The morning call., 1892-09-28
CHINESE SECRET SOCIETIES
Successfully Put Down in the
Straits.
Predicted Riots Did Not Oecur-Firm Measures
and Deportation Laws Succeed Ez-
c3llenty.

"The legislation of the Straits Govern
ment in the matter of the official suppress
sion Of Chinese secret societies has been
failure" remarked Arnot Reid to CALL
reporter at the Palace yesterday.
'0n the other band very important point
has been thoroughly carried by the Govern
ment.
1T maintained its dignity. Let me explain
more clearly. Up till four years ago it had
been the custom of the Government to
officially recognize the secret societies.
''The head men If The different societies
were officially recognized by the Govern
ment, and registration was kept of their
numerical strength. places of meeting aud
so forth.
"When faction fights broke out between
the different Kongsies' these men were
promptly turned to as responsible represent
tatiyes of the quarrellng factions, and made
to Immediately adjust all questions Of dis
pute.
s"The system answered fairly well, and in
the long run affairs we're generally amt
cably settled. On the other hand riots fire.
Quently broke out which cost a great many
broken heads. destruction Of property and
discomfort to the foreign residents before
the difficulty of the hour was suppressed
| and smCotbed over.
''Sr Cecil Smith, The present Governor,
| determined to uphold the dignity OF the
| Government At the very outset of his adj
| mlnistration troublesome riot broke out
! in Singapore which caused a great deal of
| mischief and damaged the commercial
! prosperity of the settlements in London.
The riot being duly suppressed the Xxx
| ecutive Counsel met in official session ana
/ issued an edict announcing the suppression
| Of all political societies for the future.
offenders against the law were to be de-
| ported.
''Sir Cecil held that the Government was
| placed in an undigG fed position by accept
| ing assistance from Chinese head men To
| helD administration.
| ''The people shall be governed by the
| official Government alone, he proclaimed.
Accordingly the Chinese were informed
| that only benevolent societies would be per
| mtted 10 register.
"All political societies were ordered to
| send in their records and property for dis
| tribu;ion and adjustment among their
! members
There were no disturbances. The Chinese
readily and willingly handed in brand new
! elegant registers and sets of books.
Then the Chinese continued their soeie-
/ ties IN private in lieu of in public.
! Every now and again descents are made
| upon suspected gatherings We depOrt
! about twelve Chinese prisoners every year
who are caught in this manner.
"Ihey are sent up to Hong Kong. at which
| port they are offered their choice of any
| Chinese port they may name.
They invariably 20 quietly and peace
| fully.
1.-The secret societies don't protect indiyid-
uals. The individual has not money enough
to 60 to law aud resist deportation from
Hong Kong.
You must understand that our Straits law
ceases at a three-mie limit from our coasts.
In law. therefore. the Chinese could refuse
further handling at Hong Kong, from our
Government at least Bnt they never do So
''W hat practical benefit has arisen by this
act?
We'll, there Is no doubt that something
may be said in It's favor. The secret socie-
ties still exist, bat it would not do TO call
the act dismal failure.
1.-The Government could reply that the laws
for the prevention of murder and robbery
do not prevent robbery and murder from
taking place in any civilized country.
''On the other hand they serve as pIeven-
tive TO wholesale robbery and murder.
80 ii Is with our secret socie,y laws