CO129-233 - Acting Governor Cameron - 1887 [6-8] — Page 51

CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 All AI Reviewed
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## Step 1 The given text is an OCR output of a historical record related to Hong Kong, specifically a discussion on the opium trade and legislation around it in the Legislative Council. The task is to proofread this text, correcting errors, and formatting it into standard Markdown. ## Step 2 First, we need to correct spelling errors. Upon reviewing the text, several spelling mistakes are identified, such as "smugling" instead of "smuggling", "neccessary" is not present but "boon indeed, and in fact was almost absolutely necessary" is correctly spelled, "Conncil" instead of "Council", and "TORNEY-GENERAL" seems to be a typo and should be "ATTORNEY-GENERAL". ## Step 3 Next, we need to fix spacing issues, including removing extra spaces and adding missing ones. For example, "a smugling base" should be "a smuggling base", and there are instances where words are run together or have unnecessary spaces between them. ## Step 4 We also need to rejoin broken sentences. The OCR output sometimes splits sentences across lines or columns without logical reason. For instance, the text "Well after consideration, and having regard in making them accept the proposal than any- thing else." seems to be a broken sentence and should be rejoined or corrected for clarity. ## Step 5 Restore paragraph breaks where the OCR has incorrectly merged or split paragraphs. The original text has several paragraphs that need to be reformatted for better readability. ## Step 6 Indicate missing words with `...` if a word is clearly missing due to OCR damage. There are a few instances where words or characters are missing or unclear. ## Step 7 Format the text in Markdown. This includes using headers (#, ##, ###), bold-type (**bold**), and tables using Markdown table syntax where necessary. ## Step 8 Ensure that file references are formatted correctly without any spacing inside parentheses, as per the guidelines. ## Step 9 Page numbering information should be kept as is if it follows the specified format (e.g., "Page 363" appearing three times at the top and three times at the bottom). ## Step 10 Reorder text from newspapers if necessary, to make sense of the content, and reconstruct tables if data is clearly in a table format. ## Step 11 For Chinese text, if writing direction is from right to left, reverse it to left to right to meet modern reading habits. ## Step 12 Finally, output the proofread text in HTML using `

` for paragraphs and `
` only when absolutely necessary. The final answer is:

Committee,

On

a smuggling base. It was thought the proper course was to prevent the export of opium in quantities less than one chest. Every one who has had anything to do with watching the operations of Chinese smugglers knows that they are very fertile in devices for evading customs duties. Well, after consideration, and having regard to the fact also that when the Additional Article came into force, a large portion of the legitimate retail trade would naturally pass to Canton, Fatshan, and other centres, it was thought for legitimate trade it would be enough to allow a small station to be established on the other side of the border where the chests could be taken and broken up.

I am directed to signify that as the dealers have expressed themselves willing to accept the conditions the Committee have no objections to offer." As your Excellency has stated, that was submitted to the Peking Government, and they asked for a modification, that nothing less than chests should go to any port but Canton.

...except in junks—a modification which was absolutely within their own power, they would do, namely, that no opium should be admitted into open ports by steamer except in chests. Atwatow, Amoy, and Poochow no opium is admitted in quantities less than one chest.

Therefore, in asking this, they have only asked that which they have themselves power to order. The Ordinance, as the Attorney-General has said, now comes on for second reading.

A point of difference has been raised not when proposer approved by the Government and others who were consulted before it was submitted. We agreed that it should be recommended to prevent export unless in full chests. Of course it was open to them to make suggestions, and my hon. friend (Hon. C. P. Chater) has put forward what was practically the scheme accepted by China in the first instance. But there are certain surroundings about the present changes which have made the Chinese Government feel that it is much stronger than the first one put forward.

The scheme as put forward now proposes that telegraphic information should be given to the Customs as to the opium delivered. Retailed opium can only be given to the junk masters or the masters of Canton steamers. Immediately opium is delivered to a junk master or steamer, the Customs are to be informed, and there are also arrangements that the Customs should report back to the Government any opium that had left this place and that had not paid duty at the revenue stations.

I think it is due to H.M.'s Minister at Peking and to Sir Robert Hart and his representative here to say that every facility they could put in the way for the modified proposals being accepted have been freely granted. Of course, if it is found the arrangement will not work, the Government will have to fall back on the old plan of full chest export, but whether it works well or not depends chiefly on the good faith of the retail dealers concerned.

If they conduct their business honourably, as they have undertaken through one of the members of Council to do, and through the Chamber of Commerce, there will be no necessity to take the other course, but if they set about devising means to evade the Bill, a stronger measure will have to be brought forward and they will only have themselves to thank.

