[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
2
The Committee feel strongly that the interests both of this Colony and of British trade are being endangered by this delay, and that British prestige is also suffering from the apparent want of enterprise on the part of the British Syndicate. There is, moreover, in the background a further but no less real danger, to which the late Governor of Hong Kong (Sir Henry Blake) forcibly alluded in his farewell speech to the community, on the eve of his departure for Ceylon on the 20th ultimo. After referring to the sanitary progress of the Colony, his Excellency said:—
"But great as is the importance of the structural improvement of Hong Kong, there is a matter of greater and more pressing moment that I wish to bring forcibly before you in these last moments before I leave your shores. That is the pressing necessity of utilizing the British Concession that has been granted for a railway from Canton to the borders of our territory. That Concession has been granted to a British Syndicate, and it is their duty to utilize it, and to supply the natural sea-port terminus to the great arterial line to Hankow, lest possible developments be sought inimical to the interests of Hong Kong. We have not built up our Empire by being laggards in the race for developments necessary for the expansion of the trade of the world, and letting 'I dare not' wait upon 'I would' has never conquered a position nor retained it for either men or nations."
These sentences were most earnestly indorsed by the assembly addressed, and a very real anxiety now prevails in Hong Kong on this subject. Much discussion has ensued thereon; and it is understood that the engineering difficulties to be encountered on the first 10 miles of the route through British territory have potentially contributed to cause the delay in commencing the undertaking. My Committee would like here to suggest a plan which, in their opinion, would assist to ensure the railway being remunerative.
Instead of following the route which is generally believed to have been selected, it is, in the opinion of those who know the country, desirable that the line should, after passing Sainchun, proceed along that valley towards Kai Kong and Pu-Kak, crossing a small ridge to the west until it strikes a tributary of the East River. From thence, following up this latter valley, the line should run north to Kon Lan, and from there through a fertile country up to Sheklung, a populous town in the Tungkun district. The East River would have to be crossed near Sheklung, and the line should then take a direction due west towards Canton, through a densely inhabited district. Between Sheklung and Canton some bridging would be necessary, owing to the creeks and tributaries, but none requiring a large span, with the exception of that across the East River near the former place.
As a lucrative feeder to this main line, and as essential to the development of trade with Waichow, I would suggest that a branch be laid from Sheklung to Waichow. It would be only about 30 miles in length, and its construction would be comparatively simple. The country is flat, and the streams to be crossed are narrow and could be bridged at small cost. The estimated total length of the railway from Kowloon to Canton, if laid on the above route, is about 100 miles, making, with the proposed branch to Waichow, some 130 miles in all. They would traverse a country teeming with population and rich in natural products. They would clash with no vested interests, such as the river Steam-boat Companies, for they would not follow the same line of country, and they would not even touch at Whampoa, which is already well served by the great waterway on which it is situated.
The enterprise is a tempting one in spite of some engineering difficulties in the new territory, and if these are regarded as so serious as to constitute a drawback, perhaps His Majesty's Government might be induced to assist, either by a grant of money or land, or by a guarantee. In any event, no trifling obstacle of this kind should be allowed to delay the construction of this railway, so vital to British interests.
Now that French agents are so actively creating French interests and promoting French prestige in the Two Kwang, by subsidizing steam-boats on the rivers, extending railways to the frontiers, establishing banks, mercantile agencies, hospitals, and post-offices, no time should be lost, no money spared to maintain that paramount position in Kwangtung Great Britain has hitherto enjoyed, but which may easily be imperilled if parsimony, timidity, or want of patriotic spirit are allowed to prevail.
Trusting that your Committee will take up this urgent question with the promptitude and vigour needed to secure for it that immediate attention so greatly desired here, I am, &c.
(Signed) R. CHATTERTON WILCOX,
Chairman.
1
CHINA TRADE.
CONFIDENTIAL.
No. 1.
145
[March 12.]
SECTION 1.
Sir E. Satow to the Marquess of Lansdowne.—(Received March 12.)
(No. 18.) My Lord,
Peking, January 18, 1904. WITH reference to the inquiry contained in the last paragraph of your Lordship's despatch No. 334 of the 31st October, 1903, I have the honour to transmit herewith copy of a despatch from the Acting British Consul-General at Canton respecting action which is being taken with a view to the opening of the port of Kongmoon to foreign trade.
Mr. Campbell states that he hopes shortly to visit Kongmoon, when he will be in a position to report fully on the subject.
I have, &c. (Signed)
ERNEST SATOW.
(No. 1.) Sir,
Inclosure in No. 1.
Acting Consul-General Campbell to Sir E. Satow.
Canton, January 2, 1904. WITH reference to your despatch No. 30 of the 18th December, 1903, Mr. Morse, the Commissioner of Customs, informs me that the commander of the revenue cruiser "Fei-hoo" is surveying the approaches and possible anchorages at Kongmoon and will soon deliver his Report, and that he himself has drawn up a scheme for a foreign settlement based on that of Yochow.
I am making inquiries, through the British shipping firms interested in Hong Kong and here, and when His Majesty's ship "Moorhen" arrives (she is expected in a few days), I shall endeavour to arrange a personal visit to Kongmoon to inspect the place. I hope to be able to report fully to you in about a fortnight.
I have, &c. (Signed) C. W. CAMPBELL.
