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INTERCOURSE WITH JAPAN.
The effect of such a collection would be to make known generally to British manufacturers and merchants, the articles in demand in China, instead of this knowledge being restricted to a few individuals; thus the prime cost of the manufactures would be reduced, and trade promoted.
I venture to think that the measure that I have now the honour to suggest would be satisfactory to Her Majesty's Government, and indicate to the mercantile interests at home, that no means are neg- lected which may promote the commercial intercourse between England and China.
Should your Excellency sanction this outlay, it will afford me much satisfaction to carry the measure into effect with judicious economy.
I have, &c.,
R. M. MARTIN,
Treasurer.
INTERCOURSE WITH JAPAN, &c.
COMMERCIAL SUGGESTIONS for mercantile intercourse with one. hundred million of people. (Given to the Earl of Aberdeen and Earl of Dalhousie, in November, 1845.)
1st. An attempt to form a commercial communication with Japan, contain- ing about thirty million civilized inhabitants, whose Government, being aware of our successes in China, are now better disposed to enter into friendly negotiations with us.
Before this feeling has passed away, we ought to avail ourselves of its existence.
[I was assured at Java, in August last, that the Japanese Government were in expectation of a visit from the English, and that the Government at Jeddo would now receive an amicable commercial mission.]
2nd. The arrangement of commercial treaties with Siam, Cochin China, and the adjacent rich countries, containing an estimated population of fifty million, hitherto neglected. These countries abound in gold and silver, and are rich in valuable mercantile products. Their Governments have also heard of our suc- cesses in China, and would be disposed, under their present feelings, to admit us on fair commercial terms to their ports, which the Americans and French are now visiting.
3rd. The establishment of a Trading station (not an expensive colony) on the peninsula of Corea, or on Quelparts island, at the southern extremity of the peninsula of Corea. Corea belongs neither to China nor to Japan; it has a fine climate, good agriculture, timber, fruits, &c. ; it has a population of about twenty millions, and we ought to establish a commercial intercourse with them. A Trading post in this neighbourhood would soon produce commerce with all the large sur- rounding regions, including Mantchouria, Northern China, the Kurile islands, Japan, &c., and be an excellent station for our whaling-ships, or for intercourse with the western coast of America.
R. M. MARTIN.
LONDON: HARRISON AND CO., PRINTERS, ST. MARTIN'S LANE,
ME
AND PROSPECTS IN CHINA.
97
It is impossible to survey this vast territory, teeming with millions 523
of industrious, skilful, intelligent, but still semi-civilized people, without feeling a deep interest in their advancement, and an anxious desire that England should fulfil the important duties so mysteriously assigned for her performance.
The opinions stated in this Minute have been expressed in different parts of China by men of far-seeing minds, engaged in various pursuits.
There never has been a question presented to my understanding on which I have felt a stronger conviction than that the evacuation of Chusan in February next, without any change in our present negative policy, will be the prelude to great misfortune, which we shall in vain endeavour to retrieve.
I have not spoken to one disinterested person in China--no matter his rank, grade or profession-on the contemplated evacuation of Chu- san, who has not expressed alarm or regret at such a measure, and none more so than the Americans, whose Consul at Canton, Mr. Forbes stated to me that the American Government were very apprehensive of the French getting possession of Chusan, as it would be a prelude to political intrigue and disturbance; that he, Mr. Forbes, understood the French intended to settle on Chusan soon after we gave up the island; that he was of opinion there were some secret negotiations going on between his Excellency M. Lagréné (who ranks high as a jesuit) and Keying, who had offered the French the valuable and commanding island of Chuenpee, near the entrance of the Bogue, thuscompletely commanding the Canton river, but which M. Lagréné rejected, in the expectation of getting Chusan; M. Lagréné, indeed, remarked to me in November last, that Chusan was the only island on the coast worthy the accept- ance of the French Government, and that the English would have no right to complain of the French occupying Chusan, as they might have retained that island, but that they preferred Hong Kong for a British colony.
Daily experience has more and more confirmed the opinions and strengthened by corroboration the facts contained in my Report on Hong Kong.
It is still totally devoid of European or native commerce (excepting some smuggling trade in salt and alum). The harbour is almost deserted by shipping, there being only a few opium vessels in the bay; and the merchants who have built large houses are regretting their
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