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mines, the opposition would become less pro- nounced. Efforts in other years directed to that¡ end proved futile, perhaps because of slack administration, or perhaps it did not not suit the corrupting and selfish plans of the officials to heed native prejudices. A contract system has been proposed whereby immigants may come in by cargoes for specific purposes, contractors furnishing bonds for their delivery or return on demand. Since any such arrangement would virtually adopt for the islands the contract labour system, those who are to direct government would have to consider it not only with reference to existing conditions and in view of the native hostility to Chinese immigration, but also mindful of the possible political development of the islands and of the prospect that the time may not be distant when the Constitution will follow the flag far enough at
least to make the same labour laws applicable to
the United States and the Philippines.
In spite of appearances it would be a rash conclusion that Filipinos may not become equal to furnishing the labour of the islands. As a matter of experience they have found themselves forced to do the drudgery when Chinese who came here for that purpose stepped out from the coolie class and left no substitutes to take up the tasks thus abandoned. Immigra- tion laws heretofore have been such as to encourage native indolence, for the Chinese labour supply has never gone long without replenishment. It would seem that the lesson which conditions have taught should now be well learned. The widespread hostility to the Chinese certainly shows that it has not been lost. Just now the native mind is optimistic. It believes that new conditions of government will bring prosperity, in which labour will share The prospect of getting better returns for work than was formerly possible is thus held out na an incentive to make such returns contribute to the welfare and comfort of those who are or will be fully indestified with the islands, and own no allegiance except to the flag that flies over them.
A DIVISION OF TRADES,
It will not be confessed that trouble hereto fore has been because natives could not work. When immigration had official backing and the returns of labour fell to the Chinese level feeling prevailed that the combination was too strong to make it worth while to fight it. So discontent found rent in hatred, with murder as a frequent incident. Occasionally commu nities united to keep out the Chinese, and succeeded. The pueblo of Taal, in Batangas Province, furnishes a case in point. industry and business there are in native hands, much to the satisfaction of the people. This was accomplished at the cost of Chinese lives.
All
but now one of that race would as soon think
of going voluntarily to Taal as to the heads- man. Custom at this port has left in native hands the work of loading and discharging ships, than which there is no heavier work in the islands. Only natives may drive passenger vehicles in Manila, showing again what persist- ence in custom may do. On the other hand, Chinese generally are the carpenters, the boiler- makers, the mechanics and the small tradesmen. Whether or not they are superior servants, they seem to be preferred as cooks. The army has found them faithful, submissive and fearless as litter bearers, when natives could not be trusted for that work.
WHAT REMAINS TO BE SEEN.
This presents both sides of an agitation that is already exciting wide interest, and which threatens to increase as plans mature for the development of the islands. There can be no use in figuring in this connection fcr present purposes upon reformatory methods that will apply to Chinese habits or aspirations. No in- fluences yet operative can be expected to make of the Chinese either Americans or Filipinos in thought or action. They are after the dollar solely in order that they may take it back home and enjoy it there. Whether from lack of faith in the rule now installed, from popular hostility or from a habit of thought in relation to affairs Philippine, inducing them to regard it as a field for temporary plunder. the Chinese have not yet been disposed to identify themselves with local life as they have in Singapore.
The new rule may change that attitude, and admission is urged as if such was the expecta- tion. Since no chances in respect to per-
THE HONGKONG WEEKLY PRESS AND
manency of abode and of interest need be taken, however, with the natives, it may be regarded as highly probable that the policy of exclusion will be continued until the natives shall have a fair chance to show if they can supply the labour of the islands, and that immigration which has so far only corroded and sterilised the wealth of the islands will not be permitted while labour resources otherwis) remain unexhausted,
WEIHAIWEI.
Weihaiwei, 27th July.
THE FUTURE OF THE COLONY
has been a matter for much discussion of late. A few days ago a telegram from London, the result, it is said, of a recent Cabinet meeting, put a stop to all work on the fortifications. According to native rumour the colony is to
be handed over to Germany!
The real reason for the suspension of military works on Liukangtao is in all probability connected with the recent proposal to hand over the smaller coaling stations to the Ad- miralty. The final decision on the question is reserved for the next meeting of the Cabinet.
Present indications are that the island will be used entirely for naval purposes.
The Commissioner will move over to the mainland. With him will go the military and civil head- quarters, and the centre of gravity of our civil and governmental life will be in or near Mahto,
to the north of the harbour.
THE NAVAL THEOBT
appears to favour the idea of using this port as a sanitarium and a supply-base where ships may rovision and take in water, but to have it alsolutely unfortified. Up till now, £20,000 and more has been spent on four forts and the roads, etc.. connected with them. If the Admiralty assumes control, all this money will have been spent in vain-interesting news for the long-suffering British taxpayer!
of
In case of war it is argued that the fleet should not remain locked up in port, but would cruise outside. To fortify adequately would cost an enormous sum. Inadequate fortifications would only prove additional source
an weakness. Where experts differ, it is useless for the civilian to attempt to enter the field of discussion. This sudden change seems to betray an astonishing lack of unity of purpose. Is it another indication-if indication were want- ing-that the two services do not and will not pull together?