The Home Government is clearly determined to stop smuggling. The Smuggling Commission which sat in 1882, and whose report has been referred to several times already, said:

They will not receive any opium unless what comes in chests—nor will they part with any except to a junk master or Canton steamer officer—and must have permits for shipment and keep receipts from junk masters. They will keep records, attach certificates of sale, and permit search for deficiency at all times.

There are other conditions, but these are the main ones. Now, there is an absolute definite proposal made by Mr. Chater, that these people should enter into bonds for $5,000.

The great increase which has taken place in the love of Lekin and other taxes upon foreign opium on the Mainland has led, within the last two years, to an organised system of smuggling from the colony to places at some considerable distance within the neighbouring province of Kwangtung.

Bands of men are touring the country, to whom are given a certain number of balls or cakes of opium by dealers in this colony, who undertake to pay the bearer of this opium so many dollars per ball or cake delivered at a named place in the interior.

The Bill was then read a second time.

The ACTING ATTORNEY-GENERAL—I move that we go into Committee on this Bill.

The ACTING COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded.

Hon. A. P. MACEWAN—Before going into Committee, I wish, on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, to ask for a short delay. The Bill has only been circulated to-day, and the members have not had the opportunity of going carefully through it.

The SURVEYOR-GENERAL—Where is the Superintendent's office to be?

The ACTING ATTORNEY-GENERAL—At the Harbour Master's Office for the present.

...

27th May, 1887.

The Council went into Committee on the Opium Bill.

In Section 9, the ACTING ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved an amendment, substituting for the words "Harbour Master," "an officer to be appointed by the Government to be named the Superintendent of Imports and Exports, herein after called the Superintendent."

