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Thus far I understand the procedure practically follows the precedent already laid down.
You will observe that the third Resolution, in effect, rescinds those portions of the Resolutions of 1898 and 1901 under which existing loans were raised, which limit the levy of the river dues to a fixed number of years.
It is eminently desirable that the levy of dues up to 2 per mille should continue until all loans hitherto raised or projected are paid off. The dues are anything but excessive, and they are gladly consented to by the commercial community in view of the advantages to be derived.
I may add that it is not proposed to increase the existing rate of river dues on tea and opium. These two articles being especially exempted.
I have, &c. (Signed) W. FISHER,
Chairman.
Resolution 1.
THAT with the view of obtaining funds for the further improvement of the water approaches to the Concessions, and particularly having in view the desirability of making a third cutting in the course of the Haiho River in pursuance of the system of works already initiated, the Council, under powers contained in the Local Land Regulations under Article 7A, be and are hereby empowered and authorized to levy in addition to those dues already being levied, River dues to the extent of 1s. 2d. per mille (approximately equivalent to 1 per cent. on Customs duties) on the value of goods on which duty has been paid, or may become payable, for so long as loans hitherto raised, and hereby raised, for the purposes of river works, may be outstanding.
Resolution 2.
That this meeting of land renters, recognizing the extreme desirability and importance of improving the depth of water and conditions of navigation on the Taku Bar, hereby approves and authorizes the levy by the Council under Article 7A of the Local Land Regulations of the River dues not exceeding 1s. 2d. per mille (approximately equivalent to 1 per cent. on Customs duties) on the value of goods on which duty has been paid, or may become payable, for so long as loans hitherto raised, and hereby raised, may be outstanding. This contribution towards the funds necessary for such Bar improvement shall be contingent upon the raising by the shipping interests of a sum which, with such contribution shall, in the opinion of the Council, and the Haiho Conservancy, be sufficient to warrant the undertaking of remedial measures at the Taku Bar.
Resolution 3.
That the levy of River dues hitherto authorized, and authorized at this meeting shall, notwithstanding any previous Resolutions to the contrary, continue to be payable for so long as any liability under loans already raised, and raised under resolutions of this date, shall remain unliquidated.
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Vous ajoutiez que le Corps Consulaire de votre résidence avait unanimement approuvé la proposition en question que vous soumettiez à l'acceptation du Corps Diplomatique.
En réponse à votre communication, j'ai l'honneur de vous faire savoir que mes collègues consultés par moi ont également donné leur acquiescement à la suggestion du Conseil Municipal Anglais.
No. 3.
Mr. Townley to the Marquess of Lansdowne.-(Received August 17.)
(No. 251.)
Peking, June 30, 1903.
My Lord,
IN continuation of my despatch to your Lordship No. 231 of the 18th instant, I have the honour to transmit herewith a copy of a note from the Chinese Government in reply to my protest against the newly-devised system of opium taxation at Canton,
Subject to your Lordship's approval, I propose to take no further action in the matter until I hear from Mr. Scott what steps the Viceroy takes consequent on the instructions of the Wai-wu Pu.
I have, &c. (Signed) WALTER TOWNLEY.
Inclosure in No. 3.
Prince Ching to Mr. Townley.
Peking, June 19, 1903.
I HAVE the honour to acknowledge receipt of your despatch of the 16th instant, with regard to the proposed opium farm at Canton.
Under the new license tax on prepared opium, which it is proposed to institute in the Canton province, the foreign and native drug will pay exactly the same amount,
It does not, therefore, infringe the 5th section of the Additional Article to the Chefoo Convention, according to which foreign opium shall not be subjected to any tax or contribution in excess of what is or may be hereafter levied on native opium. As to the statement that the amount paid in taxes, &c., by native opium entering the Canton province is not equivalent to the combined duty and li-kin on foreign opium, I would point out that, seeing that the cost of foreign and native opium differs so greatly, the total amount paid in taxation cannot naturally be the same in each case.
I have already referred the points raised in your previous despatch on the subject to the Viceroy at Canton, so that he may carefully consider them in connection with the new regulations, and arrive, it is hoped, at some satisfactory arrangement; but his reply so far has not reached me. I have now also informed him of the contents of your despatch under acknowledgment, and again requested him to effect some satisfactory settlement.
Pending his reply, I avail, &c.,
Inclosure 4 in No. 2.
The Doyen of the Diplomatic Body to Consul-General Hopkins.
M. le Consul-Général,
Pékin, le Juin 3, 1903.
PAR une lettre en date du 27 Mai dernier vous avez bien voulu, en qualité de doyen du Corps Consulaire, adresser à son Excellence M. Conger, alors doyen du Corps Diplomatique à Pékin, une proposition du Président du Conseil Municipal de la Concession Anglaise de Tien-tsin.
Cette proposition avait pour objet de fournir à la Commission du Haiho les fonds nécessaires pour l'exécution d'une coupure sur le cours de la rivière, ainsi que des travaux à opérer sur la barre de Takou
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