August 10, 1903.]
property, although between 200 and 300 soldiers, with their officers, are stationed near the scene, and many of them were seen looking on while the mob was doing its will
OWNERSHIP OF THE LAUNCHES. One of the launches destro ed was owned by an American merchant in inkiang, and the other by the Chinese Launch Co. Two of the damaged launches were chartered by the mer- chant mentioned above, who is of course liable for their repair, the other damaged running under his flag also. The motors did not seem tu care whether the property thy destroyed was Chinese or foreign-owned. their hostility being toward the launches as such, not because they were foreign innovations.
THE CAUSE OF THE FLOODS. Last autumn the foreigner interested in these launches handed the Chinese officials concerned a considerable sum towards the repair of the banks of the ca al in the neighbourhood of this disturbance, although he'd not think there was much need of repair. But the officials, Chineso like, considered it unnecessary to expend this or any sum at that time, and no attempt was made to strengthen the banks. But with the rise of the river during the early summer some little work .was commenced, and recently the Taotai issued an order that launches would not be allowed to clear during the high water then existing. On the 27th inst., however, the Commissioner of Customs at Chinkiang, under whose jurisdiction the launches are, gave permission for any launches at Kwachou to run to Yangchow and
on to Tsiakiangfoo, the head of this navigation. This the rioters were evidently determined should not be allowed, with the result recorded.
COMPONENTS OF THE MOBS.
From all accounts-from vative sources of course the mob was composed of country people, whose fields were flooded or threatened, boat people, always inimical to the launches, which they fear will stop their trade, and the inevitable rowdy, always ready to take a hand in any fracas, in the hope of loot. The possi-
bilities of such a combination are evident to every one.
MEASURES FOR REDRESS.
The Consuls at Chiakiang were at once uoti- fied, and they have called upon the Chinese officials to punish the rioters. At the same time efforts are being made to have the U.S.S. Elcano, now somewhere on the river, return to Chinkiang and possibly visit the scene. Its moral value about the mouth of the canal would be very great.—Meroury,
:
HONAN.
Luohokeo, Hopan, 14th July. TROUBLE BREWING.
CHINA OVERLAND TRADE REPORT.
way out of it he agreed, but later on took gold and killed himself. The rebels unmber several thousand and hɩy, taken poss`ssion of the city of Pinliksien. Here the people are great y alert-Mercury. excited about it, but the officials are on the
GREAT FLOOD AT CHEFOO.
Chefoo, 27th July. Yesterday, Sun 'ay, the 26th July, will long remain a memorable day in the minds of resi dents here. At intervals through Saturday night it had rained hard at times, and on Sun day mein aboull it seemed that things were waking up for a final effort. Peal after peal of thunder, interspersed with vivid flashes of forked lightning, made the scene a lurid one, while the wind blew from one quarter to an- other as if seeking for the best point to blow from, and then, although on the town lovel it was raining as hard as anyone can imagine it possible, somewhere up in the bills at the bick of the town there must have been a cloudburst or some uch disturbance, for the volumes of water which came tumbling down the already full flowing creeks and gullies overspread the banks in many places and carried away houses, trees, buildings of all sorts, many unfortunate Chinese, and, sweeping all before it, incoming nearly high tide, which caused the rushed seaward, only to be stopped by the rushing water to flood all low-lying parts of the wettlement from two to three feet deep. So sudden was the rise of the water and so little contemplated the cecurrinee that no one had time to do much, stores being flooded, and ex- tensive damage occurring in many godowns to goods stored on the ground tier.
FOREIGN LOSSES.
Some of the principal sufferers amongst foreign firms are Carlowitz and Co; Cornabe Eckford and Co.; Curtis Bros.; Diedrichsen, Jebsen and Co, and E. L. Mondon. Sach goods as cement, straw-braid, flour, soda casks, paper, etc., being damaged. The most extensive loss to individual property is probably that of the Chang Yue Wine Company, as all their Austrian Consulate, suffered very heavily, work of the last three years, surrounding the buildings, walls, and coal being swept away, and it is believed the valuable wines stored in the cellars will be ruined.
DESCRIPTION BY AN EYE WITNESS..
A foreign resident on Temple Hill states that the scene was awful as from that position they could see rast volumes of water tumbling down the hill, carrying houses, males, and indi viduals as it swept seaward, It is at present impossible to estimate the loss of life, but the destitute is very apparent. distress of those who are left homeless and Some idea of the force of the water may be gathered from the fnot, that at one point where some 400 tous Mondon, Ld, the whole lot was swept into of Welsh coal was stacked belonging to E. L. the sea. trees, logs, and all sorts of wreckage, and The beach is still strewn with beans, although some thirty bodies (Chinese) have already been removed, more are still appearing on the East Beach, and the loss of life on the packed, must be awful. The Customs authori West Beach, where the dwellers are much more ties already say 200 to 300 have been drowned Such a disaster locally is unprecedented and one and probably the real total will never be known. can only hope that the like will never occur again. Mercury.
CORRESPONDENCE.
