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1888 Extracts from the
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Notices
Comfortable apartments, with Board and Lodging for Gentlemen, may be had at No. 1, Sparks St. Terms on application, S. Dowsing, Proprietress.
The Eastern Extension Australasia and China Telegraph Co. Ltd.
Elephant Point near Rangoon
Owing to the interruption of our two cables to Australia, the Company have chartered a special steamer to carry messages over the interrupted section (Banjoewangie and Port Darwin) Every opportunity will also be taken to forward messages by other steamers. W.C. Langdon, Ag. Superintendent.
On 1st Sept. next, our office will be removed to No. 1 Lewis St. Gladstone Wyllie & Co.
J.W. Dovey
Music Master at the Convent Girls' School
Gives lessons – instrumental vocal and in special voice training. Terms on application. No.4 Merchant St., Rangoon.
For Sale
A Chestnut Burman pony-stallion … Apply to Capt. Eyre, Deputy Commissioner, Pagan
Notice
The undermentioned banks will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, 23rd and 24th instant, being Gazetted holidays …
Bank of Bengal – A.M. Lindsay, Acting Agent
National Bank of India – W. Touch, Manager
Chartered Bank of India, Australia & China – G.S. Taylor, Acting Agent
Chartered Mercantile Bank of India, London and China – J.O. Bridgman, Acting Agent
If the hooded Wagonette left with Hunton & Co., Carriage Builders now the Carriage Building Company Ltd., Rangoon, in 1885 (sic) by Colonel Carey, R.A. is not taken delivery of within one month from date it will be sold by public auction to defray expenses.
Royal Arch Chapter
"Cyrus"
Attached to Lodge "Star of Burma" no. 614.
M.E. Comp. Charles Preston, Principal Z.
A convocation of the above Chapter will be held in Freemasons Hall this evening, (Wed.) at 8.30 p.m. precisely. W.G. Thornton, Scribe E.
An Excellent Investment
The goodwill, stock etc., of the firmly established and paying business known as Mrs Murdoch's Ladies and Children's Outfitting Establishment. No. 76 Merchant St. The position is in the heart of the business part of the city and the price moderate. Particulars as to profits etc. will be given to and the books may be inspected by bona fide intending purchasers. Further particulars on application at the premises only.
Sold because owner is leaving Burma.
The undersigned hereby give notice that the firm of Darwood and Macgregor has this day been changed to Macgregor & Co. Mr John William Darwood retired from our firm on 9th April 1884. (sic)
John Macgregor, L. Kulenkampff, C. Junghenn. 28th July 1888.
As Assistant Engineer or Work Overseer.
Apply to D.D. Coath, Ahlone.
Lodge Victoria in Burma
of Mark Masters No. 68 EC
The regular meeting of the above Lodge will be holden in the "Masonic Temple" Cantonments, this evening (Fri.) at 8.30 p.m. precisely.
J.H. Clarkson, Offg. Secy.
Organ Recital
Mr Frank Sherriff will give his seventy-third organ recital this evening commencing at 9 o'clock in the Pro-Cathedral. There will be a collection made in air of the organ fund.
Watts & Skeen
Photographers and Picture Frame Makers.
10, Dalhousie St., east of Soolay Pagoda
Lost
On Sat. last, White Fox Terrier dog with black and tan head, drop ears and white mark down face, the finder will be rewarded on handing same to 10 Strand. E. Edwards.
Rangoon Trades Assoc.
The half yearly meeting of this Association will be held on Sat. 21st instant at 4 p.m. A.C. Hoare, Secy.
With immediate entry. "Kokine Lodge," Kokine.
Apply to Geo. Shaw Taylor, no. 1 Phayre St.
T.H. Stephens
Dental Surgeon. Has returned to Rangoon and may be consulted by appointment for a short time only at 21 Merchant St., (above Dawson's) or at 4 Merchant St.
Founded 1864. Rangoon Diocesan Schools
President – The Right Rev'd. The Lord Bishop of Rangoon
Vice-president – The Rev'd. John Fairclough, offg. Archdeason
Hony. Secy. – Rev'd. W.B. Sisam, B.A. (St. Philips)
Headmaster – Mr Hy. Cowling, Culhane Collage, Oxon
Headmistress – Mrs Cumming, Whitelands College, Chelsea
The large and commodious school buildings are situated in a healthy and pleasant part of the city of Rangoon and ample opportunity is allowed for healthy exercise in the large compounds attached. The Boarding Departments are under the careful supervision of Lady Superintendents.
These schools will be closed on the 20th instant for the Mid-summer holidays and will be re-opened on Mon. Aug. 6th
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The following advertisement appeared in the Moulmain Times of 20th July
FOR SALE - The house next to the Baptist Burial ground at present occupied by Mr Geo. Dawson. Apply to John F.X. Thompson. Moulmein 19th July 1888. Mr Dawson rejoined on the 24th instant with the following jeu d'esprit ;
I beg to inform the public that I do not at present occupy the Baptist Burial Ground, as intimated in an advertisement that appeared in this paper last Friday. This statement is to say the least of it premature and if intended as a joke is a grave and unfeeling one.
George Dawson, Maulmain, 23rd July 1888.
Balthazar's Auctions
Sat. 14th July at his Furniture Mart in Merchant St. opposite Evershed's Hotel, at noon. The whole of the Stock-in-Trade of furniture and household requisites of Mr E.C. Pusey.
Sat. 14th July at his Furniture Mart in Merchant St. opposite Evershed's Hotel, at noon. The whole of the Stock-in-Trade of furniture and household requisites of Mr E.C. Pusey.
Local - General News / Letters to the Editor
Thayetmyo News
From our own correspondent
The second meet of the Thayetmyo Paper Hunt took place on 27th instant, the meet being at Mr Radcliff's bungalow. … We were glad to see the meet graced by two ladies, one of whom took all the jumps and came in leading the first flight.
Promptly at 5.30 the hunt moved off and soon found abundance of paper, Mr Going taking the lead on Ruddygore followed by Mr Campbell on Chorister and the rest of the hunt. The scent led across the polo ground, over a marshy sort of water jump, up towards the followers' bazaar before arriving, at which a mud wall had to be negotiated. Ruddymore who was first up refused, the rest of the ponies took it in good style and we were glad to see that very few members availed themselves of the gaps, in fact jumping and going was much better than at our last meeting.
The scent now led into the bazaar … Out of the bazaar to the north across the Maidan Mr Going was seen sailing away on Ruddygore the rest soon took up the line and away they went right merrily. Ali Beg taking matters into his own hands appeared anxious to get Mr Bourke home as soon as possible, he was however, turned in the right direction, missing a hurdle, which had been taken by all the rest in capital form. The line now led across the MacIntyre Road on the far side of which was a steep incline with a ditch and at a little distance another hurdle. … The scents now led over a water jump about 14 feet with a small hedge on the taking off side. Mr Campbell and Mr Going raced at it together and flew it in fine style, followed by Mr Graham; Mr Bourke's pony swerved and not going quite the pace, pecked and came down, not so the rider who stalked away without coming to grief, he caught the pony after being nearly jumped into by another member, whose pony had also swerved. The line now led up the Twynham Road, through Major Harvey's compound, over a stiff log fence into the South Wales Borderers Mess. Mrs Campbell was first over this bit of timber and must be complimented on the plucky way in which she rode.
We welcome a stranger on a dark chestnut with two white stockings who rode very straight and well.
The members were now regaled with refreshments in the Mess.
C.H. Duffin, Apprentice Examiner, sub. pro tem. and Asst. Examiner, 2nd grade, temporary rank, reverts to his substantive appointment of Accountant, 4th grade.
The services of C.A.B. Target, Executive Engineer, 1st grade, Burma, are temporarily placed at the disposal of the Govt. of Madras.
Mandalay News
The great event of the week had been the installation of Fr. Simon as Bishop. This took place on Sunday at St. Joseph's Cathedral, the Venerable Bishop Bigandet directing operations. Naturally, it was a field day for the Catholics, who mustered in great force; Colonel Strover represented the civilians, while the Military were reinforced by a strong draft from the Munsters. … Evidently the Church of Rome does not mean to follow the lead of the Armenian community, which threatens to collapse as a distinct religious entity.
Chater, the Head Clerk of the Civil Court and Vertannes, the proprietor of the biggest pop-machine in Burmah, also of a store on C. Road, are either personally or through friends washing their dirty linen con amore, in the columns of the Herald.
In the case of Dawson, the railway guard who got in a row with the police, as mentioned in my last, Mr Travers Drapes writes to acquit Annesley of blame in the matter. He however proceeds to say that the police are a great deal too high-handed, especially with Burmans.
Mrs Urquhart and family, who may be known to your Moulmein readers, left here on Sunday.
Shwegyeen News
Our present little excitement consists of hunting (or being hunted as the case may be) two or more tigers who have taken up quarters, with their usual disregard to authority, unpleasantly close to the court houses and public offices. They killed a cow within 500 yards of the Deputy Commissioner's house last night and this may act as a hint to the official to return a few more of the confiscated guns to the persons from whom they were certainly illegally taken. …
From Moulmein comes Mr Campagnac to be the Headmaster of the Government School here, vice Mackertoom who officiates there for Adams. This is reasonable, but we are all struck in a heap at learning that our popular and highly respected Telegraph Master Mr Simpson is transferred to Mietta on the mountains to the east of Tavoy, what a place to send a family man; Meitta is considered the telegraph penal settlement but no one has ever heard a breath of complaint against Mr Simpson that he should be sent there. On the other hand the last Telegraph Master who was here notoriously neglected his duties and for days together was non est, this went on for years and nothing was done until the Examiner of Accounts brought embezzlement to notice when he was prosecuted and sentenced to 2½ years, such is life. …
The Rangoon Gazette and The Evening News
The following we extract from the Calcutta Evening News of the 28th June. Up till yesterday or a week after the threat no "action" has been commended against the Evening News. We extracted the article and so did the Burman of Moulmain, (sic) so the Rangoon Gazette if he really means fighting in Court, might commence on defendants nearer home:-
"We have received the following telegram from the Proprietor (big P) of the Rangoon Gazette:- "Unless an immediate retraction is made of libelous statement in your article of the 18th instant, regarding my guarantee of double circulation, I shall commence an action against you here. I give you until Thursday" (today) "to consider." We have not replied "directly" to our friend – but we hereby inform him that we do not intend to withdraw one single word contained in the article alluded to; and if the alternative was "hanging" we would accept the alternative rather than apologise to a time-serving-and in our estimation a despicable – rag, such as the Rangoon Gazette. We await developments."
It is well known in Burma and absolutely capable of proof that the Rangoon Gazette has not the boasted guaranteed double circulation it advertises it has. We recently gave our contemporary an excellent chance of proving the truth or falsehood of its advertisement by suggesting that the public accountant, chosen by him, to decide a bet regarding the subscription list of both papers, should also report on their respective "circulation." This would have conclusively shown that the Gazette Proprietor's statement in his advertisement of a guaranteed double circulation is untrue. Our contemporary seemingly shuffled out of the bet because he evidently did not want the untruth regarding his circulation exposed. However the truth will, no doubt, come out if he brings the matter up in Court as he threatens, but he is apparently taking his time over it.
The Gazette and Ourselves
There seems a prospect of the respective circulation of the Gazette and Times being enquired into by Mr Hoare. The following additional correspondence on the matter may interest some of our readers:-
Rangoon Gazette Office 76 Phayre St., Rangoon
Mr Dear O'Brien,
Your letter reached me about 8 p.m. last night, too late to reply to yesterday.
You are evidently of a mathematical mind and remind me of the man who having got into bed with his wife was not satisfied with taking nearly all the blanket but wanted nearly all the bed also. From a business point of view this attempt to keep things in proportion is no doubt quite admissible, if the other party will only consent. Not satisfied with getting me to go to the length of betting that my subscribers are three times the number of yours – a very sporting offer you must admit – now you want something more as regards the circulation. As I hold yours to be a fictitious one got up simply with a view to mislead the public, and probably also the Government, I cannot see that to extend Mr Hoare's enquiry or examination would serve any purpose. However, as you seem to base your desire to have the number of copies struck off by you published, on the idea that my circulation since 1st Jan. has been steadily going down, I am willing to comply with your wish, on the understanding that should it be proved that my circulation has not been going down steadily as you supposed since January, you give me Rs. 500, I giving you the same sum should Hoare find matters to be as you suppose. Now here's a chance for you, you can't expect everything your own way; here is something to show that you can concede something to your opponent. The decision of Hoare as to the subscribers can be taken either on 1st Jan. or 1st June lists, one or the other. I can't afford to have my books and the time of my clerks taken up to such an extent as your several proposals would require. Yours sincerely, Jno. A. Hannay
If necessary you may depend on it I shall adopt your own tactics with regard to circulation, to keep mine double of yours but I don't think it will be necessary.
Rangoon Gazette
The Rangoon Gazette endeavours to get out of his false quoting of the Times by showing he quoted as a statement of our circulation what we advertised as a "prospect." Ingenious perhaps, but unscrupulous. The Gazette is evidently ignorant too of the first law of betting that "you cannot win if you cannot lose." A bet on his part of a fact with which he is intimately acquainted, viz whether his circulation is increasing or going down, or of ours on the same point as regards our circulation, would necessarily be void; both managers having full knowledge of these respective points. We hope that the correspondence between the respective managers of both papers has now ceased and that we shall have no reason to inflict any more of it on the public. But our supporters have an interest in knowing which paper has given the true version of facts, and we therefore considered ourselves justified in taking up the space we did on the subject. If the Gazette manager wants the same secrecy on the subject he upholds with reference to Government relations with his favourite monopoly the Irrawaddy Flotilla, he should have said so and headed his effusions private and confidential.
The Rangoon Gazette having refused to allow the Accountant, agreed upon by both parties, to enquire into the truth or falsehood of his "guaranteed double circulation" and probably because he felt satisfied that he would lose the bet be offered of a treble subscription list and which we accepted, the bet has been declared off and the Rs. 500 cheque deposited by each party have been returned to them by Mr Hoare the Accountant. With regard to Mr Hannay's letter to Mr Hoare dated 1st July and published in yesterday's Gazette the public will not fail to observe that he was never asked to "extend the scope" of the conditions of the bet. When he was asked to do was to take advantage of the Accountants presence in the offices of both newspapers and ascertain the truth or falsehood of his boastful guarantee of a double circulation. For reasons best known to himself he has refused, but as we have repeatedly asserted that the story of the Gazette's double circulation over the Times is false, ordinary people would have thought that the Gazette would have been glad to avail himself of such a favourable opportunity of proving his boast true.
It is fifteen years since the Venerable and much loved Bishop Bigandet left Mandalay with the avowed resolution of never visiting it again, the first being for political reasons and secondly that Upper Burma was converted into a Bishorpic under the Episcopal charge of Rev'd. Bishop Bourdon. Little did he then dream that things would take a difference turn within these few yeras and that events would once more necessitate his presence up here. He has found vast changes, first the dynastic one, instead of an arrogant and despotic King reigning, the mild and affable Col. Strover representing the rule of the Queen Empress Victoria. Ministers by the hundreds supplanted by Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner and Extra Assistant Commissioners and a host of other under-strappers. Where inflammable huts stood now pucca and substantial houses have taken their places. Roads are metalled, gharries ply and the whole country is assuming a different aspect. This is not all that surprised him, but to see that the Upper Burma Mission had not been idle but had added some hundreds to their flock, no doubt, gladdened his Lordship's heart more than all the other changes.
On Sunday 24th instant Bishop Bigandet went through the long and imposing ceremony of installing Fr. F. Simon with the rights and powers of a Bishop. A little before 8 a.m. the clergy, twelve in number, followed by Bishop Bigandet, left the Clergy House, while the band of the 16th N.I. struck up "The Garb of old Gaul" and entered the church by the main entrance. On arriving at the alter the Bishop Elect had Fathers Laconte and Guerin as his supporters and Bishop BIgandet Fathers Cardo and Durand assisted by Fathers Boulanger. Hysman, Tobeas and Osse. The Papul Bull was rad out by Fr. Hysman and then commenced the imposing and solemn ceremony which lasted two hours. There were a few guests invited and Fr. Faircot was deputed as usher. Among the guests were Col. Strover, the French Consul and the Commanding Officers. The church was tastefully decorated outside with cloth and fringes of cut lace in paper, pillars encased in cretonne, inside pillars entwined with white netting and gold … The Episcoal chair (a magnificent one of Burmese make enclosed with maroon hangings,) altar with exquisite artificial and natural flowers and dressed in such a style as it suited the occasion. …
In the evening after the Benediction in St. Joseph's Chapel there was a procession to the site of the New Cathedral where Bishop Simon laid the foundation stone. Bishop Bigandet delivered an impressive Burmese sermon on "Charity" a subject that Burmese delight in as they would sacrifice anything for it and this very Cathedral is being built by one Moung Pho, a wealthy Burmese Christian, at a cost which is estimated at Rs. 60,000, Moung Pho will not allow anyone to share in the expense. He wishes to have the benefit of all blessings attached to such undertakings wholly and solely. Thus passed the memorial day of Bishop Simon's installation.
Mr Merrifield, the late Editor of the Mandalay Herald has been appointed as Head Clerk of the Municipality on Rs. 150. His many friends here wish him success in this new sphere of his life.
A supply of very good honey was recently brought down from Tounghoo to Tongyee Railway Station in tins by some Karens. This is apparently a new trade.
Organ Recital
Mr Frank Sherriff will give his seventy-second organ recital this evening in the Pro-Cathedral commencing at 9 o'clock …
Tharrawaddy
The latest Tharrawaddy disturbances are said to have resulted from the disgust of villagers near Zeegong with the punitive police taxes. The rebels are said to express their intentions of going for Government Servants exclusively. Their policy is also to destroy Government property.
The Karens of this district have recently sustained a heavy loss in the death of their principal leading man. Without him they are said to be as sheep without a shepherd. They have a good friend in Mr Todd Naylor, the Dist. Officer, but unfortunately he does not speak Karen. One of the Karens of this district in Rangoon recently said it would be easy with a trusted Karen leader to bring the dacoits now in Camp, prisoners, or starve them in their retreats on the hills.
G.E. Walker, who has been Postmaster in Rangoon for the last five years, left by the mail steamer this morning for Calcutta. Considering the sort of staff he has had to work with and the large increase in all sorts of postal work in Burma, we think Mr Walker has done remarkably well although his superiors are said not to be satisfied. They have however, we learn, given his successor Mr Heysham from Calcutta, an increase in establishment amounting to one third to begin with. We wish Mr Walker every success in his new appointment.
Tharrawaddy District
The attempt to wreck the mail train in the Tharrawaddy district which was detected owing to the Deputy Commissioner's action in going to the spot with a few policemen and a pilot engine, was the result of two urgent telegrams sent by Mr Hill, Asst. Superintendent of Police at Zeegong. The first one Mr Todd Naylor laughed at and refused to believe in the rebellion. On getting the second one with further particulars, he took instant action, with the fortunate result attained. The European Officers in this disturbed district are amongst the smartest we have in the province.
A little new blood amongst the Burmese Officials would seem desirable and good Karen Myooks or Inspector of Police would seem to be a thing that Tharrawaddy badly wants at present. The Deputy Commissioner from latest accounts has captured 30 of the villains who tried to upset the train. The gang is said to be 200 strong and the leaders two phoongies.
Dog Bite
On Tuesday last while the child of Mr Loader, the Station Master of Insein, was amusing itself on the platform, a large dog belonging to Mr Yerburry, one of the travelling Auditors, seized the child by the arm, inflicting a severe bite, the child was immediately carried to the dispensary and the bite was well cauterized with the result that up to yesterday only a slight inflammation set in, but no fever. The dog, we believe, was subsequently shot.
The popular Registrar of the Recorder's Court and Major of the Volunteers Mr J.E.G. Villa left with his two sons in the mail steamer Nuddea (sic) this morning for a trip to England. Mr Clague of the Comptroller's office, Rangoon, and his brother Mr P.E. Clague also proceed to Europe with the mail in the same steamer as Mr Villa.
We believe the latter's intention is to leave his two sons in England for their education and that he himself will return to Rangoon in October. We wish the whole party a pleasant voyage and hope we shall see them all back in Rangoon in renewed health and strength before very long.
ABL note: Mr P.E. Clague was not mentioned in the shipping list.
There was a man once … To tell you the honest and sober truth, Upper Burma has fallen from its exalted place in the political firmament and Mandalay instead of forming the gossip focus of the world, is sinking to the dull uninteresting level of deadly common place. Soon – alas! too soon for me – it will fall to the level of Moulmein, a town only alluded to in occasional fugitive pars, only claiming casual attention from a transitory row in the Municipal Committee, a funeral, a fire, a death – or that next most melancholy thing, a marriage. It has been good while it lasted; but the pay – dirt is thinning out. I shall speedily have to consider the desirability of raising gigantic goose-berries. …
The only social mems are the arrival of Mrs Graves – the belle of Mimbu – also that the women's Temperance Union invited the godly to tea, cake and the path of virtue. … General Stedman, last heard of struggling through the defile, is reported safe and sound at Mogaung; and – though how the news can possibly have got down by this date, deponent knoweth not suggests a large increase in our permanent police force there. It is said that no less than nine extra Inspectors will be wanted for that division; and the great army of unemployed is away to the Palace with its testimonials. … Speaking of the unemployed, if you only knew the numbers of men "out" here and the absolute uselessness of men ignorant of Burmese coming up, you would distribute tracts on the subject to passengers by up-river boats.
About the proposed railway extension, opinions vary. I was informed on fairly good authority only two months back that any further extension would hardly enter the domain of practical politics for some years. So firmly was this general belief established in the public mind that the appearance in your columns of the Chief Commissioner's intention has surprised most people. No doubt it would be an immense boon to the public, to the country and to trade; but Mandalay people look upon the shifting of the practical terminus and distributing centre elsewhere as the beginning of the end, as far as our ever becoming a really first class city is concerned. It is intended to explore and survey the country and it might very well be arranged to make such operations throw light upon our ultimate connection with India; but, looking at the financial condition both of India and Burmah, considering the cloudiness of the political horizon, we are not only sceptical but even stiff-necked and obstinate in our disbelief of the near laying of the Sagaing-Mandalay lay line. Why Sagaing too? About the last place where any sane man would propose bridging the Irrawaddy, where the river is wide, the bottom bad and the bed of the stream a variant. A line without a bridge would be practical absurdity; and there are plenty of places to the north where the stream can be easily bridged.
The Volunteers are bucking up for the Inspection, which, postponed to the 13th has now become a movable feast. The officers will feed in pomp and glory at the Bank. There was an attempt at a battalion parade on Friday; but the rain caused the warriors and the band to bolt. As I turned away a sadder and a wetter man, the last thing I saw was Lt.-Col. Temple, in full panoply, sliding home-ward beneath an umbrella.
The club has progressed considerably on paper; but there seems some question about finance. A splendid site has been secured; and the haute noblesse had a big pow-wow on the subject, chez Robertson, on Thursday.
The Municipality is going to shift from its suburban quarters to a fine new building in C Road in a most central situation.
The weather is muggy and just now inclined to rain; judging from the number of coffins seen, cholera is on the increase slightly, both in the Town – which is distinct from either the City, the Palace or the Cantonment – and in the Jail. Regarding the prisoner who attempted to escape, I hear that he made his bolt on the night prior to his execution; he dodged the sentries who missed him and was floored by O'Connor, the head Jailor, with the butt of a revolver. They incontinently stretched him when the next day was young.
Brady has left the ice-mill and Pedroni succeeds him; the former talks of going to Benares to run a freezer there. Grin talks of starting a second-class hotel in the premises lately vacated by Dr. Pedley, at the corner of C. Road and Merchant St. Mr Swinhoe, who comes up to assist Mr Travers-Drapes is one of the Calcutta Swinhoes, whoever they may be; our friend the Major yearns for England. Home, and beauty.
The Herald is still warming up the Municipality, an amusement much indulged in by Indian editors, with whom the misdoings of their City Fathers form a standing dish, faute de mieuz; this time – or, at least, some months ago, consule Bridges – the Committee purchased a house and apparently got its eye opened. The instant crucifixion of all and sundry is demanded; had the house been D'Silva's we should probably have heard nothing more about it. By the bye, I hear our friend is going to build a bazaar at Kyouktse; it will supply a great want and deserves success.
Rangoon Port Trust
Excerpts from the Proceedings of the Two Hundred and Twentieth Meeting of the Commissioner held at their office on Wed. 27th June 1888. … Read a letter from Messrs. Edmund Jones & Co. dated 14th June, asking that another godown (similar to the one occupied by them at present) may be constructed for them adjoining the Latter St. wharf godowns for storage etc. … The tenders received for constructing two godowns adjoining the existing Latter St. wharf godowns for the storage of police stores and cutch having been considered, it was resolved that Mr Vertanne's tender for Rs. 13,500 be accepted.
Read a letter from the Port Officer, no. 222… dated 22nd June forwarding papers relative to the S.S. Africa having collided with cargo-boat no 12 and the S.S. Fitzpatrick on the 17th idem, while the former vessel was in charge of Mr A. David, Asst. harbour-master. Resolved that the papers be forwarded to the Chief Secretary to the Chief Commissioner with a request that a Court of Enquiry may be convened under the Indian Merchant Shipping Act, 1883, to investigate the circumstances of the accident.
Read a letter from the Port Officer, no 222… dated 19th June forwarding an application from Mr C.A. Small, Licenced Pilot, for an extension of leave until 30th Aug. 1888 and stating that he was granted the leave in anticipation of the Port Commissioners' sanction. Resolved that the extension of leave granted to Mr Small be confirmed.
Read a letter from the Asst. Secy. to the Chief Commissioner no 56… dated 21st June forwarding the proceedings of a Court of Enquiry convened to investigate a charge against Mr C. Warburton, a Licensed Pilot, of breach of Rule 35 (g) of the Rangoon Pilot Rules in absenting himself from duty without orders and requesting that Mr Warburton may be severely reprimanded and warned for the future. Resolved that a copy of the letter be forwarded to the Port Officer for the necessary action.
Read a letter from the Asst. Secy. to the Chief Commissioner no 602… dated 22nd June 1888 forwarding the proceedings of a Court of Enquiry constituted to enquire into a charge against Mr E.M. Simmonds, a Licensed Pilot, of wilful disobedience of Rule 25 of the Rangoon Pilot Rules and requesting that Mr Simmonds may be reprimanded and warned to be careful in future. Resolved that a copy of the letter be forwarded to the Port Officer for the necessary action.
Leave – Burma State Railway
We hear that Mr Latham-Browne, Examiner of Accounts, Burma State Railway and Mr Rigg the Deputy Manager have been granted leave of absence and proceed by next Mail Steamer to England.
A Bassein telegram dated 28th June to the Akyab Provincial News states that at the auction of Mr Bob's Saw Mill at Bassein the Rev'd. Nichols of the American Baptist Mission was the highest bidder and purchaser for Rs. 30,000.
A batch of 100 long term Burmese prisoners leave this morning for Calcutta en route to various jails in India, Head Constable Tobeson and an escort of Constables go in charge.
A fine cool evening and the ground not too soft should have induced more riders to have turned out on Wednesday, as it was the attendance was rather poor. The course was a very tricky one, there being several checks, but the hares Messrs. Dickie and Horton, knew pretty well from past experience how to throw the keenest of hounds off the scent. The meet was at the entrance of Dalhousie Park and the run led through the jungle on the other side of Lake Road, then back again near the entrance to Dunneslin and through that part of Dalhousie Park opposite West House. Here a stiff mud wall had to be negotiated but there were no spills. The scent then led towards the Pagoda but turned off sharp into the old rifle range and then round the tank at the back of the Pagoda, passing thence near the kennels and so on to the Boundary Road. The scent was from here to the finish anything but strong, but as it was a straight run home through Windsor Forest, the paucity of paper did not much matter. On the whole the run was a most enjoyable one and the pace for the last mile or so very good.
Leave
Mr B. Ribbentrop, officiating Inspector-General of Forests, takes furlough after the work for which he is about to visit Burma is brought to a close.
Railway
The management of the Traffic Department of the Burma State Railways does not appear to have a good reputation, as only one station master out of eight that were ordered to join the Burma line from the Tirhoot State Railway will accept the transfer, the rest preferring to resign and forefeit their pensionable service than take employment in Burma on higher salaries. The management of the Locomotive Department of the Burma State Railway has been more fortunate, as it finds no difficulty in getting subordinates for the new extension to the open line.
Sir, Kindly allow me a few lines in your paper about the Young Mens' Institute, I am a subscriber to the same Institute. It is conducted by Mr Ambrose, Librarian, who no doubt, keeps the place in really a quiet state and enables us to read without interruption. A few days ago, I am told, the Hony. Secretary permitted some persons to occupy the bottom portion of the building. These tenants are the whole day making a noise and disturbing members of the Institute and I have also another remark to make against persons who keep spitting in the room and doing many other unbecoming things. I hope the Secretary of the above mentioned Institute will do something to prevent this or I see that many of the members will be leaving the Institute, Yours truly, DON
Mr Lilly
The statement of the Rangoon Gazette of the 5th instant with reference to a case in which Mr Lilly, Executive Engineer, gave evidence, that Mr Lilly left the ignored rupees to the clerks of the court as bukshish is, we are informed, incorrect and has resulted in some correspondence between the Court authorities. The facts are that Mr Lilly said that Rs. 3 per day would hardly pay his expenses and he asked the Magistrate if he could decline to take it and on being answered in the affirmative, he declined to receive Rs. 18 for the 6 days he had attended.
