[
    {
        "id": 227799,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-027 - Public Offices - 1848",
        "page_number": 103,
        "title": "CO129-027 - Public Offices - 1848",
        "content_text": "101\n\nBoard\n\nof\n\nTrade\n\nE.1\n\nat that line.\n\nI have also explained this in a recent case of alleged infraction of the Customs Laws where the discredit thereof was attempted to be foisted upon an English vessel by the Master of a Portuguese Lombard. The proof against him was a Note addressed to the Customs Officer at\n\nMengen in Portuguese, which would not certainly be used by the master of an English vessel or any other people.\n\nOn the reverse side of that note was what was intended for a translation of it into Chinese, in which the writer impudently assumes for his craft the character of a vessel of the great English Nation, & insultingly demands from\n\nthe officer to whom it is addressed the liberation of somebody or thing, of whose detention the said officer declared he knew nothing. The note in question was forwarded for my perusal and returned by\n\nme to the Hackwan.\n\nIn adverting to this case in\n\nmy\n\nreply to Lord, I thought it proper to add\n\na\n\nrequest that he would take occasion\n\nto make known to the people on the coast whom he represents as entertaining a violent feeling of exasperation against the English in consequence of the alleged acts of aggression, the facts above stated, and that most of the vessels engaged in giving convoy to native Junks are not British vessels.\n\nIt would appear extraordinary\n\nthat\n\n...",
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    },
    {
        "id": 227811,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-027 - Public Offices - 1848",
        "page_number": 115,
        "title": "CO129-027 - Public Offices - 1848",
        "content_text": "113\n\nBoard\n\nof\n\nTrade\n\nE.I.\n\nLorches. There were no\n\nEnglish vessels here\n\nAt that time. And as in the Report\n\nof\n\nthe Prefect of Fichning, no sort of proof is furnished as to the nationality\n\nof the convoying vessels beyond the bare assertion of the Chakeung Junkmen, I feel almost convinced they were in fact English vessels.\n\nMoreover a case was lately submitted to me by the Hackwan at Macao in which the fu's tom's officer at Mingpan alleged a charge of infringement of the fuzhou's Law against\n\nan English vessel engaged in giving convoy to Junkies which however I found on proof supplied to me by the Hackwan\n\nhimself to be a Portuguese lorcha.\n\nI took that opportunity of explaining to the Hackwan what nevertheless he ought to have been cognizant of that there was\n\nno English vessel then in the Port similarly engaged, & that most of the vessels engaged to convoy native junks to Foreigners, principally Portuguese over whom H. M. Officers & Govr have no jurisdiction or control.\n\nI have accordingly to request you will take proper measures for making this fact known to the people on the Coast whom you represent as entertaining a violent feeling of Esasperation against the English.\n\nIn the meantime. I will take an early opportunity of representing the case to the Plenipotentiary in compliance with your request.\n\n(signed) A. Jackson.\n\nChief Superintendent\n\nof\n\nTrade",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-027 - Public Offices - 1848.txt",
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    },
    {
        "id": 267344,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-116 - Sir MacDonnell - 1866 [11-12]",
        "page_number": 289,
        "title": "CO129-116 - Sir MacDonnell - 1866 [11-12]",
        "content_text": "287\n\nand the inhabitants of Western nations have caused these exceptional circumstances\n\nand the early hope of the hint\n\nto\n\ncease,\n\nreally being a success is to induce the Chinese\n\nGovernment to consider coining from our Mint as\n\ngood\n\na\n\nmedium of payment by it as Haikwan\n\nSycee\n\nor even to induce it to employ Mint itself. Probably this is difficult of accomplishment but if it could be effected it would confer a benefit on Commerce, on the Chinese Empire, and\n\non\n\nthe Government itself for from what the Assayer of our Mint Mr. Rockley said at Canton, the loss of silver involved in the clumsy process of converting bullion or dollars into Haikwan Sycee is more\n\nthan the charge at which the minting\n\ncould be done.\n\n(signed) W.H.Rennie.\n\nAuditor General\n\nHongkong, 16th December, 1881.\n\n(True Copy).\n\nJ.W. Murray\n\nColonial Secretary",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-116 - Sir MacDonnell - 1866 [11-12].txt",
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    },
    {
        "id": 271318,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-125 - Sir MacDonnell - 1867 [10-11]",
        "page_number": 274,
        "title": "CO129-125 - Sir MacDonnell - 1867 [10-11]",
        "content_text": "# \n\ncontaining \n\nthe views \n\nof \n\nthe most influential body connected with commerce in China. The British Minister \n\ntherefore \n\nseems the person most competent \n\nto offer \n\nadvice \n\non \n\nquestions of detail \n\nrelating to the general trade outside of \n\nthis Colony \n\n-27. \n\nI must however observe that I totally differ from the Memorialists in their recommendation (Section 36) for \n\naltering the Standard of silver fixed by the Treaty (article 35). The Memorialists \n\nseem to me to labor under a \n\nconfusion \n\nof ideas as \n\nto what constitutes the \n\nStandard of a currency and the coins \n\nin \n\nissue \n\nThe latter, whatever their value \n\nor denomination, should be all referable \n\nto that standard, and in a \n\ncountry \n\nwhere so \n\nmany \n\n272 \n\nCountry \n\ndollars \n\nare \n\nin \n\ncirculation \n\nin China, and which are \n\nGovernment coinage, there can \n\nbe no better \n\nstandard, or one more calculated to \n\ngive fixity and certainty to the amount \n\nof \n\nduties payable, than the Chinese standard of Haikwan Sycee. Thus when the Memorialists complain that at Chefoo Mexican dollars \n\nwere \n\ntill \n\nlately received at a premium of six per cent. but that latterly the premium has \n\nbeen \n\nraised to ten, it is evident that \n\ninjustice \n\nwas done to the Haikwan \n\nStandard by which the value \n\nof those \n\ndollars should be decided is not six \n\nbut ten \n\nper \n\ncent higher in purity",
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    {
        "id": 271360,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-125 - Sir MacDonnell - 1867 [10-11]",
        "page_number": 316,
        "title": "CO129-125 - Sir MacDonnell - 1867 [10-11]",
        "content_text": "## TO THE EDITOR OF THE \"DAILY PRESS.\"\nSIR-As a member of the Chamber of Commerce, I regret to find myself under the necessity of expressing my dissent from the comments and suggestions inserted in the above Memorial (paragraph 37) about the alteration of the present mode of collection of the duties. My reasons for so doing are the following:\n\n1. The Memorial does not particularize the alleged inconveniences or exactions suffered by the foreign trade from the working of the arrangements now in force. It would, however, have been necessary, in order to support the imputations embodied in the Memorial, to specify and illustrate by authentic cases and instances what \"abuses are committed by the so-called Government Banks attached to each Custom House.”\n\n2. The assertion that the Government Banks have it in their power to advance or depress the value of sycee as it suits their interest and convenience\" is open to discussion; but, assuming for the sake of argument that it were founded on fact, the Chamber does not explain how this injures foreign merchants.\n\n3. They are not bound to pay the duties in sycee if the market price of silver in that shape is unduly forced up, they can tender dollars according to the assays made at Canton (18th July, 1848), the basis adopted by the Treaty of Tientsin of 1858 for the conversion of foreign money into official currency or Haikwan sycee.\n\n4. The assays referred to are admitted by competent bullionists to give rise to no serious objection. The Chamber does not point out in what respect they should now be altered.\n\n5. As the Canton assays only embrace francs, dollars, and rupees, it might with reason be urged that they should be made more comprehensive, so that bar and cake silver of refined touch be receivable at their respective fineness compared to the Chinese official standard.\n\n6. The Chamber seems to assume that Haikwan sycee taels are but an imaginary currency. It is a decided error; the Haikwan tael is the Government weight equal to 582.1 grains of British troy weight, and the Haikwan sycee tael (100 touch) is a weight of 582 grains troy of pure silver.\n\nMany millions of taels of Haikwan sycee have, to my certain knowledge, passed from Chinese into European hands during the last eight or nine years; the Chamber therefore commits a palpable mistake in consigning this very substantial standard to the realms of fiction.\n\n7. Even if the Haikwan sycee had never been in existence, for all purposes relating to the Treaty it would, as a nominal standard, be unavailable, for it is an equitable and a well-defined unit of value.\n\n8. The proposition of the Chamber \"that the tariff rates should be payable in whatever coin or bullion may be recognized as the mercantile currency for transactions between foreigners and Chinese at the various ports, without any addition for premium,\" is not admissible on account of the extreme confusion that such a system (or rather absence of system) would engender.\n\n9. The Chamber makes no reference to Rule 10 of the Articles of Trade annexed to the Treaty of Tientsin, whereby the sound principle of a uniform system is recognized for the collection of duties at all ports. No cause is adduced for justifying the abrogation or modification of the above Rule, which, as it stands, is concordant with the ordinary basis of international treaties of commerce as well as with sound views of political economy.\n\n10. The suggestion in the Memorial \"that dollars be received in payment of duties, on the same terms as they are received in general commercial transactions,\" does not rest upon any tangible ground, and if carried into effect would entail almost daily fluctuations in the rates of collection, as the exchange of dollars against sycee in mercantile intercourse is ruled by the ordinary influences of demand and supply.\n\n*Article XXXIII reads thus: Duties shall be paid to the Bankers authorised by the Chinese Government to receive the same in its behalf, either in sycee or in foreign money, according to the assay made at Canton on the 13th of July, 1848.\n\n11. The prognostic advanced by the Chamber in urging the proposition criticized in the above paragraph, “that it might be the means of introducing largely into China the dollars coined at the Hongkong Royal Mint, and thus greatly benefit the Colony,\" is a mere fallacy.\n\nIf the Chinese Government concedes the extension of Article XXXIII so as to make it applicable to foreign bar silver, I cannot see what advantages the British trade would ever gain by converting their silver bullion into Hongkong Mint dollars, at a cost of 1 and 2 1/2 per cent. (besides loss of time), with a view to tender such coin in payment to the Chinese Customs instead of simply handing them over the bar silver itself at the Tariff valuation.\n\nUpon the supposition of bar silver not being made a legal tender on the same footing as foreign coin, it could always be melted into, or exchanged against, lumps or shoes of current sycee at a much smaller charge than the cost of coinage into dollars.\n\nThe Memorial refers to the discount (erroneously termed premium) charged by the Customs of the Port of Foochow on Mexican dollars and Spanish dollars (the latter being also improperly designated as Foochow dollars), and quotes this as an instance of the evil resulting from the present system of collection, stating formerly dollars were received at 6 per cent. discount.\n\nI have been unable as yet to obtain circumstantial and reliable information regarding the reasons which prompted the temporary reduction alluded to. There must have been some transitory cause in operation, of which no trace is found in the Memorial, to warrant such a step. Perhaps it originated in the depressed value of sycee, which prevailed for some years, owing to the particular position of exchange between China and India; still, whatever these causes may have been, they have long since ceased to exist, and it is not shown by the Chamber why the Chinese should have been prevented from putting again in force the mode of valuation recognized by the Treaty.\n\n13. It is difficult to understand what relation the fact quoted at the end of paragraph 37 of the Memorial has to the matter at issue. It is much further back than the date of the Tientsin Treaty that the difficulties adverted to arose concerning the extreme depreciation of the Mexican dollars when first introduced in the China trade, where the Carolus dollars had been for many years before acknowledged as the only medium of payment in coin in transactions with foreigners. It was quite proper for the then representative of the British Government to interpose his influence in obtaining the recognition of the newly-introduced coin at a fair valuation; exactions had been committed, extraordinary squeezes imposed, and the consul by whose efforts they were put an end to deserved the gratitude of the mercantile community of the period;—but under present arrangements, what \"reform of magnitude can be effected,\" in reference to the conversion of Mexican or other dollars into Chinese currency, does not appear when the question is divested of all vague and ill-digested assertions.\n\nThe Hongkong Mint dollar has been assayed by the Canton authorities at its full legal fineness of 900/1000; it is admitted for its real weight at the rate of 111.11 taels in Hongkong dollars, an equivalent to 100 taels Haikwan sycee, viz., at 10 per cent. discount. This is full intrinsic value and leaves no room for complaint. Mexican dollars, by the assay of 1843, were valued at 894/1000, or 111.9 taels weight in Mexican dollars, equivalent to 100 taels Haikwan sycee, or a discount of 10.634 per cent. The Foochow Customs, as stated in the Memorial, only charged 10 per cent. Where lies the defective point in this valuation in the opinion of the Chamber?\n\n14. In conclusion, I would express a wish that the matter be further discussed, and that, instead of pursuing the redress of imaginary grievances, the re-modelling of Article XXXIII be only urged so far as is consistent with the present uniform standard, and so that the provisions regulating the conversion of foreign coin into Chinese official currency be made applicable also to bar silver and other denominations of bullion of unobjectionable purity.\n\nI am, Sir, your obedient servant,\n\nHongkong, 25th Oct., 1867.\n\nV. C. KEESSER.\n\n314",
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    },
    {
        "id": 271362,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-125 - Sir MacDonnell - 1867 [10-11]",
        "page_number": 318,
        "title": "CO129-125 - Sir MacDonnell - 1867 [10-11]",
        "content_text": "# Memorial from British Mercantile Firms in Amoy\n\nand every industrial undertaking is only to be regarded as an additional means of collecting a larger revenue, the evil of the last few years will be perpetuated.\n\nCoal imported from foreign countries for the use of foreign war and merchant steamers ought to be free of duty. The duty on native coal is excessive, and prevents its competing with Japanese or other foreign coal. The difference in the duty between foreign and native coal is so striking that it appears to us to be an oversight; the foreign is 5 cand. per ton, and the native 6, 6e. 8o., or say thirteen times greater than the other.\n\nGuano and all manures we think ought to be allowed to come in free of duty.\n\nSaltpetre, Saltpeter, and Sulphur - The importation of these articles is allowed by section III, rule V, for sale to Chinese duly authorized to purchase them; so far as we know up to date, no Chinese have been duly authorized to deal in these articles here, and the consequence is that the trade in them has gone to Hongkong. This ought to be rectified.\n\n## Coast Trade Duties\n\nWe think the half duties now levied should be abolished, and that the payment of duty at one Treaty Port should free the goods at all others. These duties are not provided for by any treaty stipulation, and we can see no good reason why the Coast Trade should be taxed more heavily than any other trade.\n\n## Tonnage Dues\n\nThese are very heavy; on looking over the Customs Returns we find that Haikwan Tls. 86,654.48/71,200 have been collected from 31st March, 1862, up to 31st December, 1866, while we should say that not more than $2,000 to $3,000 have been expended on improving the harbour. This is not as it should be, and we would suggest that a certain proportion, say one half of the tonnage dues, less the expense of collection, be set aside for the requirements of the port where it is collected. There is a great need of an efficient water-police, and the public bands and wharves are both insufficient and in bad repair; there are one or two dangerous rocks in the harbour, which it would be quite possible to remove; and lastly, a good light-house on Chapel Island is a great desideratum, not only for Amoy, but also for the whole coasting trade.\n\nWe think that steamers or vessels plying to Manila ought to come under the four months' clause, in the same manner as those running between Shanghai and Japan; at present they have to pay each trip, and the tax is very heavy. We also think that vessels entering and clearing in ballast ought to be free, and that the compulsory sale of damaged cargo landed from a vessel in distress ought not to subject her to tonnage dues.\n\n## Pilotage\n\nAmoy has a great natural advantage in being so easy of access, and we would deprecate any arbitrary rules being foisted upon us in the matter of Pilots and Pilotages.\n\n## Wauchew\n\nWe are strongly of opinion that Wanchew might advantageously be made a Treaty port; previous to the opening of the Custom-house a considerable general business was done there, which undoubtedly could be renewed and increased. It is situated too far from Ningpo on the one hand, and Foochow on the other, to be likely to take away any of the legitimate business of these ports. At present we believe a very considerable portion of the trade is done in native-owned lorchas, through Hongkong, from which the Imperial revenue benefits nothing; were the port opened we feel certain that a large additional revenue would flow into the Custom House coffers.\n\n## Subsidiary Ports\n\nWe advocate the opening of all the principal ports on the Coast, not as regular Treaty ports, but as subsidiary to these, and under such regulations as would ensure a large increase of Imperial revenue, while at the same time they would prevent detriment to vested interests at Treaty ports. To effect this, and do away with the necessity of having expensive consular, Custom House, and Mercantile Establishments at these subsidiary ports, we would propose that it be imperative that all vessels going to any of these ports must go from the nearest Treaty port, where they would deposit their papers, give bond, take out a special permit, and afterwards return to the nearest Treaty port to clear in the usual manner. We think that without some salutary regulations, such as we have pointed out, the trade would speedily degenerate into a smuggling one.\n\n## Mandarin Salaries\n\nWe would take this opportunity of pointing out that so long as Mandarins at Treaty ports are insufficiently paid by their Government, so long will they endeavour to exact illegal squeezes from our commerce. It is quite out of our province to offer suggestions bearing upon the internal economy of China, but there is little doubt that this matter deserves some serious consideration at the hands of those who are entrusted with the revision of our Treaty.\n\nIn conclusion, we beg to repeat that through the Likin taxes, and the Custom House restrictions, we have partially lost several valuable branches of the legitimate trade of the port, which it has enjoyed for a very long time. It is of course manifestly unjust that our trade should be directed in this manner from its natural channels, and we hope and trust that the impediments which have caused this disruption will soon be finally removed, and measures taken to prevent the possibility of their recurrence in the future.\n\nWe shall feel obliged by your forwarding a copy of this letter to H.M.'s Minister at your convenience, and should you require any further information upon the points on which we have commented, or upon any others, we shall be most happy to supply you with the same as far as lies in our power.\n\nWe have the honor to be, Sir,\nYour most obedient servants,\n\nSigned by all the British Mercantile Firms in Amoy.\n\nTO ROBERT SWINHOE, Esq.,\nH.M.'s Consul, Amoy.\n\nPage 316",
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    {
        "id": 273204,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-129 - Sir MacDonnell - 1868 [1-3]",
        "page_number": 13,
        "title": "CO129-129 - Sir MacDonnell - 1868 [1-3]",
        "content_text": "Mr I. F. Made, the Chinese Secretary of Legation at Peking, was consulted on the prospects of any change in monetary arrangements in China and on the best description of currency requirements to meet the needs in the various ports.\n\nThe absence of a silver coinage for transactions below the value of a Dollar causes great loss and inconvenience, more especially to foreign residents and the Chinese themselves, to whom he has mentioned the matter, equally affecting Trade and Commerce. He was asked to obtain his opinions on the most suitable designs for such coinage.\n\nOn the first point, he considers not only desirable but necessary that some better defined monetary system should be adopted without delay. The altered state of trading operations, the payment of Customs dues, and the intercourse with the Chinese call for more creditable exchange than the present travesty. We are convinced of the advantage that a silver subsidiary coinage could be introduced.\n\nOn the second subject, Mr Made is of the opinion that local Tael, as the specimen Shanghae Tael, would be too restricted in its operation and that the coin to be adopted should be Haikwan Tael with such a design and Standard as may be approved and recognised by the Imperial Government of China; with a Decimal subsidiary coinage consisting of a 5 Mace, 1 Mace...",
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    {
        "id": 298493,
        "series_id": 27,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-174 - Sir Kennedy - 1876 [4-8]",
        "page_number": 417,
        "title": "CO129-174 - Sir Kennedy - 1876 [4-8]",
        "content_text": "415\n\nare at Fuh-tah Chaw:\n\nMr. Russell (Paragraphs 24,25) grows more and more captious. There is an Enston station which looks right down the harbour of Hong Kong, giving receipts for about half the dirty wartede. This difficult ode au plaws her completit, nominal is the subordination of the Stopper & the Viceroy =\n\nSin Brother Robertson in his second dispatch of 27 July 1876, enunciates the astonishing proposition that\n\nBritish Food Carriage in\n\nthe trade in Nation Junke from trusting to ports in \"China unauthorised by the Treaty, is a contravention of That Const & brings my sufferance only & might in store by the Tianjin Authorities: & that it is hazardous to a stoppage for the object glaring a duty which is not accession. If the Hoppo is acquainted with his fin 9/30. Mis Comente, it is sufficient to account for the Mick.ad, pall the arbitrary duties started; with the Consul office, which am sure to surround the Consul it is almost certain that something is wrong concerning\n\nwas in this\n\nin January be dressed the Primer pr. 27 of the Japan; that the Haikwan was authorising to levy upon Goods conveyed in China ressels to a from a British Processing in accordance with The Tariff of the Treaty of Tientsin; Sin Knoke continues\n\nif, I might \"have adduce, he says that scale for. The regulation of the \"Junk Trade to Hongkong with unauthorised Port of \"China\":\n\nChios\n\nany\n\nSense that in\n\nSins viens\n\nThis admits that the Haikwan sigten\n\nThe scale, in fact that the Haikwan May make his own laws for the regulation of the Hay Kay Junk Trade,\n\nSin Brooke Encloses a note which I handed\n\nto the Viceroy, Viceroy\n\na & Minutes of his conversation with\n\nJolly\n\nbe\n\nThe foreign post theory is worked out in regard to trying, a Macao is explained to the Chinese Customs, and then for camote he treated in the da lomy -\n\nSin Brooke objects that the food tradity applies only to goods carried in foreign bottoms – The Viceroy replies that goods carried within the province Governed by or\n\nsuch of\n\nOntem\n\n...\n\nof regulations; gondo camine.\n\nbeyond the Primer, 2.8. To the Fukien Jurvinen\n\non abrome ag\n\nSingaporen, am gerende Hanother hod of regulations; a with regard to this latter \"Class of much the Tariff\n\n24\n\nwas Taken\n\n* Treaty of Tientsin = to levy Paxation\"\n\nlaid-Levan in P\n\nAr\n\nThe basis on which\n\nSin Brooke thanked The Viceroy for the informa-tii he had received: but which view of the case is the true one! In January last (7.26 Y papers) Housing was a foreign Frocks, & thing said, d The Tariff of the treaty applive to it: n\n\nThe Tariff\n\nBritish\n\nis only the basis of calculation for all Class -\n\nMr Russell's bettin & Enclosures are the result of his Enquiries at Sowijking among\n\nThe Chinese mercantile Community, and--\n\nJorfar to shish\n\nThe arbitrary native of the Hai Kwan den cand...",
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    {
        "id": 298494,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-174 - Sir Kennedy - 1876 [4-8]",
        "page_number": 418,
        "title": "CO129-174 - Sir Kennedy - 1876 [4-8]",
        "content_text": "Junk arriving from Formosa at Hong Kong is free from duty up to 1374. Silver that date they are forced to pay duty according to the Foreign Tariff. Unless the duty is paid beforehand, the junks are examined by the Officials at Fuch-Fan-Chan (the Station at the East End of the Harbour); in addition to the tax, these officials also receive bribes.\n\nThese junks that leave for Formosa also make a payment of duty on Canton goods shipped to Formosa - the amount of which the Hai Kwan claims as Export duty. The West Customs, when goods are leaving Hong Kong, charge about double the duty which he claims upon similar goods shipped at Macao: because the latter is Chinese territory.\n\nThe Customs exacts a higher rate of import duty on native goods being transported than he does for similar goods having China ports for places abroad, e.g., Saigon. The latter pay according to a national Tariff, (which has been obtained with great difficulty, M. Ansell) also rates considerably lower than in the Tientsin tariff.\n\nIt appears also that the interpretation between the Waikar & Grain Commissioner and the Hong merchants reported by B. Robertson (Jr.27 Octofen) never went further & the merchants said that beyond a general idea of the rates of duty, they have no fixed tariff to refer to and pay according to; (or more likely what they wish on certain items).\n\nAmong the Enclosures (No.14) is a memorandum by M. Russell of the rates of duty, as claimed by the Haikwan, and a Tabulated scale (No.6) drawn up by him showing the rates in the national Tariff, taken from the Book of Revenue Regulations, compared with the rates as taken from the traders' books, and consistent with the rates in the Tientsin Tariff.\n\nThe Haikwan seems to impose almost arbitrary taxes. The Native Coasting trade, going to & from most places, is treated with especial severity. It is perfectly clear that the collection of Native Customs is in the same state as that described by Mr. Hart in Parliamentary Paper China No.1, 1865 – page 13, in Reference to the Foreign Customs Inspectorate.\n\nI think this paper should be printed and sent to me bringing the question up to the appointment of the New Haikwan: and the Governor furnished with Confidentially the D.O paper asked for his remarks. I dissent from Sir Brooke Robertson's views.\n\nPage 416",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-174 - Sir Kennedy - 1876 [4-8].txt",
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    {
        "id": 298496,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-174 - Sir Kennedy - 1876 [4-8]",
        "page_number": 420,
        "title": "CO129-174 - Sir Kennedy - 1876 [4-8]",
        "content_text": "The attempt to Infer revenue immensely.\n\n# A voucher\n\nWhen the nation Merchants from the supplement organise plundering of which they are victims -\n\nIt must be remembered that to Merchant Mom & King is only a special means for thing that all merchants suffer more or less then\n\nThe track of the colony that it is merely part of the general scheme by which the Haikwan Inspector himself-\n\n13/11\n\nAs P.M. Mr. Russell's &c. shows great...d it's compilation is scarcely within his duties he is, I think, fairly entitled to some commendation in his work\n\nHALO\n\n418\n\nM: 146.\n\nEN: 10742\n\nMay Land\n\nGovernment House!\n\nWongtong, 7th August, 1876.\n\nReferring to my Despatch No 127, dated 13th July 1871, I have now the honour to transmit a letter from Mr. Austin, Magistrate, dated 31st July\n\nThe Right Honourable\n\nThe Earl of Carnarvon\n\nJuly 1876\n\nHer Majesty's Principal Secretary of State,\n\nPage 420\n\nPage 421",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-174 - Sir Kennedy - 1876 [4-8].txt",
        "external_url": "",
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    },
    {
        "id": 298742,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-175 - Sir Kennedy - 1876 [9-12]",
        "page_number": 93,
        "title": "CO129-175 - Sir Kennedy - 1876 [9-12]",
        "content_text": "in this matter and \n\nJuly\n\nI express a hope that no \n\nthe differences may arise.\n\nIt\n\nARR\n\nC\n\nGovernor\n\nNo.\n\nDate.\n\nNo. 13/23\n\n(Subject.)\n\nDESPATCH.\n\n91\n\nJuly 174 Letter from Haikwan of Canton relative\n\nto his recent visit to Hong Kong.\n\n1846. Sept 6:\n\nLast previous Paper.\n\nFraudients\n\nMusard n. 138-6 Nov 1876.\n\n776-11 & 8 18154\n\nSia.\n\n(Minutes.)\n\nMr Meade\n\nAcknowledge receipt\n\nIt was\n\na. Kennedy entertaining\n\nBechuan that he d\n\nvt to loggerheads.\n\nA.n.76\n\n1-11\n\nOfficers of the\n\nthe\n\nMr. F. C., Thear, also fell foul of the regulation for\n\nGoing & Host House, without his leave Fish asked!!\n\nJr. 2/11\n\nGek\n\nat one.",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-175 - Sir Kennedy - 1876 [9-12].txt",
        "external_url": "",
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    },
    {
        "id": 299434,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-176 - Public Offices & Others - 1876",
        "page_number": 271,
        "title": "CO129-176 - Public Offices & Others - 1876",
        "content_text": "should be Exercised over all those persons who hold posts under the Haikwan and his patronage (Chiefly relatives and dependents). Had he done it would have been no more than his duty, but he had gone further, he had repeatedly urged upon the Haikwan not to make his system of search too strict and rather to lose a meal of Revenue and its interests, but he told him, if he the Haikwan, lost by following his advice, he would bear the blame; that he must Expect to lose something but better that than raise questions the result of which would be illfeeling and complaints. Of course the Haikwan had to provide for Certain Contingencies for which it would be impossible to foretell. He did even more than this, he had a warning conveyed to the Haikwan's subordinates that the severest penalties, even to decapitation, would follow any malpractices on their part, for it would be his duty to prevent the...\n\nPage 266",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-176 - Public Offices & Others - 1876.txt",
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        "rank": 0
    },
    {
        "id": 299435,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-176 - Public Offices & Others - 1876",
        "page_number": 272,
        "title": "CO129-176 - Public Offices & Others - 1876",
        "content_text": "267\n\nHaikwan was getting into any cenebroglio.\n\nOwing to their misdeeds, and to stop anything that endangered the public peace or the friendly relations with Foreign Powers, and he was glad that his action had been followed by good results, for he must constantly have observed that since he, the Viceroy, had assumed office there had been scarcely any complaints, in fact he could not recall an official complaint. The British merchants at Canton were not so dissatisfied as formerly and the tone of the Foreign local Press had considerably changed.\n\nFurther he must be aware how certain Chinese merchants petitioned for a customs station being established near Macao to avoid the necessity for their junks coming to Canton being examined. How that he told them it was unjust to expect them to go out of their course to Haikwan to be examined and pay duties and that artificial obstructions to a trade encouraged smuggling and a proclamation was issued saying that...",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-176 - Public Offices & Others - 1876.txt",
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    },
    {
        "id": 299439,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-176 - Public Offices & Others - 1876",
        "page_number": 276,
        "title": "CO129-176 - Public Offices & Others - 1876",
        "content_text": "271\n\npreferred a suggestion from him regarding its settlement, but as I saw he was not prepared to make one, and indeed intimated it would be advisable to confer first with the new Haikwan, I should let the matter rest until the arrival of that officer when I would broach the subject without reference to what has passed between us. I was satisfactory to find that our views were in accord, the only difficulty being the means of giving them effect, but those, however, would, I hoped, be discovered presently.\n\nAs regarded the Haikwan, I added, he was all the Viceroy said he was, but he had given infinity of trouble, and shown no disposition to restrain his subordinates, one of whom, a Weiquen, was notoriously rapacious.\n\nThe Viceroy admitted it but pleaded his good nature to all under him.\n\nI have related as concisely as possible the conversation which took place between the Viceroy and myself, but it was my intention to have...",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-176 - Public Offices & Others - 1876.txt",
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    },
    {
        "id": 299440,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-176 - Public Offices & Others - 1876",
        "page_number": 277,
        "title": "CO129-176 - Public Offices & Others - 1876",
