170
FRIEND
THE FRIEND OF CHINA AND HONGKONG GAZETTE.
TCHIN
AND HONGKONGJGAZBTEN,
"HONGKONG, THURSDAY, JANUARY 18. 1813.
Tus following communication has been made to the Morchants at Macao; where ¤ Committee has been appointed, who we are told, have replied thoroto, expressing a a general opinion that important modifica- tions of the Imperial Tariff, would be expe- dient; seeing that on some articles the du- ties are almost prohibitory, whilst others would bear an augmentation, without detri- ,ment to our trade. The committee at the same time, apply for an official Copy of the existing authorised charges, on Imports and Exports.
Our space precludes the detailed expres- sion of our own views, which we must defer till our next. Meantime we can only point out that the Article No 2 of the Treaty, in- volves a question of vast inportance. It is the annunication of a principle, hitherto, we be- lieve, unknown or unrecognized by British Policy. Even should sound reasons and expediency, be urged in justification of such n novelty in our international law, it is not the less necessary, that we should take note of the adoption, in China, of an exceptional, if not an exceptionable policy..
With all respect for the comity of na- tions, and appreciating at its full value the desirability of maintaining amicable rela- tions with China; we are yet constrained to express our conviction, that such a stipula- tion, as this, will be found in practice, wholly inoperative, and hence the almost unavoida- ble cause of a future quarrel. A quarrel too, in which we shall be wholly in the wrong, ifit turn out, as we expect it will, quite inexpe- dient, if not impracticable on our parts, to carry out, or enforce this provision, to which by the Treaty, the British Government has deliberately pledged itself.
To.
+
Macao December 28th 1342.
The British Merchants..
GENTLEMEN,
&c. &c.
So a S
smuggling or extortion, and it would be a most autis- factory arrangement for the Merchants of both Conn- tries.
When the Export and Import Customs should have been once decided upon, there will be no difficul
where we shall again consult about ❝ to leave no room for any disagreement or unpleasant *discussion. Putting aside all this, there only remains "&c. &c. &c. And, as I quitted Nanking the day. after the communication reached me,
home, from which they ghove in yupuotation, the matter rests in
I am not aware, I can add any observations, to the views, I have recorded in the extracts from my Mo- moranda; but I presume that you will all agree with me, is to its being most desirable that everything should be strictly defined, so as to leave no opening, however small, for exactions or perquisites undor what souver name or pretence; and also, that the duties should be fixed on a scale, that will not only provide for the liberal maintenance of the requisite establish. ment, but will after providing such, form a fuir source of Imperial Revenue. I am sure, that taking this letter and its accompaniments into consideration, you will also bear in mind, that the bouefits of a Com- mercial Treaty beyond all others, must be as far as nos- sible, reciprocal, if we hope and permanent, and that you will also remember that the nearer the points; now to be fixed, can be made to approach to, and assimilate with, what is at present in force in China, and the more simple the whole system, the better hope may be indulged that it will
work well.
they shall be
You will observe, that no allusion is made in any of these documents to the Subject of the Trade in Opium. It is only necessary, that I should at present tell you, that the Subject has not been overlooked by me, and that Lindulge a hope, a very faint one I admit, that it will yet be in my power to get the traffic in Opium, by barter. legalized by the Emperor; but whatever ar- rangement.
I again may be able to effect regarding it, when the Imperial Commissioners, will be hereafter intimated to you, in common with all other Mercantile arrangements. In the meantime, I shall be glad to receive your reply, on this matter, at your
I have the honor &c. &c.
HENRY POTTINGER.
convenience.
(Signed)
No. 1. THREE ARTICLES OF THE TREATY.
