issund a proclamation the Cotton frohibiting Combination at Canter, And Enclping coun of afwithin correspondenn
with Consul Rotation
an
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to the right of The Chinese Authoritin
&
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outward bound son
Stoughing with Opium
on board.
Shav
M
V. 169.
GOVERNMENT NOTIFICATION.
300
The following translation of a Proclamation under the joint Seals of the Vice Roy of the two Kwang Provinces, and the Superintendent of Customs, Kwang-Tung, transmitted through Her Britannic Majesty's Consul at Canton, is published for general information.
By Command,
Colonial Secretary's Office, Hongkong, 2nd December, 1867.
PROCLAMATION
CECIL C. SMITH,
Acting Colonial Secretary.
By Jui, Viceroy of the two Kwang Provinces, and Sun, Superintendent of the Maritime
Customs of Kwang-tung.
A communication has been received from the British Consul, Mr. Robertson, quoting the tenor of a despatch received by him from His Excellency the Governor of Hongkong, who writes that, as he learns, a combination has been entered into by the Canton traders with the object of abstaining from all purchases of Cotton imported through Hongkong, to which agreement they have prevailed upon a umber of dealers in Hongkong to accede, the system to be brought into operation by a certain date; and further that a circular had been issued by the traders at Canton notifying that all Cotton thereafter imported at Canton or elsewhere without bearing a certain Stamp should entail seizure, fine, and confiscation-thus giving out that official sanction to the system had been obtained. The Consul, observing upon this that great detriment is entailed upon the trade of Hongkong by the measures detailed, requests that a Proclamation be issued, &c., &c.
On consideration hereof, the Viceroy and Superintendent have come to the conclusion that the resolutions adopted by the dealers in Cotton are merely devised for the purpose of enabling them to grasp at exclusive control of the trade, which it is highly necessary should be prohibited. This Proclamation is accordingly issued for the information of all traders, junk-masters, and others. Be it known that henceforward Cotton, or other merchandize, purchased at, or imported from, whatsoever place may as heretofore be freely dealt in and carried to or fro; and that the regulations unauthorizedly drawn up prohibiting purchases and sales in Hongkong, and imposing fines, &c., may on no account be carried into effect. It is equally incumbent upon all, on the other hand, to abide by the established rules as regards submitting merchandize to Customs' inspection and paying duty thereupon. Let all carry on their trade in a legitimate manner, and abstain from smuggling transactions and evasion of duty by clandestinely transporting merchandize to the Country districts and there disposing of it, to The detriment of the Customs' revenue and in violation of the established laws. If any venture to ppose disobedience in this respect, they will be severely punished by the Viceroy and Superintendent when apprehended and brought before the tribunals. Let the dealers in Cotton also abstain from giving rise to subjects of dispute and interfering injuriously with commercial interests.
Let all obey this special Proclamation!
Tung-chih, 6th Year, 11th Month, 4th Day, (29th November, 1867.)
Translated by
(Sigued,) WM. FREDя. MAYERS,
Vice-Consul.