For some time past Hankow has been showing signs of approaching festivity, and as Jubilee Day drew near it became evident that the community meant to make a brave display. Mysterious erections sprang up in various parts of the Concession, which
of a patriotic and congratulatory type. The bpesate shaped themselves into devices air was full of expectations, and the talk of the day was of foundation stones, tiffins, and consular receptions, 'The celebrations were begun on Sunday, the 20th, with thanksgiving services in the community church in the morning, and in the Sailors' Rest in the evening. The community of Hankow is blessed with a church committee which was evidently determined that this great national thanksgiving should made the occasion for an act of shining patriotism. With this in view, it was arrang ged that the services should be conducted entirely by Aniericans. It is alleged that some members of the community murmured that this was not entirely as it should be, but far be it from your correspondent to question the delicate appreciation of the fitness of things which led the committee to take the course which was pursued. The Rest was very tastefully decorated for the evening service, at which there was a large attendance. The music (which, of course, included the National Anthem) was under the direction of the Rey. W. A. Cornaby, of Hanyang. The speakers were the Revs. Thomas Bram-fit, Joseph S. Adams, and Arthur Bonsey. Hymns and addresses all spoke our gratitude to God for the great advance in all spheres of life during the past sixty years,
men engaged on the decorations. Indeed, Monday was a busy day for the work-their work was not finished in some cases until Tuesday forenoon. Tuesday dawned brightly, with a pleasant breeze tempering the warm sun, as though the clerk of the weather had made up his mind that it would not be his fault if the celebrations were not worthy of the occasion. If he had any such fears a walk along the Bund must have convinced him that they were groundless. At the worst of times Hankow is proud of its Bund, and with -reason. On Tuesday that noble river front presented a scene which was. calculated to make every resident a vast deal prender than usual. From the Municipal Buildia to the Consulate every house was gay wit flags, which waved majestically over devices of many kinds. The warships, river steamers and hulks were flying innumerable flags, and under a bright sun the sight was the most charming your correspondent has seen for many 2 day. On the stroke of noon the Algerine proclaimed the glory of the day b salute of sixty guns. She was well secon ed by the Japanese warvescel in port, while the forts at Wuchang sent a few de join across the river, At one o'clock, all the Hankow world gathered in the grounds of the Club to see the British Consul lay the foundation stone of the public hall, which is to tell future generations how Hankow commemorated the Diamond Jubilee. Mr. Whistler, the chairman of the Municipal Council, stated in a few well-chosen words the purpose of the gathering, and presented the Consul with silver Uwe to, be used in the ceremony, The Consul replied in a neat little speech, and then declared the stone "well and truly laid," the guard of honour fired a salute, and the company, with a will, finishing up with three cheers and a "tiger." Then came luncheon, exceedingly well purveyed and very comfortably served. The viands discussed, everybody rose to honour the one toast of the day, "The Queen" which was drank with enthusiasm and followed by the National Anthem, three cheers, and a "tiger". This finished the functions of the first part of the day. When darkness fell the illuminations began to take shape, and by the middle of the evening the display was very brilliant indeed. Some elaborate and very effective illuminations were to be seen in the centre and back roads, but of course the finest effects were looked for and found on the Bund. The Municipal Council is to be congratulated on the extremely effective decorations and illumination of the Municipal Offices. Viewed from a distance of a few yards the effect was dazzling; seen from the entrance to the British Consulate, nearly half a mile away, the design only ined in completeness, while losing little Amongst the other illuminations, your correspondent was most taken with the display of Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Ca., George lark & Ca. the German Consulate, and the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank.' Bat the whole scene was exceptionally fine, and the credit of producing it rests not with one or two but, with all. As for the British Consulate, it brought back memories of the wonderful fairyland of our childhood. The lawn was ringed with sixty masts, each bearing a shield with V. R. upon it, These masts were all connected with a tall central mast by lines of streamers, The house and unds were lighted up by countless lanterns, and everything contributed to make the scene pictitresque and fascinating. Everybody was there, and-quite a number of Chinese officials came to join in the rejjoicings. Fireworks on an extensive scale enlivened the evening, to the especial delight of the foreign children present. The final sight was a device in fiery letters, "God save the Queen," which led to the enthusiastic singing of the National Anthem, followed by three cheers, and finishing up with we now indispensable "tiger. After the fireworks had ceased, the minstrel troupe from the Esk gave a performance in the Consulate garden, but your correspondent only looked in at the entertainment for a minute or two, having by that time seen enough gaiety for one night.
Both on Monday and Tuesday evenii Chinese who were in great force on the sand, the unfortunately got so rough thet they bad be cleared off. This lift] was done with that efficiency which always characterises our ky iniape posi of Police, who lp of several amateur con~ would not -be. right to close this letter without expressing the belief that the! Hankow community is deeply grateful to all those who took such pains to perfect the arrangements for the celebration, The ladies and gentlemen who worked so hard and so willingly must feel s glow of satisfaction when they think how complete a success Tewarded their efforts. The community rests assured that while such services are at its disposal, no celebration can be otherwise than brilliantly successful.
28rd June. i NANKING.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.