ARTICLE 2
His Majesty the Emperor of China, agrees, that Bri- tish Subjects with their Families and Establishments, shall be allowed to reside for the purpose of carrying on their Mercantile pursuits, without molestation or restraint, at the Cities and Towns of Canton, Amoy Foochow foo, Ningpo and Shanghae, and Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain &c. will appoint Super intendents, or Consular officers; to reside at each of the abovenamed Cities or Towns, to be the medium of communication between the Chinese Authorities and the said merchants, and to see that the just Duties and other Dues of the Chinese Government, as hereinafter provided for, are duly discharged by Her Britannic Majesty's subjects.
ARTICLE 5.
in fixing the amount of Transit-Dutics, since it is to depend on the other
The mode of levying the Transit Duties, will require alteration, and, wore it possible to arrange for six doing at the Sea Port, it would be a great benefit The Goods might be stamped, or furnished with a certificate showing their quantity, quality &o. und exempting them from further demands. --
3rd. The prohibitory laws as to the Exportation of particular articles from particular ports, must all of course be anfulled, seeing that after the re-establish ment of friendship and peace, the great num of the Treaty is to facilitate and encourage Commerco.
(True Extract.)
RICHARD WOOSNAM
Acting Secretary.
No. 3. From the Imperial Commissioners, dated the 1st of September 1842, 1. The five Ports of Canton, Buchow, Amoy, Ningpo and Shanghae, being thrown open, it will be right, except at Canton (where Hongkong has been given as a place of residence) and no further delibera- tion on the matter is therefore needed) to build at the four Ports of Foochow, Amoy, Ningpo and Shanghae, only, general Factories y
s whereat, when the English Merchant people arrive, they may reside. That they
a natural com should bring with them, their Families, is a pliance with the constant principles of human mature.
But, after commercial affairs are at an end.. they should then, return again on board their vessels and go home it will be unnecessary that they should re- main throughout the year, residing in the Factories.
This is what would appear, the right and sure course, and if any, really have accounts unsettled or transac tions unfinished, they may, according to the rule af Canton, of leaving Merchants to direct the winter. purchases, (that is, the purchases at the end of the clear season of goods, for the ensuing season) make representation to their Consular officer, and receive permission still to. reside in the Factories.
2d.
for the Payment of which the Government takes the
are
With the exception of the debts of the Houg Merchants at Canton, settled at 3 millions of Dollars, responsibility, hereafter, seeing it is now determined that the English may have commercial dealings with any Merchants whosoever they please, so that, being able to choose the Merchants for themselves, they nowise in the same position, as when dealing with a limited number of Hong Merchants, licensed by China whatever Debts therefore, there may be, they shall only be able to sue for the recovery thereof, through the Government, and can no longer call for reimbursé-. ment by the Government itself.
(True Extract)
"The Government of China having compelled the British Merchants, trading at Canton, to deal exclu- sively with certain Chinese Merchants, called Hong No. 4. Merchants, Co-Hong, who had been licensed by the Chinese Government for that purpose, the Empe- Tor of China agrees to abolish that practice in future, at all ports where British Merchants may reside, and to permit them to carry on their Mercantile Tran- sactions, with whatever persons they please, and His Imperial Majesty further agrees, to pay to the British
ARTICLE 10.
"to
I have reason to expect, that one or both of the Imperial Commissioners, will arrive at Canten, in the course of the ensuing or current month, with the object of negotiating with me, upon and finally adjusting the still pending questions as to the Tariff to be established, and duties to be levied at the five Ports, that are to be thrown open, in conformity with the late Treaty; and as the discussion of such matters, and the adjustment „of the important questions they involve, dre strange to
Government, the sum of Three Millious of Dollars on me, owing to any never having had to look much into
account of Debts due to British subjects, by some of the Mercantile matters, I came over to this place, a fow
said Hong Merchants or Co-Hong, who have become days ago, with the intention of inviting you all to a
insolvent, and who owe yery large sums of money conference, but subsequent reflection, has led me to,subjects of Her Britannic Majesty think, that it will be better to obtain your sentiments (whether you may decide on favoring me with them. individually or collectively) in writing, which will have the self-evident advantage over verbal that
you will all be more likely to your opinions, were to express them orally; but your putting those opinious on paper will be an effectual guard. against the possibility of my misunderstanding your object; and that it will enable me to submit the result in a clear and concise shape to H. M. Government. I had proposed to myself, to publish for general information the Trealy, which, I have concluded with China; but there appears to be objections to that course, until it shall have been form. ally ratified by the Queen, and,
2nd, 5th and 10th
R WOOSNAM Acting Secretary.
