is one of the penalties of advancing civilisation that men are driven from their primitive bungalows to take up their welling much closer to the stars. In Shanghai the high building is now well-established in our midst; five-stories have ceased to be a marvel even for the Chinese boys. It has dawned on us and them that with the compensating all-levelling lift it makes little difference whether one: is quartered ten fect or a hundred aboveterra. firma. Indeed there are advantages in loftiness, for the circumambient air is apt to be clearer, the sunlight brighter, the busy din of life softened, by distance more acceptably to tired ears.
Tt was the writers-lot, a day or two since, to roam round the upper corridors of the new Astor House building. Here it inay be remarked en parenthdge therein, of course, high living of more orders than one. But after dining like an epicure in the long arched hall soon, one. almost fascinating in the idea of enjoying one's other workmen were carrying the debris cigar at casement opening on the from the decks over the side. In the twinkling lights of the Settlement or after-hold were some 500 kerosene cases, the river far below. No lack of which had been exploded by the heat, opportunity for plain thinking at all and had then helped to feod the flames. events.
Further back in the hold were the To come down from sentiment to hard remains of what had once been cotton facts, it is worth noting that our largest bales, now 2 mass of cinders. In the {hotel now has at disposal something like fore-hold were more remains of cargo, 80;175 rooms, some fitted for cosiness and burnt, however, that it was impossible even some for splendour some single and some to see what they wore. From the twisted en suite, all with an outside aspect, and so deck supports electric wires hung loosely, wedged into a wonderfully planned building and the engine room telegraph wires, that they all face more or less towards the which were parted by the initial explosion, south. Two passenger lifts beside stair-were also hanging loosely from above. ways gave easy access to the most remote The flames melted the peacocks, which had 8 lift ensures obvious conveni-to be temporarily plugged when the ences; the fire ladders, plainly indicated vessel was brought down. The ventilator by direction notices, and hose appliances shafts had, for the most part, telescoped are handy for contingencies. inwards, although a few were so battered Comforts are the consequences of and twisted that they were almost unpreparations elsewhere and a stroll recognisable. It is curious to see the through the lower regions of the hotel coal being taken out of the bunkers. It, reveals how complete those preparations fortunately, did not take fire, or the hull are. Four great Crossley gas engines, of the ship would probably have been too working in turns of two at a time, drive badly injured to float. A spare propeller the electrical machinery which lights the blade was partially melted and lay on the whole place, warms it with hot air, works deck aft. The funnel, except for a severe ithe lift and makes the ice. There is a blistering, is unscathed. The name of the cavernous ice-chamber for storing meat ship on her bows is almost obliterated by and game at all seasons of the year; the the scorched paint. In various parts of kitchen is vast and spotlessly clean, with the upper decks are remains of passengers' the latest appliances for good cooking luggage, and a few steel umbrella frames and table service. There is also a car-were knocking about in various corners, penter and odd man's shop on the pre-As far as can be-soon the bows were unin-ses. jured by beaching. There is not a trace As already stated, it will not be long of the cabins left. The partitions in the before the older part of the hotel, which forward hold are crumpled up like so has been a picturesque feature on the much brown paper.
Hongkew front for so long, will be pulled The Talung will remain at the wharf down. It is good news to know that the for about aweek, and will then go into picturesqueness will not altogether dis-dock for survey. Should it be considered appear; a new domed hall, with private worth while she will then be repaired, but dining rooms round the dome, and a it is, as yet, doubtful whether she will be courtyard surrounded by the public rooms repaired or sold as she lies. and offices, will succeed to accommodation which has now been outgrown. A new manager is expected shortly and in the meantime note may be made of the CALENDARS, ETC, excellent generalship shown by the popular
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.