Rangoon Hunt
The hounds will meet today in the Green Lane behind Dr. Johnstone's house at 5.30 p.m. and the run will finish at the kennels.
Mr Hartnoll
An old offender named Kya Galay was yesterday charged before the Junior Asst. Magistrate by Guard Hartnoll of the local train, with pickpocketing between Rangoon and Insein. The evidence being conclusive His Worship found the accused guilty and sentenced him to 18 months rigorous imprisonment and to receive 30 stripes.
Jaboona Sale
The Rangoon Gazette says the Jaboona has not been sold by Government to the Flotilla. If our information is incorrect we regret it, and on a point like this our contemporary is perhaps more likely to get the best information. But if the Government wish to get the best price they should call for tenders as is done in other similar cases in most parts of India. The Sir William Pitt sale was bad enough without repeating the scandal in the case of another Government Steamer.
There is a slight outbreak of cholera in the shore Cantonment and the disease has been increasing considerably of late in the native portion of the town. … I find that I made a misstatement about the Europe Hotel; Grin will continue to run that while his wife will run the new institution – the "Ruby" – in her own name, if they can get a license. This is monopoly with a vengeance and there being only two licenses issued, will, by preventing competition, give neither the travelling public nor any enterprising caterer a chance. … By the bye, I understand the Town Survey will be completed this year, it has been an enormous piece of work and the way it has been completed reflects great credit on all concerned especially Mr Gibson, the Superintendent.
So poor Crabrtee has gone, it was through him I originally came to Burmah. Many up here will remember him kindly as a thoroughly good fellow, unselfish and hard working. He had many friends both here and at home; sit [tibi] terra levis!
Posting
First grade Asst. Apothecary R. Butler from the Bangalore DIvn. and 2nd grade Apothecary W.G. McFarland from the Secunderabad station hospital have been transferred to the Burma Divn., as a temporary measure.
The Committee of Management of the Rangoon General Hospital beg to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the munificent donation of Rs. 787 towards the funds of the General Hospital from Mr Egerton Allen, Barrister-at-Law.
Mr Reardon
Yesterday on arrival of the S.S. Palitana, Mr Reardon, a Preventive Officer, arrested two Chinamen who had been found to have had a quantity of opium secreted in their bedding. The men were, in the ordinary course, made over to the police and will be charged today.
Mr E. Grant, Chief Superintendent, attached to the Office of the Comptroller, Burma, is transferred to the Paper Currency Office at Calcutta.
Letters to the Editor
(1) Increase in Water Rates
Sir, The Municipal Committee have certainly brought forward a curious argument for increasing the water tax: as the Drainage is a Conservancy scheme why not increase the Conservancy taxes, and so place the burden on those for whose benefit the money is being spent; there are a great many who use water but do not pay Conservancy taxes, why should they be taxed extra? Our friend Dr Marks has again posed as champion of publicity and invites discussion (save the mark) so as to get the taxes raised without getting the credit for it. The ratepayers may rest assured that as long as Dr. Marks and the present Engineer and staff are connected with the Municipality there will be an increasing necessity for more taxation. Who was it that originated the Income Tax proposal? The paying of Rs. 500 a month to the President? Who supported Bateman's cool proposal to pay his master Rs.600 a month of the public money? The same man who now poses as a champion for publicity and pretends to invite discussion. Let the Committee show that they are doing their best to economise, let them apply the shears to that expensive and inefficient department which has Mr Clarke at its head and the extravagancy which is mainly responsible for the necessity for increased taxation. Let them rule that Engineers, Asst. Engineers and subordinates are not to engage in private work such as preparing plans and superintending buildings to the neglect of their own proper duties and then, if increased taxation is necessary, it will be more cheerfully borne. Increased Municipal taxation does not perhaps affect Dr. Marks. If it did, perhaps, he would not be so ready with proposals to mis-appropriate the public money. Yours faithfully, STROKES
Dear Sir, In Saturday's issue of the Rangoon Gazette I see an inspired paragraph to the effect that the Financial Sub-Committee which sat on Friday, decided to recommend to the General Committee to raise the rates of water. Will you permit me to suggest that the public all a monster meeting and lodge a protest against this uncalled for tax on an already overtaxed people. The Committee apparently went headlong and ruthlessly spent the tax payers' money over a drainage scheme and now that they find that their unprofessional calculations are a good bit out and they want more money, they want a long suffering public to pay for their blundering. Already besides paying a water rate the public have to pay for bheesties to convey the water to their houses makes the tax a very heavy one and now to add to it is like feeding the fire already burning. May I through the medium of your journal call upon fellow citizens to stand up as one man and raise their voices against this wholesale plundering. RATE PAYER
Tavoy
Tavoy, at the present moment is quiet, Col. C. Hayter, C.B., has come into town some time ago with most of the troops, Mr Rae has also returned, also Mr Aldworth.
But there has been no word from Inspector Ford since 26th instant, and it is feared that they have had some trouble, in fact there was a report that they were all killed by a trap fixed on the Siam road near some deep cutting. The party consists of Inspector Ford and Volunteer Richards, P.W.D. and 10 men of the police (not Burman police.) It is hoped that this report is only bazaar gup.
The Commissioner, Col. Plant, is here and will remain in Tavoy for some time. Mr Harris of the Police has come here to relieve Stowel.
There is a report that there are some 180 rebels within five days march of Tavoy and that 200 bad characters from Maulmain (sic) left some time ago to join them, however this needs confirmation. The rains have damped their spirits for the present, but from all accounts we may look for a fresh uprising directly they are in a position to get about.
Col. C. Hayter, C.B., inspected the Tavoy Volunteers on the 27th ult. and gave them great praise for their efficiency in the field and on parade and in garrison. He stated the Tavoy Volunteers were they very stamp of men required for volunteers and thanked them for their assistance in the field.
Thayetmyo
Great preparations were being made for a suitable reception for the Chief Commissioner who arrived here on the afternoon of the 3rd instant and on landing was welcomed by the representatives of all offices, a guard of honour of 100 men of the 2nd South Wales Borderers under command of Col. Woodhouse, 29th M.I., together with the Punjabi and Burmese Police under Mr Perreau, Superintendent of Police, being in attendance. Further up the road Sir Charles was again greeted [this time] by the boys and girls of the S.P.G. Mission School together with their Principals the Rev'd. Mr Krishna and Mrs Mah Hnit. Much credit is due to Dr. Frenchman Vice-President of the Municipality for the interest taken in the erected of pandals etc.
On the same night Sir Charles was entertained by the officers of the station at a sumptuous dinner, the praiseworthy management of which is due to Major Harvey, 2nd South Wales Borderers. Sir Charles crossed over to Allanmyo yesterday and was there similarly welcomed by the Asst. Commissioner, Myooke and other.
Last night amateur theatricals under the auspicious patronage of Sir Charles, were kindly given by the officers and their ladies, the proceeds of which are to be contributed towards the Netley Hospital. The price of 1st class seats was Rs. 3 (always the price when officers perform) which is considered somewhat heavy considering they are "only" amateurs and notwithstanding the good object the money is devoted to.
Sir Charles has again left this morning for Sinboungway and from thence to Minhla. It is rarely such excitement and bustle is experienced in this quiet town of ours and it is to be regretted that Sir, Charles has left us so soon, for supreme quietness will once more reign.
Stamp Act
The Rangoon Municipality, with the Collector and Superintendent of Stamps for their President, seems to be doing exactly the same thing as a European firm was fined the other day for doing ; when the President of the Pegu Municipality sent their unstamped bill to the same Collector for prosecution for infringement of the Stamp Laws viz sending out bills over Rs. 20 signed by the Secretary, the Akoonwoon and the Thoogyee without stamp. Mr Norton should take an early opportunity as Collector, to write and warn himself as President, of this illegal action of Rangoon Municipal subordinates. It seems it is not sufficient to stamp these bills when payment is made on them. They must be stamped when they are made out and issued and the not doing so is an infringement of the provisions of the Stamp Law.
Henzada
Want of news is my apology for not writing so long. For the last two weeks, however, the quiet town has been enlivened by "distinguished arrivals." First came the Commissioner of this Division, Col. Spearman with Mrs Spearman and Miss Sutherland.
Next came the Chief Commissioner who was received by all the officials and Municipal elders. A pandal was erected on the river bank, where an address of welcome was read to him. Owing to the inclemency of the weather he did not go about much that evening, but on the following day he visited the jail, schools, offices; and seemed pleased with all that he saw. Scarcely had the chief left, when the Judicial Commissioner arrive on his tour of inspection.
Our town is quiet, but there has been a few dacoities in the villages round about lately, especially in those on the Tharrawaddy side. The District Superintendent of Police however is always on the alert so that dacoits and bad characters have no easy time of it.
Towards the end of last month that dreaded scourge cholera broke out in the jail and did a great of havoc among the prisoners. A shed was promptly run up at some distance from the jail in which the prisoners were located for some time, resulting in the complete disappearance of the disease. …
The Rev'd. Graham de Lancy has taken over charge of the Bassein cum Henzada chaplaincy and seems an earnest and zealous worker. There is no doubt that he will infuse new life into church matters. He is here at present; this being his second visit.
The bund is apparently giving way rapidly and those competent to give an opinion say that in all probability Henzada will have to be removed bodily before very long.
We would draw the attention of our readers to the advertisement on our front page by Mr Langdon the Superintendent of the Eastern extension Australasia and China Telegraph Co. notifying that there is an interruption to communication on both their cables on the section Banjoewangie (South of Java) and Darwin (North of Queensland.) A volcanic eruption is believed to be the cause of the interruption. The repairing steamer "Recorder" is now on position of the breaks which are in the same locality. To prevent a recurrence of such inconvenience to the public the Company has, we hear, decided to immediately lay another cable between Java and Western Australia.
J. Stacey
It is a pity the Government do not avail themselves of the services of Mr J. Stacey, at present a Municipal Inspector in the Tharrawaddy district. He traded and lived at Zeegong, near the scene of recent disturbances, for two years and is probably more intimately acquainted with the surrounding localities and the inhabitants than most of the Europeans in the Tharrawaddy Police at present. Added to this his previous experience in the force would make him of great assistance to the authorities at the present juncture.
Rangoon Municipality
A special meeting of members of the Rangoon Municipality was held at the Town Hall yesterday at which the following gentlemen were present:
President – J.D. Norton, Vice-president - C.J. Brown.
Members: Rev'd. Dr. Marks, A.C. Pennycuick, E.A. Lutter, L. Andrews, J. Kearney, Aga Ahmed, L. Kin Seng, Sayah Ohn Ghine, Oo Kha and Oo Myat Tsan. The business before the meeting was the following …
1. The report on the working of the Municipal Girls' School for May is passed and Dr. Godber is appointed visitor until the next meeting – confirmed. …
3. Read – Letter no. … dated 15th June, from the Secretary to the Chief Commissioner regarding the Normal School building. The sub-committee recommend that the Municipality take over the building and that Mr Rickard be asked what he will give either as rent or to purchase the building – confirmed.
Rangoon Hunt Club
The paperchase on Wed. will start from the Maidan neat the Cantonment Ch. at 5.30 p.m. and will finish at the Native Hospital in Kemmendine Road.
Sir, I would crave a corner in your journal to expose the following painful incident which occurred a few days ago.
I had been married for nearly three years to my wife who passed away on the 7th instant. During all this time no quarrels or disturbances took place between us but about two months ago, after she has given birth to a child, a few words arose between us over an old woman who was staying with us; this seemed to have hurt her feelings and she left my protection, going to her brother's house, she being ill at the time; she grew worse and her brother took her to the General Hospital where she died.
All the time she was in hospital I was not permitted to visit her, I made several applications but to no purpose, as the Rev'd. Mr Tsan Baw who was her spiritual adviser, repeatedly and distinctly gave me to understand that it was my wife's particular desire that I was not to see her. This gentleman, who is a clergyman, I think was in duty bound, if there was any ill-feeling between myself and wife, to have used his good offices to bring about a reconciliation, more so if my wife was on her deathbed, instead of this he persisted in keeping me away from her.
On my wife's death, her body was removed from the hospital to her brother's house without my knowledge or consent, although Dr. Griffiths knew perfectly well that she was my wife and that I and I alone was the rightful person to remove the body and have the needful done.
After the body had been removed, my brother-in-law ordered the coffin and issued a notice to the effect that his sister, giving her Christian name, and not her name by marriage, had died and was to be buried in the evening, sending me one of those notices with a letter asking me to call over to his house and do the needful; I did not go to his house but proceeded to the cemetery.
On arrival of the funeral procession I asked the Rev'd. Mr Tsan Baw, who was the officiating Minister, to allow the coffin to be opened in order that I may satisfy myself that it was my wife and that she bore the wedding ring on her finger which, I am informed by one who was present, was removed, this request was sternly refused and the corpse was buried.
May I ask whether the clergyman did his duty as such from the beginning to the end? Whether it was not his duty, if there was any ill-feeling between me and my wife, to try and make peace between us and not allow me to be kept away at the time of her death? Also whether the hospital authorities were justified in handing over the corpse of my deceased wife to anybody else, no matter what his relationship? Yours Truly, Theodore Hook
Upper Burma Summary
In Shwebo there were six dacoities in which 51 head of cattle were looted, of these 29 were recovered. The rest of the Northern DIvn. was undisturbed throughout the week. In the Central Divn. there were a few dacoities of the ordinary type in each district. In one case in Sagaing the Police under Mr Inspector Wooldridge came up with the dacoits captured five and took two guns. In Ava Sub-divn. one of Bo Toh's leaders surrendered and gave up a Martini Henri rifle, a Sinder rifle and six guns with a quantity of ammunition. Mr Inspector Knox surrounded a village and captured Bo Pogaung and nine followers with two guns. In the Minbu dist. the Burman Police post at Sagu was attacked by a large gang. Five Policemen and villagers were killed and five wounded and four guns carried off. The Military Police turned out quickly but failed to overtake the dacoits. The rest of the Southern DIvn. was fairly quiet. In Yamethin there were 7 dacoities. The Police attacked a camp in the jungle and captured some guns. A strong gang of dacoits attacked a railway Police post at Gyobintha but were driven off. In Pyinmana there were four dacoities, in Meiktila one.
Rangoon
Jaboona
The Jaboona was sold we hear to the Irrawaddy Flotilla by the Director of Marine this week for Rs. 20,000 and not Rs. 25,000 as we were first informed. The reasons for selling this vessel and the Sir William Peel secretly we have not been able to discover but the Secretary of State will no doubt be able to give them when questioned regarding the sales in the House of Commons as he shortly will be.
A number of the employees of the Traffic Locomotive and other departments of the Railway met in their Railway Recreation Rooms yesterday. Mr Innes attended and was asked to preside to consider the reopening of the Railway Institute. After fully going into the pros and cons of the subject Mr Innes kindly promised to apply to Mr Buyers, the Manager, for the grant of about Rs. 1000 for purchasing a Billiard table and other games and also for an advance of about Rs. 400 (all out of the fine (sic) fund) to secure the Indian, English and local newspapers etc. The advance to be refunded from subscriptions and sums realised on the Billiard table. The Manager, Mr Buyers attended the meeting just to say that any proposition that may be put forward relating to the reopening of the Institute would have, as far as practicable, his cordial support.
Financial Commissioner
Mr Fryer, Financial Commissioner, yesterday inspected the various record rooms attached to the public buildings.
Mr Frank Sherriff will give his seventy-third organ recital this evening commencing at 9 o'clock in the Pro-Cathedral. There will be a collection made in aid of the organ fund.
On Thursday evening Lodge "Mandalay" guests and brethren mustering some 56 held its installation dinner at the Upper Burma Mandalay Headquarters. Having assembled at the Lodge, at present situated over Truda's Emporium in Merchant St. at 5.30 p.m. the Masons re-elected W. Bro. R.C. Temple W.M. P.D.G.S.D. of Burma etc. as W.M., at the same time choosing the remaining officers for the coming year and performing other Eleusynian Mysteries. At 8.30 p.m. an adjournment was made for dinner, which though looking well on paper was considered by some hardly up to Grin's usual mark; although, judging from the way in which all seemed to enjoy themselves, this may be deemed hypercriticism. An excellent band soothed the savage breast during which time the lions fed and blew vigorously during the remainder of the evening.
The W.M. proposed the three usual toasts with the assistance of the band, which, I need hardly say, were drunk with the usual enthusiasm. Worthy Brother G.F. Travers Drapes, P.D. D.G.M. Burma, then proposed the toast of the evening, the W.M. and Present and Past Officers, a task which he performed in a most happy and felicitous manner. He alluded to the vast strides made by the Lodge during the past year and stated that though much was due to the loyal way Capt. Temple had been assisted by his Officers, they all knew how much the Lodge was indebted to the Master, whom he congratulated on his merited re-election and upon the selection of his assistants; he hoped to see the Lodge in the future the most flourishing one in Burma. These sentiments evoked vociferous applause; the band snorted "Auld Lang Syne," while the W.M. blushed. Capt. Temple, in responding, recapitulated briefly the history of the Lodge, congratulated the Brethren on the state of their finances and said that he hoped three months would see them assembled in their new quarters; he alluded in graceful and feeling terms to the many services willingly rendered by his officers among whom Br. J.G. Marckmann, D.G.S., had been conspicuous for energy and zeal. After "The Sister Lodges" and "Then you'll remember me" on the band, the W.M. proposed "The newly initiated Brethren" the soft strains of "The Cawmills are Coming" being presumably for the benefit of the ubiquitous and popular Adjutant of the 16th M.I. who belong to that clan.
Bro. D.K. Macdonald proposed "The Guests" received with musical honours and responded for by The Campbell – our one, only, true and original. After "The Ladies" the Tyler's Toast – "To all poor and distressed and Masons wherever they may be by land or by sea, a speedily relief to all their sufferings and a happy return to their homes, whenever they may desire it."
Which was drunk in the customary solemn silence, while the band moved me to tears with "Ome Sweet Ome" very mournful, ditto slow, and a trifle flat as usual. Proceedings terminated about 1.30 a.m.
Wednesday's paper-chase was so poorly attended that one can only come to one conclusion and that is that the Saturday hunts are by far the most popular of the bi-weekly runs. Of course the addition of the hounds, scarlet coats, horn, bloater and other paraphernalia of the hunting field in making it a nearer approach to the real thing induce many more riders to attend, besides the pace with the hounds is generally better suited to the generality of horsemen than that of the Wednesday runs, during which the ordinary pony stands a very poor chance of coming in within a quarter of a mile of the leading steed. In sport, it is useless denying it, but the paperchases have developed into nothing more or less than steeple chases, it being a race from start to finish. There were not a dozen European riders at the meet at the Tin Church but the native contingent was strong. The hares were Messrs. Allison and MacDonald, who were allowed a start of 5 minutes. …
Mr Scott
We are sorry to hear that Mr Scott who recently came to Rangoon with new ice machinery has been laid up with fever and dysentery in the past few days. There is considerable difficulty, we are informed, in getting a piece of ground suitable for erecting the machinery. The demand for ice has diminished also since the rains set in, but with the opening of the railway and constant steamers arriving and departing, there should doubtless be room for two ice manufactories to do a profitable business in a large and constantly increasing town like Rangoon.
Rangoon Charitable Soc.
Minutes of a meeting of the committee of the Rangoon Charitable Society held in … on 4th July. The following cases were then considered and dealt with:-
C. Anderson – assistance given
Richd. Ross – a passage given to Madras
W.T. Zscherpel – assistance given
B. Binny – a passage to be given to Madras
Donald Kay – food given for one week
Antony Cacaciea – passage given to Singapore
John Anderson – a passage given to Calcutta
Chas. Bradwell – assistance in food given
John Gibbs – assistance given
The state of Stevenson's St., Lamadaw
As I very seldom write I hope you will kindly find this a space in your paper. I am a resident of the 2nd block of the above named street and have been so for about 9 years; during which time I have not the pleasure of witnessing it once repaired, although I had, on more than one occasion, written about its bad state. I remember having written 2 letters on the subject some time last year; but beyond a touch here and there, which made it worse than ever it was, nothing was done to induce the residents to believe that we were fairly treated for the taxes we paid. I hardly think it is fair on the part of the authorities to neglect repairing a street fifty five feet wide, because the residents are quite and do not grumble. In my case, sometime last year, I had to get a physician carried over a rut which extended the entire width of the street covering some 15 feet of ground in length to get to my house and there to see my wife who was in a dying state. Had the physician objected to being carried over I might not have been in time to save her. The present state of the street is just as it was last year with no improvement. The ruts have extended lengthwise and the street should be repaired if it is not to become impassable. Yours faithfully, A Resident, Rangoon 10th July
St. Mark's Church, Prome
8 a.m. Litany Holy Communion and address by Rev'd. John Tsan Baw, Port Chaplain of Rangoon.
Mr Harris
The case against the two Burmans for causing grievous hurt to Mr Harris was called on for hearing of the defence before the Asst. Magistrate yesterday, when four witnesses were examined, three of whom said the Mr Harris was drunk at the time of the alleged assault and that he assaulted the 1st accused and drew blood from his nose and that his hand [was] broken by having fallen from the stairs to the floor through drunkenness. His Worship promised to deliver judgement today.
Mr Hill
The suspension of Mr Hill, Inspector of Police, Pagadgoung in the Pegu Dist., is said to have arisen out of his being fined for assaulting the brother of a young Christian Burmese woman, on his expostulating with Mr Hall for throwing water over his sister at the time of the Burmese New Year festival. The assault was a gross one as far as we can ascertain and the lad had to go into hospital from the injuries he sustained. When there, he seems to have been arrested for alleged cattle theft and sent to Pegu for trial. The Dist. Magistrate who recognised the accused as the same man whom he had ordered to hospital at once released him. Mr Hill, we believe, is an active Policeman who has done good service against dacoits and bad characters. It is a pity that he seems to have so forgotten himself on this occasion. Whilst we want young active and plucky men on the Police and Mr Hill had all these qualities, we must check high handedness if we hope ever to get the people to assist in the maintenance of order and the detection of crime.
Saturday evening saw a good muster of the U.B.R.V. on the drill grounds, W. Moat, to witness the tent-pegging, tilting at the ring, lime cutting etc., for prizes given by Messrs. Dyer and Hill. The sports commended at 4.45 p.m. Lt-Col. Temple – otherwise – Captain - officiating as Judge. There were about seven entries for the first event-tilting at the ring - Private Ryder eventually winning after a tie with Private Hill, who resigned the second prize to Private Hanrahan occupying third place.
In the next event – lime cutting also there was a tie between the first two men, Sergt-Major Lemon, who has been invited to join, eventually beating Private Slim and taking premier honours and also coming in an easy winner at the tent pegging with a score of two out of three, only hitting with his first peg and carrying off the other two. There were no accidents, competition was keen and the entries fairly numerous.
General Stedman returned from Mogoung on Monday after a tour that seems to have been, from his own description, somewhat amphibious. He states that, the country being a perfect swamp, and their followers being prostrated from fever, neither Boh Htee not Po Swa, who are staying with a neighbouring Tsawbwa are capable of doing much mischief at present, nor for the same reasons, can our men, though their health indeed is better, do much on their side. In short, the far north may be described as quiet. Col. Strover is still away on tour in the Shwebo district, the Myadoung division of which, has recently been somewhat disturbed. He will return on Saturday.
The S.S. Aphyouk which, as you will remember was wrecked on the Bund in the big gale some months ago, has been ever since lying where she sank; the Flotilla people hope to float her toady.
I hear that Mr Newall of the Warwickshire Regiment, late Station Staff Officer of Fyzabad, has been appointed Adjutant of the U.B.R.V. …
Mr Robertson
We learn that it is not true that Mr Robertson, Hony. Asstistant Engineer, was placed under suspension as reported in the Mandalay Herald and which fiction was reproduced by our local contemporary.
Mr Billings
Our local contemporary in his issue of yesterday [13th July] appointed Mr Billings to act as Personal Asst. to the Chief Engineer, that is not quite correct. It is believed, however, that this Asst. Engineer has been appointed Personal Asst. to the Superintending Engineer, 1st Circle.
The Prome Municipality
We have to thank the President of the Prome Municipality for a copy of the report on its working for the year 1887-88. Mr Weidemann notices that he himself took no part in the working of the year under report but that it is satisfactory to note that much of the increased income of the town is due to revival of trade and confidence among the people. …
Thayetmyo News
Mr Brock, our much respected and popular Asst. Superintendent of Police, we are given to understand, retires from the service. His connection with the police force has been for over quarter of a century, during which time he has rendered good work. His separation from the force will no doubt be a matter of grief to many, particularly to those who know him intimately. His place has been filled up by Mr Bell, a young gentleman, active, intelligent and energetic, qualifications that are now-a-days paramount with officers, in the selection of candidates for Government employ. The present disturbed times, which are becoming chronic, press these points urgently on officers. We wish Mr Bell every success in his new sphere of life.
On Monday night a very sad case occurred in the town of Thayetmyo. A Burman, an excessive opium eater, while under the influence of opium stabbed his wife in several parts of her body with a dah and her mother, coming to her rescue, shared the same brutality. Both women were conveyed to the hospital where every assistance was rendered by Dr. Frenchman, who was called in, the Asst. Commissioner being also roused up to take down the wife's dying deposition. The Burman is still at large …
As usual about this season as elsewhere, drains here are cleaned and grass trimmed by the municipality, the convicts of our jail doing this work. Road-making and repairing is also in hand and the whole town generally displaying a fine and bright aspect which leads me to believe that Sir Charles has left us with no little satisfaction as far as our sanitation is concerned for which thanks are due to our present Vice-president for all the good done to this once neglected town. The President's work is multifarious and it has often been a wonder to many how this gentleman finds time to give things a "look-up" this duty he is saved by the able assistance of his two energetic subordinates Messrs. Mason and Dick.
Stamps Duty
Mr Beele, a Chief Engineer on one of the steamers of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Co., was prosecuted, by the Public Prosecutor for breach of the Stamp Act. in five instances while signing for his pay, before the Asst. Magistrate who fined him two rupees and a half in each instance aggregating rupees twelve and a half.
Mr A.G. Campagnac made over and Mr A.G. Mackertoom received charge of the Head Mastership of the Govt., High School, Moulmein, on the forenoon of 27th July 1888.
Rangoon Hunt Club
The paperchase on Wed. will start from the Race Stand at 5 30 p.m. and will finish at the Paymaster's compound Halpin Rd.
G.W. White
The Governor-General in Council is pleased to recognise the appointment of Mr G.W. White as Acting Consular Agent for Italy at Akyab during the absence of Mr G.H. Ruckert.
Lt. Donald John Campbell Macnabb, Highland Light Infantry, Asst. Commissioner, Burma, is admitted to the Bengal Staff Corps from 9th Mar. 1886. (sic)
Upper Burma Summary (Official)
In Shwebo there were two dacoities, in one of which Myook Maung Tha Hla pursued the gang killed the leader and recovered 24 head of looted cattle. Maung Tha Hla was slightly wounded. In the south of the district two other dacoit leaders were killed during the week. The rest of the northern division was undisturbed. In Sagaing there were four dacoities in one of which a Thurgyi and headman were murdered. Twenty dacoits surrendered to the Asst. Commissioner, Charmgu and a notorious leader surrendered in Ava giving up a revolver, 3 muskets and 2 jingols. In the Upper Chindwin a band of about 60 dacoits attacked and burnt the village of Shekan. Two parties of police have gone in pursuit. In Yeu there were 6 dacoities. The rest of the Central Division was undisturbed. The Southern Division was fairly quiet. In Pyinmana a gang of 50 Shans attacked a forester of [the] Bombay Burma Corporation and wounded one of the Karen guard, two elephants and seven of the Karen guard were missing and the elephants have since been found in the jungle. There were two murders near the railway of Indians. Meiktila and Yamethin were undisturbed except for an attempted dacoity of mails by derailing [a] mail trolly which was frustrated.
Mandalay News
14th June (sic)
Rain! Rain! What a delightful and pleasant change is made after a copious down pour. … You had an article lately, an apology "for adultery" where the delinquent, who happened to be an Asst. Commissioner gets a six months holiday to visit his friends in England, whereas if another had committed the self-same crime would have had perhaps s many months hard labour, but this is not all, our worthy Deputy Commissioner when here, if he were to take a cursory view he will find that some of our officials are really setting very bad examples to their juniors and the Burmese. We hear stories of some officials or their relatives accepting gifts such as a pappiah (sic) fruit artistically filled with rupees, fish, the row taken out and rupees placed instead and sewn up, nosegays the attractive flower being a diamond or ruby ring. Those who accept such as presents bring the English Government into disrepute. We have still many officials who remain un-corrupt and with the firm determinations of doing their work efficiently and to the best of their ability …
Recital
Mr Frank Sherriff will give his seventy-fourth Organ recital in the Pro-Cathedral … there will be one vocal item - a selection from the oratorio "Elijah" which will be sung by Mr E. Scrivens. …
Bhamo News
The weather has been very wet lately in Bhamo and as a consequence malarial fever is rife on every hand and the majority of us are thinking that if Terra de Fuego or Sierra Leone are much worse than Bhamo they must be bad indeed. "Bhamo fever" is well known and I should not be surprised if some clever medico someday startles the world with the intimation that it is not like other fevers, but something peculiar to the district.
