in order to encourage the use of this route have reduced the tariff on goods in transitu to a nominal rate, and the trade will for this reason be, probably, directed thither to the detriment of British interests.
Having regard to the foregoing circumstances, and in view of the value of extended trade to Great Britain and to the colony of Hongkong, this Chamber prays Your Lordship to press upon the Chinese Government the necessity of opening up the Upper Branch of the Chu Kiang or Pearl River (known as the Si Kiang or West River) to steamers of all nations, and the cities of Wu-chow, Tsun-chow, and Nan-ning-fu to Foreign trade.
Wu-chow is a walled city on the West River at its junction with the Fu Ho, a stream navigable by junks of light draft. It is situated in Kwangsi (some 12 miles distant from the eastern boundary) and is about 200 miles distant from Canton. Up to this point the river when surveyed by Lieut. Bullock R.N. in 1859 was found to present no obstacles to navigation. The depth of water varies according to the season, but as much as two fathoms may be expected throughout the year, and the navigation by steamers of light draft would probably be unattended by difficulty or danger. The city although not large, having a population estimated at only 30,000, is an important centre of trade, and is reported to be the largest distributor of goods from Canton and Fatshan. It is also a place for the transhipment of produce coming down two rivers.
Wu-chow being at the point where the Fu Ho debouches into the West River is the natural port for the supply of Kwei-lin, the capital of Kwang-si, which is situated about 150 miles up the Fu Ho. Hitherto Kwei-lin has been sparsely supplied with piece goods, &c., under transit pass from Hankow, although its distance is more than three times greater than that from Canton. For all practical purposes both Kwangsi and Kweichow are shut out from participation in foreign trade, and Yunnan is only reached at great cost from Tonkin and from the Yangtsze ports, whence goods are sent under transit pass, but the total volume of trade is exceedingly limited owing to distance and cost of transport.
Nan-ning-fu is a walled prefectural town also in Kwangsi, situated 363 miles further up the West River, near where it forks into two sections, the smaller branch running south to Lung-chow near the borders of Tonkin, the larger one being navigable for small craft to Po-ngai, a frontier lekin station in Yunnan. The population of Nan-ning-fu is estimated at between 30,000 and 40,000, and although possessing few manufactures is the seat of a considerable trade, which would be largely increased if it were to become an open port. There are intervening rapids on the river but they are generally reported to be capable of navigation. It is however impossible to speak with any certainty on this point owing to the want of accurate information, but the sources of intelligence open to the Chamber encourage the belief that the navigation would be practicable at all events in the summer season.
Page 380
Tsun-chow-Fu, a considerable town situated at the junction of the West River with the Pak Ho, an important tributary which runs into it from the north-west, would be likely to develop into a valuable way-port and distributing centre, and in the winter season when the water runs low might also serve as the terminus of steamer navigation if vessels were unable to reach Nan-ning.
The advantages which would accrue to foreign commerce generally, as well as to Hongkong, by the opening to steam navigation of the West River and tributaries would certainly be very great. This Colony, situated as it is at the mouth of the Canton River would not only be a larger distributing centre than it is now but it would benefit greatly by the increased passenger traffic which would necessarily follow upon increased facilities of transport.
The opening up of the West River would also be of great advantage to the Chinese population in the neighbourhood. It would secure to the Chinese Government increased revenue through the Custom Houses in the several districts through which the river passes, it would give an impulse to inland production by bringing produce within reach of a market, and it would augment and enrich the population of the villages and towns throughout the route. Another consideration, and one that ought, in the opinion of the Chamber of Commerce, to weigh with the Chinese Government is that steam navigation on the West River would minimize the danger of famine in Kwangsi by rendering succour possible. Hitherto whenever famines have occurred the Chinese Government has been unable to relieve the distressed population and fearful sufferings have been entailed thereby.
The conditions of trade in Southern China are at present from all points of view unsatisfactory, and it must be admitted as a fact that the Imperial Government of China is cognizant of the provincial abuses which retard commercial development.
The Provincial Governments do not generally receive the Customs revenues collected at their maritime ports and have to impose landward dues in order to raise funds for various and local objects. This is done in an arbitrary manner and foreign goods under "transit passes" are no longer exempted from these imposts. To such an extent is this now the case that transit passes have become a dead-letter, and Treaty obligations in respect to them are entirely ignored in most parts of Kwangtung. The effect upon foreign trade is serious, as there is no security from the most outrageous exactions, and at the present time transit passes are hardly applied for owing to the threats of violence and confiscation of goods which are meted out to native traders. In the opinion of this Chamber the opening of the West River to steam navigation would remove, or at all events modify, throughout the route the onerous lekin imposts. Such an occasion should be seized to bring about a re-adjustment of the transit pass privileges which have ceased to be observed, and a removal of all those hindrances to the free development of enterprise among a people by nature so industrious and so disposed to commercial adventure.