Page:Europe in China.djvu/533

Rh blown ashore and left high and dry on the beach at Aberdeen. The loss of the river-steamer White Cloud near Macao also attracted much attention. The amount of property destroyed in Hongkong within those six terrible hours was estimated at five million dollars. A fire that broke out while the typhoon was at its height was actually put out by the force of the wind. Her Majesty sent (November 18, 1874) a message expressing her 'sincere regret for the suffering which this sad calamity occasioned.' The brothers Tauffer, who had specially distinguished themselves by daring and successful efforts to save lives, were presented (January 7, 1876), at the hands of the Governor, with a testimonial by the Royal Humane Society. But very little was done to utilize the lessons taught by this typhoon. Meanwhile another typhoon swept over the Colony (May 31, 1875). It did little damage, however, though Macao and Canton suffered severely, as evidenced by the wreck of the river-steamer Poyang, on her way from Canton to Macao, when some 100 lives were lost. A Humane Society was now formed in Hongkong (July 2, 1875) for the special purpose of preventing the frequent loss of life in the harbour and particularly to give assistance during typhoons. This Society, under the presidency of the Hon. Ph. Ryrie, entered upon its labours with great enthusiasm, officers were appointed and stations fixed, funds were raised and left, after the purchase of the needful apparatus, in large sum in hand (June 6, 1876). A life-boat was talked of, additional funds were voted by Legislative Council (December 11, 1876), and after that the whole scheme was allowed to drop.

The social life of the period under review is notable for two sensational incidents. In March, 1872, Mr. D. Welsh, a highly talented and respected English merchant, head of the firm MacGregor & Co., having freely commented, in a local paper, on the public conduct of the Acting Chief Justice Ball, was sentenced, without the option of a fine, to fourteen days' confinement for contempt of Court. The whole foreign community, filled with indignation, petitioned the Governor to remit the sentence. The Acting Chief Justice, having thereupon