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## Step 1 The given text is an OCR output of a historical record related to Hong Kong, specifically a discussion on the opium trade and legislation around it in the Legislative Council. The task is to proofread this text, correcting errors, and formatting it into standard Markdown. ## Step 2 First, we need to correct spelling errors. Upon reviewing the text, several spelling mistakes are identified, such as "smugling" instead of "smuggling", "neccessary" is not present but "boon indeed, and in fact was almost absolutely necessary" is correctly spelled, "Conncil" instead of "Council", and "TORNEY-GENERAL" seems to be a typo and should be "ATTORNEY-GENERAL". ## Step 3 Next, we need to fix spacing issues, including removing extra spaces and adding missing ones. For example, "a smugling base" should be "a smuggling base", and there are instances where words are run together or have unnecessary spaces between them. ## Step 4 We also need to rejoin broken sentences. The OCR output sometimes splits sentences across lines or columns without logical reason. For instance, the text "Well after consideration, and having regard in making them accept the proposal than any- thing else." seems to be a broken sentence and should be rejoined or corrected for clarity. ## Step 5 Restore paragraph breaks where the OCR has incorrectly merged or split paragraphs. The original text has several paragraphs that need to be reformatted for better readability. ## Step 6 Indicate missing words with `...` if a word is clearly missing due to OCR damage. There are a few instances where words or characters are missing or unclear. ## Step 7 Format the text in Markdown. This includes using headers (#, ##, ###), bold-type (**bold**), and tables using Markdown table syntax where necessary. ## Step 8 Ensure that file references are formatted correctly without any spacing inside parentheses, as per the guidelines. ## Step 9 Page numbering information should be kept as is if it follows the specified format (e.g., "Page 363" appearing three times at the top and three times at the bottom). ## Step 10 Reorder text from newspapers if necessary, to make sense of the content, and reconstruct tables if data is clearly in a table format. ## Step 11 For Chinese text, if writing direction is from right to left, reverse it to left to right to meet modern reading habits. ## Step 12 Finally, output the proofread text in HTML using `` for paragraphs and `` only when absolutely necessary. The final answer is: Committee, On a smuggling base. It was thought the proper course was to prevent the export of opium in quantities less than one chest. Every one who has had anything to do with watching the operations of Chinese smugglers knows that they are very fertile in devices for evading customs duties. Well, after consideration, and having regard to the fact also that when the Additional Article came into force, a large portion of the legitimate retail trade would naturally pass to Canton, Fatshan, and other centres, it was thought for legitimate trade it would be enough to allow a small station to be established on the other side of the border where the chests could be taken and broken up. I am directed to signify that as the dealers have expressed themselves willing to accept the conditions the Committee have no objections to offer." As your Excellency has stated, that was submitted to the Peking Government, and they asked for a modification, that nothing less than chests should go to any port but Canton. ...except in junks—a modification which was absolutely within their own power, they would do, namely, that no opium should be admitted into open ports by steamer except in chests. Atwatow, Amoy, and Poochow no opium is admitted in quantities less than one chest. Therefore, in asking this, they have only asked that which they have themselves power to order. The Ordinance, as the Attorney-General has said, now comes on for second reading. A point of difference has been raised not when proposer approved by the Government and others who were consulted before it was submitted. We agreed that it should be recommended to prevent export unless in full chests. Of course it was open to them to make suggestions, and my hon. friend (Hon. C. P. Chater) has put forward what was practically the scheme accepted by China in the first instance. But there are certain surroundings about the present changes which have made the Chinese Government feel that it is much stronger than the first one put forward. The scheme as put forward now proposes that telegraphic information should be given to the Customs as to the opium delivered. Retailed opium can only be given to the junk masters or the masters of Canton steamers. Immediately opium is delivered to a junk master or steamer, the Customs are to be informed, and there are also arrangements that the Customs should report back to the Government any opium that had left this place and that had not paid duty at the revenue stations. I think it is due to H.M.'s Minister at Peking and to Sir Robert Hart and his representative here to say that every facility they could put in the way for the modified proposals being accepted have been freely granted. Of course, if it is found the arrangement will not work, the Government will have to fall back on the old plan of full chest export, but whether it works well or not depends chiefly on the good faith of the retail dealers concerned. If they conduct their business honourably, as they have undertaken through one of the members of Council to do, and through the Chamber of Commerce, there will be no necessity to take the other course, but if they set about devising means to evade the Bill, a stronger measure will have to be brought forward and they will only have themselves to thank. The Home Government is clearly determined to stop smuggling. The Smuggling Commission which sat in 1882, and whose report has been referred to several times already, said: They will not receive any opium unless what comes in chests—nor will they part with any except to a junk master or Canton steamer officer—and must have permits for shipment and keep receipts from junk masters. They will keep records, attach certificates of sale, and permit search for deficiency at all times. There are other conditions, but these are the main ones. Now, there is an absolute definite proposal made by Mr. Chater, that these people should enter into bonds for $5,000. The great increase which has taken place in the love of Lekin and other taxes upon foreign opium on the Mainland has led, within the last two years, to an organised system of smuggling from the colony to places at some considerable distance within the neighbouring province of Kwangtung. Bands of men are touring the country, to whom are given a certain number of balls or cakes of opium by dealers in this colony, who undertake to pay the bearer of this opium so many dollars per ball or cake delivered at a named place in the interior. The Bill was then read a second time. The ACTING ATTORNEY-GENERAL—I move that we go into Committee on this Bill. The ACTING COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded. Hon. A. P. MACEWAN—Before going into Committee, I wish, on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, to ask for a short delay. The Bill has only been circulated to-day, and the members have not had the opportunity of going carefully through it. The SURVEYOR-GENERAL—Where is the Superintendent's office to be? The ACTING ATTORNEY-GENERAL—At the Harbour Master's Office for the present. ... 27th May, 1887. The Council went into Committee on the Opium Bill. In Section 9, the ACTING ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved an amendment, substituting for the words "Harbour Master," "an officer to be appointed by the Government to be named the Superintendent of Imports and Exports, herein after called the Superintendent."
