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The Scholar-Collector (1907–1912)

Shiona Airlie

in Thistle and Bamboo: The Life and Times of Sir James Stewart Lockhart

By the beginning of 1907, James Stewart Lockhart had done virtually all he could for Weihaiwei. The administration was organized on a sound footing, and with Reginald Johnston, Walter, and the cadet, ... More

By the beginning of 1907, James Stewart Lockhart had done virtually all he could for Weihaiwei. The administration was organized on a sound footing, and with Reginald Johnston, Walter, and the cadet, Carpmael, in the Weihaiwei service, the territory had sufficient staff to ensure its smooth running. In Hong Kong, Stewart Lockhart had suffered many attacks in the Legislative and Executive Councils. Whilst awaiting his promised promotion, Stewart Lockhart continued to oversee the smooth running of Weihaiwei, believing that he would “be sent to some other place before too long”. His return to Weihaiwei in 1910 after his vacation marks the beginning of an intensification of Stewart Lockhart's interest in Chinese art. While building up his collection of paintings, he did not lessen his devotion to numismatics, and his already impressive collection of coins continued to grow.Less

Good Abilities (1858–1879)

Shiona Airlie

in Thistle and Bamboo: The Life and Times of Sir James Stewart Lockhart

James Stewart Lockhart was an example of a colonial civil servant which few could equal. Throughout his life, he strove to be best, not necessarily a merit in itself—but, more importantly, he did so ... More

James Stewart Lockhart was an example of a colonial civil servant which few could equal. Throughout his life, he strove to be best, not necessarily a merit in itself—but, more importantly, he did so with a firm set of ideals which, while not to be equated with missionary zeal, had a profound effect on the territories in which he worked. His early life and career followed the course taken by many of his contemporaries: a comprehensive and intensive education in Scotland followed by a move to the other side of the world to work with his countrymen in the service of Britain. In his life the reflection of countless other British administrators can be seen, but in his attitude to the people over whom he held power, he was very different. His family background and educational attainment is presented in this chapter. In addition, his early career is shown.Less

A Family Man (1889–1895)

Shiona Airlie

in Thistle and Bamboo: The Life and Times of Sir James Stewart Lockhart

James Stewart Lockhart's momentous year was 1889. On 12 January, he became a member of the Legislative Council and, barely six weeks later, the Hongkong Telegraph announced his marriage. It was at ... More

James Stewart Lockhart's momentous year was 1889. On 12 January, he became a member of the Legislative Council and, barely six weeks later, the Hongkong Telegraph announced his marriage. It was at the time of his marriage that Stewart Lockhart formally adopted the double surname he had been using informally since his arrival in Hong Kong. The acquisition of wife and child, and the social pressures of entertaining Hong Kong society at the new house, did not hamper Stewart Lockhart's ability to work with his customary enthusiasm and efficiency. The five years following his marriage had been fruitful in every sense. He had become both husband and father, had established himself centre stage in the theatre of Chinese scholarship; and in addition—almost, it would seem in his spare time—had continued to pursue his career in the Colonial Service with considerable credit. Further merits and prizes awaited him, the first of these being his appointment as Colonial Secretary. At long last, Stewart Lockhart was approaching the summit of his power.Less

A Thankless Task (1911–1918)

Shiona Airlie

in Thistle and Bamboo: The Life and Times of Sir James Stewart Lockhart

Despite the disappointments over promotion, James Stewart Lockhart had little time to brood. The first census since his assumption of the administration had to be organized in 1911. The problems ... More

Despite the disappointments over promotion, James Stewart Lockhart had little time to brood. The first census since his assumption of the administration had to be organized in 1911. The problems faced by both Stewart Lockhart and Reginald Johnston are discussed. Walter's condemnation of Stewart Lockhart was damning. Shortly before Walter moved from Weihaiwei, Johnston set off, apparently for the last time, on leave from the territory. Life was unsettled for Stewart Lockhart. He undoubtedly felt emotion about the war and the internal strife in China, but his absorbing daily thoughts were the Colonial Office's snub over his promotion. The war effectively ended all hopes of an academic career for Stewart Lockhart. The armistice ending the war was celebrated in every outpost of the British Empire, and Weihaiwei played its part with sports and parties. By the end of 1918, Reginald Johnston, CBE, was about to become, of all things, an imperial tutor.Less