        "content_text": "My Lord,\n\nI have delayed doing so until I had seen the new Hackwan Chun, who was daily expected to arrive; a death in his family has, however, disabled him from taking office for a period of three months. I thought it right not to delay informing Your Lordship that I am carrying out the instructions conveyed in your Despatch of 22 February.\n\nI have had the honor to receive your Lordship's despatch, marked separate of the 20 May last with its inclosure, on the subject of the Chinese Revenue Cruisers, and directing me to report my views as to the best means of obtaining the Establishment of a fair...\n\nCanton 24th July 1876.\n\nI have the honor to be,\n\nMy Lord,\n\nYour Lordship's most obedient,\n\nhumble servant,\n\nB. Robertson\n\nColonial Under Secretary of State for Colonies\n\nThe Right Honorable,\n\nThe Earl of Derby,\n\nForeign Office,\n\nLondon.\n\nPage 272\n\n11758 76\n\nho 28.\n\nL \n\n204. may 1873 \n\nUnder Secy of State, I.Q.\n\nPage 272",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-176 - Public Offices & Others - 1876.txt",
        "external_url": "",
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    },
    {
        "id": 299442,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-176 - Public Offices & Others - 1876",
        "page_number": 279,
        "title": "CO129-176 - Public Offices & Others - 1876",
        "content_text": "274\n\nJunk trade between China and Hongkong is carried on between the Port of a British Possession and Ports and Places in China not open to British trade or vessels, and consequently is a trade of \"sufferance\" only, and was in that sense it was submitted, in my despatch of the 184 of January, that the Haikwan was, in my opinion, authorised to levy upon goods conveyed in Chinese vessels to a British Possession, in accordance with the Tariff of the Treaty of Tientsin, if, I might have added, he chose that scale for the regulation of the junk trade to unauthorised Hongkong Ports in China. Under these circumstances, and considering that a large trade, Import and Export, is done by junks which without them would not exist, it seems hazardous to run any little risk of a stoppage being put to it for the object of lowering a duty which is not excessive except the very short sea route is considered.\n\nAs regards the Two \"nei-ti-shui\" duties, which comprise Port and Barrier dues, on goods which are Imported",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-176 - Public Offices & Others - 1876.txt",
        "external_url": "",
        "rank": 0
    },
    {
        "id": 299446,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-176 - Public Offices & Others - 1876",
        "page_number": 283,
        "title": "CO129-176 - Public Offices & Others - 1876",
        "content_text": "278\n\nCanton ir cale at / a duty station die near Hongkong, and pay 4 Seao hao\" and the export duty on her cargo according to the Foreign Customs Tariff. At macao they pay the nei ti shuy only and Seao hao.\n\nThe reason for this differencs and Seas has\" that is all itiat by law on item. caw be levied Seus application of the Foreign Parive to Tunks aw arbitrary proceeding on the pout of the Haikwan which cannot be justified by any precedent.\n\nEven the Seao hao\" is au arbitrary levy, but that que consul does not object is a being that bong kong is foreign port and macao Chinese one. How. Cousul has to observe however, that Chinese junks are under Chinese awd not Foreign Regulations, and if they pay their heiti shuy.\n\n\"You Crisul submits } therefore, that the Tunk Grade of Hongkong should be put on the same footing as that of macas and this levy of Dariff duties done away with.\n\nIt",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-176 - Public Offices & Others - 1876.txt",
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        "rank": 0
    },
    {
        "id": 299449,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-176 - Public Offices & Others - 1876",
        "page_number": 286,
        "title": "CO129-176 - Public Offices & Others - 1876",
        "content_text": "a most opportune time to make \n\nhis representation. But about-\n\nالسياحية\n\na month's time the present \n\nGaikwan would be leaving \n\nand \n\nthe \n\nVicevoy\n\n281\n\nreplied:- \n\nThe levying duty according \n\nto \n\nthe Great Tariff on Junks \n\nwould have \n\nwas \n\ntime to post himself in the \n\nnative customs and \n\ndetails \n\nив\n\nthe whole working \n\nав\n\nthe \n\nwould \n\nbe in \n\nsee \n\na position to \n\nwith the new Hackwar \n\nhow far your consul's Views \n\ncould \n\nbe met \n\nThe Vicevoy then called for Chinese pen & paper and made \n\na number of private notes of your Consul's statement. \n\nWhen the Vicevoy had finished writing, your Consul \n\nreplied \n\nproceeding to Hongkong \n\nnot in accordance with law, \n\nas \n\nfar as he knew it, with or without policy. \n\nwith justice \n\nwithin \n\nlaw because the Treaty only \n\napplied to goods carried in \n\nforeign bottoms, \n\nthe \n\nas it was not right that \n\ndouble duty should be \n\non goods going \n\nwhich was only \n\ncharged in Hongkong, \n\na few miles off, as \n\nwhich was \n\ndistant; \n\nto England \n\n14,000 miles and that HongKong \n\nthough \n\nPage 1\n\n was not found, instead, it seems \"281\" is likely a page number. Given the context and rules, here is the corrected version in HTML format as requested:\n\nHowever, to follow the format to the letter as requested:\n\nPage 281 \n\na most opportune time to make \n\nhis representation. But about \n\na month's time the present \n\nGaikwan would be leaving \n\nand \n\nthe \n\nViceroy\n\nreplied:- \n\nThe levying duty according \n\nto \n\nthe Great Tariff on Junks \n\nwould have been the \n\ntime to post himself in the \n\nnative customs and \n\ndetails \n\nof\n\nthe whole working \n\nof\n\nthe \n\nwould \n\nbe in \n\na position to see \n\nwith the new Hackwar \n\nhow far your consul's Views \n\ncould \n\nbe met \n\nThe Viceroy then called for Chinese pen & paper and made \n\na number of private notes of your Consul's statement. \n\nWhen the Viceroy had finished writing, your Consul \n\nreplied \n\nproceeding to Hongkong \n\nnot in accordance with law, \n\nas \n\nfar as he knew it, with or without policy. \n\nwith justice \n\nwithin \n\nlaw because the Treaty only \n\napplied to goods carried in \n\nforeign bottoms, \n\nas it was not right that \n\ndouble duty should be \n\ncharged on goods going \n\nto Hongkong, \n\na few miles off, \n\nwhich was \n\ndistant; \n\nto England \n\n14,000 miles and that HongKong \n\nthough \n\n1",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-176 - Public Offices & Others - 1876.txt",
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    {
        "id": 299524,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-176 - Public Offices & Others - 1876",
        "page_number": 361,
        "title": "CO129-176 - Public Offices & Others - 1876",
        "content_text": "With regard to the action \n\nin regard to the Cassandligs \n\nof the Chinese Customs \n\nAuthorities \n\nin the neighborhood \n\nand Hong \n\nin the neighborhood \n\nof Has Ray, & Lo Jarnason has written that the appointments of \n\na new Hankwan has not \n\nbeen made with \n\nany improvement Division of the ammoyane \n\nRoute Donz \n\nEvidently the Chinese Authorities intend to pursue some action against the Portuguese at Macao, the syntax \n\nhampering the foreign trade to that port similar to \n\nwhich they have for \n\nLom \n\n\"Years past pick into foreign\" \n\nHowever, to follow the instructions more closely and provide a more accurate and formatted response:\n\n## Step 1\nFirst, let's correct the obvious OCR errors and reformat the text into proper paragraphs and correct spelling.\n\n## Step 2\nThe given text appears to be a jumbled collection of words and phrases due to OCR errors. Let's attempt to correct and reformat it.\n\n## Step 3\nUpon closer inspection, it seems the text is discussing interactions between Chinese authorities and foreign entities, possibly related to trade or diplomatic issues.\n\n## Step 4\nLet's reformat the text into Markdown as per the instructions and correct the spelling and spacing issues.\n\n# Corrected Text\nWith regard to the action \nin regard to the Cassandligs \nof the Chinese Customs Authorities \nin the neighborhood \nand Hong \nin the neighborhood \nof Has Ray, & Lo Jarnason has written that the appointments of \na new Hankwan has not \nbeen made with \nany improvement Division of the ammoyane \nRoute Donz \n\nEvidently the Chinese Authorities intend to pursue some action against the Portuguese at Macao, the syntax \nhampering the foreign trade to that port similar to \nwhich they have for \nLom \n\"Years past pick into foreign\"\n\nHowever, the direct output as per the final instruction should be in HTML format.\n\nWith regard to the action in regard to the ... of the Chinese Customs Authorities in the neighborhood and Hong in the neighborhood of Has Ray, & Lo Jarnason has written that the appointments of a new Hankwan has not been made with any improvement. Division of the ammoyane Route Donz.\n\nEvidently the Chinese Authorities intend to pursue some action against the Portuguese at Macao, the syntax hampering the foreign trade to that port similar to which they have for Lom \"Years past pick into foreign\".\n\nLet's directly output the response as per the format required.\n\nWith Detigal is to \n\nan cubet actionn \n\nin regard to the Carsandligs \n\nof the Chinese Cushions Authorities \n\nЗаместо \n\nin the neighborhood \n\nand Hong \n\nin the neighborhood \n\nL 356 \n\nof Has Ray, & Lo Jarnason has warm & fram That the appointments of \n\na new Hankwan has not- \n\nfum athi dice with \n\namy sonprovement Divination of the ammoyane Rout \n\nDonz \n\nEvident \n\nhoren Shack the Chinese Authorities intend to pursue Sovende the Portugue at Macas the sintax \n\nhamaging systian Farand \n\nThe junts trading to that port similar to \n\nwhich which \n\nthat they have for \n\nLomm \n\n\"Yean past pick into Joren\n\nHowever, a more accurate representation following the steps and directly outputting in HTML as requested:\n\nWith regard to the action in regard to the Cassandligs of the Chinese Customs Authorities in the neighborhood and Hong in the neighborhood of Has Ray, & Lo Jarnason has written that the appointments of a new Hankwan has not been made with any improvement Division of the ammoyane Route Donz.\n\nEvidently the Chinese Authorities intend to pursue some action against the Portuguese at Macao, the syntax hampering the foreign trade to that port similar to which they have for Lom \"Years past pick into foreign\".\n\nThe final answer is: \nWith regard to the action in regard to the ... of the Chinese Customs Authorities in the neighborhood and Hong in the neighborhood of Has Ray, & Lo Jarnason has written that the appointments of a new Hankwan has not been made with any improvement. Division of the ammoyane Route Donz.\n\nEvidently the Chinese Authorities intend to pursue some action against the Portuguese at Macao, the syntax hampering the foreign trade to that port similar to which they have for Lom \"Years past pick into foreign\".",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-176 - Public Offices & Others - 1876.txt",
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    {
        "id": 299651,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-176 - Public Offices & Others - 1876",
        "page_number": 488,
        "title": "CO129-176 - Public Offices & Others - 1876",
        "content_text": "481\n\nit was\n\nonly said\n\nif my suggestions\n\nadopted, they\n\nare\n\ncan be\n\nthat,\n\nto be\n\nmore\n\neasily introduced from Peking\n\nthan by any Hong Kong negotiations\n\nwith Canton.\n\nI am\n\nto be doing well and giving\n\nto his immediate\n\nsatisfaction\n\nchiefs at Haikwan Shang-Hai\n\nBelieve me\n\nR. Hart\n\nglad to hear\n\nP.S. You\n\nmay\n\nremember what\n\nfrom Mr Campbell that you\n\nhave got\n\nCand\n\nare\n\nLam\n\nover your late illness,\n\nagain up and about.\n\nnow alone here,\n\nHart and just left\n\nWêristiang said to me some\n\n\"You foreigners\n\nyears ago:\n\n\"flame\n\nMrs\n\nax\n\nthe children have\n\nme for\n\nyears holiday in\n\nmay\n\nas well\n\na\n\nthree\n\nEurope. I\n\nlate this opportunity of adding that your\n\ninfluence\n\nMr Creagh, is reported\n\nto\n\nnow\n\nfor being\n\na\n\nthe\n\nSorry to see\n\nbegin, you'll be\n\nus\n\n\"fast. There is more in\n\nthis than meets the\n\neye.\n\nChina is moving, and\n\nAmong the results coming along\n\nare\n\nthe following...",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-176 - Public Offices & Others - 1876.txt",
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    {
        "id": 302730,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-182 - Governor Hennessy - 1878 [9-12]",
        "page_number": 252,
        "title": "CO129-182 - Governor Hennessy - 1878 [9-12]",
        "content_text": "# CORRESPONDENCE\n\n[We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our Correspondents].\n\n## THE CHINESE AND THE PUBLIC MEETING\n\n### TO THE EDITOR OF THE \"DAILY PRESS\"\n\nSIR—I should like to say a few words on the treatment which I and the large number of other Chinese who were present received at the public meeting on the 7th instant. I wish also to point out that the Chinese who were there were not, as some people have said, \"shop coolies\" and the like, but that nearly all of them belonged to the better classes and those who have large stakes in the welfare of the colony.\n\nOn the Europeans finding the City Hall nearly filled with Chinese, some of them called out \"d-d Chinaman, turn them out.\" I then heard some say, \"Let us have the meeting elsewhere to prevent the Chinese coming.\" After the meeting was formally opened, it was removed to the open air. There was a general struggle to get to the Cricket Ground, and when we (Chinese) arrived there, we found a ring already formed of foreigners. Some of us attempted to get into the ring, but were roughly handled and pushed back. The promoters of the meeting were then asked to allot a space for us, but this was peremptorily refused. We were obliged to stand outside the ring. As we did not know nor could we hear what passed in the ring, we asked that any resolution put to the meeting should be explained in Chinese, so that those of us who did not know English might understand its meaning. Mr. Ng Choy, who was there, was good enough to convey our wishes to the Chairman, but when we heard that our reasonable request was refused, we all left and took no part whatever in the proceedings of the meeting.\n\nIt has been said that printed slips containing a translation of the resolutions in Chinese were circulated. I and many of my friends never received one copy. I have made enquiries and have found one; it contains only some of the resolutions. The translation is so bad that I could scarcely make out its meaning.\n\nOf our right to take a part in that meeting, there cannot be the least doubt. In fact, we were invited by its promoters to attend. Anticipating our presence, and believing that a great majority would not know English enough to understand its proceedings, the promoters had properly provided an interpreter for the occasion. And yet when we requested that the substance of a resolution should be rendered into Chinese to the Chinese audience, it was absolutely refused, and thus our presence was entirely ignored. No greater affront could have been offered to us.\n\nIt has been attempted to make the public believe that we (Chinese) who went to the meeting had bound ourselves to oppose the resolutions proposed, and at the signal of one or two gentlemen to outvote the Europeans. This is a gross insult to our intelligence. Is it probable that we should submit ourselves to be led by the nose by any one? Would we surrender our judgments and convictions to the opinion of any one man? I think we are equal in intelligence and common sense to those foreign gentlemen at that meeting. It may with more truth be said that they had pledged themselves beforehand to support the resolutions than to insinuate that we were bound to oppose them. It may be an interesting question: how many of the many foreigners who so readily supported the resolutions did understand their real meaning and vote according to their firm convictions? And yet when we asked that the resolution put be explained in Chinese, so that we might judge for ourselves and vote conscientiously, it was unceremoniously refused. I leave to the impartial public what to think of this.\n\nHO KWAN SUN  \nLate Haikwan (Customs) Banker,  \nSwatow.\n\n15th October, 1878.",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-182 - Governor Hennessy - 1878 [9-12].txt",
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    },
    {
        "id": 304970,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-186 - Public Offices & Others - 1879",
        "page_number": 227,
        "title": "CO129-186 - Public Offices & Others - 1879",
        "content_text": "# 223\n\nMr. Sinclair writing on May 28 seems to accept the four Propositions of the Government with some reservation; and he tells us that certain rules have been promulgated in the meantime (date uncertain).\n\nThese are the rules printed at p. 21 of the précis herein (such. to No.18). They were sent to Mr. Hennessy at least as long ago as March 1878 - but he has never sent them home, and does not even allude to their existence.\n\nHe informs us that he had discussed them with Sir Thomas Wade and excuses his own apparent inaction.\n\nWe cannot accept Mr. Sinclair's views, which are doubtless those of the Community - Capt. Elliot, R.N., meant, we had the same form of protest to file with Mr. Hennessy. The Chinese Mandarins on the High Seas, free from collusion with what they place on the Chinese Junks, are utterly embarrassed.\n\nOn the ground that the trade of the port consists in evading the Haikwan duties by giving up something, he considers it entitled to \"watching\"; his cruisers at stations, but here is the whole fallacy - The permission or freedom of the first jurisdiction could not extend beyond the ports, and Ho Haikwan is outside the time.\n\nBut I agree with him that payment of duties in Hong Kong would possibly result in the junk being made to pay any other duties over and above. The only theory for our collusion is that we desire where there is No Custom House: & the Chinese Officials will not become immaculate.\n\nThere are two great objections I think to Mr. Hennessy's proposal. First in principle, the presence of a Chinese Customs Collector on British territory appears to me inadmissible, possibly not approved - Secondly, we make ourselves Chinese revenue officers. If we propose such a law, we must take care that it is not evaded.\n\nThe withdrawal of the cruisers for a time is very desirable.\n\nThe objections are of a very similar nature.\n\nI would reply to the 11217 by sending this & 13827, requesting Mr. Hennessy to comply with the wishes of H.E. on the latter - desiring him to report on the rules, operation of the tariff specified in them with some remark upon his keeping them back and delaying for so long, expressly reporting what excuse he has for his inaction. Submitting correspondence. (Para. 10)\n\nI deem it necessary to add that H.M.'s Govt. are not inclined to approve the introduction of Chinese Customs officers into Hong Kong: amusing as it may be that his scheme affects to throw upon Hong Kong the duty of watching for smugglers, or of allowing his new laws to be evaded; a result would ensue, leading to constant complaints from the Chinese Authorities - and would no doubt be followed soon by the cruisers being again in full swing.\n\nA Chinese is not a British Official, and it is itself a cause of confusion.\n\nPerhaps I may draft to H.E. in reply to 13830 this: asking them to get at the Tariff. There is an additional cause of irritation.\n\n\"Thank Mr. Lacock, and take the opportunity of saying that H.M. Govt. are fully sensible of the irritation which the Community naturally feels at the close proximity of the stations and cruisers, and of H.M.'s cruisers, to which the legitimate traders are subjected by the actions of irresponsible persons in trading... the Canious - but that...\"",
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    },
    {
        "id": 305149,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-186 - Public Offices & Others - 1879",
        "page_number": 407,
        "title": "CO129-186 - Public Offices & Others - 1879",
        "content_text": "335\n\na gross breach of faith towards such of the natives of China, who, relying on the protectors promised them in the said Proclamation, have placed themselves and all their interests under the British Flag.\n\nNot having been asked an opinion as to what is required I scarcely like to say more, but of this I am certain notwithstanding the late statement of the Marquis of Salisbury, that Nothing will satisfy the Colonists of Hongkong but the total abolition of the Blockade of their Waters by the removal of the Haikwan's cruisers and of the Customs stations which now guard every entrance to, and exit from Hongkong.\n\nI ask by what right does this state of affairs exist now, which did not apply when the Royal Proclamation of 1841 was issued, why should the Chinese Government in all its Communications on this Subject, and for that matter Her Majesty's representative at Peking also, persist in treating the British Colony of Hongkong as though it were one of the Treaty Ports open to British Trade in China.\n\nLet the Chinese collect their own revenues, as is done in other countries for themselves; if they Cannot, they must go without them. It is certainly not the province of Hongkong to do it for them.",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-186 - Public Offices & Others - 1879.txt",
        "external_url": "",
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    },
    {
        "id": 320072,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-206 - Public Offices & Others - 1882",
        "page_number": 36,
        "title": "CO129-206 - Public Offices & Others - 1882",
        "content_text": "## \n34 of monopolies of June last, or at least has notified his intention to do so. I think the news is authentic because the Taotai, the Hackman Taotai, and the Yamen, since Sunday afternoon have been much alarmed about something in connection with the Danes.\n\nAll the Chinese Officials considered the matter at an end, but the Russian Commissioner is anxious and Butzone may endanger the major claim to get the minor one.\n\nKatchar, Keachta Mongolia line: Further, Sir Thomas Wade has taken and will take very strong ground about the 1870 permission greatly.\n\nIt must have definite instructions to notify to the Chinese Imperial Government that the 1870 right will be used. Further, your Company must act now firmly, so as to use the rights or be paid well for them, or for enforcing payment for breach.\n\nThe Mongol political question has come up again by some new matter of which I have no knowledge yet. The Viceroy on Saturday said: the (tanco trapped me...",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-206 - Public Offices & Others - 1882.txt",
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    },
    {
        "id": 325533,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-216 - Governor Sir Bowen - 1884 [5-6]",
        "page_number": 122,
        "title": "CO129-216 - Governor Sir Bowen - 1884 [5-6]",
        "content_text": "Page 127\n\n121\n\nsuffered to reside at the Port of Canton. In former years, Foreign merchants paid to the Hoppo for his good, assiduous Court for will, and for the safety of their lives and property; just as in the early days of European settlement in India, the Foreign merchants paid court, with similar objects, to the somewhat analogous officer, called the \"Dewan\", of the Mogul Emperors. The relative positions of English and native Functionaries in the East have mightily changed.\n\nStill it is practically important in the interests of Peace and Commerce, that the Governor of Hong Kong should maintain a cordial understanding with the Viceroy and Haikwan of Canton, such as I have established with these and with other high Functionaries of the Chinese Empire.\n\nI have the honour to be\n\nMy Lord,\n\nYour Lordship's Most Obedient Humble Servant,\n\nSMBowen\n\n凡",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-216 - Governor Sir Bowen - 1884 [5-6].txt",
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    },
    {
        "id": 330375,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-225 - Acting Governor Marsh - 1886 [1-3]",
        "page_number": 237,
        "title": "CO129-225 - Acting Governor Marsh - 1886 [1-3]",
        "content_text": "## No. 6841\n**DESPATCH.**\n\nC. O. 233 C341\n\nNg. 2.66.\n\n**Date.** March 5, 1886.\n\n**Previous Paper.** (Subject.)\n\n**Statutes.**\n\nTowards end of Papers from 1873 to 1886 & asks for some instructions.\n\n& asks for some 12 spare copies of ...\n\nFurther circular to Colonies on torture.\n\n(Minutes.)\n\nIt appears that the salutes referred to by the O.A.G.) \nare those for which there is no authority and \nwhich have not been disallowed are (1) Governor of Macao (2) Haikwan of Canton (3) Maharaja of Johore (4) Death and birthdays of Foreign Potentates.\n\nThe Governor of Macao is entitled to 17 guns provided corresponding compliment is paid in Macao to British Governors. Queen's Regulations say / Admiralty Instructions Cap. I. 24 1879.\n\n**Subsequent Paper.** 3078/03-4",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-225 - Acting Governor Marsh - 1886 [1-3].txt",
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    },
    {
        "id": 330376,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-225 - Acting Governor Marsh - 1886 [1-3]",
        "page_number": 238,
        "title": "CO129-225 - Acting Governor Marsh - 1886 [1-3]",
        "content_text": "# Birthdays of Jonign Potentates\nand other humorial anniversaries\nmay be saluted\n\n21 Sam\nhot serve than\nQ.th. and A. I. Cap II. 13 I cannot find any authority for the Hackway of Causon\nyou\nwill be when to say\nWhat category\nthe Maharajale\nWhether a\ncomes,\nForeign Soveragin\nChief of State entitled to u\n\n| Category | Guns |\n| --- | --- |\n| Foreign Soveragin Chief of State | Q. R. cap. I.// |\n| Foreigner of High distinction | not more than 19 guns |\n\nD.R. recent Treats with tho Daharajah cap. I.38\nWheade Bj 1 Jchne hre Be 26/4 with the back have recoquired him as \"Sultan of the State and Temalig of Johve\n\nInspose le phased racks for palates 1 h Fun Wp 22 which shall be have? Gues 4 20 in fra royalty. Incline tog & dow car \"Chief Stali C we salute Macos & upere make loud noises in honour of the Phillipines 12mm 27/4/86\n\nThis has been delayed by me. 234 till he a du Houx theat the Goverum of Macas & of the Pod Philippines Should equally recur\n\n17 Jun the Sultan of Whon 19. Mesin But thee lest of Salutes incloud shascis large question. De st desirabler They at thing kong to pre salates on mech the Bathta of the Reeeen of Italy (the au coup of abwereign to honoured) the annevvering of button of gange washerpton!! I to Steink the best Rm br mana of Salutes Should uniform as poneth throughing the Colonies & should be band on Coherent principles\n\n? Ack the Sorming in Croular by Suffly A list 9 aretin a uspe the Salutes which by an game in their",
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    {
        "id": 330380,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-225 - Acting Governor Marsh - 1886 [1-3]",
        "page_number": 242,
        "title": "CO129-225 - Acting Governor Marsh - 1886 [1-3]",
        "content_text": "# Enclosure\n## LIST OF ARTILLERY SALUTES FROM 1872 TO 1886\n**(PRINTED FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY)**\n\n### UNDER SECTION III QUEEN'S REGULATIONS\n\n| Date | Event | Guns | Remarks |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| 20. 3. 72 | H.E. The Governor of Macao | 21 | Secretary of State's Circular Despatch of 13th April, 1846 |\n| 15. 7. 72 | H.M. The King of Cambodia | 17 |  |\n| 13. 9. 72 | H.R.H. Prince Philip Augustus of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha | 21 | Do. |\n| 29. 12. 76 | H.E. The Governor of Macao | 17 |  |\n| 27. 11. 77 | The Haikwan of Canton | 11 | The Haikwan is Chief of Customs and an Officer of high rank |\n| 24. 1. 78 | H.E. The Governor of Macao | 17 | Authorized by Secretary of State's Despatch No. 34 of 4th October 1866 |\n| 18. 4. 78 | Chinese Minister accredited to Russia | 15 | Secretary of State's Circular Despatch of 13th April, 1846 |\n| 27. 4. 78 | Do. Belgium | 15 | Do. |\n| 27. 4. 78 | Do. Netherlands | 15 | Do. |\n| 11. 5. 78 | The Haikwan of Canton | 17 | Disapproved by Secretary of State's Despatch No 135 of Oct. 6th, 1879 |\n| 6. 6. 78 | Chinese Minister accredited to U. States | 15 |  |\n| 25. 11. 78 | Do. Russia | 15 |  |\n| 11. 11. 78 | Spanish Minister accredited to China | 17 |  |\n| 1. 11. 79 | H.E. The Governor of Macao | 17 |  |\n| 7. 5. 80 | H.R.H. Prince Henrick of Prussia and Duke of Genoa | 15 |  |\n| 7. 6. 80 | H.M. The Empress of Russia (death of) | 21 |  |\n| 15. 3. 81 | H.M. The Emperor of Russia (death of) | 21 |  |\n| 22. 3. 81 | H.M. The Emperor of Germany (birth-day) | 21 |  |\n| 21. 4. 81 | H.M. The King of Hawaii | 21 |  |\n| 25. 4. 81 | H.M. The Emperor of China (death of) | 21 |  |\n| 21. 5. 81 | President Garfield (death of) | 21 |  |\n| 12. 5. 82 | H.E. The Viceroy of the 2 Kwangs | 17 |  |\n| 5. 9. 82 | Sir Thomas Wade H.M's Minister accredited to China (arrival) | 15 |  |\n| 7. 9. 82 | Do. (departure) | 15 |  |\n| 23. 2. 83 | George Washington (anniversary of birth-day) | 21 |  |\n| 5. 3. 83 | H.H. The Maharajah of Johore | 17 |  |\n| 21. 4. 83 | H.E. The Governor of Macao | 17 | Authorized by S. of S. No. 35 of Oct. 4th 1866 |\n| 20. 8. 83 | H.H. The Maharajah of Johore | 17 |  |\n| 30. 10. 83 | H.E. The Viceroy of the 2 Kwangs | 17 |  |\n| 6. 3. 84 | Japanese Minister accredited to England | 15 |  |\n| 14. 3. 84 | Do. | 15 |  |\n| 31. 3. 84 | H.M. The King of Italy (birth-day) | 21 |  |\n| 5. 4. 84 | H.M. The Emperor of Germany (birth-day) | 21 |  |\n| 8. 4. 84 | H.R.H. The Duke of Albany (death of) | 24 |  |\n| 22. 8. 84 | Do. (obsequies of) | 21 |  |\n| 7. 7. 84 | H.E. The Viceroy of the 2 Kwangs | 17 |  |\n| 2. 10. 84 | Japanese Minister accredited to England | 15 |  |\n| 20. 11. 84 | H.M. The Queen of Italy (birth-day of) | 21 |  |\n| 23. 2. 85 | George Washington (anniversary of birth-day) | 21 |  |\n| 22. 9. 85 | H.E. The Governor of Macao | 17 | Authorized by S. of S. No. 35 of Oct. 4th, 1866 |\n\n### UNDER SPECIAL AUTHORITY\n\n| Date | Event | Guns | Remarks |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n|  | All British and Foreign Naval & Military Officers | 13 | Secretary of State's Despatch No. 87 of 21st May, 1866 |\n|  | All Governors of Colony on arrival, swearing in, and departure | 17 |  |\n\n### OTHER SALUTES\n\nThe following salutes have also been authorized:\n- The Governor of Kwangtung\n- All British Ministers to Peking and Japanese Ministers to St James\n\nNaval and Military honours hitherto paid according to rank.\n\nSee Secretary of State's Despatch No. 214, dated November, 1882.",
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    {
        "id": 330381,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-225 - Acting Governor Marsh - 1886 [1-3]",
        "page_number": 243,
        "title": "CO129-225 - Acting Governor Marsh - 1886 [1-3]",
        "content_text": "# LIST OF ARTILLERY SALUTES FROM 1872 TO 1886\n\n**(PRINTED FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY)**\n\n| DATE | C.O. | C841 | REC? | BANK OF OFFICIAL | UNDER SECTION III QUEEN'S REGULATIONS | UNDER SPECIAL AUTHORITY | OTHER SALUTES | REMARKS |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Secretary of State's Circular Despatch of 13th April, 1846 |\n|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Do. |\n|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | The Haikwan is Chief of Customs and an Officer of high rank |\n|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Disapproved by Secretary of State's Despatch No 135 of Oct. 6th, 1879 |\n| 3. 72 |  |  |  |  |  |  | H.E. The Governor of Macao | 17 guns |\n| 7. 72 |  |  |  |  |  |  | H.M. The King of Cambodia | 11 guns |\n| 19. 72 |  |  |  |  |  |  | H.S.H. Prince Philip Augustus of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha | 21 guns |\n| 12. 76 |  |  |  |  |  |  | The Governor of Macao | 17 |\n| 11. 77 |  |  |  |  |  |  | The Haikwan of Canton | 1 |\n| 1. 78 |  |  |  |  |  |  | H.E. The Governor of Macao | 17 |\n| 37. 78 |  |  |  |  |  |  | Chinese Minister accredited to Russia | 15 |\n| 14. 78 |  |  |  |  |  |  | Do. | Do. Belgium |\n| 15. 78 |  |  |  |  |  |  | Do. | Do. Netherlands |\n| 13. 78 |  |  |  |  |  |  | The Haikwan of Canton | 33 |\n| 37. 78 |  |  |  |  |  |  | Chinese Minister accredited to U. States | 15 |\n| 11. 78 |  |  |  |  |  |  | Do. | Do. Spain |\n| 11. 78 |  |  |  |  |  |  | Do. | Do. Russia |\n| 1. 79 |  |  |  |  |  |  | H.E. The Governor of Macao | 17 |\n| 5. 80 |  |  |  |  |  |  | Prince Henrick of Prussia | 21 guns |\n| 1.80 |  |  |  |  |  |  | Ignis by store: Quangd |  |\n|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Authorized by Secretary of State's despatch 24035 of 4. December, 1866 |  |\n|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Secretary of State's Circular Despatch of 13th April, 1846 | 21 |\n|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Duke of Genoa | 21 |\n| 80 |  |  |  |  |  |  | H.M. The Empress of Russia (death of) | 21 |\n| 3. 81 |  |  |  |  |  |  | H.M. The Emperor of Russia (death of) | 33 |\n| 4. 81 |  |  |  |  |  |  | H.M. The Emperor of Germany (birth-day) | 21 |\n| 4. 81 |  |  |  |  |  |  | H.M. The King of Hawaii | 21 guns |\n| 4. 81 |  |  |  |  |  |  | H.M. The Emperor of China (death of) | 21 |\n| 9.81 |  |  |  |  |  |  | President Garfield (death of) | 21 |\n| 1.5. 82 |  |  |  |  |  |  | H.E. The Viceroy of the 2 Kwangs | 17 guns |\n| 3. 82 |  |  |  |  |  |  | Sir Thomas Wade H.M's Minister accredited to China (arrival) | 15 guns |\n| 9. 82 |  |  |  |  |  |  | Do. | Do. (departure) | 15 guns |\n| 3. 2. 83 |  |  |  |  |  |  | George Washington (anniversary of birth-day) |  |\n|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Authorized by S. of S. No. 35 of Oct. 4th 1866 |  |\n|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | No. 135 of Oct., 1878, and S. of S. No. 244 Nov. 3rd, '83 | 33 |\n|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | See S. of S. Despatch No. 87 of May 21st, 1866 | 33 |\n\nPage 239",
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    {
        "id": 345786,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-250 - Acting Governor Barker - 1891 [6-8]",
        "page_number": 185,
        "title": "CO129-250 - Acting Governor Barker - 1891 [6-8]",
        "content_text": "to work his vessel on \nSunday at Treaty ports apply must to the Commissioner of Customs for a special \"permit\" for which he pays on the following scale.\n\n| Sunday | 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. | 20 Haikwan Taels |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n|  | 6 p.m. to 12 p.m. | 20 |\n| Midnight to Monday 6 a.m. | Ordinary night work | 10 |\n|  | 6 p.m. to midnight | 20 |\n|  | or whole night | 10 |\n\nIf a similar regulation is proposed for Shanghai it will be sufficient to substitute Dollars for Taels.\n\nAs there is no certainty as to the hour at which a steamer may reach port it will be necessary that the Harbour Master's Office should be open on Saturday until 5 p.m. so that a steamer may be able to obtain the necessary \"permit\" to proceed with work on the Sunday if the tide at Woosung or other reason should render it desirable.\n\nE.J.I. Keswick  \nHongshing, 10th April, 1891.",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-250 - Acting Governor Barker - 1891 [6-8].txt",
        "external_url": "",
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    },
    {
