CO129-307 - Governor Sir Blake - 1901 [10-12] — Page 291

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COPI

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Vemorandum with regard to taxation on produce, moving via the Inland Waterways of the Liang Kuang, between Chinese and noD-

Chinese Ports."

Almost as soon as the feat River was open-

ed to foreign trade complaints arose that the regulations, framed to control the traffic, were not adapted to local conditions. And, when on the opening of the Inland Waters to steamnavigation the introduction of a double set of rules enhanced the disabilities, under which British Steamers laboured, the outcry became more pronounced. The burden of the plaint of the British Shipowner is that he cannot do what Chinese vessels, supposed to be runalag under the same rules and regulations as his own boats, are permitted to do, and that in the words of His Majesty's Consul at Tuchow "he has to employ 2 separate vans to deliver his goods in the same streat" what is wanted is an equitable and uniform set of regulations which will not interfere with the legitimate traffic on the one hand, aor adversely affect revenue interests on the other.

Prior to suggesting some remedy, it would perhaps be useful to give a short statement, setting forth existing conditions, at the same time calling attention to some of the anomalies complained of.

A.

1.

International Trade.

Foreign goods carried in vessels of foreign type Chinese or Chinese owned or carried in foreign owned vessels of Chinese type, can only be taken to Treaty Ports or stages. They at the Treaty Ports, pay import duty, and at the stages import duty, plas likin unless covered by transit pass. They are not allowed to carry goods under transit pass to any polat except the regular stages. (There would seen to be no reason for a restriction of this kind.)

Foreign owned vessels can be towed by Steamers Chinese or Foreign, Chinese owned vessels can only be towed by Chinese Steamers. (Why should not foreign Steamers be allowed to tow native oraft ?)

Vessels being towed or having other vessels in tow, are not allowed to trade at the stages. (Why not? It surely makes no dif- ference whether a vessel has its means of propulsion inside or outside, and if the Steamer can trade at a stage, why should not oraft towed by Steamers, trade there too ? As will be shown later on Chinese towing launches stop anywhere and everywhere and are not interfered with. The stereotyped objection to conceding to towing vessels the right of trading at the stages is that the practice of sunggling is thereby facilitated. But, given the intention to smuggle, it is just as easy for a Steamer to do so, as it would be for a towing vessel.)

2.