The "Hongkong ist ult, Daily Press" of the Yester there "as "no _apprecinble nation in the signs of activity in the board the British war-
Ships in theharhour, and as a result rumors and conjectures were as rife and as startling assever. Naturally, the authorities observe the utmost reticence, but whether their secrecy conceals a serious political move or is simply the concomitant of a demonstration embracing no international nce whatever—a kind of experiment in mobilisation—is of course impossible for those outside to decide. Our own opinion inclines in the latter direction, and it_has the support of views held in' semi-official circles. "We do not propose, howovety to" add to the list of conclusions that have been arrived at in the matter, for have become tiresome, and as for the various rumours that have been set afloat, the only justification for them lies in such reasons as may be submitted by the fertile imaginations responsible for their creation.
One report that obtained currency in the Colony yesterday was to the effect that the Welsh Fusiliers would not take their departure on Saturday, as, we believe, was origins ally intended, Itwas stated that a regiment al onder was issued that those of the Fusiliars alrendy here were to be ronly to en bark for Shanghai at once; and that at 10 a.m, this order was celled, immediate embark ation for In heing'substituted, "this again being cancelled. This report, so far ax it went, was correct, but there is no known political reason for the delay. The transport Wakuol, w ced vexter afternoon from the North with about two hundred of the Welsh Regiment on. board, is to undergo some. repairs which will prevent her frou sailing possibly till Monday ud this, we have been unable touuscertain any reason for the statement that the Fusiliers are to be detained in view of possible emergency.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.