The European regiment here has lost several men quite recently and many of its officer are ill also. Among the townspeople there is also much sickness. Col. Strover came up by the mail and is going down again with it on Fri. morning. Football is attracting the attention of our young men here and almost every fine evening a game may be undertaking of this description seen in progress on the Military Police drill ground. Trade in the town is remarkably quiet and is likely to remain so till the close of the rainy season. Rice maintains its high price of five rupees per basket.
Chan Toon
We notice our contemporary says Mr Chan Toon, the successful Arracanese student who was last month called to the Bar of the Middle Temple and who obtained every prize during his studentship that it was possible to complete for, is to practise at the Local Bar. We heard that he intended to make Akyab his headquarters, but he will have no doubt an equally successful career before him and a larger field in Rangoon. To ensure success it might perhaps be as well if Mr Chan Toon can get appointed as Burma Correspondent for some one or other of the London Dailies only one of which is represented here at present.
We hear that Mr D. Jameson, Inspector General of Police, will shortly be going on leave and that the officiating appointment will, in all probability, be given to Mr A.M.B. Irwin, at present Deputy Commissioner of Pegu, a zealous and painstaking officer, though somewhat addicted to paying great attention to small details.
Telegraph
We have just received information from Mr Langdon, Superintendent of the Eastern extension Australasia and China Telegraph Co., that Telegraph Communication with Australia has been restored.
Burma State Railway
At a time perhaps when the services of its officials can ill be spared the Burma State Railway loses, for the time being, two officers viz Mr F.L. Brown, the Examiner of Accounts and Mr Rigg, the Deputy Manager, both of whom are gone on leave. The Toungoo-Mandalay extension work is not yet completed and further extension of the line is as urgently needed as it is desirable. Mr Johns acts for Mr Brown as Examiner of Accounts and Mr Hogarth, in addition to his own duties as Personal Assistant to the Engineer-in-Chief, will have to do the work of Mr Rigg.
The hounds will meet at half past five o'clock tomorrow afternoon (Sat.) opposite the Pegu Club and the run will end in Leeds Road.
With reference to a paragraph under the head of "Local" stating that Mr Scott of the new Ice Works, "has been laid up with fever etc." we have been requested by him to state that he has been in the enjoyment of excellent health ever since his return to Rangoon and that he has succeeded in obtaining a splendid site for his Ice Works at Botatoung, and that he hopes to have the whole concern in full swing by the middle of September, when he hopes to treat the public to no less than 25 different varieties of drinks – all temperance.
Those of our readers desirous of getting cheap books may be glad to be reminded that those belonging to the late Mr J.C. Gillbanks are to be sold this morning at Mr Balthazar's Auction Mart. It is not often that an opportunity occurs for purchasing such a valuable collection in Rangoon. The library contains religious, historical, poetical, legal and other works, some of which would be considered of great value in England. In Burma, we fear, there will not be such a demand for them and managers of our public libraries might see if they cannot secure some of them at reasonable prices.
The Chief Commissioner landed this morning at 6.30 being received at the shore by a large gathering of the principal Civil and Military officers; the usual guard of honour and the chief Burman notabilities. … The Chief seemed in the best of health and spirits, talking to everyone most cordially and was evidently pleased with his reception in C. Road where Mr Grin of the Europe Hotel had erected two arches. He addressed the boys of the Royal School and made some flattering remarks to the Rev'd. George Colbeck. On entering the city, the usual salute was fired. He was received at Government House by a native guard with Colours and the Volunteers; he congratulated the latter on their appearance and thanked the Colonel who presented the officers … The town was clean and the roads watered. The Burmese cordiality was evidently sincere. Some disturbances are reported from Shwebo but are considered unimportant. The weather is fine, cholera better.
Letters to the Editor
Sir, I am ready to second Mr Sept. Smith's, the Manager of the Carriage Building Co. offer of 100 rupees by offering another 100 rupees towards establishing and starting the Society for prevention of cruelty to animals in this town so ably pleaded for by Capt. Inman, for I trust this "Society" that he has at heart, may prosper. … I am Sir, Yours etc., M. Brooks
Thayetmyo Gymkhana
The usual monthly Gymkhana Race Meeting took place yesterday afternoon. For a wonder the rain held off and we enjoyed a very pleasant afternoon's sport: Judge – Major Harvey, S.W.B. ; Clerk of Scales – Mr Hogan, S.W.B. ; Clerk of Course - Mr Bourke, M.S. ; Starter - Mr Graham, S.W.B.
Burman Hurdles, open to ponies, the property of members; previous winners to carry 2 lbs. extra, 13-2 to carry 13 stone, distance about 1 mile over 5 flights of hurdles. Entrance Rs.5, prizes a set of electro drinking cups.
1. Mr Going's c.b.p. Ruddy Gore 11st. 4 lbs., owner
2. Mr Bourke's b.b.p. James III 10st. 4 lbs., Mr Radcliff
There were only two entries, both got away together; but James III refused the first hurdle bolting towards the native lines. Mr Radcliff succeeded in stopping him and brought him back over the hurdle. In the meantime Ruddy Gore, who had got well away, bolted as he came to the bend of the course near the native hospital, Mr Going soon got him straight again; but on coming to hurdle no. 2 he refused. He succeeded in getting him over however without loss of much time and away he went. James III coming to hurdle no. 2 refused also and bolted off to the left, he was however brought back and taken over it. Ruddy Gore had now got into the straight and thinking that he was paper-chasing made two attempts to bolt for the water-pump, which lies off to the left of the course, his rider however persuaded him to go up the straight when he won as he liked. This was one of the oddest races we have witnessed. …
Jumping Competition
Open to members only, two tries for each pony, jumps - a hurdle, a mud wall and a post and rails. Judges, Col. Woodhouse, Major Harvey and Surgeon Major Bourke, Entrance Rs. 3, prize - a pony bridle.
1. Mrs Campbell's Chorister, [rider] Mr Going 2. Mr Going's Nabaklish, [rider] Owner 3. Mr Graham's Deserter, [rider] Owner
Pagan News
The Chief Commissioner and his staff arrived by S.S. Irrawaddy at Sale on 11th instant. Sale is the lowest river station in this district. As the Deputy Commissioner was indisposed, Mr Pockett, Deputy Superintendent of Police, went down to meet the chief on arrival in the district. The Burman Police turned out spick and span in their uniforms to receive the Chief. Indeed so well did they look that one of the staff mistook them for Panjabee Policemen. The town and Police guard were inspected and the Chief was pleased with all he saw. The Police were put through their drill and they acquitted themselves well. Inspector Pocket, (sic) who is in charge of this guard, deserves great credit for the efficient state of his men. He has worked his circle entirely through his Burman Policemen (the only officer in the district who has relied entirely in Burman agency) and so far he has been very successful. Unfortunately his health has now failed and he is obliged to go on six months sick leave to England almost immediately. The S.S. Irrawaddy with the Chief and his staff arrived at Pagan on the afternoon of the 12th. Sir Charles with Messrs. Baynes and Soppitt at once landed and was received by all the officials of the station. Guards of honour were supplied by the 10th Madras Infantry and Military Police. After inspecting these, Sir Charles was conducted … I forgot to mention that Mr LaTouch followed up the Chief from Minbu on board his steamer-launch Waterwitch. … The Chief left for Pokoko on the morning of the 14th instant … The result of this visit is that the change of Headquarters of the district to Pokoko is now definitely decided on and comes off almost immediately. The Deputy Commissioner and other offices will be moved over to Pokoko as soon as accommodation can be found for them. The Deputy Commissioner himself will probably move across to Pokoko early next month, so poor Pagan has at last received its death blow.
Owing to the prevalence of water in this second-class Paradise in this season of the year, neither our own people not the dacoits are displaying much activity; though the latter have lately given some signs that tend to prove that their profession is not dead, but sleepeth -with an eye open. There has been a trivial affair up in the Ruby Mines and I hear occasional rumours of petty disturbances to the South. Along the railway line between Kyoukse and Pyinmana the country is stated to be disturbed; in one place the dacoits are reported to have cut a bund, making a breach in the line which will take at least ten days to repair properly; and there have ben several petty dacoities in the same neighbourhood. The Sagain police burnt one of Boh Tho's camps on the 13th. Several rather important leaders, in a small way, have lately been caught and the continual movement of chained gangs in our streets shows that the authorities are not idle. …
By the bye, I hear that a Mr Morton of Ava is going to institute an action for libel against you, feeling aggrieved at the manner your late correspondent criticized him and his land grant. As, I think this was perfectly justifiable, the question being one of considerable public importance, I should advise him to think better of it.
On Monday night there was a concert up in the Palace, got up by our energetic Gymkhana Secretary; the house was crowded and the audience an appreciative one. Mrs Martin has a very sweet voice and the way in which she rendered "True till death" fairly brought down the house; while the Christy Minstrels part of the performance I would mention Mr Munro who sang "Way down upon the Swanee Ribber" very well indeed, he has a very good baritone; Capt. Molyneux who gave is a local version of "Two lovely black eyes" which was very funny; Capt. Bojer who sang "The Farmyard" and Mr Campbell two songs "Driven from Home " and "Joshu-a." I hope the local talent has received sufficient encouragement to give is another one soon.
Minboo News
This town once only a small village is now a large and flourishing place. The Military stockade alongside the village is kept in a very clean condition. The Public Works Department are busy making a pucca road through the stockage, as well as erecting thatched buildings for the sepoys of the 33rd B.I.
The river having risen the mooring flat has come close to the Commissioner's residence and right opposite the Commissariat godown, where the Mail and Cargo steamers come alongside. This is a great boon as it is over two miles to the old mooring place, the distance causing great inconvenience to passengers.
Our Volunteers are coming to the front now and showing they possess some stuff after all, they formed up as a guard of honour to the Chief Commissioner the other day and received his praise and thanks for their smart appearance and good turnout. They have completed their course of firing for extra-efficients; the four best scores being 163, ... very good indeed for their first year practice ... they will shortly lose their instructor, Capt. Smith, of the Rifle Bridage, who has made himself thoroughly popular ... and his leaving will cause great regret to the Captain Commanding the Company, Capt. F. Sharp …
The Post Office has been shifted in a new building south of the stockade, much too far for the convenience of the town people. Au revoir.
Greatly surprising as well as most pleasant events have occurred amongst the civil community during the past week. These diversions are due to the recent arrivals of a few most entertaining young ladies, who have decidedly agitated the indispositions of our former mode of living. A subscription dance given on Wednesday the 11th was eh first of the many amusements on this sudden programme. … Thayetmyo, we hear, is to be the headquarters of the American Baptist Mission for the Chins. The Rev'd. Mr Carson, the representative of the above said mission, is here striving hard for the completion of such buildings as are requisite for the work, the only obstacle in its progress being the scarcity of carpenters. The Chins being so scattered to the East and West of Thayetmyo we believe the staff of Missionaries will be increased no sooner the Mission wok is set a-going.
Mr Baumgarten, an Engineer from Calcutta, who has lately visited and inspected the Murray Coal Mines here, has reported favourably on the quality and abundance of the coal. The mines, he says, require an expenditure of a large capital to make it a source of reliable income.
Those of the older residents of Thayetmyo will be indeed sorry to lean of the recent and serious accident of Mr Miller, the late Jailor of our Jail. While about to go out for his morning ride, his mare, (not having been ridden for a long time) became quite restless and ungovernable, over-balanced herself and went "head over tail" with its rider, fracturing Mr Miller's left leg in two places both below the shin bone. Taking into consideration Mr Miller's age, we are agreeably surprised to note the brave manner in which he bears his acute pain and however, he being in the best hands, as far as medical advice and treatment is concerned, I am sure one and all will wish him a speedy and safe recovery.
By the bye, I am glad to mention that the strenuous efforts of Inspector Bell, have been crowned with success, inasmuch as, he has "nabbed" the runaway and sanguinary Burman … and is now undergoing his trial at the Police Court and further still that the two women (his victims) have already recovered from their wounds and will soon be able to "take up their beds and walk."
Joseph D'Cruze
We learn that Mr Joseph D'Cruze, Permanent Way Inspector on the Prome Line, aged 57 years, has obtained an extension of one year's service on the recommendation of Dr. Griffith who has certified to his fitness to serve for the period named.
G.A.S. Galloway
This individual left Bangkok, we are informed by a private correspondent, last month in the same mysterious way he disappeared from Rangoon. He had been practicing in the Consulate Court for some six weeks and is said to have received fees to the extent of 600 dollars for cases coming on the week in which he left Bangkok for Calantan, a town on the west coast of Siam. Mr Galloway had previously been residing at an hotel with his wife and family but some four days before his departure had gone into furnished lodgings. He left Bangkok by steamer on a Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock and had made an appointment with one man to meet him at 5 p.m. the same day at which it is hardly necessary to say Mr Galloway did not put in an appearance. His former clients are said to be contemplating filing actions against him for obtaining money under false pretences but until they obtain accurate intelligence of his whereabouts, think it wise to abstain from throwing good money after bad.
Rangoon Amateur Theatricals - Thur. 26th & Sat. 28th July
Managers – Mrs Olive and Capt. Schuyler
Conductor -Mr Barckhausen
Pianist – Mr Loening
Orchestra – By the kind permission of Col. Butlin and the officers of 1st Cheshire Regt.
Entirely new scenery by Capt. de la Cherois and Mr Elrington
Checkmate
Sir Everton Toffe – Mr Wilson
Sam Winkle (his groom) – Capt. Schuyler
Henry (waiter at the Plantagenet Hotel) – Mr Clifford
Parsely (a gardener) – Mr Heap
Strap (a stableman) – Mr Dickie
Cheeks (a page boy) – Mr Eddis
Bottles (a Butler) – Col. VanSomeren
Miss Charlotte Russe – Mrs Olive
Martha Bun (her maid) – Mrs Napier
Mary Ann (servant) – Mrs Pedley
xxx (Servant) – Mrs Biederman (later Biedermann)
Mattie (servant) – Mrs H. Halliday
To Conclude With
Trial by Jury
The Learned Judge – Capt. Schyleru (sic)
Plaintiff – Mrs Olive
Counsel for Plaintiff – Mr Wilson
Defendant – Mr Fox
Foreman of the Jury – Mr Popert
Usher – Mr Gordon Brown
Associate – Mr Eddis
Counsel and Attorneys – Messrs. Coxe, etc.
Bridesmaids - Mesdames Kennedy, Napier, Darlington, Pedley, Biederman, H. Halliday
Misses Fawcus, Hayter, Fresange (sic) Ranson, Gormley.
Gentlemen of the Jury - Col. Butlin, Col. VanSomeren, Messrs. Morrison, Clifford, Gordon, Thomas, Lyon, Campbell, Dickie, Heap, Focke, C. Lowis, F. Peterson.
My Buyers, Engineer-in-Chief of the Toungoo-Mandalay Railway returned from his tours of Inspection yesterday.
Amateur Theatricals
We would draw the attention of our readers to the Amateur Theatricals to be given in the Assembly Rooms tomorrow and on Saturday when Checkmate and Trial by Jury will be produced. Some well-known amateurs including Capt. Schuyler and Mrs Olive take part in them as we feel sure that the two evenings will be very enjoyable ones.
British Burma Building Assoc.
We have received a copy of the Secretary's Report of the British Burma Building Assoc. for the year ended 31st May 1888. The working of the Association has been satisfactory and this is evidenced by the increase in the demand for shares ... By the articles of the Association three Directors retire from office viz Messrs. J.E.G. Villa, S. Gnanamoothoo and R.P. Wilcox, but they are eligible for re-election. Two fresh Auditors will also have to be elected in room of Messrs. Godfrey and Hamilton.
Criminal Justice Report
We have received the Criminal Justice Report for last year. There are some interesting particulars in it. As regards employment of Burmese in higher judicial appointments, the officiating Judicial Commissioner remarks that it is interesting to note the advance made since 1880, when there was only one Burman Magistrate in charge of a sub-division and only one Burman first class Magistrate. At the close of 1887 there were 34 native Magistrates exercising first class powers and eight of them were in charge of sub-divisions. As a body, he says they have fully justified Government in trusting them with full powers and important posts. Some instances of conspicuous courage and promptitude have come before the Judicial Commissioner during the past year. The name of Moung Tha Din, Magistrate of Daydayai, is brought prominently forward. Some emissaries from one of the dacoit leaders in Upper Burma set up the standard of revolt in Moung Tha Din's jurisdiction. Within a few hours he had a body of men 200 strong. Moung Tha Din however with a small party of police and villagers at once attacked and dispersed him, nipping in the bud what might have been, except for his promptitude, a serious rising. ...
Telegraph Offices
The following Telegraph Offices have been opened on the Burma State Railway, Hennetike, Kydaungon, Nyounglon, Shwemyo, Tatkon and Yemethin.
Mr Wales
We are sorry to hear that Mr Wales of the Rangoon College has been confined to his bed from illness and that he is not likely to be able to take up his class for a week or so, it is to be hoped that the class will not be neglected during this time as the examinations are near at hand. We trust to hear of his speedy recovery.
Mr Antram
We understand Mr C.H. Antram our former Postmaster in Rangoon and now Postmaster of Lucknow retires from the Postal Department early next year. His health, we are sorry to learn, has been somewhat impaired by the excessive heat experienced at Lucknow in the last few weeks.
Col. Plant, the Commissioner, has returned to Moulmein. During his stay here he has sentenced six men to death. Five of them were rebels concerned in the late disturbances, the remaining scoundrel murdered his wife. Good news has reached this from the Siam frontier. Some thirty of the Tavoy disturbers of the peace were arrested when crossing over to the Siamese side by the Siamese officials, when questioned they replied that they were "soldiers of King Theebaw." The Siamese officer, however, who was aware that the potentate was a prisoner at Rutnagherry and that he had no soldiers, forthwith arrested them and it is to be hoped will hand they over to the British authorities either at Tavoy or Bangkok, ...
The Concert of 17th July
Dear Sir, As you were so kind as frequently to advertise the concert given the 17th instant, free of charge, I think it is but right that I should tell you the results of our efforts. I hope to hand over to the Hony. Secretary of the Industrial Home, the sum of Rs. 165. ... Wet rehearsals and a terrible downpour on the concert night ... We were to begin at 9.15 sharp but at that hour the bullock carts conveying the big Drum were sticking in the mud and their drivers shouting for help. Not until 9.45 could we "beat the drum" to our very patient waiting audience. I must now record my hearty thanks to our many, very kind helpers, who, in heavy rain and often at much personal inconvenience came for several weeks to our rehearsals. Especially do I thank the four young choristers, who, by their steady voices supplied the vacancy caused by the scarcity of Trebles and Alti. Neither would any argument persuade them to accept any present. To them, and to all, my hearty thanks are tendered. Yours truly, D.R.M. Ransom, Rangoon 25th July.
Zeegong News
Zeegong was thrown into a lively state of excitement last evening. Hundreds of people from the town and surrounding villages gratified their morbid curiosities by a glimpse at the ghastly head of Nga Po, the famous dacoit leader, whose various acts of violence and rapine, combined with the vast amount of trouble he always created the police, earned him the notoriety of being a crafty, clever and dangerous Boh. Acting upon information received through the medium of spies and informers, the Extra Asst. Commissioner, Moung Htoon Oung proceeded towards Tapoon with the purpose of hunting the gang of dacoits under the leadership of this Boh. ... Much credit is due to the Extra Asst. Commissioner Moung Htoon Oung, who, though quite new to the district, has succeeded in ridding it of a very troublesome gang ... Nga Po was the leader of the same gang that killed the late Police Inspector Mr Rogers and it now appears from the statements of some of men that Mr Roger's death was entirely due to the cowardly desertion of him by his escort, after he had been slightly wounded. Had these policemen rallied around their wounded officer instead of taking to their heels the State had no occasion to mourn the loss of so promising and enthusiastic a servant. ... We now have the right men in the right places. With Mr Todd Naylor as Deputy Commissioner and officers such as Moung Htoon Oung in charge of sub-divisions we may hope soon to see a suppression of crime in this district of Tharrawaddy, if only a little less jealousy existed between the Judicial and Police departments.
France, Upper Burma and Tonquin
We received from an unknown friend in Upper Burma a copy of a translation by Capt. Lawford, 1st Madras Lancers, of a communication made to Indo-Chinese Society in Paris by Mr Fernand d'Avera, in July 1883. It is we see, for sale, at the Rangoon Gazette Press, and our contemporary might have been kinder to the gallant old French author, than to transfer bodily to the pages of his journal the whole pamphlet which he is now trying to sell. Mr d'Avera whilst a warm patriot, is also an ardent admirer of Englishmen and their ways. He points out their mistakes to his fellow countrymen, but his warnings are already ancient history and though they may profit by them in France and Tonquin, Upper Burma is now beyond their reach. Mr d'Avera's little brochure will be of historical interest in a few years more and we would advise all our readers to procure a copy before the pamphlet is out of print. There would be fewer chances of disagreement between England and France if all Frenchmen were like Mr d'Avera and if the residents of both countries has associated with each other as much as he has with Englishmen, they would mutually see much in their rivals to love, admire and imitate. We hope Mr d'Avera has still a long life remaining for him in the country which he seems to have made his home and that we shall have the advantage of his views on men and things in the changed regime in Upper Burma again in print before very long.
Retirement
We understand Co Ong, C.I.E., the retired Judge of the Burma Court of Small Causes has sold his house in Canal Street to Kheo Jeow the well-known Chinese trader for Rs. 19,000 and that he purposes proceeding to Maulmain to pass the remainder of his days "far from the maddening crowd." Co Ong's first period of service under Government was in Maulmain we believe and we have no doubt some of his old friends and relatives are still to be found there, though most of them must have joined the majority. We hope Co Ong has many more years of life left in him yet and that he may enjoy a happy retirement in the spot he has chosen for himself, a more picturesque and far quieter place than Rangoon.
Toungdwingyee
I have not written lately as there has been but little to say. There have been six dacoities in the Northern part of the district this month. One murder and two suicides. ... There has been little or no rain so far and if it holds up much longer there is every prospect of a bad crop. People now, in some of the villages, are in actual want of food, though, on the whole, there is yet no actual distress. ... Cholera has at length died out. The 33rd Bombay Infantry lost about 23 men and the Burman mortality on account of the epidemic exceeded 200 in the town alone and the number of deaths in the district I have not been able to ascertain.
We understand that Mr D.M. Smeaton, officiating Chief Secretary leaves by the next mail steamer for England on leave of absence for five or six months, making over charge of his Office on the last day of this month to Mr H. Thirkell White who will continue to officiate until the return from furlough of Mr Symes. Mr Smeaton on his return proceeds to Upper Burma as Commissioner. Whilst in office here he has proved a good friend to the Karens with so many of whom he became personally acquainted when here as head of the Agricultural Department. We believe the recent modifications of some of the most objectionable features of the Arms Act were due to the gentleman who is now going on short leave to Europe. We wish him a pleasant trip and a speedy return to Upper Burma.
The general monotony of the morning of the 23rd was agreeably and early broken by the swelling strains of the band of the 29th M.I., followed by their regiment and officers who were out a-road-marchin'. The goodly number of followers and spectators, tends to show how such novel sights are enjoyed and appreciated by the townsfolk.
Oo So Paung, once a Commissioner of this town and of late a trader, breathed his last on the forenoon of the 24th, aged 64 years ...
Dr. Kelly who was attached to the 29th M.I. Hospital being on 3 months leave, has been relieved pro. tem. by Dr. Frenchman, Civil Surgeon. Dr. Frenchman, notwithstanding his multifarious duties, devotes even much of his leisure time in visitation of the sick amongst the civil community, by whom he is deservedly considered the most popular, kind, genial and generous-hearted gentleman, one of whom are seldom met now-a-days. ...
Mr Burne, our Deputy Commissioner has arrived at last. Many there be that were on the qui vive for his arrival and resumption of duties and may arrears of his burdensome work be soon lightened.
We hear that Mr Jones, Superintendent of the Wharves has obtained six months leave and that Mr H. Jones of the Port Trust will officiate for him.
Shwegyeen
The Postmaster of this station Mohamed Yousuff Charnea, has resigned his office and all the leading residents of the place have recorded their regret ... Messrs. Solomon, by their agent Mr D'Santos, are vigorously pushing on the fulfilment of their contract for supply of stone metal to the Poozanmyoung road. They are quarrying it at some high ground up the Shwegyeen stream and conveying it in lighters towed by the tug White Elephant.
The agents of the B.B.T. Corporation are busy with their rafts of teak timber which require considerable care in the freshes, so the Corporation have sent Mr C. Penfold to superintend operations.
Mr Campagnac has taken charge as Headmaster of the Government School and is imparting some vigor into that institution of which it stood sadly in need.
Miss Donavan has again taken up the duties of Teacher in charge of the Victoria Anglo-Burman Girls' School.
A loafer made his appearance here yesterday, he looks very like a deserter from some European Corps, about 25 years of age, light coloured and very slight moustache, otherwise shaved, slate coloured eyes, wearing Khaki suit and helmet.
The Chief Commissioner expresses himself as extremely pleased both with the wonderful improvement of Mandalay and of the country generally since his last visit. It would really surprise a stranger, or still more one acquainted with the Mandalay of three short years ago, to see the really magnificent town that has so rapidly replaced, with its wide and metalled streets, its thousand lamps, its fine buildings and general order, the hut-covered swamps of olden time. But all this has cost money and the important schemes now under construction will be even more expensive; and the question of increased taxation is one demanding early consideration. ... By spreading the area of taxation its incidence upon individual members of the community will be less onerous; though my own observation would teach me that the very poorest classes, of which the bulk of the community consists, are as yet unable to make any serious contribution to our revenues. ...
In Mandalay, with Col. Strover, Mr Burgess, Mr White, Major Cooke and Capt. Temple, we have been lucky in the extreme; Sir George White and his officers have, as might be expected, shown that the holding of a commission still implies something more than merely sufficient brains to scrape through Sandhurst or Woolwich as the case may be.
The Chief Commissioner, much to the jubilation of the volunteers, has taken the Honorary Colonelcy of the U.B.R.V. this is felt to be a high compliment and will do much to increase the popularity of the Corps.
I have heard nothing definite with regard to the date on which the Chief Commissioner will commence his tour; but he is not expected to start, at the earliest, before the middle of next month. In all probability somewhat definite arrangements will be made, both with regard to the proposed railway and the de-limitation of our frontier, I think I mentioned in one of my previous letters that Mr Colquhoun will probably be one of the de-limitation Commissioners.
Rangoon Robbery
Rather a daring robbery occurred at the bank of Bengal yesterday afternoon. A Mrs Lonsdale called at the bank in order to cash a check for Rs. 150 and being in a rather a delicate state of health handed the check over to the driver of the ticca-gharry which she was using, to cash for her. An officious Burman who had been lurking about the bank premises then put in his appearance an offered to cash the check for the gharry-wallah, took it from his hand, got it passed through, and presented it to the cashier for payment having counter-signed a name underneath that of Mrs Lonsdale. The cashier having a bag containing Rs. 800 and another Burman having presented a check for Rs. 650 he handed the bag over to them to divide, the gharry-wallah had been watching the man all this time and actually asked him to hand the money over when he replied that there was something else to be done, and made it appear that he was going in, but actually disappeared. The lady having waited long in vain drove off and brought her husband, who having heard the particulars, hastened off to the police to lodge a complaint. It seems to be a rather a difficult case to trace out, but we have every reason to believe that Baboo Khan will leave no stone un-turned in order to get a clue to the daring thief.
Deaths Reported
Lt. Henderson
We hear from Myingyan that the unfortunate Lieutenant Henderson who was recently drowned there, is a brother of Mrs Burgess, the wife of the Mandalay Commissioner, now on leave to Europe. He was much liked in the station. It seems he and a brother officer were out boating in a small canoe. A squall seems to have upset it and both officers were thrown into the river but succeeded in keeping themselves afloat by resting an arm on the overturned canoe. Neither of them seem to have been able to swim well and the heavy swell probably prevented them making any attempt to get ashore. They hoped that a passing boat would pick them up but none was seen. Poor Henderson's strength was first exhausted. He was perfectly sensible to the last and told his companion he could hold on no longer. The latter tried to assist him with an arm but his strength also was failing rapidly and had he not been soon after rescued by a passing boat he also would have been drowned. Lt. Henderson's body has not been recovered we hear, and was never seen again after he let go the overturned boat.
Mr Brind
We are indebted to the Chief Secretary to the Chief Commissioner for the following news which has been received by telegram: "Mr Brind, Asst. Commissioner, Shwebo District, was marching from Kalea to Kalwet on evening of 27th, when near Kalwet he rode ahead of his escort. His pony came into Kalwet riderless and with one stirrup missing. The escort could find no trace of Brind. The Deputy Commissioner went out and after search found body in stream neat Kalwet. Death by drowning, accidental. No suspicion of violence."
Mr Lyons
Two of the Zairabadee postal servants out of the three sent up charged with criminal breach of trust have been put on their defence. The charge regarding stealing certain unstamped Chetties hoondies fell through, Mr Lyons of Mandalay stated he had sent through the Post Office a photograph of himself and another of ex-King Theebaw to his sister-in-law in Rangoon, who swore she had not received them and these two photographs were found in the possession of the accused together with some Lutheran Missionary … Judgement was delivered in the case of … Mr Alfred Read, Barrister-at-law appeared for the complainant and Mr Alfred Vaillant, Advocate, for the defence.
