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variance with the original text, as agreed upon between yourself and the Governor- General Chang at Wuchang, in terms of which it was understood that, when Ching shall have drawn up new Mining Rules, all holders of mining concessions shall art conformity therewith.
We would therefore request that you alter the English text accordingly.
(Cards of Lu Hai-huan and Sheng Hsüan-huai.)
Your Excellencies,
Inclosure 6 in No. 1.
Sir J. Mackay to Chinese Commissioners.
Shanghae, August 29, 1902. IN answer to your letter giving despatch from Viceroy Chang Chih-tung about the mining Article No. IX in the new Treaty, I would point out the English text is exactly in accordance with that agreed at Wuchang. It would not be possible, I would venture to suggest, to apply new Mining Rules to concessions already granted by China unless with the consent of the concessionnaires.
(Translation.) (Telegraphic.)
I have, &c.
(Signed) JAS. L. MACKAY.
Inclosure 7 in No. 1.
Grand Council, Peking, to Chinese Commissioners.
[Undated.]
THE following Imperial Decree has been issued :-- "We yesterday had addressed to us by Liu K'un-i and Chang Chih-tung, a tele- graphic Memorial wherein they announced that they had concluded with the British Envoy Mackay the whole of the negotiations in connection with the Treaty of Commerce.
66
As these two Governors-General, in their joint Memorial, state that they have, after repeated careful consideration, arrived at a definite settlement, let Lü Hai-huan and Sheng Hsüan-huai, being on the spot, affix their signatures (to the Treaty)."
Inclosure 8 in No. 1.
Grand Council to Chinese Commissioners, the Governor-General at Wuchany, and the Governor-General at Nanking.
THE Grand Council has received the following Decree on the 29th August :-
Peking, August 29, 1902. The institution of li-kia taxation in aid of revenue purposes was an inevitable necessity, created by military exigencies. Although the sums therefrom realized have of late years been very considerable, the Wei Yuans (overseers and runners) have failed to conduct themselves with perfect propriety-have delayed and obstructed merchants--- and their actions have given rise to innumerable abuses. The Throne, having regard for the ills of its subjects, has long had the intention of sweeping away all administrative evils. It has now drawn up new Commercial Treaties with the foreign Powers, in terms of which it has been agreed to increase the import duties on foreign goods and the export duties on native produce. The uniform abolition of all stations and barriers throughout the provinces is accordingly ordered to take place immediately, and no li-kin is hereafter to be collected. The Board of Revenue will without delay communicate with the provinces and find out what proportion of expenses (Ching-fei) has to be remitted to Peking and what proportion retained for provincial use. They will also report as to how the proceeds of the increased duties, after the abolition of li-kin has taken place, shall be apportioned to make good the loss of revenue. Measures must be adopted beforehand, so that when the scheme comes into operation, application can be made to the Throne for action to be taken accordingly.
Translation.)
Your Excellency,
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Inclosure 9 in No. 1.
Chinese Commissioners to Sir J. Mackay.
443
your
Shanghae, August 31, 1902. A QUESTION having arisen as to whether the expression "permanently abolished in Section 1 of Article VIII, which was discussed and agreed upon between Excellency and Viceroy Chang Chih-tang at Wuchang, has been adequately expressed the Chinese version, we understand that, according to the interpretation given by your Excellency and your Excellency's Associate Commissioner, Mr. Jamieson, the expression means that the stations referred to, having been abolished, shall not be re-established so long as the engagements expressed in Article VIII of the new Treaty remain in force; and with your Excellency's consent, we will now place this interpretation of the expres sion on record, with a view to the avoidance of disputes in the future.
We have, &c. (Sealed)
Gentlemen,
Inclosure 10 in No. 1.
LU HAI-HUAN. SHENG HSÜAN-HUAI.
Sir J. Mackay to Chinese Commissioners.
ל
Shanghae, August 31, 1902. IN answer to your letter of this date, I have the pleasure to inform you that I understand the words "permanently abolished" to mean that once Article VIII of the Treaty comes into operation, li-kin stations, &c., prohibited by the Article shall be abolished never to be re-instated, so long as the said Article forms part of the Treaty between Great Britain and China.
(Translation.)
I have, &c.
(Signed) JAS. L. MACKAY.
Inclosure 11 in No. 1.
Chinese Commissioners to Sir J. Mackay.
Shanghae, August 31, 1902. WE have the honour to inform you that we have received a telegram from the Wai-wu Pu, dated yesterday, wherein we are instructed to remove from the Inland Water Regulations the clause relating to postal matters.
We have accordingly made the necessary alteration in the Chinese text, and would beg you to cancel the provision in the English text.
(Cards of Li Hai-huan and Sheng Hsuan-Huai.)
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