January 9, 1909.]
The more they talk they think they will gain some information, and probably they did in this case, and acted on it.
Lau Yuen Choi was called for the defence. He said he was an engineer on board the Eolus. He saw Mr. Jack at his office on or about August 23rd, and the latter asked him if the Folus was all right. Witness replied that the vessel was aground, on a reef. He spoke in pidgin English. Mr. Jack asked why witness did not see him before, and he replied that he wished to get it off himself, if possible. He then asked how much Messrs. Wilks and Jack asked to shift her. They decided to go and inspect the vessel, nothing was said about the cost on that occasion. On the following day Messrs. Wilks and Jack went of with witness to the Eolus, and. after surveying her, Mr. Jack said all the heavy work would have to be taken off the ship. Mr. Wilks said the boat could be pulled off with the Dock Company's tug. Witness said they would also have to get a wire rope, and he did not know who would pay for it, if it broke. Mr. Wilks said that was the Dock Company's business. Mr. Jack remarked that the pump on the vessel was too small, he would lend one, if they gave him a job. Witness did not ask Mr. Wilks to go to the Dock Com- pany to inquire about the tug. At about eleven o'clock on the following day all the heavy gear was removed into janks from the Eolus. Then witness called on Mr. Wilks and asked him how much he wanted to salve the wreck. He replied, "Suppose pull ship off I get good name: your master very much laugh, come off; everything finish, $2,000. Suppose no come off your firm pay all expenses, about $700." Witness made a counter offer of $1000, but Mr, Jack said, "no good, Finish."
Page
CHINA OVERLAND TRADE REPORT. H.M.S. "KING ALFRED" AT SAIGON.
The British Admiral's flagship, the King Alfred has recently been cruising in French waters, and the visit to Indo-China has been made the occasion of festivities and friendly greetings. On December 15th the flagship arrived at Kamranh Bay and Sir Hedworth Lambton was cordially received and shown the interesting places of the locality. Later the King Alfred sailed to Saigon, where on behalf of the Government of Cochin-China, a banquet was tendered to Admiral Lambton. M. Outrey, inspector of the Civil Services, represented the Lieutenant-Governor who was absent. After expressing regret for the absence of his chief, he said the French colony was happy to salute so distinguished an officer of the British navy. He followed this by asking the company to drink to the health of His Majesty King Edward, to the closer union of the two great nations, to you, admiral to the officers and crew of the English cruiser King Alfred." Admiral Lambton, in response, said he was sincerely touched by the warm welcome received on landing at Saigon, and for this he wished to tender thanks to the Governor-General and the Lieutenant-Governor, He also expressed the hope that the union between the two great European nations of France and England would become more fruit- ful. He concluded by proposing the healths of the President of the French Republic, the Governor-General and the Lieutenant-Governor of Cochin-China and Mr. Inspector Outrey.
The Admiral and the Officers afterwards proceeded to the theatre to witness a represent- ation of Herodiade.
FOR EASTERN TELEGRAMS.
Cross-examined-Witness went twice to Mr. Wilks' office before he went to the wreck. When Mr. Wilks said he must get the pump ready, witness did not object, but he asked JAPAN'S SYMPATHY WITH ITALY first what the charge would be. Permission was not given Mr. Wilks to order the tug: he was only asked the charge of it.
But Mr. Jack told you he would want the tug, didn't he ?—Yes.
And you and your master went to him for advice ?—Yes.
And acted on it ?-Only as regards removing the heavy machinery from the vessel.
Did you agree to send your launch for the
? Yes, but the whole business pump
fell through and I did not send it.
His Lordship in delivering judgment said he had to look at this matter as jury and ascertain what exactly took place and what should be paid for that which was done. It was not denied that the plaintiffs were entitled to something. In this case the go-between was a man on friendy terms with both parties, consequently matters were not conducted in the same business-like manner that they would have been between strangers. The whole thing was a further difficulty by reason of the fact that all the consultations were in pidgin English. His Lordship thought the first item, consultation for the floating of the steamer, a reasonable charge, and allowed it. With regard to item 2, $125, the two plaintiffs themselves went out to the wreck, boarded it. and gave a considerable amount of advice, He could not treat the survey of a vessel lying in that peculiar position on the rocks on the same lines as
а vessel lying in the harbour. Therefore, having in view the circumstances of the case and the fact that the plaintiffs were both experts, he thought $125 a reasonable amount. With regard to the Dock tug his Lordship was not at all clear that the defendants gave any reasonable authority to the plaintiffs to engage it. They believed they would get the contract, and his Lordship thought, as they expected it, they made arrangements. Therefore the amount of $75 would be disallowed. There was no doubt that the defendants did contemplate the pump going off to the wreck, but again, the pulsometer would have been got ready in any case. He thought he would be doing equal justice if he halved the amount of $50. As to the last consultation regarding the rates quoted, looking at the case all round, he thought that this item ought not to be allowed Judgment would therefore be entered for the plaintiff for $175.and costs. The defendants only had themselves to blame for not being more business like.