Baseline (Original)
[ 4 ] Committee, On a smugling base. It was thought the proper led to a very great deal of adverse criticism, but course was to prevent the export of opium in coming as it did from the importers and retail quantities less than one chest. Every one who traders and with the approval of the Chamber of has had anything to do with watching the opera- Commerce, it was strong evidence to the Chinese Government of the bona fides of the retail tions of Chinese smugglers knows that they are very fertile in devices for evading customs duties, traders, and that no doubt had a better effect Well after consideration, and having regard in making them accept the proposal than any- to the fact also that when the Additional Article thing else. This paper is signed by Mr. Chuter; came into force a large portion of the legitimate and by Mr. Francis, Q. C.. for the retail traders, retail trade would naturally pass to Canton, and by Mr. Brereton for the importers and whole Fatshan, and other centres, it was thought sale opium merchants, and there is this endorse- for legitimate trade it would be enough i went by the Secretary of the Chamber of Commer to allow a small station to be established ce-1 am directed to signify that as the dealers at the other side of the border where the have expressed themselves willing to accept the I am conditions the Committee have no objections to chests could be taken and broken up. bound to say a number of those who are con- offer." As your Excellency bas stated. that was nected with the retail trade objected to submitted to the Peking Government, and they this, but others. on the other hand, said asked for a modification, that nothing less this was a large opium port, this was than chests should go to any port but *xcept in modification junks--a a place where no duty was paid and the opiuma Canton could be stored in large quantities, and what which was absolutely within their own power they would do would be to have a small agency to make if they chose, namely, that no opium at Canton or elsewhere; but it was freely admit should be admitted into open ports by steamer ted that the retail trade that intended to pay except in chests. Atwatow. Amoy, and Poochow duty would be greatly diminished. Of course bo opium is admitted in quantites less than one Therefore, in asking this, they have npless some limitation was imposed the re- chest. tail trade for smuggling would be much in-only asked that which they have themselves creased when the duty was increased. The pro- | power to order. The Ordinance, as the Attoraну posal was altered accordingly, and I must say it General has said, now comes on for second read- I think the usual course at home is that was done by Mr. Brennan and myself and was ing. a point of difference has been raised not urged upon us by Sir Robert Hart. It was when proposer approved by the Government and others who on the second reading, if the were consulted before it was submitted. We of the measure undertakes to introduce the agreed that it should be recommended to pre- amendments suggested in vent export unless in full chests. Of course the that understanding the second reading takes Iti place. On that understanding the Ordinance Legislative Council was not bound by it was open to them to make suggestions, and my whch has been circulated will be practically the hou. friend (Hou. C. P. Chater has put forward Ordinance referred to the Committee. I don't what was practically the scheme accepted by know whether it is really worth while my mak- China in the first instance. But there are eering any further remarks. It seemed to be tain surroundings about the present changes; thought by some that the Commission had not which have made the Chinese Government feel much knowledge of the opium trade here, that that it is much stronger than the first one put they did not know much abont how the trade was forward. The scheme as put forward now pro- conducted in Malwa, Persian, and Turkish opium. poses that telegraphic information should be I think I may safely say every one of them knew given to the Customs as to the opium delivered. that perfectly well, and what is more, the Chinese Retailed opium can only be given to the junk traders and dealers knew that we knew, because masters or the masters of Cauton steamers. lm. I told them that they wore at full liberty to inediately opinm is delivered to a junk master open their chests, weigh and label the opium and or steamer the Customs are to be informed, and repack it, provided that when it went away it there are also arrangements that the Customs wout in fall chests. I don't know that I can nse" should report back to the Gorerament any opium fully say anything more, but in Committee, I on- that had left this place and that had not paid derstand, there are some modifications to be pro- I think it is due to H.M.'s Minister at duty at the revenue stations. I think I had posed perhaps better state the proposals that were put Peking and to Sir Robert Hart and his repre- forward, as I don't think they have been published. sentative here to say that every facility they (1.)-Government to grant licenses to retail at $1 could put in the way for the modified proposals per annum and licensees to give bonds in $5,000 at least being accepted have been freely granted. Of course it it is found the arrangement will not work the Government will have to fall back on the old plan of full chest export, but whether it works well or not depends chiefly on the good faith of the retail dealers con- cerned. If they conduct their business hon- ourably, as they have undertaken through one of the members of Council to do, and through the Chamber of Commerce, there will be no necessity to take the other course, but if they set about devising means to evade the Bill a stronger measure will have to be brought for- ward and they will only have themselves to thank. be home Government is clearly determined stop to. that smuggling shall be put a The Smuggling Commission which sat in 1882, and whose report has been referred to several times already, said: to abide by certain arrangements. They will not receive any opium unless what comes in chests-nor will they part with any except to a junk master or Canton steamer officer--and must bave permita for shipment and keep receipts from junk masters. They will keep records, attach certificates of sale, and permait scarch for deliciency at all times. Thereare other conditions, but these are the main ones. Now there is an absolute definite proposal made by Mr. Chater, that these people should enter into bouds for $5.0 0. In the original draft ac- cepted by the Chinese Government it was ar- ranged that the Opium Farmer himself should take such security from his licensees, and this security would be subject to the approval of the Go ernor in Conne 1. The linenses will only re- ceive properly registered chests from importers, Why that was brought in was this, that of course if he had broken chests, he might hare any quantity of smuggled opium and a great deal could be sold from the same obest. Mr. Chater's plan proposes immediate information to the Chinese Foreign Commissioner at Kow. loon. That is a proposal that has received the I am approval of the Chamber of Commerce. bound to say that if the Government bad ang gested giving information like that it would have | The great increase which has taken place in the love of Lekin and other taxes upon forein opium on the Mainland has led, within the 1st two yeare, to an organised system of swanggling