Mr Martin
One Mary and her husband Chinaswamy prosecuted one Vadeevailu before the Hony. Magistrate for assault and hurt, the case for the prosecution was that the accused without any excuse assaulted complainant on the head and on her husband interfering turned on him and beat him; Mary cited Mr Martin, an Asst. Engineer, living at Evershed's Hotel, as her witness, but this gentleman stated that he was disturbed by a noise outside and on coming out to see the cause he saw the male complainant and accused fighting, the female complainant interfered by pulling accused's hair and in return received a thump on the head. … The Court dismissed the complaint …
Punishment
The noted dacoit leader named Nga Tan Aung who was shot at the village of Sanway by Mr Inspector St. Leger Wood but who managed to escape away into the jungles where he suffered a great deal from the effects of his wounds and also for want of food and who lately surrendered himself has been tried by the Sessions Judge of Pegu and sentenced to under go the extreme penalty of the law which will be carried out publicly at a village called Thongi tomorrow.
Nga Hline and Ba Tu were formally charged under Sec. … with causing grievous hurt to Mr Harris and the case adjourned to 5th July for defence; the Public Prosecutor for the Court and Mr Henry Lutter for accused.
Inspector Finucane
The Asst. Magistrate on Saturday last framed a charge against Mr Inspector Finucane and a Constable of the Lock Hospital for asking for and receiving an illegal gratification from a Coringhee woman. Mr Vertannes on behalf of Mr Finucase claimed his right to be tried as a British Subject. His worship said that he had jurisdiction to try a British Subject but Mr Vertannes contended that as he was not a Dist. Magistrate he had not the jurisdiction, further that his client wanted to be tried by a jury, his Worship then said that the application ought to have been made before the charge was framed but Mr Vertannes pointed out that the application could be made at any time before the defence was entered on. His Worship not being perfectly satisfied on these points fixed Monday for the disposal of the application.
Recorder's Court
The case for the defence of Mr Finucane the Lock Hospital Inspector who stands charged with asking for and receiving an illegal gratification was called on before the Asst. Magistrate yesterday, three witnesses were examined out of the five tendered and from their evidence it would appear that Mr Finucane was assaulted the day previous to the one on which the alleged offence is said to have been committed and that he attended court on the day on which the offence is said to have been committed and having felt ill took leave from the Magistrate and went straight home and remained there, not going out till next morning. Messrs. A.G. Christopher and Vertannes appeared for the defence, Mr VanSomeren who was retained for the prosecution being engaged in the Court of the First Judge of the Small Cause Court could not attend to cross examine the witnesses. His Worship promised to deliver judgement on the 17th.
James West
A European named James West, called round to our offices on Saturday last and asked us to give publicity to his statement, that on the evening of the 26th he went to the Mogul Street station to visit a West Indian friend of his who is living with the resident European constables of that station and that while he was seated in a long arm chair in conversation with his friend, the friend excused himself for a while, and he, having taken a couple of glasses of beer, fell off to sleep; that two of the European Constables whose names he does not know forcibly put him into the guard room and struck him, leaving a nasty black eye. Next morning when taken out he remonstrated with the European Constables who promised to "make it hxxx xxx him, the man was then taken bxxx Superintendent of Police, before xxx xxx lodged a complaint which he sxxx noticed, he was then sexx Magistrate where, he was nxxx to even officer an explanation xxx If all the unfortunate xxx a policeman in Ceyxxx procedure says be txxx was a gross miscaxxx xxx demands a strict xxx xxx the hands of hixxx xxx pean Constables xxx xxx in this mann xxx xxx they will trxxx xxx give the xxx xxx behave ixxx xxx who ma xxx xxx their clutches. This is not the first time we have heard complaints of this nature against the police, and the recent investigation into a similar complaint against the same guard by some sailors of one of Her Majesty's ships of war while she was in harbour here, is still fresh in our memory. We trust that this case will have the fullest attention It demands. ABL note: A small section of this page is torn off – hence the gaps.
Recorder's Court
B.P. Rozario Vs J. Rozario
This was a suit for dissolution of marriage. The plaintiff, who was the wife, set up that her husband had ill-treated her and misconducted himself. The defendant conducted his own case. He denied that many of the plaintiff's statements were true and set up that there had been misconduct on the wife's side; he however did not want a divorce.
The plaintiff having been sworn was examined: She said that almost immediately after the marriage her husband began to ill-treat her and at times kept her without food, at one time he shut her up in the bathroom for a whole day and night during which she had no food; she had threatened to make a report to the police, but the only effect this had was to make her husband say that she was making matters worse for herself. She had written to her father of her treatment, but the husband had kept the letter back. All this took place in Thayetmyo. She subsequently came down to Rangoon to her fathers who was a hospital assistant and lived in 44th street; her husband came down a few days after. Before she came down her husband made her promise not to tell her father about what had taken place, but she subsequently told her mother and it came to her father's knowledge, who said he would speak to defendant about it; her father afterwards left the house and went to Cantonments and on that same day she and her husband had words and he rushed at her and struck her in the eye. On another occasion when she spoke to her husband about getting her some clothes he said he would be at peace if he could put an end to her and pulling out a bed post he struck her with it. Her brother came in and snatched the post from his hand when he took up a knife from the table and rushed at her. She ran out of the house and went to her father's, since that time she had never stayed in her husband's house and he had since then given nothing for her maintenance. He had been to see her often since and on one occasion tried to strangle her with the bed sheet; he drank very much; he had been dismissed from his employment but was reinstated on appeal. Her father had been often transferred and she always accompanied him and sometimes met her husband; she met him in Wellington and Madras. At Wellington he came sometimes to see her but was always in liquor. Her husband subsequently volunteered to go to Mandalay and she wrote to him for maintenance but received no reply. Before he left he came to her father's house and said to her "your time is over, my time will come now" and threatened her; he wrote with pencil on the wall of the house and in her books and on her dress "revenge is sweet." In April 1887 she returned to Rangoon and put up with some friends, she went to her brother-in-law's house with the intention of seeing her husband. She met him and said she was willing to pas everything over, but he said he wanted nothing to do with her and that he had a Burmese wife. She then asked for maintenance and told him that if he did not give her maintenance she would take legal steps.
Her brother had written to her concerning her husband's misconduct. In 1888 (Feb.) she came to her father's house at Shwegyin; he had been transferred there. Her husband came over there but she refused to return to him anymore and brought this suit. Ever since her marriage her husband had ill-treated her. There were witnesses who could speak to her husband's cruelty and misconduct.
The defendant said he wished to ask a few questions and proceeded to cross examine the plaintiff.
The case was not concluded when the Court rose and was adjourned till Wednesday. Counsel for plaintiff: Mr Hare.
The further hearing of this suit was continued. The petitioner on her former oath said that she came from Madras in a troopship with her father; she came 2nd class. There was a Mr Cahill on board; he travelled "deck" she never saw him during the voyage and was in the cabin all the time. Cahill had no employment at the time; she did not know how he got his passage. In reply to questions put by the Court she said she first knew that Cahill had come in the troopship on the day of her arrival; she did not see Cahill at all between the voyage from Madras to Rangoon and did not hear from anyone that he was on board. In Madras she heard he was going to Rangoon for employment; she heard it from her friends. She asked him how he got a passage arrangments. This closed the evidence of the respondent.
The first witness called was Mr I.J. Ignatius, father of the respondent. (sic) He was Senior Hospital Assistant, his daughter married the respondent (sic) in Madras in March 1882. They belonged to the High Church but as it was Lent time they had to go to the Scotch Kirk to get married. The marriage had turned out a unhappy one. The second day after the marriage they both left the house and went to Burma. Witness next saw them when he came to Burma in December 1882; and during that time the respondent was drinking and there were quarrels between them. In January 1883 he went to Thayetmyo and his daughter came and complained of ill treatment by her husband. Up to that time he never saw any assault but he had seen since then. He went to the Cantonments to live and one evening his daughter came with a black eye caused, she said, by her husband. On another occasion he received a report that his daughter was being ill-treated and on-going to his house found her in a fainting condition with a bed sheet round her neck. The respondent had tried to strangle her. He saw the respondent among the crowd but he ran away. At that time his daughter lived in his house and respondent used to come and visit her – Respondent afterwards came and apologised saying he was unworthy of his wife and that he would amend. He however did not amend but took to drinking again. Witness was transferred to Madras and his daughter went with him. Respondent came over but was very often in drink and at one time suffered from delirium tremens. Witness then went on to speak of the other causes of complaints against respondent. He had not supported his wife in anyway since 1883 and witness had been obliged to supply her with everything. The respondent then cross examined this witness.
The ayah was next called; she spoke of quarrels between the parties and to ill treatment by the respondent to his wife. The further hearing was adjourned till today.
This case was continued:- Mrs Rozario, Sister-in-law- of respondent was called to give evidence, she said that the husband and wife had not lived happily. They stayed at her house for some time and the respondent drank very much. On one occasion his wife tried to prevent him drinking and he seized a bottle and struck her with it causing a black eye; he struck her on the head and he (sic) fainted, next day they left witness' house; witness then went on to speak of other ill treatment received by the petitioner at the hands of the respondent; she referred to the occasion when the respondent locked his wife up for 3 or 4 days; and when he tried to push her down the well and she gave evidence as to the misconduct and infidelity of the respondent.
In reply to a question by the respondent as to why she did not report to the police, witness replied that she thought of doing it but the petitioner asked her not to do so, as this would only make matters worse for her. In reply to the Court witness said that the petitioner came to Rangoon in February 1887 when she met her husband at witness' house. Petitioner said she wanted to go back to her husband (here the witness said she was mistaken in this) she said she came down with the intention of claiming maintenance from the respondent; but the respondent said he did not want her as he already had a Burmese wife, witness was present and heard this.
James Ignatius (brother of the petitioner) was next called; he said he lived with the parties at different times; he spoke of ill treatment by the respondent on several occasions and to his misconduct and also to the respondent having a Burmese wife. He was cross examined by the respondent at some length. This closed the case for the Petitioner.
The Respondent in opening his case referred to the evidence given by the petitioner, which he declared to be entirely false. He denied having ill-treated his wife or having kept her without clothes or money and described the evidence given on this point by the petitioner and her witnesses. The further hearing was adjourned till today. For Petitioner, Mr Hare.
The further hearing in this case was continued.
The respondent on his former oath said: He gave his pay to his wife every month and only took money when he wanted it. In 1884 he used to send money to her at Madras and instructed her to put in the Savings Bank in her own name, the Post Office books would prove this; he could produce evidence to prove his having sent money to her from Mandalay; it was not true that his wife had to spend the money in discharging his debts, he owed no money in Madras or Wellington, except some Rs.5 ; while he was at Mandalay he sent his wife in all the sum of Rs. 1,200. Alluding to the strangling episode he said that the story as told by the petitioner and her father and brother was entirely false. He admitted having had delirium tremens at Madras but this was caused by his staying up at night to attend his wife who was ill and he used to drink then – he always
Drank moderately and never to excess. The story as to his writing "revenge is sweet" on is wife's dress and in books was quite false.
He was always on good terms with his wife; there were words between them occasionally, but nothing serious. After his wife came over from Madras he noticed that she became indifferent to him and seemed not to care for him. She asked him for money on two or three occasions and he said he would give the money when he received his pay. The brother James came for the money and he sent it; it was about Rs. 50. His wife was living with her father at Shwegyin and he used to go and see her; he asked her to return to him but she gave no answer to this.
The charges against him of infidelity and misconduct were altogether false and the evidence given on this point by the witnesses was also false. In fact the whole of the charges of ill treatment and misconduct were fabrications and the only reason he could assign for their being brought against him was that the petitioner wished to be divorced from him.
Respondent was then cross-examined by Counsel for the petitioner who put in 3 letters written by the respondent to his wife which were read out in Court. In these letters the respondent asked his wife to forgive him. In reply to the Court he said he wrote those letters to his wife with the view of getting her to join him. He did not intend to call any witnesses. This closed the case for the respondent.
The petitioner was then recalled and examined by the Court on some of the matters spoken of by the respondent. Counsel for the petitioner then addressed the Court at length and referring to the case submitted that his client was entitled to the relief she sought. Judgement deferred.
Insolvent
Re: Stephen Aviet an Insolvent
This insolvent also came up for personal discharge. There was no opposition from any of the creditors. Insolvent was a boatowner and supplied water to the shipping; he owned three boats but they were mortgaged; they cost about Rs. 2000 which money he borrowed. This business was a success at first but owing to opposition the profits decreased. One of the boats then sank and he had to spend money in getting it out which cost Rs. 300 or Rs. 400. Afterwards he stopped work and got into difficulties. The insolvent having made the usual declaration as to his schedule being correct was granted his personal discharge. Mr Vertannes for Insolvent.
The case in which Mr Inspector Finucane stands charged with receiving an illegal gratification yesterday came on for argument as to whether the Asst. Magistrate had jurisdiction in the case. Mr Finucane having claimed his right to be tried as a British born subject. Mr Vertannes on behalf of Mr Finucane said as he had since been instructed by his client to waive his claim to be tried as a British born subject he would not argue the questions of jurisdiction and trial by jury but would ask his Worship to fix a day for the case to come off in his court. His Worship fixed Monday 9th instant for hearing the defence.
Travelling short distances by train and carrying on the profession of pickpockets seems to be a paying game along the line. Of late several cases have been reported and a strict watch is now kept. Mr Hartnoll the Guard on the local train has succeeded in arresting two old offenders while carrying out their profession. It would, no doubt, be a good thing if the Railway authorities were to appoint a few travelling detectives, there would then be less chance of the game being carried much further.
Gunja
A seizure of gunja (sic) was made by Mr Reardon on board the Str. Nowshera which arrived from Calcutta on Sunday. The drug was brought by a Sergeant of the Military Police and weighed 150 tolahs.
Mr Deneise (sic) yesterday obtained a summons against a Mr Defries who it is stated, is a nuisance in the neighbourhood where he resides, by being continually drunk and using very offensive language.
Mr Harris
The case of Bah Too and another for causing grievous hurt to one Mr Harris at Bogalay bazaar on 4th June last was called on yesterday before the Asst. Magistrate for judgement. His Worship after carefully going over the whole of the evidence said that only one witness for the prosecution gave anything like substantial evidence but that not being sufficient to convict on, he discharged the accused. We believe that great dissatisfaction has been expressed at this decision and that it is likely to be referred to higher authority.
Mr Grant
Mr Grant appeared before the Judicial Commissioner yesterday to explain why he had, after accepting a brief in that court, allowed the appeal to be struck out by reason of his non-attendance. This appearance was in answer to a petition filed against Mr Grant first at Henzada and next in Rangoon. It appeared that Mr Grant was in that case briefed jointly with Mr Temple, they being then partners. On the 1st of May last they dissolved [their] partnership, the case in question was then pending. By mutual arrangement Mr Temple was charged with the sole conduct of all cases then pending which came to their hands when partners. After the dissolution on the 15th May last upon the case coming on for final and peremptory disposal Mr Temple was absent. Mr Grant expressed his willingness to refund his share of the fee paid to the partnership, since the appellants had not received the benefit for it in the case. His Honour said that the record disclosed the fact that Mr Temple appeared alone throughout the case. Mr Grant explained that the Appellants informed him that they were unaware he had a partner and had been recommended to him and did not know until now of Mr Temple. His Honour said that Mr Grant has "completely absolved himself and postpone the further hearing of the matter to enable Mr Christopher (for petitioner) to consult with Mr Temple on the latter's return from Akyab.
Mr Page
We hear that Mr Page, Counsel for the complainant in the case of the Chetty who was charged with criminal breach of trust and who was on Wednesday last acquitted by the Asst. Magistrate on the ground that it was purely a civil case, will today move the Recorder for a revision on the grounds that the Magistrate erred in his judgement.
Summons
When the case in which Mr DeNeise summoned Mr Defriese for being a nuisance in the neighbourhood of 34th Street was called on yesterday, it was found that the summons had not been served, on which DeNeise asked to be allowed to withdraw the case, the Asst. Magistrate said that as this offence was a public one, he could not allow it to be compromised and ordered a fresh summons to issue returnable on the 1st August.
Mr Vetter, the German Consul, yesterday charged Charles Augustus, a boarding house keeper and shipping master to the German Consulate, with having decoyed away two German seamen from the German Barque Juno, whom he had secreted for about six days till the Juno left port, one of these men is said to have [been] supplied to the German Barque Victoria which left a few days after the Juno and on reaching Elephant Point, the Captain of the Victoria grew suspicious about the new men supplied to him and wrote to the Consul here, which led to the arrest of the other seaman and Augustus, the case is being proceeded with.
Inspector Finucane
Mr Inspector Finucane has, we hear, been suspended and Chief Constable Sydney has been appointed to officiate for him, this suspension, we hear, is not in consequence of the recent case against him, for which he was acquitted of asking for an illegal gratification, but, we hear, in consequence of being heavily involved.
German Consul
It seems a strange procedure, and one that should not be allowed, and for which we think the procedure codes of our courts make some provisions, that a person who is interested in a case, more so when that person is the prosecutor, should act as translator to the court in a language which it did not understand. Yet such an instance occurred in the Asst. Magistrate's court in the case in which the German Consul charged a boarding house keeper with decoying away two seamen from a German vessel, the German Consul himself being the prosecutor and translator. There seems to be no reason why, in the interests of justice, the court should not have procured an uninterested party to the case and swear him in and pay him for his services as is usually done in cases where the language of the parties is foreign to the court. There is no doubt that the German Consul acted faithfully as translator, but yet, the procedure seems bad.
Anthony Cyprian Benjamin
Mr Anthony Cyprian Benjamin, a former goods Clerk in the Burma State Railway, whose services have recently been dispensed with has, we are informed, served the Secretary of the Local Government with a notice under Section 424 of the Civil Procedure Code in his intention of suing the Secretary of State in Council to recover Rs. 668-4-9 which, he alleges, has been illegally stopped out of his pay since the month of April 1886. (sic) Mr Benjamin naturally enough asserts there is not a shadow of ground for making these fines and stoppages and it will be of some public interest to see what view a Court of Law takes of the subject.
Charged
Mr Augustus, the Boarding House-keeper who was charged by the German Consul with decoying away two sailors form a German vessel was, on conviction before the Asst. Magistrate, sentenced to pay a fine of Rs. 100 in default to undergo 14 days rigorous imprisonment. The accused did not pay the fine.
Mr Solomon
Those who think that the affixing of a one anna receipt Stamp to a bill over Rs. 20 is sufficient are mistaken, a Mr Solomon, a Jewish shopkeeper, was yesterday fined by the Asst. Magistrate in the sum of Rs. 2-8 for not defacing the Stamp. One rupee of the fine was ordered to be handed to the Stamp Clerk.
Mr Head Constable Duncan arrested a Chinaman names Chit Hla with 5½ quarts of illicitly distilled Shamshoo, the man was yesterday convicted by the Junior Asst. Magistrate to pay a fine of Rs. 50 out of which, if paid, Rs. 25 was to be awarded to the arresting officer.
Mr Summer
The two Bengali contractors who surrendered themselves to a warrant of arrest for defaming the character of Mr Summer of Messrs. Shone and Aults works (sic) have been admitted to bail in the sum of R. 200 each to appear on the 1st Aug.
A Eurasian lad named Freeman who seems to have forsaken the costume of his forefathers for that of the native of India or Burma, as occasion suits him best, now stands charged with the theft of a pony of Mr Roberts, Inspector of Night Conservancy. It would appear that Mr Roberts had been befriending the lad with the object of putting him straight again, but that he took advantage of the confidence reposed in him and walked off with one of his benefactor's ponies and exchanged it with a Chinaman for another and Rs. 10 selling the pony he got from the Chinaman for Rs. 10 accepting cash payment of Rs.5 and allowing the other Rs. 5 credit. He had scarcely spent the Rs. 15 he thus obtained when he was arrested by the police and charged before the Junior Asst. Magistrate where he claimed his right to be tried as a British born subject; the case has now been transferred to the Asst. Magistrate for trial.
Editorials / Articles
Editorial
Another Secret Sale
We hear that the Government Steamer Jaboona has been sold to the Irrawaddy Flotilla for the sum of Rs. 25,000. The Jaboona is a newer vessel than the Sir William Peel and it is strange the Government did not call for tenders for the purchase of both vessels. They might certainly have obtained a better price for the Jaboona. Both of these sales are likely to form the subject of further questions in the House of Commons. It will be interesting to see what can possibly be said in defence of them, either by the Government or the correspondent of the London Times, the legal adviser in Rangoon of the Irrawaddy Flotilla.
We have seldom read anything in worse taste than the flippant apology for a first-class Magistrate in Upper Burma committing a crime, punishable under our laws, with five years rigorous imprisonment, than the paragraph in yesterday's Rangoon Gazette. Our contemporary would seem to extenuate the crime altogether. We on the other hand, without professing a stricter morality than ordinary men of the world, think that if the facts given by the Gazette are correct, the punishment of suspension for six months is not a fitting one for any public officer so misconducting himself. It is possible that there may be palliating circumstances which the "most popular" paper, apologising in this disgraceful manner for adultery by a Magistrate, with the wife of his subordinate, does not mention. But such acts, disgraceful and immoral in themselves tend also to irritate the people of the country against us, and to indefinitely prolong the desirable pacification. Strict moralists in England and India have condemned the easy way in which Burmese women form connections with the foreigner. They very fact that such connections are easily formed should, one would think, protect Burmese wives from seduction by English Magistrates, and where any of the latter so abuse their positions as to live in a state of adultery with the wife of their Burmese sub-ordinates, not only should the ordinary law of the country be put in force against them but an English newspaper might spare its readers from such immoral comments and apologies for the crime as the Gazette inflicts on us in Monday's issue.
A Rangoon Want
Those who knew the late Mr Macrory and attended the auction of his effects on Sunday last, must have felt saddened at the reflection of what might have been had this enterprising Irishman only lived to complete what he began so admirably and carried out whilst he had health and strength amidst many difficulties, almost unaided and alone.
The dock which was almost finished, when Mr Macrory was forced to proceed to England under medical advice, must have cost an enormous amount of money, which however, would be safe in return with interest to such a man, if the work was only completed with the same energy and skill which commenced it. A wharf attached to it finished in a substantial manner and an iron roofed godown adjoining, where cargo of a vessel could be safely stowed, together with a charming residence on the banks of the river where it is always cool and from the upper story of which a splendid view is obtained of the river and harbour and of the town inland, should make the place a highly desirable property for any shipwright with the necessary capital and not crippled in his operations by having to pay the high interest for money which usually prevails in Rangoon.
We do not know if such an individual is available here at present but if there is one, the prospect would seem fair enough if only the practical knowledge and personal energy displayed by the deceased are there also. It will we think, be a public misfortune to the port if poor Macrory's dock remains in its unfinished state. So much has been done, so little remains to complete a work which, on all hands, is admitted to be one of the wants of Rangoon, that we trust some equally able man will be found to finish satisfactorily what this plucky Irishman so nearly did and would have done had he been spared a short time longer in Rangoon.
Railway Extravagance
We notice an advertisement in the Rangoon Gazette inviting tenders for the supply of 300 tons of teak timber in the log for the Burma State Railway. It is presumed this timber is required for building carriages and wagons at Insein workshop, if so, a most extravagant measure is about to be adopted and we would therefore invite the Chief Commissioner's attention to it, as other Indian Railways understand the economy of procuring the requisite scantling cut to dimensions for such work and where in Rangoon converted timber can be had in abundance from our saw mills, it would appear a most insane idea to invest in logs – we would here invite attention to a para that appeared in the Indian Engineering of the 18th Feb. and which we again quote: "In Aug. last the Locomotive Superintendent of the Burma State Railway recommended and obtained sanction of the purchase of 500 tons of teak timber in the log from the B.B. Trading Corporation at a cost of about Rs. 47,000 or Rs. 94 per ton, to make up a couple of hundred goods wagons. The timber when cut up at the Insein workshops cost, it is said Rs. 137 per ton; while first quality teak scantling cut to dimensions requisite for wagon building could be delivered at the workshop from Rangoon sawmills at Rs. 97 per ton and would also save time and labour. In this case there is clearly a loss to Government of Rs. 20,000, which is not creditable to the officer responsible for it." Is this scandal to be perpetuated?
Prison Administration, Lower Burma
We have received the report of Prison Administration of Lower Burma for the year 1887. There was a considerable decrease in the jail population last year, partly owing to the diminution of crime in Lower Burma and partly to the establishment of jails in Upper Burma. The total number of prisoners received during the year was 22,126 as against 27,339 in 1886. The average jail population was 7716 as against 8291 last year.
A high standard of discipline creditable to jail administration was maintained during the year. Only three escapes took place and one dangerous out break in Bassein jail quelled by the promptitude and courage of Mr Harrison, the Jailor, who was promoted. Certain convict wardens and convicts who assisted him on the occasion obtained remissions of sentences … The report gives a brief history of Jail organisation in Upper Burma which only commenced last year. A Jail has been built at Mandalay and others have been commenced at Myingyan, Minbu, Monywa and Pagan, whilst there have been temporary structures for lock-ups erected at other places.
The Chief Commissioner thanks Dr. Sinclair for his able jail administration carried on in spite of various difficulties such as the out-break of epidemics and the admission of large numbers of dangerous prisoners. That amidst such difficulties discipline improved and the jails were managed with due regard to economy and the health and well-being of prisoners reflects the highest credit on the Inspector General and Superintendents of Jails generally.
Finance in Upper Burma
The Financial Commissioner has his work cut out for him in Upper Burma if it is intended, as we believe it is, to make our system of raising a revenue there, appropriate as much a possible, to the one in force in Lower Burma. We believe the system is unpopular with the people. It is one which throws almost the whole cost of administration on the land and on the agriculturalists who work it. Direct taxation we have always found to be unpopular with Asiatics and we have gone on increasing our direct taxes in Lower Burma to such an extent that we have, we believe, assisted recent disturbers of the peace in Tavoy and Tharrawaddy, by making the whole people find our taxation oppressive, and our rule one under which they thought they had but little chance of bettering themselves or their families. The formenters of disturbances and change had but to sow the seeds of disaffection on such soil to meet with immediate sympathy from the mass of agriculturists, whilst those who thought that British rule was not so easily overturned, were too apathetic to lend the authorities any assistance, or to do anything to subvert movements which they sympathised with to a very considerable extent. Our rule wherever it succeeds native rule, seems destined, however much we may say we desire the contrary, to throw the mass of the people into the hands of money lenders. They are the only class who can come to the assistance of the poor when the tax collector comes around with his demand for revenue before the crop Is reaped and in Upper Burma, the money lender, where he exists, is as extortionate in his demands as in most other places. Where all are poor, and there is no one to advance it becomes impossible to meet Government demands under our present system and if they are pressed, the thoogyee is sometimes murdered and the man who should be a taxpayer, joins the nearest band of dacoits with a bitter hatred of British administration and the seeds of undying vengeance in his heart. In how many instances have our men captured by the dacoits ever succeeded in getting released? They are usually killed, and let us hope not tortured first, by the Burmese, in revenge for some real or fancied wrongs the latter have suffered at our hands.
It should be the endeavour of the authorities to remove the wrongs which exist. They are not all fancied some of them under our present system are only too real. It may be a difficult matter to act in a country where there are so few moneyed people, to raise a revenue under our system. We should, in such places, give the widest discretion to District Officers and risk the loss of revenue rather than throw possibly willing and honest workers into evil courses by making direct demands which, under existing circumstances, it is impossible they should be able to meet. The people of Upper Burma forget altogether that we have abandoned the river customs duties, collected in Theebaw's time and in his father's time. This customs revenue, exactly like the import duties, has not gone into the pockets of the consumer, who pays as much for all he buys now, as he did when customs duties were in force. The trader and capitalists alone benefit by abolishing such fair and non-oppressive taxes, whilst the revenue abandoned is sought to be raised by casting still heavier burdens on the land and the labouring class who work it.
Taxation in Burma
Our correspondent An Old Settler, in noticing a report in our Tavoy correspondent's letter that there are 180 rebels within a few days march of the town, to be joined by 200 bad characters from Moulmein, asks if we believe, that in the crowds there are any payers of land tax, income tax, capitation tax or punitive police tax. He asks if the 400 rebels in the Tharrawaddy district were tax payers? We may be certain that every one of them paid salt tax at any rate and equally certain that many of them were assessed for the punitive police tax. We believe rightly or wrongly that the Government is wrong in putting such heavy taxes on land. Our correspondent is wrong in thinking Rs. 3 per acre the highest rate charged in Burma for land; in the vicinity of Rangoon the tax charged with cesses is over five rupees per acre. We do not know who advocates that Burmans should be exempt from paying taxes but we think that it would be good policy to take as much out of them or any Asiatics by indirect means, rather than by heavy direct taxes now in vogue. The man who tills the soil is a producer, who should be encouraged in every way. We have gone on increasing the burdens on land in Burma year by year and we have recently doubled the cost of such necessities of life to a Burman, as salt, nappi and dried fish and started an income tax in the seaports. As an offset to this we give him what he does not want, cheap imports. For such things as he wants that are imported, he would be glad enough to pay a dearer price if he had less direct taxation. We believe the recent discontent culminating in the ridiculous attempts at rebellion in the Tavoy and Tharrawaddy districts has been largely brought about by our present mode of raising the necessary revenue. The principal perpetrators may themselves pay only small sums, but unfortunately they have a number of men sympathising with them and their aspirations and with no good feelings towards British rule. It should be our aim, whilst we punish severely disturbers of the public peace, so to raise our revenue as to disturb as little as possible the hardworking members of the community, the agriculturists who here, as in most countries, form the bulk, as well as the most industrious section of the population. Are we working to this end? If not, we fear there is trouble before us in other district than Tavoy and Tharrawaddy. And whilst we agree with our correspondent that it is the duty of everyone at the present time especially, to support the administration, we cannot think that pointing out the reasons which exist for much of the present discontent amongst the people, can be described as useless "railing or complaining." Both as regards Imperial and Municipal taxation in Burma, we think there is plenty of room for a re-adjustment in this direction, we fear it does not look as if there was much likelihood of less selfishness being displayed by the rulers, or more sympathy with the wants and capabilities of the poorest and most hard working amongst the ruled.