The Confucian Comes Home (1921–1937)

Shiona Airlie

in Thistle and Bamboo: The Life and Times of Sir James Stewart Lockhart

After so many years working in China, James Stewart Lockhart and his wife were in no mood to settle down immediately to life back in the UK. From the time he left Weihaiwei until he settled in his ... More

After so many years working in China, James Stewart Lockhart and his wife were in no mood to settle down immediately to life back in the UK. From the time he left Weihaiwei until he settled in his London home, Stewart Lockhart had not ignored Chinese matters entirely. Between 1924 and 1926, life took on a very leisurely pace for Stewart Lockhart. In 1927, Stewart Lockhart once more began to involve himself fully in the field of Chinese scholarship. His standing in the field of Chinese scholarship ensured that he continued to be asked to represent various bodies, despite his failing health. He died at their home in London on 26 February 1937. The Confucian principles he adopted throughout his life in China changed a sharp Scottish thistle into the pliant bamboo, bending to fortune, but he was always true to himself. It was a unique combination which influenced another generation of British administrators in China. In initiating a new style of administration in China, Stewart Lockhart proved that the British Empire could care for the people in its charge without destroying their racial identity in the process.Less

Good Companions (1904–1906)

Shiona Airlie

in Thistle and Bamboo: The Life and Times of Sir James Stewart Lockhart

At the end of 1903, James Stewart Lockhart wrote to the Colonial Office to inform them that one of his assistants, Walter, proposed to take home leave shortly and this meant that a replacement for ... More

At the end of 1903, James Stewart Lockhart wrote to the Colonial Office to inform them that one of his assistants, Walter, proposed to take home leave shortly and this meant that a replacement for him would therefore be required. The Commissioner knew exactly who he wanted for the post: Reginald Johnston, a young official in the Hong Kong service whom he had befriended before leaving to serve in Weihaiwei. During Stewart Lockhart's final years in Hong Kong, Johnston and he were close colleagues, and the two men quickly became staunch friends, despite the difference in their ages. Stewart Lockhart had hoped that the arrival of a capable officer of Johnston's calibre would give him the opportunity to leave Weihaiwei and return to Britain to spend Christmas 1904 with his family. Stewart Lockhart's plans for the Weihaiwei administration were well formulated by the beginning of 1906, but with the Treasury squeeze on the territory as severe as ever, the problem of implementation arose. His hopes were dashed in the autumn of 1906 when he was given the news that China was demanding the restoration of Weihaiwei.Less

A Rigorous Training (1879–1884)

Shiona Airlie

in Thistle and Bamboo: The Life and Times of Sir James Stewart Lockhart

James Stewart Lockhart's first action in Hong Kong was to report to the Colonial Secretary who informed him that he would begin his duties, as was customary, by spending a few weeks in the colony ... More

James Stewart Lockhart's first action in Hong Kong was to report to the Colonial Secretary who informed him that he would begin his duties, as was customary, by spending a few weeks in the colony becoming acquainted with the administration as a whole. In addition, he would have been introduced to the other “young bloods” of the island. However, he had little opportunity to indulge himself in Hong Kong's emerging social scene for, after a brief respite from the rigours of travel, he was on his way once more; this time to Guangzhou to continue his Chinese studies. Stewart Lockhart was taken from the superintendency in August 1883 and promoted to the dual post of Assistant Colonial Secretary and Assistant Auditor-General. In addition to following his career, during this time he continued to pursue the twin loves of his life—sport and academic research. Whilst pursuing his career with vigour, and at the same time enjoying the sporting and social facilities of Hong Kong to their fullest, Stewart Lockhart somehow managed to find time to continue his research into many aspects of Chinese culture.Less

Protector of Chinese (1884–1889)