from the colony to places at some considerable distance within the neigh- Bands of men are touring province of Kwangtung. forme, to whom are given a certain number of balls or calea of opium by dealers in this colony, who undertake to par the bearer of this opium so many dollars per ball or cake delivered at a named place in the interior. Anybody who chooses to look at the evidence here bands. The Government had not been able to can find the names of those shops that sent the yield to those objections, but would meet them opium away. I would only repeat that these people thus far, that in order to prevent any delay will have to be very circumspect, if they wish to or diffiealty in having to go to the Opium Far- continue their retail trade, because the bome mer's office, the Government would see that the Government has determined that the disgrace Opium Farmer had an agent at the Superin- of Hongkong, from its nearness to China, being tendent's office to sigu the permits. He thought made a smuggling basis, shall be swept away, and that would in a great measure meet the objec that the Chinese who reside here shall not use it tions made to this clause. The Opium Farmer as a place from which to defraud the revenue of would retain the control it was necessary for their own country. him to have, but his agent would attend at the Government Office. The Bill was then read a second time. The ACTING ATTORNEY-General—I move that we go into Committee on this Bill. The ACTING COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded. Hon. A. P. MACEWAN-Before going into Committee I wish, on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, to ask for a short delay. The Bill has only been circulated to-day, and the members have not had the opportunity of going carefully through it. I myself before coming into the Council this afternoon received a visit from two or three large imp rters of opium. They had no objection at all to the principle of the Bill, but they have certain alterations which they sug- gest should be made in committee. I asked them to put their statements in writing, and if we pro- ceed just now, no time will have been given them to let their views be known. I am quite aware that it is important that the Bill should be pressed forward as quickly as possible, but I would ask you to give us time to consider some of the details. The SURVEYOR-GENERAL-Where is the Su- perintendent's office to be? The ACTING ATTORNEY-GENERAL--At the Harbour Master's Office for the present. The clause was adopted as amended. The ACTING ATT RNEY-GENERAL said, with reference to Clause 12, that an objection had been made that there was no prevision for working on Sundays and holidays; that the clause only per- mitted the landing or shipping of opium, and the delivery of opium from the ship or elsewhere. It had been represented that it would be very great boon indeed, and in fact was almost absolutely necessary, that they should have some means of facilitating the sale and delivery of opium ou Sundays. The Government could not, however, facilitate sale and working on Sundays. But as to holidays, arrangements would be made similar to those made by the Post Office. Hon. A. P. MACEWER-I nuderstood the suggestion was that after the word "ngent," the words "or importer" should be added." The ACTING ATTORNEY-GENERAL-No; I told Mr. Shellim, who came to see me, that was not necessary. The agent of a steamer can Hon. C. P. CHATER--I have much pleasure in seconding the proposition made by the hou member that we do not go into Committee un. till next meeting, which probably might be held at as early a date as your Excellency would like.laud the opium. He has no right now to refuse Friday was then suggested and agreed to. to deliver it. Ou production of the bill of lading The ACTING ATTORNEY-GENERAL-I would ask my hon. friend to communicate to us before the meeting any modifications he may have to suggest in order that we may have an op- portunity of considering them. he is bound to deliver it, and the law here an thorises him to land it. This clauso allows the landing and shipping of opiam if the office is closed, but what is asked for is that the Gov. erument oflice should be open on Sundays to facilitate the moving and selling of opium. That His EXCELLENCY-I wish to impress upon hon. members that as far as I am concerned I cannot be done. lost not one single moment after we had receiv- His EXCELLENCY-No, we could not assent to ed the approval of the Home Government. I that. think you all received the clauses as we proposed In Clause 13, on the motion of the ACTING AÁT- to amend them, together with a circular letter TORNEY-GENERAL, the words " way be" were from the Colonial Secretary, on Saturday. I do inserted before the word" forfeited," in order to not think there was a moment lost. I wish to give the Magistrate a discretion instead of mak- impress upon hon. members the very great in- ing it compulsory for him to forfeit the opium, convenience of any further delay. Yon have no as it might be read. conception how I am pressed from Peking on this subject. It is said that all this delay, all this suspense, must be injurious both to our own interests and also to those of China. Bat this Government has always been so exceeding ly anxious that full time should be given to ventilate every subject that comes before you that although I tell you that it is very hard apon me, for I have to meet great pressure, I have no objection to the Council being adjourn od till Friday, but I hope that in giving in so far we shall try and settle this business on Friday. 27th May, 1887. or With reference to Clause 14, which provides for the keeping of a register by importers, the ACT- ING ATTORNEY-GENERAL said the Government had been asked to make a modification, with respect to the giving of marks and numbers of the Bengal Drug, and such other marks numbers, in the case of other sorts of opium, as the Superintendent might require. But "marks and numbers" were inserted in the scheme which was arrived at between the Government and the petitioners. That scheme was submitted to her Majesty's Minister at Peking. It had been accepted, and this requirement was deemed very necessary. The Government were therefore not in a position to accept the modification proposed. For many reasous it was necessary that marks The Conncil went into Committee on the and numbers should be given. It was in force Opium Bill. at Singapore and was not at all unworkable. In Section 9, the ACTING ATTORNEY- The ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE said there GENERAL mored an amendment, substituting for seemed to be a misapprehension in the minds the words "Harbour Master," "au officer to be of some people that there was no such pro- appointed by the Government to be named the vision at Singapore. Having read the clause of Superintendent of Imports and Exports, herein the Singapore Ordinance dealing with the matter after called the Superintendent." He also said of marks, be said there really could be no difficulty it had been represented that if permits had to in declaring the marks and numbers, becausa só be exhibited at the Opium Farmer's office, great far as Bengal Opium was concerned all the cases delay, embarrassment, and difficulties might bore Government marks and numbers and it be experienced by the purchasers and sellers, jould be very easy for a clerk to take down tho It had been represented that these duties numbers. In fact he taught the merchant should not be entrusted to the Opium Farmer, storing the cases would have had that dose for that it would be placing too much power in his his own protection. With regard to Malwa 47
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[ 4 ]

