Extension of
is acknowledged by all impartial minds, and by none more readily than by the Chinese Authorities; it seems then only in keeping with the circumstances of the present time that efforts should be made to induce order in the Inland Revenue Department, where at present none exists, by the application of a system which has worked so well, thereby freeing commerce from the numerous disadvantages and obstructions resulting from the present uncertainty as to the nature and extent of the charges to be paid on Imports.
(29.)
It is unnecessary to cite cases in proof of the statement that Transit Dues are levied in excess of Treaty stipulations, it is patent to British Consuls and stated publicly in the printed Reports on trade issued by the order of the Inspector General of Customs and demands the special attention of the High Commissioners appointed to revise the Treaty.
(30.)
Much information regarding this infraction of the Article may be gathered by a mixed Commission of inquiry and it is to be hoped there may be found British subjects in the employ of the Chinese Government, who, having the confidence of both Her Majesty's Minister and the Chinese Authorities, may be selected to act in organising a better state of things, enforcing one uniform system, defining the stations at which collection of Dues shall be made, and by inspection at stated intervals, protecting the Chinese people trading in British Manufactures, and at the same time British importers, from exactions extorted at the caprice of every petty Official.
Cast certificate
cxempting Ships
Dues for certain perioda
(31.)
Prominent among the exactions that cramp the expansion of the internal trade of China is the Lekin or War Tax, which, whether originally levied in the interior under the plea of necessity for raising a portion of the indemnity paid to the Allied forces after the last war, or to replenish an Exchequer reduced by efforts made in crushing the Taeping rebellion, is judged to be an unwarrantable breach of the Treaty. No one doubts but that the Lekin is, in a great degree, pressed upon the Chinese people for the immediate enrichment, and to administer to the sordidness, of persons having authority in districts where the toll is exacted. This view of the case is, in a measure, proven by the fact that it is most pressed in localities least accessible to the supervision of the Peking Cabinet.
(32.)
In addition to the collection of extra Transit Dues and the War Tax, British subjects have a third grievance under this article in the levying of Coast Dues, concerning the operation of which, at unfrequented ports, information is with difficulty obtained. Duty at one port is in part collected again upon goods if sent coastwise, an imposition unauthorized and in excess of Treaty stipulations.
(33.)
ARTICLE XXIX.-The Chamber seeks for an extension of the Coast certificate from Tonnage exempting a vessel, after payment of Dues, for a period of Four Months to a period of Six Months, and, also, permission during that time to resort to Japan, the Straits, and the Philippines. The certificate now issued limits vessels to trading with the open ports of China, an extension to the Foreign Ports mentioned would not only be of benefit to shipowners, but permit of more frequent and cheaper carriage of merchandise to and from China.
Partion of Ton-
Rage Lues to be
awarded to cruis-
suppressing Firacy.
(34.)
The stipulation to pay Dues is, under this article, exacted without any corres- ers engaged in ponding return being made of benefit to the shipping interest. It therefore becomes a matter of consideration whether this claim should be allowed under the provisions of a new Treaty, unless some adequate return be made by the Chinese Authorities by performance of the duties undertaken under Articles XIX and LIII (relating to suppression of piracy) and Article XXXII (regarding distribution of buoys and light ships.) Under the circumstances of Her Majesty's Navy being actively engaged in the suppression of piracy, thereby lessening the dangers of the Coast trade, not only for British vessels but rendering the Chinese waters safer for
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