. May this be but smoke without fire ? Should the Government build? That would show badly for the German business reputation.
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Universal satisfaction is given by the bound- ary treaty. What Germany had to ask, was clear. The demarkation of the boundaries would have been finished in a few days, had not the rainy weather as well as a misunderstanding of the meaning of some part of the contract caused some delay. However as far as an cut- sider can judge, the thing finished very smoothly and quickly. The gain is that Tsintan half island up to Lan-shan in the east to Pai-sha in the north is now German territory, the parts of Tsintan, Kakukon, and Taputor in the buy, Shatzukon in the east also below to German territory, as well as the bay with Cape Evelyn and all the islands in it. Germany has here- with gained what was worth gaining, to love asked more would have meant greater cost to the administration, to have asked less would have been a serious mistake, which would surely have avenged itself in the future.-Ostasia- tische Lloyd correspondence.
LOYALTY AND SPORIS AT KIAOCHA,
[TRANSLATED FOR THE “DAILY PRESS"]
Tsintan, 22nd October.
A week of varied changes lies behind us. Our quiet every day life was suddenly interrupted on Saturday, the 15th instant, at 8 s.m., by the sound of tremendous salutes. Two Russian armourclads of the 1st class. Rossia and Dimitri Donskoy, had arrived the evening before with His Royal Highness Prince Kyrill and Admiral Duwasoff on board,
In honour of the Russian guests the battery was put through its various evolutions, and the precision and quickness with which they were carried out aroused universal admiration. The march past in-gallop must, however, be consi- dered the piece de resistance. You could not expect more from a field battery at home. The commander of the battery, Second-Lieut. Freiherr von Bodmann, who acted in place of the chief of the battery, Captain von Plön- nies, who is sick, as well as the men were warmly commended for their excellent manoeuvres by His Royal Highness Prince Henry.
For breakfast our guests divided themselves among the different officers' messes, the Prince and Russian Admiral being entertained by Prince Henry at the Yameu. About 4 p.m. the rendez- vous took place at the polo ground. Princo Henry, whose ability in well known, again roused the admiration of both players and spec- tators by his skilful play.
On Sunday, at 2.30 p.m., the opening of this year's hunting season took place.
It was a splendid field; the Russian prince and Admiral, the commanders and officers of both Russian and German mon-of-war, as well as the officers of our garrison were present. His Royal Highness Prince Henry was Master, Lieut. Freiherr von Bodmenu the fox. Fast and spirited
the hunt commenced, and was brought to an equally spirited end. Prince Kyrill, after the last obstacle was passed, came a victor out of the melee which ensued over the possession of the brush. At the presentation of the prize, which consisted of a beautiful silver cup, to the victor, a triple "Hip, hip, hurrab," woke the echoes of the distant bills. Prince Henry then pre- sented to each participator in the hunt an oakleaf branch as a memento of the pleasant time. To all who took part in this hunt the memory of it will prove a pleasant reminder of Tsintau. The Russians delayed their departure an hour just to take part in the hunt, a proof that they were well pleased with our young colony. Amidst hurrahs and salutes they left the bay about 6 p.m. while from the flagstaff a pennant bearing the words "A Happy Voyage" floated.—Ostasiatisch Lloyd corres- pondence.
LORD CHAS. BERESFORD AT
NEWCHWANG.
The resolution had reference to many things of local and general interest: the present prac tice of the Russians to land their railway ma- terials free of Customs inspection and duties; the necessity of a residential Russian Consul; the extension of the British settlement, the granting of land and the formation of a foreign concesssion on the north bank of the river; British equality with Russian with respect to mining and similar rights throughout Man- churia; the maintenance of Protestant mission- aries' privileges in Manchuria in case of certain eventualities; and, lastly, the right of acquiring property further inland.