Shiona Airlie

in Thistle and Bamboo: The Life and Times of Sir James Stewart Lockhart

No sooner had James Stewart Lockhart begun to grasp the complexities of the Colonial Secretariat, than he was moved, albeit temporarily. Less than a year after his appointment as Assistant Colonial ... More

No sooner had James Stewart Lockhart begun to grasp the complexities of the Colonial Secretariat, than he was moved, albeit temporarily. Less than a year after his appointment as Assistant Colonial Secretary, he was given the new appointment of Acting Registrar General, the established post at that time being held by Dr F. Stewart. Undaunted by the task ahead of him, Stewart Lockhart tackled the post of Acting Registrar General with apparent enthusiasm. It is interesting to note Stewart Lockhart's reaction to coping with the troubles which beset Hong Kong in 1884. His approach to the extradition of criminals shows the fact that his long support of existing Chinese structures and organizations in Hong Kong and Weihaiwei was not due to altruistic humanitarianism as some might suppose. Stewart Lockhart, as Registrar General, was in many ways the victim of his own success.Less

Breaking Down the Barriers (1902–1904)

Shiona Airlie

in Thistle and Bamboo: The Life and Times of Sir James Stewart Lockhart

When the British Government leased the New Territories it had—in Britain's view#x2014;sound mercantile and military grounds for doing so. By comparison, the lease of Weihaiwei was signed for a ... More

When the British Government leased the New Territories it had—in Britain's view#x2014;sound mercantile and military grounds for doing so. By comparison, the lease of Weihaiwei was signed for a variety of confusing reasons. The British Government's views on the territory were muddled from the start and the development of Weihaiwei was to suffer accordingly. Early reports on Weihaiwei suggested it might be an excellent naval base, offering a relatively healthy climate. Because of the naval base, Weihaiwei was well served with sporting facilities. In addition to hunting and riding, shooting and skating could be had on the mainland in winter, while on the island of Liugong, tennis, cricket, hockey, football, and athletics were available all summer. James Stewart Lockhart was destined to spend nineteen years in this place. He also unwittingly managed to cause antagonism at the Colonial Office with his ordinances. Sometimes, this antagonism was minor. Furthermore, pressure to organize Weihaiwei was considerable in the first two years of his commissionership.Less

Triumphs and Tribulations (1895–1898)

Shiona Airlie

in Thistle and Bamboo: The Life and Times of Sir James Stewart Lockhart

On 26 March 1895, James Stewart Lockhart was finally appointed to the post he had first applied for six years earlier. He became Colonial Secretary, the Governor of Hong Kong's most senior official. ... More

On 26 March 1895, James Stewart Lockhart was finally appointed to the post he had first applied for six years earlier. He became Colonial Secretary, the Governor of Hong Kong's most senior official. His power within the colony was immense, for, as an economy measure, the posts of Colonial Secretary and Registrar General had been combined into a single appointment. It is difficult to appreciate the enormous variety of problems, both major and minor, which Stewart Lockhart was called upon to solve on a daily basis. In addition, his reverence for the statute of law and his abhorrence of those who broke it crossed all boundaries of race, creed, and social status. 1898 was a year of immense importance not only for Stewart Lockhart, but for the colony of Hong Kong as well. Moreover, he was to become completely immersed in the leasing and organization of the New Territories.Less

New Territories, New Horizons (1898–1902)

Shiona Airlie

in Thistle and Bamboo: The Life and Times of Sir James Stewart Lockhart

For the two weeks prior to his departure for Hong Kong, James Stewart Lockhart had a series of meetings at the Colonial Office about the New Territories. At the end of the fortnight's journey, he had ... More

For the two weeks prior to his departure for Hong Kong, James Stewart Lockhart had a series of meetings at the Colonial Office about the New Territories. At the end of the fortnight's journey, he had gathered the mass of information required by the British Government and had done so with sufficient tact and courtesy to have been, on the whole, well received by the inhabitants of the New Territories. His report on the New Territories gave him the opportunity to consolidate his ideas about minimizing British control. The final decision regarding the New Territories was a compromise between Stewart Lockhart's proposals and the political wishes of the Colonial Office. By 1901, Stewart Lockhart had been Hong Kong's Colonial Secretary for six years, and his restless, competitive spirit was seeking new challenges.Less

