12
SUPPLEMENT TO THE "DAILY PRESS."
likelihood of war breaking out was one which applied equally to other nations.
Mr. POLLARD-Yes, but other nations did not resort to practices such as these. If we were called upon on the grounds of the necessity of treating China as on an equality to allow her to appoint a Consul to this Colony, surely we were called upon also to remove the far greater assertion of inequality which existed in the exterritorial clauses, which on account of not being able to trust the native officials to do justice in an ordinary Civil suit, all recognised as positively necessary. If we made her swallow that camel, it was absurd for us to countenance her straining at the present gnat.
His EXCELLENCY-Yes, but we have now removed our hand off her throat, and she naturally objects to swallowing any more camels.
Mr. POLLARD-Then remove the exterritoriality!
His EXCELLENCY said the question entered upon was a very large one. He was sorry that, in this instance, he could sympathise with few of the arguments advanced; and he adhered to his opinion that permitting the appointment of a Consul was negotiating in the right direction.
The deputation would be at liberty to make any representations they might think fit; but His Excellency did not consider he could adopt as a basis of negotiation, coming forward, and telling the Chinese that we think them so despicable and corrupt that we are compelled to refuse them the common privilege accorded to all other nations.
Mr. POLLARD hoped that this fact would not detract from the force of the remarks that had been made.
His EXCELLENCY said he had been very glad to hear them, and to have had the opportunity of telling them his views frankly. Nothing, however, would alter his view that it was essential that the right claimed as to the appointment of a Consul should be recognised.
Hon. Mr. TAYLOR enquired whether there was any prospect of the Chinese conceding the right to navigate the Upper Yangtze.
His EXCELLENCY was afraid not at present. There were such serious complications anticipated by the Chinese, and the matter had altogether excited so much alarm, that it was not to be hoped the privilege would be conceded. He himself would be glad to see navigation granted as far as Tchang, but there was no such disposition on the part of the Chinese.
Hon. J. B. TAYLOR made a similar enquiry as to the West River; to which His Excellency expressed his opinion that there was no hope that the right to navigate it would be granted.
Mr. POLLARD and the Hon. Mr. Taylor then thanked Sir Rutherford for the reception he had given to the deputation, and His Excellency expressed the satisfaction the interview had afforded him, and his regret that the opportunities for such frank interchange of views, which always led to useful results, were not more frequent.
The Deputation then withdrew.
ADDRESS FROM THE BRITISH MERCANTILE COMMUNITY AT SWATOW TO H.E. SIR RUTHERFORD ALCOCK, K.C.B., AND REPLY FROM HIS EXCELLENCY.
The following documents have been laid for publication:
SWATOW, 24th November 1869.
SIR,-Though few in number, we are not the less sincere when we address your Excellency on this occasion-perhaps the last we may have-to express our thanks for what you have done to further the interests of this Port, through the instrumentality of the Central Government of Peking, and chiefly we are grateful to you for authorizing the formal opening of Chao-chow-foo last year, the advantages of which are various.
Among them may be mentioned-
1stly. A monopoly of the opium trade with Kiangsi through Chao-chow-foo, by some ten Hongs of that city, has been broken up.
2ndly. The water communication with the city has been rendered safer by the traffic of foreigners on the river, and will be still more so when a steamer of light draft, now being constructed, is running between it and Swatow.
3rdly-So far as foreigners are concerned (and Chinese also, if they choose to avail themselves of the foreign medium for the transmission of their goods), certain village "black mail levies" are not now compulsory.
And
Lastly-A larger field is open to foreign enterprise which, if properly directed, may lead to increased consumption of British fabrics, as well as the export of some articles of native industry.
We leave it to your Excellency to judge of the expediency of this measure politically, in connection with which the matter of Octroi duties holds a prominent place. We are far from wishing to have undue advantages conferred on foreign trade, but there are so many ways in which this tax can and does become a powerful agent for thwarting the sale of British manufactures and maintaining the foreign merchant in ignorance of the requirements of the place or its capabilities of consumption, that the matter becomes one of paramount importance.
By Chinese, acquainted with the locality, conversant with the different means of access to the place, able at the proper time and with the proper person to have recourse to bribes, the inconvenience is less felt; and the various markets offered to them for their goods in transit render such taxes in many instances nugatory.
On these grounds we argue that there is no undue advantage to the foreign merchant, if he enjoys immunity from such taxes.
