the Treaty rights would subsist, and the present inter-port Tariff of 73/4 per cent, would operate as a maximum limit.
This would leave the foreign trade of the West River and all existing Treaty rights as they now stand. The application of the Steamer Companies to have their Hong Kong-Wuchow boats also licensed for inland navigation trade was only put forward tentatively, and they admit there might be difficulties in the way. This point, I think, should at all events stand over for the present. If future experience shows it to be practicable, which I rather doubt, it could be raised hereafter; meantime, the principal object of the Companies will be attained if inland trading privileges are granted to their Canton steamers.
(Signed) G. JAMIESON. August 8, 1899.
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