To the Editor of the "Norra-Cuixa Day News.'
Sm,—On arriving here yesterday and readi heading "Outrages on board Japanese steame This article is a gross exwegeration of what really took place. I have commanded this steamer since she as taken from the builders' bands in September, 1898, and this is the first occurrence of anything in the shape of trouble taking place, for hitherto perfect harmony has always existed and discipline, which is still maintaine Jertect The fact of the case is that there was simply an altercation between a steerage unmarried passenger on the ship's deck, and one of the firemen, and not in the steerage as reported, where none of the crew are allowed to enter, nor do they ever. This steerage passenger, with others their idle moments had been tactical jokes with the firemen coming off watch, where they had been working in a temperature bordering on 140 degrees, and it culminated as jokes often do, especially at such an unscasonable time, with men dirty and worn out and illiterate at that, in a personal encounter. This steerage passenger was a Spaniard who aggravated and really assaulted the fireman first. The combatants were separated as soon as reported to the officers, and after it had been reported to me, within 15 minutes perfect peace reigned throughout the ship.
The Spaniards in so slight, imple treat= that, me man walked ashore the next day at Honolulu, apparently as well as anyone No one deplores the use of the' knife more than I do, and with Asiatics its use is as common as fists are with ourselves. However, this fireman is in prison now at Yokohama awaiting trial. i in justice to the Toyo 1d myself insert this letter your earliest convenience, for I venture to think the Hongkong Maru's record will bear favourably for the past 3 years with anything afloat, am, ete., 30th September.
W. E. Friar, Commanding S.S. Hongkong Maru.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.