Precis No.195.
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48
the great politicians and the industrial leaders of all
nations will surely foresee it. I therefore consider that
there will be no hindrance if I make known the plan for the
development, with mutual foreign assistance, of Canton as a
world port.
,
Before
The Canton Delta, situated at the junction of the West,
North and East Rivers, area about 3,000 sq. miles, is the
richest in China. Its agricultural and other products are
abundant. It is the most thickly populated area in China
more than half the population of Kwong Tung live there.
the machinery period, Canton was for several hundred years
known for its industry. The skill of certain handicraftsmen
is still incomparable. If according to the plan of development
machinery is used to aid its industry, Canton will soon regain
its prosperity of the old days and become a great industrial
centre.
With regard to its position as a world port, Canton is
situated in a very convenient place. It forms the point to
which river traffics converge and from which sea routes begin.
It holds the key position of both. On the completion of the
railway system in South West China, the importance of Cant on,
so far
as transportation facilities are concerned, will be
equal to that of the two great ports of North and East China.
Generally, the waters of Canton are deep, but in two places it
will be necessary to dredge the sea for the largest steamers
of the present day to pass.
(Suggestions are given how to improve the harbour and
waterways from Whampoa to the Tigris Fort and to improve the
City which will include Whampoa and Fat Shan.)