Lingering on (1918–1921)

Shiona Airlie

in Thistle and Bamboo: The Life and Times of Sir James Stewart Lockhart

In 1918, Reginald Johnston took his leave, travelling as usual in the interior of China. His hankering for employment outside Weihaiwei was as strong as ever, but luck seemed to be against him. But ... More

In 1918, Reginald Johnston took his leave, travelling as usual in the interior of China. His hankering for employment outside Weihaiwei was as strong as ever, but luck seemed to be against him. But he had been offered the post of imperial tutor. In accepting the post as imperial tutor, Johnston remained a Colonial Office Official. Johnston indeed remained in close contact with James Stewart Lockhart throughout his time in the imperial post, providing him with news and gossip from the heart of the imperial court. Likewise, Stewart Lockhart kept Johnston informed of the small events in Weihaiwei. Stewart Lockhart's final months in China were not ones of romantic memories or of visits to loved places. They were months filled with packing cases and trunks, to the virtual exclusion of all else.Less

Doon the Dukker

Elizabeth Stewart

Alison McMorland (ed.)

in Up Yon Wide and Lonely Glen: Travellers' Songs, Stories and Tunes of the Fetterangus Stewarts

This chapter begins the book by introducing Elizabeth Stewart’s family and upbringing. It discusses Elizabeth’s great-great-grandfather, James Stewart, or otherwise known as “Piper Jimmy” and how ... More

This chapter begins the book by introducing Elizabeth Stewart’s family and upbringing. It discusses Elizabeth’s great-great-grandfather, James Stewart, or otherwise known as “Piper Jimmy” and how their family, the Fetterangus Stewarts, came to be. The chapter narrates the historical background of the family and the “Travellin people” to which they belonged, who were hunted down for helping the Jacobites, who were rebels at the time. The chapter talks about the culture and traditions of the Travellin people, how they were dressed with the best, gold sovereigns hanging from their ears and necks. The rest of the chapter tells several stories about James Stewart, or Jimmsy, and talks as well about his reputation as a great piper, a great fiddler, and a composer of many tunes.Less

Blake and Lockhart: Conflicts and Casualties

Patrick H. Hase

in The Six-Day War of 1899: Hong Kong in the Age of Imperialism

James Stewart Lockhart said that with regard to the Battle of Mui Shue Hang: “It is impossible to ascertain whether there were any casualties”. It is entirely probable that the Ping Shan people and ... More

James Stewart Lockhart said that with regard to the Battle of Mui Shue Hang: “It is impossible to ascertain whether there were any casualties”. It is entirely probable that the Ping Shan people and Tang Shing-sz are correct, and that the list inscribed in the Tat Tak Kung Soh in 1938 is of the dead from the Ping Shan Brigade in the Six-Day War, the dead from the fighting with Ha Tsuen having been separately enshrined and commemorated, in a shrine that has not survived to the present day. It is also stated that the losses to the insurgents were serious, constituting an “utter rout”, and a “disastrous defeat”, with “many dead and many wounded”, which is much closer to the truth than the bland statements of “slight loss” in the British official Reports in the official collections. The chapter then reviews Sir Henry Blake's policies towards the insurgents. The takeover of Weihaiwei by the British can usefully be looked at in clarifying what Blake meant by calling for a minimal-force pacification in the New Territories, with military action being limited to bringing troops under attack to safety. It further addresses Lockhart's views of the insurgents.Less

John Ford’s The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

Kirsten Day

in Cowboy Classics: The Roots of the American Western in the Epic Tradition

Standing at the end of a long line of John Ford Westerns and at the twilight of the genre’s Golden Age, 1962’s The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance is a self-reflective work, as much about the Western ... More

