concession of which we have rouch at heart, because it would prove a measure fraught with the atmest benefit not only to foreign shipping, but to the Chinese population. We would desire tinterfere in no way with an institution like the Government Salt Monopoly; we aak no more than sufferance to bring Salt to the shores of China, and there dispose of it to whomsoever the Imperial Authorities may designate. Our next requisition is that the Chinese Government be prevailed upon to allow the removal of the restrictions which, by the first paragraph of the fifth "Rale respecting Trado and Dnes," are imposed upon Opium. We enter upon this subject with none of the delicacy or hesitation which, out of deference to the preconceived ideas of many well-meaning people, we should have experienced eight years ago. During these eight years the trade in Opiùn has been ventilated, and old fallacies and fables have been cleared away. The horrible pictures formerly drawn of the evil to result to the population of China from the comparatively unrestrained importation of this drug, are now well nigh forgotten, or mentioned only to raise a smile at their absurd for since 1860 it has been rendered abundantly clear that the use of Opium is not a curs, but a comfort and a benefit, to the hard-working Chinese. As well say that malt is a curse to the English labourer, or tobacco one to the World at large! Misuse is one thing; use another. If to a few the Opium-pipe has proved a fatal snare, to many scores of thousands, on the other hand, has it been productive of healthful sustentation and enjoyment. Were we not wellssured that these statements are true we should not press this matter as we are now doing; but after the evidence of the past we foel justified in claiming that those who deal in Opium hal be permitted to supply the Inland Chinese with the drug as freely as they are the delers at the ports. We, therefore, again ask that the obnoxious Rule of Trade to which vd have referred may be rescinded, inasmuch as there exist no just or sensi- ble grounds for its retention, and it must simply be regarded as a barrier to that increased tradal intercourse between India and this Empire, which would prove so highly boneficial to both countries. In conclusion we call for, as imperatively required, an extension of the period wherein foreign merchants are allowed to claim Drawback of Duty upon goods re-exported. At present this period is twelve months from the date of the importation of the goods, a space of time manifestly too brief, and which might be extended to three years with perfect propriety, and with purple safety to the Chinese revenue.
10. We have reference to paragraph No. 6 of this courounication. Therein we described the motives which have prompted the views that we have expressed above, and in conclusion we beg leave to reiterate to Your Excellency our belief that fature British intercourse with China elwald be characterized by action calculated to bring about a broad and continuous, yet gradual, extension of commerce; not by a policy aiming at the acquisition of small and unworthy privileges But before we bring this Memorial altogether to an end, a grievance very pertinent to Your Excellency's Government calls for notice. We allude to the Imperial Maritime Customs prohibition against transhipment in this harbour of merchandizo in transit, on board of foreign bottoms, from one Treaty port to another. This restriction, while directly inimical to the interests of Hongkong, is not really requisite to the protection of the Chinese revenue; because Your Excellency is doubtless ready to devise and enforce measures which would fully secure the object. We respectfully beg, therefore, to urge upon Your Excellency's attention the removal of this paltry, but vexations, interdiction.
We have the honour to remain,
Sir,
Hongkong, 28th Noveraber, 1867.
Your Excelloney's most obedient humble servants,
Jardine Colacticantes
Putty
Separate.
The Yong Jong
RECEIVED
JAN 18
1868
86
Government House, HongKong, 30th November, 1867.
Myy Lord Burke,
I have die hover to acknowledge
The receipt,
or the 2014 instant, of You
Grace's despatches as follows
-Originals. —
to 126. The last of 8th October 1867.
18th September
Separate of Circular of
His Grace,
The Duke of Buckingham and Chander,
Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State,
X
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.