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We reached Wuchow on Saturday, the 16th, and remained there till Monday, the 18th.
During my stay in Wuchow I met His Majesty's Consul, Mr. Hausser, and Mr. Alabaster, the Commissioner of Customs. Mr. Alabaster very kindly took us for a cruise in a steam-launch up the West and Kuei Rivers, and I had the opportunity of discussing the Trade Regulations and prospects with him, and obtaining much informa- tion that will be useful hereafter.
We got back to Hong Kong vià Macao on Wednesday, the 20th instant.
Mr. J. W. Jamieson accompanied me on my visit to Wuchow.
On Thursday, the 21st instant, we were entertained by Sir Thomas Jackson, Chair- man of the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce, at lunch, to meet the Committee of the Chamber, and, during my stay here, I have had the opportunity of hearing the individual views of the mercantile community on the subjects of most interest to each.
Since my arrival at Hong Kong, on the 20th instant, I have been the guest of the Governer, Sir Henry Blake, and am having the benefit of his views on the numerous important Chinese questions at present under consideration.
I purpose leaving Hong Kong for Swatow, Amoy, Fuchow, and Shanghae, on the 26th instant, if the dates of arrival and departure of the coasting steamers are found to correspond with one another; but I am afraid there may be some difficulty in making satisfactory arrangements, and I may have to go direct to Shanghae. I have, &c. (Signed)
JAS. L. MACKAY,
Dear Sir James,
Inclosure 1 in No. 2.
Acting Consul-General Scott to Sir J. Mackay.
Canton, November 18, 1901. THE inclosed copy of my despatch to the Minister will show that your visit to Canton is already bearing fruit. The opening of eight ports of call will make matters go much more smoothly.
The Customs assert that there is no trade. Well, the less reason, as you pointed But out to them, for being obstructive and refusing permission to ship and land cargo. what about the large quantities of matting from Lo Ting Chu, near Tak Iling, and straw bags at Pak Tan?
The inclusion of these two stations might well be borne in mind when any final settlement is being arrived at. Without their inclusion the West River trade cannot be fully and fairly developed.
With eight ports of call and two trade stations, the West River trade might be considered arranged and the steamers and Companies fully satisfied.
Yours, &c.
(Signed) JAMES SCOTT.
Inclosure 2 in No. 2.
Acting Consul-General Scott to Sir E. Satow.
(No. 40. Confidential.) Sir,
Canton, November 16, 1901. WITH reference to my despatches No. 30, of the 8th October, and No. 31, Confiden- tial, of the 9th October, urging facilities for British vessels trading on the West River between Canton and Wuchow, I have the honour to report that Mr. Morgan, Commis- sioner of Customs, has informed me that, in deference to the representations of Sir James Mackay, he is submitting to the Inspector-General of Customs arrangements which, it is hoped, will meet the urgent requirements of the River Steamer Companies. His proposal is to allow a liberal number of additional ports of call.*
The Commissioner of Customs represents that the revision or amendment of the Inland Navigation Regulations will require time and consideration; but that meanwhile
* I just learn that the number will be eight (the chief places en route).-J. S.-18/11/190). [2530 z-1]