216
On every ground, and particularly to traders in the Far East, the speedy realisa- tion of the Nicaragua Cannl scheme is desirable. But on account of the univer- sality of the interest in the scheme it is necessary that this scheme should be carried out to the satisfaction of the world, not merely of the extreme Imperial party of the United States of America. When a certain Mr. FORAKER Succeeded in inserting in the Bill before the Senate words announcing that the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty is superseded, also that the amended treaty shall not be communicated to other Powers, nor shall they be invited to accede to it, a home con- temporary justly denounced this as "the very insanity of Monroeism." The latest growth of American party government is a section of politicians who combine the new Imperialism with a clinging to the old MONROE doctrine, evolving a principle of “America for the United States, and the rest of the world in common.' }} We fear that if the voice of such advisers be too loudly heard, there is a grave menace to the peace of the world. No serious statesman can associate himself with such a cry, but unfortunately serious statesmen seem none too common. Great anxiety will be felt as to how the sober and moderate section of the people of the United States will act at the present juncture. The irresponsible talk of the Jingoes can well be imagined and will be discounted; but there is a possiblity of a rather strained position if the voice of moderation is altogether drowned for the time. Moreover, the commencement of operations on
the Canal is likely to be seriously hindered. There is no doubt that a modus vivendi can be arrived at with a display of patience on both sides and a due regard for the interests alike of the United States and of the rest of the world. It is eminently desirable that at this time the inoderate and responsible politicians should make themselves heard.
ARMY REFORM.
scen,
Page
THE HONGKONG WEEKLY PRESS AND
FINANCIAL
[March 16, 1901,
that no provision is made for actually the Captain Superintendent of Police for the adding to the number of regular troops year 1900; and despatch respecting the pro- at the disposal of Great Britain. No men- clamation of the accession of King Edward tion is made of the "ballotting" or semi-VII. conscription which was strongly advocated by some and much dreaded by others. We Financial Minutes Nos. 10 to 10, and moved The COLONIAL SECRETARY laid on the table doubt whether the proposal will meet with that they be referred to the Finance Com the approval of the bulk of military critics, mittee. but it is obviously unfair to discuss it save as a whole, and we must therefore suspended, and the motion was carried. Diff
The ACTING Colonial TreABURER second- judgment,
The COLONIAL SECRITARY laid on the table the report of the Finance Committee (No. 4), and proposed its adoption.
THE CRISIS: TELEGRAMS.
[FROM QUE CORRESPONDEN 18.
3.]
SHANGHAI, 8th March, 7.25 p.m. Mr. Chamberlain has instructed General Dorward to apply the Ceylon mining laws to Weihaiwei, thus bringing the develop. ment of the new colony at last within men. surable distance.
(Daily Press, 11th March.) The British Government has revealed the outlines of the new scheme for the Army, as far as the numbers and composition go. The reforms in efficiency have still to come. The actual number which is to be added to our fighting force, it will be is 126,500 in all. There are to be in future six army of which three will always be kept in corps, a state of readiness for foreign service. So far as the Regular Army is concerned the number of troops available will be brought up to the requisite point by releasing from garrison duty eight battalions now stationed in the Mediterranean. These will be re- placed by five battalions drawn from India; native troops, it may be presumed, for Great Britain cannot afford to weaken more than temporarily her white army in the Dependency. It was a scheme, it will be remembered, of Lord BEACONSFIELD, 10 bring Indian troops to Malta, which created an outcry on the Continent at the time when | it was proposed. The difference between the eight battalions to be withdrawn and | the five brought from India is not directly accounted for, but possibly the Admiralty will be called upon as in the case of the smaller coaling stations, where the use of marines for garrison duty is to release five battalions in all of Regulars. Beside the recall of the battalions specified, the Army is to be strengthened by increases of the Militia and Yeomanry, and the auxiliary forces will then number 435,000, while the total army will be 680,000. For fuller details of the scheme before Parliament we must wait; but it will be seen
SHANGHAI, 10th March, 7.36 p.m. Reports are current to the effect that General Tung Fuhsiang is collecting 20,000 men at Ninghsia, and that he is determined to prevent the Imperial Court from return ing to Peking.
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The ACTING COLONIAL TREASURER 80cond- ed, and the motion was carried. REPOLT OF THE PUBLIC 'WORKS COMMITTER, The DIRECTOR of PUBLIC WORKS laid the Public Works Committes at a meeting held on the table the report of the proceedings of on the 25th Feb. The report was as follows:-
The Chairman laid before the Committee a plan and estimate amounting to $2,020 for Crematorium suitable for burning carcases, in fected clothing, furniture, hospital refuse, &c. propose I to be erected near the Cattle Depot at Kennedy Town. It was unanimously agreed work in the Supplementary Estimates for this to recommend that a vote be taken for this year, in order that the work may be proceaded with at once.
