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THE HONGKONG WEEKLY PRESS AND
"
Again "They knew, our guns · and crew
were landed with expedition,
And with straight and rapid shooting sent
the Boxers to perdition.
After all our arduous servica, Sir, will you
chalk down a reply
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the day was also appropriately observed, a gathering of the clans and impromptu concerts taking place in the evening.
Thus was Xmas Day at Weihaiwei right royally observed.
keelson with huge bunches of mistleloe, a pleas ing sight met the visitor. A happy inspiration had caused an invite to be sent to the Argonaut for some 250 of her crew to dine with the Terribles to-day-a unique compliment st Christmastide-so that something like 1,000 men had now assembled to witness the cus- As to when we may expect Relief tomary parade. Following in the wake of and to China say "Good-Bye?” Captain Percy Scott and the ship's officers, who
Taking the piece of suspended chalk, "I were preceded by the ship's band vigorously cannot tell you what I do not know myself," playing the "Roast beef of Old England
was the characteristic reply the Captain wrote; (which article, by-the-bye, was most conspicuous
a sentence that did not fulfil the high hopes and by its entire absence, either spurions or other-
eager expectations of the Terribles, who imagined wise) a tour of the spacions decks was made.
the Captain possessed the secret, and might dis- To a civilian, the scene 'tween decks, which close it on such an occasion as this. brief had been richly festooned with flags in verbal reply, inspiriting and humorons, follow- Arcadian fashion, was truly enchanting; ed the perusal of the address, which, from Here again mistletoe WAS. profusely used
its reception, was a sort of compensation for for decorative purposes, also for encircl-
the written answer accorded the main question. ng favourite photos of various types Ringing cheers for the Captain, Commander of the gentler sex, from the gay geisha-girls and officers of both the Terrible and Argonaut of Japan to the merry maids of old England. completed the Rounds," after which pleasant Keen rivalry in mess decorations and in the ramb'e amidst "Druryolanns" scenes dinner cookery art was everywhere in evidence Except
was served. Such a the professional chef, no one can approach the enthusiasm speaks well for the esprit de corps scene of spontaneous handy-man at turning out an appetizing feed, that certainly exists in the "Black Sea Cut's or at understanding the many mystic methods
successor on the Navy List. In the military of skilled cookery,, It is part of his training.and marine barracks, and naval mess on shore, Mottoes, significant and humorous, met the eye from every conspicuous place. Beware of our neighbours," appropriately posted up one mess, who had the "Robbers' Retreat next door to them; and Be not afraid, our food has been analyzed," advertised another mess. Lost. Paying off orders" and "Found. A paying off Pennant" were mottoes that needed little explanation. From proffered plates, held by representatives in each mess, the Captain. officers, and guests, were invited to partake of delectable delicacies; an elephant's stomach capacity being absolutely necessary to conceal everything that custom required should be met accepted. In the petty officers' mess a chanically worked dummy did the honours, bu, woe betide anyone who partook of its hospitality for each tempting morsel was highly charged which electricity, and usually enforced an un- complimentary Xmas greeting from the unwary guest. The ship's galley might easily have been mistaken for one of Gatti's Grills in the Strand. Here were geese, hares, pheasants, hams, and plum puddings galore, only awaiting the Rounds to pass by before receiving the coup-de-grace from ten hundred pairs of knives and forks. Deserving of special mention was the Mutoscopic Tableau that was neatly prepared and executed by the Chief Petty Officers' Mess. Standing in a recess made up of flags was a carved wooden model of the Terrible, performing target practice at sea; so arranged that, while a suppositious run was being made, twelve shots were fired at a miniature target and a "possible" obtained. Needless scarcely to add, this piece of ingennity so effectively manipulated, eaused considerable, fun and indeed no little wonderment. The final aot that ended the ceremonial parade was the presentment of a lower-deck address, neatly written on a large blackboard with chalk as follows:-
-
Season's Greetings.
To the Captain and officers from ship's Company
Greetings true from all the crew-dissen-
tients there are none,
Also to Mrs. Percy Scott, and your bonny
little son.
forgot, it's
To the Commander and all officers, sincere
welcome is extended; But Captain Scott, have "They' time our commission ended P Up at the main we look in vain to see if
the pennant has descended. Nigh four years ago "They" must well
know-it admits of no denials- That up and down the Channel for months,
the ship ran severe steam trials. And afterwards, we with our guns bid good-
bye to kin and kith; At Colenso, Spion Kop, Vaal Krantz, at
Pieter's Hill and Ladysmith, Naval traditions we did uphold: and White
relieved forthwith. Queen Victoria and their Lordships cabled
a gracions congratulation, Also telegraphic orders came-to sail for the
China Station.
CANTON.
[FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.]
Canton, 3 th December. NEW VICEROY FOR CANTON.
