2
the proposed erection of hauling appliances as prejudicing their Treaty right to undertake such works themselves. I learn on good authority that the Japanese are actually working on a scheme of steam navigation on the Upper Yang-tsze on similar lines to the one now under consideration by the French,
Mr. Meischke-Smith's system is briefly as follows:—
Powerful light draft tugs, steaming 14 knots, will tow steel barges of about 150 tons capacity, or native junks, between Ichang and Chungking. At each rapid the tug-boat and her lighter will be taken in tow by a rapid-boat of the Lombard-Gérin type as used on the River Rhône. One of these boats, named "toueurs," will be stationed at all the principal rapids. Their method of traction is similar to that of the spider, and consists in warping themselves up the rapid by means of a cable attached to a point at the head of the rapid, and letting themselves down by unwinding the cable. Going up vessels are towed astern; going down they are lashed alongside. The tow ropes, being attached to the bow of the "toucur," give her liberty to steer, and thus enable her to keep in mid-stream and avoid the dangers attending a tow line worked from the bank. It is hoped that this system will not necessitate the erection of any hauling appliances on shore, and consequently interfere as little as possible with the junk traffic.
The French naval authorities have placed Captain Plant, their Upper Yang-tsze pilot, at the disposal of the Company. Captain Plant, who has for the past five years successfully navigated the rapids on trading-steamer, gun-boat, and junk, and who is therefore well qualified to judge of the possibilities of steam navigation on these waters, has, in a written Report, expressed his opinion that the proposed system is quite feasible. He will probably proceed to Europe as soon as he has taken the French gun-boat "Olry," now in port, up to Chungking for the purpose of studying the Lombard-Gérin "touage du Rhône," which has now been for over ten years in successful operation on that river. On his return he will be placed in charge of the Company's steamers. These vessels will fly the French flag, but Mr. Smith informs me that at least 75 per cent of the Company's personnel, captains, agents, &c., will be British. The "toueurs" will be built in France, the steam-tugs and barges in England and Shanghae. It is estimated that when the system is in proper working order a steamer and one or two tows will make the journey from Ichang to Chungking in ten days, travelling down in five days, say, twelve round trips per annum, as compared with the two round trips made at present by the ordinary cargo junk.
The scheme, if it proves a success, will mean a complete revolution in the Upper Yang-tsze trade. To the objection—which will probably be urged by the Chinese authorities that artificial haulage over the rapids will throw some thousands of trackers out of employment, the Company reply that, speaking generally, increased facilities for trade will provide increased employment for the population of the Upper Yang-tsze, and that, in particular, the development of the coal-mining industry in Szechuan, at present paralyzed by inadequate means of transport, will provide more than sufficient work for the unskilled labour of the province.
The towing system, if extended to the Middle Yang-tsze, as is in contemplation, will undoubtedly prove a serious competitor to the British and other Steam-ship Companies at present engaged in the trade. But, quite apart from the fact that the energies of the new Company, even should the sanguine projects of its agent be realized, will be fully occupied for some time to come in developing their business on the Upper River, I do not think that the British shipping Companies are likely to suffer any loss. In increased cargo they should find compensation for reduced rates of freight, and there seems no reason why the British and French shipping interests on the Upper Yang-tsze should not successfully combine against their powerful rivals the Japanese. The Asiatic Petroleum Company, in which British capital is largely interested, have very strong reasons for wishing the scheme well and according it their financial support, as I understand they are doing. Since their unsuccessful attempt a few years ago to compete with the Standard Oil Company in Szechuan, American oil has enjoyed an undisturbed monopoly in that important market. With steam towage in working order, the former Company will be able to send up their oil in bulk, pack it in new tins and cases at Chungking, and probably drive the American product out of the market. I understand that arrangements are now being made to send up regular shipments by junk in order to make the brand known.
Mr. Smith is now on his way to Canton, whence he will proceed up the West River to inspect the Company's oil tank installations at Samshui and Wuchow. If the Regulations to be issued by the Imperial Maritime Customs for the new service prove to be satisfactory, he will notify the Chinese Government, through the French
3
Minister, of the Syndicate's intentions, and then, if all goes well, he hopes to have the first steamer running on the river before the summer of next year.
I am forwarding this despatch under flying seal to His Majesty's Consul-General at Hankow, and am sending a copy to His Majesty's Consuls at Chungking and Chengtu.
I have, &c. (Signed) HARRY H. FOX.
The real obstacle to steam navigation on the Upper Yang-tsze has been the impossibility of insuring paying cargoes. Piece-goods and yarn are too bulky to bear high freight, and the Szechuan dealers have not cared about their being quickly forwarded. From the west opium and silk, musk, and other valuables come down very speedily in small parcels by "wupan," a system that distributes the risk of loss. Other difficulties have been the questions of coal and repairs en route. The present scheme does not seem sure to get over the above objections.
On the Ichang run towing would, I presume, have been tried had it been likely to prove advantageous, and there is no reason why the French Company should monopolize it now or should refuse to take any cargo but that brought up in French bottoms on either section of the river.