JANUARY 7, 1870.
And unless it be a matter of congratulation that China is as she stands at present, and that we are to be content that she absorbs so much of our industry as she does, it appears an injustice that those who have contributed towards it may soon have to vacate the field-in which case the commerce of the southern part of the Empire would centre in Hongkong.
Nor would that Colony derive any benefit, for, unchecked by the wholesome restraint of the foreigner at the minor Ports, manufactures sold to Chinese at Hongkong, and by them imported, would be easily subjected to any amount of taxation the whim or capacity of the Native authorities might choose to impose.
From another point of view also, viz., the immunity of native manufactures from such taxes, our proposition derives additional strength.
Still more detrimentally does the Commerce of this Port suffer from the differential duties levied at the Harbors and places between this and Hongkong.
Within a distance in direct line of 150 miles from Hongkong, with numerous Bays and Rivers available between to diminish the distance, it requires but a glance to comprehend how prejudicial to the interests of this Port is the encouragement given by the local authorities to this traffic, from which they reap a rich harvest.
Were the Customs here less strict, or a trustworthy coastguard organized, no complaint could stand, but constituted as is the one and absent as is the other, nothing but disappointment can result to the simplest commercial calculations.
The treatment of claims against Chinese is also a subject which calls for improvement if not indeed total reform.
Payment of the best-founded claims, acknowledged by the defaulters as such, is subject not to their ability but to their willingness to meet them; and reference to the Chinese authorities is of so little avail as to be practically valueless, owing to the venality which pervades all the Yamuns, their professions of bringing pressure to bear on the delinquents being of course at variance with fact.
The vexation, the delay, and time uselessly spent in periodically bringing such claims to their notice through the Consul, are almost effectual barriers against pressing them at all, and a premium is thus being placed more and more on dishonesty.
We submit with deference,-
That where such a condition of things prevails, H.M. Consul should have it in his power to hold the Chinese authorities responsible for such miscarriage of justice, which so greatly adds to the usual risks of trade.
The disadvantage under which the British flag, as compared with that of other nationalities, labors in the traffic with our own Possessions at the Straits, can only, we should think, require to be known to our Government, when a remedy would at once be found.
According to the Chinese Passengers' Act, 1855, British vessels are liable to serious penalties if they carry to the Straits (on a voyage of not more than 10 days' duration in the North-East monsoon) more than one passenger to each two tons of the ship's register; and while no such law hampers the flags of other nationalities, the Chinese Customs authorities authorize the carriage of three passengers to each two tons register.
As the expenses attending a vessel conveying a large number of passengers are proportionately much less than attend one with few passengers, the British flag has been able to obtain no share in this trade; and the consequence has been that British interests have suffered materially for many years, and that, too, in a traffic which should be more especially theirs.
The annual exodus of Chinese from this port alone to the Straits may be put at about 10,000 men, whose passage money averages about $3 per head, so that there is a loss to British ship-owners of $30,000 per annum here (and more at the other ports), by the working of a law which presses so unfairly.
The Governor of the Straits Settlements has legislated for the conveyance outwards from these colonies of not more than one passenger to each registered ton, which has received the sanction of the Imperial Government; and though we are of opinion three men to every two tons register is not excessive, when the duration and ease of the voyage to the Straits are taken into consideration, assimilation is urgently needed for the protection of British interests.
In bringing these points to your Excellency's notice, we venture to hope we may find in you no advocate of them, if not in their entirety, at least of such portions as may seem to you most in need of reform.
Radical changes, such as the equalization of maritime duties on goods carried by foreign and native vessels-the free import and export of salt-the opening of other ports-are perhaps subjects better mooted and dealt with by larger and more influential communities, from whom also it may come with better grace, to comment with approbation on what we believe from certain despatches published in the "Blue Books" to have been your Excellency's Policy with regard to British interests during the term you have been the Representative of our nationality in China; but, even at the risk of being considered personal, we ask leave to add our mite of satisfaction at the course pursued by your Excellency on the many occasions that have arisen during the time you have occupied the high position of H.M. Minister and Plenipotentiary in China-occasions which we are fully convinced required great ability to cope with and decisive firmness to deal with.
With our best wishes for your Excellency's
268
12
SUPPLEMENT TO THE tingeny of war breaking out was one which applied equally to other nations.