Committee,

On

a smugling base. It was thought the proper led to a very great deal of adverse criticism, but course was to prevent the export of opium in coming as it did from the importers and retail quantities less than one chest. Every one who traders and with the approval of the Chamber of has had anything to do with watching the opera- Commerce, it was strong evidence to the Chinese Government of the bona fides of the retail tions of Chinese smugglers knows that they are very fertile in devices for evading customs duties, traders, and that no doubt had a better effect Well after consideration, and having regard in making them accept the proposal than any- to the fact also that when the Additional Article thing else. This paper is signed by Mr. Chuter; came into force a large portion of the legitimate and by Mr. Francis, Q. C.. for the retail traders, retail trade would naturally pass to Canton, and by Mr. Brereton for the importers and whole Fatshan, and other centres, it was thought sale opium merchants, and there is this endorse- for legitimate trade it would be enough i went by the Secretary of the Chamber of Commer to allow a small station to be established ce-1 am directed to signify that as the dealers at the other side of the border where the have expressed themselves willing to accept the I am conditions the Committee have no objections to chests could be taken and broken up. bound to say a number of those who are con- offer." As your Excellency bas stated. that was nected with the retail trade objected to submitted to the Peking Government, and they this, but others. on the other hand, said asked for a modification, that nothing less this was a large opium port, this was than chests should go to any port but

*xcept in

modification junks--a a place where no duty was paid and the opiuma Canton could be stored in large quantities, and what which was absolutely within their own power they would do would be to have a small agency to make if they chose, namely, that no opium at Canton or elsewhere; but it was freely admit should be admitted into open ports by steamer ted that the retail trade that intended to pay except in chests. Atwatow. Amoy, and Poochow duty would be greatly diminished. Of course bo opium is admitted in quantites less than one Therefore, in asking this, they have npless some limitation was imposed the re- chest. tail trade for smuggling would be much in-only asked that which they have themselves creased when the duty was increased. The pro- | power to order. The Ordinance, as the Attoraну posal was altered accordingly, and I must say it General has said, now comes on for second read- I think the usual course at home is that was done by Mr. Brennan and myself and was ing.

a point of difference has been raised not urged upon us by Sir Robert Hart. It was when