From the Plenipotentiary
5th September 1842.
The High Imperial Commissioners and Governor General, are already perfectly aware that one of the Chief causes of this disagreeinent and consequent hostilities, that are now happily at an end, was the unauthorized exactions and extortions of the Canton Custom House officers, and local Authorities, and which exactions and extortions frequently raises the
Imperial and regular dues, to
to double and treble and
even fourfold the proper amount to speak therefore of making the Canton Custom House regulations and Tariff the bases of faturo arrangements, is, as it were, Her "Perpetuating remonstrance and discussion.' Majesty's Plenipotentiary, has already recommended that the Authorized l'ariff and Duties of the five Ports.
with even greater care, than if youunication, Merchants, a fair and regular Tariff of Export and should be called for, and compared, and an average:
His Majesty the Emperor of China agrees to está blish, at all the ports, which are by the 2nd g article of this Treaty to be thrown open for the resort of British Import Customs and
and other Dues, which Tariff shall be publicly notified and promulgated for general infor- mation, and the Emperor further engages, that when British Merchandise shall he once puid, at any of the said ports, the regulated Customs and Dagsagrevably to the Tariff to be hereafter fixed, such Merchandizo may be conveyed, by Chinese Merchants, to any Pro- vince or City, in the Interior of the Empire of China, on paying a further amout of I'mmusit Duties which
such Goods.
struck for the whole.
The advantages of this arrangement are so obvious, that they do not require to be enlarged on. H M. Plenipotentiary can most solemnly and conscientiously assure their Exs the Imperial Commissioners, that on the Question of Import and Export Duties, as well us Transit dus, his sola and anxious object is to fulfil the duties, of an impartial umpire between the two Countries. He neither wishes to see the Duties so
send you copies of the 3 artinecefore, 1. herewith shall not exceed per Gent on the Turki, vulua of || high us to uncourage or loster Smuggling, nor yet so
immediately connected with subject of this letter,
und which will show you
done. I had, as you stinctly what remains to be
readily imagine, a great deal of discussion with the Imperial Commissioners, subse quent to the signing of the Treaty, and I likewise forward for your notice, Extracts from five Memoran. dums which passed between those High officers and myself. To the last of these Extracts, dated the 17th of September, the Imperial Commissioners replie 1, on the 27th of the same month, amongst other matters in these words.
· Putting aside, however, the question of the duties, "which shall hereafter be printed and bound into a large volume, according to the rules established by the Board of Revenue, and published also on a Board "that all men may see and the Mandarin followers not
permitted
to interfere with them. Putting aside the question of the various charges, and of ex- amining distinctly which are those, that ought to be retained, and which those, that ought to be abolished, the result to be fixed by Treaty, upon a moderate scale, which end I will be worked out after we the High Commissioners, shall have arrived at Canton,
No. 2.
(True Coples.)
RICHARD WOOBNAM.
Acting Secretary.
low as not to form a fair and legitimate source of Im perial Revenue, after paying the expenses of Establish ments &c. With these sentiments the Plenipotentia- ry will be happy to confer with the Imperial Commis- stoners, 48 soon as they have received instructions from the Cabinet and the Plenipotentiary will meet their xcellencies at Canton or any other Port, they may considor more convenient, to bring this important. Question to a final close.
