President of the Osaka Shosen number of guests visited the Company's Jont arrangements for the reception of large number of guests, and the steamer was most tastefully decorated with plants, flowers and bun In spite of wretched weather a very large numb guests were present. consisting, for the most part, of officers from the Japanese men-of-war in harbour; there were also present several of the most prot members of the Japanese communi representatives of several of th companies having branches The guests were cordially Xakahashi_and Captain Leach. of the Tachang Maru, and were shown over the vessel. The Town Band, under the direc worship of Signor Valenza, was present and played an excellent selection of music durin pest was seresd, supplied by the Company's st fter which Mr. Nakahashi, in a long speech in_ the Japanese Isnguage; expressed itis pleasure that so iany guest. were prevent. He sic that the Tachang Mara" had been bit by a Japanese company.—the Mitsui Bishi Dock and Engineering Company, Limited, and had been completed in December of last year. was built steel and was Jaid down on the 3rd i August. 1900, Her dimensions were length between perpendiculars, 283 fect bieatn, 39 fect & inches; breadth of upper deck, 48 feet; draught, 12 feet 4 inches. Her gross and net tonnage were 2,712 and [1681 respect and her dicated horse power 2,200. With boiler pressure of 180 Ibs. her average speed was 12 knots, und on her trial trip, with forced draught, she developed a speed of 13.3 knots. She was a twin-crew steamer and her engines were {of the triple expansion, surface conden-'The Company commenced trad~ riy on the Yangtze four years ago, in 1897, {and now had' four steamers running.
yet another steamer, the Tachi Maru, liven fair weather, it was expected that would be completed before the eud of the year, and the five vessels would have n aggregate of 11,000 tons. Since the cstabishment of their steamers on the Yangtze, the Company had had quite unexceptional At the—be-ming—they no experience whatever of the Yangtze trade, but the resuit bad proved very satisfactory. The Yangtze trade w: a sealed book to the japanese, but the Company was ordered, lane a result of the Treaty of Shimonoseki, to establish a cargo trade on the Yangtze and open up a line of steamers to Hankow.
When he opted his present post he t night that the venture was risky, but owing mainly to the kind treatment which the Company had received at the {hands of Chinese anid the foreign residents in the Yangtze Valley, the Company Bow in an excellent state of prosper They had established wharves and godowns in Si, Hankow and Ichang.
hulks at Wuht and Hankow. Hulks would also soon be floated at Chinkiang and A branch office would be estab-hanghai in January, and Dr.
at present managing the Kobe would shortly arrive in Shang-to take over the—managership of this branch, The Company were most anxious te remedy any imper-factions, and would be vere grateful if any one would address suggestions or com-nts to the branch office here. In con sion he proposed the health of the guests 1 braved the elements and assisted 2 ion a success.
Mr. Twass e-Consul_ in the owners and agents for the splendid re-option that had been given them that sure that the splendid results which the Company had attained were wholly owing to the excellent cement. He had pleasure in calling upon those present. te drink the toast of prosperity to the Osaka Shosen (Cheers.)
At this stage the Town Band played the Japanese National Anthem. which seemed to be highly appreciated by those of Japanese nationality who were present: and shortly afterwards the muoste dispersed.
The Tachang Maru is undoubtedly one of the best fitted steamers now trading en yangtze. She has accommodation for ners. & first-class Chinese, 20 lass Chinese. and 232 steerage pas.
Throughout the accommodation is excellent.
Tu the erptain's cal first-j elses the wood-class saloon and five state-room: work is of the Japanese shoji and the upholstery is of the finest quality. The Icon is panelled in shoji wood, with carved pilasters, and the ceiling is decked out in white and gold. Abaft of the saloon, on the shade deck, is x passage leading to five for the foreign passengers.
bin contains two berths, and the and upholstery are all that can be desired.
Aft, on the same deck, are the officers' and engin cabins." On the promenade deck, forward, is the accommodation for the first-class native pas sengers, who will have an excellent saloon and well-fitted cabins. Just abaft of these, are the second-class quarters for natives, which are only slightly inferior to the first-class. Going aft, one enters the forward portion of the steerage passengers' quarters, fitted with useful bunks, with ample air space and a table down the centre. Further aft is a somewhat larger room for the accommodation of steerage passengers. On the lower deck are the crow's quarters and the usual cargo holds, after the pattern of the majority of the river steamers. The vessel is fitted throughout with electric light, and in engine rooms, stokehold and in every portion of the vessel the latest modern improvements are to be found, The Tachang Maru is a credit to owners and builders alike.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.