31
Colonial Office. The Colonial Office will assert that inconveniences would arise to both officials and people. We may have to talk ourselves dry, and write the very nibs of our pens off, without moving them one inch. These difficulties are well understood by those who have to deal with them, though they are treated lightly! by those who look on as outsiders.
It has been suggested that a considerable sum of money could be raised at each place, on the spot, and that no public funds need he appropriated. Others, again, cannot see things except by the light of foreign officials in China, and seem to think that, as soon as ever Consuls are appointed, Chinese subjects will fall under their jurisdiction, their position being thus in no way different from that of the territorial authorities in China. This is the language of inexperienced persons, who argue in the most impracticable fashion. On the other hand, those who have to deal with the question know how next to impossible it is to settle, and are apt to distort the plain truth; asserting, for instance, that there will accrue no great advantages, and that large sums will be wasted to no purpose: they are, as it were, provoked by circum- stances to use this language.
In my humble opinion, abuses will only arise if too great a position is created. The Consul should certainly have his salary, travelling and other expenses liberally allowed, but there is no occasion for him to raise a considerable sum," and thus attract unfavourable attention. At places where Consuls are already established there are* fees on Chinese shipping and personal registration, which give a fair share in the local influence without necessarily monopolizing the whole power of government, and thus causing suspicion.
But early results should not be expected from the recommendations which I here make; yet the results will be important. The main point is to get clear apprehension of one and the same idea, and to stick to it in one spirit, at home and abroad, making sure of each step, and advancing inch by inch, accordingly as opportunity may offer, fit- when we shall gradually bring them over.
For instance, when a Consil was first appointed at Singapore, the British Foreign Office opposed it tooth and nail, and there was immense trouble to get it, but now there is no objection to it at all.
Of the four Colony-possessing countries, England, France, Holland, and Spain, who treat Chinese harshly and do not want our Consuls there, Holland and Spain are the worst; then comes France, then England. Holland and Spain are both Powers which have seen better days; the sinews of their political power lie in their Eastern Colonies, where they chiefly depend upon Chinese labour for cultivation, mining, trade, and taxation. Their administration is not very effective, nor are they able to apply force very rapidly at any given point. The foreign officials are often recruited from colonists possessing no particular qualification, and are given to oppressing the Chinese. They either put pressure upon them to change their nationality, or they make slaves of them, or prevent their passing in and out of the country, or fleece them of their earnings. If there were Chinese officials at hand to expostulate, they would be able to do at least something by way of alleviation. Although, in first broaching the subject of Consuls, we may meet with their prevarication and procrasti- nation, still, if we simply adhere to and assert our rights, and make it their interest whent opportunity offers, sticking firmly to it from first to last, I apprehend that they If we set to work as soon as will be at a loss to find further excuse for denying us. possible, what now seems difficult will perhaps turn out quite easy; but, if we do not begin at once, what is now really easy may turn out more difficult than ever.
I hope the Tsung-li Yamên will keep on addressing Tui Kwoh-yin, the Minister to America, Spain, and Peru, urging him to consult with the Spanish Foreign Office: first a Consul in Manila; then gradually advance farther, from this basis, until the whole principle is obtained,
As to England, she treats our Chinese with comparative fairness. I observe that all countries have their Consuls in English possessions as a matter of course, no objection being raised. I am also aware that the desire of the English Prince and Ministers inclines very much towards the consolidation of friendly relations with China, so that perhaps they may not like to appear exceptional towards China in a matter of this kind. A short time ago a proposition was made to the British Foreign Office to allow China to appoint Consuls wherever she should choose in British territory, like any other nation, and, if the Foreign Office has shown no alacrity to grant this, I would propose that we adhere to the original proposition, going at it
This may possibly mean "there may well be."
† This appears to hiut at bribery; but it might mean "and coax them on when.”
83
me