Official changes have been sanctioned by the court, but it is not certain when they are to come into effect. The Viceroy's ill health and his wish to retire have been met by the appoint- ment of the Viceroy of Szechuen to this city. He is a Manchu named Fui, but has not shown very pronounced political opinions. The Governor has also received 8 promotion, not altogether to the sorrow of the inhabitants, and is to be succeeded by the Treasurer of Chihli province.
MEETING THE INDEMNITY.
To help provide the indemnity a proclamation has just appeared ordering the increase of the
lekin duties on certain articles. The duties on
opium, tea, sugar, wine, and tobacco have been gradually raised at various times until they reached the sum of 18 taels 2 mace per 100 catties. From this they are again increased to 23, taels 6 mace and 6 candareens. It would be idle to speculate on the amount that this will produce, but to raise the large share of the indemnity required from the province the officials will probably have to resort to still further means. Fortunately for them they are a separate taxing authority with power, though somewhat limited, to enforce their demands. But as they have to contend with rising prices, a steady rise in the value of copper and fall in the exchange of cash, and a people who resent the injustice of paying for the follies of North China, it will tax all their ingenuity to obtain the sum required.
THE CANTON RAILWAY.
The chief topic in this city is the arrival of the head of the company which has secured the railway concession, and speculations as to where work will be actually began. It is proposed to begin with a sort of experimental line, some three miles long, running from the wharf east- wards. According to native newspapers work will be begun about the Chinese New Year.
THE FA YUN MINING REPORT.
The report of the commissioners sent to enquire into the prospects of successful mining at Fa Yun has just been published. The com missioners are not in favour of working the mines of silver and tin which are found there, as they are of opinion that the expenses would be too heavy. They recommend rather the opening up of the coal-mines, pointing out that although the coal is not of very good quality it is good enough for the use of local steamers, while the nearness of the mines will give it an advantage which should enable it to compete successfully with any seaborne coal. Nothing has as yet been decided.
*
[January 4, 1902.
A SCHOOL FOR ENGLISH.
Subscriptions are being invited for the founding of an English School in Honam. The company which is undertaking it has already one foundation in Hongkong, but wishes to establish another here. The Viceroy has been approached with a request that he would allow himself to be named as president of it, but has declined to do so.
FRENCH ENTERP¿ÍSE. According to a paragraph in a native news. paper, a new hospital has been opened by the French authorities. It is situated on the bank of the river, in a central position, and is to give free treatment to Chinese patients. A shop in the city at present closed has a notice to the effect that it will shortly be re-opened under lated from that language. French patronage for the sale of books trans-
A LAUNCH INSPECTOR.
Customs to undertake the duty of overhauling An inspector has been secured by the Imperial the machinery and halls of the many steam launches that ply for hire in the neighbourhood and of certifying them as sea-worthy. He has now arrived and taken up his duties.
PRISONERS AT WORK.
Nam Hoi and Pun Ya magistrates, and some A. gaol delivery was held monthly by the hundred prisoners were lodged in the newly * built reformatory on the bill of the Goddess of Mercy. They will be engaged in weaving cloth and making shoes, and instructors have been engaged for them. Those who do not work will be confined in the cells which are provided within the building. They are paid for their work by the piece and out of every dollar they earn 40 cents is stopped as a tuition fee, and 35 cents towards the expenses of their food, The remaining 25 cents accumulates until their discharge, when it is handed over to them to keep them until they can find further employment.
SWATOW..
[FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.]
Swatow, 24th December. THE KIALAT CLUB DANCE.
The ball given by the members of the above. Club took place on Friday last. In spite of the unpleasant and inclement state of the weather, the dance was largely attended and, as had been anticipated, was a success in every respect.
STEAMER STRANDED.
The s.s. Peleus (Capt. Nichollson)__ carrying a cargo of korosene oil in bulk from Hongkong to this port and consigned to Messrs. Bradley & Co.. is badly ashore below Breaker Point. The Peleus being of very shallow draught, has to keep close to the land when coming up the coast; experiencing a strong N. E. gale, she become unmanageable and was driven on to a sandbank, where she lies at present.
FOOCHOW.
The following items are from the Foochow Echo of the 21st December:-
H.I.G.. cruiser Geier left the Pagoda Anchorage on Tuesday, the 17th instant, for Kiaochuu direct, and the best wishes of this community went with her.
The rainfall yesterday came as a great boon and we could well have done with two or three days of it, since all the ponds and wells have been running, dry after nearly five months drought.
The rumours that the officials are experien- cing considerable difficulty in collecting the new taxes continue unabated. This week it is reported that the Min Magistrate, who found it necessary to go to a certain district in person on this business, met with most unpleasant treatment. Of course the head of the district was severely punished for this, but the story goes to show how strong the resistance to this new taxation must be when the people dare to insult so high an official. The reports of the extraordinary number of literary degrees ob- tained by bribery, are, if true, scandalous. It is the last chance H.E. the Literary Chancellor will have of indulging in this sort of thing, but in the meantime there has been a great deal of talk about it, and natural indignation expressed in certain quarters.
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