Mr. POLLARD-Yes, but other nations did not resort to practices such. as these, If we were called upon on the grounds of the ne- cessity of treating China, as on an equality to allow her to appoint a Consul to this Col ny, surely we were called upon also to remove the far greater assertion of inequality which existed in the exterritorial clauses, which on account of not being able to trust the native officials to do justice in an ordinary Civil suit, all recognised as positively neces- sary. If we made her swallow that camel, it was absurd for us to countenance ber strain- ing at the present gnat.
His EXCELLENCY-Yes, but we have now removed our hand off her throat, and ste na- tur,bjects to swallowing any more camels. Mr. POLLARD-Then remove the exterrito- riality!
His EXCELLENCY said the question entered upon was a very large one. He was sorry that, in this instance, he could sympathise with few of the arguments advanced; and be adhered to his opinion that permitting the appointment of a cousal was negotiating in the right direc tion.
The deputation would be at liberty to nake any representations they might thiuk fit; but His Excelieucy did not consider be could adoptas a basis of negotiation, coming for- ward, and telling the Chinese that we think them so despicable and corrupt that we are cor:pelled to refuse them the common pravi- lege reordel to all other natiors.
Mr. POLLARD boped that this fact would not detract from the force of the remarks that had been made.
HIS EXCELLENCY said he had been very glad to hear them, and to have had the op- portunity of telling them his views frankly. Nothing, however, would alter his view that it was essential that the right claimed as to the appointment of a cousul should be recognised. Hon. Mr. TAYLOR enqu red whether there was any prospect of the Chinese conceding the right to navigate the Upper Yangtaze
His EXCELLENCY was afraid not at present, There were such serious complications autici- pated by the Chinese, aud the matter had alto- gether excited so much alarm, that it was not to be hoped the privilege would be conceded. He himself would be glad to see navigation granted as far as Tcbang, but there was no such disposition on the part of the Chinese.
Hoo, J. B. TAYLOR mude a similar enquiry as to the West River; t, His Excellency ex- pressed bis opinion that there was no hope that the right to navigate it would be granted. Mr. POLLARD and the Hon. Mr Taylor then thanked Bir Rutherford for the reception he bad given to the deputation, aud His Excellency expressed the satisfaction the the interview had afforded him, and his regret
courteous
DAILY PRESS."
that the opportunities for such frank inter- change of views, which always led to useful results, were not more frequent.
The Deputation then withdrew.
ADDRESS FROM THE BRITISH MER. CANTILE COMMUNITY AT SWATOW TO H.E. SIR RUTHERFORD ALCOCK, K.C.B., AND REPLY FROM HIS EX. CELLENCY.
The following documents have been lauded for publication:~
SWATOW, 24th November 1869. FIR. Though few in number, we are not the leas sincere when we address your Excellency on this occasion-perhaps the last we may have --to express our thanks for what you have done to further the interests of this Port, through the instrumentality of the Central Government of Peking, and chiefly we are grateful to you for authorizing the formal opening of Chao-cho- foo last year, the advantages of which are va. rious.
Among them may be mentioned--
istly. A monopoly of the opium trade with Kiangsi through Chao-chow-foo, by some ten Hongs of that city, hna been broken up.
2udly. The water communication with the city has been rendered safer by the traffic of foreigners on the river, and will be still more so when a steamer of light draft, now being con. stracted, is running between it and Swatow,
3rdly-So far as foreigners are concerned (and Chinese also, if they choose to avail of the foreign medium for the transmission of their goods), certain village" black mail levies" are not now compulsory. and
Lastly-A larger field is open to foreign en- terprise which, if properly directed, may lead to increased consumption of British fabrics, as well as the export of some articles of native industry.
We leave it to your Excellency to judge of the expediency of this measure politically, in connection with which the matter of Octroi duties holds a prominent place. We are far from wishing to have undue advantages con- ferred on foreign trade, but there are so many ways in which this tax can and does become a powerful agent for thwarting the sale of Bri- tish manufactures and maintaining the foreign merchant in ignorance of the requirements of the place or its capabilities of consumption, that the matter becomes one of paramount import- ance. By Chinese, acquainted with the locali. ty, conversant with the different means of access to tue place, able at the proper time and with the proper person to have recourse to bribes, the inconvenience is less felt; and the various markets offered to them for their goods in transit render such taxes in many instances nugatory. On these grounds we argue that
JANUARY 7, 1870.
