YOUR EXCELLENCY,
We, the undersigned Chambers of Commerce of Shanghai, Hongkong, and Tientsin had the honour of addressing the Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps, in September 1903, and September 1904, on the question of a Uniform National Coinage for China.
No material results being apparent we are again broaching the subject and have the honour to request that further representations be made to the Chinese Government through the Diplomatic Corps, as to the necessity of the former carrying out her Treaty obligations.
The disabilities under which the Country is labouring, owing to the fluctuations in the gold value of silver, and the apparent excessive coinage of silver subsidiary coins and copper pieces which are already at a very heavy discount is evidence to all that the Chinese Government cannot be fully alive to the necessity of at once taking in hand the establishment of a National Coinage.
In conclusion we respectfully beg that the Representatives of the Treaty Powers in Peking lose no time in urging upon the Chinese Government the imperative necessity of immediately taking this matter in hand.
We have the honour to be,
Your Excellency's
Most obedient Servants,
Chairman, Shanghai Chamber of Commerce.
(Sgd.) A. DEWETT.
Chairman, Hongkong Chamber of Commerce
Chairman, Tientsin Chamber of Commerce.
MONSIEUR DE CARCER,
ENVOY EXTRAORDINARY AND MINISTER PLENIPOTENTIARY
FOR SPAIN AND DOYEN OF THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS.
PEKING.
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