E. H. FRASER.
Hankow, April 12, 1906
(Signed)
Inclosure 2 in No. 1.
Consul Fox to Mr. Carnegie.
(No. 11.) Sir,
Ichang, May 18, 1906. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge receipt of Sir Ernest Satow's despatch No. 3 of the 23rd ultimo on the subject of steam navigation on the Upper Yang-tsze. I should have replied before this, but have been waiting to see the newly appointed Ichang Taotai, Sun Ting-lin, formerly Opium Taotai at this port, and learn from him the exact state of affairs with regard to the proposed upkeep of tracking paths and erection of hauling appliances at the rapids. Sun Taotai, who took over charge at Kingchow on the 26th ultimo, was expected to visit Ichang on or about the 1st May. He has, however, been obliged to proceed to Wuchang on business connected with the proposed transfer of the opium li-kin collectorate from Ichang to Chungking, and has not yet returned to his post.
My authorities for the statement that the Japanese Government had objected to the erection of hauling appliances on the rapids by the Chinese authorities were the Commissioner of Customs here and the Deputy Chang Te-ping. According to information confidentially obtained by Mr. Wolf, and subsequently corroborated by the Deputy, the proposed levy of junk fees for the above purpose had been referred by the Japanese Consul at Shasi to his Legation, and by them to the Foreign Office in Tokio. The latter had refused their consent to the scheme, and, although the ground of their objection had not transpired, it seemed more than likely that the Japanese Government did not wish to commit themselves to a proposal which might interfere with Japanese enterprise in the same direction. My statement that the Japanese were actually working on some scheme of the kind was made on the authority of the Commissioner of Customs, who based his opinion on the fact that a party of Japanese engineers had recently been making surveys of the rapids between Ichang and Wanhsien.
As far as I can learn no progress at all has been made with the Chinese scheme for providing aids to navigation on the upper river. The Road Improvement Office has not yet been opened, and no attempt has so far been made to levy junk fees. The Viceroy, as you will gather from a despatch, copy and translation of which I have the honour to inclose, is opposed to the collection of these fees being placed in the hands of the Maritime Customs on the ground that, being of the nature of voluntary contributions for a charitable purpose, they should not be looked upon as duties. The distinction would appear to be, in the present case, a purely nominal one, and I trust I shall be correctly interpreting the instructions conveyed in Sir Ernest Satow's despatch No. 2 of the 20th December last if I inform the Taotai
Page 587
2
the proposed erection of hauling appliances as prejudicing their Treaty right to undertake such works themselves. I learn on good authority that the Japanese are actually working on a scheme of steam navigation on the Upper Yang-tsze on similar lines to the one now under consideration by the French,
Mr. Meischke-Smith's system is briefly as follows :---
Powerful light draft tugs, steaming 14 knots, will tow steel barges of about 150 tous capacity, or native junks, between Ichang and Chungking. At each rapid the tug-boat and her lighter will be taken in tow by a rapid-boat of the Lombard-Gérin type as used on the River Rhône. One of these boats, named "toueurs," will be stationed at all the principal rapids. Their method of traction is similar to that of the spider, and consists in warping themselves up the rapid by means of a cable attached to a point at the head of the rapid, and letting themselves down by unwinding the cable. Going up vessels are towed astern; going down they are lashed alongside. The tow ropes, being attached to the bow of the "toucur," give her liberty to steer, and thus enable her to keep in mid-stream and avoid the dangers attending a tow line worked from the bank. It is hoped that this system will not necessitate the erection of any hauling appliances on shore, and consequently interfere as little as possible with the junk traffic.
The French naval authorities have placed Captain Plant, their Upper Yang-tsze pilot, at the disposal of the Company. Captain Plant, who has for the past five years successfully navigated the rapids on trading-steamer, gun-boat, and junk, and who is therefore well qualified to judge of the possibilities of steam navigation on these waters, has, in a written Report, expressed his opinion that the proposed system is quite feasible. He will probably proceed to Europe as soon as he has taken the French gun-boat " Olry," now in port, up to Chungking for the purpose of studying the Lombard-Gérin "touage du Rhône," which has now been for over ten years in successful operation on that river. On his return he will be placed in charge of the Company's steamers. These vessels will fly the French flag, but Mr. Smith informs me that at least 75 per cent, of the Company's personnel, captains, agents, &c., will be British. The "toueurs" will be built in France, the steam-tugs and barges in England and Shanghae. It is estimated that when the system is in proper working order a steamer and one or two tows will make the journey from Ichang to Chungking in ten days, travelling down in five days, say, twelve round trips per annum, as compared with the two round trips made at present by the ordinary cargo junk.
The scheme, if it proves a success, will mean a complete revolution in the Upper Yang-tsze trade. To the objection-which will probably be urged by the Chinese authorities that artificial haulage over the rapids will throw some thousands of trackers out of employment, the Company reply that, speaking generally, increased facilities for trade will provide increased employment for the population of the Upper Yang-tsze, and that, in particular, the development of the coal-mining industry in Szechuan, at present paralyzed by inadequate means of transport, will provide more than sufficient work for the unskilled labour of the province.