there is no undue advantage to the foreigu merchant, if he enjoy immunity from such taxe. and unless it be a matter of congratula tion that China is as she stands at present, and that we are to be content that she absorbe so much of our industry as she does, it appears an injustice that those who have contributed towards it may soon have to vacate the field- in which case the commerce of the southern part of the Empire would centre in Hongkong. Nor would that Colony derive any benefit, for, unchecked by the wholesome restraint of the foreigner at the minor Ports, manufactures sold to Chinese at Hongkong, and by them im- ported, would be easily subjected to any amount of taxation the whim or capacity of the Native From authorities might choose to impose. another point of view also, viz., the immunity of native manufactures from such taxes, our proposition derives additional strength.
Still more detrimentally does the Commerce of this Part suffer from the differential duties levied at the Harbors and places between this and Hongkong. Within a distance in direct line of 150 miles from Hongkong, with nu- merous Bays and Rivers available between to diminish the distance, it requires but a glance to comprehend how prejudicial to the interests of this Port is the encouragement given by the local authorities to this traffic, from which they reap a rich harvest.
Were the Customs here less strict, or a trust- worthy coastguard organized, no complaint could stand, but constituted as is the one and absent as is the other, nothing but disappoint- ment can result to the simplest commercial calculations.
The treatment of claims against Chinese is also a subject which calls for improvement if not indeed total reform. Payoient of the best-founded claims, acknowledged by the defaulters as such, is subject not to their ability but to their willingness to meet thent; and reference to the Chinese authorities in of ao little avail as to be practically valueless, owing to the venality which pervades all the Yamuns, their professions of bringing pressure to bear on the delinquents being of course at variance with fact. The vexation, the delay, and time uselessly spent in periodically bringing such claims to their notice through the Consul, are almost effectual barriers against pressing them at all, and a premium is thus being placed more and more on dishonesty.
We submit with deference,---
That where such a condition of things prevail, H.M. Consul should have it in his power to hold the Chinese authorities responsible for auch uniscarriage of justice, which so greatly adds to the usual risks of trade.
The disadvantage under which the British flag, as compared with that ofother nationalities, labors in the traffic with our own Possessions at the Straits, can only we should think require
13
to be known to our Government, when a remedy wouldnt once be found. According to the Chinese Passengers' Act. 1855, British vessels are liable to serious penalties if they carry to the Straita (n voyage of not more than 10 days duration in the North-East monsorn) more than one passen- ger to each two tons of the ship's register, and while no such law hampers the flags of other na- tionalities, the Chinese Customs authorities an- thorize the carriage of three passengers to each two tone register. As the expenses attending a vessel conveying a large number of passengers is proportionably much less than attend one with few passengers, the British flag bas been able to obtain no share in this trade, and the consequence has been that British interests have suffered aterially for many years, and that, too, in a traffic which should be more especially theirs.
The annual exodus of Chinese from this port alone to the Straits may be put at about 10,000 men, whose passage mouey averages about $3 per head, so that there is a loss to British ship- owners of $30,000 per annum bere (and more at the other ports), by the working of a law which presses so unfairly.
The Governor of the Straits Settlements has legislated for the conveyance outwards from these colonies of not more than one russenzer to each registered ton, which has received the sanction of the Imperial Go- vernment. and though we are of opinion three men to every two tons register is not excessive, when the duration and ease of the voyage to the Straits he taken into considera- tion, assimilation is urgently needed for the protection of British interests.
In bringing these points to your Excellency's notice, we venture to bope we may find in you no ndvocate of them, if not in their entirety, at least of such portions as may seem to you most in need of reform.
Rastical changes, such as the equalization of maritime duties on goods carried by for ign and native vessels-the free import and export of salt--the opening of other ports,--are per- haps subjects better mooted and dealt with by larger and more influential commnuities, from whom alan it may come with better grace, to comment with approbation on what we believe from certain despatches published in the "Blue Books" to have been your Excellency's Policy with regard to British interests during the term you have been the Representative of or nationality in China; but, even at the riak of being considered personal, we ask leave to- add our mite of satisfaction at the course pursued by your Excellency on the many occa sions that have arisen during the time you bare occupied the high position of H.M. Minister and Penipotentiary in China-occasions which we are fully convinced required great ability to cope with and decisive firmness to deal with.
With our best wishes for your Excellency's
268
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