1
Steamers
Tonnage
Japanese 381 312,403 French 103 313,791 Austrian 74 95,934 Swedish 97 61,136 Russian 26 18,434 Danish 30 19,552 Chinese 1440 1,537,514 American 1 650 ... евёThe Messageries Maritimes, the North German Lloyd and the Austrian Lloyd are all heavily subsidized. Trade will follow in the wake of passenger traffic and it is highly important that our own steamship Companies should be favoured in some substantial way by the English Government. I have reason to know that it will not be Mr Jernigan's fault if the United States Government do not shortly do something to divert a portion of the present freight from the Suez route to the Pacific ports of Tacoma and San Francisco.
Had I, Sir, entertained any idea when I was in China, of writing to you on this subject I could have gathered many specific facts to support the above statements but the perusal of your despatch of the 28th of November last impels me to write this if only as a humble tribute of admiration.
Permit me to say that I consider that despatch dictated by true Statesmanship; you have perceived the danger ahead and have a right to expect co-operation from all at home and abroad to combat it.
P.S.
I have the honour to remain, Dear Sir,
Yours Obediently
S. Spencer Payne
(formerly chief editor of Reuters and Dalziel News Agencies)
If you think I can afford you any further information of interest I shall be pleased to wait upon you by appointment.