        "id": 352221,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-259 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1893 [5-8]",
        "page_number": 386,
        "title": "CO129-259 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1893 [5-8]",
        "content_text": "The development of the trade at the Yangtsze ports, and the stimulus given to industry and commerce since the Great River was opened to the Treaty Powers affords some criterion of what may be expected if the Riverine ports in Kwangtung and Kwangsi are brought within reach of the outside world. At Chungking, the last port on the Yangtsze at which Foreigners have been permitted to reside for purposes of trade, and in spite of the relinquishment of the rights acquired by Treaty in regard to reaching it by steamers, the development has been remarkable, and the value of its commerce has attained by last Customs returns to the figures of Haikwan Taels 5,780,000 Imports, and Taels 3,470,000 Exports.\n\nThe concession to France of the right to trade at Lungchow in Kwangsi and at Mêngtszu in Yunnan has had the effect of creating a volume of business at these places of a value in 1892 of Haikwan Taels 24,000 Imports, Taels 12,400 Exports, and Haikwan Taels 1,050,000 Imports, Taels 830,000 Exports, respectively, and the Committee of this Chamber are of opinion that the advantage thus secured to France is sufficient to justify a claim on the part of Great Britain for the opening of the West River, which would seem the only equivalent of the privileges granted to our neighbours on the western borders.\n\nI have the honour to forward to Your Lordship herewith a Map showing the Canton River throughout its course, with the towns referred to in this letter marked in red for convenience of identification, and I am also sending a map to H.B.M. Minister at Peking together with a copy of this letter.\n\nIn conclusion the Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce ventures to hope that from the well-known interest Your Lordship has at all times manifested in the protection, maintenance, and development of British Commerce and privileges both at home and abroad, you will be pleased to direct that negotiations may be entered upon with the Chinese Government through H.B. Minister at Peking, for opening to trade the cities on the Canton River referred to in this communication.\n\nI have the honour to be,\n\nTo the Right Honourable\n\nMy Lord,\n\nYour Lordship's most obedient servant,\n\nTHE EARL OF ROSEBERY, K.G.,\n\nPrincipal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs,\n\nLondon.\n\nJ. J. KESWICK,\n\nChairman.\n\nDRAFT.\n\nEor 7562693\n\nThe Unser sec of Matt\n\n70.\n\nLii\n\nMINUTE.\n\nMr. Welton 18th\n\nMr. Lucas 1878\n\nMr. Fairfield.\n\nMr. Wingfield.\n\nMr. Bramston.\n\nMr. Meade.\n\nMr. Buxton.\n\n29/13/n 2023\n\nнкогу\n\nDay 1864195.\n\nLeft\n\n381\n\nRefs to the corresponden\n\nnoted in the\n\nmay\n\nI am directed\n\n79.60. the Marquess of Ripon to request\n\nMarquess of Ripon.\n\nto Augs\n\nSwwRoonison N-153.75 day\n\nEvels in mis\n\nyou\n\nto lay\n\nlay before\n\nthe Earl of Rosebery\n\nthe enclosed copy of\n\nthe\n\na despatch from Gov Hong Kong transmitting\n\na packet\n\naddressed to this\n\nLordship by the Hong...",
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    {
        "id": 356071,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-265 - Public Offices & Others - 1894",
        "page_number": 348,
        "title": "CO129-265 - Public Offices & Others - 1894",
        "content_text": "# \n7 \n\n342 \n\nIbid., Enclosure No. $.\n\nPara. 7,\n\nthe fluctuating value of silver, to forecast its liabilities, and \"that if some such inconvenience\" (this apparently means loss) \"must necessarily fall on one of the parties to the transaction it ought, in common fairness, to fall on the one that receives the contribution, and not on the one who has to find the money and make the payment.\"\n\n(b.) \"That a material but temporary reduction of the sterling amount of the contribution should be made, and that this should be effected by fixing the contribution at the number of dollars that sufficed to satisfy the demand when it was originally made.\"*\n\n## 22. \nFrom the point of view of policy, there is a good deal to be said for proposal (a). It is argued that this country is better able than the Eastern Colonies are to bear the loss arising from fluctuations in the currency in which their Military Contributions are paid. The unforeseen augmentation to the burden of defence charges due to this cause of late years has given rise to much discontent and friction in the Colonies, a discontent which finds an echo in this country, and which tends to some extent to jeopardise the contribution. On this ground, therefore, the proposal that Colonial Military Contributions should be fixed in local currency and should not vary during the period they remain in force is not unworthy of consideration. Before the expiration of the periods for which contributions are fixed, the value of the local currency, the condition of the Colonial revenues, and the cost of the garrison would be reconsidered, with a view to readjusting the Military Contributions. Loss, or occasionally gain, to the Imperial Government from fluctuations in the value of silver, would be limited in duration to the few years intervening between the periodical revisions of the contributions. This would be a very convenient time to make this concession, silver having fallen to such a point as to render any further serious fall improbable without necessitating the adoption of remedial measures.\n\n## 23. \nThe fall in silver which, since 1874, has added nearly 90 per cent. to the burden of Colonial sterling charges, has to a considerable extent lightened the charge to the Mother Country for local military expenditure incurred in dollars. Apart therefore from difference of capacity for bearing the burden, the Mother Country, to a certain extent, finds a compensating advantage in the fall of silver. Moreover, when a Colony cannot afford to pay the whole cost of its garrison, and the contribution made by it falls short, as in the case of Hong Kong, of the local dollar expenditure of the Mother Country, there seems to be something reasonable in accepting the contribution as part of that dollar expenditure, and accepting payment in dollars.\n\n## 24. \nWhile, however, there is much to be said for proposal (a) as a matter of policy, the Colony cannot demand its concession as a right. This will be apparent if the question be considered in connection with other Colonial sterling payments.\n\n## 25. \nIn 1887 Hong Kong raised in England a 4 per cent. loan of 200,000l. At that time the dollar was worth 3s. 4d., and the annual interest of 8,000l. was met by a payment of 48,000 dollars. With the value of the dollar reduced to 2s. 8d., 48,000 dollars would now only produce 5,400l., or 27/8ths per cent. interest on the loan. A proposal by the Colony that 26/8ths, instead of 4, per cent. interest should be accepted, because the inconvenience arising from the reduction in the value of the dollar \"ought, in common fairness,\" to fall on the receiver rather than on the payer of the interest, would probably not be sympathetically received by the bondholders.\n\n## 26. \nThe greater portion of the cost of the land defence of a Colony is necessarily incurred by the Mother Country in sterling; and in accordance with the principle laid down in the despatch of 20th January, 1890, its payment by the Colony is a sterling liability. The whole charge is in equity as much payment due by the Colony as any part of it; therefore the contribution of the Colony ought by rights to be fixed in the currency in which the charge as a whole is incurred.\n\n* This proposal apparently emanated from the unofficial members of the Council, but is specially endorsed by the Governor. Appendix No. 6, Enclosure No. 8, paragraph 8.\n\n## 27. \nThe proposal (b) that the contribution of the future should be fixed \"at the number of dollars that sufficed to satisfy the demand when it was originally imposed,\" is one that will not bear examination.\n\n## Enclosure No. 3.\n\n## 28. \nWhen the contribution was fixed at the end of 1889 the dollar was worth 3s., and the contribution of 40,000l. amounted to 266,666 dollars, a charge equal to 17·12 per cent. of the revenues of 1888, as recorded in the Blue Book of that year. Owing to the growth of the Colonial revenues since 1888, 266,666 dollars now amounts to only 13·28 per cent. of the estimated revenues of 1894, as compared with 16·50 and 17·12 per cent. fixed in 1865 and 1890.\n\n## 29. \nAs shown in paragraphs 31 to 33, there is nothing in the present condition of the finances of the Colony to require, or to justify, such a concession.\n\n## Sections 1 and 9.\n\n## 30. \nIn dealing in 1888, and again this year, with the question of Colonial currency, the Committee, in their reports upon the Straits Settlements, stated— \"Loss arising from depreciation of its currency properly falls on the Colony, and such loss is not, in itself, a reason for relieving Colonial at the expense of Imperial funds. At the same time, if that depreciation so augmented the military charges as to render them excessive, the Colony would have reasonable grounds for claiming relief from some portion of the charge.\"\n\n## 31. \n\n## 31. \nIn the case of the Straits Settlements, the Committee found that to exact in 1894 the same sterling contribution that had been fixed in 1889 (100,000l.), would raise the military charges of the Colony to 23·68 per cent. of its revenues, being 2·18 per cent. above the charge recommended by the Committee in 1888, and 6·58 per cent. above that sanctioned by the Government in 1889, when the financial condition of the Colony was most flourishing.\n\n## 32. \nIn view of the fact that the revenue of the Settlements had fallen since 1888 by over 200,000 dollars, that the expenditure on public works had been cut down to the lowest possible limits, that trade was stagnant, and the resources of the Colony severely strained, the Committee considered that some temporary reduction in the Military Contribution should be made. They pointed out that, as a general rule, such losses of revenue and increases of expenditure should be met in the Colonies, as elsewhere, by increased taxation and by economies in general expenditure. They were informed that, under instructions from the Secretary of State, a Committee had been appointed in the Colony to consider the measures that should be taken to diminish the general expenditure of the Straits Settlements, and that the question of increasing its revenue was under the consideration of its Government, but as remedial measures could not take full effect for at least two years, the Committee recommended a temporary reduction of the contribution for the years 1894 and 1895, on the understanding that if those measures were successful, and if no severe losses were incurred by the Colony through a further serious depreciation of its currency, the contribution should be gradually increased in the last three years of the quinquennial period so as to give an average for the whole period of 100,000l. a-year, the rate fixed in 1889. The reduction recommended by the Committee left the contribution of the Straits Settlements for 1894 at 17·86 per cent. of the estimated revenue of that year, as compared with 17·10 per cent., the estimated incidence of the contribution of 1889.\n\n## Paper \n0.6857-35\n\n## 33. \nWith regard to Hong Kong, there are no available statistics bearing on the trade of the Colony, beyond those relating to shipping. These show a steady general increase in the amount of shipping, while the revenue collected by the Harbour Master's Department in 1892 amounted to 181,157 dollars, of 1893, being an increase of 16,485 dollars over that collected in 1891. The Annual Report on Hong Kong for 1892 states— \"Although no statistics taken in the Colony are available to show the trade of the port, yet it may not be out of place to mention that from the returns of the Chinese Imperial Maritime Customs, it has been ascertained that the approximate value of the trade of Hong Kong with China alone for 1891 and 1892 was 126,346,736 Haikwan taels (about 31,000,000l. sterling) and 128,973,819 Haikwan taels (about 31,600,000l. sterling) respectively, showing an increase in the latter year of 2,627,083 Haikwan taels (about 600,000l. sterling).'",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-265 - Public Offices & Others - 1894.txt",
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    {
        "id": 358483,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-268 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1895 [7-11]",
        "page_number": 648,
        "title": "CO129-268 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1895 [7-11]",
        "content_text": "## 640\n\nThe Nan-ning-fu is a walled prefectural town also in Kwang-si, situated 363 miles further up the West River, near where it forks into two sections, the smaller branch running south to Lung-chow near the borders of Tongking, the larger one being navigable for small craft to Po-ngai, a frontier lekin station in Yunnan. The population of Nan-ning-fu is estimated at between 30,000 and 40,000, and although possessing few manufactures, is the seat of a considerable trade, which would be largely increased if it were to become an open port. There are intervening rapids on the river, but they are generally reported to be capable of navigation. It is, however, impossible to speak with any certainty on this point owing to the want of accurate information, but the sources of intelligence open to the Chamber encourage the belief that the navigation would be practicable at all events in the summer season.\n\nTsun-chow-Fu, a considerable town situated at the junction of the West River with the Pak Ho, an important tributary which runs into it from the north-west, would be likely to develop into a valuable way-port and distributing centre, and in the winter season, when the water runs low, might also serve as the terminus of steamer navigation if vessels were unable to reach Nan-ning.\n\nThe advantages which would accrue to foreign commerce generally, as well as to Hongkong, by the opening to steam navigation of the West River and tributaries would certainly be very great. This Colony, situated as it is at the mouth of the Canton River, would not only be a larger distributing centre than it is now but it would benefit greatly by the increased passenger traffic which would necessarily follow upon increased facilities of transport.\n\nThe opening up of the West River would also be of great advantage to the Chinese population in the neighbourhood. It would secure to the Chinese Government increased revenue through the Custom Houses in the several districts through which the river passes, it would give an impulse to inland production by bringing produce within reach of a market, and it would augment and enrich the population of the villages and towns throughout the route. Another consideration, and one that ought, in the opinion of the Chamber of Commerce, to weigh with the Chinese Government is that steam navigation on the West River would minimize the danger of famine in Kwang-si by rendering succour possible. Hitherto whenever famines have occurred the Chinese Government has been unable to relieve the distressed population, and fearful sufferings have been entailed thereby.\n\nThe conditions of trade in Southern China are at present from all points of view unsatisfactory, and it must be admitted as a fact that the Imperial Government of China is cognizant of the provincial abuses which retard commercial development.\n\nThe Provincial Governments do not generally receive the Customs revenues collected at their maritime ports and have to impose landward dues in order to raise funds for various and local objects. This is done in an arbitrary manner and foreign goods under \"transit passes\" are no longer exempted from these imposts. To such an extent is this now the case that transit passes have become a dead-letter, and treaty obligations in respect to them are entirely ignored in most parts of Kwangtung. The effect upon foreign trade is serious, as there is no security from the most outrageous exactions, and at the present time transit passes are hardly applied for owing to the threats of violence and confiscation of goods which are meted out to native traders. In the opinion of this Chamber the opening of the West River to steam navigation would remove, or at all events modify, throughout the route the onerous lekin imposts. Such an occasion should be seized to bring about a re-adjustment of the transit pass privileges which have ceased to be observed, and a removal of all those hindrances to the free development of enterprise among a people by nature so industrious and so disposed to commercial adventure.\n\nThe development of the trade at the Yangtsze ports, and the stimulus given to industry and commerce since the Great River was opened to the Treaty Powers affords some criterion of what may be expected if the Riverine ports in Kwangtung and Kwang-si are brought within reach of the outside world. At Chungking, the last port on the Yangtsze at which foreigners have been permitted to reside for purposes of trade, and in spite of the relinquishment of the rights acquired by treaty in regard to reaching it by steamers, the development has been remarkable, and the value of its commerce has attained by last Customs returns to the figures of Haikwan Taels 5,780,000 Imports, and Taels 3,470,000 Exports.\n\nThe concession to France of the right to trade at Langson in Kwang-si and at Môngtszu in Yunnan has had the effect of creating a volume of business at these places of a value in 1892 of Haikwan Taels 24,000 Imports, Taels 12,400 Exports,",
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-268 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1895 [7-11]",
        "page_number": 649,
        "title": "CO129-268 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1895 [7-11]",
        "content_text": "## \n\n641 \n\nand Haikwan Taels 1,050,000 Imports, Taels 830,000 Exports, respectively, and the Committee of this Chamber are of opinion that the advantage thus secured to France is sufficient to justify a claim on the part of Great Britain for the opening of the West River, which would seem the only equivalent of the privileges granted to our neighbours on the western borders.\n\nI have the honour to forward to your Lordship herewith a map showing the Canton River throughout its course, with the towns referred to in this letter marked in red for convenience of identification, and I am also sending a map to H.B.M.'s Minister at Peking together with a copy of this letter.\n\nIn conclusion, the Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce ventures to hope that from the well-known interest your Lordship has at all times manifested in the protection, maintenance, and development of British commerce and privileges both at home and abroad, you will be pleased to direct that negotiations may be entered upon with the Chinese Government through H.B.M.'s Minister at Peking for opening to trade the cities on the Canton River referred to in this communication.\n\n-I have, &c., \n\nTo the Right Honourable \n\n**THE EARL OF ROSEBERY, K.G.,** \n\nJ. J. KESWICK, Chairman. \n\nPrincipal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, \n\nLONDON. \n\n**(Enclosure B)** \n\nIn his Report on the Trade of Canton for 1893, Mr. BYRON BRENAN, H.B.M.'s Consul at that port, writes:- \n\n**\"DISTRIBUTION OF FOREIGN GOODS** \n\n\"The distribution of foreign merchandise over the inland markets of the province is entirely in the hands of Chinese, and goods are taxed as heavily as the lekin office may wish. For the present, the Canton Government has succeeded in preventing the transportation of merchandise under transit pass; and yet it is only under the transit pass system that any development of trade can be looked for; but the Canton Government does not care for an extension of trade that yields it no revenue. That the Central Government may be a gainer is no argument; its sole concern is to force trade into such channels as shall enrich the provincial treasury.\"\n\n\"Under the treaties, foreign goods, regardless of ownership, are entitled to the protection of a transit pass, but Chinese merchants do not dare to claim this privilege. He would be a ruined man who ventured to escape lekin by using a transit pass. The foreign merchant need have no such fears, but if he attempted to convey goods into the interior under transit pass, he would scarcely find a purchaser at his journey's end. The Chinese purchaser would be a marked man, and from him would be exacted a greater sum than had been saved by putting the goods under a transit pass. The transit pass protects the goods as long as it accompanies them, but once these have arrived at their declared destination, the pass must be surrendered, and then it is that the lekin officials proceed to enforce payment of arrears.\n\n\"As in the case of exports, the Canton foreign merchant views this with indifference. He is not an importer: Chinese supply their wants in Hongkong; and however much the import trade might develop, it is not the foreign merchant at Canton that would be a gainer.\"\n\n\"Owing to the restrictions thus put on trade passing through Canton, districts in the provinces of Yunnan and Kwang-si, which should properly derive their supplies through Canton, are more and more obtaining what they require through Tonkin over the Tonkin frontier; and perhaps the Canton authorities may some day realise that less taxation would mean a larger revenue.\"",
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    {
        "id": 361912,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-274 - Public Offices & Others - 1896",
        "page_number": 137,
        "title": "CO129-274 - Public Offices & Others - 1896",
        "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of Her Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nPrinted for the use of the Foreign Office. August 8, 1896.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\nC.O\n\n20577\n\n3.COT\n\n134\n\nMemorandum presented by Li Hung Chang, August 4, 1896.\n\nWHEN Treaty relations were first entered on in Tao Kwang's time a Tariff was established for the collection of duties on imports and exports, and the amounts to be paid were expressed in silver taels. Treaties were again negotiated in Hien Fung's time and the Tariff was revised; but, although various changes were introduced, the Tariff remained much the same as before, and the silver tael was again the designation used for the money in which duties were made payable in China. In determining the number of taels or fractions of taels to be inserted as the duty to be paid by any specified commodity, what the foreign negotiator chiefly had in view was a certain fixed amount in foreign coin with which the tael amount was then supposed to accord.\n\n2. Since those days, however, silver has been changing its character; it can no longer be said to hold the same position as money, and it is not only more and more becoming an ordinary item amongst the many items of merchandize, but it is less and less valuable as compared with all other items, so that the Tariff silver tael of to-day no longer retains the exchange value it showed when Tariffs were first arranged. In the time of Tung Chih, 3 Customs taels could purchase the equivalent of an English pound sterling in all money markets, but during the last twenty years it has gone lower and lower, so that now it takes from 6 to 7 silver taels to purchase 1l. or its money equivalents, thus causing a loss to China of from 50 to 60 per cent.\n\n3. At first the depreciation was comparatively trifling and was supposed to be the result of some temporary derangement which would soon right itself; but not only has depreciation continued but increased, and it is now evident that silver is no more what it was, and that the Tariff unit, the Haikwan tael of to-day, is not now what it was intended and ought still to be the third of a pound sterling. This fact is of itself enough to justify action in the matter, but other circumstances have come into existence which make action imperative. During the last twenty years China has established Legations abroad, has been purchasing machinery, building ships, initiating various works involving long and continual expenditure abroad, and has been going to the foreign money market for loans which have to be expressed in pounds sterling or the equivalent, and all this while the very same money which China has been receiving for duties, as if 3 Customs taels still made l., has to be paid out to foreigners at the rate of from 6 to 7 taels for every l. The loss is great: it is becoming too great to be silent about; it is making itself felt to too serious an extent to be borne, and both the necessities of the day and considerations of what is fair and right demand that the original value of the Customs tael be re-enunciated, and that the value of silver at which China consented to collect duties, viz., 3 taels to the l., be observed and adhered to.\n\n4. The matter is not one requiring either revision of Treaty or disturbance of Tariff, and as a matter of fact the Tariff as a whole is so light that to require its application in sterling not only accords with its fundamental idea of ad valorem duties, but can be no hardship to anybody, while it is, besides, what China is entitled to. But in order to avoid the inconvenience of unexpected changes, the relative value of the Tariff tael and the l. sterling ought to hold good, say, for a whole year, for revenue purposes and ought to be fixed and published in advance. Hitherto, 1,000 Customs taels have equalled 1,114 Shanghae taels, and when the Tariffs were negotiated their equivalent in gold was 333l. 6s. 8d., that is, while 1 Customs tael equalled 80 pence, the Shanghae tael equalled 71 pence; but the average value of the Shanghae tael during the last twelve months has been per tael not quite 36 pence, and accordingly there has been a loss of 36 pence on every Shanghae tael paid in as duty, and therefore, to make up silver enough to buy 80 pence, the sum of at least 2,222 Shanghae taels is required. The arrangement proposed for 1897 is therefore this :-\n\n1784]",
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    {
        "id": 362429,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-274 - Public Offices & Others - 1896",
        "page_number": 654,
        "title": "CO129-274 - Public Offices & Others - 1896",
        "content_text": "CAPT \n\n28, Rathcoole Avenue \n\n646 \n\nHornsey. N. Jan. 16 1896 \n\nSanging \n\nin han done this. The 70. \n\nknow all about the old Complaint \n\nthest an \n\nCorsals do not trust for bring \n\nbe their compatristi \n\n20 \n\n譬 \n\n87 \n\n1.98 \n\nRru 23/1 \n\nرگری در جابر \n\nThe Right Honorable \n\nJoseph Chamberlain M.P. \n\nDear Sir, \n\nC.0. \n\n1334 \n\nRect Rec 18 A 961 \n\nOn my return a few days ago from a visit to \n\nShanghai, Amoy and Hongkong, I had an opportunity of \n\nperusing your important despatch of November 28th 1895 to \n\nthe Governors of Colonies on the question of Trade with the \n\nUnited Kingdom. I am so strongly impressed with the \n\nopportuneness of your inquiries and their applicability to \n\nthe Extreme East that I venture to address a few remarks \n\nto you on the subject. \n\nThe idea of a sudden \"reawakening\" of China as the \n\nresult of the late war is utopian but a two months and a \n\nhalf stay in that country, chiefly in Shanghai, supplies \n\nme with convincing evidence of a great though gradual \n\ndevelopment of trade with the interior. Half the trade of \n\nChina in foreign vessels belongs to Shanghai, the Queen City \n\nof the East, which from its position near the mouth of the \n\nYangtse and as the practical headquarters of the Imperial \n\nCustoms will become more and more the receiving and distributing centre to and from the interior. The total revenue \n\nof all the twenty four Chinese Treaty ports from Customs \n\nduties, opium likin, tonnage and transit dues in 1894, was \n\nHaikwan Taels 32,523,605 of which Shanghai alone collected \n\n6,470,008. It is true that Shanghai is not a British \n\nColony but it has been built up by British Capital and \n\nBritish enterprise and without the English Settlement \n\nShanghai would sink into insignificance. \n\nSpirit and enterprise of the English residents and the \n\nadmirable organization of the English Municipal Council Shanghai is one of the busiest, safest and best governed \n\ntowns in the world. \n\nThanks to the \n\n7 \n\nW",
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    {
        "id": 364376,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-278 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1897 [11-12]",
        "page_number": 154,
        "title": "CO129-278 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1897 [11-12]",
        "content_text": "As regards the attendance at the various educational establishments in the Colony, I regret to say that the check experienced in 1894 on account of the Plague has been more permanent in its results than was originally anticipated, and recovery has been further impeded by its recrudescence in 1896. I hope that, given favourable circumstances, the progress in this direction which was so noticeable during the first three years of my term of office, may again make itself evident at an early date, and that education will receive that support which it so fully deserves.\n\nThe shipping returns, though not attaining to the figures of 1896, are, nevertheless, quite satisfactory. During the nine months ended on the 30th September, 7,108 vessels of European construction, aggregating nearly 9,000,000 tons Register, entered and cleared at the Harbour Office. The increase of shipping under Foreign flags (principally German and Japanese) has been very noticeable, but 68 per cent. of the total tonnage, and 56 per cent. of the ocean-going tonnage alone was British. These ships carried, in and through our waters, about 5 million tons of cargo and bunker coal, and over a million passengers.\n\nAs might be expected, junks followed the European shipping, and the figures do not come up to those for the corresponding period of last year.\n\nThere is no reason, however, for assuming that the falling off is anything but temporary, and it can in a large measure be traced to a short rice crop in the period under review, during which 430,000 tons less were reported than in the same period of 1896.\n\nThe commercial progress of the Colony during the last five years is very marked. The tonnage, which is always a more or less reliable indication, has increased by 2,510,255 tons, whilst the value of the transit trade has improved to the extent of 28,933,788 Haikwan taels, or nearly £5,000,000 sterling. No less remarkable is the development of local industries, of which, believing in the policy of independence, I have always been a warm supporter. The establishment of two large kerosene oil depôts, feather-dressing and match factories, soap, coal briquette and rattan works, the extensions of the Docks, the large Sugar Refineries, and cement works are standing monuments of that development, whilst the spirit of local enterprise is again evident in the recent formation of a Public Company for the establishment of cotton mills in this Colony.\n\nI am particularly gratified at this latest movement. It is nearly four years since I first made the suggestion to you in this Council and promised my co-operation so far as the acquisition of land was concerned. It is nearly two years since I repeated the suggestion and renewed my promise. I trust that whilst you have given practical effect to the former, I have not failed in my fulfilment of the latter.\n\nIt remains to mention one other event of great importance to the trade of this Colony, viz., the opening of the West River ports to Foreign trade on the 3rd June last. You will recollect that in my address to you of the 25th November, 1895, I assured you that although for a time, at least, local interests might necessarily be postponed in favour of purely Imperial interests, this question had by no means been lost sight of.\n\nThe result has proved that I was justified in making that statement, and it affords me much pleasure to have witnessed before my departure the accomplishment of this object. When communication has been satisfactorily established between Hongkong and the West River ports, this Colony will, doubtless, share to the fullest extent in the harvest to be reaped from these additional fields for commercial enterprise.\n\nMy relations with the Chinese community of this Colony have always been of the most cordial nature. I have had no reason to change my earliest-formed impression of their industrious, peaceful, and law-abiding qualities. On the other hand, I have had every reason to adhere to my original promise that they would find in me not only a Governor but also a friend. And if on one or two occasions I have had to disguise my good intentions under the cloak of official authority, I have on such occasions endeavoured to combine firmness with consideration for their feelings and national customs. My object has always been to promote their welfare and secure their best interests.\n\nIn proof of the sincerity of these professions, if any such proof is required, I would refer to the concessions granted during the Plague Epidemic of 1894 under circumstances which involved a very large degree of responsibility. I would also mention the support accorded by the Government to the Po Leung Kuk, which has enabled that charitable Society to erect a new home, which I opened in person, and to continue its beneficial work under more favourable circumstances. Great improvements also have been effected in the administration and sanitary condition of the Tung Wa Hospital, the benefits of which are already evident and are daily becoming more appreciated by the native community.\n\nI have already referred to the modification of the Light and Pass Regulations which proved to have been an unnecessary restriction. And if any further illustration is needed of my regard for the interests of the Chinese, I would mention the additional representation on this Council recently accorded to them at my suggestion.\n\nAnd here I desire to express my indebtedness to the Registrar General, whose knowledge of the Chinese characteristics and of the language, and whose advice in all matters relating to their interests, has always been of the greatest assistance to me.\n\nI cannot conclude my remarks without reference to that unique occasion in the annals of our national history which has recently been celebrated throughout the vast British Empire. I mean, of course, the completion of the sixtieth year of Her Majesty's beneficent reign.\n\nIt is impossible to appreciate adequately or relatively the enthusiastic expressions of loyalty, respect, and devotion towards our beloved Queen-Empress which that commemoration called forth from countless millions of British subjects throughout the world; but I venture to state that in no other corner of British territory were those expressions more spontaneous and sincere in their utterance, or more practical proof of their sincerity furnished, than in this remote Colony of Hongkong.\n\nGentlemen, I am proud of the loyalty of this community; and it will always be a pleasing reminiscence of my life that I had the privilege of representing our august Sovereign in Hongkong on that occasion. I trust that you will continue to co-operate with the Imperial Government for the defence and maintenance of that immense Empire, of which this Colony is a small but not unimportant part.\n\nIn conclusion, I thank you for your patient hearing. I have endeavoured to illustrate, in the course of my remarks, a marked progress during the last six years—financial, commercial, industrial, and social—a progress upon which the Secretary of State for the Colonies in a recent despatch was pleased to comment in favourable terms, and which the result of a comparison between the Hongkong of 1891 and the Hongkong of to-day places beyond all doubt.\n\nI appreciate the enterprising spirit of the community which has contributed to that result, and I trust that I have not failed in the fulfilment of my desire to encourage that spirit and to promote that enterprise.\n\nI thank you, Gentlemen, for your co-operation in the past, and rely on a continuance of your loyal support and valuable assistance during the remainder of any term of office. It is a source of gratification to me that I have been connected with this Colony during a period of prosperity. I need hardly say that I contemplate my approaching departure with regret, and whilst I feel assured that I shall take away with me an expression of your good-will, I trust that I may also have gained, in some degree, the confidence and respect of the entire community.\n\nCOUNCIL CHAMBER, Hongkong, 25th October, 1897.",