proposer approved by the Government and others who on the second reading, if the were consulted before it was submitted. We of the measure undertakes to introduce the agreed that it should be recommended to pre- amendments suggested in vent export unless in full chests. Of course the that understanding the second reading takes Iti place. On that understanding the Ordinance Legislative Council was not bound by it was open to them to make suggestions, and my whch has been circulated will be practically the hou. friend (Hou. C. P. Chater has put forward Ordinance referred to the Committee. I don't what was practically the scheme accepted by know whether it is really worth while my mak- China in the first instance. But there are eering any further remarks. It seemed to be tain surroundings about the present changes; thought by some that the Commission had not which have made the Chinese Government feel much knowledge of the opium trade here, that that it is much stronger than the first one put they did not know much abont how the trade was forward. The scheme as put forward now pro- conducted in Malwa, Persian, and Turkish opium. poses that telegraphic information should be I think I may safely say every one of them knew given to the Customs as to the opium delivered. that perfectly well, and what is more, the Chinese Retailed opium can only be given to the junk traders and dealers knew that we knew, because masters or the masters of Cauton steamers. lm. I told them that they wore at full liberty to inediately opinm is delivered to a junk master open their chests, weigh and label the opium and or steamer the Customs are to be informed, and repack it, provided that when it went away it there are also arrangements that the Customs wout in fall chests. I don't know that I can nse" should report back to the Gorerament any opium fully say anything more, but in Committee, I on- that had left this place and that had not paid derstand, there are some modifications to be pro- I think it is due to H.M.'s Minister at duty at the revenue stations. I think I had posed perhaps better state the proposals that were put Peking and to Sir Robert Hart and his repre- forward, as I don't think they have been published. sentative here to say that every facility they (1.)-Government to grant licenses to retail at $1 could put in the way for the modified proposals per annum and licensees to give bonds in $5,000 at least being accepted have been freely granted. Of course it it is found the arrangement will not work the Government will have to fall back on the old plan of full chest export, but whether it works well or not depends chiefly on the good faith of the retail dealers con- cerned. If they conduct their business hon- ourably, as they have undertaken through one of the members of Council to do, and through the Chamber of Commerce, there will be no necessity to take the other course, but if they set about devising means to evade the Bill a stronger measure will have to be brought for- ward and they will only have themselves to thank. be home Government is clearly determined stop to. that smuggling shall be put a The Smuggling Commission which sat in 1882, and whose report has been referred to several times already, said:

to abide by certain arrangements.

They will not receive any opium unless what comes in chests-nor will they part with any except to a junk master or Canton steamer officer--and must bave permita for shipment and keep receipts from junk masters. They will keep records, attach certificates of sale, and permait scarch for deliciency at all times. Thereare other conditions, but these are the main ones. Now there is an absolute definite proposal made by Mr. Chater, that these people should enter into bouds for $5.0 0. In the original draft ac- cepted by the Chinese Government it was ar- ranged that the Opium Farmer himself should take such security from his licensees, and this security would be subject to the approval of the Go ernor in Conne 1. The linenses will only re- ceive properly registered chests from importers, Why that was brought in was this, that of course if he had broken chests, he might hare any quantity of smuggled opium and a great deal could be sold from the same obest. Mr. Chater's plan proposes immediate information to the Chinese Foreign Commissioner at Kow. loon. That is a proposal that has received the I am approval of the Chamber of Commerce. bound to say that if the Government bad ang gested giving information like that it would have

|

The great increase which has taken place in the love of Lekin and other taxes upon forein opium on the Mainland has led, within the 1st two yeare, to an organised system of swanggling from the colony to places at some considerable distance within the neigh- Bands of men are touring province of Kwangtung. forme, to whom are given a certain number of balls or calea of opium by dealers in this colony, who undertake to par the bearer of this opium so many dollars per ball or cake delivered at a named place in the interior.

Anybody who chooses to look at the evidence here bands. The Government had not been able to can find the names of those shops that sent the yield to those objections, but would meet them opium away. I would only repeat that these people thus far, that in order to prevent any delay will have to be very circumspect, if they wish to or diffiealty in having to go to the Opium Far- continue their retail trade, because the bome mer's office, the Government would see that the Government has determined that the disgrace Opium Farmer had an agent at the Superin- of Hongkong, from its nearness to China, being tendent's office to sigu the permits. He thought made a smuggling basis, shall be swept away, and that would in a great measure meet the objec that the Chinese who reside here shall not use it tions made to this clause. The Opium Farmer as a place from which to defraud the revenue of would retain the control it was necessary for their own country.

him to have, but his agent would attend at the Government Office.

The Bill was then read a second time. The ACTING ATTORNEY-General—I move that we go into Committee on this Bill.

The ACTING COLONIAL SECRETARY seconded. Hon. A. P. MACEWAN-Before going into Committee I wish, on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, to ask for a short delay. The Bill has only been circulated to-day, and the members have not had the opportunity of going carefully through it. I myself before coming into the Council this afternoon received a visit from two or three large imp rters of opium. They had no objection at all to the principle of the Bill, but they have certain alterations which they sug- gest should be made in committee. I asked them to put their statements in writing, and if we pro- ceed just now, no time will have been given them to let their views be known. I am quite aware that it is important that the Bill should be pressed forward as quickly as possible, but I would ask you to give us time to consider some of the details.