In his speech Lord Charles referred to the ignorance of the people at home regarding Manoburian affairs, He was himself astonished at everything. Wherever he turned he met innumerable armed cossacks and everything
impressed him with Russian ascendency. He
was astonished to see the Russian ignoring the Customs authorities in their importation of railway material. This was a matter of the utmost importance, inasmuch as British and other foreign capital had been invested in Chins on security of the Maritime revenues. He considered that these bondholders were being done out of their rights; he would give this the publicity it-merited.
settlement and the proposed foreign concession, With respect to the extension of the British
he would strongly support the claim, and ad- rised the acquisition of property by foreigners. That no Russian consulate existed locally, his lordship considered a great drawback. At pre-
sent, his lordship understood; everything that required consular interference was referred to a military official, who in turn very often advised that matters should represented elsewhere.
In conclusion Lord Charles said that he be lieved in the "open door" principle and in a sense did not,blame Russia for what she was
s doing and thought every Government bad the right to do the best it could for its own people. He greatly deplored that Great Britain bad lost an opportunity. It was of no use to talk about fighting, but to fight when necessary, and strike quickly; if that were done, it would show the nations-and especially China, who to an extent has lost faith in Great Britain's power-that we were still as powerful as before.
Throughout the meeting his lordship was most anxious to elect as much as possible in connection with his mission. Lord Beresford and suite are the guests of Mr. H. A. Bush and as agents for Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Co. this firm has arranged passages for the distin- guished visitor and party in the str. Esang. They proceed to Chefoo, and thence to Kiao- ebau per special arrangement, The Esang. leaves on the 9th at daylight.
Dr. Morrison, the Times correspondent, is at present amongst us.
7th November. Lord Charles Beresford and suite arrived on Saturday, the 5th inst., per s.s. Esang. On Sunday early he began to make himself familiar with the surroundings and visited the principalą Two steamers are expected to arrivo from local institutions and business places. The Cus-Philadelphia with railway material, including toms Guard, some fifty strong, was turned out forty locomotives.---Mercury correspondent. for his lordship's inspection and an opportunity was afforded him to see what Chinese drilled men are capable of under foreign instruction. He was both surprised and pleased at what he saw.
Later on, a visit was made to the Russian town-some four miles distant, Here he was introduced to the chief resident superintendent Mr. M. Titoff. This gentleman entertained the distinguished visitor in the most cordial manner and a cossack mounted guard of honour-fifty strong escorted the party back to the port. His lordship was much interested in what he saw and the thorough manner in which the Russians were securing their future; at the same time he deplored Britain's apathy in not securing corresponding advantages.
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THE PARRAMAITA
COLLISION.
IN
Singapore, 4th November. The P. & O. Parramatta, bringing the mail from China, collided yesterday morning with the Queen Eleanor, and afterwards struck No. 4 section of the Tanjong Pagar Wharf. The Parramatta had been at anchor in the roads, and was proceeding towards the P. & O, Wharf where she was to be moored. The Queen Eleanor was going in the opposite direction, her voyage out, when, for some reason bow yet unexplained, the mailboat struck her on, carried away her anchor, and bent one or A private circular inviting British residents two plates. The Parramatta then sheered on to meet Lord Charles at Messrs. Bush Bros.to the wooden wharf in which she knocked a private office was sent round and all responded hole quite a couple of yards deep, and three to the invitation. Mr. J. J. F. Bandinel, who yards wide. She subsequently steamed to the was in the chair, placed several resolutions P. and O. Wharf, apparently undamaged, and before those present and gave a short descrip- sai ed this morning with the homeward mail. tion of the existing state of affairs in Newch On hearing of the occurrence, Mr. Moulsdale, wang. Numerous resolutions were adopted and the manager Tanjong Pagar and the if was resolved to place these in the hands of Assistant Manager, Mr. Swan, were soon on his lordship with a view to bringing the matter the scene, and by their instructions before the Government and the British public. porary rail was placed round the damaged This his lordship promised to do. Copies are portion of the wharf.-Straits Times.
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