T
R
The Question of a French Blockade of the Chinese Coast.
199
In considering the question of a blockade of the Chinese ports, it seems
proper to do so from the following points of view:-
(1.) Its effect upon the trade of the country, both external and
internal.
·H.
(2.) The points at which a blockade would probably be established. (3.) The feasibility of the blockade.
(1.) EFFECT ON TRADE OF COUNTRY.
The foreign trade of the country is carried on at the 22 ports, which Foreign have been thrown open to European commerce by various treaties, known as trade. the treaty ports, of the most important of which the following is a list :-
Ports.
Population.
Value of trade in 1879.
£
*Shanghai..
*Bankow
Canton
900,000
14,134,807
600,000
10,179,700
1,600,000
7,102,830
Tien-tain.
980,000
6,852,780
Ning-po..
260,000
3,645,940
Foo-chow
680,000
4,496,972
*Kiu-kiang
50,000
3,165,260
*Chin-kiang
190,000
8,845,100
Swatow..
80,000
5,781,478
Chefoo
95,000
3,088,484
Amoy
88,000
2,039,448
Newchwang
60,000
2,810,360
Takow
100,000
1,054,947
Tamsuy *Wuhu
Kiungchow
Wenchow *Ichang Pakhoi
90,000
1,021,616
40,000
1,002,255
80,000
886,274
88,000
88,709
84,000
172,268
25,000
92,400
70,905,522
• Ports on the Yangtee River.
The total value of the whole trade of these ports may thus be taken Of this sum about 45,000,000l. represents roughly at 70,000,000l. per annum. the value of the foreign trade (i.e., imports from, and exports to, foreign countries); the remainder 25,000,000l., that of the home trade, under treaty regulations.
With regard to the former, Mr. Grosvenor, in his report, dated December British 31st 1880, remarks:-"The proportion borne by British possessions to the interests. total foreign trade of China amounts to no less than 77 per cent. (or about 35,000,0001. sterling), her nearest rivals being the United States of America,
(742)
C
PUBLIC RECORD.OFFICE
Reference :-
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