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opinion is (1) that all British steamers, according to their registered tonnage, should be allowed to carry a certain number of passengers without any previous formality, say one passenger for every two tons: (2) should it be desired to exceed this number, notice must be given to the British Consul, who before issuing a license, would satisfy himself that there was sufficient deck-room and shelter in case of bad weather.
3.
That certain steamers which are regularly employed on certain lines may, after satisfying previous inspection, and giving a bond to abide by certain conditions, obtain an annual licence authorizing them to carry one passenger per registered ton, when the voyage is under 600 miles, which would cover the usual port to port voyages on the China coast. At the ports where I have had most experience, Tientsin and Chefoo, it is not until the steamer is about to leave the port that it can be known how many persons will take passage. The intending