ber 1842
Steam Figate Queen," off Nanking, 5th Septem-
R. WOONAM Aching Secretary,
(True Extract)
From the Plenipotentiary dated 20th Aug 18423 "Avast 6bject both for Chim and England might think be gained, by nasimilating the Duties Tariff at all the four Ports which are to be open to British Merchants. The best way of attaini this object is for the Emperor, to be pleased to com mand the local officers to furnish, from each port, a detailed Reports of the fixed and authorized Ex and Import Duties rejecting course all Consoo,|| No. 5. From the Imperial Commissimers dated CoHong and other arbitrary Charges. These re ports can be examined by the High Officers, on both sides, and on being pronounced suitable and correct, an average
hole, bo as to Export, and
ght be assumed and
duties and Tar the five ports simplicity would
Accounts of the and clear dan would
Consular officers, to detect, abelhar any
altampis
and
the 18th of September 1849. 2ndly nother article (see alludes to the duties be
and we proposed Custom House, should
to the Board of Reve
hem, the
force
Your Excellency more perplexing matters, and
'perpetuating femonstrance ant
Page
THE FRIEND OF CHINA AND HONGKÔNG GAZETTE.
that in China, the Custom House duties, have certain fixeil rates, beyond which, no extortion is permitted, thus in the case of the Canton Custom House duties, these are printed and made up in a volume, and the Englishmen, who hare resided for many years at Canton cannot but know all about them. Where, in any case, has excess of Duty been legiad? Those extortions and abmses, alluded to, which trebled and quadrupled the Duties, must have proceeded from the followers and underlings of the Hoppo, the Hong Merchants, Linguists
and Compradores.
Now we, the High Commissioners, looking up, em- body in ourselves, the kind i
intentions of our gracious Emperor, and how can we permit, that matters be car ried on, on any other principle, than that of satisfaction for what is past, and guarding against mischief for the future? Thus, when we spoke of adopting the scale of Duties of Custom House of Canton, and refer- ring it to th
Board of Revenue, to be fully canvassed by them and respectfully put in force, we were ex- pressly alluding to the Regular Imperial Duties and as your Imports, such as Woollen-Cloths, Cainlets, Clocks, Watches &c, and your Exports such as Raw Silk, Piece Goods,
Goods, Tea, Rhubarb &c. are not articles, which every year, pass through the Custom Houses, of Foochowfoo, Ningpo, and Shanghae, when the matter is submitted to the Board of Revenue, for examination and deliberation, they cannot do otherwise than adopt the Canton fixed. Duties, as a standard, and proceed to act upon it accordingly.
;
left to the arbitrary pleasure, or option of the local officers.
That has been the great evil at Canton, out of Let the necessary salaries to Clerks, writers and which so much discussion and discontent has sprung, other Functionaries, high or low, be included in the scale of duties, so that Merchants shall know precisely, what they are to pay on their Merchan- dise, whether on Importation or Exportation. Her Britannic Majesty's Plenipotentiary, is still of opini- || on, that if the duties can be equalised, whatever | may be the model, at the five ports of Canton, Foo chow, Amoy, Ningpo and Shanghae, it will be a most advantageons arrangement for both Empires, though the Plenipotentiary admits, that the equaliza- tion is secondary to every thing being defined, on a moderate seale.
171
to pay a reasonable Port, Tonnage or Measure- ment charge, and also the Ching hang, i; e. the
of the Hoppo of Canton". ed by Authority, and can be obtained at the office true or Imperial duties; a list of which is publish-
pears in our Columns, it seems not unlikely, that From the Official Correspondance, which ap- this will be the basis of the new arrangements, and hence we have thought it appropriate to refer to the scale of Imperial duties. Anomalous as may appear some of the assessments, yet, as a whole, the Chinese Tariff will stand a comparison in point of ilized nation, and is incomparably superior to our reasonableness and liberality with that of any Civ- own, with all the late important ameliorations of Sir Robert Peel.
