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SINGAPORE AND THE
"MORNING POST."
On the 3rd inst. at the Singapore Municipal Commission the following entertaining dis- cussion took place on the statements of Mr. Knight, correspondent of the Morning Post, on the occasion of the Royal visit to Singapore
Mr. Evans asked:-Does the President pro- pose to take any steps to contradict the mistatements of Mr. Knight of the Morning Post and re-published in the local Press?
The President said he had not as yet thought of taking any notice of the contribution by Mr. Knight of the Morning Post, but if the Com mission desired it he would do so. There were a good many mistatements in the contribution. Mr. Wee Theam Tew was of opinion that the article should be left for the local Press. As à Commission, they should not take any notice of it, but treat it with contempt.
Mr. Jago favoured the sending of a con- tradiction to another paper--the Daily Mail for instance. They would be only too glad of it.
Mr. Evans-I wouldn't do that. I merely asked the question as it is a pity that such absolute mistatements should be allowed to be circulated throughout the Empire by a paper of the class of the Morning Post, without some person in authority contradicting such mis- tatements flatly, by simply stating they were not so. Whether the Government proposed to do so or not he could not say.
The President-If it could be done through the Colonial Office it would be better.
Mr. Evans said he would be satisfied if the President would take the matter into considera. tion,
The President said he would enquire into the matter, and see if Government intend to take any steps.
Mr. Cuscaden said he did not think Mr.
Knight had seen the letter sent by the Duke approving of the arrangements:
Mr. Jago. I think some of your brawoy
men must have hustled bim.
"
NEW BRITISH ALARMS."
THE HONGKONG WEEKLY PRESS AND
and assumes that Russia's expectations of the benefit to be derived from the port had not been realised, and in consequence the giving back of the place to China in itself is not suffi- cient ground to raise any fears. Nor is the resolution of the Russian authorities to have Vladivostok and not Port Arthur as the chief naval station of sufficient importance to cause real anxiety.
never
be
After alluding to Russia's abortive attempt, firm footing at Masampo, the writer continues thanks to Japan's resolute attitude, to gain a by saying that Vladivostok can Russia's chief naval station in East Asia, nor the terminus of the Siberian Railway, owing to the heavy ice there through many months of the year, which no Russian edict will remove. What Russia's sudden resolution may mean is momentarily not quite clear. Certain it is, it does not mean retreat, as such a movement is unknown to Russian politics. It is more likely a blind to draw off attention from some other move, and give Russia 'a chance to prepare for some new
d'état coup
From this point of view the fears of the British, as expressed recently, have certainly some ground. The future, how. ever, can alone show what Russia's intentions really are, and how far these new British alarms are justified.
THE CHINESE QUESTION FROM AN EUROPEAN POINT OF VIEW,
+1
Lloyd of the 28th ult. has a lengthy article, Under the above heading the Ostasiatische the writer expressing his surprise that the enthusiasm awakened in Germany over the expedition to China should so quickly have changed to the universal cry, Away from China, as is the case at present. This cry, says the writer, is not owing to any opinion of the people that the settlement with China is drawn, but because it is generally recognised made, that the "victors
can safely be with-
mismanaged that it has become necessary first that the whole of the proceedings were so to clear the way, so that, should it become necessary again to interfere in China with armed force, such interference may in the future be conducted with better results than the past. That the withdrawal is universal shows that all the Powers recognise not only that mistakes were made but when and where they were made, and they will now know how
to avoid them in the future.
Of the English Press in regard to this with- drawal of troops, the writer says:-" The English Press gives its opinion in an even blunter man- uer. The Morning Post thinks that "most of the Powers are probably only waiting for a plausible excuse to withdraw their troops from China, after they have received a written assurance from the Chinese Government that the different proposals put before it would be agreed to, and to in that part of the world. Of course after most let everything go on again in its own sweet way of the troops have been withdrawn, the comedy, or more properly the tragedy of last year is likely to be repeated.”
Under the above title the Ostasiatische Lloyd says "The English Press speaks of indica- tions of new troubles in East Asia. How far these reports are true, and what justice there is in ascribing them to the preparations Russia is supposed to be making, cannot adequately be judged just now. Still there are many who believe that the present quiet is only the calm before the storm, and that suddenly something may happen which will change the whole aspect of affairs in East Asia. We will not deny that when about six weeks ago we received the un- expected news that Count von Walderase would shortly leave the Province of Chihli, we were also informed, through channels coming from the headquarters of the Commander-in-Chief, that his recall was made necessary by political cir- cumstances which were not as yet visible to those at home. Germany could not permit herself to be placed in a false position by the presence of her Field-Marshal, should it come to blows between two of the Allied Powers, and such trouble could not much longer be avoided. But, of course, even only give this version with every reservation, though we feel we ought not to keep silent any longer, seeing others have also perceived the storm-clouds on the East Asiatic horizon. The fears expressed by the British papers that some new difficulties may arise, are based upon the reports appearing in the Russian Press, stating that the Russian authorities have ordered the discontinuing of all harbour and fortification The writer also asserts that the fact that the works at Talienwan, and the instant return of work of the German troops did not get the re- the port to China; also that in future Vladi- cognition it deserved, and that the unjust and vostok is to be the headquarters for the Russian sneering criticisms of the English Press, especi- fleet in East Asia, and the terminus of the ally of the Times, of Germany's work during Siberian Railway. Port Arthur on the other the disturbances in the north, has had a great hand is only to be a second-class naval port. deal to do in cooling the ardour and enthusiasm At first sight this would seem like a retreat at first felt by the German people over the ex- of Russia. However, anyone who has atten-pedition, and made them feel that the result was tively followed Russian politics will know that ❘ not worth the sacrifice. Russia never lets go a thing she has once laid her hands on, unless it is exchanged for some thing better and more advantageous."