Theebaw's Late Ministers
We have heard several Burmans cry out at the extravagance which keeps Theebaw's late ministers doing nothing on high salaries in Upper Burma. When the not only abortive, but absolutely mischievous Hlootdaw system inaugurated by Colonel Sladen was abolished, we still continued, according to the information we have received, to pay the late King's ministers salaries of Rs. 1000 per month. We understand they meet together occasionally now, smoke and chew betel but do nothing for their high salaries. They are mostly men who are well-off but if they were not there is no reason for paying them so extravagantly at a time when money is so scarce and when taxes have been increased. They might be pensioned, if necessary, but we do not think, in the interests of the people of Upper Burma, there can be any excuse for keeping them upon their present high salaries, doing nothing. We no doubt, where it is required, should give subsistence allowance or pension, to all the officials of the late Government or the relations of the former King, who we rescued from prison. We would not advocate niggardly dealing with any of them. But we owe it to our new subjects, on the other hand, not to be foolishly extravagant in this matter and our continuing to pay high salaries to the late ministers, who are mostly men very well off, and whose services we do not require, is unjust to the Burmese who are so heavily taxed, more especially in the seaports of Lower Burma.
Rangoon Diocesan Schools
We have great pleasure in calling public attention to the advertisement of Mr Henry Cowling, Headmaster of the Rangoon Diocesan Schools which appears in another place. Mr Cowling, who came here we believe, last year from Penang, holds very high testimonials of his abilities as a teacher of youth and in the short time he has been here, he has certainly contrived to throw a little more life into the Diocesan Schools. The Board of Governors has its President in Europe just at present, the secretary has a school of his own, St. Philips, to which no doubt he devotes the greater portion of is time and energy and the Committee we seldom hear of. We believe, however, they have chosen a good man in Mr Cowling and that, under him a fair rate of progress has been maintained. We have not seen detailed statistics of all the Anglo-Vernacular schools but as compared with the High School, we believe, the ratio of those who have passed the Lower Primary, Upper Primary and Middle Schools examination from the Diocesan Schools, is most favourable. Parents in the districts desiring to place their sons in a Rangoon boarding school for their education should visit the Diocesan School and see the excellent arrangement made by Mr Cowling for the care and comfort of Boarders. The school has been in existence since 1864 and, we believe, has never been conducted on a better or more satisfactory basis than it is at present. We have little doubt that Mr Cowling will obtain a still greater measure of success in the future than he has in the past and we think, we can safely say, that he fully deserves it.
Tharrawaddy District
We are glad to hear of the death of another notorious murderer and dacoit leader whose head was brought into Tharrawaddy on Monday by his cousin, also a dacoit, but not known to be implicated in any previous murder. Boh Nga Po, whose head has been recognised, was concerned in the death of Inspector Rogers some months ago and in several murders of policemen, looting and burning of police tannahs, besides dacoities innumerable. At one time he had a following of 300 men who had recently dwindled down to 40 and all of whom will in all probability now recognise that their game is up. This is the second notorious scoundrel and dacoit leader accounted for in the last few days. Mr Todd Naynor is fortunate in thus getting two of the worst men in the district so quickly and we hope he may soon reduce it to order like he undoubtedly did the Pyuntaza sub-division of the Shoaygyeen district.
Land in Burma
A military man writes to us that he agrees with what we advanced last week in an article under the above heading. The Government, he thinks, are losing sight of Europeans in Burma and so far from encouraging old soldiers to settle are doing the very reverse. A soldier in England enlists now for seven years. He comes to India as a rule in his third year of service. If an educated man, and there are numbers in them in the rank and file now, he perhaps goes to Roorkee Civil Engineering College and trains there for two years. After one year more as an apprentice if all goes well, he is appointed somewhere in the D.P.W. service for one year, when his time is up and he goes home at Government expense. His training has cost something and a trained man is worth more than one untrained. Yet India loses the service of such a man just as they are becoming worth having. Such men should, by all possible means, our correspondent thinks, be encouraged to stay in the country and make it their home. The present high home charges, which have to be paid in gold at a ruinous rate of exchange, for taxes are collected here in silver, are to a great extent caused by this short service system, which however good it may be for England, is evidently far from an economical system for India. The educated and disciplined young soldier of good character is the man we require in the country, but we ship him off to England to make a new start in life in an already over-crowded country. Such men ought to find places in the D.P.W., the Telegraph, the Police and the subordinate Judicial services our correspondent thinks.
He writes principally with reference to the educated and well-conducted European soldiers of whom every year, there are fortunately, increasing numbers. We took a wider field and would encourage both European and native soldiers to make Burma their home, by liberal allotments of land. Such men having discipline and military experience would form invaluable material for settlers here and we believe had here been fifty such in the Shoaygyeen district in 1886 and 1886, there wold have been no disturbances there, which cost the Government large sums of money to put down, besides the loss of prestige and the replacing of burnt police tannahs and Court Houses.
Our Police force sadly wants a little military training and discipline. Why could not deserving army men, and there are many in the ranks, be chosen to try and impart some of their knowledge, where it is so badly required? The Burmese have none of the caste and other scruples, which would make the settling of a few hundred old soldiers such as we suggest, a matter of difficulty or impossibility as it would be in many parts of India. There is abundance of land to be given away without injuring anyone in the country, but with the greatest benefit to all. For villages near which a few good Europeans settled, would at once become popular places of resort with Burmans, as places where they would be free from dacoit molestations and always have a white face to befriend them as they would think, in their time of need.
We do trust out Government will do something to attract to Burma the valuable element of safety these military settlers would form. We have the land, millions of acres of it, and if we only were a little more liberal in disposing of it, we might reduce the cost of administration considerably and benefit the whole country by giving its inhabitants a sense of security which in many districts they can hardly feel at present.
Report on Police Administration, Lower Burma
We gave received the above report for the year 1887 and are bound to state that it does not contain much which can be considered satisfactory by the public who pay and pay pretty highly for men, who in several districts, have been shown to be very inefficient either for the detection of crime or the arrest and punishment of offenders. At the same time in comparing the statistics of last year with previous years it must be remembered that Lower Burma now includes a large slice of the former Minbu district of Upper Burma, a tract which was always one of permanently evil character, under the influence of Burman officials such as the late Bo Shway, Bo So and Nay Doon, all men of notorious character but of great local influence from their former official positions, who were always able to collet together large bodies of men to raid villages. Happily the steps taken by the authorities have to a great extent quieted the worst portion of this turbulent country. The Tharrawaddy district which continued to be disturbed throughout 1887 ... We must hope that Mr Todd Naylor who reduced the Pyuntaza sub-division to order may be equally fortunate in Tharrawaddy. ... The Chief Commissioner has noticed the names of the following officers mentioned by the Inspector General as having done special good service in the year: Mr Fanshaw, Superintendent, Henzada ; Mr Wood, Superintendent, Bassein ; Mr Hawkes, Superintendent, Prome ; Mr H.S. Hill, Asst. Superintendent of Police, has always been zealous and energetic. Mr W.D. Clark, Asst. Superintendent of Police, has worked well though still inexperienced. It is to his energy that the police success in the Kyaikto sub-division and its present peaceful state are due.
Maung Myo, to whose energy and detective ability the quiet of Rangoon Town is chiefly due. Inspector Babu Khan, Rangoon Town. Inspector Maung Lugale, Thaton, Inspector Young for his energy and pluck against the dacoits about Myothit. Subadar Goolam, Mahmed Khan, who has ably seconded Mr Young, Subadar Pir Mahomed Khan, who has been specially active and energetic in bringing the Myede sub-division into order.
The Inspector General also brings to notice the good management of the Military Police by Capt. de la Cherois and still more especially the excellent and hard work of his Personal Assistant Mr Law. The incessant brain-work the latter officer has had, caused by the extra returns, statements and accounts which are now required, has completely broken down his health and Mr Law has now to leave the office in order to get rest.
Adverts/ Sales / Notices
Notice of Removal
On and after the 1st August the Woman's Work Shop will occupy house no. 50, Lewis St., three houses north of Dalhousie St. All communications in regard to the Workshop will receive prompt attention if addressed to:
Mrs S.P. Long, Superintendent or
Mrs J.F. Nesbitt. Manager, 50 Lewis St.
Advert.
Johnston & Hoffmann
70 Phayre St., Rangoon
Rangoon Volunteer Artillery
A Smoking Concert will be given in the R.V.A. Drill Hall, Lewis St., on Fri. 10th Aug. at 9 p.m.
The public clock on the Catholic Cathedral will be stopped till the 14th instant, while it is under repair.
Peter C. MacFarlane, Clock Maker.
Adverts.
Burm & Co.
Howrah Iron Works, Calcutta. Builders of Steamers, Flats, Barges and Launche. All goods forwarded direct to customers through our Rangoon representative Mr D.D. Coath.
Watts & Co.
Military Saddlers, Harness & Boot Makers. 73 Merchant St.
Found
A Poodle dog pure white with brass collar. The same will be returned by paying for the advertisement.
Apply to E. Lawford-Hardy, Govt. Telegraphs.
Adverts.
Presbyterian Church, Rangoon
This evening, Mr Frank Sherriff's first Organ Recital on the new organ, commencing at 9 p.m.
Millinery & Dressmaking
Misses. Kitching and Bengough, 90 Cheape Rd., make up ladies own materials from Rs. 8. A selection of goods just received from England. ...
Mr A.C. McLeod had no longer any connection with me.
T.H. Stephens, Dental Surgeon. 28th Aug. 1888
Postal Notice
Tenders are invited for the supply under contract for one year of professional petition writers ...
H.R. Heysham, Postmaster,
G.P.O., Rangoon.
The interest and responsibility of the late Mr H. Scheppelmann in our firm ceased on the 31st July. We have authorised Mr Conrad Sixt to sign our firms in Rangoon and Mandalay per procuration.
Scheppelmann & Co. 2nd Aug. 1888
Mrs J.T. Richards
Fytche Sq., Rangoon
Has just opened out the following new goods per S.S. Chittagong:
Ladies Jerseys Assorted Colours, Ladies Untrimmed Hats Black ...
I (the undersigned) am instructed by Mrs C. Cleary, widow of Mr C. Cleary, deceased, formerly Agent at Pagan for the I.F. Co., to request one J. Lloyd or any other person to give an account of and return all property, papers etc., that they have had, or has now, in their possession, since May last, with a view to forward the same to the above named lady in England and who is now in distressed circumstances. (Signed) Rayleigh Inman, on behalf of Mrs C. Cleary. 7th Aug. 1888.
Moung Po Thet, special 1st class Gold and Silver Smith medalists in Jeypore and Calcutta Exhibitions, removed from house no. 22, 30th St. to house no. 19 Godwin Road, Rangoon.
A large short-haired spaniel dog, white and liver coloured. Owner can have it by paying expenses. W. Caven, Loco: Foreman, B.S.R.
I, C. Warburton, will not be responsible for my wife, Mrs C. Warburton's debts after this date.
C. Warburton, 25th Aug. 1888
Outright, or on racing terms, the following racing ponies; - ... Also two promising maidens that have never started. For particulars apply to C.D. Petersen, "The Hermitage" Kokhine, (sic) where the ponies may be seen.
Mr Leonard Braddon, M.B., B.S., Lond., F.R.C.S., Eng., has transferred his consulting rooms to no. 6 Fytche Square, at Mrs Richards. Hours 11-4. 29th Aug. 1888.
An English Establishment of High Repute Now Open In Rangoon. A well-known firm established in London and Plymouth since 1828 by the name of M. BASCH & Co. ... 78 Merchant St., exactly opposite Evershed's Hotel.
Purchasers of the Lots at the sale of the late J. Macrory's effects at Duneedaw are hereby warned that if their goods are not removed from the premises by Sat. 8th Sept. next, they will be sold without further notice to defray expenses. Edmund Jones & Co. Lessees of the Land.
Sat. the 4th Aug. at noon at no. 13, Dalhousie St. Household furniture and fittings the property of J.M. Stohmann Esq.
Sat. the 18th Aug. at noon, at his residence no. 18 York Road, household furniture and fittings, the property of M. Halliday.
On an early date at our Auction Mart. A collection of household furniture and fittings for private sale. The Rice Mill and valuable Freehold land in Poozoondoung, the late property of Messrs. J.M. Stohmann & Co.
Fri. 19th Aug. at 7.30 a.m. at the Chamber of the late Mr Gillbanks, Shafrraz Road. The whole of the valuable collection of Law Books belonging to the late Mr J.C. Gillbanks.
Sat. 8th Sept. at the Phayre Street Station, household furniture and fittings,
the property of J.J. Stafford Esq., Station Master.
Telegram, 30th July
Lt. Castor
Sir George White inspected the Upper Burma Volunteers this afternoon, about one hundred men turned out. ... The Corps afterwards, in Orders, strikes the name of Lt. Castor of the Moulmein Volunteers from off the list of attached officers at the dinner tonight, on account of a certain article in the last issue of the Mandalay Herald headed "an ox an ox, a kingdom for an ox" having given great offence to the corps.
I.F.C.
We hear that Mr Miller has given up his mansion on Loch Lomond and takes the place of Mr F.C. Kennedy, C.I.E., as Manager of the Flotilla next week. Mr Swann, probably, takes a trip to Burma a month later.
Railway Communication with Shwegyeen
The following is, we believe, the text of one of the memorials to the Local Government on the question of connecting the opposite bank of Shwegyeen town with the Sittang Valley Railway:-
1. That your memorialists driven by urgent and pressing necessity and momentous circumstances, regret being obliged again to encroach on your time and would earnestly beg the favour of your giving their memorial your serious consideration. 2. ...
We think the Shwegyeen memorialists make out a very strong case in favour of the short extension of some 18 miles they ask for. There are numerous hills in the vicinity of the town which might easily be turned into tea and coffee plantations like Mr Petley's tea plantation at Tonghoo if only there was railway communication. ...
Moulmein
The Moulmein Times says:
We are glad to head that Mr Geo. Dawson has, with his usual kindness, given assistance to the relatives of the two deceased carpenters who were engaged to work on his launch some short time ago and got drowned while coming ashore for their breakfast ... One of them left only a wife and she received a sum of Rs. 50 from Mr Dawson, whilst the other, a widower, left two children, who receive monthly Rs. 10 each.
Mr C.E. Maidment having kindly consented to try and get up a miscellaneous entertainment in St. Philip's School room on every alternative Friday evening for the amusement and recreation of those resident in the district; we beg to announce the second of the series which is to take place this evening at 8.30, all seats free.
We hear that telegraphic sanction has been received from the Government of India for the immediate survey of the country for the proposed Moo Valley Railway.
Bhamo
Things are at present pretty quiet in Bhamo and the surrounding country ... Two of the English doctors have been ordered away for change after fever, Dr. Bean and Dr. Russell. One new one has come up in their place and Dr. Kelly and Dr. Drury are still to the fore. ... Mr Jackson, a Photographer from Rangoon, is at present here, but what he finds to do in this weather he alone knows. Bhamo, 25th July
Commissioners for the Port of Rangoon
The proceedings of the Two hundred and Twenty-first meeting held on 11th July ...
Read a letter from Mrs Macrory, dated 10th July 1888, asking for an offer for her late husband's graving dock etc. at Danidaw, resolved that Mrs Macrory be informed that the Commissioners regret that they are unable to make an offer for the property.
The tenders received for constructing a spare pontoon having been considered, it was resolved that Mr D.D. Coath's tender for Rs. 12765 be accepted.
Read a letter from the Port Officer, dated 23rd July, forwarding the proceedings of a Committee convened to examine Mr G. Masson, fourth grade Pilot, as to his qualifications for a third grade Pilot's license for the Rangoon river. Finding: The Committee having duly considered the answers given by Mr Masson, is of opinion that he is qualified to hold a third grade Pilot's license for the Rangoon river, resolved that the Port Officer be informed that the Commissioners sanction a third grade Pilot's license being granted to Mr Masson.
Indian Engineering says that Mr Baumgarten has come over here on behalf of a Calcutta Syndicate to report on certain coal prospects. We have not as yet heard anything about this gentleman, nor are we aware to what part of the province his labours are confined.
The same paper says that the Engineers from other provinces who were lent to this province are to be permanently transferred here. It also contains the information that Mr Wernigg, the Locomotive Workshop Foreman of the Burma State Railway, has invented a machine for notching sleepers of very hard wood. It is driven by steam and guided by an ordinary coolie and notches 120 pynkadoe sleepers per hour.
We are glad to hear that the railway line to Pyinmana was opened to goods traffic yesterday [2nd Aug.]
A general meeting of the ... the following members were present:-
D. Norton, President, C.J. Brown, Vice-president.
Members: Rev'd. J.E. Marks ; Brigade Surgeon H. Griffith ; Surgeon-Major H. Godber ; J. Kearney ; L. Andrews ; E.A. Lutter ; A. Pennycuick ;
L. Kin Seng ; Ibrahim Ally Moola ; Moung Oo Ohn Gaing ; Oo Young ; Oo Kah and Oo Myat Tsan.
The President then brought to the notice of the Committee that the Night Conservancy arrangements had collapsed owing to the contractor's bullocks having become un-serviceable and that immediately the matter was brought to his notice he deputed Mr Frost, Veterinary Surgeon, to examine and report upon the state of the bullocks ... the conclusion that the bullocks were very badly and cruelly used by the drivers in the employ of Night Conservancy department and that there was considerable friction between Mr Roberts and the contractor ... Dr. Griffith then rose and asked whether Mr Ridock, the Superintendent of Night conservancy was healthy enough ad in a fit state to carry on his work any longer, the President replied that both Mr Ridock and Mr Roberts and in fact the whole department wanted looking into. ... Mr Moylan's letter regarding his duties as Legal Adviser to the Rangoon Municipality was then brought up for discussion. In his letter Mr Moylan stated that the aggregate earnings of the late Mr Gillbanks some time ago amounted to Rs. 1600 and for the past two years to Rs. 5000 per annum and that now that the work of the Municipality has increased and will continue to increase so long as Rangoon increases, he thought that he should be relieved of all his work in connection with the Municipality in the Police Courts and suggested that Mr Vaillant, the Crown Prosecutor, or any other competent Legal practitioner should be deputed to that work. It was then suggested by one of the members that Mr Stacey should be allowed to prosecute all cases in the Police Court. Dr. Marks strongly objected to Inspectors prosecuting petty cases against the poorer classes ... Dr. Marks proposed that the President be deputed to meet Mr Moylan personally and make the best arrangement he could with him. ... It was finally decided that Mr Moylan's letter be referred back to him and that he be asked to state definitely what he wants and how much. ...
Rangoon News
We understand that the late Mr Macrory's land at Dunneedaw had been leased to Messrs. Edmund Jones Co. for Rs. 225 per month.
The new organ in the Presbyterian Church will be played for the first time on Sunday evening by Mr Sherriff the Organist of the Pro-Cathedral.
Carson's Rentree
On Saturday night a large and fashionable audience assembled to welcome their old friend and favourite, the one and only Dave Carson, to Rangoon. After so long an absence both from the regular exercise of his profession and from this sense of past triumphs, it must have been indeed gratifying to the veteran showman to find not only such warm support among the local amateurs but so large a "house." ... The programme, which was exceptionally long, opened with a duet for violin and piano, Mr Sherriff's playing being of marked assistance to the instrumentalist. Mr E. Scrivens then bemoaned in melody the loss of "Ruby" ... Mr J.K. Anderson, in an almost too lovely pink and while complexion and a style clearly showing that he studied in his time under the best masters, secured a richly deserved recall ... Mr Young's contribution was hardly up to the mark ; and Mrs Stephen's first selection, in spite of a pretty face and dress, went a trifle flat, the vocalist being evidently nervous and having a slight struggle with the pianist. Dave Carson was received with subdued rapture; and it was evident that, to use a phrase that he will understand, he had "got them by the wool" from the very beginning ... Mr Franklin evidently desires to be judged as an actor, or he would not have tried so hackneyed a test piece as "Shamus O'Brien" he is possessed of strong dramatic talent but moves too much and has not the faintest conception of a brogue. But the force of his recitation carried his audience ... Coming so late in the course of an abnormally long Opening Mr Moniz had scarcely a chance with his Violin Solo and the supressed conversation of the "Gods" evidently flurried him and caused him to make several mistakes in what otherwise have been an excellent rendition of his morceau. Mrs Stephens scored a distinct success with "When the Heart is Young." ... Mr Franklin sang his song at abut four-fifteen to the mile ; he was possibly anxious to give Evershed a chance, but his distinctness suffered in consequence. ... If on succeeding evenings the management would kindly time Evershed's solo for about 10-15 it would be better.
Mr Hoyne Fox, Executive Engineer, has arrived from Mandalay and, we believe, takes charge of the Rangoon Town Division from Mr Eugene W. Oates some time this month: the latter officer proceeding to Europe on furlough.
Mr J.W. Buyers, Engineer-in-Chief, Toungoo-Mandalay Extension leaves today accompanied by Mr H.F. White, Superintending Engineer, Burma, to inspect the new line from Thawatee to Pyinmana preparatory to its being opened for passenger traffic.
The following are the totals of the Rangoon Central Jail population: 1st Aug. 3,552. 2nd Aug. 3,588. 3rd Aug. 3,506.
Inspector Rodgers
We hear from a very reliable source that Inspector Moung Yin Moung Pauk of Pagan has succeeded in effecting the arrest of Boh Mee and his wife at Pagan, both these persons are said to have been closely implicate in the murder of Inspector Rodgers of the Tharrawaddy District. Boh Mee was, at the time of his arrest, disguised as a Phoongyee while his wife was disguised as a Nun. This is, no doubt, a clever capture and will we trust be duly acknowledged.
Telegram
On Friday night an extremely important telegram, address "O'Brien, Rangoon" and prepaid at urgent rates. This telegram despatched at 21-10 – otherwise 9-10 p.m. on Friday, was delivered to the addressee on Saturday morning about half past six. On remonstrating, the following reply was received :-
FROM THE GOVERNMENT TELEGRAPH OFFICE, RANGOON
To W. O'Brien, Esq.
Dated 4th August 1888.
Sir, In reply to your letter of this morning, I have the honor (sic) to inform you that as no initial or address was given in the message and your address had not been registered in this office nor does it appear in the Directory, the message was sent to Cantonment first and afterwards enquiries were made in town. The address is transmitted, free of charge, and it would avoid much trouble were it invariably given.
I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant, N. NESBITT, Tele. Master on duty.
Telegram is herewith returned.
Of course Mr Nesbitt has to make some excuse and a very creditable one it is. Only we would remark that some hundred telegrams have been delivered correctly to that address during the past few months; and we consider the letter a remarkably fine specimen of official Elizabeth Martin.
More Troubles
Sir, Under instructions from Mr Ochme I have to call your attention to a letter published by you, in your issue of 12th July under the heading "Railway Subordinates' Grievances." In that letter you publish the statement "He (meaning Mr Ochme) is supposed never to go wrong and according to this advanced ideas and superior knowledge of human nature, he has been found disqualified for "construction work" but not for the open line" where he has been conspicuous by his absence at the scene of the late up-working of the Railway line, at [a] few miles from his headquarter and willingly left the whole responsibility and management to one of the old Burma State Railway Station Masters etc" The inuendoes of Mr Ochme frequently going wrong, being incompetent to perform his duties where his work of construction is going on, and neglecting his work in order to give others the trouble of doing it, are distinctly libellous. I have therefore to call on you for the name of your correspondent, or to warn you that my client will proceed against you as publisher of the said statements. I am, Yours faithfully, G. VanSomeren.
We regret we cannot oblige Mr VanSomeren with our correspondent's name. We shall be prepared to defend any suit Mr VanSomeren's client may being against us. This is about the sixth threat we have had since the warm weather commenced but we still survive and are prospering exceedingly. – Ed. R.T.
To the Editor
"Other papers please copy."
Dear Sir, Early this month I had the honour to be attached temporarily for duty to the Upper Burma Volunteer Rifles at Mandalay. The following public advertisement (paid for as such) was printed and widely circulated in the columns of the Morning Herald in its issues of 26th and 28th instant:
Upper Burma Volunteer Rifles Dinner. The dinner in connection with the Inspection of the Corps by General Sir. George White, K.C.B., V.C., will be held in the Volunteer Head-quarters on Monday the 30th instant at 8 p.m. Tickets for the above dinner at Rs. 5 can be obtained for the following:
Lt. T.J. Stephens – the Bank ; Sergt. Sutherland – Medical Hall ; Sergt. Ballard ; Sergt. Cassels ; Private Hanrahan ; And from the Sergt.-Major at the Volunteer Hall.
T.J. Stephens, President, Dinner Committee
Your paper, on the 28th instant, commented on this style of raising subscriptions for the dinner in connection with the inspection of the Corps by General Sir George White, K.C.B., V.C."
On the evening of the 28th instant a meeting of Officers was held at the Volunteer Headquarters and another on Sunday morning (29th) I was not cited to appear at wither of these meetings so that I cannot say what they were held for. Of course I have heard all about them. About 11 a.m. on Sunday, after the meeting dispersed, Sergt.-Major Lemon come (sic) up to my quarters and not finding me at home waited there till I returned and then handed me the following:
From: The Officer Commanding Upper Burma Volunteer Rifles, Mandalay
To: Lieut. J.H. Castor, Maulmain Volunteers, Mandalay
Dated: 29th July 1888
Sir, I have the honor (sic) to forward an extract from Corps after orders dated 18th July 1888, cancelling the order attaching you for duty to the Corps under my Command; you will cease to be attached from this date. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient sevt. R.C. Temple, Lieut.-Col. Commanding Upper Burma Volunteer Rifles.
To which I sent the following reply "I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated today and handed to me by Sergt.-Major Lemon, which except on the point of being unattached I do not understand as it refers to an extract which has not been forwarded to me as alleged in it. From conversations I have had with some members of the corps I am led to infer that the order un-attaching me is the result of what appeared yesterday in the Mandalay Herald regarding the "inspection dinner." I do not rebel against your order if my sins, if any, as a journalist, can be visited on me, as an officer. I, as others, read a public notice printed and circulated broadcast with a public journal, in which public subscriptions were publicly called for at Rs. 5 a ticket, towards paying for the expense of a public dinner to be given, at which General White was presumably to be a "guest" that is, a private invitee. This public subscription was in connection with his annual inspection of the corps ; and I respectfully submit, that the comments of the paper were strictly within the bounds of criticism on the text afforded by the public advertisement in question. In conclusion, I beg to say that the comments of the paper were not intended to be applied either to the officers or men of the corps. They were comments on the dinner committee, if on any, who signed the notification and no more, and if they have been construed otherwise, I deeply regret that a construction altogether unintended should have been applied to them. I sincerely beg to tender my apologies to every officer and man in the coprs to which I had the honor to be attached.
I have the honor to be, Sir, Yours obediently, J.H. Castor, Lieut. M.V.R.
I do not intend discussing this further in a newspaper, as I intend sending the whole subject up to the highest military authority, the Secretary of State for War by the next mail for a final decision on the very important general question: can advantage be taken of a civilian's position as a Volunteer Officer to punish him as such, for something he felt it his duty to do in his civil public avocation and in which as a civilian, he is well protected? If every Volunteer officer who edits, or is on the recognised staff of a paper, cannot be touched for anything he does in his public capacity as such Editor, but can be dragged over the coals, as a Volunteer Officer, for something he does legitimately as Editor, then it is quite possible that the honor of holding a commission in Her Majesty's Auxiliary Forces may be made a gag on him as a publicist. Of course, I shall send a copy of my letter to the War Officer to the Lieut. Colonel of the Upper Burma Volunteer Rifles. I am Sir, You[s] obediently, J.H. Castor, Lieut. M.V.R.
Pagan News
5th Aug.
The new Pokoko district is now fait accompli. Poor Pagan is at last shorn of all her dignity, all her possessions have been shipped off her and given to other districts and henceforth she figures as a little sub-division – she has survived repeated conflagrations and rapacious dacoit Bohs and cholera; but she can never hold up her head after this last blow! never!
For many days past no bread could be obtained and it was reported that even the bakers had flown from the place! The report turns out at all events premature. The gentlemen in question had been only temporarily absent procuring flour from Mandalay. So our alarm has quieted down for the present.
In the last Official Gazette was the announcement reconstructing the various districts in the Southern Division. The new Pokoko district consists of the Pokoko, Pakangyee and Yaw sub-divisions. The last by the way is quite large and important enough to make a district of itself. We hope the Government will, at any rate, appoint an energetic experienced European Officer to the charge of the Yaw sub-division. There are always likely to be complications on the Chin frontier; so the importance of having a good man in that part of the country cannot be over stated. Pagan is reduced to a sub-division, and, with those of Sale and Popa, is added to the Myingyan district.
