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leading treaty port on the Yangtaze He thinks Hankow might well form the future capital of the Empire, and "its selection should promote not only the trade, but also the political stability and civilisation of the whole Empire. He then proceeded to Peking via Kisfeugfu and the Yellow River. A brief description of Tientsin is given, and a chapter is devoted to life in the Legation before, of course, the Bozer rebellion. "Life," says the author, however, inside the high walls of the Legation, with its broad lawns and a comparatively pure atmosphere, was far more supportable than outside in the dusty malodorous streets. The curse of Peking is that it is absolutely impossible to avoid the foul sights and smells that infest it and make it superlatively disgusting even for China. The European eye may perhaps become more or less callous after years of education, but the Euro- pean nose never.' An account of a visit to the Taungli Yamen is an amusing, and we should imagine, an accurate description of a monotonous function. The author touches on the question of native Christians, and remarks "that anyone who in the recent sieges of the foreign quarters in Peking and Tientsin saw the thousands of natives that stuck to their new faith, who read of the thousands that were martyred for it in the provinces, can hardly question their honesty and single-heartedness.' Of course it must be recognised that the Christians were fighting for their lives, knowing well the fate which awaited a surrender. It is interesting to note that the author differs from not a few of our consuls in China in the attitude towards the Chinese official. He thinks ** conciliation, as in all Asiatic countries, is a bad way of converting these opinions: the logical faculty of the Chinese is not such as to grasp its objects or its advantages: they understand the iron hand much better than the velvet glove. So that generally speaking utility is better served by meeting the insolent and arbitrary mandarin with his own weapons and on his own ground." The author's description cf his trip across Manchuria is very interesting. He thinks that
• Harbin, the great Russian colony and railway junction that has sprung up in the last two years in the very heart of Manchuris, will without doubt soon attract all the trade and lab ur of the three provincas." The, same town "in the opinion of many" is destined to be not only the commercial focus of Manchuria but also the political and administrative capital of North-Eastern Asia, already-in two years from the date of its birth, for before that it was a nameless hamlet-it has grown into a thriving town with ten thousand inhabitants and its population augments every month." The author then relates his experiences during his travels through Eastern Siberia, Corea, and Western Szechuen. He gives a most graphic account of Admiral Seymour's ex- pedition to Peking, and the relief of that expedition was effected through the bravery of Mr. Bigham's "boy." When all other efforts of obtaining communication with the foreign troops at Tiontsin had failed, the author relates the story of the Chinese "boy's' splendid gallantry. It is worth giving in full.
"I sent in my Chinese servant with a cipher message from the Admiral to the Consu1, which he was to eat if caught. He swam the river in the early morning and went alone on his perilous way. By the exercise of considerable ingenuity and no little pluck, he managed to get through in the course of the day and to perform his task, though he was first canht and interrogated by the Boxers, and again later on by the Imperial troops, both of whom he succeeded in outwitting. Arriving late in the evening in the native city, he cautiously began to enquire how the 'foreign devils' were in the settlement, and was told that nearly all were dead or had fled. Gradually making his way towards it, he got into a deserted zone of houses, and soon after came on the French out- posts, who fired on him, mistaking him for a Boxer. By semaphoring with his arms he at last conveyed to them that he had a message, and was then escorted to the British Consulate. Here he told his story (having eaten the paper), and preparations were at once made for a force to come out and succour us. Tientsin itself hd only been relieved that morning by a mixed column from 'I aku, , and they were all as ignorant of our existence, condition and whereabouts as we were of theirs.”
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THE HONGKONG WEEKLY PRESS AND
Mr. Bigham does not inform us how his "boy's" pluck was rewarded; such an action was worthy of a very handsome recognition by the Powers, for the "boy" at tremendous odds and great danger to himself saved the column. It is to be hoped he will be fittingly rewarded. The book is well illustrated, and contains several maps.
HONGKONG GUN CLUB.
The first annual general meeting of members was held at the Hongkong Club on Monday, the 27th ult. Present-Mr. J. A. Mackay, (Chairman), Messrs. A. G. Wise, H. Burton G. T. Veitch, Captains Cadogan and Richards, the Hon. H. W. Trefusis, Messrs. H. P. White, W. A. Cruickshank and W. Davies (Hon. Secretary).
The minutes of last meeting were road and confirmed.
The CHAIRMAN proposed and Mr. H. P. WHITE seconded the adoption of the report and accounts, and the motion was carried.
It was then proposed by the CHAIRMAN and seconded by Mr. CRUICKSHANK that the monthly subscription be raised from $1 to $2, and this was agreed to unanimously.
A ballot for the Committee for the ensuing year was then held.--Mr. G. T. Veitch retired and did not offer himself for re-election. Mr. Burton, Capt. Cadogan, R.W.F., and Messrs. Cruickshank. Mackay and Davies were elected. Mr. Davies was elected to continue the offices of Hon. Secretary and Treasurer. It was agreed that any three members of the committee of five together with the Honorary Secretary should settle all questions relating to shooting,
The CHAIRMAN informed the members of the retirement of the Hon. J. J. Keswick from the Presidentship of the Club, and pro- posed that the Hon J. J. Bell Irving should be invited to be President, and this was cordially agreed to.
Mr. H. P. WHITE moved, and Capt. the Hon. H. W. TREFUSI8 seconded, a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Keswick for the very hands me challenge cup presented by him prior to his departure, and the motion was carried with acclamation.