now
We
The article then goes into the particulars of the lease of Talienwan by Russia in 1898,
The writer, continuing, quotes from the Daily Chronicle as follows:- Finding the 'avenging angel' style fruitless, the Powers hastened in their attempts to vie with each other in pre- tensions of friendship, disinterestedness and humanity. How genuine this display of dis- interestedness has been was shown by Russia's attempt to squeeze a special agreement out of China re Manchuria. It will be interesting to watch in a few years hence whether Germany's mailed fist, the roaring of the Russian bear, or the United States' moderation will answer the best purpose."
The article concludes with an exhortation not to hope too much in the way of peace and good-will from China. Legation will command the east gate, another The fact that one the south gate, the two main entrances to the
❘
[July 15, 1901. Imperial Palace, makes it very doubtful whether the Emperor and Empress Dowager will ever return to Peking again. Also the contemplated idea of putting the Chinese Government officials ander the commanders of the different troops retained in China will always give overbearing conduct or want of diplomacy on cause for anxiety, as the slightest display of
an instant disruption. the part of the foreigu commanders may cause
writer, the situation in China is dark and full Truly, according to the Ostasiatische Lloyd
of menace.
HONGKONG.
left the Harbour on the 10th inst. for Taku · The British transports Glengyle and Lalpoora and Calcutta respectively.
•
Colonies was handed in to the Hon. the Colonial The Petition to the Secretary of State for the Secretary on the 11th inst. The number of signatures attached amounted to 1.034. Wongneicheung on the 8th inst., the damage Fire destroyed a contractor's matshed at amounting to 850. The Fire Brigade was in attendance, and prevented the outbreak from spreading.
In the Supreme Court on the 11th inst., Mr. G. R. Stevens, of the firm of Geo. R. Stevens and Company, merchants and commission
agents, 17, Des Voeux Road, was adjudicated a bankrupt.
Thence he returns by way of Shanghai, and Tientsin, left on the 2nd inst. for Nowchwang. Mr. Alec Marsh, after his second concert at
expects to reach Hongkong once more about the end of this mouth.
H.M. surveying ship Waterwitch on the 8th inst. arrived from Labuan and will spend about a week here, taking in stores, etc. She has been engaged in surveying work on the
where she will be at work for a few months, coast of Barneo since she was last here. She now proceeds to the mouth of the Yangtsze, returning to Hongkong probably in October
next.
The usual weekly concert under the auspices of the Hongkong Missions to Seamen was held excellent one, and included vocal solos from on the 9th inst. The programme was an Mrs. Stringer, Mrs. Brand, Mr. Coster, Pri- instrumental solos from Mr. Doring (violin), vate Townley, Mr. Doring, and Mr. Mutton; Private Townley (cornet), and Mr. Oliver (flageolet). The accompanists were Miss Parker genial chairman. and Mr. Sheriff. The Rev. T. Wright made a
absence of name-plates at both ends of Barkor The two letters in our columns about the Road have apparently born fruit. One was put up at the Tramway end on the 6th iust., and inst. Not only have name-plates been put up the other at the Magazine Gap end on the 8th
affixed in suitable places where they have not Island plates of a neat description have been in Barker Road, but also generally over the
hitherto existed-an excellent proceeding on the part of the authorities.
ammunition was made at No. 322, Queen's A large and important seizure of arms and Road West, on the 9th instant, about 5 p.m., by Sergt. Ward, No 11. Many hundreds of new Mausers, old hammer and needle-guns, pistols, with ammunition of every kind, reload- several hundreds of revolvers and Chinese horse- ing and recapping tools, etc., were seized and brought to the Central Station. portant to the European colonists of Houg. no reason to doubt, that a find most im- kong has been made, and that the police officials responsible for the capture deserve every credit for their efficient work.
There is
A most daring robbery of jewellery, it is said, inst. in the vicinity of Hollywood Road was committed at 10.30 o'clock on the 10th and Shelley Street. how or other obtained information that either Three Chinese some- the water or gas pipes in a certain house were leaking. They entered and asked a young time, to show them the leak. As she did so, she woman, the only occupant of the fat at the
hands of one of the ruffians, and while shy was suddenly confronted by a revolver in tho cowered down in fear, the other two ransacked The police are on the track of the robbers, but the dwelling and carried off a lot of jewellery. so far no arrests have been made.
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