“The Chairman, by direction of His Excellency the Governor, laid before the Committee for SHANGHAI, 13th March, 7.40 p.m.
their opinion papers connected with a proposal Much uneasiness prevails among the Chi-to entrust the engineering of tho Kowloon nec in Ehanghai, who still hesitate to ship & Gibbs. The Committee, after reading the Water Supply scheme to Messrs. Denison, Ram any cargo north.
correspondence, strongly recommend the accept and that they be urged to proceed with the auce of Messrs. Denison, Ram & Gibbs's offer. work, for which the necessary funds have been voted, as soon as possible. They consider this will prove more economical and satisfactory than waiting for the appointin nt of a special engineer from England, and likely to lead to the work being more quickly proceeded with.” ⠀⠀
Hsianfu officials report that Yung Lu is the real author of the Russian agreement with China. He warned Liu Kung-yi, it is said, against protesting, lest he should spoil the international coup.
The Japanese have informed China that, whatever advantages Russia acquires in Manchuria, Japan will require the same in
Fukien.
SHANGHAI, 14th March, 7.33 p.m. Hsi Liang, Governor of Shansi, has been removed from his post, and Tsen, Governor of Shens, has been appointed to hansi. Tuan Fang has been appointed Acting Gov. ernor of Shensi.
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ORDINANCE.
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL-With regard to the report of the Standing Law Committee on the Public Health Ordinance,' I hoped to be able to lay an unanimous report on the table to-day, but at the last meeting of the Standing Law Committee two or three matters came up which were not quite agreed to. Therefore the report that I propose to lay on the table is that merchants from all provinces, residing in mittee of the whole Council except as re A mass meeting of Chinese gentry and the Bill should be dealt with by the Council in the same manner as a Bill reported on by a Com/ Shanghai, has been called here for to-mor-gards certain matters. The first is as to the row to protest against the Russo-Chinese agreement about Manchuria. They have sent telegrams to all the Viceroys and Gov. Throne. ernors, urging a strong protest to the
HONGKONG LEGISLATIVE
COUNCIL.
of the Hongkong Legislative Council was hell On Monday afternoon, 11th inst., a meeting in the Council Chamber at the Governmeut Offices, thera being pressat:-
HIS EXCELLENCY the GOVERNOR (SIPHENLY BLAKE, G C.M.G.)
Hon. J. H. ST WALT LOCKHART, CM.G. (Colonial Secretary).
definition of a new building; the second is az to the question dealt with in sub-sections 9 and 10 of section 23; and the third is as to the matters dealt with in sections 550, 36d, and 56e. There is also a question under section 74 and possibly one or two other matters. I beg to give notice that at the next meeting of the Conncil I shall propose that the matters not agreed to by the Standing Law Committee be considered in Committee of the whold Law Committes can agree on the disputed Council, unless in the meantime the Standing points also.
The COLONIAL SECRETARY sóconded, and the motion was carried.
LIMEWASHING IN THE VILLAGES. The DIRECTOR of PUBLIC WORKS s id-I have the honour to bring up for the approval of the Council a bye-law made by the Sanitary Board under sub-section 4 of section 13 of Urdin- Treasurer).
Hon. C. Mel. MESSER (Acting Colonial | anco 21 of 1887. The bye-law reads as follows—
General).
Hos. W. Merah GɔɔDMAN, K.C. (Attorney-
Hon. R. D. ORMSBY (Director of Publio Works).
Hon. F. H. MAY, C.M.G. (Captain Suparin tendent of Police).
Hon. B.SIL TAYLOR (Acting Harbour Master).
Hon. C P. CHATER, C.M.G. Hoo, J. THUR BÚRN, Hon. R. M.GKAY, Hon. J. J. KESWICK. Hon. WEI A Yuk.
Any houso, or part of a house, in tho villages of Quarry Bay, Shankiwan, Stanley, Aberdeen and Aplichan which is occupied by members of more than one family, shall (unlass sperially ex- empted by the Sanitary Board) bə cleansed and limo-washed throughout by the owner, to the satisfaction of the said Board, not le than twice in every year, namely, during the months of May and June and of November and Decem ber." Bafore this can become law it is necessary. that it shon'd be approved by the Legislative Council. The bye-law was very fully discussed carried by a unanimous vote. The majority the members voted for it, but some members of urged against it were the poverty the Board voted against it. The argumenta villages, the cost of lime-washing, and that the of the
Mr. R. F. JOHNSTON (Acting Clark of at a meeting of the Sanitary Board, and was not Councils).
PAPERS.
the following papers: Report of the Director The COLONIAL SECRETARY laid on the table of the Observatory for the year 1900; report of
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