RICE the staple article of food is more than free, Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary, is so very anxions that this Question should be settled to the satisfac-tity on board, exempts any vessel from heavy. a bounty on its Import is given, for a certain quan- tion, not only of the Government of England, but port dues. On other articles of food the duty is also to that of China, that should their Excellen cies, the Imperial Commissioners, be of opinion own land.
very small. How disgracefully different in our that their presence at Peking, might facilitate the arrangement, the Plenipotentiary is willing to defer the final discussion and settlement of the matter, for an additional month or six weeks, to enable their Excellencies to proceed to Court, and afterwards to come to Canton, where the Plenipotentiary will be happy to meet the Imperial Commissioners.
We find on reference to the IMPERIAL TARIFF,
that the Import duties leviable on the following articles, will at the present average rates in Can- ton of fair qualities be equivalent on COTTON to about
17
YARN Goods White Long Cloths Grey
With reference to those abuses and extortions which amount to 3 or 4 times, more than the regular. Duties, not only will the Board of Revenue, be unwilling to let these enter into their calculations, but due care will be taken most rigidly to exhibit them, so there is no occasion for your Excellency, feeling further anxiety on this head, but having created a Custom House, this House, has certain current expenart, and the different Clerks and Writers, therein employed, must have food to eat, and some little money, wherewith to support. themselves, these items, are in addition to the regular duties; and afterwards, when the four Ports (up the Coast) shall be opened, arrangements must be made
Moreover, no British Ships will be allowed to with the e Viceroys and Governors of the Pro- vinces concerned, to provide for these extra expenses, visit any other Ports, than those opened by Treaty, but on no account, will there be such a Paradox, as their
and should any person be detected in attempting amounting, to three or four times the regular Duties.
to smuggle, or trade without paying the established Thus, in like manner, at the City of Canton, there duties, the Chinese Government Officers will be at have always been certain established rates, and, the ex-perfect liberty, to seize and confiscate such Goods. tortions and augmentations, that have swelled these to it is howevolously the interest of the Bri- 3 or 4 times the regular Duties, should be admitted to tish Merth to live on friendly terms with the the Vice Roy and Hoppo of Canton, who will examine people of China, among whom, they are even to and distinguish clearly, between those charges which dwell for a time, and with whom, they will have ought to be abolished, and those, which ought to be Mercantile dealings, that there, is no fear of their retained; but on no account, will such a vicious custom misbehaving, and H. M. Consular officers will see of trebling and quadrupling the regular Duties, be that they strictly conform to the rules, to be laid permitted.
down, so far as the Government of China and its
"3rd. With regard to the third article of their Excelleneies memo: H. B. M. Plenipotentiary will in due time lay down, in concert with the Im-
Domestics perial Commissioners, the most minute and strin-IRON bar & Rod gent rules as to the conduct of the British Mer- LEAD Pig & Sheet chants, and their Servants or dependants: on no pretence will they be permitted to go into the Steel
QUICKSILVER Country, or away from the Sea Ports to trade, and every Merchant, will be held responsible, for the orderly behaviour of his servants and dependants, of whatever nation, or class they may be.
In your Excellency's reply, it is stated, that after paying all expenses, you wish that a large overplus of Revenue, may flow into the Imperial Treasury &c In our Chinese Custom Houses, just as we collect the regular established duties, so do we send them on a this is our constant rule.
We do not ask more than the fixed rates, that we may have an overplus, and yet the expenses of the Custom House must be paid, (as your Excellency is well aware) someway or other, so that we can only calculate on, and decide upon, what is just enough to cover these expenses, and there stop. If your Excel- lency will consult with those who transact business with this Country, and have long resided in China, and if your r Excellency will carefully examine into particulars, you will clearly comprehend our meaning. 3rdly. British Subjects being permitted to trade at five Ports, as above specified, a Superintendent must of course be established, at each place, for the direction of their affairs. All Englishmen whatever. ought to be completely under his countrol, and the Mandarins of the Central land, will also undertake, that our Merchants and people be placed under proper restraint. Thus, both parties, carrying on their Trade on a footing of perfect equality and justice, no insults or deception whatever, will be permitted, which might load again to the involving of the Countries in ware As for the Grands, which are to be bought and sold, we can only permit those to be bargained and settled at the Public Residence, it will never do, for them to proceed to distant markets in the Country, and such places, thereby causing loss to the Revenue by smuggling, be that over so small.