Standing at the end of a long line of John Ford Westerns and at the twilight of the genre’s Golden Age, 1962’s The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance is a self-reflective work, as much about the Western genre as a product of it. Thus, while this film, like other Westerns examined in this book, demonstrates important connections to Homer’s epics, it finds its most pervasive parallels with the post-Homeric tradition. As in Virgil’s Aeneid, John Wayne’s Tom Doniphan sacrifices his personal desires in the interest of national progress, exhibiting a Western version of Aeneas’ pietas, while Liberty Valance fills the role of Turnus, demonstrating Achillean traits, but in a negative light. Yet the film also has a close kinship with Greek tragedy: in particular, through its preoccupation with generational tensions along with issues of knowledge and identity intertwined with themes of murder, marriage, and reputation, it recalls Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannus, with James Stewart’s Ransom Stoddard functioning as a decidedly un-epic Oedipus figure forced to confront his own failures. Like both Virgil and Sophocles before him, Ford offers a complex commentary on nation-building, simultaneously sentimental and critical, holding America’s glorious civic identity up for scrutiny and encouraging self-knowledge over blind mythologizing.Less

Commercial Spirituals

Sandra Jean Graham

in Spirituals and the Birth of a Black Entertainment Industry

As jubilee troupes multiplied and grew in popularity, minstrels and variety performers began to burlesque their performances by using songs modeled on spirituals, which I call commercial spirituals. ... More

As jubilee troupes multiplied and grew in popularity, minstrels and variety performers began to burlesque their performances by using songs modeled on spirituals, which I call commercial spirituals. These came in three broad categories: parodies of specific spirituals (including contrafacta), popular songs modeled on the musical style and content of spirituals, and popular songs whose lyrics (but not their musical style) alluded to spirituals. Bryant’s Minstrels was an early blackface troupe that parodied the spiritual “Gospel Train,” under the title “Get Aboard Little Children.” Other minstrel and variety performers parodied specific troupes of jubilee singers; they became known generically as the “Hamtown Students” or a variation on that name. This chapter examines specific song parodies by burlesque jubilee troupes, informed by newspaper reviews and the Ham-Town Students Songster, which contains words and music. Performances by both white minstrel performers and black performers are considered, with particular attention to the Georgia Minstrels.Less

The Aftermath of the War

Patrick H. Hase

in The Six-Day War of 1899: Hong Kong in the Age of Imperialism

As soon as the Six-Day War was over, the Governor Sir Henry Blake did what he could to get the whole episode forgotten. The Governor made it clear that he was going to withdraw half the British ... More

As soon as the Six-Day War was over, the Governor Sir Henry Blake did what he could to get the whole episode forgotten. The Governor made it clear that he was going to withdraw half the British military from the New Territories immediately and most of the rest as soon as the Police could arrive there. James Stewart Lockhart wrote to the Governor, stating that the area should be kept under military control for longer. Blake's policy towards the New Territories quickly became settled Hong Kong Government policy towards the area. The Hong Kong Government quickly found that Blake's easy and amicable administration was very well received by the villagers: Lockhart's contention, that only a hard-line Chinese-style Confucian administration would be understood or respected was quickly found to be wrong. The War was thus to be forgotten, and does not seem to have affected local affairs or the views and culture of the local administration in any significant way.Less

Fast-Talking Dames

Maria DiBattista

in Fast-Talking Dames

This chapter explores and introduces one of the most impressive and influential creations of the talkies—the momentous yet underappreciated sexual and social revolution that occurred when movies ... More

This chapter explores and introduces one of the most impressive and influential creations of the talkies—the momentous yet underappreciated sexual and social revolution that occurred when movies acquired the power of speech—the fast-talking dame. One example of such a dame is Claudette Colbert, played by Edwina Corday, in It's a Wonderful World. The film relates Guy Johnson's—played by James Stewart—experience of reevaluating dames from the neck up. After such an experience with Claudette, Guy sees a dame as a brainy marvel. Damehood, then, is a distinction reserved for the quick-witted as well as the attractive. A pretty faces therefore has no claims on damehood, and brains have an equal part in the allure of the fast-talking speech. This chapter thus explores the persona of the fast-talking dame and how the persona emerged in American and movie culture.Less