[1878 m-1]
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
2
The Committee feel strongly that the interests both of this Colony and of British trade are being endangered by this delay, and that British prestige is also suffering from the apparent want of enterprise on the part of the British Syndicate. There is, moreover, in the background a furthar but no less real danger, to which the late Governor of Hong Kong (Sir Henry Blake) forcibly alluded in his farewell speech to the community, on the eve of his departure for Ceylon on the 20th ultimo. After referring to the sanitary progress of the Colony, his Excellency said :---
"But great as is the importance of the structural improvement of Hong Kong, there is a matter of greater and more pressing moment that I wish to bring forcibly before you in these last moments before I leave your shores. That is the pressing necessity of utilizing the British Concession that has been granted for a railway from Canton to the borders of our territory. That Concession has been granted to a British Syndicate, and it is their duty to utilize it, and to supply the natural sea-port terminus to the great arterial line to Hankow, lest possible developments be sought inimical to the interests of Hong Kong. We have not built up our Empire by being laggards in the race for developments necessary for the expansion of the trade of the world, and letting I dare not wait upon 1 would' has never conquered a position nor retained it for either men or nations."
These sentences were most earnestly indorsed by the assembly addressed, and a very real anxiety now prevails in Hong Kong on this subject. Much discussion has ensued thereon; and it is understood that the engineering difficulties to be encountered on the first 10 miles of the route through British territory have potentially contributed to cause the delay in commencing the undertaking, my Committee would like here to suggest a plan which, in their opinion, would assist to insure the railway being remunerative.
Instead of following the route which is generally believed to have been selected, it is, in the opinion of those who know the country, desirable that the line should, after passing Sainchun, proceed along that valley towards Kai Kong and Pu-Kak, crossing a small ridge to the west until it strikes a tributary of the East River. From thence, following up this latter valley, the line should run north to Kon Lan, and from there through a fertile country up to Sheklung, a populous town in the Tungkun district. The East River would have to be crossed near Sheklung, and the line should then take a direction due west towards Canton, through a densely inhabited district. Between Sheklung and Canton some bridging would be necessary, owing to the creeks and tributaries, but none requiring a large span, with the exception of that across the East River near the former place.
As a lucrative feeder to this main line, and as essential to the development of trade with Walchow, I would suggest that a branch be laid from Sheklung to Waichow. It would be only about 30 miles in length, and its construction would be comparatively simple. The country is flat, and the streams to be crossed are narrow and could be bridged at small cost. The estimated total length of the railway from Kowloon to Canton, if laid on the above route, is about 100 miles, making, with the proposed branch to Walchow, some 130 miles in all. They would traverse a country teeming with population and rich in natural products. They would clash with no vested interests, such as the river Steam-boat Companies, for they would not follow the same line of country, and they would not even touch at Whampoa, which is already well served by the great waterway on which it is situated.
The enterprise is a tempting one in spite of some engineering difficulties in the new territory, and if these are regarded as so serious as to constitute a diawback, perhaps His Majesty's Government might be induced to assist, either by a grant of money or land, ot by a guarantee. In any event, no trifling obstacle of this kind should be allowed to delay the construction of this railway, so vital to British interests.
Now that French agents are so actively creating French interests and promoting French prestige in the Two Kwang, by subsidizing steam-boats on the rivers, extending railways to the frontiers, establishing banks, mercantile agencies, hospitals, and post-offices, no time should be lost, no money spared to maintain that paramount position in Kwangtung Great Britain has hitherto enjoyed, but which may easily be imperilled if parsimony, timidity, or want of patriotic spirit are allowed to prevail.
Trusting that your Committee will take up this urgent question with the promptitude and vigour needed to secure for it that immediate attention so greatly desired here, am, &c.
(Signed) R. CHATTERTON WILCOX,
I
CHINA TRADE.
CONFIDENTIAL.
No. 1.
145
[March 12.]
SECTION 1.
Sir E. Satow to the Marquess of Lansdowne.--(Received March 12.)
(No. 18.) My Lord,
Peking, January 18, 1904. WITH reference to the inquiry contained in the last paragraph of your Lordship's despatch No. 334 of the 31st October, 1903, I have the honour to transmit herewith copy of a despatch from the Acting British Consul-General at Canton respecting action which is being taken with a view to the opening of the port of Kongmoon to foreign trade.
Mr. Campbell states that he hopes shortly to visit Kongmoon, when he will be in a position to report fully on the subject.
I have, &c. (Signed)
(No. 1.) Sir,
Inclosure in No. 1.
ERNEST SATOW.
Acting Consul-General Campbell to Sir E. Satow.
Canton, January 2, 1904. WITH reference to your despatch No. 30 of the 18th December, 1903, Mr. Morse, the Commissiouer of Customs, informs me that the commander of the revenue cruiser "Fei-hoo" is surveying the approaches and possible anchorages at Kongmoon and will soon deliver his Report, and that he himself has drawn up a scheme for a foreign settlement based on that of Yochon.
I am making inquiries, through the British shipping firms interested in Hong Kong and here, and when His Majesty's ship "Moorhen" arrives (she is expected in a few days), I shall endeavour to arrange a personal visit to Kongmoon to inspect the place. hope to be able to report fully to you in about a fortnight.
[1878 m-1]
I have, &c. (Signed) C. W. CAMPBELL.
Chairman.
recently
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.