214
built I may mention one that is to be put on the Trata's Shoal. The only real danger of the Chinese seas is when that light is put up, foreign Governments will be invited to direct passing ships occasionally. They are safe if placed with the services of first-class men.
1 And that the only assistance to be asked for, which Treaty Powers are bound to give, is one by Exterritorial privileges afforded, and that is to visit it. To join in the prevention that the light-keepers either at Breaker Point or at the Cape of Good Hope is to be of good scope, but competent advice will be taken before the site is resolved upon.
The amounts hitherto expended from Tonnage Dues for harbour improvements have been small, but it may now be considerable. Annually during the last four years, about $45,000, and for special purposes during the same period, light ships, beacons, buoy, repairs, etc., about $50,000.
The revenue (Tonnage Dues) for the five years stated with confidence that it has been say $1,000,000, and the expenditure $275,000 or more than 1/4. The Chinese Government will do its share of the work faithfully and well; it will provide funds and secure the prevention of all acts on the part of foreigners settled at the ports, be they the acts of individuals or Municipal Councils, pronounced to be of a hurtful tendency by the Chinese Agents, to recognize and support those Agents in the performance of their duties.
During the last five years, my duties have taken me up and down the Coast some score of times, and visits to the parts spoken of have been numerous; what I have written I have accordingly written as having myself seen the Coast, the entrances.
Page 215