19
IMPERIAL SERVICE COLLEGE TRUST.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE "DAILY PRISS,'
5, Kuaresboro' Place,
S.W., 4th July, 1903. S18.-For some time past a scheme for inexpensive public school education for the sons providing efficient, and at the same time,
colonial officers) and of members of our civil of naval and military officers (including services, has been under the anxious cousidéra- have been asked to act as Chairman. There tion of an influential committee, of which I is at the present moment no large public school wholly devoted to the benefit of those services. foundation of an Imperial Service College, the It is proposed to supply this need by the
exceed £81 per annum; and in which, by maximum inclusive fees of which shall never sufficient endowments, a liberal provision can be made for those boys whose parent, or parents, could not afford eren to pay this moderate amount. Distressing cases of need are common, more especially in the families of deceased officers; and the South African War bas left providing her children with such au education many a widow with but too scanty means for as will enable them to make their way in the Imperial Service College is intended to be of a world. The education to be given in the thoroughly practical character; and a special fature will be a “ Colonial Side," in which boys will be prepared for practical pursuits in various parts of the empire.
Last night a letter dated Hsingan, July 6th, arrived stating that the situation was getting worse. My correspondent says:
'We are very military in look at least just now; we have a guard of soldiers front and back, day and night; we bless them for the noise they make at night. The people are in a panic both here and all the country around. Soldiers have arrived from Shih-tsuen Hanchang, and- some reached U18 from Hsianfu under & Taotai with cannons.
to-day, bas begun and lives have been lost on the Fighting very spot where I bought my timber from a short time ago. The officials would like us to move away either by boat or into the city. I should rather run by boat. Our boys and enquirers stay away, and ono of our servants has left. Food is very dear" From the above. you see the situation is getting worse. Here- we have had placards on the street saying that on the 6th moon, 3rd day (26th July) the people 27th, says:-The Japanese, who went to Man- A telegram to the Mainichi daled Seoul, July are to destroy the foreigners and burn all the pachio, where two Japanese were recently places. In large letters the placards have assaulted by Chinese in Russian employ, reports "Support the dynasty and exterminate the that Yogiotao ou the Yalt was the scene of the foreigners!" The officials here are on the look-outrage. The men who committed the assault out, so I trust that nothing will happen. There is a good deal of dissatisfaction amongst the poorer class and a lot of secret society men are about, so it would not take much to kindle a fire.
OTHER SIGNS.
are not mounted bandits as reported at the time, but officials connected with a Chinese timber Government official. company, which was controlled by a Chinese The two Japanese who were assaulted were placed in custody by these The Roman Catholics had some trouble ating the place demanded the delivery of these Chiness and tortured. The Japanese on reach- Pinliksien, in Hsingan district. Some of the natives were killed, also two soldiers, and after doing that the mob went to the city and told the magistrate that he would have to become their leader or they would kill him. As he had no
men and effected their release after considerable difficulty. Taotai Yuan is reluctant to admit that an official under his control took part in the affair and is working hard to effect an amicable settlement.
The creation of such a school must neces- sarily be beset with enormous difficulties. Land the birth of a living school, in full working order, may be bought, buildings may be erected, but with wholesome spirit and good tradition, is not the work of a day, nor is it solely a matter of money. This difficulty has been met by an arrangement which has been made with the United Services College, whose existent It is efficient, inexpensive, reserves the rights organisation is on the exact lines desired.
officers, and has an exceptionally efficient of its foundation for the headmaster and trained staff of andermasters. sons of service
It is, however, inconveniently located; and can accommodate but a limited number Collage in buildings of sufficient capacity, on of boys. The intention is to instal this
capable of accommodating 500 boys, with the a well-chosen site within 100 miles of London, requisite staff. The orst of building, equipping and endowing such a school has been carefully oalculated; and the scheme is now ready for for its full accomplishment. I am sanguine the precise and economical application of funds enough to believe that the scheme will meet with hearty approval. Detailed information as to plans, estimates, organisation, etc., etc, will
tary for Education), Peorbyn Lodge, East Delavoye, C. B. (late Assistant Military Sacre- be supplied on application to Colonel A. M.
Twickenham. The Hon. Treasurer is Colonel Sir Reginald Hennell, D.8.0., 1, Whitehall Gardens; and any funds received will be placed Dinster, Admiral Sir E. R. Fremantle, G.C.B., under the Trusteeship of the Duke of West- and myself.-Yours, etc
CHELMSFORD,
Chairman, Imperial Service College Trust.
THE WATER SUPPLY.
TO THE ED.TOR OF THE
+
DAILY PRESS, Hongkong, 1st August. recapitulated by H. E. Bir William Gascoigne SLR,-It is very painful to note that at the Legislative Council yesterday, such an eminent man as Mr. Chadwick, on whose report and recommendation the cursed separate system of drainage was introduced in this Colony and subsequently the plagu, should make such believe the Chinese to be a race of water. a glaring statement as to mislead others to
publish statistics to show how often Chinese wasters. Can he substantiate his statement and were convicted of this orima? Far from that they were taught in their cradles to appreciate the precious fluid, "To think of its origin when drinking water." According to the monthly tables published by the Water Authority the
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