The towing system, if extended to the Middle Yang-tsze, as is in contemplation, will undoubtedly prove a serious competitor to the British and other Steam-ship Companies at present engaged in the trade. But, quite apart from the fact that the energies of the new Company, even should the sanguine projects of its agent be realized, will be fully occupied for some time to come in developing their business on the Upper River, I do not think that the British shipping Companies are likely to suffer any loss. In increased cargo they should find compensation for reduced rates of freight, and there seems no reason why the British and French shipping interests on the Upper Yang-tsze should not successfully combine against their powerful rivals the Japanese. The Asiatic Petroleum Company, in which British capital is largely interested, have very strong reasons for wishing the scheme well and according it their financial support, as I understand they are doing. Since their unsuccessful attempt a few years ago to compete with the Standard Oil Company in Szechuau, American oil has enjoyed an undisturbed monopoly in that important market. With steam towage in working order, the former Company will be able to send up their ol in bulk, pack it in new tins and cases at Chungking, and probably drive the American product out of the market. I understand that arrangements are now being made to send up regular shipments by junk in order to make the brand known.
Mr. Smith is now on his way to Canton, whence he will proceed up the West River to iuspect the Company's oil tank installations at Samshui and Wuchow. If the Regulations to be issued by the Imperial Maritime Customs for the new service prove to be satisfactory, he will notify the Chinese Government, through the French
3
Minister, of the Syndicate's intentions, and then, if all goes well, he hopes to have the first steamer running on the river before the summer of next year.
I am forwarding this despatch under flying seal to His Majesty's Consul-General at Hankow, and am sending a copy to His Majesty's Consuls at Chungking and Chengtu.
I have, &c. (Signed) HARRY H. FOX.
The real obstacle to steam navigation on the Upper Yang-tsze has been the impossibility of insuring paying cargoes. Piece-goods and yarn are too bulky to bear high freight, and the Szechuan dealers have not cared about their being quickly forwarded. From the west opium and silk, musk, and other valuables come down very speedily in small parcels by "wupan," a system that distributes the risk of loss. Other difficulties have been the questions of coal and repairs en route. The present scheme does not seem sure to get over the above objections.
On the Iehang run towing would, I presume, have been tried had it been likely to prove advantageous, and there is no reason why the French Company should monopolize it now or should refuse to take any cargo but that brought up in French bottoms on either section of the river.
E. H. FRASER.
Hankow, April 12, 1906
(Signed)
Inclosure 2 in No. 1.
Consul Fox to Mr. Carnegie.
(No. 11.) Sir,
Ichang, May 18, 1906. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge receipt of Sir Ernest Satow's desptch No. 3 of the 23rd ultimo on the subject of steam navigation on the Upper Yang-tsze. I should have replied before this, but have been waiting to see the newly appointed Ichang Taotai, Sun Ting-lin, formerly Opium Taotai at this port, and learn from him the exact state of affairs with regard to the proposed upkeep of tracking paths and erection of hauling appliances at the rapids. Sun Taotai, who took over charge at Kingehow on the 26th ultimo, was expected to visit Ichang on or about the 1st May. He has, however, been obliged to proceed to Wuchang on business connected with the proposed transfer of the opium li-kin collectorate from Ichang to Chungking, and has not yet returned to his post.
My authorities for the statement that the Japanese Government had objected to the erection of hauling appliances on the rapids by the Chinese authorities were the Com- missioner of Customs here and the Deputy Chang Te-ping. According to information confidentially obtained by Mr. Wolf, and subsequently corroborated by the Deputy, the proposed levy of junk fees for the above purpose had been referred by the Japanese Consul at Shasi to his Legation, and by them to the Foreign Office in Tokio. The latter had refused their consent to the scheme, and, although the ground of their objection had not transpired, it seemed more than likely that the Japanese Govern- ment did not wish to commit themselves to a proposal which might interfere with Japanese enterprise in the same direction. My statement that the Japanese were actually working on some scheme of the kind was made on the authority of the Commissioner of Customs, who based his opinion on the fact that a party of Japanese engineers had recently been making surveys of the rapids between Ichang and Wanhsien.
As far as I can learn no progress at all has been made with the Chinese scheme for providing aids to navigation on the upper river. The Road Improvement Office has not yet been opened, and no attempt has so far been made to levy junk fees. The Viceroy, as you will gather from a despatch, copy and translation of which I have the honour to inclose, is opposed to the collection of these fees being placed in the hands of the Maritime Customs on the ground that, being of the nature of voluntary contributions for a charitable purpose, they should not be looked upon as duties. The distinction would appear to be, in the present case, a purely nominal one, and I trust I shall be correctly interpreting the instructions conveyed in Sir Ernest Satow's despatch No. 2 of the 20th December last if I inform the Taotai
587
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