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the anchoring of reefs and the police of the rivers; and a Coast Light Officer will take charge of the lighting department generally, including some fifteen lighthouses to be built on the most necessary points between Newchwang and Haiwan, which will complete the arrangements in contemplation. The whole expenses in this will be defrayed out of the funds realized by the tonnage dues.
With this, I think you will fully agree with me that there is little left to desire or suggest in so full and satisfactory a programme. Considering also that it is to be supplemented by an Imperial Decree, which, though often discussed, it has not hitherto been found possible to obtain, allowing and inviting Chinese to build both steamers and sailing vessels, or ships, of foreign model, I feel, with Mr. Hart, that in such circumstances the matter may safely be left in their hands under his advice, and that no pressure is required to induce them to furnish the means.
For this undertaking, they require no assistance of my kind from Foreign Governments, except that they will direct passing ships of War, when the Light House on the Trata Shoals, the most dangerous point, I believe, on the Chinese coast, from the absence of such a beacon, to visit it occasionally to see that the Light Keepers are safe and well, and that the Chinese Government...