The evening herald. [volume] (Albuquerque, New Mexico) 1914-1922, 1915-10-18
HONG KONG HARD HIT
BY EFFECTS OF
GREAT WAR
Trade of Great China Port
Practically Destroyed by In
terruption of Commerce
with Europe.

-CAssociated Press CorreEpondence.)
Hong Kong, China, Sept. l.-As the
gateway to the Of the far
east aud England = most important
stronghold IN the orient, Hong Kong
feels the effect of the European war
more kcenly than most Of England :
outposts. Being strongly fortified there
IN every reason why an enemy should
seek 90 make shanghai less formidable.
Ordinarily, ships are permitted to mp
prouch Hong Kong island through two
channels which Trad into the river har.
Dor. One of these is now closed Rnd
the other channel is carefully guarded
and swept daily for mines. Eariy iu
the wal % Chinese Junk was dis,uycccl
sewing mines in the entrance o. the in
ncr hurbor. There have been constant
rumors since then of the discover c.
mine swccpcrs and other cruft supposed
60 bee ia the hire of England 3 enemies.
No movement of ships are permitted
in Hong Kong hurbor now 81 night and
searchhghts constantly play over the
waters to locate any one who has cs-
eapcd the ,igilaut police boats. The
lights also wander owe the frowniug
mountains about the hurbor entrance on
which disappearing guns are concealed.
An American guubont b. the only
warship IN the port 40 present, and
American %guuboat, alone patrol the
Pearl river. leading 90 Canton, and uf.
ford protection 90 foreigners who have
little faith iu the Chinese navy but iu
ordinary times enjoy the protection of
ships belonging 20 several ot the
European nations.
Most of the English troops ordinarily
stationed ut Hong Kong are also gone
aud their duties have been taken over
by the English home guard. Hundreds
OF the EuglishmcU employed by the var
ious banks, shipping concerns and mcr-
camille houses have volunteered fer this
work 40 that the regular, might 81 90
European huttlearlds. Docks are guard
ed by these volunteers. The camp
whore hundreds of Germans and Aus
triSns are interucd b, in charge of vol.
uutcers. Squads of the civilians may be
seen drilling In various parts Of the
city preparatory 90 giving part of their
time 10 guard duty.
The English volunteers wear khaki
suits with Norfolk Jackets and shor,
trousers which leave the knees exposed.
Englishmcn OF all ages may be seen
Walking about Hong Kong In these uni
forms with the Same pride the HON,
guards In London and Liverpool take iu
their unusual uniform.
Golf courses aud tennis courts are de
serted for the time being. as most of
the able bodied men who have not re-
turned Co England are getting their eN
crcise through military duty.
strict watch is kept upon all passcn
gers entering or leaving the island
either by boat or train. Only persons
with passports or other proof az theil
citizenship ara permitted 10 enter, and
all new comers must report immedintcly
TO the police headquarters aud max,
their movements known To the Officers
Even English citizens leaving an Eng
list boat for the few hours IL stops N
Hong Kong ON its way from England ol
India 10 Shanghai or Japan must report
20 the police and obtain "A permit Il
leave the island again. Recently score,
of persons who regarded this regulation
as mere red tame which ou.ld be over
looked have been left standing on IN,
dock while their steamer moved out OF
the harbor.
BEFORE the war Germans had extens
r i've business interests in Hong Kong on5
r were formidable competitors of M,
, English. Many OF the German cuisines.
men escaped before ihcy were intcrucd
/, and are directing their affairs from
canton. The transfer Of the Dollar lin,
/ ships 10 the British flag and the snlp 90
+, the Pacific Mail boats win make 3
practically impossible for German firm
20 effect any considerable shipments %
freight, us few bottoms will be- avail
able, excepting those under the BIRTHS.
y and Japanese flags.
Tourist travel 10 Hong Kong ha
e practically ceased. The hotels have fo,
e. guests excepting business men and Enl
/. hsh volunteers who are ashore wuitin
" FIR their ships 10 start for the sue.
n Nearly every boat starting for Englan
carries a delegation ot young Enplisl
men whose friends gather nj the dock
IS 10 bid them goodbye rs they sail OFF I
WNT