Toungdwingyi is increased by the addition of Magwe sub-division from Minbu and Toungdwingyi head-quarters will eb established at Magwe, as it is more conveniently situated than their resent location. Owing to work and worry of Capt. Eyre's health has suffered considerably and he has to take a month's rest. So he is unable to assume charge of the new Pokoko district at once. Mr Stevenson, Asst. Commissioner, officiates for him. The exodus to Pokoko has already begun. Eighty Military Policemen went across yesterday to garrison the new lines. The erection of barracks, offices etc., is actually proceeding. The Civil head-quarters and Dist. Treasury will move over in a few days. A sub-divisional Treasury will be opened at Pagan in charge of Mr Inman, Myook. ...
Mr Thurston, Asst. Commissioner, arrived overland from Toungdwingyi via Kyoukpadaung, on 1st inst. and took over charge of the Pagan sub-division. The Government have purchased Capt. Eyre's fine house. It will be used as the sub-divisional officer's quarters. It is also reported that Mr Pockett's house will be bought by the Government for a Dak Bungalow. Whether the various sub-ordinates, who have houses here and will suffer pecuniary loss by the transfer to Pokoko will be compensated, is not yet decided. ...
Upper Burma Summary
There was one dacoity committed by 8 men armed with dahs and sticks on the outskirts of Mandalay town. One dacoit was killed and 3 others captured. In Shwebo there were seven dacoities, in one of which a villager was killed. In two cases the Police recovered all the dacoited property and in one a dacoit was killed. The rest of the Northern Division was undisturbed. The Central and Southern Divisions were generally quiet. In Sagaing villagers resisted and drove off dacoits.
In Myingyan Bo Yan Nyein was killed by a party of Police under Inspector Nangle and Myook Maung Po Ka. A Policeman was shot in Myingyan town by a robber. There were a few dacoities in Pokoko District, also in Pyinmana and Yamethin. A dacoit leader was killed and 3 guns captured in Yamethin. In Meiktila no violent crime was reported. Bo Ya Zaing, who recently committed dacoity with murder at Kokozu, was killed by a Thurgyi's followers.
Tavoy News
We are at present quiet – rather stagnant if anything – and things are once more looking prosperous. There have been extremely heavy rains, subserving two useful purposes; in the first place our cultivators will be prosperous and secondly the ardour and bodies of the rebels will be considerably damped. There are considerable outward signs of material advancement in Tavoy; but only future experience can prove whether they are illusory or not. Several substantial pucca buildings have lately been erected, brick throughout and of the most modern and improved style. The neat and beautifully ornamented little church, with its two stained glass windows, is a picture in itself. It is to be hoped the Padre will come down soon; after so much turmoil and bloodshed we are becoming somewhat brutal and demoralised. Our enterprising townsmen, W. Hollmann, has built a new rice mill on the most scientific principles ; he expects to turn out unbroken rice of far better quality than that now on the market and it is hoped that his attempt will meet the success he so thoroughly deserves. There is one mill working here already; but it is in the hands of a Burman who turns out a very poor and broken sample and has let his machinery get into a dilapidated condition. There is also a saw mill here, constructed by an enterprising Celestial who turns out sleepers by the thousand weekly for the Government. Our most valuable local timber is pingado, or Iron-wood, of superior quality and large dimensions.
Our new Deputy Commissioner, Mr Twomey, is giving general satisfaction; not only is he a hard worker, but he is firm and straightforward. I need hardly add that he is liked by everybody.
Gambling/Opium Dens
Poozoondoung has long been known as a hot bed of gambling dens, several of which are now in full swing in spite of all the watchfulness of the police. The place is now gaining notoriety as a rendezvous for the sale of opium, one of the houses where this illicit sale is being carried on was "dropped on" yesterday by Inspector Carlisle and several other suspected houses are being watched.
We hear an unusually strong programme will be offered on Saturday night on the occasion of the complimentary benefit to Mr Carson and that among those of other favourites it will bear the name of our popular favourite Mrs J.F. Regan. We understand that Mrs Regan and others have taken the matter in hand so that an artistic and pecuniary success may be expected.
Mr Frank Sherriff
Organist, has severed his connection as Organist with the Pro-Cathedral and has joined the Presbyterian Church as organist, where, we believe, he has obtained more liberal terms. He will continue to give his organ recitals but at the latter church. The new organ is a fine instrument, brilliant in tone and powerful. The voicing of the pipes seems to have been well executed, judging from its performance on Sunday evening last. We might add that the instrument has been erected solely under the control of Mr Frank Sherriff.
There has been a good start made with the Drainage Works, considering how late it was started; 21 inch pipes had been laid from the outfall at Monkey Point up to Lewis Street, when pipe-laying had to be stopped owing to the rains. Some difficulty was experienced in getting under the Railway lines and in crossing creeks and the Canal, the bridge on which looks very well carrying the outfall main pipes across. Block G is finished, so also one of the ejectors, which was tried in the presence of Mr O.D. Clark, proving a success. It will really be a blessing when this system is finished and the town cleaned of Shone's method of Drainage. Another Ejector Station is put up on Dalhousie Street near St. Phillips Church and owing to the rains, the hole is well shored to make it safe for those working below. The Manager Mr Edwards, deserves praise for the way in which he has been carrying on the works, taking into consideration how unpleasant this weather is for outside work. The Compressor Station is approaching completion; the building has sprung up like a mushroom. The beds for the engines are finished and a start has been made on the chimney which is to be about 80 to 100 feet high. All bricks used for the chimney are, we believe, brought out from England and there is no mistake that the contractors one and all are determined to make a show of the building. In fact, it is pleasing to see the work that is being carried out, both material and workmanship being of the best quality.
The hounds will meet on Saturday at the Race Stand at 5.30 p.m. and the run will finish a Mr Lowis' house in Halpin Road. Mr Lowis will be glad to see the members of Hunt Club at the finish.
Mr Norton
We are sorry to hear that Mr Norton, Deputy Commissioner, met with an accident yesterday morning on his way to office. It would appear that a cooly, who was carrying a load on his head, slipped and fell just near Mr Norton's dogcart, and that before he had time to pull up, the pony rushed over the man, with the result that the dogcart, with Mr Norton, capsized. Mr Norton was considerable shaken up and bruised about the shins, the dogcart being very much damaged. Mr Bigge, the First Judge of the Small Cause Court, happening to pass by at the time, picked Mr Norton up and brought him to office.
St. Gabriel's
We hear that the School attached to St. Gabriel's Church is temporarily closed owing to there being no pupils, the 100 or so pupils who were attending having left the School in a body owing to some of their teachers being dismissed and the Headmaster having resigned. We believe that the Headmaster, assisted by the teachers, intends opening a School of their own, pending the return to Rangoon of the Lord Bishop.
Anticipated Disturbances at Pegu
In consequence of an attempt at ripping up the Railway line at Pegu being anticipated, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate sent an urgent wire stating that forty dacoits were in Pegu planning to tear up the line between Pegu and Pyinmana, the Police being very short handed and both the Dist. Magistrate and Police Superintendent being absent. Twenty-five Police under Superintendent Dixon left for Pegu by the 11-47 train yesterday.
Rangoon Volunteer Artillery
We thank the R.V.A. for the following advance copy of the Programme they have prepared for our enjoyment this evening. We hope to see a goodly gathering as these Concerts are among the best of our few social entertainments and no effort had ben spared to assure a brilliant success. The fun starts at 9 p.m.
Pianoforte Duet – H.M. Lutter and F. Sherriff
Song – The Midshipmite – S. Adams, C.E. Chandler
Cornet Solo – P. O'Rourke
Song – E. Scriven
Quartet arranged by F. Sherriff: Messrs. Lutter, Scriven, Chandler and Wilkie
Comic Song – J.K. Anderson
Violin Solo – W. Preston
Song – W. Baker
Stump Speech – C.E. Maidment
Song – C.E. Chandler
Banjo Solo and Song – Scotch
Song – J. Wilkie
Song – H. McCann
After this programme has been rendered gentlemen wishing to join in the further Musical enjoyment can do so by registering their names with the Chairman. Chairman, Lt. C.E. Chandler. Accompanists, Bomb. F. Sherriff and Gunner H.M. Lutter.
Mr Castor and the U.B.R.V.
Dear Sir, Allow me a little space in your next for a brief comment on the treatment Mr Castor appears to have received as is seen from extracts in your todays issue. When anybody, be they a Society, a Brotherhood, a Confederacy or even a Corps choses to have a social gathering in their name, either in the shape of an evening At Home, or on the green, a Sing-Song Concert, Dance or even Dinner, on behalf of this or that personage who is to be a special guest, it is known to find the funds for the entertainment within the sphere (Members) of the society, Brotherhood, Confederacy or Corps, as the case may be.
Advertising for the sale of a dinner ticket, as the Mandalay Volunteers have done, at Rs. 5 a ticket, the Corps are robbed of the honour of calling it their Dinner in commemoration of this or that event; and I should not wonder at criticism by even those unconcerned.
If I had time at my disposal, I would expatiate on the inadvisability of bringing about a Regimental entertainment on the same principle as a national get-up, such as a St. Patrick's Dinner, on a public subscription.
I am of opinion that the treatment Mr Castor, Lieutenant of the Moulmain Volunteers received at the hands of the Mandalay R.V. does not justify their action in the case, in so much that Mr Castor's occupation in Civil life is that of a journalist and he is consequently a critic.
It is to be hoped that the authorities to whom he intends referring the matter, will regulate the folly of the steps taken by a few in a matter purely non-military, as things of this nature tend to estrange otherwise loyal hearts. Yours sincerely, A FREE THINKER
With reference to the above our correspondent seems to have forgotten that no public subscription was ever intended; a fact which was perfectly well understood in Mandalay. There never was any intention to give the Major-General a dinner; but he had been invited of course as a private guest to honour the Corps by dining with them. Any ordinary mortal would have thought that a notice headed "Upper Burma Volunteer Rifles" referred to that body alone. It was a private dinner of the Corps and the U.B.R.V. is not yet reduced to sending round the hat whenever it wants to enjoy itself. As a matter of fact, the custom of the Corps has always been to intimate the price of tickets to those members who might be reasonably expected to pay for themselves and guests, and then to invite, usually in the name and at the expense of the officers (of course, privately,) the entire remainder of the Corps. This system has always given general satisfaction and might be advantageously copied elsewhere. With regard to the expulsion of Mr Castor, that is entirely another matter; but our correspondent seems to be labouring under a perhaps pardonable misconception on these points. – Ed. R.T.
Mr Edwards
Some time back we had occasion to notice the case of Jail Overseer Edwards. A correspondent now informs us that "the Superintendent of the Jail, despite the fact that Edwards was discharged without even being put on his defence, refused to cancel the order of suspension under which he had been placed during the proceedings. Edwards resigned, his resignation being accepted; but on his discharge Dr. MacDonald wrote an endorsement, referring to the tobacco case, expressing his dissatisfaction at the discharge and his fixed intention to re-open the case. Further Dr. MacDonald is stated to have refused payment of the man's wages for the time he was suspended for an offence of which a competent Court acquits him. Another Overseer, seeing the treatment Edwards received, has since resigned. The unfortunate man has been here two years in the Prison Service and two in the Straits. He left the Army with a clean sheet and has excellent testimonials; it is feared such an endorsement may seriously injure his future prospects." We understand it is intended to being the whole matter before Dr. Sinclair
Accident
"Captain" Hugh Fraser, of Soap works fame, is to the front again. A correspondent obliges is with the following: "Captain Fraser, who met with an accident at Mandalay by falling into a hole dug in the streets of the town in April 1888, is a passenger on board the incoming mail steamer, for the purposes of appearing before the arbitrator in the matter of his claims against the Secretary of State for India for severe bodily injuries suffered by him in consequence of such accident. Captain Fraser sustained a very severe fracture of the thigh bone and after undergoing treatment in No. 4 Field Hospital in Mandalay was brought down to the General Hospital, Rangoon, Dr. Griffith considered a severe operation necessary, but dangerous in the moist climate of this town ; plaintiff was induced by this advice to proceed to Calcutta for treatment in the General Hospital there. He then underwent a severe operation, involving the removal of several inches of the thigh bone and is now a cripple for life. He claims Rs. 36,500. We hope to secure a full report of the case, as many of our readers in Upper Burma have been asking considerably after the plaintiff.
Mr Nolan, who is a passenger by the incoming Calcutta mail, is on a special mission with reference to considering means for inducing the surplus agricultural population of India to emigrate to Burmah, a point on which the Chief Commissioner and the Indian Government are taking great interest with a view to action.
St. Gabriel's School
We are glad to correct an error in the last portion of one of our locals of Thursday so far as relates to the temporary closing of St. Gabriel's School, we are informed by the Rev'd. Mr Rickard that the school is not closed, it continues to be carried on under his charge and with a fresh staff of teachers.
Mr Norton, our Deputy Commissioner, has been rather unfortunate of late, his dogcart having capsized the other day and on Thursday evening, while on his way from Court to the Municipal Office, the ponies attached to his phaeton took flight and bolted. The driver, who was eventually thrown, was unable to control them and all Mr Norton's cries to passers by to "puckaro" the run- away ponies being in vain, as they were going at such a pace that it was impossible to stop them.
Fortunately, however, the ponies were making for home, which they reached in safety, nothing happened to Mr Norton beyond his being considerably startled.
We hear that Mr Norton shortly takes three months' privilege leave and goes to the Neilgherries.
I am sorry to find that the advertisement in the British Burma Advertiser as to [the] late Mr Gillbanks' Law Books being open to inspection at the office of Messrs. Gillbanks and Summers, Shafraz Road, Rangoon, (now occupied by Messrs. Law and Summers,) is a sorry hoax, as on my going there on purpose to have a view of the books at noon today (9th instant)
I was told that the books are to be viewed at Mr Balthazar's and not at that office and that in such a tone as evinces a deal of impertinence, especially on the part of one who is well aware of the advertisement.
Yours ever most faithfully,
AN ADVOCATE of the Local Bar.
There is absolutely nothing going on in or about this festive town, ... There has been one small burglary in the town, someone taking advantage of the absence of David (the man who used to keep the rival hotel to Grin's) who is away at Bhamo. I believe, to break into his house by a back window and steal Rs. 450 ; rather rough luck on the man, who lost his wife only three weeks ago.
I hear that D'Silva has at last found out that he is not making a fortune out of his paper and intends putting "Granny" up to auction; here is a really a good chance for an enterprising young man with capital, as the name of the paper ought to be work somewhat; it has decidedly a pleasant odour in the nostrils of the authorities, as well as of the U.B.V.R., the latter no longer publishing their Corps Orders in the columns, but using the Daily Advertiser for the purpose, It has absolutely no news in its pages now a days, chiefly consisting of reprints from Macaulay's essays and extracts from ancient copies of the Rangoon Times or the Gazette.
The cattle disease is very bad and seems getting worse ... I hope that this is not going to develop some new and startling form of disease as we are doing nicely enough with cholerine, fever and dysentery, the people dying at the rate of 35 to 40 a day ... I have counted 25 funerals in a day myself and that only gives the number going to one cemetery.
The Volunteer Adjutant, Lt. Newall and his wife arrived on last Saturday's steamer and now I suppose the U.B.V.R. will have a chance of getting themselves licked into shape, and they want it badly. ... The Corps was very near losing their Sergt.-Major about three days ago, he having gone in for his little old weekly smash in breaking in a pony to harness. The pony bolted and turned over the trap.
Mr W.C.N. Jones, Asst. Superintendent, Class V, 1st grade, Telegraph Department, is appointed to officiate as a Superintendent in Class IV, 3rd grade, with effect from 10th July 1888 during the absence of Mr R.C. Laughlin, Superintendent, Class IV, 2nd grade, on privilege leave, or until further orders.
Mr Rose, Principal of the Rangoon College, has been in luck's way lately. Impromis, someone sneaked a valuable table cloth from his quarters. While driving back from the Halls of Justice, where the thief has expiated his sins, on Friday evening, Mr Rose was pitched out of his dogcart. We are glad to hear the damages only amount to a few bruises and gravel rash.
On the recommendation of a Medical Board, Sub-Conductor J. Irwin, Ordnance Dept. is permitted to proceed to India in anticipation of the leave which will be thereafter granted him by Government.
Excerpts from the proceedings of the Two Hundred and Twenty-third Meeting of the Commissioners held on Wed. 8th Aug. 1888. ... Read a letter from the Port Officer no. ... dated 7th Aug. 1888 forwarding an application from Mr A.G. Campbell, Pilot, for leave on medical certificate from 14th Aug. to the 1st Nov. 888 and stating that he has granted the leave in anticipation of the Port Commissioners' sanction. Resolved that the Port Officer be informed that the Commissioners confirm the leave granted to Mr Campbell.
Pyinmana News
This place has been dull as dishwater for the last month; hence my inability to send you even a few lines. Don't, by this, understand that I have news to give now. It is the same old thing still a few petty dacoities and the usual amount of rain. However, I must full up the pages somehow ... On Saturday our cricketers, taking advantage of a sunny afternoon got up a one innings match which was well contested, all the players were out of practice but each man did his level best for his side, and the game was a most enjoyable one. ... The Commissioner started on his tour of inspection this morning. He is likely to be away three months as he has many places to visit ... There is a good deal of cholera in the district but town has been free for about a fortnight. The District Surveyor got over his attack but his wife was carried off in a few hours during his illness and at a time when the poor fellow's case seemed hopeless. Mr Partridge of the Bombay Burma Corporation is in trouble. He is reported to have abused and assaulted a Head Constable and then to have locked him up for two or three days. I believe the Deputy Commissioner is trying the case and will deliver judgement today. Of course the affair happened out in the district, where the accused has unlimited power. I see the Engineer Officers who have come to "pass" the line between Thawati and this place are busy at their inspection. From all accounts they will run passenger trains shortly, say, in another ten days. I should say, judging by the crowds of passengers going down daily, the line will pay very well. It is hoped that the down train from Pyinmana will be so timed as to catch the night mail at Tounghoo without the weary waiting of four hours that passengers have now to endure at that station. 9th Aug.
Akyab News
The Enterprise arrived here yesterday from Calcutta and as she is to leave for Rangoon tomorrow, I take the opportunity of sending you a few lines. Up to date we have a rain fall of 130 inches and at present it is raining freely. The climate of Akyab does not appear to agree with our Civil Surgeons, during the past ten years we have had seven of them and they have all had to leave on account of bad health. On Tuesday Dr. Evans, our officiating Civil Surgeon, left for Calcutta suffering from inflammation of the liver.
Akyab has been rather dull lately, the S.S. Mary is however expected from Bassein with a very valuable freight, after the arrival of which we may expect a little gaiety and diversion.
The members of the Telegraph Department have just issued invitations for the ball on the 21st instant, it is expected to be a grand affair.
The Akyab correspondent to the Gazette writes somewhat spitefully about affairs Municipal and our "Weekly hunts and finishes." The explanation is easy, he is not allowed a voice in the former and has never been invited to the latter. A sporting young lady suggested that he should be invited to the next hunt and finish, after which he would probably return home very much ashamed of himself. 9th Aug.
Mr P. Nolan, who arrived by the last Calcutta mail steamer, leaves for Mandalay on Sunday and will probably return by rail to Pyinmana and Tonghoo. This will give him an opportunity of seeing a large part of Upper Burma and what portions are most suited for immigrants from India. We believe Mr Nolan is anxious to have information on the working of our land laws in Burma ; and we would recommend those parties who applied some months ago for land in the Hanthawaddy district, to wait on him with their diaries of what has been done since their application was first made, the number of times they have attended Court and been over the land with officials, with the amount of hard cash expended in making surveys and other little matters.
13th Aug.
Lt.-Col. Woodhouse, 29th M.I., we are sorry to hear, has lost the use of an arm and a leg through a severe stroke of paralysis ... Lt.-Col. Fitzpatrick from Moulmein (not Lt.-Col. Weston as stated in my last) has taken over command of the 29th M.I. Regt. as well as of the Station.
Mr Wyatt left us on the 6th instant by express Dufferin and was relieved by Mr Foy, Asst. Engineer from Prome. Mr Bell who arrived from Minhla by the same express resumes his original dutues as Sub-engineer.
... Those who have not, as yet, paid a visit to the Golden City and have been thinking about taking a look at it some time or other had better be quick about making up their minds.
On Friday a Committee composed of one Civilian and some Military Officers assembled to consider what portions of the Palace should be preserved for the sake of historical associations; the rest to be pulled down. Perhaps on the whole, it is just as well, as the British Government would never have planked down the chips to re-gild it and it must soon have looked what they would call in Wales "main shabby;" but I do not quite see the necessity for their being in such a hurry, for they haven't got more money than they know what to do with. The Palace is as yet perfectly sound and the pulling down and the putting up of new buildings will cost rupees.
We are soon, I am sorry to say, to lose Mr Matthews, who leaves us for Bassein at no very distant date; will be very generally regretted here; I haven't heard whom we are to get in his place.
An error appears in your report this morning of my adventure with a lunatic, for such he turned out to be, which ought to be corrected. The police came immediately they were sent for and took the lunatic into custody, so you will see that my unwelcome guest did not pass the night under my roof.
Yours truly, W.M. Penfold. Rangoon, 15th Aug. 1888
Reply: The inquest on our reporter will take place tomorrow: funeral at 5 p.m., no cards, no fuss. Ed. R.T.
Tavoy News
Since writing my last letter I have little or no news to relate. The heavy rainfall ... Mr Harris, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mr Aldworth Asst. Superintendent of Police and Inspector Ffoorde (sic) left here for Naboolai on the 31st ultimo. Mr Ffoorde will remain there for some 3 or 4 months. I learn from good authority that the villagers of Naboolai have been secretly supplying the rebels with food, notwithstanding the presence of 40 or 50 Military Police. ... The village of Naboolai is noted for the attacks by rebels on Tsike Maung Po on the 21st April last and on Mr Lyons and his guard of Ghoorkas on the morning of the 27th May last. ... Perhaps Messrs. Harris, Aldworth and Ffoorde will be able to cope with the difficulty. Aldworth has proved himself a man of untiring energy, spirit and determination. I wish him and his party every success.
We hear that Capt. A.N. Parrott, at present Deputy Commissioner at Mergui, is likely to come here when Mr Norton obtains the leave he has applied for. Capt. Parrott has the reputation of being a most active and zealous officer and doubtless will do well in the Rangoon district as he has done in Hanthawaddy, Minbu and Mergui.
Two men, Nga Sin and Chin Toe, reported to belong to the Tharrawaddy gang of dacoits, were arrested on Thursday night near Okepo about two miles form Pegu, on a charge of robbery. ... Booty to the extent of Rs. 490 has been recovered by Mr Head Constable Cole, who happened to be in the vicinity at the time and who deserves credit for his prompt action.
Mr Sullivan of the P.W.D., Supervisor at one of the locks of the Pegu Canal, has been brought up on a charge of Criminal Breach of Trust; the enquiry is going on at present.
Mr Summers
The case in which Mr Summers of the Drainage Scheme Works proceeded against two petty contractors for defamation of character, which was pending in the Asst. Magistrate's Court, has been withdrawn, as the two accused have tendered Mr Summers an ample apology through their advocate.
Theft
The present state of the weather, which causes night to hang dark upon us, when the thin drizzling rain out of doors causes us to seek our cosy beds, seems to be the most advantageous time to thieves, who endeavour to make the best of it. On the night of Monday last, a thief broke into the house of Mr W.M. Penfold, a Senior Clerk of the Burma State Railway, who resides in 32nd St. The man, who is either a Telugu or Madrasee, watched his opportunity till the family had retired for the night, and then attempted ingress by breaking one of the bars of an open window. This hardly permitted him to drag his whole body in, so he tried the strength of another bar, the noise awaking an ayah, who immediately gave the alarm. Mr Penfold jumped out of bed and seized the invader whom he bound with stout cords. The police as usual were no where to be found and Mr Penfold had to detain the captive in his own house till yesterday morning when he reported the circumstances.
The Shwegyin School
Sir, I am sure that your sense of justice will forbid you to be party, I will not say to false accusations, but to cowardly insinuations against the late master of this school, Mr A.G. Mackertoom. By the testimony of all those who know him, his character, both as an individual and as a schoolmaster, is above reproach. For his excellent service he has been continually promoted and he is now the Headmaster of the Government School, Moulmein – one of the principal Schools in the Province.
Mr Campagnac, the present Master of Shwegyin School, was removed from Moulmein to make room for Mr Mackertoom's promotion. Mr Campagnac has his good name to retrieve and it is a great pity that his friends do not allow him to do this in decent silence – and by good, honest work. To attempt to praise him by decrying his predecessor, simply drives those who know both men to look at their records, and to ask whether similar occurrences are not matters of School history at the Rangoon High School, at Akyab and at Mergui. In all these places Mr Campagnac may have been perfectly right, and his judges perfectly wrong. But the latter did not think so, and
ABL note: This letter appears at the bottom of page 968, unfortunately page 969 has not survived. Later issues might reveal a little more.
Mr Dawson
We hear that Mr Dawson, who is now running two large steam launches between Rangoon and some of the River stations, shortly expects out a goodly number of large and powerful launches from home, and intends running a passenger line in the same direction as the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company.
The Gymkhana Sports
The fun starts about 5 p.m. ...
4th – Flat Race. Entrance Rs. 2. Prize - 2 gold mohurs.
1. W.G.L. Rice
2. Col. Butlin
2. A.T. Fleming
W.R. Clifford
D.J. Morrison
J.K. Moir
Name of Horse/pony
Sagawa
Tit Willow
Minbu
Chokra
L. Tucker
H.D. Dickie
They are off at last and the whole six come round the corner close together. The going is rather heavy and two tail off in the straight. Opposite the Stand, Mr Tucker pushes Sagawa to the front winning cleverly by a short head, Colonel Butlin on Tit Willow and Mr Fleming on Minbu tie for second place.
5th – Tilting. Ladies nomination. Entrance Rs. 2. Prize - A gold bangle
Owner
W.Q. Rowett
Dr. Gormley
D. Brodie Thomas
A.T. Fleming
J. Shaw Taylor
N.H. Johnson
Mrs Pedley
Mrs Morrison
Mrs Norton
Miss Gormley
Mrs Thirkell White
Mrs Johnstone
Mrs Clarke Kennedy
Tilting brought out a full field, Mr Rowett winning the bangle with four rings for Mrs Pedley against Mr Dickie's three for Mrs Morrison.
7th – Steeple Chase. Entrance Rs. 2. Prize - 2 gold mohurs.
1. W.Q. Rowett
3. N.H. Johnson
Renny-Tailyour (sic)
H.A. Hoghton
C.H. Davies
Name of pony
MacDuff
Tatiy
G. Palmer
The three placed ponies got well away, Peter slightly in rear but the rest of the field were nowhere, two ponies breaking clean away. Peter soon drew away after the second hurdle and eventually won by a street; (sic) after about quarter of an hour, Mr Tucker on Sagawa just beat Mr Johnson's Beau by a short nose on the post.
9th Bare Back Race. Entrance Rs. 1. Prize – a riding whip.
Bare Back Race for Burman Ponies. On the word for starting being given, open an umbrella in front of pony then mount and gallop round a post 100 yards distance and back. Umbrella to be carried open from start to finish.
1. L. Tucker
2. Dr. Gormley
C.C. Lowis
Capt. Gordon
The Bare Back race was a mixture of shying and scrambling, three spills in a field of five leaving Mr Tucker and Dr. Gormley, the former of whom won by half a length, to finish.
Dear Sir, Some years ago I saw an advertisement by the Burman Government that they would grant land and would give every facility to planters that would be willing to open up land in the district of Tavoy hills. This induced me to got to see the land and judge for myself whether the soil was really fit for tea, coffee or cinchona, Of course, I thought that I could reach the spot by a road, but am sorry to say that there was only a road of about 20 miles from Tavoy; the remainder 30 miles I had to walk, swim and manage the best way I could. I got up to Niadong, where to my surprise, no shelter was to be found, but must confess the land I saw was good. But what is the use of land when you have no road to get provisions for self and coolies within 50 miles from any village, let alone the cost of transport? I was, however, repaid for my troublesome and expensive journey when I arrived on my way back at the Model Duke Estate, where I saw coffee, tea and fruit trees of all descriptions thriving as well as I have seen in India or Ceylon (if not better) and in my opinion the land was not as good as in Niadong. The Government ought to be extremely thankful to Mr Watson for having planted up an experimental garden at his own expense for the good of the Government, as I hear he had but little assistance from the Government. But, after all, what is the use of all when the Government stand in their own way by not constructing roads to induce pioneers to invest their money in the Tavoy hills? Unless roads were constructed to enable them to get to the land conveniently and the land laws made a little more favourable, I have no doubt, that many planters from Java, India and Ceylon, who would only be too glad to avail themselves of the land so offered, would refuse to come. Trusting, Dear Mr Editor, you will give this room in your valuable paper, so as to prevent others from a troublesome and expensive journey. I am, Yours Respectfully, A. PLANTER OF A QUARTER CENTURY. Tavoy, 10th Aug.
Mr Sullivan
We hear that the bail furnished for Mr Sullivan was withdrawn on the afternoon of the 15th and that he was arrested on a warrant granted by the District Magistrate of Pegu and is now in confinement in the Town Main Guard.