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-279 - Public Offices - 1897",
        "page_number": 386,
        "title": "CO129-279 - Public Offices - 1897",
        "content_text": "382\n\n3\n\nRates of exchange.\n\nHardly any statistics of junk trade available.\n\n2\n\nCHINA,\n\nTABLE of Contents-continued.\n\nPAGE\n\nTransit trade\n\n5\n\nShipping\n\n5\n\nBritish..\n\n5\n\nForeign..\n\n5\n\nChinese flag and sailing vessels not seen here\n\n6\n\nEmigration\n\n6\n\nStraits and Siam passenger trade\n\n6\n\nHong-Kong passenger trade..\n\n6\n\nConclusion\n\n7 to 9\n\nBritish passenger steamers\n\nTables I, II, III, and IV\n\nThe rates of exchange which are employed in this report for the conversion into sterling of the Haikwan tael values given in the returns of the Imperial Maritime Customs are 3s. 4d. per Haikwan tael for 1896, 3s. 3¼d. for 1895, and 3s. 2¾d. for 1894. These returns furnish the only statistics of the trade of the port, and the figures given hereafter are almost entirely based upon them.\n\nThe tables appended to this report refer entirely to the trade in vessels of foreign type, as no statistics are as a rule obtainable of the considerable junk trade that is carried on at this port. The chief exception to the latter remark is that certain particulars relating to the junk trade of Hoihow, or Hainan generally, can be obtained from the customs returns of the trade of Kowloon (Hong-Kong) and Lappa (Macao).\n\nTotal values. There was a very satisfactory increase in the total trade of this port during the year under review compared with 1895; though the figures of the trade for 1894 were not reached, except in the case of exports, which were of about the same value in the two years. The net total imports from abroad amounted to £244,609 6s. 8d. in value, and from Chinese ports to £299 10s. 0d. Produce of local origin was exported to foreign countries to the value of £210,300 16s. 8d. and to Chinese ports to the value of £4,821 3s. 4d. The net total value of the trade of the port was thus £460,030 16s. 8d., the corresponding value for 1895 being £390,075 3s. 6d., and for 1894 £495,872.\n\nJunk trade.\n\nImports. Foreign opium.\n\nThe total value of the goods of foreign origin brought to Hoihow by junk from Hong-Kong was only £324 in 1896, against £1,364 4s. 2d. in 1895. On the other hand, £1,605 6s. 8d. worth of foreign goods were imported from Macao in this way and £1,383 5s. 0d. worth in 1895. Junks brought to Hoihow in 1896 £1,110 6s. 8d. worth of native produce from Swatow, £606 worth from Macao, and £81 3s. 4d. worth from Hong-Kong; there were also considerable shipments by native craft from Hong-Kong and Macao to several places within the trading area of this port; including £1,800 worth of paddy and rice sent from Hong-Kong to Chikhom on the Leichow peninsula opposite this island.\n\nThere was a considerable increase in the quantity of foreign opium imported by steamer during 1896, being 435 cwts. 10 lbs., worth £31,527 6s. 8d., as compared with 388 cwts. 87 lbs. worth £28,290 8s. 4d. during 1895. This came almost entirely by way of Hong-Kong. No opium was re-exported during 1896, whereas 42 cwts. 19 lbs., worth £3,245 16s. 3d., were sent back to Hong-Kong in 1895. Besides the above, 88 cwts. 36 lbs. of foreign opium, entirely Patna, were imported into Hainan ports during 1896 by junk from Macao, the figures for 1895 being 58 cwts. 84 lbs., considerably less; but for 1894 94 cwts. 80 lbs., only a little more than in 1896. No opium was brought from Hong-Kong during any of these years. Putting the above figures together, the net import of foreign opium into the island of Hainan was 523 cwts. 46 lbs. in 1896 and 405 cwts. 40 lbs. in 1895.\n\nNo native opium was passed through the foreign customs in the year under review. I have been informed that the total import last year was about 800 cases, each weighing 48 lbs., of Yunnan, Kweichow and Kwangsi opium, and a few pounds only of Ssuch'wan opium. The last variety is said to be not liked here.\n\nThe following remarks on the various kinds of native opium on this market may be of interest.\n\nVarieties, price, &c.\n\nThree kinds of Yunnan opium are imported; the first in balls weighing from 4 to 8 ozs., another, also in balls, but much larger, weighing between 18 and 30 ozs., and the third in cubes, wrapped up in bamboo leaves, measuring about 3 inches by 2½ inches by 2½ inches, and weighing about 1 lb. The last kind is said to be \"milder\" than the others, the first kind being the one generally preferred for smoking. All three kinds cost $31 per Chinese ounce (1¼ oz. av.).\n\nThe opium which comes from Kweichow province is practically similar in all respects to the Yünnan opium.\n\nKwangsi opium is made up in the same way as Yunnan opium, but is a little cheaper, costing about $30 per Chinese ounce.\n\nThere is only one kind of Ssuch'wan opium imported, namely, it is very soft—like mud, the large balls weighing 40 to 66 ozs. Chinese say—and is not considered as good as the Yunnan, Kweichow and Kwangsi varieties. It costs $29 or $30 per ounce.\n\nChinese\n\nYünnan, Kweichow, and Ssuch'wan opium come here by junk from Pakhoi. Kwangsi opium comes either the same way as the others or by junk from the small ports to the north-east of the Leichow peninsula.\n\nThere is a considerable rise to be noted in the import of Kerosene. American kerosene compared with 1895, and a corresponding fall in the quantity of Russian kerosene. The import of Sumatran oil remained pretty steady. The weight of the tins in all three cases is similar, and the Russian oil is even 5 or 10 c. a tin cheaper; but the Chinese say the American oil is better, as it has a bluish colour, the Russian being reddish. They say, moreover, that the Russian tins are not so good as the American tins, and oil is frequently lost through leakage.\n\nBesides the 634,690 gallons of kerosene shown in Table II as being imported during 1896, 1,080 gallons were brought to Hoihow, and 12,740 gallons to Tamchow, 70 miles distant, by junk from Macao.\n\nKIUNGCHOW.\n\n(48)\n\nPage 383\n\n...\n\nPage 383",
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        "title": "CO129-279 - Public Offices - 1897",
        "content_text": "# KIUNGCHOW.\n\n## TABLE of Contents-continued.\n\n| PAGE | \n| --- | \n| 3 | Rates of exchange. |\n| 388 | \n| 5 | Transit trade |\n| 5 | Shipping |\n| 5 | British.. |\n| 5 | Foreign.. |\n| 5 | Chinese flag and sailing vessels not seen here |\n| 6 | Emigration |\n| 6 | Straits and Siam passenger trade |\n| 6 | British passenger steamers |\n| 7 to 9 | Hong-Kong passenger trade.. |\n| 9 | Conclusion |\n|  | Tables I, II, III, and IV |\n\nThe rates of exchange which are employed in this report for the conversion into sterling of the Haikwan tael values given in the returns of the Imperial Maritime Customs are 3s. 4d. per Haikwan tael for 1896, 3s. 3¼d. for 1895, and 3s. 2d. for 1894. These returns furnish the only statistics of the trade of the port, and the figures given hereafter are almost entirely based upon them.\n\nThe tables appended to this report refer entirely to the trade in vessels of foreign type, as no statistics are as a rule obtainable of the considerable junk trade that is carried out at this port. The chief exception to the latter remark is that certain particulars relating to the junk trade of Hoihow, or Hainan generally, can be obtained from the customs returns of the trade of Kowloon (Hong-Kong) and Lappa (Macao).\n\nThere was a very satisfactory increase in the total trade of this port during the year under review compared with 1895; though the figures of the trade for 1894 were not reached, except in the case of exports, which were of about the same value in the two years. The net total imports from abroad amounted to £244,609 7s. 6d. in value, and from Chinese ports to £299 10s. 0d. Produce of local origin was exported to foreign countries to the value of £210,300 16s. 8d. and to Chinese ports to the value of £4,821 3s. 4d. The net total value of the trade of the port was thus £460,030 16s. 8d., the corresponding value for 1895 being £390,075 3s. 6d., and for 1894 £495,872.\n\nThe total value of the goods of foreign origin brought to Hoihow by junk from Hong-Kong was only £32 in 1896, against £364 4s. 2d. in 1895. On the other hand, £1,605 6s. 8d. worth of foreign goods were imported from Macao in this way and £1,383 8s. 0d. worth in 1895. Junks brought to Hoihow in 1896 £1,110 6s. 8d. worth of native produce from Swatow, £606 worth from Macao, and £8 3s. 4d. worth from Hong-Kong; there were also considerable shipments by native craft from Hong-Kong and Macao to several places within the trading area of this port; including £1,800 worth of paddy and rice sent from Hong-Kong to Chikhom on the Leichow peninsula opposite this island.\n\nThere was a considerable increase in the quantity of foreign opium imported by steamer during 1896, being 435 cwts. 10 lbs., worth £31,527 6s. 8d., as compared with 388 cwts. 87 lbs. worth £28,290 8s. 4d. during 1895. This came almost entirely by way of Hong-Kong. No opium was re-exported during 1896, whereas 42 cwts. 19 lbs., worth £3,245 16s. 3d., were sent back to Hong-Kong in 1895. Besides the above, 88 cwts. 36 lbs. of foreign opium, entirely Patna, were imported into Hainan ports during 1896 by junk from Macao, the figures for 1895 being 58 cwts. 84 lbs., considerably less; but for 1894 94 cwts. 80 lbs., only a little more than in 1896. No opium was brought from Hong-Kong during any of these years. Putting the above figures together, the net import of foreign opium into the island of Hainan was 523 cwts. 46 lbs. in 1896 and 405 cwts. 40 lbs. in 1895.\n\nNo native opium was passed through the foreign customs in the year under review. I have been informed that the total import last year was about 800 cases, each weighing 48 lbs., of Yunnan, Kweichow and Kwangsi opium, and a few pounds only of Ssuch'wan opium. The last variety is said to be not liked here.\n\nThe following remarks on the various kinds of native opium on this market may be of interest.\n\n### Varieties, price, &c.\n\nThree kinds of Yunnan opium are imported; the first in balls weighing from 4 to 8 ozs., another, also in balls, but much larger, weighing between 18 and 30 ozs., and the third in cubes, wrapped up in bamboo leaves, measuring about 3 inches by 2½ inches by 2½ inches, and weighing about 1 lb. The last kind is said to be \"milder\" than the others, the first kind being the one generally preferred for smoking. All three kinds cost 31 c. per Chinese ounce (1 oz. av.).\n\nThe opium which comes from Kweichow province is practically similar in all respects to the Yunnan opium.\n\nKwangsi opium is made up in the same way as Yünnan opium, but is a little cheaper, costing about 30 c. per Chinese ounce.\n\nThere is only one kind of Ssuch'wan opium imported, namely large balls weighing 40 to 66 ozs. It is very soft—like mud, the Chinese say—and is not considered as good as the Yunnan, Kweichow and Kwangsi varieties. It costs 29 or 30 c. per Chinese ounce.\n\nYünnan, Kweichow, and Ssuch'wan opium come here by junk from Pakhoi. Kwangsi opium comes either the same way as the others or by junk from the small ports to the north-east of the Leichow peninsula.\n\n### Trade routes of native opium.\n\nThere is a considerable rise to be noted in the import of Kerosene. American kerosene compared with 1895, and a corresponding fall in the quantity of Russian kerosene. The import of Sumatran oil remained pretty steady. The weight of the tins in all three cases is similar, and the Russian oil is even 5 or 10 c. a tin cheaper; but the Chinese say the American oil is better, as it has a bluish colour, the Russian being reddish. They say, moreover, that the Russian tins are not so good as the American tins, and oil is frequently lost through leakage.\n\nBesides the 634,690 gallons of kerosene shown in Table II as being imported during 1896, 1,080 gallons were brought to Hoihow, and 12,740 gallons to Tamehow, 70 miles distant, by junk from Macao.\n\n### Import by junk.\n\n(48)",
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        "document_key": "CO129-286 - Acting Governor Major Gen Black Governor Sir Blake & Public Offices - 1898 [11-12]",
        "page_number": 578,
        "title": "CO129-286 - Acting Governor Major Gen Black Governor Sir Blake & Public Offices - 1898 [11-12]",
        "content_text": "# TONKIN ROUTES\n\n## (a.) Black River Route\n\nThis route to west Yunnan is navigable for small boats to Mong Nhe, but large junks cannot ply beyond Laichau. Its sinuous course and the great number of rapids above Tuenquan render it impracticable for trade. The river is almost valueless as a waterway, and it will not justify the works necessary for steam navigation. Rocher says that the routes between the Red and the Black Rivers, which are separated by a watershed of 8,000 to 10,000 feet, are commercially unimportant, while between the Red and the Mekong Rivers the people are sparse and poor, the country difficult, and transport expensive, so that commerce would not be remunerative. The French, he adds, must utilise the Red River and not be diverted to other routes.\n\n## (b.) Red River (Songkoi) Route\n\nIt is this route which gives the French an important position in Yunnan. The French territory extends north to 25° 20′ and marches with China as far as the Mekong, which forms the west boundary of French Laos. This route became unsafe for foreign trade during the Mohammedan rebellion, and later through robber hands, and troubles between the French and Chinese. For years it was abandoned to Black Flag filibusters by the Chinese Government, and the borderland is still infested by brigands, whose attacks on Red River traffic the mandarins are alleged to encourage.\n\n### Opinions about this route\n\nThere is practical unanimity among authorities as to the superiority of this over all other ways of penetrating Yunnan. Richthofen spoke of it as the most favourable route and the only navigable water route to the Yunnan frontier. General Mesny calls it the shortest of all land routes to Yunnan-Fu, all other routes thither from the highest point of navigation being longer by one-half, and no better off in respect of conveniences for travellers and merchants. M. Rocher says this is indisputably the most natural route to Yunnan, and the best in economy of time and in cheap and convenient transport. It is surer, easier, and quicker than other routes. Consul Jamieson, who has recently traversed this route, speaks of it as by far the best and speediest to Yunnan. Mr. Colquhoun thinks this route will attract the trade of south-east Yunnan and of central Yunnan up to Yunnan-Fu, physical obstacles rendering it difficult for the trade to penetrate east or west.\n\nOpinions differ greatly as to the importance of south-east Yunnan. Mr. Bourne, Mr. Colquhoun, and others describe it as poor and unproductive and capable of but little commercial development. Rocher directly denies these assertions, and contends that south-east is richer than south-west Yunnan, having a more fertile soil, a richer subsoil, and more numerous and more civilised population. M. Leroy-Beaulieu has recently described the provinces bordering on Tonkin as the poorest in the Chinese Empire, very mountainous, inhabited in great part by aboriginal tribes, and devastated and depopulated by rebellions.\n\n### Red River trade\n\nThe progress of Red River trade has been great since Mengtsz was opened to Tonkin trade under the Convention of 26th August 1887. The imports from abroad (including Hong Kong) and the exports to foreign countries as registered at the Mengtsz Customs House for the last seven years were as follows:\n\n| Year | Imports (Hk. Taels) | Exports (Hk. Taels) | Total (Hk. Taels) |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| 1890 | 635,000 | 461,000 | 1,096,000 |\n| 1891 | 946,000 | 683,000 | 1,529,000 |\n| 1892 | 1,150,000 | 736,000 | 1,885,000 |\n| 1893 | 1,524,000 | 735,000 | 2,259,000 |\n| 1894 | 1,242,000 | 943,000 | 2,185,000 |\n| 1895 | 1,809,000 | 1,033,000 | 2,842,000 |\n| 1896 | 1,627,000 | 850,000 | 2,477,000 |\n| 1897 | 2,394,000 | 1,058,000 | 3,452,000 |\n\nIf the Haikwan tael be taken at 3s. for 1896 the value of the total trade for that year was equivalent to £371,550, or less than the Burma-China trade in 1896-97. But the China trade with Tonkin itself (as distinguished from the transit trade) is much smaller, the imports in 1896 being Hk. taels 86,000 and the exports Hk. taels 134,000, while in 1897 the figures were Hk. taels 74,000 and Hk. taels 191,000. Imports from Hong Kong in 1897 aggregated 97 per cent. of the total imports. The commercial members of the Blackburn Mission state that nine-tenths of the foreign goods imported into Yunnan now follow the Red River route, but this seems much too high an estimate.\n\n### The difficulties that have hampered Tonkin trade\n\nFirst, the traffic by the Red River cannot easily ascend beyond Laokai. A regular weekly service of steamers ascends the Red River from Haiphong on the Tonkin Gulf to Hanoi and Yenbai, but they can ply for nine to ten months only, though they could run all the year if the channel were improved. At Yenbai goods are transhipped to a smaller boat. The rapids render navigation difficult and dangerous between Yenbai and Laokai; nevertheless, for seven months in the year navigation is possible to Laokai. It is usually stated that Laokai is five days up from Hanoi, and two days down, but Consul Jamieson says that in January 1898 he took seven days from Yenbai to Laokai, and was congratulated on making almost a record passage. Cargo steamers could not get up to Laokai during the greater part of 1897, and Chinese merchants continued to send cargo in small boats from Hanoi to Yenbai, and thence by junks to Manbao. Junks are preferred, taking the year throughout, because they ensure more regular delivery. There is now a fine military road between Yenbai and Laokai.\n\nBeyond Laokai the rapids become worse and the river is shut in by high, wooded mountains, but Dr. Pichon holds that in flood season light-draught steamers might reach Longpo and even Manhao, though the rapids are, between these places, very dangerous. According to a member of the Lyons Mission, the future of Tonkin depends on French steamers being able to ascend freely to the Chinese frontier, that is, to Laokai. The steamer service that exists between Hanoi and Laokai consists of boats with but small cargo space, and it is restricted to such an extent by shoals and rapids that the boats make only a few trips each season. The rapids are so dangerous that the losses from wrecks of junks are estimated at 16 per cent. annually. M. de Lanessan considers that, in spite of works, the navigation of the Red River will always be inconvenient.\n\nThe frontier trade practically ceases from May to September. Complaints are made of the injury done to trade by excessive charges for freight both by junk and by steamer, and it seems probable that with lower freights and better constructed steamers trade would increase much faster. The boycotting of French steamers by Chinese merchants, whose customary arrangements for regulating trade have been interfered with by the steamer service, has also hindered expansion of trade. Again, French merchants are charged with deficient enterprise both in obtaining information and in providing capital, as well as in neglecting to suit the tastes and pockets of the people.\n\nThe comparative poverty of north Tonkin and the absence of railways may help to explain the present comparatively small trade. Prince Henry complains that the Government does not improve navigation or facilitate trade, and he recommends a reduction in the opium and other duties. The import of opium into Tonkin is prohibited under Treaty of 1885, as the French Government have granted a monopoly to a private person, who is allowed 10 per cent. on the sales. He buys only a small quantity of Yunnan opium to mix with Indian. Hence little except contraband opium enters Tonkin from Yunnan. This is a serious drawback to trade, for the imports of Yunnan must depend closely on its exports, of which tin and opium are the most important. Consequently, Dr. Pichon and others argue that Tonkin should be a free market for opium, or that a low duty should be levied, predicting as the result a steady growth of frontier trade.\n\nOn the other hand, the Chinese Government forbid the importation of salt into Yunnan, because it would interfere with a monopoly. Prince Henry, however, asserts that the Chinese Government's contracts with Yunnan merchants, under which this prohibition takes place, have expired. Trade on the Red River is much impeded by the unhealthiness of Laokai, which has made little progress for several years. The climate of Manhao also is notoriously bad. By the Convention of 20th June 1895, the port of Hokou, opposite Laokai, was opened as a treaty port in substitution for Manhao. By this change the French aimed at opening up a more direct route for commerce into Yunnan.",
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        "page_number": 439,
        "title": "CO129-314 - Public Offices - 1902",
        "content_text": "# CHINA TRADE\n## CONFIDENTIAL\n### No. 1\n\n434\n\n[October 13.]\n\n## SECTION 1\n\n**C. O.**\n1 40009\n\n(No. 115.) My Lord,\n\nSir J. Mackay to the Marquess of Lansdowne.—(Received October 13.)\n\nShanghae, September 8, 1902.\n\nI HAVE the honour to transmit herein twelve copies of the English text of the new Treaty, with its annexes.\n\nSince the date of my last general Report to your Lordship on the progress of negotiations, No. 105 of the 16th August, I have had meetings with the Chinese Commissioners, or their Secretaries, on an average at least once every day.\n\nIn the course of these interviews new points were constantly raised, sometimes by one Viceroy, sometimes by another, and old points raked up which were supposed by both sides to have been already settled.\n\nAmong these the question of the currency Article came up. Viceroy Liu, being apparently nervous that merchants might claim to substitute the new coin for the Haikwan tael in payment of customs duties, no matter what its value, asked the Commissioners to send me a despatch in which the Viceroy's view that such action was not contemplated by the Treaty was clearly laid down. In compliance with their Excellencies' request, I sent them a reply confirming this view, and I took the opportunity of adding some words which made it clear that free coinage of silver is contemplated in the new currency organization—a stipulation which I was unable to get inserted when the Article was agreed owing to the absolute ignorance and consequent suspicion of the Chinese on the subject.\n\nAt their Excellencies' desire these despatches are added to the Treaty as annexes, and therefore the Chinese stand now, to some extent, committed to establish free coinage of silver.\n\nIn regard to Article IV, a despatch, translation of which is inclosed, was addressed to me in reply to the note which I sent in accordance with your Lordship's instructions on the subject of reserving the right of His Majesty's Government to take Diplomatic action. The despatch does not seem to be in any way a bar to such action being taken if necessary, and I have, therefore, let the matter rest at this point.\n\nYour Lordship will remember that it was settled at Wuchang that silk was to pass free through all native custom-houses. Shortly before the final preparations for the signature of the Treaty, I discovered that in the Chinese text the word \"cocoons\" had been substituted for \"silk,\" owing to the inadvertence of one of Sheng Kung-pao's bad Secretaries, and that, this word having been submitted to the Throne instead of the word \"silk,\" the Chinese were anxious to have the English text made to correspond. At first I refused, but after some discussion a compromise was come to under which only cocoons pass free through the native custom-houses, being liable, though, to full export duty, while silk is to pay, like other goods, 2 1/4 per cent. ad valorem at the first native custom-house, but is to get the amount returned at the place of export. Both silk and cocoons remain free from the surtax as decided at Wuchang.\n\nYour Lordship will perceive that, as a result of much tedious negotiation, I have been able to render the safeguards somewhat more stringent against violation of the provisions of the Treaty. The rights of His Majesty's Ministers, for instance, to interfere in cases of complaint is definitely recognized by China—an important point, as it is often difficult to get Chinese to take the initiative and make a complaint. I am indebted to Mr. Cockburn for this suggestion, made to me from Peking when he saw the draft of `Article VIII`.\n\nIn regard to inland navigation it will be seen that the wording of Rule I is somewhat peculiar, as the first sentence alludes to steam-ship owners, and the second to merchants. This is a suggestion of the Chinese themselves, and I have been unable to understand why they did not ask to have the word \"merchants\" changed to \"steam-ship owners\" in the second paragraph.\n\nI have myself fruitlessly endeavoured to induce the Chinese to substitute the word \"merchants\" for \"ship-owners\" in the first paragraph on account of the former word being more comprehensive.",
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    {
        "id": 386990,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-314 - Public Offices - 1902",
        "page_number": 445,
        "title": "CO129-314 - Public Offices - 1902",
        "content_text": "## ARTICLE XII\n\nThe ratifications of this Treaty, under the hand of His Majesty the King of Great Britain and Ireland and of His Majesty the Emperor of China respectively, shall be exchanged at Peking within a year from this day of signature.\n\n## ARTICLE XIII\n\nIn token whereof the respective Plenipotentiaries have signed and sealed this Treaty in duplicate, in English and Chinese. Done at Shanghae, this 5th day of September, in the year of our Lord 1902, corresponding with the Chinese date the 4th day of the 8th moon of the 28th year Kuang Hsü.\n\nThe missionary question in China being, in the opinion of the Chinese Government, one requiring careful consideration, so that, if possible, troubles such as have occurred in the past may be averted in the future, Great Britain agrees to join in a Commission to investigate this question, and, if possible, to devise means for securing permanent peace between converts and non-converts, should such a Commission be formed by the Treaty Powers interested.\n\n## ARTICLE XIV\n\nWhereas under Rule V appended to the Treaty of Tien-tsin of 1858 British merchants are permitted to export rice and all other grain from one port of China to another under the same conditions in respect of security as copper \"cash,\" it is agreed that in cases of expected scarcity or famine, from whatsoever cause, in any district, the Chinese Government shall, on giving twenty-one days' notice, be at liberty to prohibit the shipment of rice and other grain from such district.\n\nShould any vessel specially chartered to load rice or grain previously contracted for have arrived at her loading port prior to or on the day when a notification prohibiting export comes into force, she shall be allowed an extra week in which to ship her cargo.\n\nIf, during the existence of this prohibition, any shipment of rice or grain is allowed by the authorities, the prohibition shall, ipso facto, be considered cancelled, and shall not be reimposed until six weeks' notice has been given.\n\nWhen a prohibition is notified, it will be stated whether the Government have Tribute or Army Rice which they intend to ship during the time of prohibition, and the quantity shall be named. Such rice shall not be included in the prohibition, and the Customs shall keep a record of any Tribute or Army Rice so shipped or landed.\n\nNotifications of prohibitions and of the quantities of Army or Tribute for shipment shall be made by the Governors of the provinces concerned. Similarly, notifications of the removals of prohibitions shall be made by the authorities.\n\nThe export of rice and other grain to foreign countries remains prohibited.\n\n(L.S.) JAS. L. MACKAY,  \n(Signature of his Excellency Lu Hai-huan.)  \n(Signature of his Excellency Shêng Hsüan-huai.)  \n(Seal of the Chinese Plenipotentiaries.)\n\n### Annex A (1)\n\nLU, President of the Board of Works;  \nSheng, Junior Guardian of the Heir-Apparent, Vice-President of the Board of Works;  \nImperial Chinese Commissioners for dealing with the questions connected with the Commercial Treaties; to  \nSir James Mackay, His Britannic Majesty's Special Commissioner for the discussion of Treaty Revision.\n\nShanghae, K. H. xxviii, 7th moon, 11th day (received August 15, 1902).\n\nWe have the honour to inform you that we have received the following telegram from his Excellency Liu, Governor-General of the Liang Chiang, on the subject of clause 2, mutually agreed upon by us:-\n\n\"As regards this clause, it is necessary to insert therein a clear stipulation to the effect that, whatever changes may take place in the future, all customs duties must continue to be calculated on the basis of the existing higher rate of the Haikwan tael over the Treasury tael, and the touch and weight of the former must be made good.\"\n\nThe Chinese Government undertake that no rice, other than Tribute or Army Rice belonging to the Government, shall be shipped during the period of prohibition. We have already arranged with you that a declaration of this kind should be embodied in an Official Note, and form an annex to the present Treaty, for purposes of record, we hereby do so.\n\n### Annex A (2)\n\nShanghae, August 18, 1902.\n\nIt is agreed that either of the High Contracting Parties to this Treaty may demand a revision of the Tariff at the end of ten years; but if no demand be made on either side within six months after the end of the first ten years, then the Tariff shall remain in force for ten years more, reckoned from the end of the preceding ten years, and so on at the end of each successive ten years.\n\n## ARTICLE XV\n\nAny Tariff concession which China may hereafter accord to articles of the produce or manufacture of any other State shall immediately be extended to similar articles of the produce or manufacture of His Britannic Majesty's Dominions by whomsoever imported.\n\nThe Chinese Government will make arrangements for the coinage of a national currency of such weight and touch as may be decided upon by them. These coins will be made available to the public in return for a quantity of silver bullion of equivalent weight and fineness, on payment of the usual mintage charge.\n\nThe coins, which will become the national coinage of China, will be declared by the Chinese Government to be legal tender in payment of Customs duty and in discharge of obligations expressed in Haikwan taels, but only at their proportionate value to the Haikwan tael, whatever it may be.\n\n## ARTICLE XVI\n\nThe English and Chinese Texts of the present Treaty have been carefully compared, but in the event of there being any difference of meaning between them, the sense expressed in the English text shall be held to be the correct sense.\n\nI have, &c.  \n(Signed) JAS. L. MACKAY,  \n&c. &c. &c.",
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    {
        "id": 391208,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-321 - Public Offices & Others - 1903",
        "page_number": 169,
        "title": "CO129-321 - Public Offices & Others - 1903",
        "content_text": "(This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.)\n\nCHINA TRADE.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\nNo. 1.\n\n165\n\n[May 11.]\n\nSECTION 1.\n\nMr. Jamieson to the Marquess of Lansdowne.--(Received May 11.) (No. 7.)\n\nShanghae, March 31, 1903.\n\nMy Lord,\n\nTHE Abstract of the Chinese Imperial Maritime Customs Statistics for the year 1902 has appeared to-day, and, although a copy thereof may reach the Board of Trade by this mail, I have the honour to inclose a comparative Table of British trade for that period expressed in sterling.\n\nShould this be published, a note, similar to that appended to Table A, page 4 of my Report for 1901 (Annual Series 2912), excluding the first two paragraphs on page 5, should accompany it.\n\nIn my despatch No. 2 of the 12th January last, I gave approximate Returns of revenue for 1902. The correct figures are as follows:----\n\nTotal revenue 1902 35,185,275 Haikwan taels or 3,900,917l. at 2s. 11¼d.\n\n1901 30,007,044 Haikwan taels or 3,777,415l. at 2s. 7¾d.\n\nThe apparent excess for 1902 over 1901 expressed in currency is 4,469,430 taels (581,025l.), but the actual difference in sterling is only 123,502l., or one-half of my previous estimate.\n\nImport duties show an advance of 3,782,782 Haikwan taels, due to the operation of the effective 5 per cent. Tariff; export duties have increased by 188,331 Haikwan taels; coast trade duties by 219,876 Haikwan taels; tonnage dues by 111,349 Haikwan taels, and transit dues by 636,647 Haikwan taels.\n\nI have, &c. (Signed) J. JAMIESON, Commercial Attaché.\n\nInclosure in No. 1.\n\nCOMPARATIVE Table of China's Foreign Trade based on the Returns of the Imperial Maritime Customs.\n\n  \n    \n    Value\n    Increase or decrease\n  \n  \n    \n    1901*\n    1902†\n    £\n  \n  \n    Total imports\n    \n    \n    27,801,060\n    30,693,946\n    + 2,892,886\n  \n  \n    Total exports\n    \n    \n    35,185,275\n    39,118,115\n    + 3,932,840\n  \n  \n    Total trade\n    \n    \n    62,986,335\n    69,811,061\n    + 6,825,126\n  \n  \n    Ratio of imports to exports as 100..\n    \n    \n    79 per cent.\n    78 per cent.\n    \n  \n  \n    United Kingdom--\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n  \n  \n    Imports from..\n    \n    \n    6,100,000\n    7,491,199\n    + 1,391,199\n  \n  \n    Exports to\n    \n    \n    1,266,300\n    1,314,768\n    + 48,468\n  \n  \n    Hong Kong--\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n  \n  \n    Imports from..\n    \n    \n    17,798,250\n    17,358,141\n    - 440,109\n  \n  \n    Exports to\n    \n    \n    10,664,250\n    10,745,458\n    + 81,208\n  \n  \n    India--\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n  \n  \n    Imports from..\n    \n    \n    1,282,550\n    1,294,867\n    + 12,367\n  \n  \n    Exports to\n    \n    \n    465,650\n    362,195\n    - 103,455\n  \n  \n    Other British dominions--\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n  \n  \n    Imports from..\n    \n    \n    892,700\n    941,625\n    + 48,925\n  \n  \n    Exports to\n    \n    \n    493,970\n    468,014\n    - 25,956\n  \n  \n    Total British trade\n    \n    \n    41,963,020\n    43,012,267\n    + 1,048,647\n  \n\n* At exchange, 2s. 11¼d. = 1 Haikwan tael.\n\n† At exchange, 2s. 7¾d. = 1 Haikwan tael.",
