Customs authorise the carriage of three passengers to each two tons register. As the expenses attending a vessel conveying a large number of passengers is propor tionably much less than attend one with few passengers, the British flag has been able to obtain no share in this trade, and the consequence has been that British interests have suffered materially for many years, and that too, in a traffic which should be more especially theirs.
The annual exodus of Chinese from this port alone to the Straits may be put at about 10,000 men, whose passage money averages about $3 per head, so that there is a loss to British shipowners of $30,000 per annnn here (and more at the other ports) by the working of a law which presses so unfairly
The Governor of the Straits Settlements has legislated for the conveyance outwards from these colonies of not more than oue passenger to each register ton, which has received the sanction of the Imperial Go- vernment, and though we are of opinion that, three men to every two tons register is not. excessive when the duration and ease of the voyage to the Straits be taken into consideration, assimilation is urgently needed for the protection of British in- terests.
Lu bringing these points to your Excel- lency's notice we venture to hope we may find in you au advocate of them, if not in their entirety, at least of such portions as
my seem to yon most in need of reform.
Radiod changes, such as the equalization of maritime duties on goods carried by foreign and native vessels-the free import and export of salt-the opening of other ports, are perhaps subjects better mooted and dealt with by larger and more influen- tial communities, from who also it may come with better grace to comment with approbation on what we believe from cer- tain despatches published in the "Blue Books" to have been your Excellency's Policy with regard to British interests during the term you have been the Repre- soutative of our nationality in China; but, esen at the risk of being considered per sonal, we ask leave to add our mite of satisfaction at the course pursued by your Excellency on the many occasions that have arisen during the time you have occupied the high position of H. M. Minister and Plenipotentiary in China-occasions which we are fully convinced required great abili ty to cope with and decisive firmness to deal with.
With our best wishes for your Excel- lency's health and distinguished future, we have the honor to remain, Sir, your most obedient Servants,
To His Excellency
BRADLEY & Co. EDWARD VINCENT. D. Hos UNJEË.
Sir RUTHERFORD ALCOCK, K.C.B., Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Ple- nipotentiary, &c., A., &,, in China.
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