The proceedings then terminated with vote of thanks to the Chairman and Hon Secretary.
YOKOHAMA RACES.
[FROM A CORRESPONDENT]
Taipeh, 15th May. Below are the results of the third day of the Yokohama Race Meeting :-
Prix des Haras (Handicap Horses) 1 mile.
Mr. Nishimura's Tobu. Cesarewitch Stakes (Handicap China ponies)
1 mile.
Mr. Russia's Mogol (late Einerald). The Mixed Champions (Horses, 11 mile).
Mr. Russia's Mira,
The China Champions, 11 mile.
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[June 3, 1901.
HONGKONG."
On the arrival of H. M. S. Astraea at Chemulpo, H.M.88. Barfleur and Otter left for Weihaiwoi.
It is common talk amongst the military that the Royal Welsh Fusiliers will leave here in October for Singapore.
The British cruiser Endymion arrived in the harbour on the 30th ult, from Weihaiwel. The hospital-ship Gwalior left for Taku.
We have received a Government notifications and have also been informed by the Secretary of the Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce, that the Government has received the following telegram, dated the 24th instant, from H. B. M. Consul General at Bangkok:-" Vessels from Hongkong should call at Kok Phai for quaran. tine.'
Inspector McEwan, of the Naval Yard Polic", is resigning shortly, and will be succeeded by Sergeant Lawrence, of the Kowloon detachment, who joined the Police Force as a constable on 16th February, 1899, and was promoted to the rank of sergeant on 4th March, 1900. Inspector McEwan, who has five years' service, joins the staff of the Sanitary Department. He holds the Plague and Belilios medals.
On on the 25th inst., at the Parsee Club, Mr. F. D. Setna, the president of the Hong- kong Parsee Cricket Club, was presented with a nice souvenir in the shape of a silver tea-set and tray by the members of the club and friends. Mr. J. M. Master, the captain of the club, spoke very highly of Mr Satna, and said how very sorry all the members would be to miss him from the club when he went home by the steamer Arratoon Apear. In reply, Mr Setna thanked ail the members, wished the club prosperity, and hoped to see it on a better footing when he returned. All present then wished Mr. Setna bon voyage.
The embarkation of Indian troops and fol- lowers proceeding to India on the 29th inst. in the steamer Arratoon Apcar will take place this morning. The troops are divided into three parties, and embark in thee trips. The first party, comprising the 38th (A), 58th (B), and 62nd () Native Field Hospital, will parade at the Kowloon Police Pier at seven o'clock. The second party, composed of one officer, two ser- geants, and 210 followers of the Siege Train, will follow half-an-hour later, and at eight o'clook the third party will parade at the Kowloon Police Pier. This party consists of the 47th Native Field Hospital, (B and C sections), re- mainder of Siege Train, and details of the 3rd Madras Light Infantry and 22nd Bombay Infau- try. Officers' chargers and mules are to be embarked at seven o'clock. The details of the Remount Establishment will embark at Causeway the ship. Captain Swettenham, R.G.A., is in Bay at half-past eight, and proceed direct to
charge of the troops, and Captain Mulvaney, I.M. Staff, is the medical officer in charge. examined before embarking. The troops and followers will be medically
A grand concert by Senorita Adelina Bonin assisted by several local ladies and gentlemen under the direction of Professors Galuzzi and Emil Danenberg, was held in the hand. some and spacious ballroom of Club Lusitano and the heat, a fairly large audience assembled to on Saturday night, the 25th inst. In spite of
greet Senorita Bonin, among those present being Senhor Conselheiro Romano and Mr. The China Consolation (Subscription China) Crespo, the Portuguese Consul-General of mile.
Mr. Tytherleigh's Aberdeen. The Colonial Stakes (Country-breds Australians) 1 mile.
Mr. Scherz's Faule Grete.
M. Stato's Illinois.
Canton, and Mrs. Crespo, Senorita Bonin was put down for four Spanish songs which,
The Australian Consolation (Walers) † mile. although not perhaps sufficiently familiar to a
Mr. Tatsuta's Matsukaze.
The China Solace, 4 mile.
Mr. Hugo's Sunrise (late l'luto).
The New York correspondent of the Times telegraphed on the 28th April:-Peking telegrams admit that Mr. Rockhill's efforts to reduce the amount of indemnities payable by China have failed. It is drily added that the other Powers are willing that the United States shall abandon their own claims, but Europe will require full compensation for all losses and expenses. Mr. Conger denies the report that the President disapproved of his conduct in Peking. Nevertheless, it is suggested that the Iowa Republicans have been advised to nominate Mr. Conger for Governor of that State, in which case he would resign his post in China.
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Hongkong audience to be fully appreciated, were very efficiently rendered. This lady possesses a very good and powerful voice, and sings with the usual expression and grace which characterise all Spanish primadonnas, The programme for the evening, though some- what lengthy, was put through in a capital style. and bouquets were numerous. The ladies and gentlemen sang and played so well that it is difficult for us to mention any one specially. Mr. Geo. P. Lammert's rendering of Pinsnti's
Queen of the Earth" WES, however, undoubtedly the gem of the evening. Mr. Lammert, although billed for one song, appeared again in the second part of the programme and sang “Oh, Day of Bliss" to fill the place of Mr. F. G. Marques, who was unable to sing.
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