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    {
        "id": 391274,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-321 - Public Offices & Others - 1903",
        "page_number": 235,
        "title": "CO129-321 - Public Offices & Others - 1903",
        "content_text": "2 \n\nto renew the proposal of last year to the Chinese Government upon their account.\n\nI am, in accordance with the instructions which I have received, to inform the Chinese Government that the British Government are willing to accept payment in silver for their share of the yearly payment of 18,829,500 Haikwan taels up to the year 1910 as a provisional discharge of their obligations under the conditions of Article 6 of the Final Protocol. The offer is made conditional upon the signature of the fractional bonds as presented by the Shanghae Commission of Bankers to the Taotai. The difference between the sum received in silver and the full amount to which the British Government are entitled under the Protocol is to be considered as a debt remaining due to Great Britain, and the question as to whether payment should or should not be required will form the subject of future decision.\n\nI have the honour to request you to be so good as to bring the above statement of the action taken by me to the knowledge of the Representatives of the Powers who signed the Final Protocol, and greatly oblige yours, &c.\n\n(Signed)\n\nInclosure 2 in No. 1.\n\nWALTER TOWNLEY,\n\nThis Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n231\n\n[August 4.]\n\nSECTION 1.\n\nCHINA TRADE.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\nNo. 1.\n\nMr. Townley to the Marquess of Lansdowne,.--(Received August 4.)\n\n(No. 224.) My Lord,\n\nPeking, June 10, 1903. WITH reference to my despatch to your Lordship, No. 223, of the 4th June, I have the honour to transmit herewith a copy of a note from the Board of Foreign Affairs in reply to my protest against the proposed farm for the collection of duty on opium at Canton.\n\nI have, &c. (Signed)\n\nWALTER TOWNLEY.\n\nYour Highness,\n\nMr. Townley to Prince Ch'ing.\n\nIT will be within the recollection of your Highness that last June His Majesty's Government arrived at the conclusion that there should be some relaxation of the burden of the indemnity payable by the Chinese Government in accordance with the Protocol signed at Peking in 1901, and they proposed that the Powers to whom a share of the indemnity was due should accept their proportion of a yearly payment by China of 18,829,500 Haikwan taels up to the year 1910, without regard to the amount of gold to which this amount in silver may be equivalent.\n\nHis Majesty's Government were prepared either to accept the payment of the annual amount in silver as a full discharge of China's debt for the years mentioned, or, if the other Powers would not agree to that arrangement, they proposed to reserve for subsequent settlement the question of the manner in which the difference between the amount actually due in gold from the Chinese Government and the amount paid by them should be made good.\n\nThe other Powers did not accept either of the above proposals, and though there have been many discussions between their Representatives at Peking, they have not led to any agreement.\n\nHis Majesty's Government, therefore, now intend to take separate action in accordance with the views they expressed last year, and they have instructed me to inform the Chinese Government that they are prepared, as soon as the fractional bonds are signed, to accept up to the year 1910 payment in silver for the share due to the British Government of the yearly payment of 18,829,500 Haikwan taels as a provisional discharge of the obligations of the Chinese Government towards the British Government under Article 6 of the Final Protocol. The difference between the sum received in silver and the full amount to which the British Government are entitled under the Protocol is to be considered as a debt remaining due to Great Britain, and the question as to whether payment of it shall or shall not eventually be made will remain for future decision.\n\nI avail, &c.\n\n(Signed) WALTER TOWNLEY.\n\nSir,\n\nInclosure in No. 1.\n\nPrince Ching to Mr. Townley,\n\nPeking, June 6, 1903. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge receipt of your despatch of the 3rd instant, stating that, from a report received by you from His Majesty's Consul-General at Canton, it appeared that the provincial officials had devised a fresh mode of taxation of foreign opium which was, equally with the previous system attempted, an infringement of the provisions of the Additional Article of the Chefoo Convention. According to the proposed Regulations of the new farm which had been established, all existing prepared opium shops would have to obtain a licence from the farm. The farm even proposed to place a tax of 1 m. 2 c. on each ounce of Indian opium already in the hands of the opium dealers without any regard for the question as to whether the conditions of the Treaty regulating the imposition of additional taxation on opium had been satisfied. Moreover, the number of licences issued to prepared opium shops was to be limited, and it was evident that the farm would in time obtain a complete monopoly of the sale. Such a monopoly was opposed to the Vth Article of the Treaty of Nanking, whereby British subjects might carry on their mercantile transactions with whatever persons they pleased. You therefore requested me to telegraph to the Canton Government that the proposed farm could not be permitted.\n\nIt appears that last year the farm which proposed to levy the tax on prepared opium consumed in the Canton Province calculated the consumption of the drug on the amount of raw opium imported. The Board considering this an infraction of the Additional Article of the Chefoo Convention, ordered the Canton Government to withdraw the tax and devise some other system of collection.\n\nSubsequently, a telegram was received from the Canton Viceroy, stating that it was a matter of extreme difficulty to find the heavy sums required for the indemnity, and that the licence system on prepared opium must be developed and extended. It was proposed therefore to intrust the business to the Heng Chi farm.\n\nBoth foreign and native opium would pay 2 m. 2 c. per ounce, and the total proceeds of the tax would be handed over yearly to the authorities by the farm. The British Consul having however objected to the tax as being too heavy and likely to diminish the consumption of foreign opium, it was decided to reduce both the tax and the sum to be paid over by the farm by one half. The question of licences for the sale of prepared opium is one which concerns China's internal administration, If the system is to be extended, it will only affect the opium after it has reached its place of consumption, when the bales have been opened and the opium prepared. The foreign and native drug will pay both the same amount, and there will be no preferential treatment and infringement of the Additional Article of the Chefoo Convention.\n\nThe third clause of the Additional Article referred to is to the following effect: \"After the import and li-kin duties on foreign opium have been paid, the owner shall apply for a transit certificate. Such certificate shall free the opium to which it applies, provided that the package has not been opened.\" The present extension of the licence\n\n[2091 d-1]",
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    {
        "id": 394699,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-326 - Foreign Office - 1904",
        "page_number": 36,
        "title": "CO129-326 - Foreign Office - 1904",
        "content_text": "exclusive use of which in the United States they are entitled, or which they have adopted and used, or intend to adopt and use as soon as registered, for exclusive use within the Empire of China. To this end the Chinese Government agrees to issue by its proper authorities Proclamations, having the force of law, forbidding all subjects of China from infringing on, imitating, colourably imitating, or knowingly passing off an imitation of trade-marks belonging to citizens of the United States, which shall have been registered by the proper authorities of the United States at such offices as the Chinese Government will establish for such purpose, on payment of a reasonable fee, after due investigation by the Chinese authorities, and in compliance with reasonable Regulations.\n\nARTICLE X.\n\nThe United States' Government allows subjects of China to patent their inventions in the United States and protects them in the use and ownership of such patents. The Government of China now agrees that it will establish a patent office. After this office has been established and special Laws with regard to inventions have been adopted it will thereupon, after the payment of the prescribed fees, issue certificates of protection, valid for a fixed term of years, to citizens of the United States on all their patents issued by the United States, in respect of articles the sale of which is lawful in China, which do not infringe on previous inventions of Chinese subjects, in the same manner as patents are to be issued to subjects of China.\n\nARTICLE XI.\n\nWhereas the Government of the United States undertakes to give the benefits of its Copyright Laws to the citizens of any foreign State which gives to the citizens of the United States the benefits of copyright on an equal basis with its own citizens :-\n\nTherefore, the Government of China, in order to secure such benefits in the United States for its subjects, now agrees to give full protection, in the same way and manner and subject to the same conditions upon which it agrees to protect trade-marks, to all citizens of the United States who are authors, designers, or proprietors of any book, map, print or engraving especially prepared for the use and education of the Chinese people, or translation into Chinese of any book, in the exclusive right to print and sell such book, map, print, engraving or translation in the Empire of China during ten years from the date of registration. With the exception of the books, maps, &c., specified above, which may not be reprinted in the same form, no work shall be entitled to copyright privileges under this Article. It is understood that Chinese subjects shall be at liberty to make, print, and sell original translations into Chinese of any works written or of maps compiled by a citizen of the United States. This Article shall not be held to protect against due process of law any citizen of the United States or Chinese subject who may be author, proprietor, or seller of any publication calculated to injure the well-being of China.\n\nARTICLE XII.\n\nThe Chinese Government, having in 1898 opened the navigable inland waters of the Empire to commerce by all steam-vessels, native or foreign, that may be specially registered for the purpose, for the conveyance of passengers and lawful merchandise,- citizens, firms, and Corporations of the United States may engage in such commerce on equal terms with those granted to subjects of any foreign Power.\n\nIn case either Party hereto considers it advantageous at any time that the Rules and Regulations then in existence for such commerce be altered or amended, the Chinese Government agrees to consider amicably and to adopt such modifications thereof as are found necessary for trade and for the benefit of China.\n\nThe Chinese Government agrees that, upon the exchange of the ratifications of this Treaty, Mukden and Antang, both in the Province of Sheng-king, will be opened by China itself as places of international residence and trade. The selection of suitable localities to be set apart for international use and occupation, and the Regulations for these places set apart for foreign residence and trade, shall be agreed upon by the Governments of the United States and China after consultation together.\n\nPage 7\n\nARTICLE XIII.\n\nChina agrees to take the necessary steps to provide for a uniform national coinage, which shall be legal tender in payment of all duties, taxes, and other obligations throughout the Empire by the citizens of the United States as well as Chinese subjects. It is understood, however, that all customs duties shall continue to be calculated and paid on the basis of the Haikwan tael.\n\nARTICLE XIV.\n\nThe principles of the Christian religion, as professed by the Protestant and Roman Catholic Churches, are recognized as teaching men to do good and to do to others as they would have others do to them. Those who quietly profess and teach these doctrines shall not be harassed or persecuted on account of their faith. Any person, whether citizen of the United States or Chinese convert, who, according to these tenets, peaceably teaches and practises the principles of Christianity, shall in no case be interfered with or molested therefor. No restrictions shall be placed on Chinese joining Christian Churches. Converts and non-converts, being Chinese subjects, shall alike conform to the laws of China, and shall pay due respect to those in authority, living together in peace and amity; and the fact of being converts shall not protect them from the consequences of any offence they may have committed before, or may commit after, their admission into the Church, or exempt them from paying legal taxes levied on Chinese subjects generally, except taxes levied and contributions for the support of religious customs and practices contrary to their faith. Missionaries shall not interfere with the exercise by the native authorities of their jurisdiction over Chinese subjects, nor shall the native authorities make any distinction between converts and non-converts, but shall administer the laws without partiality, so that both classes can live together in peace.\n\nMissionary Societies of the United States shall be permitted to rent and to lease in perpetuity, as the property of such Societies, buildings or lands in all parts of the Empire for missionary purposes, and, after the title-deeds have been found in order and duly stamped by the local authorities, to erect such suitable buildings as may be required for carrying on their good work.\n\nARTICLE XV.\n\nThe Government of China having expressed a strong desire to reform its judicial system and to bring it into accord with that of Western nations, the United States agrees to give every assistance to such reform, and will also be prepared to relinquish extra-territorial rights when satisfied that the state of the Chinese laws, the arrangements for their administration, and other considerations warrant it in so doing.\n\nARTICLE XVI.\n\nThe Government of the United States consents to the prohibition by the Government of China of the importation into China of morphia and of instruments for its injection, excepting morphia and instruments for its injection imported for medical purposes, on payment of Tariff duty, and under Regulations to be framed by China which shall effectually restrict the use of such import to the said purposes. This prohibition shall be uniformly applied to such importation from all countries. The Chinese Government undertakes to adopt at once measures to prevent the manufacture in China of morphia and of instruments for its injection.\n\nARTICLE XVII.\n\nIt is agreed between the High Contracting Parties hereto that all the provisions of the several Treaties between the United States and China which were in force on the 1st day of January, A.D. 1900, are continued in full force and effect except in so far as they are modified by the present Treaty or other Treaties to which the United States is a party.\n\nThe present Treaty shall remain in force for a period of ten years beginning with\n\nPage 34",
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    {
        "id": 394703,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-326 - Foreign Office - 1904",
        "page_number": 40,
        "title": "CO129-326 - Foreign Office - 1904",
        "content_text": "ARTICLE IV.\n\nIn case Chinese subjects conjointly with Japanese subjects organize a partnership or Company for a legitimate purpose, they shall equitably share the profits and losses with all the members according to the terms of the Agreement or Memorandum and Articles of Association, and the Regulations framed thereunder, and they shall be liable to the fulfilment of the obligations imposed by the said Agreement or Memorandum and Articles of Association, and the Regulations framed thereunder as accepted by them, and as interpreted by Japanese Courts. Should they fail to fulfil the obligations so imposed, and legal action be taken against them in consequence, Chinese Courts shall at once enforce fulfilment of such obligations.\n\nIt is understood that in case Japanese subjects conjointly with Chinese subjects organize a partnership or Company, they shall also equitably share the profits and losses with all the members according to the terms of the Agreement or Memorandum and Articles of Association, and the Regulations framed thereunder. Should such Japanese subjects fail to fulfil any of the obligations imposed by the said Agreement or Memorandum and Articles of Association, or by the Regulations framed thereunder, Japanese Courts shall, in like manner, at once enforce fulfilment of such obligations by them.\n\nARTICLE V.\n\nThe Chinese Government agree to make and faithfully enforce such Regulations as are necessary for preventing Chinese subjects from infringing registered trade-marks held by Japanese subjects.\n\nThe Chinese Government likewise agree to make such Regulations as are necessary for affording protection to registered copyrights held by Japanese subjects in the books, pamphlets, maps, and charts written in the Chinese language, and specially prepared for the use of Chinese people.\n\nIt is further agreed that the Chinese Government shall establish registration offices where foreign trade-marks and copyrights, upon application for the protection of the Chinese Government, shall be registered in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations to be hereafter framed by the Chinese Government for the purpose of protecting trade-marks and copyrights.\n\nIt is understood that Chinese trade-marks and copyrights, properly registered according to the provisions of the laws and Regulations of Japan, will receive similar protection against infringement in Japan.\n\nThis Article shall not be held to protect against due process of law any Japanese or Chinese subject who may be the author, proprietor, or seller of any publication calculated to injure the well-being of China.\n\nARTICLE VI.\n\nChina agrees to establish itself, as soon as possible, a system of uniform national coinage, and provide for a uniform national currency which shall be freely used as legal tender in payment of all duties, taxes, and other obligations by Japanese subjects as well as by Chinese subjects in the Chinese Empire. It is understood, however, that all customs duties shall continue to be calculated and paid on the basis of the Haikwan tael.\n\nARTICLE VII.\n\nAs the weights and measures used by the mercantile and other classes for general and commercial purposes in the different provinces of China vary and do not accord with the standards fixed by the Imperial Government Boards, thus resulting in detriment to the trade of Chinese and foreigners, the Governors-General and Governors of all the provinces, after careful inquiry into existing conditions, shall consult together and fix upon uniform standards which, after a Memorial to the Throne for sanction, shall be adopted and used in all transactions by officials and people throughout all the Empire. These standards shall be first used in the places opened to foreign trade and gradually extended to inland places. Any differences resulting from divergence between the new weights and measures and those now in vogue shall be equitably settled, whether by way of increase or decrease, according to the amount of such difference.\n\nARTICLE VIII.\n\nThe Regulations for steam navigation inland of the fifth moon of the twenty-fourth year of Kuang-Hsü, and the Supplementary Rules of the seventh moon of the same year having been found in some respects inconvenient in working, the Chinese Government hereby agree to amend them and to annex such new Rules to this Treaty.\n\nThese Rules shall remain in force until altered by mutual consent.\n\nARTICLE IX.\n\nThe provisions of all Treaties and engagements now subsisting between Japan and China, in so far as they are not modified or repealed by this Act, are hereby confirmed; and it is hereby expressly stipulated in addition that the Japanese Government, officers, subjects, commerce, navigation, shipping, industries, and property of all kinds shall be allowed free and full participation in all privileges, immunities, and advantages which have been, or may hereafter be granted by His Majesty the Emperor of China, or by the Chinese Government, or by the Provincial or Local Administrations of China to the Government, officers, subjects, commerce, navigation, shipping, industries, or property of any other nation.\n\nThe Japanese Government will do its utmost to secure to Chinese officers and subjects resident in Japan the most favourable treatment compatible with the laws and Regulations of the Empire.\n\nARTICLE X.\n\nThe High Contracting Parties hereto agree that, in case of, and after the, complete withdrawal of the foreign troops stationed in the Province of Chilli and of the Legation guards, a place of international residence and trade in Peking will be forthwith opened by China itself. The detailed regulations relating thereto shall be settled in due time after consultation.\n\nThe Chinese Government agree to open to foreign trade, within six months from the exchange of the ratifications of this Treaty, Changsha-fu, in the Province of Hunan, on the same footing as the ports already opened to foreign trade. Foreigners residing in this open port are to observe the municipal and police Regulations on the same footing as Chinese residents, and they are not to be entitled to establish a municipality and police of their own within the limits of this Treaty port, except with the consent of the Chinese authorities.\n\nThe Chinese Government agree that, upon the exchange of the ratifications of this Treaty, Mukden and Tatungkow, both in the Province of Shengking, will be opened by China itself as places of international residence and trade. The selection of suitable localities to be set apart for international use and occupation, and the regulations for these places set apart for foreign residence and trade, shall be agreed upon by the Governments of Japan and China after consultation together.\n\nARTICLE XI.\n\nThe Government of China having expressed a strong desire to reform its judicial system, and to bring it into accord with that of Japan and Western nations, Japan agrees to give every assistance to such reform, and will also be prepared to relinquish its extra-territorial rights when satisfied that the state of the Chinese laws, the arrangements for their administration and other considerations warrant it in so doing.",
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-326 - Foreign Office - 1904",
        "page_number": 144,
        "title": "CO129-326 - Foreign Office - 1904",
        "content_text": "2\n\nwarehouse for the port of Shanghae, do hereby agree and bind themselves to the execution and fulfilment of the terms and conditions set forth as follows:--\n\n1. That the said warehouse shall be used exclusively for the storage of foreign goods in bond, and that neither native goods nor unbonded foreign goods shall at any time be placed therein.\n\n2. That no goods shall at any time be placed in the said warehouse without the previous production to the Proprietors' warehouse keeper of a customs bonding permit in respect of the same.\n\n3. That no goods, while in the said warehouse, shall be opened or any sample taken therefrom without the previous production to the said warehouse keeper of a customs sample permit in respect of the same.\n\n4. That no goods shall be removed from the said warehouse without the previous production to the said warehouse keeper of a customs release permit in respect of the same.\n\n5. That in every case of infraction of either of the last two preceding Articles the Proprietors shall on demand pay to the Commissioner or Acting Commissioner of the said Customs for the time being at Shanghae a fine equal in amount to five times the duty leviable upon the goods in respect of which such infraction shall have taken place.\n\n6. That the Proprietors shall at all times keep in connection with the said warehouse separate books in such form as shall from time to time be prescribed or approved by the said Customs authorities, in which said books shall be recorded particulars of all goods which shall enter or leave the said warehouse, and of the opening of packages or the taking of other measures for the sampling of any goods stored in the said warehouse.\n\n7. That the officers of the said Customs, whether permanently stationed at the said warehouse or proceeding thither for the purpose of inspection, shall at all times have access to and be at liberty to examine without hindrance on the part of the Proprietors all or any goods stored in the said warehouse, and all or any books or papers relating or which ought to relate to any goods stored or which have been or which ought to be stored in the said warehouse.\n\n8. That on the arrival at the said warehouse of any goods for which the importer has obtained a bonding permit, the said goods shall, before being stored, be checked by the said warehouse keeper in the presence of a Customs officer, and at the same time shall be entered in the proper warehouse book, and the said bonding permit shall then be receipted and handed to the Customs officer to be filed.\n\n9. On the presentation by or on behalf of an importer of a sample permit with a view to the taking of a sample or samples, the said warehouse keeper shall inform the proper Customs officer and both shall be present when the package or packages is or are opened and the sample or samples extracted, and on the package or packages being reclosed, the said warehouse keeper shall make a full entry of the transaction in a book kept for that purpose, and shall then hand the sample permit to the Customs officer to be filed.\n\n10. On the presentation by or on behalf of an importer of a release permit for goods to be disposed of in Shanghae or re-exported, the said warehouse keeper shall inform the proper Customs officer and both shall personally see to the release of the goods, and the said warehouse keeper shall at the same time enter the particulars of the transaction in the book prescribed for the purpose as the case may be, and shall then hand the release permit to the Customs officer to be filed.\n\n11. That if, at the expiration of one year from the date of the issue of the Customs permit to enter in bond any goods, the same goods shall not have been removed from the said warehouse, the Proprietors shall forthwith pay the import duty payable in respect of the said goods, and shall forthwith remove the said goods elsewhere.\n\n12. That the charges to be made by the Proprietors for or in respect of the storage of goods and the insurance and safe custody of the same shall be treated as private matters to be arranged between the Proprietors and their customers, but the Customs authorities shall be kept informed of all Rules and Regulations made by the Proprietors in respect of all or any of the said matters.\n\n13. That the Proprietors shall observe all Regulations from time to time made by the Customs authorities in substitution for or in addition to the provisions hereinbefore contained.\n\n14. That if any act or thing shall be done or omitted by the Proprietors or by any of their employés in contravention of any of the stipulations hereinbefore contained (otherwise than in Articles 3 and 4 hereof), the Proprietors shall forthwith, upon demand, pay to the Commissioner or Acting Commissioner at Shanghae of the Chinese Imperial Maritime Customs for the time being the sum of 500 Haikwan taels by way of damages.\n\n15. That it shall be lawful for the said Commissioner or Acting Commissioner for the time being at any time to withdraw or suspend the authority given to the Proprietors to use the said warehouse as a bonded warehouse without assigning any reason for so doing, but it shall not be lawful for the Proprietors to withdraw the said warehouse from use as a bonded warehouse without the previous consent of the said Commissioner or Acting Commissioner.\n\nIn witness whereof\n\nthis\n\nday of\n\n190 .\n\n(L.S.)\n\n(L.S.)\n\n(L.S.)\n\n3\n\n142",
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    {
        "id": 395095,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-326 - Foreign Office - 1904",
        "page_number": 432,
        "title": "CO129-326 - Foreign Office - 1904",
        "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.\n\nCHINA TRADE.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\nNo. 1.\n\nC. O.\n\n429\n\n29509 [July 29,]\n\nIRECT\n\nSECTION 22 AUG 041\n\nChang Ta-Jen to the Marquess of Lansdowne.--(Received July 29.)\n\nMy Lord Marquess,\n\nChinese Legation, July 27, 1904.\n\nI HAVE been directed by the Wai-wu Pu to invite your Lordship's attention to a matter connected with the taxation of opium, to which the Imperial Government attach much importance from a fiscal point of view, and which they think calls for the immediate attention of the two Governments.\n\nI shall not here revert to the unfortunate troubles to which the importation of the fatal drug gave rise in days past, but will merely mention that after many attempts to suppress its consumption by the people of China, and many futile protests against its introduction into the country, the Imperial Government, in 1858, as the lesser of two evils, felt themselves constrained to legalize its importation and sanction its being included in the Tariff, hoping by this means to terminate the evils of smuggling. Considering the nature of the traffic, the duty then imposed on the drug was exceedingly moderate, consisting of an import duty of 30 Haikwan taels per chest of 100 piculs, or 133 lbs. avoirdupois. But this payment covered the import duty only, the free and unrestricted taxation of the drug on its passing into Chinese hands being left entirely to the discretion of the provincial authorities.\n\nFreed from the risk of foreign complications, it was hoped that, once in the interior, the consumption of the drug might be held in check by increasing the war tax then leviable on it and all other goods under the designation of li-kin. But the operation of this expedient was soon found only to have been to remove the evils of smuggling from the seaboard to the interior. Daily, and often sanguinary, feuds took place between the contrabandists and the excise. Another expedient had to be sought, and happily was found for this, in the Additional Article of the Chefoo Convention, signed in London in 1885.\n\nBy this Article, which is still in force, the import duty and the li-kin were to be paid simultaneously at the Treaty port; and the latter, instead of being leviable as heretofore at the discretion of the provincial authorities, was limited to 80 taels, making with the original import duty of 30 taels, 110 taels per chest, an amount which, calculated at the exchange of the date when the new arrangement came in force, was equivalent to 27 per cent. on the then value of the opium, but which now, owing to the depreciation of silver and the greatly enhanced tael-value of the drug, amounts to no more than 13 per cent.\n\nIn 1885, when the Additional Article came in force, 400 taels was the price of a chest of opium and 5s. the value of a Haikwan tael, thus making the value of the drug to be £100 per chest, and the combined import and li-kin duties, calculated at the same rate, £27. 10s.\n\nIn 1904 opium sells for 800 taels per chest and the tael for 2s. 6d.; the sterling value of the opium thus remains at £100 per chest, whilst that of the combined import and li-kin duties amounts to only £13. 15s., or exactly one-half of what it was in 1885.\n\nHere it will be seen that, in spite of the depreciation of silver, the action of economic laws has enabled the price of the drug to be maintained at the same gold value. But in the case of the duties it has been far otherwise, for, regulated by an unyielding Convention, no change, no power of adaptation to circumstances, was possible in them without the common consent of the two High Contracting Parties; the consequence of this being that, whilst remaining nominally the same, they have shrunk—and shrunk—always to the betterment of the merchant and the detriment of the Government—until what was equal to £27. 10s. in 1885 is now worth only £13. 15s.\n\nA similar shrinkage concurrently took place in the gold value of the duties on all other goods, but this was rectified in principle by the Final Protocol of September 1901, and subsequently in practice by the Mackay Treaty of last year.\n\nThe effect of this and the latter rectification when it comes in force will, with the surtax, be that the gold value of the duties on ordinary merchandise will fall but little short of that now levied on opium.\n\n[2056 -1]",
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    },
    {
        "id": 395096,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-326 - Foreign Office - 1904",
        "page_number": 433,
        "title": "CO129-326 - Foreign Office - 1904",
