Telegrapha
Looking back to the commencement of the Treaty period, now almost expired, the review leads to the conclusion that, though slow in accepting all that Western Civilization offers, the Chinese will, sooner or later, follow other countries in the adoption of quick transport on land, having since 1861 shown considerable appreciation of the rapid conveyance afforded by steamers plying on the Coast and on the great Rivers and from their having become large shareholders in the various Steam Navigation Companies. Not only have the mercantile classes among the Chinese largely availed themselves of the facilities offered by steamers, but Officials and the most prejudiced class of all, the Literati, now acknowledge their utility and superiority to the old fashioned mode of transport.
(47.)
The permanent benefits to be derived from the introduction of the system need not be enlarged upon, to China it would undoubtedly be productive of substantial advantage, the foremost being that of giving to the Chinese Government the means of checking rebellion and communicating rapidly with distant provinces. Construction of Railways would bring with it Foreigners necessary to the conduct of the undertaking and it is to be hoped the country that gave Railways to Europe will be instrumental in confering the same benefit upon China. It is no innovation that employment under the Chinese Government be given to British subjects and there is little doubt their assistance and co-operation would be as valuable in connection with the introduction of Railways as it has been in other respects.
(48.)
This Chamber therefore trasts that Her Majesty's Government will use every argument calculated to induce the Chinese Government to grant permission to construct Railways in all parts of the Empire and obtain an act giving any company formed to carry out such undertaking all needful privileges.
(49.)
Though the Chinese have placed difficulties in the way of the establishment of Telegraphs, the Chamber is anxious that permission be granted to carry them through any part of the country, and in event of their admission, that proclamations be issued making the population within a certain distance of their course responsible for any attempt to interfere with their working. A Sub-marine Cable may be laid to China before long and it is advisable to prepare for the undertaking by obtain- ing privilege to land the cable at any or all of the open ports, with exemption from Duty for all materiel employed.
(50.)
The Chamber begs in conclusion to express a hope that it may be permitted to know, prior to Her Majesty's Minister's comment reaching England, how far the recommendatious of this Memorial coincide with the views of SI RUTHERFORD Arcock. In order that delays be avoided, it is respectfully requested that the Superintendent of Trade be instructed to place the Chamber in possession of such portion of his despatches as may relate and reply to points now brought under consideration; the favor would be appreciated and would allow, if necessary, of the expression of assent or dissent with the views propounded in despatches in conrso of transmission to the Home Government.
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Commerd
on luhall
Gewers. Chambre y Whalf of the Horghing.
Phineas Byril
Chairman
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