Surgeon J.O. Tinto, I.M.S., having reported his arrival from Madras on the 18th is directed to do duty at the Regimental Native Detail Hospital for Upper Burma, Rangoon.
Ruby Mines
Mogok, North Burmah, July 25th
An epidemic of cholera swept through this district last month causing considerable loss of life, but I am glad to say that it appears to have entirely left us since the regular rains set in.
This district is quiet and settled down now, and dacoites are almost unknown, one reason for this state of things is that the Burmese of the Ruby Mines are, comparativly speaking, a rich people and therefore have no inclination to hazard their lives and properties on the war path, while, on the other hand, the Burmans of the plains, the country where one and all give so much trouble to Government, are as to say, a poor race and having nothing much to lose do not mind hazarding the little they have on the chance of making a haul on one their dacoity expeditions.
The total number of convicts in the Rangoon Central Jail on the 21st instant amounted to 3,482.
A meeting of shippers by the Irrawaddy Flotilla Steamer Thoorea, which was wrecked at Minbu, Upper Burma, on 8th Feb. 1887, was held this week to consider what steps should be taken to recover their claims against the Flotilla. It was pointed out that in Feb. 1889 their claims will be barred by limitation, as only two years' time are allowed for suits of this kind against common carriers. We believe it was arranged that a Syndicate of Shippers should subscribe and being a test case before the Recorder's Court closes for the vacation next month.
Mr A.W. Lonsdale, formerly Headmaster of the Normal Schools, Moulmein, has come over here to take up the Editorship of Vernacular Text Books.
Rangoon Charitable Society
Minutes of a meeting of the Committee of the Rangoon Charitable Society held on 1st day of Aug. 1888 – Present: Rev'd. S.P. Long, Rev'd. J. Cushing, D.D., Rev'd. J.E. Marks, D.D., Rev'd. E. Luce, Rev'd. W. Sisam. Mr F.D. Phinney and the Secretary Rev'd. S.P. Long in the chair.
The following cases were then considered and dealt with:
H. Wilson, assistance given
R. O'Kelly, a passage given to Penang
J. Wainwright, a passage given to Calcutta
A. Madge, assistance given
Mrs Cowsell, assistance given
G. Nicholas, a passage given to Calcutta
Mr Mitchell
We hear with pleasure, that Mr Mitchell, the late Stationmaster of Toungoo, who was suspended by the Traffic Superintendent some time ago, has, after making several ineffectual appeals to the Railway Authorities for justice, succeeded after appealing to the Chief Commissioner, in getting an order for re-instatement and an allowance of half pay for all the time he was under suspension. We would be glad to hear of similar treatment being dealt out to the several other old and deserving hands who have been very harshly dealt with.
Taxes
A list of 379 persons in the Kemendine circle, Rangoon town, called upon to pay Rs. 4843 as Income Tax and of 644 persons in the Poozoondoung Quarter called upon to pay Rs. 8923 is hung outside the Income Tax collector's Office in the Public Buildings. Here are over a thousand families who are to be vexed and bothered to recover something over thirteen rupees from each! Truly the ways of Government to get revenue are wonderful. By indirect taxation it would be comparatively easy to get double the amount without causing any dissatisfaction or disgust such as is sure to be felt by the demand for Income Tax from numbers of people who, many of them, are deeply in debt and hardly removed from the condition of paupers.
Wages
Maximum rates chargeable for hire of carts and coolies in each district of the Northern Division approved by Colonel G.A. Strover, the Commissioner, have been published in the last official Gazette. Labour in the Ruby Mines appear to be the scacest of all districts, 12 annas a day being paid for men, women and boys, as coolies, whilst 4 to 8 annas a day only are paid for men in other districts and 2 to 6 annas a day for boys and women.
Mandalay 19th Aug.
Latest reports state that Mainlong in the neighbourhood of the Ruby Mines, is in a disturbed condition and trouble is anticipated. Accounts from Mogaung state the neighbourhood is quiet and Poh Swa doing nothing; he will be taken in hand as soon as the cold season permits. The river has fallen considerably and there are no fears for the Bund; this still remains in the hands of the Public Works Dept. and has not been taken over by the Municipality. The Chief Commissioner has made no arrangements for leaving Mandalay yet' he will probably remain in Upper Burma till the middle of October. (Note) Mainlong is a comparatively small place and has been troublesome for a long time; the force at Bernardmyo and Mogok is considerable and should be sufficient to suppress disorder.
The Shoaygyeen School
Sir, I don't care two straws whether Mr Mackertoom stands higher or not in the estimation of his superiors than Mr Campagnac. What I say I know, and what I know I say, at least I've said in part, and I asked Vindex if he would challenge me "to show cause" (of course with the understanding that he also publishes Mr Mackertoom's authority for same.) Instead of so doing another "Friend" jumps up and insinuates that I am writing at the instance of Mr Campagnac. This almost makes me believe that Mr Mackertoom was unaware of "Friend's" letter, for presuming that he guesses who "Anon" is, he would scarcely credit him with a disposition to be either coaxed or cowed, and yet he might deceive himself.
I carefully refrained from mentioning names, but as Mr Mackertoom's friends insist on his and Mr Campagnac's names being mentioned, I say that their prospects are nothing to me; so their friends, real or pretended, need not deceive themselves. Those who know me best know well enough that I am not of very malleable material and not to be bullied. As for Mr Campagnac or any one on earth inspiring me to write as I did, have any knowledge of my intention to write to the public print, or to have the slightest influence over me in the matter as to what to write or what not to write, I will bet Messrs. M.V. and F. 100 Rs. they won't get any impartial credible person having had opportunities of becoming acquainted with my disposition [in] this matter to say they can believe any such thing. Meanwhile I wait for Mr Vindex. ANON, Shoaygyeen, 18th Aug. 1888.
March Examinations
The following are the candidates (in order of merit) who passed the Calcutta University First-in-Arts and Entrance examinations held in March last. The two first named are elected to Senior University Scholarships, each of the value of Rs. 25 per month and tenable for two years, with effect from 1st April 1888:-
W.J. Buchanan, Rangoon College and N.N. Burjorjee, Rangoon College.
The following candidates (in order of merit) who passed the Calcutta University Entrance exams. held in March last, are elected to Junior University Scholarships each of the value of Rs. 16 per month and tenable for two years with effect from 1st April 1888:- Moung Ba, Rangoon College, Oung Thein, Rangoon College, J. Phipps, St. Paul's School, Rangoon, Moung Gneo, Municipal High School, Akyab, Shwe Zan Oung, Rangoon College, F. Phipps, St, Paul's School, Rangoon, Chandra Kanta De, St. Paul's School, Rangoon.
The Governor-General in Council is pleased to recognise the appointment of Count Manassero as Consul for Italy at Rangoon, vice Chevalier Finzi.
Mr Norton, District Magistrate, has sanctioned the prosecution of Mr G.E. Green under the Stamp Act for not having stamped a lease by one Mrs Hann to rent his house at a monthly rental of Rs. 6, also for instigating the said Mrs Hann to execute the document without having the same stamped as required by law. The case has been fixed for the 27th instant.
Mandalay town was quiet. In the district a petty dacoity was committed and four head of cattle were carried off; of these two were recovered and four of the dacoits were arrested. Bhamo was quiet. In Shwebo two dacoities were reported and one dacoit leader was captured. In the Kyaukse district the gang in the north-east of the district was attacked by the police in a stockade position and twelve dacoits were killed; our loss was one man killed, one missing and six wounded. The rest of the district is quiet. In Sagaing there were three dacoities and one petty robbery. In Yeu there were four petty dacoities. In the Lower Chindwin district a gang was pursued, after committing a dacoity, by the Myook and some military and civil police; six dacoits were killed, one captured and all the dacoited cattle were recovered. Nine guns were also taken. Mr Wilson surprised a dacoit gang, under a leader named Nga Cho, on an Island in the Irrawaddy. Nga Cho and one follower were killed and three followers captured. In Minbu there were five dacoities; the police had four encounters with dacoits and captured one leader and eleven dacoits with 8 guns. In Thaungdwingyi Mr Tarleton tracked a gang of dacoits for 45 miles into the Pyinmana district, killed two and wounded three. All districts in the eastern division were fairly free from violent crime. In Meiktila no serious crimes were committed.
Gift
The Committee of Management of the Rangoon General Hospital acknowledge with thanks the handsome present of brandy from E. Oates Esq., for the use of the patients in hospital.
It was said when the Income Tax was started that secrecy would obtain (sic) as regards the amounts people pay. And yet over a thousand names are stuck up outside the Collector's Office and anyone who cares to read may see at what amounts his neighbours are assessed.
We hear that a serious accident occurred at the Rock cutting near Kyaukse, about 28 miles from Mandalay, in which 11 trucks and the guard's brake van got derailed, the guard, one Mr McCullah, getting his collar bone broken and two or three coolies being slightly injured. The train is said to have been running at double speed at the time, notwithstanding the fact that it had a full load.
Mr George Dawson left by rail yesterday to join the Express Steamer Yomah at Prome for Mandalay. It is said that Mr Dawson intends stopping some time at Minbu on his return, probably to see what evidence there is there in the suit to be shortly instituted against the Flotilla to recover damages for the non-delivery of goods shipped in the Thoorea wrecked at Minbu in February last year.
Agri-Horticultural Society
Minutes of Proceedings of the council of the Agri-Horticultural Society of Burma held at the Phayre Museum on 11th Aug. 1888.
Present: H. Krauss, Vice-president, in the chair.
Members: W.O. Rowett, J.F. Bertram, W.S. Hall, Dr. R. Romanis, Major S.C. Bingham, Dr. Pedley, Maung Hpo Hmyin and the Acting Secretary.
Mr Baumgarten's application for a post under the Society was presented and as it has already been disposed of by circular, it was ordered to be recorded. ...
The Acting Secretary then proposed that Mr J.H. Gilbert, who had been for many years a member of the Society and also a members of the Council for a considerable period, should be enrolled as an Honorary member. The proposition was seconded by Dr. R. Romanis and carried unanimously.
Dr. Pedley then moved that Mr Noble's salary be immediately raised from Rs. 100 to 150 per mensem. The proposition was seconded by Major T.C. Bingham. An amendment was then moved by the Vice-president and seconded by Dr. Romanis, viz, that Mr Noble's salary be fixed at Rs. 100 rising to Rs. 160 by annual increments of Rs. 20; the first increment to commence on issue of salary for Aug. 1888. ...
Indents from Land, Revenue and Agricultural Department.
Acting Secretary reported that all indents had now been met; the last being 200 tea plants from Mr Petley's estate, which were duly forwarded to Mr Hall for despatch to Sandoway.
Letters from and to Colonel Swinhoe regarding specimens put up and posted to him for identification. Recorded.
Letter from Rev'd. Mr Bushell, acknowledging receipt of two cases of young fruit trees for trial at Maubin, and thanking the Society for the supply. Recorded.
The following Extracts from Mr Noble's reports of Garden and Museum operations in June and July are here recorded:
Report on Garden Work
Great attention has been paid to the propagation of all kinds of plants during the present rainy season in anticipation of large orders from Upper Burma. ... Gooties or layering by elevation has been another method adopted ... Dr. Pedley very kindly permitted a number of gooties being made from a Mango tree in his compound ... Mr Rowett kindly permitted me to gootie some Sapota and Mango trees at his house at the Lakes. They have not yet rooted.
On Dr. Pedley's recommendation I called at the late Mr Fowle's house at the Lakes, and obtained 10 young plants of the Traveller's Palim (Ravenala Madgascarensis) of which there were no small plants in the Gardens. ...
The collection of Orchids purchased from Mr Hardinge have started growing and are doing well in the new Orchid House. ... Mr Krauss has again presented the Gardens with a number of Andamanese and Nicobar palms, besides 10 lbs. of seeds ...
Report of the Phayre Museum for June and July 1888
During these two months special attention has been paid to Moth collecting, as Col. Swinhoe, who is naming them for the Museum, intends leaving India for Europe at the end of this year. Good specimens of a large number of species have been obtained, of which over one hundred are new to the Collection. Two or three of each variety have been sent to Col. Swinhoe for identification and very many are most likely new to science. In such cases he will take them to Europe with him and describe them there, and then return the specimens. ...
Rev'd. Latham Browne has again sent over a hundred Moths collected at Thayetmyo by him, many of these are new to the collection. Major Bingham has presented the Museum with five rare Moths and three Butterflies besides a collection of beetles lately collected in Maulmain. ...
There have been very few additions to the Zoo during the two months. The African Blesbok that was in the Zoo died on account of the unfavourable weather in the beginning of July and I was too ill at the time to preserve the skin.
On the Present Mode of Working The Stamp Act.
From the Secretary, Chamber of Commerce, to the Secretary to the Chief Commissioner, Burma, dated Rangoon, 25th July 1888.
Sir, I have the honour to inform you that at a recent meeting of the Chamber of commerce, the members present were unanimous in complaint of the inconvenience to which they have recently been put by the alterations suddenly introduced in the mode of working the Stamp Act. The following are some hardship complained of: On the 3rd instant, the Agent of the Chartered Mercantile Bank of Indian, London and China tendered certain Draft forms to the Stamp Office for the purpose of being stamped but was informed that the Deputy Commissioner had issued orders that no Bills or Drafts were to be stamped unless completed in every particular except the signature.
We have to thank the Secretariat for the following intimation: "A telegram has been received from Tharrawaddy reporting the death of Po Maung, the dacoit leader whose gang killed Mr Inspector Rogers last October."
Pyinmana
Mr Partridge of the B.B.T.C. was fined Rs. 50 for assaulting and confining a Head Constable of the Toungmyo policy. (Police?) at least so the charges run, but I do not now whether a conviction was obtained on the second charge. If so, Mr Mr Partridge has got off very lightly.
There seems to be a great deal of friction amongst the pupils at St. Gabriel's School, and those of a new School that was recently opened by the late Headmaster of St. Gabriel's School. It would appear that the pupils who attend St. Gabriel's School are assaulted by the boys of the late Headmasters School while they are on their way to school; and that, now that St. Gabriel's School has opened a night class, the late Headmaster has done the same, and that similar assaults are carried on at night. Surely this wants regulating by someone in authority.
Mr Evershed
Many of our readers who remember him here some years ago, will be glad to learn from the following para, taken from the Dover Telegraph, dated 25th ult, of the success that has attended young Evershed's studies:
"Incorporated Law Society - We are pleased to notice that Mr E.J. Evershed, son of Mr J. Evershed of Rangoon and brother to A.E. Evershed, last year's junior stroke of the Dover Racing Club, has successfully passed the preliminary examination of the Incorporated Law Society. We understand that this young gentleman is about to be articled to Messrs. Stiwell and Harby, Solicitors, Dover."
He has been equally successful in the field, having won five first prizes during the year, among which were a 5 guinea pot and a Presentation Bat. He won the half-mile, the 100 yards and the long-jump; the Bat, of course, was for good cricket."
Zeegong
The principal news of the week I have already sent you. That thorn in the side of the Police, Boh Po Mong, dacoit leader, rebel and murderer, has been killed. Amongst the most notable of this mans exploits were the murder of poor young Inspector Rogers; and the burning of the Yeagin Mingee bazar in broad daylight. ... Nga Lu Pe, and his father Nga Pyi Gyi, the slayers of the Boh, have surrendered with four guns and a bag of ammunition, a dah and the silver watch which once belonged to Mr Rogers. Inspector Rae and Moung Po Kha, Myook, on special duty, had been after the deceased's gang for the past three weeks and it is no doubt due to the exertions of these officers that the dacoit had been accounted for.
Mr G.B. Prussia, Inspector of Post Offices, has returned from privilege leave and has been deputed to thoroughly overhaul the Postal Stock Depot and separate all obsolete forms and articles. After this duty is accomplished should any of the Post Office Superintendents go on leave Mr Prussia will be retained in Burma to act for the absentee otherwise he will revert to his substantive post in India.
A fire took place on Thursday night at Poozoondoung close to the Chartered Bank's rice mill rented by Mr Zarestsky Von Bock & Co. It was first seen about 9.30 p.m. Several huts were consumed. This is the first fire we believe since the rains began and should waken our Municipal Commissioners to the insecure and defective arrangements which, unless they move in the matter, will be felt at the close of the rains still more than they are at present.
The Governor-General in Council is pleased to recognise the appointment of Mr Heinrich Schmidt as acting Consul for the Austro-Hungarian Empire at Bassein.
We learn that Mr Stafford, the Stationmaster of the Phayre Street Station, has been granted three months' leave and that he proceeds to India, Mr Oliver, the late Stationmaster of Kemendine, who recently returned from leave, acts for him.
Postings
Mr Houghton, C.S., had not been transferred to Kyaikhto as stated by Rangoon Gazette but to Mandalay.
Mr Cole, Head Constable, is transferred to do duty at Kyouktan sub-division and Mr Moore, Head Constable, come to relieve the former.
We understand that a Burmese lady holding a certificate as a Midwife has been appointed for the town of Pegu, It is to be hoped that she will give satisfaction to those requiring her services; she is residing at present in a house near the American Baptist Chapel.
Mandalay town and district, quiet. One dacoity and one robbery in latter. Two dacoits were arrested. In Bhamo, Karenni foresters encountered Kachins and killed four. Myadaung quiet. There were several dacoities by small parties of five or eleven men in Shwebo. Only one unimportant robbery reported in Sagaing. Bo Yan Naing with 12 followers and twenty guns surrendered. Lieutenant Mason attacked camp pf Lu Paing and To Maung, captured one dacoit and took four guns and supplies of food. Upper and Lower Chindwin quiet. In Yeu there was one petty dacoity; and dacoit leader Nga Saw was killed. Police are still operating in the north east of Kyaukse district. Myingyan, Pakokku, and Taungdwingyi reported quiet. In Salin a village was attacked and some villagers killed and wounded by dacoits. The Eastern Division was generally quiet but a few dacoities were reported in Meiktila.
Mandalay News, 25th Aug.
No news has reached us of the fortunes of any of the dacoit-hunting parties; but I fancy they must have had a very rough time of it this wet weather, for it has rained these last few days to some purpose. ... The Government report shows that the health of the town is gradually improving; I can't place much faith in it; the number of funerals does not seem to decrease. If it was not cholera that was carrying off the people at such a fearful rate lately, it has certainly made its appearance now, the wife of old Samuels succumbing to the disease after an illness lasting but a few hours.
Pagan News, 24th Aug.
In my last communication I stated a party of invalids was expected down from Bhamo for a change of air. ... The Commissioner was up here on a short visit with Mrs La Touche. They left by the launch Waterwitch for Pokoko and Myingyan. Major Grey was also here from Myingyan, visiting the new sub-division just added on to his district. Mr McDonald, Asst. Superintendent of Police, arrived from Myingyan and took over charge of the Police of the sub-divn. ... There has been no cholera for some time now in the town. Inspector Barton had a severe attack on his launch Clio. He was brought into Pagan, where he lay in a very precarious condition for some days. Eventually he had the best of the struggle and he has now been given a month's sick ...
Cement from Rice
Although Burma exports annually from 900,000 to a million tons of rice, probably not many of our readers are aware that a very good cement can be made from rice, which is utilised for this purpose in China and Japan. It is only necessary to mix rice flour intimately with water and gently simmer the mixture over a clear fire, when it is ready for use as a delicate and durable cement.
Capt. Angelo
Capt. Angelo, Surgeon Sinha, and 66 rank and file of the 12th K.I.G. are off to Mandalay. We hope Capt. Angelo has found more comfortable quarters lately than in Chin Kyaung, where we last met him and where he dispensed unto us whiskey and milk from his own private cow.
The Kachins
The information in the last official summary published by us on Thursday, that in Bhamo district Karennee foresters had encountered Kachins and killed four, no doubt alludes to the Red Karen foresters in the employ of Co Too, a well-known Moulmein Thitgoung, who is working forests in the Bhamo district. He has a trustworthy following of Red Karens and as they are armed with guns they are able to take good care of themselves. The Kachins had recently been threatening them, we learn and information of the fact was at once given to the Bhamo authorities and police protection asked for; but there were no police to spare in the monsoon to send to the forests, and the Red Karens were told they must defend themselves. This they seem to have been able to do to some purpose from the official summary, for they killed four of their assailants. It is much regretted that the Kachins cannot see that their unruly method of levying black mail in British foresters and traders must cease, without its being necessary to take the lives of some of these savages on every occasion. But there seems to be no help for it and when they find they get the worst of every encounter with either our police or our foresters they will, perhaps, desist before it becomes necessary to wholly exterminate them.
There will be a practice game of Foot Ball, Rugby Rules, played on the Maidan this afternoon, commencing at 5 p.m. Intending players are requested to be punctual.
Speed on Burma Railways
Sir, Without wishing our State narrow gauge lines to emulate the rate of speed on Indian and English lines of a broader gauge, does it never strike our highly paid railway managers that the present rate of speed arrived at between this and Pegu is peculiarly disgraceful? According to the time table, 3 and a half hours is required to complete this journey, a distance of some 47 miles. At every petty station precious time is dawdled away and coming from Pegu, for some reason or other, the journey is often spun out to 4 and 4 and a half hours. At 20 miles an hour, with a couple of minutes at each station, the journey might easily be accomplished within 2 and a half hours. Why the public should submit quietly to being nearly double tis time on [the] trip I cannot understand. Yours faithfully, An occasional passenger.
They are not Railways at all; only a kind of Steam Tram and not much at that. - Ed.- R.T.
BMD's / Obituraries
At Rangoon, the wife of W.T. Hall Esq., C.S., of a daughter, (still born.)
Morrison : Hitchcock
At the Congregational Chapel, Davidson's St. on the 18th July by Rev'd. W.S. Organe, Mr Edward P. Morrison, Telegraph Master, Minbu, Upper Burmah, to Ellen Mary, the daughter of Hony. Surg. H. Hitchcock.
Gordon : Hayter
On the 14th instant at the Cantonment Church, Rangoon, by Rev'd. A.H. Finn, assisted by Rev'd. Dr. Marks, Philip Cecil Harcourt Gordon, son of the late Philip Gordon Esq., to Constance Wilhelmina, second daughter of Col. C. Hayter, C.B., 7th Madras Native Infantry.
Divorce
In the Recorder's Court yesterday, Mr Vertannes instituted proceedings under the Indian Divorce Act, Mr Haslem of Calcutta seeking to divorce his wife, Clara Josephine, for loving one Timms of the B.S.R. not wisely but too well. The erring parties were resident in Calcutta in '84 and eloped with the petitioner's goods and chattels, including his clothes. The injured husband was for a long time unable to trace either his wife or his missing Sunday-go-to-meetings. He eventually discovered Mr and Mrs Timms living in secluded happiness in Barr Street, and has now filed his little petition.
Judgement was passed yesterday in the case of Mrs F.E. Outhwaite vs W.T. Outhwaite, a suit by a wife of Judicial Separation on the ground of cruelty and desertion. In a lengthy Judgement reviewing the evidence in the case and the letters sent by the husband at various times, his Honour stated he was of opinion that petitioner's case was made out and that she was entitled to the relief she sought; she seemed to be Midwife in fair practice, making Rs. 100 per month and the dependent seemed to think he had a right to be supported from this income, for he could not manage to keep the appointment he obtained. A Decree was passed for the Judicial separation as prayed; and defendant was ordered to pay the costs in the case as taxed by the Officer of the Court.
At 35, Lewis Street, on Sunday the 19th instant, Alfred St. Clair Sweeney, the eldest son of Mrs and Mr W.J. Morris Sweeney, aged 25 years and 10 months.
Vyall
At the residence of Mr Arthur Barnes, no. 36 Soolay Pagoda Road, William Robert Vyall, Survey of India, from Congestion of the Lungs. Aged 50 years.
Telegram
The Deputy Commissioner and party who went out to look for Brind's body has just returned to Shwebo. Poor Brind's body was found in deep water at the back of Kalwet. It is presumed that his pony threw him and dragged him into water, there is not the least suspicion of foul play. The dacoits who are still numerous in some parts of this district had nothing to do with it.
We regret to have to say that Mr G. Lafosse, a Supervisor in the Public Works Department, committed suicide yesterday morning [3rd Aug.] at his house, Thamine Brick fields, by shooting himself. The unfortunate man was known to have been suffering from chronic dysentery for a long time, of which he had not been thoroughly cured. An inquest was held on the body yesterday evening by the Asst. Magistrate at the General Hospital to which place it has been removed. Dr. Griffith gave his opinion that deceased committee the act while in a state of temporary insanity. We sympathise with Mrs Lafosse and her friends.
Estate of Mr Amos Jackson
Application was made yesterday in the Recorder's Court by Mr F.N. Burn on behalf of Mr Jacob Jackson, Photographer, of Phayre Street, for Letters of Administration to the estate of his deceased brother, Mr Amos Jackson, who died in July last. Mr Burn said that deceased had written out a paper in May 1887, which he read out to the Court and under which it was plain that the deceased had intended to will all he left to his brother, the present applicant. This paper had however unfortunately not been executed with the due formality required for wills, and he was therefore unable to obtain Probate. The applicant was the only relative of the deceased in the jurisdiction, though there were three others in the United States or Canada who had not been heard of for years. The value of the Estate was sworn under Rs. 1000 consisting of money in the Chartered Bank of Australia, London and China, and a few articles of furniture. His Honour directed Letters of Administration to issue to the applicant but said the usual security bond must be entered into.
Application for Probate of the last Will of Mr Rundell, Jailor, was made yesterday by Mr W.O. Law, on behalf of Dr. Sinclair, on of the Executors named in the Will. The Executrix named in the Will renounced Administration. The property of the deceased was sworn as under Rs. 7,900 consisting mostly of money in the bank.
A Burman named Mung Mya Jo, a resident of Lamadaw, has been arrested at the instance of Inspector Baboo Khan in connection with the late swindle of Mrs Lonsdale's Rs. 150 at the Bank of Bengal ...
The Eurasian lad Freeman who was charged with taking away one of Mr Roberts' ponies and changing it with a Chinaman for another pony and R. 10 and selling the pony ... was sentenced by the Asst. Magistrate to ten days' rigorous imprisonment in consequence of the accused pleading that Mr Roberts was his adopted father and also on account of Mr Roberts not wishing to press the charge.
6th Criminal Sessions
Before C.E. Fox Esq. Additional Recorder
The first case called on for hearing yesterday was that of John Bowen, Thomas Aubrey and David Davis, under Section 376, ... I.P.C. The following gentlemen were empanelled on the jury. Messrs. G. Gordon as Foreman, P. Magrath, W.P. Kelly, O.P. Martin and D. Hardinge. The prosecution was conducted by Mr P.C. Sen, Asst. Government Advocate and the prisoners were defended by Mr Eddis, Barrister-at-Law. The case was not finished at the rising of the Court yesterday and will be resumed again today.
In the Court of the Recorder
Insolvency Jurisdiction
Re: Lim Eng. Insolvent, through Mr Porter applied for his personal discharge but as he had failed to serve all his creditors the Petition was dismissed. The following cases were postponed till next sitting:
Re. H.A. Rose, personal discharge, Mr Porter for Insolvent.
6th Criminal Sessions - Before the Additional recorder
Queen Empress Vs Nga Tun Myat
Accused was charged of theft and dishonestly receiving stolen property.
Jurors: Messrs. J. Dawson, C.M. Pascal, A. Fraser, H. Dennis and J.C. D'Monte.
Assault
Mr Ochme, Traffic Inspector, Burma State Railways, applied to the Assistant Magistrate for a summons against Messrs. Maungaser and Macdonald for having on the 10th June last, assaulted guard Hartnoll of the local train while he was at the Kemmendine Station in charge of his train, he then being in the execution of his duty, and also for assaulting the station Jemadar, offering abuse of such a nature as to cause a breach of the peace with the Assistant Station Master who was on duty at the time. His Worship told Mr Ochme that he could not grant summonses on his application, but if Guard Hartnoll applied he would heat the application. Mr Hartnoll accordingly applied yesterday for summonses, which were granted; the case being fixed for the 13th instant.
Drunk and Disorderly
Mr J.C. Harris, the man who made himself so disagreeable at the Assembly Rooms during Dave Carson's performance on Saturday night, was yesterday charged before the Asst. magistrate with being drunk and disorderly. Accused said he was not drunk and had been locked all night and was then unable to bring forward any evidence to establish his innocence. His Worship remarked that he would not have been locked up if he was not drunk. Head Constables Newton and Hall having given evidence as to his being drunk, his Worship fined accused Rs.10 ; in default, fourteen days' rigorous imprisonment.
Bribe
The case against Cannahilall, charged by Mr Graham, the Income Tax Assessor, with having offered him a bribe in order to make a light assessment, was yesterday dismissed by the Asst. Magistrate for want of evidence. Mr Graham's evidence was in no way corroborated.
In the case in which Messrs. Maungaser and Macdonald were charged with assaulting the guard of the local train at the Kemendine Railway Station, was called on Thursday before the Asst. Magistrate, when no less than five railway subordinates of the Kemendine Station were examined. All of these witnesses stated that the two accused were drunk on the occasion and assaulted the guard. The accused in defence said that they arrived at the Kemendine station about half an hour before the train arrived and on asking for tickets were refused. On the train arriving, they attempted to get into a carriage but were prevented doing so. When the train left, Maungaser went to the Asst. Station Master and asked him for his name, when one of the station porters interfered and he was pushed away; the latter assaulted him with a railway lamp and a scuffle took place. Macdonald going for the police, who, on arriving, separated the row and took Maungaser to hospital, where he was detained for two days. Two of the railway porters were charged by the police; but the case was dismissed for want of evidence. His Worship yesterday passed orders in the case, finding both accused guilty and sentenced them to pay a fine of Rs. ten each.