        "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n29509\n\n430\n\nNow, having regard to the fact that opium belongs to the same category of goods as wines, spirits, and tobacco, articles which in all civilized countries are, for moral as well as fiscal reasons, made to bear a very substantial proportion of the national revenue, I would respectfully submit that this approximate equality in the taxation of two categories of goods so widely different constitutes a fiscal anomaly which calls for the serious consideration of the two Governments.\n\nTo restore the taxation of opium to the effective ad valorem percentage at which it stood in 1885, and give the Chinese Government their just due, would require the duties now paid on it to be raised to 220 Haikwan taels per chest; and with a view to this, I have been instructed by the Wai-wu Pu to invite your Lordship to an exchange of views on this most important subject.\n\n46\n\nSection 8 of the Additional Article provides for \"any modifications in its provisions which experience may show to be desirable\" being made, and surely the time for this has arrived, when the duty actually levied on the drug has ceased to have the effect of placing restrictions on its consumption—a principle specifically recognized in the preamble to the Agreement itself as being \"undesirable.\"\n\nI have, &c. (Signed) CHANG TA JÊN.\n\nCHINA TRADE.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\nNo. 1.\n\n[August 19]\n\n22 AUG 04 SECTION 1\n\nSir E. Satow to the Marquess of Lansdowne.—(Received August 1.)\n\n(No. 203.) My Lord,\n\nPeking, June 8, 1904.\n\nIn my despatch No. 191 of the 27th May I informed your Lordship that the proposals put forward by the Viceroy of Nanking for the transfer of the execution of the Whangpoo River improvement schemes from the International Board, instituted by the Final Protocol of the 7th September, 1901, to the Chinese Government, had been submitted to the Diplomatic Body and were being circulated among the Representatives for their observations.\n\nI have now the honour to transmit to your Lordship herewith a copy of the Doyen's circular, with the observations of the various Representatives attached.\n\nYour Lordship will observe that, with the exception of the French Minister, who states that he must ask for instructions, and the Spanish and Portuguese Representatives, who merely take note of the receipt of the document, all the other Representatives state their concurrence in the views expressed by the German Minister and myself, to the effect that, as the whole question of the constitution of the Conservancy Board was arranged by the Final Protocol, any alterations desired by the Chinese Government must be submitted to the Representatives of the Signatory Powers by the Wai Wu Pu.\n\nMy German colleague further draws attention to the fact that the Board is entitled to meet and transact business even should the Chinese Government still persist in their delay to nominate a Delegate, and your Lordship will observe that I have taken occasion to emphasize the views of His Majesty's Government on this point.\n\nI have, &c. (Signed) ERNEST SATOW.\n\nInclosure 1 in No. 1.\n\nBaron Czikann's Circular No. 100 respecting the Proposals of the Viceroy of Nanking.\n\nPékin, le 24 Mai, 1904.\n\nLE Doyen a l'honneur de mettre en circulation une lettre du Doyen du Corps Consulaire de Shanghai concernant une proposition du Gouverneur-Général de Nankin de changer l'Annexe 17 du Protocole Final relative aux travaux d'amélioration du Huang-Pou (Whangpou), et concernant les délibérations du Corps Consulaire de Shanghaï à propos de la Convention de la Commission du Whangpou à une séance.\n\n(Signé) M. CZIKANN.\n\nLa question de la correction du Whangpou a été réglée par l'Article 11 (b) et par l'Annexe 17 du Protocole Final du 7 Septembre, 1901, signé par les Représentants de la Chine et des Puissances étrangères à Pékin. Par conséquent, il n'est pas du ressort du Surintendant des ports méridionaux de faire de nouvelles propositions et d'en saisir le Corps Consulaire à Shanghai. La question à l'ordre du jour est non un changement des stipulations du Protocole Final agréées à l'unanimité par la Chine et les Puissances Signataires de ce Protocole, mais la constitution du Conseil Fluvial. Tous les membres de ce Conseil, excepté le Représentant à qui la Chine a droit par suite de l'Article 4 (h) de l'Annexe susmentionné, ayant été désignés depuis longtemps, cette constitution pourrait avoir lieu dès à présent. Si la Chine ne juge pas utile de désigner le Délégué à qui elle a droit par suite de son commerce maritime, n'empêche en aucune façon la réunion du Conseil, qui pourra délibérer lorsque quatre de ses membres au moins seront présents, et dont déjà deux Représentants du commerce sont arrivés à Shanghai.",
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    {
        "id": 395097,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-326 - Foreign Office - 1904",
        "page_number": 434,
        "title": "CO129-326 - Foreign Office - 1904",
        "content_text": "2\n\nGouvernement Chinois, le Taotai et le Commissaire des Douanes à Shanghai, font partie par suite de leurs offices.\n\nIl me semble que le Doyen du Corps Diplomatique devrait répondre dans ce sens au Doyen du Corps Consulaire, en le chargeant en même temps de notifier au Taotai et aux autres membres du Conseil de procéder incessamment à la constitution du Conseil Fluvial.\n\nSi, après la constitution de ce Conseil, le Gouvernement Chinois juge à propos de soumettre aux Puissances intéressées des amendements changeant les stipulations du Protocole Final, rien ne s'oppose à ce que le Wai Wu-pou fasse des ouvertures dans ce sens aux Représentants des Puissances Signataires du Protocole Final, et que ceux-ci en saisissent leurs Gouvernements respectifs. Mais on ne doit pas perdre de vue que jusqu'à ce qu'un nouvel accord ait été conclu avec le consentement unanime de toutes les Puissances Signataires du Protocole Final, les stipulations de ce Protocole tiennent bon.\n\nMUMM.\n\n(Signé)\n\nJe partage entièrement l'avis de son Excellence le Ministre d'Allemagne au sujet de la communication faite par le Viceroi de Nankin aux membres du Corps Consulaire de Shanghai. Mon Gouvernement tient à ce que le Gouvernement Chinois exécute les stipulations du Protocole touchant l'amélioration du Huangpu, et m'a donné des instructions m'autorisant à appuyer toute proposition tendant à la réunion du Conseil, même dans le cas où le Gouvernement Chinois continuerait à ne pas nommer un Représentant pour ses intérêts maritimes. Il me paraît, du reste, peu désirable de prendre en considération des propositions présentées d'une manière tellement irrégulière.\n\nERNEST SATOW.\n\nLe 27 Mai, 1904.\n\n(Signé)\n\nI wholly agree with opinions expressed by their Excellencies Baron von Mumm and Sir Ernest Satow.\n\nE. H. CONGER.\n\n(Signed)\n\nJe partage l'avis de son Excellence le Ministre d'Allemagne.\n\n(Signé)\n\nP. LESSAR\n\nIdem.\n\n(Signé)\n\nM. CZIKANN.\n\nGAIFFIER.\n\nJ. UCHIDA.\n\nVAN CITTERS.\n\nGALLINA.\n\nVu:\n\n(Signé)\n\nCARCER.\n\nALMEIDA.\n\nExcellency,\n\n3\n\nInclosure 2 in No. 1.\n\nMr. J. Goodnow to Baron Czikann.\n\nConsular Service, U.S.A., Shanghae, May 11, 1904.\n\nI AM directed by my colleagues to inform you that his Excellency Wei, Viceroy at Nanking, has requested us to lay before you his proposals to substitute the hereto attached five rules for Annex 17 to the Final Protocol.\n\nThe following motion is now before the Consular Body :-\n\n\"The Consular Body of Shanghae decides in accordance with (1), paragraph b, Article 2, of the Peace Protocol, signed in Peking on the 7th September, 1901, and (2), Annex 17 of the same Protocol, to give notice to his Excellency the Viceroy at Nanking that the first meeting of the Huang-pu River Conservancy Board will take place on next.\"\n\nWe respectfully ask instructions of the Diplomatic Body on the above.\n\nI have, &c. (Signed) JOHN GOODNOW, Consul-General, U.S.A., and Senior Consul,\n\nInclosure 3 in No. 1.\n\nProjet de Règlement en Cinq Articles relativement aux Travaux d'Amélioration du Huang-Pou, soumis à l'Approbation du Corps Consulaire pour le prompt Commencement de ces Travaux.\n\nLES bateaux des Grandes Puissances ont déjà des droits à payer; la Chine sera confuse de réclamer encore des contributions pour les dépenses des travaux du Huang-Pou aux étrangers qui viennent faire le commerce chez elle. Aussi le Gouvernement Chinois prélèvera sur les recettes de la Douane une somme de 230,000 taels pour son compte et prendra aussi à sa charge les 230,000 taels que les commerçants étrangers avaient consenti à fournir; cela fera en tout une somme de 460,000 Haikwan taels, qui sera versée annuellement jusqu'à l'achèvement des travaux.\n\n2. Les travaux du Huang-Pou seront sous la direction du Taotai de Shanghaï et de la Douane; ce sera également la Douane qui aura la haute main sur la police et les phares.\n\n3. Trois mois après l'acceptation de ce projet de Règlement, le Gouvernement Chinois invitera le concert des Puissances à nommer un ou deux ingénieurs spécialistes pour les travaux des fleuves, qui dirigeront cette entreprise.\n\n4. Tous les trois mois il sera dressé un état des dépenses faites pour les travaux, qui sera soumis au Corps Consulaire.\n\n5. Le Gouvernement Chinois s'engage à ne réclamer pour les travaux du Huang-Pou aucun impôt, soit à Shanghai soit aux endroits environnants, sur les bateaux, sur les marchandises ou sur les propriétés.\n\nJe dois demander des instructions de mon Gouvernement.\n\n(Signé)\n\nG. DUBAIL\n\n431",
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    {
        "id": 395099,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-326 - Foreign Office - 1904",
        "page_number": 436,
        "title": "CO129-326 - Foreign Office - 1904",
        "content_text": "Your Excellency,\n\nInclosure in No. 1.\n\nPrince Ch'ing to Sir E. Satow.\n\nPeking, June 9, 1904\n\nIN Article 11 of the Final Protocol of 1901 it is laid down that a Conservancy Board charged with the management and control of the works for straightening the Whangpoo and the improvement of the course of that river is thereby created, that this Board shall consist of members representing the interests of the Chinese Government and those of foreigners in the shipping trade of Shanghae, and that the expenses incurred for the works and the general management of the undertakings are estimated at the annual sum of 460,000 Haikwan taels for the first twenty years, which sum is to be supplied in equal portions by the Chinese Government and the foreign interest concerned.\n\nThe object of this conservancy scheme is merely to improve the course of the Whangpoo for the benefit of commerce. Now the Chinese Government is willing to undertake the work of conserving the stream itself and to provide the whole of the necessary funds without requiring contributions from merchants of all nationalities. The proposed method of procedure is stated in the following five clauses:\n\n1. The Chinese Government will bear the entire cost itself. A sum of 460,000 taels will be set aside yearly from the revenues of the Imperial Maritime Customs to meet the expense of dredging the Whangpoo, payment to cease on completion of the work. The taxes, which it was arranged to collect under clause 30 of Annex No. 17, will be abolished, and are not to be levied under pretext of it.\n\n2. The works in connection with the Whangpoo will be under the management of the Shanghae Taotai and the Maritime Customs. The control of the river police, sanitary, and other matters will remain in the same hands as under the old Regulations.\n\n3. Three months after the present scheme has been approved by the Diplomatic Body in Peking, the Chinese Government will select and appoint one or two engineers who are well versed in river conservancy to take the work in hand; but for all contracts tenders will be invited, and they will be considered and choice made from them in public.\n\n4. Every quarter an account of the moneys issued for and expended on the works will be made up and submitted to the Shanghae Consular Body for their inspection in general meeting.\n\n5. The Chinese Government, having undertaken to bear the entire cost of dredging the Whangpoo, Annex No. 17 cannot be quoted as a justification for collecting taxes for the purpose from owners of property on the banks of the river, or from the shipping, or on merchandise.\n\nThe five clauses quoted above are advantageous both to China and other nations. I have the honour, therefore, to request that your Excellency will be so good as to communicate the proposals to your Government for its consideration and to favour me with a reply.\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nCHINA TRADE.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\nC.C.\n\n29509 [August 1.] 433\n\nTRECE SECTION 3. REG 22 AUG 04.\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir E. Satow to the Marquess of Lansdowne.~(Received August 1.)\n\n(No. 212.) My Lord,\n\nPeking, June 14, 1904.\n\nI HAVE received your Lordship's despatch No. 127 of the 30th April, in which you request me to report on the present state of the case for the protection of patents in China, and more especially as to whether any steps have been taken to carry into effect Article X of the new American Commercial Treaty.\n\nIn my despatch No. 205 of the 9th instant I have already touched on this question in connection with the particular case which formed the subject of the inquiry contained in your Lordship's despatch No. 95 of the 15th April.\n\nIn a despatch from Shanghae, a copy of which was transmitted to your Lordship in my despatch above referred to, His Majesty's Consul-General states that no arrangements for the registration of patents have, so far, been made at that place, and no steps have been taken to carry into effect the provisions of the United States' Commercial Treaty relating to the protection of patents.\n\nAs the result of inquiries made at the United States' Legation here, however, I am informed that they are urging the Chinese Government to fulfil the obligations imposed upon them by the Treaty.\n\nThe Chinese Government have already made a start with Provisional Trade-mark Regulations, and it is hoped that they will soon set to work on the establishment of a Patent Office.\n\nIt must be remembered that legislation on such subjects in China is an absolutely new development, and it would not be wise for British patentees to expect that it should come to fruition here any more rapidly than it would in other countries where similar conditions prevail, and where such legislation would be equally novel. The remarks contained in my despatch No. 392 of the 18th November, 1903, relative to International Agreements for the protection of trade-marks apply with equal force to the protection of patents.\n\n[2103 a-3]\n\nI have, &c.\n\n(Signed)\n\nERNEST SATOW.",
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        "id": 395216,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-326 - Foreign Office - 1904",
        "page_number": 553,
        "title": "CO129-326 - Foreign Office - 1904",
        "content_text": "2 \n\nand bis objections to anything that savours of official interference will hardly be set aside at the bidding of the Viceroy in favour of the Bureau of Commerce. Beside which, trade in Kwangtung certainly needs no other stimulant than that to be derived from amendment of the methods of native officialdom; the trading community distinctly not at fault. \n\nAs to the working of the Bureau itself, it would be premature to say anything while it is still passing through its initial stages. At the same time it seems highly probable that it will be neither much better nor much worse than other Chinese institutions of a kindred nature, which is as much as to say that it will not accomplish anything very startling in the way of commercial reform, and that the trade of Kwangtung will go on much as it would have done had the Bureau of Commerce never been instituted. In fact it seems not unreasonable to anticipate that at no very distant date the chief direction in which its energies will display themselves will be in the periodical drawing of the salaries and expenses referred to by the Viceroy in his Memorandum. \n\nThe River Bunding Scheme. \n\nThat part of the river which flows between Canton City on the north and Honam on the south is comparatively narrow; and its narrowness is accentuated by the vast amount of shipping of all kinds that congregates there, and by the presence, right in the centre of the stream, of some rocks, which are no slight hindrance to navigation. For a long time past this narrow and inconveniently-crowded stream has been gradually narrowed still further by perpetual encroachments on the north bank, such as the building of jetties and landing-stages, and dumping of refuse, and similar practices. In fact, so continual and so marked was the encroachment year by year, that the difficulties of navigation on this branch of the river were increasing at an alarming rate, and showed every sign of increasing in times to come. The present Viceroy, therefore, elaborated a scheme for bunding the whole of the north frontage from the Shameen, along past the city on to the eastern extremity of the suburbs; and no further encroachments of any kind are to be tolerated beyond the line of this bund. \n\nThis scheme for preserving the present width of the river is undoubtedly an excellent one, but it is considerably complicated by the fact that a large proportion of the frontage proposed to be thus bunded is in the hands of foreigners. Messrs. Butler, Field and Swire, Messrs. Shewan, Tomes, and Co., and the Hong Kong, Canton, and Macao Steam-boat Company are among those concerned, and these firms, naturally enough, desire to safeguard their interests before they consent to have their areas bunded in by the Chinese authorities. A considerable stretch of Chinese-owned land has already been bunded in; in addition to which negotiations are proceeding intermittently between the Bunding Commissioners and the foreign land-owners, and it is hoped that in due course a modus vivendi may be arrived at. At present, however, pending the conclusion of some satisfactory arrangement, the work is more or less at a standstill. \n\nAmong the chief points raised by the foreign owners of property are the obvious ones of compensation for any of their land which, under the provisions of the scheme, may have to be removed, and of prior rights to any land that may be reclaimed in front of their present lots. An additional point specially raised by the Steam-boat Company is that the work shall be under the superintendence of a foreign expert. They claim that this is necessary in order to insure that the bund shall be constructed in accordance with technical principles so as to obviate any further silting-up of the river, thereby preventing their steamers from lying alongside the wharves, as they do at present. \n\n(This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.) \n\nCHINA TRADE, \n\nCONFIDENTIAL. \n\nC \n\n35211 [September 23. 1904 \n\nThey \n\nSECTION 3.10 04 \n\nNo. 1. \n\nThe Marquess of Lansdowne to Chang Ta-Jên. \n\nSir, \n\nForeign Office, September 23, 1904. HIS Majesty's Government have had under their careful consideration the note which you did me the honour of addressing to me on the 27th July last, stating that you were instructed by the Wai-wu Pu to suggest an exchange of views on the subject of the taxation of opium in China. \n\nYou point out that, at the time when the Additional Article of the Chefoo Convention came into force, the import duty of 30 taels and the li-kin duty, in the form of a surtax, of 80 taels, making together 110 taels per chest, were equivalent to 273 per cent. of the value of the opium, but that now, owing to the depreciation of silver and the enhanced tael value of the drug, they amount to not more than 132 per cent, and you suggest, in order that the revenue may not suffer in consequence, that the duties on foreign opium should be raised to 220 Haikwan taels per chest. \n\nI observe, however, that in making this proposal you do not allude to the competition to which foreign opium is exposed from the native drug, which is much more lightly taxed. \n\nIt has frequently been represented to the Chinese Government, in connection with the attempts of the Provincial Authorities to levy further dues on imported opium, that until equality of taxation is established for the home product and the imported article, the Chefoo Convention prohibits increased taxation of the latter. The same considerations prevent the acceptance of your suggestion that the Chefoo Convention should be amended in the direction of increasing the duties leviable thereunder, while nothing is proposed with regard to bringing native opium under equal taxation. Not only would this be unfair to the Indian producer, but it might also be injurious to the revenues of the Chinese Government if native opium were thereby assisted to supplant Indian opium. \n\nThe Chinese Government are, of course, at liberty to terminate the arrangements established by the Additional Article to the Chefoo Convention, in which case the import duty of 30 taels, as fixed in 1858, in connection with the Treaty of Tien-tsin, would alone remain for collection at the ports. There might then be a question of revising the rate with reference to any change which might be found to have occurred in the price of opium. It is understood, however, that the Chinese Government do not intend to withdraw from the Convention, but desire to continue the arrangements by which li-kin, in the form of a surtax, is collected along with the import duty at the ports. As the present surtax of 80 taels is much in excess of any li-kin which the Provincial Authorities are able to collect on home-grown opium, the Convention, though termed \"unremitting\" in your note, is not without solid advantages to the Chinese Government. \n\nHis Majesty's Government cannot admit that there is any relation between the rates of opium duty and the general import duties which were revised in 1901. The former have always been calculated on a special and specific basis, whereas the general tariff introduced shortly after the conclusion of that Treaty was framed on a per cent, ad valorem basis, and its revision in 1901 was the outcome of an agreement to revise the duties so as to make them yield an effective 5 per cent. ad valorem on the basis of the lower value of silver. It may, however, be remarked, in reply to an observation in your note, that if the surtax were fixed on the same principle as that adopted in the Treaty negotiated by Sir J. Mackay for the conversion of li-kin on other dutiable commodities, it would be limited to one and a-half times the duty proper. The present surtax on opium is actually two and two-thirds times the duty. \n\nHis Majesty's Government presume that these considerations were not overlooked when opium was omitted from the scheme sanctioned by the Peking Protocol of the 7th September, 1901, for making the general tariff an effective 5 per cent. \n\nIn conformity with this omission, section 4 of Article VIII of the Mackay Treaty provides that \"Foreign opium duty and present li-kin--which latter will now become a surtax in lieu of li-kin--shall remain as provided for by existing Treaties.\" \n\n12156 -3]",
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    {
        "id": 395372,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-326 - Foreign Office - 1904",
        "page_number": 709,
        "title": "CO129-326 - Foreign Office - 1904",
        "content_text": "705\n\n2\n\nIt remains to be seen whether the Chinese Government will accept this counter-proposal; but a refusal of conditions which constitute the minimum of what the Powers are justly entitled to claim in return for the surrender of their rights under the Protocol of 1901, would doubtless be regarded as a proof that their offer to undertake the conservancy work at their own cost, provided the control were left in their hands, was not made in good faith.\n\nAs I have been informed by his Excellency Natung, to whom I gave an outline of my note a few days ago, that it would be referred to the Shanghae Taotai for his opinion, I am sending a copy of this despatch and the enclosed note to Sir Pelham Warren for his confidential information.\n\nThe new Agreement would, of course, require to be signed by the Representatives of the Powers who were parties to the original Protocol, and by no others.\n\nI have, &c.\n\n(Signed)\n\nInclosure 1 in No. 1.\n\nMr. Conger to Prince Ch'ing.\n\nERNEST SATOW,\n\nLegation of the United States of America, Peking, August 11, 1904.\n\nYour Imperial Highness,\n\nIN reply to your Highness' note of the 5th instant stating that the Chinese Government would give as a guarantee for the faithful carrying out of the Whangpoo Conservancy scheme certain opium revenues, I have the honour to say that I at once telegraphed the substance of your Highness' note to my Government, and have received a reply to the effect that, while it is not willing to deny the sufficiency of the revenue proposed as a guarantee, yet it thinks that, in view of the enormity of the enterprise, the great cost of organizing the work, and of the necessary plant and long continuance of the work, that some kind of satisfactory bond measure should be arranged.\n\nAt any rate, before my Government can consider any abrogation of the provisions of the Final Protocol, a full programme of the plans for work and maintenance must be submitted. If, then, China is really desirous of promptly taking up this work and hastening it to a conclusion, I suggest that she forthwith present to the Representatives of the Powers a full and detailed plan, which secured by the revenues mentioned and supported by some kind of bond measure, will insure the speedy and satisfactory carrying out of the important work and its permanent maintenance in good condition.\n\nIf this should be done at once, my Government will not oppose it, and I shall be glad personally to do whatever I properly may for its furtherance.\n\nIt should be clearly understood, however, that whereas the United States is willing to waive temporarily its right to insist on China complying with the terms agreed to by her in Article VI of the Final Protocol concerning the improvement of the course of the Whangpoo River, it will do so only so long as the Chinese Government promptly and satisfactorily discharges the new obligations which it now wishes to assume. Should it become evident at a later date that the conservancy work is not being done promptly, or that a disposition is evidenced not to carry out the work to the satisfaction of all interests concerned, the United States will insist upon full and strict compliance with the terms of the original Agreement.\n\nI avail, &c.\n\n(Signed)\n\nE. H. CONGER.\n\nNote. The revenues are those arising from opium in Szechuan and Kiangsu, estimated to amount to 600,000 taels.\n\nInclosure 2 in No. 1.\n\nSir E. Satow to Prince Ch'ing.\n\nYour Highness,\n\nPeking, September 16, 1904.\n\nIN my note of the 22nd June last relative to the new proposals of the Chinese Government for carrying out the Whangpoo River Conservancy works, I informed your Highness that I would transmit to my Government a copy of your Highness' note of the 9th June, and I have now been authorized to reply to those proposals as follows:--\n\n3\n\nAs I had the honour to point out in my previous reply, the whole of the Customs revenue is pledged for the payment of foreign loans and for the indemnity due to the Powers for the next thirty or forty years, and His Majesty's Government are unable to assent to any portion of the Customs revenue being diverted to any other purpose than those stipulated in Article VI of the Protocol of 1901, but I hope that your Highness will be able to inform me that other revenues are available for the works which the Chinese Government have declared their willingness to undertake.\n\nYour Highness will no doubt understand that His Majesty's Government can only entertain the present proposals, which it is desired to substitute for the formal stipulation contained in Article XI (6) and Annex 17 of the Protocol, if they are recorded in a documentary Agreement of equal diplomatic force. Such an Agreement, I conceive, would begin by stating the desire of the Chinese Government to substitute for the Conservancy Board created by those stipulations, wherein also the powers, composition, duty, and revenues of the Board were defined, other stipulations, by which they would undertake to carry out all the necessary works and bear the entire cost, and the acceptance by the representatives of that proposal in principle on certain conditions.\n\nThe conditions on which my Government would authorize me to agree with the Chinese Government are the following: They include those contained in your Highness' note of the 9th June last, with others which seem necessary in order to secure the punctual execution and efficient maintenance of the works:\n\n1. The works in connection with the improvement and maintenance of the water approaches to Shanghai, consisting of the Whangpoo River and the inner and outer bars at Woosung, will be placed under the management of the Shanghai Taotai and the Commissioner of Customs at that port, the control of the river police and sanitary and other matters remaining in the same hands as before the signature of the Protocol of the 7th September, 1901.\n\n2. Within three months from the signature of the Agreement, the Chinese Government will select an engineer well versed in river conservancy, and will submit his name for the consideration of the Representatives of the Signatory Powers, and on his approval by a majority of them will appoint him to frame a scheme and carry out the necessary works.\n\nIn case of the post becoming vacant at any time during the execution of the works, his successor will be selected, approved, and appointed in the same manner.\n\n3. For all contracts for carrying out the works and providing the necessary materials and machinery, public tenders will be invited, and the most advantageous will be accepted.\n\n4. Every quarter, an account of the moneys expended on the works will be made up and submitted to the Consuls of the Signatory Powers for their inspection.\n\n5. The authorization of the Taotai and the Commissioner of Customs shall be necessary before any new bunds are built, jetties constructed, or pontoons or hulks are placed in the river.\n\n6. The Taotai and the Commissioner of Customs to be empowered to expropriate existing moorings, and to establish a system of public moorings in the river.\n\n7. No dredging to be carried out in the river except with the authorization and under the control of the Taotai and the Commissioner of Customs.\n\n8. The Taotai and the Commissioner of Customs to be empowered to acquire by purchase the lands necessary for carrying out the works of conservancy and improvement of the water approaches to Shanghai as defined in paragraph 1, and to dispose of them. If, for this purpose, it shall be deemed necessary to expropriate land outside the foreign Settlements, the rules laid down in Article 6 (a) of \"The Land Regulations for the Foreign Settlements at Shanghai north of the Yangking-pang\" to be followed. The price to be fixed by a Committee, consisting of (1) a person chosen by the Consular authority of the Power to whose jurisdiction the owner is subject; (2) one chosen by the Taotai and the Commissioner of Customs; (3) one chosen by the Senior Consul.\n\n9. Riparian owners to have the refusal of all land made in front of their properties by the reclamation carried out for the improvement of the water approaches in question. The purchase price of these lands to be fixed after consideration of all the circumstances by a Committee composed in the same manner as provided in paragraph 8.\n\n10. The Chinese Government to bear the whole cost of the necessary works.\n\n11. The Chinese Government to deliver within three months from the date of the Agreement to the Doyen of the Diplomatic Body twenty bonds for 460,000 Haikwan taels secured upon the revenues assigned as security for the expenditure, maturing at the end of each successive year during twenty years from the date of signature of the Agreement. At the end of each year, if the Consular Representatives of the Signatory Powers report to the Senior Diplomatic Representative of such Powers that the works are being carried...",
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    {
        "id": 395405,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-326 - Foreign Office - 1904",
        "page_number": 742,
        "title": "CO129-326 - Foreign Office - 1904",
        "content_text": "8\n\nit is open to question whether the registration of the same or similar marks by more than one applicant is fair or reasonable. There are many marks in use in Shanghae to-day which bear a very close resemblance to one another. One mark, perhaps, is registered, the others have been used for a longer or shorter period, and their use is either known and permitted, or it may not be known,\n\nWould it not be fairer in such a case to grant registration to the owner of the mark registered in a foreign country, and to none of the others, than to register them all?\n\nAgain, in the case of similar marks, none of which are registered in a foreign country, would it not be preferable to grant registration only to the user who could establish priority and to deny registration to others?\n\nIt would seem that on the one hand the applicant has good grounds for preference, while on the other his claim to registration rests merely on his being the first comer.\n\nHow far this point may be covered by Regulation 13 it is impossible to say until the code is compiled, defining the basis on which claims to cancellation must rest.\n\nPrior use of a mark for two years gives the proprietor the right over all comers, and under Regulation 8 (c) such marks will not be granted registration on the application of any one party. The Regulation says \"cannot be registered,\" but it may be taken for granted that the meaning is \"cannot be registered by any one but the party showing his prior right, based on two years' use.\" This question of priority, carrying with it protection, has apparently been differently viewed by different readers of the Regulations. To some it appears quite plain that the wording of the Regulations secures permanent protection to the owners of marks such as described in clause 8 (c) without its being incumbent on them to register now or at any future time, i.e., priority of use constitutes protection in perpetuity free of all obligation to comply with the ordinary terms of registration. Again, the necessity for the code forces itself upon one, to determine a disputed point, but speaking with all deference to the above opinion, it is difficult to believe, viewing the Regulations as a whole, and claiming only a reasonable interpretation of their clauses, that the above opinion will prove to be the correct one.\n\nRegulation states that exclusive right to a trade-mark is conditional on registration, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations, and no distinction between old and new marks is made or even implied.\n\nRegulation 13 affords a very reasonable period of three years for owners of established marks to obtain redress for infringement, but, if established marks are entitled to perpetual protection, the object of the three years' limit in which to lodge a protest is not apparent.\n\nIn Regulation 9 exclusive rights in any trade-mark, whether registered abroad or in China, lapse after a period of twenty years, unless renewed in accordance with Regulation 10, and there is nothing in these clauses to justify the inference that renewal at home takes the place of renewal in China.\n\nSupplementary Regulation 26 makes provision for the registration in China of trade-marks already registered abroad. If it is assumed that trade-marks registered abroad do not require registration in China, this provision is superfluous, and the same may be said of detailed Rule 9. It may, of course, be argued that these provisions are necessary in order to enable applicants to register marks already registered abroad, should they elect to do so, without any compulsion in the matter being employed, but it may fairly be assumed, in answer to this argument, that if protection without registration is assured, the alternative, involving heavy expenditure, is hardly likely to be chosen, and need not be reckoned with.\n\nAs further showing the necessity to register all marks to which exclusive rights are claimed or desired, Supplementary Regulation 27 states clearly that marks formerly protected by proclamation will cease to enjoy that protection unless registration be made within six months of the opening of the Registration Office.\n\nMr. Jamieson. Allow me to interrupt for one moment. You may not be aware that most Chinese firms' marks are registered locally by local proclamation, and, as I read their Rules as being primarily intended for Chinese, this applies to Chinese and not to foreigners. I think that explanation may tend to clear up the reading of that Rule.\n\nMr. Scott. This seems to indicate even more clearly than any of the other Regulations the intentions underlying them, viz., that all trade-marks, if claimed to be the exclusive property of any individual, firm, or corporate body, must be registered, as protection will not be continued even to those marks in respect of which the Chinese authorities are cognizant, and for which they have received fees. \"The British Trade-marks Act, 1883,\" section 103, paragraph 1, says: \"Arrangements with foreign States, for the mutual protection of trade-marks, &c., that any person who has applied for protection for any invention, design, or trade-mark, shall be entitled to registration of his design or trade-mark in priority of other applicants.\" Paragraph 3 says: \"The applications for the registration of a trade-mark under this section must be made in the same manner as ordinary applications.\"\n\nI believe it to be a fact that in no country in Europe or elsewhere can permanent protection be claimed for a trade-mark unless it be registered in accordance with the laws of that country, and why should the contrary be expected of China? The concluding clause of the British Treaty with the United States for the protection of trade-marks, of the 24th October, 1877, reads: \"It is understood that any person who desires to obtain the aforesaid protection must fulfil the formalities required by the laws of the respective countries.\"\n\nIf it were\n\nThe question whether the proposed fees are reasonable or otherwise entirely depends on the decision of the point we have just been considering. only necessary to register new marks, the fees, though high compared with England or France, are moderate when compared with the scale charged in the United States, but even then some of the items charged are perhaps open to criticism.\n\nA comparison of the English scale may, in the first instance, be useful.\n\nEngland\nChina\n\nApplication to register\n£ s. d.\n4 1 0\nHaikwan taels\n5.00\n\nRegistration and certificate\n\n30.00\n\nRegistration, one or more article in one class\n5 0\n\nRegistration for series of marks, every additional representation after the first in each class\n1 0 0\n0.50\n\n0 0 4\n\nAssignment to another party (partnership)\n\n20.00\n\n1 0 0\n\nRenewal of registration (China, 20 years; England, 14 years)\n\n25.00\n\n0 0 2\n\nRenewal of last certificate (copy of ratification)\n\n2.00\n\nReporting imitation (notice of opposition)\n\n10.00\n\nApplication for reconsideration (appeal from Comptroller)\n1 0 0\n5.00\n\nCopy of documents 300 words, per 100\n\n1.00\n\nInspecting register- China, per hour\n0 0 4\n\nEngland, per 4 hour\n\n1.00\n\n(The French scale is considerably lower.)\n\nIt will be noted that the English scale makes registration very cheap, and it is only when it is sought to prove that a registered mark is not in order, or to appeal to the Board of Trade against a decision of the Comptroller, that the fees are slightly in excess of the Chinese scale. To continue; on the assumption that marks registered abroad must be registered here, the cost per mark would be as follows:-\n\nApplication\nHaikwan taels\n5\n\nRegistration\n30\n\nCopy of certificate from home, 5s., say\n2\n\nCost of translating documents into Chinese, say\n5\n\nTotal\n42\n\nIn addition to this, it must be remembered that it would probably be necessary to spend several half-hours at 1 tael each searching the registers. The result of which might be a refusal to grant registration, followed by an application for reconsideration of ruling, costing 5 taels.\n\nIt may be remarked here that those who hold that registration of registered marks is unnecessary would undoubtedly find their marks registered by others, owing to the registration office not being in possession of the necessary data preventing such registrations.\n\nAn application for cancelment would cost the rightful owner 30 taels for each occasion of infringement, which, in the end, would be much more expensive than\n\n[2288 e-3]\n\n9",