Tokyo, January 6th. The Red Cross Society of Japan is opening a national earthquake fund for the relief of the sufferers in Italy.
CHINESE IMPERIAL EDICTS.
On December 31st the qurt at Peking issued a number of edicts affecting the position of certain officials.
DISMISSAL OF YUAN SHIH KAI, The first decree issued stated that Yuan Shih Kai had held the important posts of Grand Secretary and President of the Board of Foreign Affairs under the late Emperor. An officer of such great ability and holding posts of such respon- sibility should render assistance to the Throne; but on account of sore feet Yuan moved with great difficulty. Being thus unable to take charge of affairs he would be relieved of his office at once, and would return to his native village and endeavour to cure himself.
Regent, and Yuan Shih Kai was not given'
This edict was written and despatched by the
an opportunity of resigning.
Alater edict has been issued appointing Liang Tung Yen as Acting President of the Board of Foreign Affairs.
NA TUNG. :
Assistant Grand Secretary, to be a member of Another edict issued appoints Na. Tung, the Grand Council.
POSTHUMOUS HONOURS.
A third edict issued eulogised the good work Shao, and promised the appointment of his son, done by the deceased statesman, Wang Wen and grandson to important official positions.
His son, who is now secretary to the Board of Works and Agriculture, is to be made a taotai, and a more important appointment than he now holds is to be made for the grandson, who is now expectant taotai of Kiangsu Province.
IMPORTS.
COMMERCIAL.
RICE,
HONGKONG,8th January :-The upward tendency continues, market being brisk.
Quotations are ¦--- Saigon, Ordinary
$5.90 to 5.95 Round. Good quality ...$5.50 to $5.60. Long....
5.75 to 5,80
25
روا
Baron Komura, Minister of Foreign Affairs, convened a private meeting to-day at the Foreign Siam, Field mill cleaned, No. 2...$5.70 to 5.85 Office, and Yen 70,000 was subscribed on the spot.
The Mitsui, the Mitsu Bishi and the Bank of Japan have each contributed Yen, 10,000 to the fund.
JAPAN AND THE SITUATION IN CHINA.
Tokyo, January 6ht. The Japanese Press is confident that the situation in China will be undisturbed by Yuan Shih-Kai's removal from office.
While regretting his loss as a friend to Japan, the leading papers experess the opinion that the negotiations on pending questions between the two countries will suffer no check.
The Foreign Office is silent on the matter.
JAPAN AND ITALY.
Tokyo, January 7th. The House of Representatives has telegraphed a message of sympathy to the Italian Govern ment expressing sympathy with nation in the recent terrible calmity.
A Relief Fund has been started among members of the House.
THE STRAITS OPIUM REPORT.
Singapore, January 6th. the publication of the Report of the Straits Com Official authority has been given to-day for mission on the Opium Question.
The Japanese paper Nichi Nichi reports that a new bleaching process has been dis covered whereby it is claimed that wild silk (more popularly known as pongee) can be bleached to milk white and dyed to the most subtle shade of colour, making it quite possible to produce a most excellent imitation of real China silk at a greatly reduced cost.
Garden,
122
"
White,
Fine Cargo
No. 1...-5.45 · to
.$5.85 to 5.70 5.70 to 5.76
5.50
K
OPIUM.
HONGKONG, Jan. 7th-Since the 24th ultimo movements in the various Opium markets have been as follows
Maiwa.Patna, Benares. Persia Stocks on the 24th Dec., 1908 768 3,020 1,270 1,131 Dec. 24th Imports per dasaye
120 C. 1pcar
550 110. Sydney
50 60 Delhi
29th
11
Jan. 4th
6th
Less Exports to Shangha! ..
Less Exports to East and West Coast Ports including Local Consumption for the fortnight..
Estimated Stocks this day..
www
75
758 8,220 1,440 1,826
75
75
146
104 471
8541 2,074 1,018 1,180 Bengal. There has been a considerable im- provement in deliveries and consequently greater activity in the market. Prices have advanced 1 $1135. for N. Patna, $1155 -for Old Patna and 1070. for New Banares.
Malwa.-A sale of new drug has been re- ported at $1110.
COAL
HONGKONG, Jan. 2ad. The arrivals of coal Japanese 8.900 tons Hongay and 5.500 tons Austra since the 24th Dec, 1908 amounted to 48,700 tons
lian. The coal expected is 44,700 tons Japanese, 5,900 tons Australian 10,1000 tons Hongays and 4.8 0 tons Borneo. Quotations according to Mesars, Hughes and Hough's circular are as follows:
Cardiff..............$23.50 - to ex-godown, sellers. Australian ......$12.50 ex-godown, sellers.... Yubari Lump...$12.00 Nominal Miiki Lump...$10.50 to $11.00 ex-sh p,nominal. Moji Lump $7.75 to $9.50 ex ship, steady. Moji Unscreened$6.00 to $8.0.) ex-ship, steady. Akaike Lump...$8.75 to $9.00 ex-ship, steady. Labuan Lump...$9.00 ex-ship sellers.
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