(30)
Chinese and Japanese lines, the Inter-European system admitting 15 letters to the word is now in force.
3. You suggest, that the compulsory repetition of figure cyphers should be abolished. The existing rule, which has been the subject of long discussion with the Government Administration, is, I beg to submit not only just, but even liberal, and I think you will come to the same conclusion, when you consider not only that the transmission of Figure Cyphers occupies a considerably longer time than that of ordinary words, but that groups of cyphers may be much more easily adopted for secret language than ordinary words. The abuse of the rule by unscrupulous senders, which you refer to, has not escaped the attention of the Administrations, and the matter is now under the consideration of the different Governments.
(31)
HONGKONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, HONGKONG, 17th August, 1876.
SIR,-I beg, on behalf of this Chamber, to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of your letter dated 22nd June in reply to one from this Chamber under date of 18th March last.
4. You suggest that the cost of garbled messages should be refunded to the sender. This rule existed under the Paris and Vienna Conventions, but was so greatly abused, that it was found necessary to rescind it, and whilst the different Administrations over whose lines the messages pass are unwilling to admit the principle of refunds, it would hardly be reasonable to expect the Company to effect such payments, particularly as the errors are seldom committed over its own lines. Your members and the public generally will, however, know from experience, that the Company endeavours to meet cases when errors have been committed as liberally as possible, by having such part of messages which are unintelligible repeated free of charge. This is not strictly in accordance with the Convention Rules, but Government Administrations tacitly allow such repetitions, and will no doubt, continue to do so as long as the facility is not abused. In conclusion I beg to say, that much as the Company should have wished to meet the wishes of your Chamber, it is at present, and for the different reasons named, not in the power of the Company to do so.
I am, Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
While thanking you for the manner in which you have dealt with the subjects, this Chamber naturally regrets that your Company is unable to comply with the suggestions made. It ventures, however, to hope that such concessions as seem practicable will, from time to time, be made.
The Managing Director,
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(Signed,) P. RYRIE, Chairman.
EASTERN EXTENSION AUSTRALASIA AND CHINA TELEGRAPH COMPANY, LIMITED.
COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE, HONGKONG, 2nd August, 1876.
SIR, I am directed to forward you a copy of a letter from the Eastern Extension Australasia and China Telegraph Company, Limited, and to invite your remarks upon the proposals contained therein.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
(Signed,) J. GARDINER AUSTIN, Colonial Secretary.
To the Honourable PHINEAS RYRIE, Chairman, Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce.
(Signed,) C. F. TIETGEN, Chairman.
283
A
( 30 )
Chinese and Japanese lines, the Inter-European system admitting
15 letters to the word is now in force.
3. You suggest, that the compulsory repetition of figure cyphers should
( 31 )
HONGKONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE,
HONGKONG, 17th August, 1876.
SIR,-I beg, on behalf of this Chamber, to acknowledge with thanks the be abolished. The existing rule, which has been the subject of lung receipt of your letter dated 22nd June in reply to one from this Chamber discussion with the Government Administration, is, I beg to submit ander date of 18th March last.
not only just, but even liberal, and I think you will come to the same conclusion, when you consider not only that the transmission Figure Cyphers occupies a considerable longer time than that ordinary words, but that groups of cyphers may be much more east adopted for secret language than ordinary words. The abuse of the rule by unscrupulous senders, which you refer to, has not escape the attention of the Administrations, and the matter is now under the consideration of the different Governments.
4. You suggest that the cost of garblod messages should be refunded t the sender. This rule existed under the Paris and Vienus Convers tions, but was so greatly abused, that it was found necessary to rescind it, and whilst the different Administrations over whose lines t messages pass are unwilling to admit the principle of refunds, a would hardly be reasonable to expect the Company to effect sud payments, particularly as the errors are seldom committed over it own lines. Your members and the public generally will, howeve know from experience, that the Company endeavours to meet case when errors have been committed as liberally as possible, by having such part of messages which are unintelligible repeated free of charg This is not strictly in accordance with the Convention Rules, but Government Administrations tacitly allow such repetitions, and w no doubt, continue to do so as long as the facility is not abused. In conclusion I beg to say, that much as the Company should have wishe to meet the wishes of your Chamber, it is at present, and for the differers reasons named, not in the power of the Company to do so.
I am, Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
While thanking you for the manner in which you bave dealt with the subjects, this Chamber naturally regrets that your Company is unable to comply with the suggestions made. It ventures, however, to hope that such concessions as seem practicable will, from time to time, be made.
The Managing Director,
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(Signed,)
P. RYRIE,
Chairman.
EASTERN EXTENSION AUSTRALASIA AND CHINA
TELEGRAPH COMPANY, LIMITED.
COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE,
HONGKONG, 2nd August, 1876.
SIR, I am directed to forward you a copy of a letter from the Eastern Extension Australasia and China Telegraph Company, Limited, and to invite your remarks upon the proposals contained therein.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
(Signed,)
J. GARDINER AUSTIN, Colonial Secretary.
To the Honourable PHINEAS RYRIE,
(Signed,)
C. F. TIETGEN, Chairman.
Chairman,
Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce.
283
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