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    {
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-330 - Public Offices - 1905",
        "page_number": 298,
        "title": "CO129-330 - Public Offices - 1905",
        "content_text": "# ARTICLE X.\n\nChina agrees to herself establish a system of uniform national coinage and provide for a uniform national currency which shall be freely used as legal tender in payment of all duties, taxes, and other obligations by Portuguese subjects as well as by Chinese subjects in the Chinese Empire. It is understood, however, that all Customs duties shall continue to be calculated and paid on the basis of the Haikwan tael.\n\n## ARTICLE XI.\n\nThe Government of His Most Faithful Majesty agrees to the prohibition by the Chinese Government of the importation into China of morphia and of instruments for its injection, on condition, however, that the Chinese Government will allow the importation of morphia and of instruments for its injection for medical purposes by Portuguese doctors, chemists, and druggists, on payment of the prescribed duty and under special permit, which will only be granted to an intending importer upon its signing at the Portuguese Consulate a suitable bond undertaking not to sell morphia except in small quantities and on receipt of a requisition signed by a duly qualified foreign medical practitioner.\n\nIf fraud in connection with such importation be discovered by the Customs authorities, the morphia and instruments for its injection will be seized and confiscated, and the importer will be denied the right to import these articles thereafter.\n\n## ARTICLE XII.\n\nThe Chinese Government, recognizing that it is advantageous for the country to develop its mineral resources, and that it is desirable to attract foreign as well as Chinese capital to embark in mining enterprise, agrees to revise its existing mining regulations in such manner, by the selection of those rules in force in other nations which seem applicable to conditions in China, that the revision, while promoting the interests of Chinese subjects and in no way prejudicing the sovereign rights of China, will offer no impediment to the employment of foreign capital, nor place foreign capitalists at a greater disadvantage than they would be under generally accepted foreign regulations, and will permit Portuguese subjects to carry on in Chinese territory mining operations and other necessary business relating thereto provided they comply with the new regulations and conditions which will be imposed by China on its subjects and foreigners alike, relating to the opening of mines, the renting of mineral land, and the payment of royalty, and provided they apply for permits, the provisions of which in regard to necessary business relating to such operations shall be observed. The residence of Portuguese subjects in connection with such mining operations shall be agreed upon between Portugal and China.\n\nAny Mining Concession granted after the publication of such new rules shall be subject to their provisions.\n\n## ARTICLE XIII.\n\nIt being only right that the shareholders of any Joint Stock Company or the partners in any commercial undertaking should all be on a footing of equality as regards division of profits and payment of obligations, according to the partnership Agreement or Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Chinese Government agrees that Chinese subjects joining with Portuguese subjects in the organization of a Joint Stock Company or commercial undertaking, legally constituted, shall be liable to the fulfilment of the obligations imposed by said Agreement or Memorandum and Articles of Association, and that Chinese Courts will enforce fulfilment of such obligations, if a suit to that effect be entered; provided always that their liability shall not be other or greater than that of Portuguese shareholders or partners in the same Company or partnership.\n\nSimilarly, Portuguese subjects who invest their capital in Chinese enterprises shall be bound to fulfil the obligations imposed by the partnership Agreement or Memorandum and Articles of Association, and their liability shall be the same as that of the Chinese subjects engaged in the same undertaking.\n\nBut as existing Treaty stipulations do not permit foreign merchants to reside in the interior of China for the purpose of trade, such Joint Stock Company and commercial undertakings may be established in the interior by Portuguese and Chinese subjects conjointly.\n\n## ARTICLE XIV.\n\nAs Portugal affords protection to trade-marks used by subjects of any other nationality provided alike protection is reciprocated for trade-marks used by Portuguese subjects, China, in order to obtain this protection for its subjects in Portuguese territory, agrees to grant protection to Portuguese trade-marks against unlawful use, falsification, or imitation by Chinese subjects. To this end, the Chinese Government will enact the necessary laws and regulations and will establish Registration offices at which foreign trade-marks may be registered on payment of reasonable fees.\n\nFurther, the Chinese Government agrees that, as soon as a Patent Office has been established and special laws with regard to inventions have been adopted, it will, after payment of the prescribed fees, issue certificates, valid for a fixed term of years, to Portuguese inventors extending to their inventions the same protection as shall be given to Chinese patents in Portugal, provided that such inventions do not infringe on previous inventions by subjects of China.\n\nAny Chinese or Portuguese subject who is the author, proprietor, or seller of any publication injurious to the peace and good government of China shall be dealt with in accordance with the laws of his own country.\n\n## ARTICLE XV.\n\nThe Government of China having expressed a strong desire to reform its judicial system and to bring it into accord with that of Western nations, Portugal agrees to give every assistance to such reform and will also be prepared to relinquish extra-territorial rights when satisfied that the state of the Chinese laws, the arrangements for their administration, and other considerations warrant it in so doing.\n\n## ARTICLE XVI.\n\nThe missionary question in China demands, in the opinion of the Chinese Government, careful consideration, so as to avert in the future the troubles which have occurred in the past. Portugal, as a nation specially interested in the protection of its Catholic Missions in Chinese territory, agrees to join in a Commission to investigate this question and, if possible, to devise means for securing permanent peace between converts and non-converts, should such a Commission be formed by China and the Treaty Powers interested.\n\nNo person, whether Portuguese subject or Chinese convert, who, according to the tenets of Christianity, peaceably teaches or practices the principles of that religion, which aims at teaching men to do good, shall be persecuted or harassed on account of his faith. But converts and non-converts, being alike subjects of China, shall conform to her laws and shall pay due respect to those in authority, living together in peace and amity; and the fact of his being a convert shall protect no one from the consequence of any offence he may have committed before or may commit after his admission into the church or exempt him from paying legal taxes on Chinese subjects generally, except taxes and contributions levied for the support of religious customs and practices contrary to his faith. Missionaries shall not interfere with the exercise by the native authorities of their jurisdiction over Chinese subjects; nor shall the native authorities make any distinction between converts and non-converts, but shall administer the law without partiality so that both classes may live together in peace.\n\nPortuguese Missions shall be permitted to rent and lease in perpetuity, as the property of the Mission, buildings or lands in all parts of the Empire for Mission purposes and, after the title-deeds have been found in order and duly stamped by the local authorities, to erect such suitable buildings as may be required for carrying out their good work.\n\nPage 291 \nPage 5",
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    {
        "id": 397906,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-330 - Public Offices - 1905",
        "page_number": 396,
        "title": "CO129-330 - Public Offices - 1905",
        "content_text": "## ARTICLE X\n\nThese certificates of drawbacks will be accepted at their face value by the Customs authorities at the port of issue in payment of duties of all kinds, tonnage dues excepted; or shall, in the case of drawbacks for duty paid on foreign goods re-exported abroad within three years from the date of importation, be redeemable in ready money by the Imperial Maritime Customs at the port where the import duty was paid, at the option of the holders thereof.\n\n4 \n\nWith regard to the produce tax, consumption tax, and excise, as well as the duties on native opium and salt, leviable by China, Portugal further agrees to accept the same arrangements as shall be agreed upon between the Treaty Powers and China. It is, however, understood that the commerce, rights, and privileges of Portugal shall not, in consequence of this undertaking, be placed in any way at a disadvantage as compared with the commerce, rights, and privileges of any other Power.\n\ndrawback certificates.\n\n5 \n\n389 \n\nHer subjects and foreigners alike, relating to the opening of mines, the renting of land, and the payment of taxes due to the State, and provided they apply for permits, the provisions of which in regard to necessary business relating to such operations shall be observed. The residence of Portuguese subjects in connection with mining operations shall be agreed upon between Portugal and China.\n\nAny Mining Concession granted after the publication of such new Rules shall be subject to their provisions.\n\n## ARTICLE XIV\n\nDrawback certificates for the return of duties shall be issued by the Imperial Maritime Customs to Portuguese subjects within twenty-one days from the date of presentation to the Customs of the papers entitling the applicant to receive such drawbacks.\n\nIt being only right that the shareholders of any Joint Stock Company or the partners in any commercial undertaking should all be on a footing of equality as regards division of profits and fulfilment of obligations, according to the partnership agreement or memorandum and articles of association, the Chinese Government agree that Chinese subjects joining with Portuguese subjects in the organization of a Joint Stock Company or commercial undertaking, legally constituted, shall be liable to the fulfilment of the obligations imposed by said agreement or memorandum and articles of association, and that Chinese Courts will enforce fulfilment of such obligations in harmony with Chinese commercial law if a suit to that effect be entered; provided always that their liability shall not be other or greater than that of Portuguese shareholders or partners in the same Company or partnership.\n\nSimilarly, Portuguese subjects who invest their capital in Chinese enterprises shall be bound to fulfil the obligations imposed by the partnership agreement or memorandum and articles of association. The Portuguese Tribunals shall compel them to fulfil these obligations in conformity with Portuguese commercial law, if a suit to that effect be entered, provided that their liability shall be the same as that of the Chinese subjects engaged in the same undertaking.\n\nBut if, in connection with any application for a drawback certificate, the Customs authorities discover an attempt on the part of a Portuguese subject to defraud the revenue, he shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five times the amount of the duty or to a confiscation of the goods. In case the goods have been removed from Chinese territory, then the Consul shall inflict on the guilty party a suitable fine to be paid to the Chinese Government.\n\n## ARTICLE XI\n\nBut as existing Treaty stipulations do not permit foreign merchants to reside in the interior of China for the purpose of trade, such Joint Stock Company and commercial undertakings may not be established in the interior by foreign and Chinese subjects conjointly.\n\nChina agrees to herself establish a system of uniform national coinage and provide for a uniform national currency, which shall be freely used as legal tender in payment of all duties, taxes, and other obligations between the subjects of the two Contracting Parties in the Chinese Empire. It is understood, however, that all customs duties shall continue to be calculated and paid on the basis of the Haikwan tael.\n\n## ARTICLE XII\n\nThe Government of His Most Faithful Majesty agrees to the prohibition by the Chinese Government of the importation into China of morphia and of instruments for its injection, on condition, however, that the Chinese Government will allow the importation of morphia and of instruments for its injection for medical purposes by doctors, chemists, and druggists, on payment of the prescribed duty and under special permit, which will only be granted to an intending importer upon his signing at the Portuguese Consulate a suitable bond undertaking not to sell morphia except in small quantities, and on production of a requisition signed by duly qualified foreign medical practitioners.\n\nIf fraud in connection with such importation be discovered by the Customs authorities, the morphia and instruments for its injection will be seized and confiscated, and the importer will be denied the right to import these articles thereafter.\n\n## ARTICLE XIII\n\nThe Chinese Government, recognizing that it is advantageous for the country to develop its mineral resources, and that it is desirable to attract foreign as well as Chinese capital to embark in mining enterprise, agree to revise their existing Mining Regulations in such manner, by the selection of those Rules in force in other nations which seem applicable to conditions in China, that the revision, while promoting the interests of Chinese subjects and in no way prejudicing the sovereign rights of China, will offer no impediment to the employment of foreign capital, nor place foreign capitalists at a greater disadvantage than they would be under generally accepted foreign Regulations, and will permit Portuguese subjects to carry on in Chinese territory mining operations and other necessary business relating thereto, provided they comply with the new Regulations and conditions, which will be imposed by China.\n\n## ARTICLE XV\n\nAs Portugal affords protection to trade-marks to the subjects of any other nationality provided alike protection is reciprocated for trade-marks of Portuguese subjects, China, in order to obtain this protection for her subjects in Portuguese territory, agrees to grant protection to Portuguese trade-marks against unlawful use, falsification or imitation by Chinese subjects. To this end the Chinese Government will enact the necessary laws and regulations, and will establish Registration offices at which foreign trade-marks may be registered on payment of reasonable fees.\n\nFurther, the Chinese Government agree that, as soon as a Patent Office has been established and special laws with regard to inventions have been adopted, they will, after payment of the prescribed fees, issue certificates, valid for a fixed term of years, to Portuguese inventors extending to their inventions the same protection as shall be given to Chinese patents in Portugal, provided that such inventions do not infringe on previous inventions by subjects of China.\n\n## ARTICLE XVI\n\nThe Government of China having expressed a decided intention to reform its judicial system and to bring it into accord with that of Western nations, Portugal agrees to give every assistance to such reform, and will also be prepared to relinquish extra-territorial rights when satisfied that the state of the Chinese laws, the arrangements for their administration, and other considerations warrant it in so doing.\n\n## ARTICLE XVII\n\nThe missionary question in China demands, in the opinion of the Chinese Government, careful consideration, so as to avert in the future the troubles which have occurred in the past. Portugal, as a nation specially interested in the protection... \n\n[1837 u-1]",
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        "id": 397984,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-330 - Public Offices - 1905",
        "page_number": 474,
        "title": "CO129-330 - Public Offices - 1905",
        "content_text": "## \n7. No dredging or other operations shall be carried out without the authorization of the Shanghae Customs Taotai and the Commissioner of Customs.\n\n8. The Shanghae Customs Taotai and the Commissioner of Customs shall have power to acquire any land outside the foreign Settlements necessary for the work of improvement and maintenance of the Whangpoo River, and to dispose of such lands. If, for this purpose, it is considered necessary to proceed by way of expropriation, the price shall be fixed by a Commission composed of---\n(1.) A person selected by the Consular authority or the proprietor;\n(2.) Another, chosen by the Shanghae Customs Taotai and the Commissioner of Customs; and\n(3.) Another, chosen by the Senior Consul.\n\nIn case the Senior Consul is also the Consular authority of the proprietor, the Consul next in seniority shall choose the third member of the Commission. Consular authority of the owner shall provide for the execution of the Arbitrators' decision.\n\nRiparian owners outside the foreign Settlements shall have the right of pre-emption over all land formed in front of their property by reclamation from the river in the course of the execution of the works for the improvement of the channel, at a price to be fixed by a Commission formed in the same manner as prescribed in the preceding paragraph.\n\n9. The Chinese Government bears the whole cost of the river works, and will levy for this purpose no dues on riparian property, nor on shipping, nor on goods passing up or down.\n\n10. China now indicates and gives the entire opium duty of Szechuan and of Hsuchou-fu in Kiangsu as the security for the whole cost of the river works, and in accordance with the estimated cost, as stated in the Protocol of 1901, will annually supply 460,000 Haikwan taels for a term of twenty years. If, during any year after the commencement of the operations, it is necessary to incur especially heavy expenditure for the purchase of materials, machinery, &c., China may raise a loan for the required amount and issue bonds on the security of the above-mentioned opium revenues. The total sum annually provided for meeting the repayment and interest of such bonds, for carrying out works, and maintaining works already completed, will be not less than 460,000 Haikwan taels, to be paid in equal monthly instalments by the Provincial authorities concerned to the Shanghae Customs Taotai and the Commissioner of Customs. Should the revenues assigned fall short, the Chinese Government will provide the amount specified from other sources.\n\n11. If the works are not being carried out with diligence, care, and economy, a majority of the Consular Body may unite to point out to the Shanghae Customs Taotai and the Commissioner of Customs, and call upon them to direct the engineer to take steps to remedy the matters complained of; and if the work is still not properly done, they may recommend the engineer's dismissal and the selection and appointment of another engineer, the process being the same as that described in Article 2. In case no notice is taken by the Shanghae Customs Taotai and Commissioner of Customs, the Consular Body may report to the foreign Representatives concerned.\n\n12. After the present stipulations have been discussed, settled, and signed, section (b) of Article 11 and Annex 17 of the Protocol of 1901 will be suspended. But if China does not, in accordance with this new Agreement, annually furnish sufficient funds, so that the needs of the work are impeded, or if she omits to fulfil any other of the essential stipulations of this Agreement, the original stipulations of the Protocol of 1901 and of Annex 17 thereto will immediately resume their force.\n\nLe soussigné Ministre d'Allemagne, quoiqu'étant personnellement prêt à soumettre ce contre-projet avec ses recommandations à son Gouvernement, doit pourtant se réserver un avis officiel, ne sachant point si les propositions Chinoises du 26 Novembre seront regardées par son Gouvernement comme base suffisante d'un nouvel Arrangement avec le Gouvernement Chinois, qui viserait la suspension de l'Annexe 17 du Protocole Final.\n\nPar la lettre ci-annexée du 29 Décembre votre Excellence a bien voulu faire parvenir aux Soussignés une lettre de différentes Corporations de Shanghai du 14 Décembre, recommandant au Corps Diplomatique d'une façon générale les propositions contenues dans le Mémoire ci-joint de Sir Robert Bredon, Vice-Inspecteur-Général des Douanes Impériales Maritimes. Les Soussignés ont l'honneur de soumettre ci-joint à l'approbation de leurs honorables collègues le projet d'une réponse aux dites Corporations de Shanghai qu'ils proposent de leur faire parvenir par l'entremise du doyen du Corps Consulaire à Shanghai.\n\nVeuillez, &c.\n\n(Signé)\n\nE. H. CONGER, A. VON MUMM. ERNEST SATOW. G. DUBAIL.\n\n## Circular addressed by Baron Czikann to Foreign Representatives.\n\nPékin, le 5 Janvier, 1905.\n\nLE doyen a l'honneur de mettre en circulation une lettre de la Commission chargée de reviser les propositions Chinoises concernant l'amélioration du Whangpou, par laquelle elle soumet à l'approbation de MM. les Représentants des Puissances Signataires du Protocole Final un contre-projet dans cette question.\n\nIl a en même temps l'honneur de soumettre à l'approbation de ses honorables collègues un projet de lettre que la dite Commission a bien voulu rédiger comme réponse à la lettre du 14 Décembre, 1904, par laquelle les Représentants du Conseil Municipal, de la Chambre de Commerce et des Associations Anglaise, Allemande, Américaine, et Japonaise à Shanghaï avaient recommandé au Corps Diplomatique un Mémorandum de Sir Robert Bredon au sujet de l'amélioration du Whangpou.\n\n(Signé) M. CZIKANN.\n\nDans les instructions qu'il m'a adressées, mon Gouvernement m'avait prescrit d'insister afin que les travaux du Whangpou fussent exécutés sans la direction du Conseil fluvial institué par l'Article 11 du Protocole. Dès que j'ai connu l'attitude qu'avait prise les Représentants des Puissances les plus intéressées à la navigation du Whangpou vis-à-vis du projet Chinois du 28 Novembre dernier, j'ai prié mon Gouvernement de m'autoriser à m'y rallier. Avant d'avoir reçu sa réponse, qui ne tardera pas à me parvenir, je ne serai pas en mesure de signer l'arrangement à conclure avec la Chine.\n\n(Signé) E. DE GAIFFIER.\n\nI approve the draft of the letter to M. Knappe. As to the modifications proposed, I will ask for instructions of my Government.\n\nK. MATSUI.\n\n(Signed)\n\nVu.\n\n(Signé)\n\nCARCER.\n\n(Signé)\n\nP. LESSAR.\n\n## Inclosure 3 in No. 1.\n\nCommittee of Foreign Representatives to Baron Czikann.\n\nM. le Ministre et cher Doyen,\n\nPékin, le 4 Janvier, 1905.\n\nLES Ministres soussignés, auxquels MM. les Représentants des Puissances Signataires du Protocole Final ont bien voulu confier, dans la séance du 14 Décembre, 1904, la tâche de reviser les propositions Chinoises concernant l'amélioration du Whangpou, ont l'honneur de soumettre ci-joint, comme résultat de leurs délibérations, un contre-projet qu'ils recommandent à l'approbation de leurs honorables collègues.\n\nVu et approuvé.\n\nC \n467",
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    {
        "id": 398031,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-330 - Public Offices - 1905",
        "page_number": 521,
        "title": "CO129-330 - Public Offices - 1905",
        "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nحم\n\n# CHINA TRADE\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n## No. 1\n\n514\n\n[April 20]\n\n### SECTION 1\n\nSir,\n\nChina Association to Foreign Office.-(Received April 20.)\n\n159, Cannon Street, London, April 19, 1905. REFERRING to our conversation of the 13th instant on the subject of the registration of trade-marks in China, I understand that, although many complaints had been made about the proposed scale of fees being too high, no expression of opinion defining fees which traders would consider adequate and reasonable had been received. I have the honour to submit the accompanying scale, which the Committee believe would fulfil the desired conditions. The scale is taken from the German proposals for amending the Provisional Regulations, and agrees with the views of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce.\n\nTo facilitate comparison I have attached the scale of fees proposed to be charged in the Provisional Regulations and that now in force in Great Britain.\n\nThe Committee are of opinion that trade-marks in use in China prior to the 1st January, 1903, should be placed on the \"Record\" free of charge.\n\nI have, &c.\n\n(Signed) JOSEPH WELCH, Hon. Secretary.\n\n## Inclosure in No. 1\n\n### SCALES of Fees for the Registration of Trade-Marks\n\n| Description | German Proposals approved by China Association (Haikwan Taels) | Provisional Regulations (Taels) | At present charged in Great Britain (£ s. d.) |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| 1. Application fee | 5.00 | 5.00 | 0 5 0 |\n| 2. Registration and issue of certificate | 10.00 | 30.00 | 1 0 0 |\n| 3. Transfer of rights | 5.00 | 20.00 | 1 0 0 |\n| 4. Extension of expired term and renewal of registration | 10.00 | 25.00 | 1 0 0 |\n| 5. Copy of record of registration | 2.00 | 2.00 | 0 5 0 |\n| Every additional 100 characters | 0.50 | 0.50 |  |\n| 6. Inspecting register | ... | 1.00 (half-hour) | 0 1 0 (quarter-hour) |\n| 7. Renewal of lost certificate | 5.00 | 10.00 |  |\n| 8. Filing complaint of infringement | 5.00 | 5.00 |  |\n| 9. Lodging appeal | ... | 10.00 |  |\n| 10. Application for cancellation (by owner) | 10.00 | 3.00 | 1 0 0 |\n| (by third party) | 5.00 | 30.00 | 0 5 0 |\n| 11. Transfer of certificate to heirs | 5.00 | 5.00 |  |",
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    {
        "id": 403182,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-331 - Public Offices - 1905",
        "page_number": 91,
        "title": "CO129-331 - Public Offices - 1905",
        "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.\n\n# CHINA TRADE\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\nNo. 1.\n\n90\n\n[May 30,]\n\n## SECTION 1\n\nSir,\n\n**Foreign Office to Treasury**\n\nForeign Office, May 30, 1905.\n\nI AM directed by the Marquess of Lansdowne to transmit to you herewith, for the consideration of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, a copy of a letter from the China Association, advocating the adoption by the Chinese Government, without further delay, of a uniform national coinage in conformity with their obligations under Article II of the Anglo-Chinese Commercial Treaty of 1902.\n\nLord Lansdowne proposes, subject to the concurrence of the Lords Commissioners, to forward a copy of the letter to His Majesty's Minister at Peking, with the request that he will remind the Chinese Government of their undertaking, under Article II of the Treaty of 1902, to take the necessary steps to provide for a uniform national coinage.\n\nSir E. Satow right, Lord Lansdowne thinks, at the same time, be instructed to call their attention to the recent action of the Viceroy of Wuchang in notifying the adoption of a new silver currency of Hupoh Treasury taels, which formed the subject of his despatch No. `49` of the 5th February last, of which a copy is inclosed for convenience of reference.\n\nThe Chinese Association suggest, in their letter, that the Chinese Government should be requested, if they are not prepared to establish one central mint, to insist on the several provincial mints coining dollars of identical value, so that those dollars may all bear the same ratio to the Haikwan tael, in which duties are at present payable. The Association also suggest that the ratio should be officially communicated to the Treaty Powers, and that instructions should be issued to all custom-houses to accept those dollars at the ratio proclaimed.\n\nI am to inquire whether the Lords Commissioners would recommend that the adoption of the above-mentioned suggestions should be urged upon the Chinese Government.\n\nI am, &c.\n\nF. A. CAMPBELL.\n\n* China Association, May 23, 1905.\n\n[1977 99-1 -1] (Signed)\n\n↑ Sir E. Satow, No. `49`, February 5, 1905.",
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    },
    {
        "id": 403183,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-331 - Public Offices - 1905",
        "page_number": 92,
        "title": "CO129-331 - Public Offices - 1905",
        "content_text": "**CONFIDENTIAL**\n# CHINA TRADE\n## No. 1\n### SECTION 2\n\nSir,\n\nForeign Office to China Association.\n\nForeign Office, May 30, 1905.\n\nI am directed by the Marquess of Lansdowne to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23rd instant, relative to the monetary system in China.\n\nYou suggest that the Chinese Government should be reminded of its undertaking, under Article II of the Commercial Treaty with Great Britain of 1902, to establish a uniform coinage and that they should be requested, if they are not prepared to establish one central mint, to insist on the several provincial mints coining dollars of identical value, so that those dollars may all bear the same ratio to the Haikwan tael, in which duties are at present paid. You also propose that this ratio should be officially communicated to the Treaty Powers, and that instructions should be issued to all custom-houses to accept these dollars at the ratio proclaimed.\n\nI am to inform you, in reply, that Lord Lansdowne fully appreciates the importance of the question at issue, and that he will not fail to remind the Chinese Government of the obligations in the matter of a national coinage imposed upon them by the Treaty of 1902. I am to add that his Lordship, in considering, with the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury, the terms of the communication to be made to the Chinese Government on the subject, will bear in mind the recommendations contained in your letter under reply.\n\n`[1977 gg-2]`\n\nI am, &c.\n\n(Signed)  \nF. A. CAMPBELL.",
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    },
    {
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        "document_key": "CO129-331 - Public Offices - 1905",
        "page_number": 95,
        "title": "CO129-331 - Public Offices - 1905",
