505
I am quite unequal to the task, and in the end I fear I shall simply have to request His Majesty to let me resign my commission.
All that should be done at the present time in the matter of the Wuchang Yochou section of the Canton-Hankow line is to proceed with the work of land-purchase; provision of materials, etc., should, I think, be postponed.
Big steamers run freely all the year round between Wuchang and Yochou, and, till the Hunan line is linked up with it, there will be no passengers and goods to carry, and the burden of the loan will have to be met uselessly, not to say nothing of interest on share-capital and running expenses.
The better course is to devote all our energies in the first place to arranging for the line north of the Yangtze.
We must wait till work on the Hanyang-Ichang and Changsha-Yochou lines has taken shape before making arrangements for the Wuchang-Yochou section. The development of through connection on the north and south banks is the only satisfactory solution.
These, my simple views, I hasten to submit for consideration with the general hope that you will thoroughly consider and speedily reply.
(Signed) CHANG CHIH-TUNG.
September 1st, 190...