Duration of Civil Suits
A correspondent who takes exception to the remarks of the Chief Commissioner in the late Civil Justice Report on the Moulmain (sic) Court and the silence of the Judicial Commissioner on the large amount of good work done in the Court of the Judge of Moulmain, has been to the trouble to give us a comparative statement of the workings of a Court under one Judge in Moulmein, doing precisely the same kind of work done by four Judges in Rangoon ...
It seems strange that the extraordinary amount of work got through by Mr Macleod, the Judge of Moulmain, is so grudgingly acknowledged, whilst he is actually blamed for getting rid of his cases in a much shorter average time that is occupied by the Recorders of Rangoon in cases of precisely similar nature. In addition to his Civil work of both Small Cause Court suits and suits to any amount not cognizable by a Small Cause Court, Mr Macleod is also the Sessions Judge of the town of Maulmain (sic) and though his criminal work is not ordinarily heavy it occupies at least a month out of every year.
There are few Judges in Burma who work harder or more conscientiously than the present Judge of Moulmein and we do not understand the silence of the Judicial Commissioner and the blame the Chief Commissioner casts on this zealous and deserving officer.
6th Criminal Sessions
Before C.E. Fox Esq., Additional Recorder
2nd day, Yue. 7th July
The case against John Bowen, Thomas Aubrey and David Davis, under Section ... was resumed yesterday. The same gentlemen were empanelled on the Jury: Messrs. G. Gordon as Foreman, P. Magrath, W.P. Kelly, O.P. Martin and D. Hardinge. The prosecution was conducted by Mr P.C. Sen, Asst. Govt. Advocate, and the prisoners were defended by Mr Eddis, Barrister-at-Law. After the case closed His Honour proceeded to explain the entire evidence to the jury, which occupied nearly two hours, telling them they had a very difficult case to decide and that they should be very careful; also pointing out that is they had any reasonable doubt on any point, that they should give the prisoners the benefit of that doubt. They jury then asked leave to retire and the Court rose for tiffin; on the reassembling of the Court the jury returned with the verdict of – not guilty. The accused were accordingly discharged.
Queen Empress vs Nga Kyouk Khai
Accused, who is an old offender, was changed with robbery ... The following gentlemen served on the Jury: Messrs. W. Touch, M. Peters, E.I.B.? Lochmer, Mga Pe Gyi and W. Macfie.
On the prosecution of Mr Baxtram, Municipal Inspector, the Junior Assistant Magistrate on Saturday last fined thirteen persons of the Lamadaw quarter Rs. 10 each for obstructing the roads.
Queen Empress vs Nga Kya
Accused, who is a lad of about 16 years, was charged with murder .... The following gentlemen were empanelled on the Jury: H.A. Nelson, Foreman, Messrs. W.A. Leonard, George Owen, W.E. Langley and S.E. Cartledge.
In the case which Messrs. Moungaser and Macdonald were charged with assaulting Guard Hartnett (sic) [previously shown as Hartnoll] while he was in charge of his train, was called on before the Asst. Magistrate yesterday, but, as Macdonald had not been served with a summons, the case has been postponed to the 16th inst.
We hear that Moung Myit, Inspector of Police at Meiktila, has been placed under arrest for receiving an illegal gratification and is to be tried by Mr T. de la Courneuve. Mr A.G. Christopher, Barrister-at-Law, has been engaged to defend the accused.
Inspector Macmanus
A sampan wallah has filed a charge against Inspector Macmanus of the River Police on the following grounds; sometime ago he said, he was arrested by the River Police for carrying more than his licensed number of passengers and that at the time he was arrested some ganja belonging to some of the passengers was found in the sampan, on which he and some of the passengers were threatened with criminal proceedings being taken against them, but that if he paid Rs. 50 the whole thing would be hushed up. He paid the Rs. 50, he says, to Mr Macmanus and the ganja was burnt. Since this information was laid, the sampan wallah has been arrested for criminal breach of trust in respect of Rs. 30 and some provisions which were left in his sampan. The hearing of the case against Mr Macmanus has been fixed for today.
The Recorder's Court
R.J. Rozario Vs J. Rozario
Judgement was passed yesterday in the case of Mr R.J. Rozario versus J. Rozario, a suit in which the wife asked for dissolution of marriage on the ground of her husband's adultery and cruelty. His Honour in a lengthy judgement reviewed the whole of the evidence given by the Petitioner and the witnesses. He stated his opinion that the union was not a happy one, but as for the evidence of adultery and cruelty, the acts complained of appeared to have been condoned up to 1887 and the Court was not prepared to accept the uncorroborated evidence of the Plaintiff herself on the points. She gave evidence in a way which did not impress the Court favourably and in several instances hesitated and corrected what she may have been informed or thought were awkward admissions. Finding then that Plaintiff was not, on the evidence, entitled to the relief she asked for. His Honour dismissed her suit.
Mr Fraser
The case of Capt. Hugh Fraser, of Soap-Works fame, was before the Judicial Commissioner yesterday; judgement is reserved.
The case in which Mr Inspector Macmanus of the River Police, stands charged with receiving an illegal gratification was called on before the Asst. Magistrate yesterday when only the evidence of the complainant was taken, he was cross examined at great length by Mr Eddis, who appears for the defence. The case was then adjourned till 8 a.m. today. There are nine more witnesses for the prosecution.
Volunteering in Burma
Dr. Marks writes an excellent letter on the above subject in yesterday's issue of our contemporary and feelingly alludes to the absence of encouragement by Government as the principal reason why the volunteer movement languishes in Burma. We think there is no doubt that Dr. marks has hit the right nail on the head this time. Government officers are asked to give support to volunteering and the Chief Commissioner has publicly stated he thinks it the duty of every European and Eurasian to be either a volunteer or a volunteer reservist, yet what grudging support most Government servants give to volunteers. The work of hardly a single public office in Burma would suffer if volunteers obtained an hour or two extra leave per week. Yet what head of an office gives such leave without asking? How many in giving it do so in a manner which is almost as disagreeable to the recipients as a refusal? It is this apathy on the part of Government officials, heads of offices, which keeps back volunteering and makes people despair of ever making volunteers what they should be. If every European and Eurasian, including heads of offices, were forced to pass a certain number of days in a militia, there is no doubt our military strength in the country could easily be doubled, at a very small expense in money. This would be the death blow of volunteering perhaps, but it would also, whilst greatly increasing our resources, be the death blow of a vast amount of official hautecur and snobbishness, which now keeps back the volunteers, however much the Chief Commissioner may express his opinion on the value of the volunteers and the necessity of government officers doing all they can to encourage the movement.
Officer and Journalist
We public in this issue a series of extracts from the pen of Mr Castor at present Editor of our contemporary the Mandalay Herald. Dismissing his panegyric upon his proprietary and his attack upon our correspondent, it might be as well to consider the position in which he has placed himself with regard to the Volunteers. Our readers are in full possession of the fact, and they are at perfect liberty to judge for themselves; nor would we stoop to bring personal considerations into the argument. But the case is of considerable importance both from journalistic and Volunteer points of view. The original article was in bad taste, but was published in good faith, on what was believed to be sound information. For this Mr Castor, in his professional capacity, has fully apologised, not, however, before the Officer Commanding had expelled him from the Corps, to which he had been attached to duty. Whether this was not ultra vires on the part of the Commandant remains to be seen ; if his conduct had been "unbecoming an officer and gentleman," it might have been better to call a court-martial before talking so extreme step. Still, it may be urged that his posting was only conditional, and by favour of the Commandant ; should this be the case, which is apparently disputed, then the latter was clearly within his rights. The question on this head turns upon the relative positions of an officer gazetted to a Corps and one merely attached. In the former case a court-martial would have been clearly necessary ; and we cannot help thinking the adoption of such a course might have been preferable in the present instance. At all events, it could not be said that he had been condemned and sentenced behind his back, which clearly seems to have occurred in the present instance.
As for Mr Castor's complaint that his offences as a publicist have been visited upon him as an officer, we would rather regard this as a remark passed in the heat of anger than after calm reflection. He must remember that officers even of Volunteer Corps, are in the aggregate, gentlemen, whatever they may be individually. Further, as an officer himself, and attached to the local Corps, he must have known that a personal sneer at the Hon. Colonel and upon the G.O.C. would have been singularly distasteful to the corps, even had it come from an outsider. Has his sentence been the outcome of a purely personal or political attack, it would have been exceedingly difficult, save on the wildest grounds, and under circumstances involving practically a gross outrage upon public decency, for any action to have been taken against him as a Volunteer. In the present case, however, it must be remembered he has chosen himself a Volunteer officer, to discuss a matter purely relating to the body of which he is a member. Therefore we hold that the Volunteers are legally within their right in discussing the matter from their own point of view; though the course ultimately adopted may be questioned. But that the opportunity had been taken, as Mr Castor would seem to hint, of settling old and outstanding accounts between himself and the Local Government, this we must refuse to believe. That personal objections may have embittered the dispute is possible; but to credit the authorities with stooping to such low methods of revenge would be inexcusable and a still further insult both to the U.B.R.V. and their popular Commandant.
With regard to the manifesto that Mr Castro has since published, It is clearly a breach of discipline; though he may plead that being no longer connected with the Corps, he is at perfect liberty to discuss the actions of the Commandant of that Corps. Still, at the time Colonel Temple passed the order, Lieutenant Castor was his subordinate and the Volunteer Regulations bar his right to dispute such action save through the usual channels. But the circumstances are peculiar, it would be impolitic, if not unfair to judge Volunteer s by the strictest rules of military disciplne in matters where their professional duties, or their private feelings may clash with their quasi-military functions. It might be urged that Mr Castor should, in case his dual duties clash, resign either his commission or his journalistic functions. The latter course he can hardly be expected to follow and as his conduct as an officer and a gentleman has been impeached, is it probable that he would adopt the former at the present juncture?
As far as the Corps and public are concerned Mr Castor has apologised openly and frankly ; nor has he made any attempt to justify a proceeding that, while excusing it on the ground of error, he deplores sincerely. Should it be found necessary in consequence of the further action he has taken, to deprive him of his commission, it is to be hoped that such a course would be based purely on the technical breach of discipline, and not on personal grounds. The matter is one that now rests with his own Corps, and with the higher authorities; we can only regret, being of the same profession, that the incident has arisen and we believe that Mr Castor himself shares that feeling.
In Lower Burmah we seem to be considerably richer in Corps than in men. The B.S.R. men and the Artillery are both strong in numbers and high in the roll of efficient Corps; nor is little Moulmein far in the wake of her bigger, if younger sister. We have also an Infantry Battalion, about which opinions seem considerably to differ. Whatever may be the causes of the singular decrease in both the numbers and efficiency of the rifles, the fact remains that they are far from what they should be – as a body, not individually of course. As the drill season will shortly recommence, it would be advisable to find out the causes of the present state of affairs, with a view to improvement in the respects to which allusion has been made. It cannot be that the loyalty of the Corps is diminishing, as they have done their duty well, responding energetically to the calls made upon them during the late troubles. Be these things as they may, there is little doubt that Rangoon could, if only she would, respond to the Chief Commissioner's call to arms. Not only could a large number of those members of the R.V.R., who neglected to make themselves efficient last year, do so this with little or no personal inconvenience to themselves, but large numbers of old hands could be persuaded, with a little tact and exertion in proper quarters, to rejoin. Besides these, we have a large recruiting field and only a little energy would be requisite to raise this Corps to at least its old position, if not far beyond it. If members wold look to their duty as citizens, rather than to some matters that have already been laid before us, a great initial improvement might be effected.
We consider a Volunteer Corps as something else than a purely social institution; it is, or should be, the combination of business men for a definite and business purpose. Volunteers are not little girls who require humouring with toys, nor wooing to their duty with hard-bake and "taffy" ; not does it say much for the opinion the outer world holds of their common-sense when we find the belief widely prevalent that such measures are necessary. Again, a Volunteer should remember that, whatever be his position in his civilian life, as far as his military duties are concerned he is a soldier; and it should be a point of pride and honour with him to uphold the strictest habits of discipline and unhesitating obedience. It is a military crime to speak disparagingly of a regiment or of an officer and, though we hold a man perfectly at liberty to form his own opinions, it would occasionally be better that he kept them to himself, instead of annoying other men with grievances they never would have discovered for themselves.
It is an honour to hold a commission in the Auxiliary Forces; and the rank and file should also remember that it is frequently a very considerable expense. At the same time officers should remember that they are not the Corps, but only an integral portion of it. They may wear lace and gorgeous button, but, after all, they are but Volunteers themselves; and the distinction between them and the men subordinated to them for the purposes of work alone, does not justify their endeavouring to introduce class distinctions into a purely republican body. Military exigencies may render it necessary to endue commissioned officers with relatively enormous powers; in the Army the soldier receives a quid pro quo. As far as mere duty is concerned, Volunteer Officer are also entrusted with certain powers; but these they can only wield without friction by the exercise of tact and personal influence. If, instead of grumbling on either side, - and our waste paper basket could many a tale unfold – our Volunteers, both officers and men, would look at their respective duties and responsibilities in a frank and manly light, a great deal of friction wold be avoided. The season is approaching when our work will recommence; let us shake hands over past grievances, and, pulling together, see if we cannot work the local Corps throughout Burma into a state that will reflect credit on the Service and ourselves.
Our Land Policy
We published yesterday a letter from a planter of some 25 years' experience, on the absence of roads in the Tavoy district, where he has recently been spending some weeks.
It is cheering to hear such a good account of Mr James Watson of the Duke estate, the pioneer planter in that part of the world and also of the fact of the good quality of waste land in the Tavoy district visited by our correspondent. If the Government only adopted a more liberal land policy, they would, by this time, have had a hundred plantations in the Tavoy district, instead of Mr Watson's solitary one ; and a rebellion, or such disturbances as have recently broken out in this district would have been rendered impossible. Under the Burma Land Act, capitalists do not come forward in any numbers to take up lands in any part of Burma and soil which might annually produce thousands of tons of coffee, tea, cinchona and other valuable products, for local consumption and for export, remains absolutely waste.
What is required, we believe, to attract capital is the granting the fee simple of these waste lands and jungle to anyone who can bona fide show the Government it is his or their intention to cultivate; and when capitalists see they cannot be interfered with by Government officers thirsting after revenue, as the records in Rangoon will show Mr Lucas was unjustifiably interfered with by Colonel Plant when Deputy Commissioner of Hanthawaddy, then, and not till then, will lands be largely taken up.
Mr Nolan, an able Bengal Civilian, has come down here to scamper through the country in a fortnight, to interview, no doubt, these very Revenue Officers, and to form some scheme for sending coolies here from the overcrowded parts of Bengal. What he should do is to go and stay a week with each of the few European planters we have in the country and learn a little of the non-official opinion of Burma and its wants.
Let him interview Mr Watson at Tavoy, Mr Petley at Tonghoo and Mr Moss at Shwegyeen, and, we guarantee, he will learn more of the real wants of the country in a few hours' conversation with these gentlemen and with the missionaries in all parts of the province, than he would if he stayed a month with any Deputy Commissioner.
If we can attract capitalists to the lands, the labour question will soon right itself. As a beginning, we think the most desirable plan for attracting labour would be the one adopted on a previous occasion of subsidizing the steamer companies to reduce their passage rates. But the labour question would soon right itself, if the Government would only attract capital to the country. And this it never will do, until it allows the fee simple of waste lands to be acquired and removes the present objectionable powers of interference of Deputy Commissioner with planters or with people who have taken up land.
Roads alone would not, we believe, induce planters to follow Mr Watson's example at Tavoy, as our correspondent in yesterday's paper seems to think. They will be required, of course, if land is taken up, but that it never will be, until a more liberal policy prevails in the matter of granting it.
The Government have the experience of Assam and Ceylon to guide them, and the apathy displayed in this important subject is surprising, seeing that our present land policy not only keeps the country backward but periodically requires the expenditure of large sums in putting down disturbance, in Punitive Police and in the detection of violent crime.
Bhamo, 22nd July
A Pioneer Steamer on the Tapeng
In the winter of last year the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company sent Capt. Rimmer of their staff up to Bhamo with the object of proceeding to Mogoung to explore and take soundings of the river. The purpose of the Company was to attempt to run a steamer up and down between Bhamo and Mogoung, if possible. The journey was made and the soundings duly taken with the result that Capt. Rimmer gave a report of roseate hue in which he asserted the practicability of sending steamers of light draught.
With the object in view the steamer Hata (named after a village below Mogoung) was constructed and sent up to Bhamo. She arrived there on Monday last and although she can hardly be called a beauty she is evidently suited for her work. The vessel is 125 feet long with 25 feet beam. She is worked by stern wheels and steered by three rudders. The boiler is like that of a locomotive engine and is placed forward whilst the engines are in the afterpart of the vessel. One of the curiosities of the machinery is a steam fan which creates a strong draught of the flue. When the door is opened for the replenishing of the fire a door by the fan is automatically opened whilst another is closed, and by this means the draught is felt on the deck instead of being drawn through the fire as at other time. The steam capstan seems also to be a very neat and capable machine, without the inconvenient size of many of those on larger vessels. Two cabins for the captain and engineer respectively are situated aft on the lower deck whilst two passenger cabins of small size are situated over the wheel on the upper deck. The steering gear is also on the upper deck. Both decks give a very large open space for native passengers or storage of goods. Moreover, the vessel only draws two feet of water.
Notwithstanding the bright hopes which Mr Rimmer held out before the Company in regard to the Mogoung river, the Bhamo agent of the company has felt it his duty, upon reliable information, to represent to the Company the danger of sending up a steamer at this time of the year and their manager in Rangoon has therefore decided that the boat should be tried on the River Tapeng instead of on the Mogoung. Yesterday was the day fixed upon for the trial trip, and a select party consisting of the agent, Mr Henderson, the Government Forester, Mr Palmer, Captain Gale of the steamer Amherst, Rev'd. Mr Steven, the missionary to the Chinese and Mr Warry, M.A., F.R.G.S., Political Officer, was formed to proceed in the vessel and test her merits. Besides this there were Capt. Tenniswood in command of the steamer and Mr Jackson, the Rangoon Photographer, who is up here photographing steamers and property for the Company. Some ten or twelve of the leading Chinese merchants were also invited and turned up in fine feather, evidently highly delighted, not only with the prospect of a pleasant day's outing but still more with the prospect of regular steam conveyance for their goods up to the point where they are transferred to pack saddles for transport to China.
We left our mooring about 7.10 a.m. but owing to drift collected on the anchor chain, it was nearly half an hour later before the anchor was up and we were under steam on our adventurous journey to the north-west. Some two miles above the north gate of Bhamo we rounded a point and entered the mouth of the River Tapeng, which is here a wide strong stream, though in the winter time the volume of water is comparatively very small indeed. Half a mile from the mouth of the river we passed the gold-leaf covered Shwekina pagoda, and a mile further on Shwekina village was passed. Here I was able to compare the height of the water with its winter level. The difference between the two is probably 15 feet or more. This village is chiefly inhabited by Bhamo-Shans and Burmans as is also the next village of Hnailing, whilst the next village named Mo-ping and situated about eight miles form Bhamo by road, but much farther when the winding course of the river is followed, is occupied entirely by China-Shans. This village at which we landed presents a very clean and thriving appearance and is altogether a charming contrast either to the filth and squalor of some of the houses in Bhamo, or those of the poorer peasantry in Ireland or the Highlands of Scotland and I have seen even in favoured and conceited England, many houses, or rather hovels, which for comfort, health and cleanliness are vastly inferior to the homes of these Shan peasants.
The Chao-fa or chief man of the village is an energetic and able man who speaks indifferently in Shan, Kachin or Chinese. I believe Burmese also. Crowds of women and children gathered on the banks to gaze upon us and wonder. Leaving this village we crossed the stream to a village on the opposite side and about a mile away. This place is mainly Burmese, though there are three or four Chinese living here. Its name is Hailung. From a short distance below Mo-ping our course had lain for the most part between rice fields and great numbers of the people were to be seen in the fields engaged in transplanting he young rice plants, now about a foot in height.
A few miles more and we arrived at a place whose Burman name I should spell Hjui-jo. As Hjui means a buffalo, one hilarious member of our party proceeded to fix it in his memory as "Buffalo Joe" and to make obscure references to "Buffalo Bill" of "Wild West" fame. At this point was the parting of the ways and we doubted and hesitated which way to go until the Hata almost had her head on the spit of land between the two streams. The Burmese dummies insisted upon the narrower way and said it was impossible to go the other way. We therefore went up the narrow canal-like passage, until we came to a place where there was distinctly no road for a vessel of the Hata's size. A boat went out to sound and hunt for a passage but found it "no go" and by the time we were so far up that turning was a problem difficult of solution. Ultimately we made fast to a tree and after much bumping and the snapping of the line, the vessel swung out into the stream.
Arrived back at "Buffalo Joe" we turned up that side and steamed bravely along for about twenty minutes, till we got too near to the mud and then a boat had again to go out to sound. A channel having been found we went on again and with much winding in and out, succeeded at last in reaching Sit-Kaw or Mamo. This is the last station on the China road before entering Chinese territory and until a couple of years ago it was a large and thriving village and all the Chinese caravans camped before the village whilst they loaded the cotton and other merchandise on to the backs of their animals. The Rev'd Mr Steven said he recognised the place at once though the village had been burnt and deserted since he arrived there on his journey from China two and a quarter years ago. From this point we had a very good view of the river up to the point, perhaps four miles away, where it leaves the mountains. We did not stop at Sit-Kaw but turned round and rapidly left the village behind us. Now we went down at a tremendous speed and it was only with difficulty that the steamer kept in the water at all and once we persistently scraped the bank for a long way and the ship's boat – which was floating alongside – was dragged over the land for some distance. Miles sped past us as the evening darkened and in about a hundred minutes after leaving Mamo, the brave little Hata drew up to her moorings at Bhamo. The whole of our party spoke of it as a most enjoyable trip, but it seems very doubtful if it will ever be repeated in a regular service for even at high water we had difficulty I finding a channel and if the water had fallen a foot we should have been stranded.
Information Wanted
The news that an Indian planter has received a concession for waste land on the Tounghoo-Mandalay line, subject to the express condition that he shall employ exclusively Indian labour, will give rise to considerable reflection. Why, it will be naturally asked, should this gentleman, out of a large number of applicants, be thus selected, to the apparent detriment of others, simply at the will of the Government and in the entire absence of any scheme regulating these grants? The job, if such it be, is of rather large dimensions compared with those that have formerly excited comment, the area being no less than 15,000 acres. Now we have no objection to Mr Milne, or any other gentleman, being thus aided in developing the country, a matter of paramount importance and necessity. But we would ask why one man should be selected and others ignored? The solution will probably be found in the usual friend that basks not only in "the fierce white light that beats about the throne," but who takes his ease beneath the shadow of the Great Pagoda Tree. If, however as we hope, the Government are really intent, not on benefitting their own friends, but in really and honestly developing the resources of the country, we would ask that before any further similar grants are made the public may be informed either publicly or semi officially, under what circumstance grants will be made, and the proper steps to be taken by intending applicants. There are a large number of people in possession of ample capital and ready to deposit security for the fulfilment of their contacts, who are anxious to take up land; and these will be forthcoming, not only from Burmah and Bengal, but from many parts of the world, as soon as fair and equitable regulations are promulgated.
But we doubt the wisdom of the Government in demanding that exclusively imported labour should be employed. With large numbers of Burmans reduced to poverty, it is surely unfair to deprive them of such chances of employment as may offer in their own country. The way to rid the country of dacoits is not to be found in closing avenues of legitimate industry to a necessitous and discontented population and to maintain their expense a foreign race peculiarly obnoxious to them. The Government is doubtless wise in endeavouring to introduce a mixed and loyal population into Burmah, and any rational scheme of colonising the wastes with the surplus labour of India, we should be first to welcome as it is a policy we have always warmly advocated. But the present departure of the Local Government seems not only unhappy but unjust.
Nor are we in favour of any State-aided system of emigration, calculated merely to increase our pauper population; and we greatly fear that this will be the outcome of any scheme, such as that conceived by Lt MacSweeney of the Hyderabad Cavalry, for deporting the surplus population of the Punjaub into a climate utterly unsuited to them; as may be seen by the way the poor relations in the Police are suffering. Moreover the reclamation and cultivation of waste land is work requiring capital and we do not see where the ryot who seems entering the field of official economics, is gong to obtain the necessary funds, not only for the purchase of stock and implements, for the payment of labour, but for the maintenance of himself and family until such period as his farm may become self-supporting.
We have previously pointed out that any system of immigration that gives a preference to any particular class, is inequitable; we further hold that any clause prohibiting the employment of local labour is an injustice to the inhabitants, Burman or other, of the country; and we have no hesitation in stigmatising the present hole-and-corner system of land grants, which, in the Ava case, has been fully exposed in these columns and had been discussed at length in those of our Indian contemporaries, whereby unknown strangers are allowed to participate in advantages that are sternly denied to those that have, for weal or woe, thrown in their lot with the country, is pure and unmitigated jobbery.
Leprosy in Burma
We heard a good deal some time ago about the desirability of a Leper Hospital in Burma, but, after various meetings of the committee appointed and references made to different places, it was, we believe, thought useless to collect funds for a Hospital, until there was some legislation for forcing the lepers to resort there. In the matter of dealing with these unfortunate people we think our Government might learn much from the one that preceded them. In the Burmese time lepers were not allowed to congregate and live where ever they liked and to exhibit publicly the most disgusting sores, in the most public places, for the purpose of exciting commiseration amongst the charitably disposed. They had under their own native rulers, to confine themselves to a particular quarters in the outskirts of the town, near burial places. They were not allowed to frequent bazaars or such places as the Shoay Dagon Pagoda, where now may occasionally be seen, and where their presence is certainly most objectionable and possibly dangerous to the health of the rest of the community. We believe the Chief Commissioner approved of a move made by the Trustees of the Pagoda, some months ago, to prevent some of the disgraceful scenes which took place there some years back, when lepers used actually to live in the Pagoda precincts and where they used to gamble, drink and quarrel with impunity. We should, in the interests of order and decency, see that these poor creatures are not allowed in the most public thoroughfares; and, if we cannot get a leper hospital erected for them, we can, at any rate, have a certain quarter of the town allotted to them and not allow the worst cases to be drawn about our public streets in broad daylight for the purpose of begging. We think the police should be ordered to arrest the worst offenders and the Pagoda Trustees requested to prevent the leper congregating, as we have seen them lately at the Southern, or most public entrance to the Pagoda. Something might be done to set apart a quarter of the town near the Burmese burial ground, where there is plenty of open space, as quarters for these unfortunates; but to allow them to parade hideous deformities and disgusting sights in the way they are doing now in Rangoon should be put a stop to, we think, in the interests of the rest of the community, both Buddhist and non-Buddhist.
Indian Emigration
The Mandalay Herald, in an article that we publish in this number, and to which we would invite the attention of our readers, points out clearly and succinctly the principal objections to the scheme of Indian Emigration that is expected shortly to claim the favourable attention of the Local Government. The writer very properly points out that the importation of coolies without capital and without a wealthy landed proprietary to provide labour for them, will prove a disastrous mistake. He also points out that the ryot of Northern India will form a peculiarly undesirable immigrant as he will being the curse of caste prejudice with him and will drain the country of wealth by spending nothing himself and sending all his earnings out of the country.
At the same time we hardly hold with our contemporary's express opinion that the Madrasi or Coringhi would form possibly the best class of immigrant. As labour of a class they are valuable; but those that come over here are, as a rule, rather townsmen than agriculturists. They are valuable in their way, and, if the Government could see any method of inducing the poorer agricultural classes of Southern India to come here, we should welcome them much more rapidly than the pious and conservative Hindoo, or the discontented and dirty Mohommedan of Upper India.
But the objections which our contemporary holds against the introduction on certain lines of labour from Northern India, and which we certainly endorse, do not apply to the class of immigrant that we consider most suitable – the Chinaman. The objections that have been urged against his continued presence in Australasia do not obtain here. Our Chinese fellow citizens make their home and spend their money in the country; and there is no doubt that in energetic development of a country they are but little behind the European and infinitely superior to the Indian.
The present visit of Mr Nolan.
India has up to the present been receiving either with a distrustful silence or with marked opposition to the views he is known to hold and the intentions with which he is perhaps erroneously credited. It is to be hoped the Government will take an early opportunity of submitting both their views and the information on which they are based, not necessarily for hostile criticism, but for discussion by a public probably at least as competent to form an opinion as Government officials with little or no knowledge and but a transient interest in the country.
The landed proprietary for which our contemporary asks, can only be secured in the immediate future by throwing our wastes open to all-comers on liberal terms. Capital will be forthcoming to work the resources of the country if only our authorities will open the door that they now keep so rigorously and unnecessarily closed. And as we have pointed out, neither in the BERNARDIAN theory of Burma for the Burmese alone, or in any scheme of making the Irrawaddy Valley a close preserve for the surplus poverty of Upper India, is the solution of the present problem to be found.