406
His Excellency
gements which might facilitate the trade anticipated to grow up under the new inland steam rules. In both respects anything which may be possible-and without a Customs House I do not see that much will be possible-is sure to redound to the commercial advantage of the Colony as well as of the Chinese trade.
On this point, however, the occasion does not call upon me to say more at present. I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
Sir C. M. MACDONALD, K.C.B., K.C.M.G.,
No. 229.
& Cry
$C.
&c.
ROBERT HART,
I. G. of Customs.
(Officer Administering the Government to Secretary of State.)
GOVERNMENT HOUSE, HONGKONG, 13th August, 1898.
SIR,With reference to my despatch No. 221 of the 29th ultimo forwarding arguments against the acceptance of Sir ROBERT HART's proposals for the working of the Imperial Maritime Customs after we have taken over the newly leased terri- tory, I have the honour to transmit for your consideration copy of a letter from the local Chamber of Commerce which embodies, I believe, the views of most of the commercial men in Hongkong on this subject.
As regards their reference to assisting for a quid pro quo the Chinese Govern- ment more than at present in the collection of duties on Opium, I think it quite possible that steps night be taken in this direction, and as Opium is after all the chief commodity for which the Chinese Government keeps up its expensive fleet of cruisers and launches round Hongkong, the Chinese Government might, in exchange for this increased aid, be induced to withdraw these vessels altogether from these waters and thus decrease its expenditure while increasing its revenue.
The Chamber of Commerce has not entered sufficiently into detail in this matter, but I venture to suggest for your consideration a workable plan which may be summarized somewhat as follows:-
1st. On arrival of ship from India her manifest handed to Harbour Master. Supplemented if need be by a return from the Calcutta Customs of Opium shipped.
2nd. All Opium to be stored in godowns under Government control. 3rd. No Opium to be moved from these godowns without permit from
Harbour Master.
4th. Harbour Master receives a copy of Bill of Lading of all Opium shipped. 5th. Harbour Master sends every evening to Imperial Maritime Customs
return of all Opium shipped and whither bound.
6th. Imperial Maritime Customs can then arrange for the duty on this
amount of Opium at the port of destination.
I forward this letter from the Chamber of Commerce without delay as I con- sider it right, should you think its contents worthy of consideration, that the letter should reach you as soon as possible.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
W. BLACK,
Major-General,
Administering the Government.
The Right Honourable
JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.,
fc.,
$0.