The British community on Thurs." day loyally observed the 55th birthday of HAL the King, The Union Jack was very prominent and was courteously displayed by many hongs and private houses other than British, w ships in harbour were gaily dressed for the occasion, as also were the Cacht Club head: quarters and riverside stations.
"At the Cathedral there was a celebration of Holy Communion. at 7a.m., followed by a special service. There was a fully representative attendance at H.M. Consulate during the morning, visitors being re-
Minister and Mrs. Crane; Mr, E. S. Cunningham, U. S. Constl General; My. Charles 8. Lobinger, Judge of the U. S. Court for China, and all the leading officials and. business Promptly at 3.80, Mrs, Crane christened the boat with the usual bottle of champagne as she gained way upon her rush ¢ into the water, when cheers were given for both the ship and her sponsor:
"After the ceremony, the guests were conducted to the general office where refreshments were served:
A Great Oceasio: Admiral K. K. Long, proposing the health of the Presidents of the United States and China said that the Mandarin was one of the four ships which the Kiangnan building for the Any gency Fleet Corporation. 1t was Gne of the first ocean-going ships that had been build by China for a foreign nation and they appre ciated very much the friendly ness of the United States in giving China this privilege. They would endeavour to improve from time to time and hope to give entire satisfaction in order to show their deep appreciation for the honour conferred upon them.
"When this vessel enters into the hands of those for whom it is being built," continued Admiral Long.
trust she will be the bearer of commerce to the common benefit, of all the countries visited by her- We have the honour on this occasion to have the presence of Mr. C. R-rane, the new United States Minister, and this shows fiend-lines and international co-opera tion of a character which we trust will continue between the two nations for years ta come (applause). As head of the navy T propos good luck and success to the. Mandarin." (Hear: hear).
Mr. @. R. Crane. rising to speak, said he had always been very much interested in shiipbuilding and whenever he travelled he always made a point of studying the methods of transportation ju the parts visited. It was a very interesting problem. He related how he visited Cina many years ago and went on to say that ite was very much impressed with the improvements in the mechanical processes at the Arsenal Pive or six great empires have gone to sin: T am glad that the ship we are launching to-day is not a ship of war but a ship of pence." (Applause) "And I trust ceived by Sir' Everard Fraser, x.c.u.c., H. M. Consul-General,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.