The SURVEYOR-GENERAL-Where is the Su- perintendent's office to be?

The ACTING ATTORNEY-GENERAL--At the Harbour Master's Office for the present. The clause was adopted as amended. The ACTING ATT RNEY-GENERAL said, with reference to Clause 12, that an objection had been made that there was no prevision for working on Sundays and holidays; that the clause only per- mitted the landing or shipping of opium, and the delivery of opium from the ship or elsewhere. It had been represented that it would be very great boon indeed, and in fact was almost absolutely necessary, that they should have some means of facilitating the sale and delivery of opium ou Sundays. The Government could not, however, facilitate sale and working on Sundays. But as to holidays, arrangements would be made similar to those made by the Post Office.

Hon. A. P. MACEWER-I nuderstood the suggestion was that after the word "ngent," the words "or importer" should be added."

The ACTING ATTORNEY-GENERAL-No; I told Mr. Shellim, who came to see me, that was not necessary. The agent of a steamer can

Hon. C. P. CHATER--I have much pleasure in seconding the proposition made by the hou member that we do not go into Committee un. till next meeting, which probably might be held at as early a date as your Excellency would like.laud the opium. He has no right now to refuse Friday was then suggested and agreed to. to deliver it. Ou production of the bill of lading

The ACTING ATTORNEY-GENERAL-I would ask my hon. friend to communicate to us before the meeting any modifications he may have to suggest in order that we may have an op- portunity of considering them.

he is bound to deliver it, and the law here an thorises him to land it. This clauso allows the landing and shipping of opiam if the office is closed, but what is asked for is that the Gov. erument oflice should be open on Sundays to facilitate the moving and selling of opium. That

His EXCELLENCY-I wish to impress upon hon. members that as far as I am concerned I cannot be done. lost not one single moment after we had receiv-

His EXCELLENCY-No, we could not assent to

ed the approval of the Home Government. I that. think you all received the clauses as we proposed In Clause 13, on the motion of the ACTING AÁT- to amend them, together with a circular letter TORNEY-GENERAL, the words "

way be"

were

from the Colonial Secretary, on Saturday. I do inserted before the word" forfeited," in order to not think there was a moment lost. I wish to give the Magistrate a discretion instead of mak- impress upon hon. members the very great in- ing it compulsory for him to forfeit the opium, convenience of any further delay. Yon have no as it might be read. conception how I am pressed from Peking on this subject. It is said that all this delay, all this suspense, must be injurious both to our own interests and also to those of China. Bat this Government has always been so exceeding ly anxious that full time should be given to ventilate every subject that comes before you that although I tell you that it is very hard apon me, for I have to meet great pressure, I have no objection to the Council being adjourn od till Friday, but I hope that in giving in so far we shall try and settle this business on Friday.

27th May, 1887.

or

With reference to Clause 14, which provides for the keeping of a register by importers, the ACT- ING ATTORNEY-GENERAL said the Government had been asked to make a modification, with respect to the giving of marks and numbers of the Bengal Drug, and such other marks

numbers, in the case of other sorts of opium, as the Superintendent might require. But "marks and numbers" were inserted in the scheme which was arrived at between the Government and the petitioners. That scheme was submitted to her Majesty's Minister at Peking. It had been accepted, and this requirement was deemed very necessary. The Government were therefore not in a position to accept the modification proposed. For many reasous it was necessary that marks

The Conncil went into Committee on the and numbers should be given. It was in force Opium Bill.

at Singapore and was not at all unworkable. In Section 9, the ACTING ATTORNEY- The ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE said there GENERAL mored an amendment, substituting for seemed to be a misapprehension in the minds the words "Harbour Master," "au officer to be of some people that there was no such pro- appointed by the Government to be named the vision at Singapore. Having read the clause of Superintendent of Imports and Exports, herein the Singapore Ordinance dealing with the matter after called the Superintendent." He also said of marks, be said there really could be no difficulty it had been represented that if permits had to in declaring the marks and numbers, becausa só be exhibited at the Opium Farmer's office, great far as Bengal Opium was concerned all the cases delay, embarrassment, and difficulties might bore Government marks and numbers and it be experienced by the purchasers and sellers, jould be very easy for a clerk to take down tho It had been represented that these duties numbers. In fact he taught the merchant should not be entrusted to the Opium Farmer, storing the cases would have had that dose for that it would be placing too much power in his his own protection. With regard to Malwa

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