PROCLAMATION by Jut, Viceroy and com. mander-in-Chief of the Two Kwang Pro- vinces, Acting Covernor of Kwang-tung, &c., &c., &c.
Dated July 1st, 1868. An announcement that Tax-offices are to be specially established on the Coast, for the bet- ter administration of the revenue, and in the interest of the trading classess
Whereas in the collection of supplies in the Province of Kwang tung the item of primary consequence is the merchandize tax (likin), in which, again, an important amount accrues from opium, it is ascertained that although the annual import of opium reaches the number of several thousand chests; yet, from the time when Opium-tax Offices were first estab...bed, the amount of tax collected shews a defi. ciency of more than one-half. It is manifest, therefore, that abuses must be prevalent in this matter. It has been reported of late that lawless persons on the coast, in conse- quence of the smuggling enterprises which are perpetually carried on, have fraudulently as sunied the guise of military officials, and put to sea unauthorisedly in armed cruisers, with ostentations display of flags and other insignia, under the pretext of employment for the apprehension of smugglers, but, when an opportunity offers, plunder vessels of all they contain, and thereupon make off (with their booty). In so far as the traders are concerned, since they suffer harm in consequence of their own greed of gain, there is but little reason for sympathy in such cases; but there are some who, without desiring to evade the payment of duty, are unable to report their merchan. dize for payment of the tax, owing to their not having reached the stations where it is levied, and are befallen with the like calamity, and the losses that such incur do indeed call for commiseration. On an investigation of the causes producing this state of affairs, it proves to be owing to the fact that tax stations have not hitherto been established on the Chinese Coast in the vicinity of the seaports, so that merchants have been unable to report their goods for the levy of the tax, and dishonest persons have thus been enabled to carry their villainous devices into effect. The Viceroy, moved by these considerations, has now esta- blished regulations in accordance with which offices for the levy of the tax on opium will be opened in the neighbourhood of the following places in the District of Sin-ngau, viz: the Kup. Bhui-Moon, the Lai-yü-Moon, and Kow-loong; and in the neighbourhood of the following places in the District of Hiang-shan, viz: Ngen-Hong, Kwo-Lu-wan, and Tsien-shou: where civil and military officials will be
stationed to levy the import tax on Optum, að- cording to the following rates, viz!” ̈ -Patna Ophum, per chest,
per ball (when less than one chest) {
Malwa Opium, per chest,
per ball (when less than one chest)
"
Tls. 16.0.0
0.4.0
16.0.0
0.5.0
The tax ou prepared opium will be Tls. 2 on every 100 taels' weight. Stamped tickets and brand-marks will be idened, together with receipts in triplicate, "after" which, on opium being brought to Canton and Wham- pon, Ch'ao-chow-fu and "Swatow, the tariff duty on the Opium must, as heretofore, be paid at the Maritime Customs' offices, in order that the regulations be fully complied with. General orders being forwarded on this subject to the Viceroy's subordinates, this Proclamation is, in addition, issued for the information and guidance of all concerned. Let all traders after puchasing Opium proceed to the nearest tax- station and report their goods for payment of the tax. After obtaining the stamped tickets, brand-marks, and triplicate receipts, on passing any other tax stations it will be necessary only to submit to inspection in order to obtain free transit without further payment. The full tarif duty must however be paid as heretofore ou ar- rival at Canton and Whampoa Ch'ao-chow-fu, and Swatow, in order that the regulations be duly complied with. Any opium found without the stamped tickets, brand-marks, and triplicate receipts, will forthwith be wholly confiscated; but in the case of opium provided with the above certificates it is forbidden to the cruisers of the different Customs' offices, to make oppressive seizures under any pretexts. In the event of wrongful seizures being made, the owners of the merchandize are authorized to appeal to the Administrative Board, who will at once apprehend and severely punish the offending parties. Ye should all be persuaded that the Viceroy, in the midst of his anxiety for the revenue, feels the profoundest consideration for commercial interests); but if henceforward smuggling be still persevered in, the opium (clandestinely carried) shall be wholly confis cated, and severe penalties inflicted on the indi- vidual concerned. The execution of the law treads on the heels of the Viceroy's admonition. Let it not be said that he punishes without timely warning. Let all obey this special Pro. clamation.
Translated by (Signed)
True Copy
W. F. MATEKS.
(Signed) ALEXANDER FRATER,
desɔrtani.
381
Page 390Page 391
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.