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[August 17, 1901.
Brown's place in Seoul; Mr. Laport has been transferred from Fusan to Chemulpo; Mr. These changes McOsborne goes to Fumn. will be subject to another before long. A former Fusan Customs Commissioner, Mr. Hunt, is again in Fumn with the object of His rank in the repairing his o'd house. Chinese Customs is that of full Commissioner and his return adds one more wonder to the many already connected with the Corean Customs.
Last night rain fell-the Arst for many weeks. Great joy filled the hearts of all at the much wanted rain. Great difficulty has been experienced in obtaining drinking water, and in consequence the washermen have raised the price of washing.
Everywhere, in all the open ports, important buildings and shops are being built. Most of these are of course Japanese, and Fusan takes the lead in this respect; then comes Chemulpo, Bund. Several fine stores are being built and where handsome godowns now line the Japanese
some beautiful private residences for foreigners.
-Kobe Herald.
Tak
CORRESPONDENCE.
We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondenta.}
INELIGIBLE WIVES.
14
TO THE EDITOR OF THE DAILY PRESS.
10th August. SIR.I notice that the Hon. F. H. May, in a speech before the Sanitary Board, re quarters "It is not every for sanitary inspectors, said :—“ inspector who is married"; and again, "there was a certain class of women recognised as ineligible to live in married quarters."
I ask, Sir, recognised as ineligible by whom? and why? Is it by the Captain Superintendent alone? I presume he refers to Portuguese women, of whom eight or nine are married to Sanitary Inspectors. We may expect the Hon. gentleman to presently declare the Portuguese Can he allege that theso inelegible to live.
either illegal or immoral ? marriages are
not Everyone must know that there are sufficient English women in the colony for subordinate officers to marry Englishwomen exclusively and for an Englishman to settle in the colony with a reasonable likelihood of If the decision of the Cabinet favours navalkeeping in good health they cannot do better than marry a Portuguese if they have an control of the island, military and civil headquarters might be moved to Mahto as early
opportunity. as this autumn--a good thing for some people! It is even reported that Queen's Hotel may be
taken over after the season for the Commis-
sioner's residence and for Government offices. N.-C. Daily News.
COREA.
Chemulpo, 27th July. Yesterday the Corean Government issued an order that no rice or grain should be exported after date of the reception of this notice, the cause being that little short of a famine threa- tens the country. The whole country is in a Challodo province, the most dreadful state. greatest-rice growing district, has hardly a hundred fields planted with rice. Many farmers have planted other things in the old rice-fields and these also are fast dying for want of a little rain. I have just made a trip through the country from Fusan to Chemulpo, travelling about five hundred miles altogether, and from what I observed I should say that although rain may come, rain and starvation await hundreds of farmers. The Corean Government has bought up all the rice in the stores and godowus of any size, and come what will something akin to famine must overtake the Coreans this winter.
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Does the Hon. gentleman wish to carry the methods of his own departments into other branches of the Colonial service? I know for a fact that a warder in the gaol, married to a daughter of a Government servant who was killed in the execution of his duty, has been told he is ineligible to occupy the newly erected married quarters for guol officers because his wife is a Portuguese; nor does he receive any allowance in lieu thereof.
Woman
I venture to state, having a considerable acquaintance with Portuguese wires, that they make wives second to none; and if our Govern- ment desire a healthy settled race of British subjects in the colony, they could not do better than encourage such unions; as when an Englishman marries a Portugueso they generally settle down in the colony; and produce children more likely to develop into healthy men and women than children born of parents both British. Also a man getting his wife from home is always looking forward to return home as soon as possible. Further I would point out that the Colonial Government offer no encouragement to officers to marry from England; or if married to bring their wives out. I know of a married man engaged in England who was offered in one of Captain May's departments the munifi- The English gunboat Brisk arrived at Fusan cent sum of $20 a month to provide quarters, on July 24th with Mr. Gubbins, who is Acting|fuel and light, and servants; his agreement English Minister during Mr. Jordan's absence | stating these would be provided or an allowance in England. She called at the way ports en in lieu thereof. He of course preferred to leave route. Mr. MeLeary Brown, Chief Commis his family in England and decided to return sioner of Customs, is going home, on leave it himself as soon as possible. is said. All kinds of reports are going the rounds. Great changes have taken place in the Customs within the last two weeks; Mr. Chalmers has gone from Chemulpo to take Mr.
It is difficult to understand Capt. May's objection to Portuguese women; is it on account of nationality or are we to recognise the Hou. new light, viz., a militant #gentleman in a
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