[True Extract]
13th September 1842.
RICHARD WOOSNAM
Acting Secretary.
No. 6. FROM THE PLENIPOTENTIARY
DATED THE 17TH SEPTEMBER 1842. “2nd. With respect to the second item of their Excellencies memorandum, Her Britannic Majes ty's Plenipotentiary, can only repeat his anxiety to see the Tariff and Duties, fixed on a fair scale, so that they shall, as before stated, neither be so high as to foster or encourage smuggling, nor yet so "low as not to form a fair and legitimate source “of Imperial Revenue after defraying the Expen- "ses of Establishments &c. H. B. M. Plenipoten tiary rends with real satisfaction, the firm inten- tion of their Excellencies to abolish all extortions and abuse
ver
earnestly sugg that whate
Duties and char whether Import
Transit may be, it should be specifically defined, and not in the smallest degree Page 3
officers are concerned.
The moment these points can be finally settled, they shall be embodied in a Supplementary Trea- ty, and submitted for the gracious ratification of the Sovereign of both Countries.
Signed
(A True Extract)
HENRY POTTINGER H. M. S. Plenipotentiary
RICHARD WOOSNAM
Acting Secretary.
Gold & Silver Thread Tin
Copper Broad Cloths Spanish Stripes Long Ells Camlets- BETEL NUT BECHE DE MAR CLOVES Curca EBONY FISH MAW NuTMEGS PEPPER black
5 3
30
per Cent.
17
+1
71
10 to 17 39
"
15
15
15
>>
3
11
39
10
11
"
30
"3
"
+
12
1
1)
6
11
"
20
"
19
15
55
"
11
20
33
"
60
"1
15
"
13
17
3
"
"
+1
18
11
#
30
"
12
15
14
"
4
15
10
"
19
12
"
15
"
EXPORTS.
about
50
37
7
80
**
CHINA ROOT GALANGAL
10
37
1.
33
"
"
RHUBARB
1}
Six Nanking
»Pongees SUGAR Soft white
3.4
20
1
**
Candy
10
*
4
white
RATTANS SANDALWOOD
ALUM CAMPHOR CASSIA
TEA
14
per Cent.
13...
39
We have transferred to our Columns, a As we have before pointed out (Vide No 31) brief summary of the October mail news the latter article could bear a large augmentation from the Friend of India. We are glad of the duty, without detriment to our trade, or the to see by the Calcutta papers, that the Aff-interests of China. A duty of 4 tacls per picul would yield (on the whole annual export of Can- ghanistan captives have been released, and ton, say $60,000,000) 1,800,000 tacls; a larger that we have turned our backs on that ill amount than is now derived by the Imperial Trea- fated country. Dreadful has been the re-sury from the entire Foreign trade. An equivalent tribution that we have exacted: a needless reduction might be conceded in Imports, on Cotton. ruthless barbarity, it is alleged, which
and Woollen goods." tains not to civilized warfare, and is dis- graceful to the British name.
per-
Dost Mahomed, and the other Affghan prisoners, return to their own country If, as is expected, the Dost re-assumes the rule how implacable must be his hatred of the British, who causelessly provoked hostilities and have now devastated his Country "made it a desert and called it peace"
We perceive, in evacuating the Country the infuriated inhabitants were still able to do us some mischief, many valuable lives some guns, and much materiel and bag- gage was lost.
We learn that a Communication about the Hong Debts, is now in circulation at Macao. No one here has, as yet seen it, although it is dated Hong Kong. We hope to publish it in our next.
In our No. 30 (Octo. 13th) we said with re ence to the new Chinese Tariff "Its alleged that an adjustment will not be very difficult, seein that all the Mercantile interest would be conten