        "content_text": "**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n# CHINA TRADE\n\n## No. 1\n\n### [May 24.]\n\n94\n\n## SECTION 1.\n\nSir,\n\nChina Association to Foreign Office.-(Received May 24.)\n\n159, Cannon Street, London, May 23, 1905.\n\nBY Article II of the Mackay Treaty, signed two years-and-a-half ago, China agreed to take steps to provide for a uniform national coinage, which should be legal tender in payment of all duties and taxes throughout the Empire. Since that time several experts have suggested to the Chinese Government various schemes for the establishment of a new monetary system, but as all these aimed at finally substituting a gold for a silver basis, the Chinese Government may be excused for taking its time before committing itself to such an important change. But China has not been satisfied to postpone taking action until she had time to weigh carefully all the consequences of the proposed schemes; she has, on the contrary, steadily persisted in adding confusion to her existing monetary system by allowing the different provinces to establish mints, and to issue silver dollars of varying weights and degrees of fineness, so that now China has some half-dozen kinds of dollars, all of dissimilar value, and these have such limited currency that, as a rule, they are only accepted in the province of their origin.\n\nIf the Chinese Government had represented that it was inexpedient to mint any silver coins until it had decided whether it would adopt the gold standard or continue on a silver basis, it might have been unreasonable for foreign Governments to press for reform, but seeing that with the approval of the Central Government silver dollars of different values are now being coined in considerable numbers in various parts of the Empire, it seems only right that the Government should be reminded of its undertaking to establish a uniform coinage, and requested, if it is not prepared to establish one central mint, that it will at least insist on the several provincial mints coining dollars of identical value, so that they may all bear the same ratio to the Haikwan tael in which duties are now paid. This ratio should be officially communicated to the various Treaty Powers, and instructions should be issued to all custom houses to accept these dollars at the ratio proclaimed. The guarantee that all these provincial dollars would have one and the same value at all custom houses would insure their free circulation, and the fact that in the end they would find their way to the Imperial Treasury would cause the Central Government to exercise adequate supervision over the provincial mints.\n\nThis is not a final solution of China's monetary problem, but it is a step towards attaining the uniformity aimed at in the Mackay Treaty, and should be insisted upon. The most recent instance of the manner in which China is ignoring the engagements made in the Mackay Treaty is the issue by Viceroy Chang Chih Tung at Wuchang of a Hupeh Treasury tael, particulars of which are given in Consul-General Fraser's despatch of the 23rd January, 1905, courteously sent to us by you, and the proclamation issued by this Provincial Governor announcing that this coin is to be accepted at a fixed value throughout the Empire, apparently without any sanction from the Peking Authorities for so doing. In the opinion of Consul-General Fraser the coin is unsuitable for the purpose named, and the Committee consider the issue of such a coin as a retrograde movement, and one calculated to add to the present confusion.\n\nI have, &c.  \n(Signed)  \nJOSEPH WELCH,  \nHon. Secretary  \n\n`[1977 aa-1]`",
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    {
        "id": 403187,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-331 - Public Offices - 1905",
        "page_number": 96,
        "title": "CO129-331 - Public Offices - 1905",
        "content_text": "# CHINA TRADE\n## CONFIDENTIAL.\n### No. 1.\n#### [June 30.]\n\n## SECTION 1.\n\nManchester Chamber of Commerce to the Marquess of Lansdowne.--(Received June 30.)\n\nManchester, June 29, 1905.\n\nMy Lord,\n\nI am desired by the Board of Directors of this Chamber to address you with reference to the Anglo-Chinese Treaty of 1902, more particularly with reference to the stipulations contained therein that China should take steps to provide for a uniform national coinage which should be legal tender in payment of all duties and taxes throughout the Empire.\n\nOwing to various causes, nothing beyond a consideration of suggestions has yet been done by the Chinese Government. In the meantime, confusion is being increased by the exercise of the power of Viceroys to issue coinage for their own provinces. For example, the Chamber is informed that the Viceroy of Wuchang has issued a tael which is different in value from the Haikwan tael, in which duties are now paid, rendering it improbable that the result announced by the Viceroy—viz., that the new tael would be current throughout the Empire—is at all likely to follow.\n\nI need hardly point out that the difficulty experienced by merchants, owing to the uncertainty of monetary values throughout China, is very great, and I am desired respectfully to suggest to your Lordship that the inconvenience of the present lack of system points to one of the most pressing of the reforms which should be undertaken by the Chinese Government.\n\nThe Board would be much obliged if the Foreign Office would bring the matter to the notice of the Chinese Government by way of a reminder as to its engagements under the Treaty.\n\nAs a *via media*, should it be found impracticable to establish a central mint, the Government of China might very well be asked to insist that when provincial mints coin dollars, these should be of identical value, bearing one ratio to the Haikwan tael accepted by the Custom-house. The Board would further suggest that this ratio should be officially announced to the various Powers, and concurrent instructions given to the custom-houses and revenue officers to accept them at such ratio. This would have the consequent advantage of insuring free circulation for the provincially-minted coins, and would also induce proper oversight on the part of the Central Government as regards such mints.\n\nI have, &c.\n\n(Signed)  \nWALTER SPEAKMAN, Secretary.\n\n[2039 gg-1]  \n95",
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    {
        "id": 403245,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-331 - Public Offices - 1905",
        "page_number": 154,
        "title": "CO129-331 - Public Offices - 1905",
        "content_text": "# CHINA TRADE.\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL.**\n\nNo. 1.\n\n[July 12.]\n\n151\n\n## SECTION 1.\n\nLiverpool Chamber of Commerce to the Marquess of Lansdowne. -(Received July 12.)\n\nLiverpool, July 11, 1905.\n\nMy Lord,\n\nTHE Committee of the East India and China trade section of this Chamber note that by Article II of the Treaty between the United Kingdom and China respecting commercial relations, &c., signed at Shanghai the 5th September, 1902, and ratified at Peking the 28th July, 1903, the Emperor of China and others agreed to take the necessary steps to provide for a uniform national coinage, which shall be legal tender in payment of all duties, taxes, and other obligations throughout the (Chinese) Empire by British as well as Chinese subjects.\n\nOn the 19th January last a special Notification was published by Viceroy Chang regarding the introduction of a tael silver currency for the convenience of the (Chinese) people, a translation of which is appended to this letter.\n\nThis Notification has been very carefully considered by the China Association, London, the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, and members of this Chamber engaged in trade with China, and they unanimously disapprove of the plan proposed by Viceroy Chang in dealing with the question of a uniform national currency for China. They are of opinion that the Chinese Government should be reminded of their undertaking by the Treaty of 1902 to establish a uniform coinage in China, and if they be not prepared to adopt the gold standard for China, and to establish one central mint, they should at least enact that the Chinese provincial mints should coin and issue dollars identical in value, so that they would all bear the same ratio to the Haikwan tael, in which duties are now paid. The ratio should be officially communicated to the Government of this country and other Treaty Powers concerned, and instructions should be issued to all Chinese custom-houses to accept the dollars at the ratio proclaimed.\n\nIt is believed that such action would be a step towards attaining a uniform national currency for China.\n\nI have, &c.\n\n(Signed)  \n**THOMAS H. BARKER**, Secretary.\n\nP.S.-I append hereto extract of a letter from Mr. James Harvie, head of the firm of Messrs. Harvie Brothers and Co., of Liverpool and Shanghai, which fully confirms the views of the China Association.\n\nT. H. B.\n\n## Inclosure 1 in No. 1.\n\nProclamation by Viceroy Chang regarding the Introduction of a Tael Silver Currency for the Convenience of the People. (Translation)\n\nWHEREAS China's officials and people have hitherto used uncoined silver, every place having its own weight and touch, all differing, without any uniform standard Treasury tael, the touch varying and the denominations being many and confused, with the result that cash merchants and market hucksters were able to manipulate exchange to their own profit, and the hindrance of trade and livelihood;\n\nWhereas in the Commercial Treaties now arranged with all countries it is provided that China will herself institute a uniform national currency, and in the Treaties it is explained that the currency of the whole country shall be made uniform--that is, that there shall be a legal tender which Chinese and foreigners shall in China use to pay all species of taxes and duties and every other sort of expenditure, but that payment of Imperial Maritime Customs duties shall still be reckoned in Haikwan taels--it is proper as soon as possible to settle the standard currency, so that it may be used throughout the whole country;",
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    },
    {
        "id": 403334,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-331 - Public Offices - 1905",
        "page_number": 243,
        "title": "CO129-331 - Public Offices - 1905",
        "content_text": "# CHINA TRADE\n## CONFIDENTIAL.\n\n238 \n31709 [August 15.] \nAd 4 SEP 05 \n\n### SECTION \n#### No. 1.\n\nSir, \n\nTreasury to Foreign Office.--(Received August 15.) \n\nTreasury Chambers, August 14, 1905. \n**THE** Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury have had under consideration Sir E. Satow's report of his conversation with the Chinese Minister of Finance concerning Chinese currency reform, which accompanied Mr. Campbell's letter of the 26th June, and also the representations which have been made to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs by the China Association and by several Chambers of Commerce concerning the undertaking by China to provide for a uniform national coinage.\n\nIn reply, their Lordships direct me to signify their concurrence in the proposal of the Secretary of State to transmit a copy of the letter of the China Association to His Majesty's Minister at Peking, and request him to remind the Chinese Government of their undertaking under Article II of the Treaty of 1902.\n\nAs regards that undertaking, my Lords observe that Mr. Townley's despatch of the 29th May, 1903, reported the issue of an Imperial Decree for the establishment of a uniform coinage and the steps which were being taken to carry out the measure with the co-operation of Sir Robert Hart. It does not appear that any practical result has followed from the intentions then expressed. My Lords are not aware how far this may be owing to the subsequent advocacy of the scheme for a silver currency on a gold basis, which is now stated to have no chance of adoption.\n\nThe scheme of the Chinese Board of Revenue, as described by the Finance Minister, contemplates in the first instance the regularizing of the currency of copper cash, to be followed by the issue of a Government silver dollar, intended to be the equivalent of 1,000 cash, and finally by the transition of this dollar from its silver basis to a fixed gold value.\n\nAs regards the merits of this scheme, I am to observe that, so far as it applies to the reform of the copper currency, it is a desirable step to take in the interest of the internal trade of the Empire. It will provide the masses of the people with a uniform coinage, much more convenient to handle than the present cumbersome cash, and it will have the educational value of familiarizing them with the use of coins of various denominations bearing a fixed relation to one another.\n\nBut my Lords cannot regard this measure as a practicable means of arriving at a standard of value which will be of service to China in her dealings with other nations. The proposed Government dollar, if it is to be the equivalent of 1,000 copper cash, can have no fixed relation to the silver or gold standards of other countries. As the Chinese Government has decided, for reasons the force of which is fully apparent to my Lords, to abandon the idea of proceeding at once to the adoption of a gold standard, the only means of complying with the Treaty obligation is the introduction of silver standard coin of uniform weight and fineness.\n\nThe precise amount of fine silver to be contained in this coin is a matter of minor importance. The essential thing is that the prescribed amount shall be adhered to at whatever mints it may be coined. But silver dollars have long been current in the most active trading centres. They are known and trusted, and there would be considerable practical convenience in the adoption of a coin corresponding as nearly as possible to the weight and fineness of existing dollars. The relation of the dollar to the Haikwan tael could at once be fixed, and would remain permanent. Its relation to the copper currency would be liable to variation, but could be fixed provisionally from time to time. When the dollar had become established in circulation, steps should be taken for the definite fixing of its relation to the copper coins, the issue of those coins from the mints being controlled so as to render the ratio effective. If these steps could be carried out—and with efficient and determined effort on the part of the central Government they should present no insuperable difficulty—China would then be in the possession of a uniform silver currency with a token currency of copper regulated like the subsidiary currencies of other countries. Thereafter the ... \n\n[2140 p-2]",
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    },
    {
        "id": 403358,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-331 - Public Offices - 1905",
        "page_number": 267,
        "title": "CO129-331 - Public Offices - 1905",
        "content_text": "# Art. 16. \nWhen the applicant or the owner of a trade-mark does not reside in China, or when he resides at a distance from the Registration Office, he may appoint an agent and let it be known that the latter is his proxy and representative.\n\n# Art. 17. \nAny one wishing either to copy documents of registration of trade-marks, or to examine and consult the same, may make application at the Registration Office. If the person concerned resides at too great a distance from the Registration Office, he may present the application by proxy.\n\n# Art. 18. \nThe Registration Office shall publish a \"Trade-Marks Gazette,\" in which shall be inserted and made public all notifications regarding the registration or cancellation of trade-marks.\n\nThe issue of the \"Gazette\" shall include:\n| Details | Description |\n| --- | --- |\n| Name and address | of the applicant |\n| Class or classes of goods | for which registration or entry in the special list is requested |\n| Representation of the mark | (except applications for entry in the special list) |\n| Other necessary details | according to the case, that is to say, according as the application is for registration or for entry in special list, for transfer of ownership of a mark, or delivery of a certificate |\n\nThe \"Gazette\" will be published in Roman letters and in a European language.\n\n# Art. 19. \nAny owner of a trade-mark may, if he has been injured in his rights of exclusive use, present a complaint. On proof of the fact, the offender must compensate the injured party.\n\n# Art. 20. \nSuits for infringement of trade-marks will be conducted as follows:\n- (a) If the defendant be a foreigner and the plaintiff a Chinese, the Registration Office will make application to the defendant's Consul and to the Chinese authorities that the case may be judged in accordance with the Treaties.\n- (b) If the defendant be a Chinese and the plaintiff a foreigner, the Office will apply to the plaintiff's Consul and to the Chinese authorities in order that a joint investigation may be held.\n- (c) If both the plaintiff and defendant are Chinese, or if both are foreigners, the Courts concerned will, in the case of infringement, afford all necessary protection.\n\n# Art. 21. \nThe penalties incurred for the offences enumerated in this Article will be those provided by the law of the defendant, and these punishments cannot be inflicted except after the deposition of a complaint by the injured party.\n\nIf the defendant is a Chinese, and as up to the present time there are no such penalties provided by Chinese law, offenders will be punishable with imprisonment up to one year and a fine not exceeding 300 taels.\n\nIn the cases enumerated below, the marks already made and the apparatus used in their fabrication will be confiscated, and any goods, wrappers, packages, or advertisements which cannot be dissociated from the trade-mark will be destroyed.\n1. To imitate with intent to use for goods of the same class a mark already registered by a third party, or sale of the said goods.\n2. Imitation and use of a trade-mark applied to goods of the same class; to knowingly sell such goods or to have them in possession with a view to sale.\n3. To use an imitated trade-mark as advertisement or public announcement by means of the press or otherwise.\n4. To use for the reception of goods of the same class packages, wrappers, or receptacles, such as chests, boxes, bottles, jugs, &c., knowing that these receptacles or packages bear a registered trade-mark belonging to another person, or knowingly to sell goods of this kind.\n5. Intentional importation into the different ports of goods knowing them to be an infringement of a trade-mark registered by a third party.\n6. Imitation or reproduction of a deposited mark, if the imitation or reproduction thereof is of a nature to deceive the consumer.\n\n# Art. 22. \nNo one can in any case be prosecuted who can prove that he or his commercial predecessors first made bona fide use in any country whatsoever of the same mark before the registration which, in China, may be opposed to him, and continues to loyally use the same.\n\n(See comments herewith).\n\n# Art. 23. \nScale of fees for the registration of trade-marks:\n| Fee | Haikwan Taels |\n| --- | --- |\n| 1. Application fee | 5.00 |\n| 2. Registration and issue of certificate | 10.00 |\n| 3. Transfer of rights in cases where registration is required (Article ...) | 5.00 |\n| 4. Renewal of registration | 10.00 |\n| 5. Copy of record of registration | 2.00 |\n| Every additional 100 characters | 0.50 |\n| 6. Consulting register per hour or fraction of hour | 1.00 |\n| 7. Renewal of lost certificate | 5.00 |\n| 8. Filing complaint of infringement (Articles 20, 21) | 10.00 |\n| 9. Lodging appeal | 5.00 |\n| 10. Application for cancellation - (a) By owner; (b) By third party | 10.00; 5.00 |\n| 11. Transfer of certificate to heirs | 5.00 |\n\nThe fees enumerated under items 8, 9, 10 (b) must be paid by the party who is found to have been in fault.\n\nIf application has been made for entry of a mark on which there exists a right of priority (Article 26), the fee due for the application must only be paid if registration is refused. [If application has been made for the registration of a mark which, for valid reason, cannot be registered, no fee other than the fee on application need be paid.]\n\nIf several marks of this kind are entered for the same owner, he must pay a fee of 10 Haikwan taels for the first mark, and 5 Haikwan taels for each succeeding mark.\n\nIn case an application for entry or for registration or for renewal of registration is made for a mark intended to be used on several classes of goods, one tael must be paid for the application for each new class of goods and 5 taels for registration or renewal of registration.\n\n(See comments herewith.)\n\n# Art. 24. \nThe present Regulations will come into force one year after their publication in the \"Peking Gazette.\"\n\n# Art. 25. \nAll applications for registration made through the proper Chinese authorities before the recent Regulations come into force will be considered as having been made on the day when the Regulations do come into force.\n\n# Art. 26. \nRight of priority will be accorded to the following marks:\n- (a) Those which were registered abroad before the first day of the first month of the 29th year of Kuang-Hsü and have since been bona fide used in China.\n- (b) Those which are not registered abroad, but for which a firm can prove to have claimed rights of exclusive use in respect of certain classes of goods before the first day of the first month of the 29th year of Kuang-Hsü, and which have since been used in China bona fide by the applicant, provided that the application for registration be made within three months from the day on which the Regulations come into force.\n\nThe marks mentioned in paragraph (b) are not entitled to priority unless the foreign or Chinese name of the firm owning the mark appears on this mark.\n\n(See comments herewith.)\n\n## Comments on Proposed Regulations for Trade-marks Registration in China, as formulated by the British, French, and German Ministers, June 1905.\n\n(These draft Regulations having been issued originally in French, the phrasing in English translation may not always convey the precise meaning intended.)\n\nThe references in these \"Comments\" to proposed alterations in the Regulations are slightly varied through being reprinted, but the passages can be easily traced.\n\n## Article 1 \nThis admits the optional registration of \"old\" marks, or as an alternative of their deposit for inclusion on a special list, the latter being equivalent... \n\n[2168 -1]",
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    {
        "id": 403736,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-331 - Public Offices - 1905",
        "page_number": 645,
        "title": "CO129-331 - Public Offices - 1905",
        "content_text": "## (This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.)\n\n2\n\n1,000 copper cash can have no fixed relation to the silver or gold standards of other countries.\n\nAs the Chinese Government have decided, for reasons the force of which is fully apparent, to abandon the idea of proceeding at once to the adoption of a gold standard, the only means of complying with the Treaty obligations is the introduction of a silver standard coin of uniform weight and fineness. The precise amount of fine silver to be contained in this coin is a matter of minor importance. The essential thing is that the prescribed amount shall be adhered to, at whatever mints it may be coined. But silver dollars have long been current in the most active trading centres. They are known and trusted, and there would be considerable practical convenience in the adoption of a coin corresponding as nearly as possible to the weight and fineness of existing dollars.\n\nThe relation of the dollar to the Haikwan tael could then at once be fixed, and would remain permanent. Its relation to the copper currency would be liable to variation, but could be fixed provisionally from time to time. When the dollar had become established in circulation, steps should be taken for the definite fixing of its relation to the copper coins, the issue of those coins from the mints being controlled so as to render the ratio stable. If these steps could be carried out—and with efficient and determined effort on the part of the Central Government, they should present no insuperable difficulty—China would then be in the possession of a uniform silver currency with a token currency of copper regulated like the subsidiary currencies of other countries. Then the problem could be faced, if thought desirable, of changing the currency from a silver to a gold basis, as has been already done in other countries whose position in currency matters was similar.\n\nWhether the production of coins should be limited to one central mint or be carried on at several provincial mints will naturally be decided according to convenience, but it will no doubt appear to the Chinese Government to be essential that the provincial mints, if they continue to operate as branches of the central mint, should do so uniformly under central control and supervision rigidly exercised by inspectors sent out by the Government.\n\nI trust your Highness will be able to give me assurances on this subject which will satisfactorily prove to His Majesty's Government that effectual measures are being taken to provide for a uniform national currency such as is contemplated by **Article II of the Treaty of 1902**.\n\nI avail, &c.\n\n(Signed) **ERNEST SATOW**.\n\n## CHINA TRADE.\n\n**(CONFIDENTIAL)**\n\n**(No. 337.)** My Lord,\n\nNo. 1.\n\nC. O.\n\n191\n\n[December 2]\n\nP SECTION 1 JAN 06\n\n638\n\nSir E. Satow to the Marquess of Lansdowne.--(Received December 2.)\n\nPeking, October 13, 1905.\n\nIN my despatch No. 242 of the 11th July, I had the honour to forward copies of a letter addressed to the Diplomatic Body by the Shanghac General Chamber of Commerce on the subject of the new copper coinage, and of a reply sent through the Doyen, asking for more exact information. I added that it was probable that a representation would be addressed to the Chinese Government by the foreign Representatives in regard to this question.\n\nThe reply received from the Chamber of Commerce, of which a copy is inclosed, was disappointing. It did not furnish the desired answers to our questions, but on some points suggested that information could be obtained from the Chinese Government. On the important item of the alleged deviations from a supposed standard, and the varying intrinsic values of the coins issued by different Provincial Governments, it merely quoted hearsay statements. Under these circumstances, when the reply of the Chairman was circulated here, I expressed the opinion that the letter did not furnish sufficiently exact data for basing on it a representation to the Chinese Government, but I had no objection to addressing to them a note framed in general terms calling their attention to the necessity of regulating the issue of 10-cash pieces. Most of the other foreign Representatives were disposed to agree, but the American Minister stated that, under instructions from his Government, he was unable to join his colleagues in making any representations to the Chinese Government in this matter.\n\nThe Doyen of the Diplomatic Body then put the papers once more in circulation, pointing out that the objection of the United States' Minister precluded collective action on the part of the Diplomatic Body, and he suggested that those of us who considered it desirable might present their observations to the Chinese Government separately, adding that he had, as German Minister, already taken that step. Beyond Baron von Mumm and myself, I do not know that any other foreign Representative has addressed the Chinese Government.\n\nIt was then agreed to send the inclosed reply to the Chamber of Commerce. The report transmitted with this letter formed Inclosure 1 in my despatch to your Lordship No. 307 of the 17th ultimo.\n\nI have, &c.\n\n(Signed) **ERNEST SATOW**.\n\n### Inclosure 1 in No. 1.\n\nExtract from the \"*North China Herald*\" of August 25, 1905.\n\nShanghae General Chamber of Commerce to Dr. Knappe.\n\nI HAVE the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 13th July, inclosing copies of a letter and Memorandum received from Baron Mumm von Schwarzenstein, Doyen of the Diplomatic Body in Peking, relating to the minting of copper cash in China.\n\nI note from the letter that the question was thoroughly looked into by the Ministers, but that several of those present wished for further information on several points, which are set forth in the Memorandum.\n\nThe information given by the Chamber was derived from merchants and bankers who have given careful study to the question, but it is extremely difficult to obtain through unofficial channels absolutely accurate information as to the present producing power of the various mints established. If the four mints which appear to have been omitted from our list are added to the fifteen established or projected, as stated in my...",
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    {
        "id": 407053,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-337 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1906",
        "page_number": 349,
        "title": "CO129-337 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1906",
        "content_text": "343\n\n2\n\nfor its injection being carried on in China unless the Powers are willing to forbid their manufacture in this country by their respective subjects or citizens; and on the part of His Majesty's Government I beg to assure your Highness that, in the event of an agreement on the part of the Treaty Powers for the end contemplated, no time will be lost in enacting such a prohibition as regards British subjects.\n\nWith respect to the proposed duty of 5 per cent. ad valorem, I may observe that the duty imposed on morphia by the Tariff now in operation is 3 Haikwan taels an ounce, which amounts roughly to 200 per cent, ad valorem, and that the high rate of duty is believed to lead to smuggling on a very considerable scale. By reducing the duty, the temptation to frauds on the Imperial Maritime Customs will be removed, and the prevention of smuggling will no doubt be facilitated.\n\nIn bringing the foregoing proposals on behalf of His Majesty's Government before your Highness, I have the honour to state that I have addressed to each of my colleagues an unofficial note acquainting them with the conditions on which my Government are willing to consent to the adoption of measures for preventing the importation of morphia, except for medical purposes, and I trust that your Highness will recognize in these proposals a fresh proof of the friendly sentiments entertained by the British Government towards the Chinese Government and people.\n\nI avail, &c. (Signed)\n\nInclosure 2 in No. 1.\n\nERNEST SATOW.\n\n3\n\n4. That provisions should be made for the importation into China of morphia for medical purposes and of instruments for its administration, in accordance with the conditions laid down in Article XI of the British Treaty, and that on such morphia and instruments a duty not exceeding 5 per cent. ad valorem should be imposed.\n\nI take the liberty of observing with regard to condition (2) that the Chinese Government cannot effectively prevent the manufacture of morphia and instruments for its injection being carried on in China, unless the Powers are willing to forbid their manufacture in this country by their respective subjects or citizens, and on the part of His Majesty's Government, I beg to assure you, sir and dear colleague, that in the event of an agreement on the part of the Treaty Powers to co-operate for the end contemplated, no time will be lost in enacting such a prohibition as regards His Britannic Majesty's subjects.\n\nWith respect to the proposed duty of 5 per cent. ad valorem, I may observe that the duty imposed on morphia by the import Tariff now in operation is 3 Haikwan taels an ounce, which amounts roughly to 200 per cent. ad valorem, and that the high rate of duty is believed to lead to smuggling on a very considerable scale. By reducing the duty, the temptation to frauds on the Customs will be removed, and the prevention of smuggling will no doubt be facilitated.\n\nIn bringing the foregoing to your notice, I have the honour to state that I have addressed to the Chinese Government an official note informing them of the conditions on which His Britannic Majesty's Government are willing to consent to the adoption of measures for preventing the importation of morphia except for medical purposes. I avail, &c. (Signed) ERNEST SATOW.\n\nSir and dear Colleague,\n\nSir E. Satow to Foreign Representatives.\n\nPeking, March 1, 1908. IN the month of July last, the Shanghae Commissioner of Customs issued a notification declaring that the general importation of morphia and of the needles or instruments for hypodermic injection was now prohibited, with the exception that physicians and druggists were at liberty to procure supplies for medical purposes, on payment of duty, under special permit. Such special permits would be granted to all qualified importers on their signing bonds before their Consul guaranteeing that their intended importations of morphia or of instruments for its injection were either for the use of hospitals, or, if for sale, were to be sold only in small quantities, and on receipt of a requisition signed by a duly qualified foreign medical practitioner.\n\nThe notification was evidently based on Article XI of the British Commercial Treaty of 1902, and Article XVI of the United States' Treaty for the Extension of Commercial Relations of the 8th October, 1903, but it ignored the further stipulations contained in the former of these, that the Article would not come into operation until all other Treaty Powers had agreed to its conditions, and that the Chinese Government on their side would at once adopt means to prevent the manufacture of morphia in China.\n\nIn order to maintain the respect due to Treaty engagements, it became my duty to point out to the Chinese Government the irregularity committed by the Imperial Maritime Customs, and in consequence of my representations they agreed to withdraw the notifications.\n\nHis Majesty's Government having thus obtained satisfaction on the point of procedure, are nevertheless desirous of hastening the adoption of the measure contemplated by Article XI of the British Treaty of 1902, which is supplemented as regards the means of hypodermic administration by Article XVI of the American Treaty of 1903, and they have authorized me to inform the Chinese Government that His Majesty's Government would be willing to consent to the prohibition of the entry of morphia and of instruments for its injection into China on the following conditions:----\n\n1. That the Chinese Government should, in the first place, obtain the consent of all the Treaty Powers.\n\n2. That they should take effective measures to prevent the manufacture in China of morphia and of instruments for its injection.\n\n3. That sufficient notice should be given beforehand before the prohibition comes into force, in order that the importers of the drug may be protected from the injury which would result from the measure being sprung upon them.",
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        "id": 407315,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-337 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1906",
        "page_number": 611,
        "title": "CO129-337 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1906",
        "content_text": "602\n\n(No. 27.) Sir,\n\nConsul-General Pawong\n\nCanton, May 9, 1906.\n\nI HAVE the honour to acknowledge Sir Ernest Satow's No. 6 of the 27th April, inquiring if I have received a Petition from the Tung Fu Tang relative to the tax on boiled opium, and calling for a report on the matter.\n\nConsul-General Scott, I find, received a Petition of the same tenor as that addressed to you. His reply was that he had already reported the matter to the Legation. His Report, No. 6 of the 31st January last, seems to contain all obtainable information. The situation has changed little since. The principal boiled opium dealers have been forced by the Viceroy to farm the tax, or rather to pay a lump sum and collect as best they can. They have lately petitioned the Viceroy that they are unable to enforce the tax, and that many dealers are closing their shops. He, however, does not appear inclined to relent.\n\nThe attempt made in 1902 to increase the duty on raw opium by levying on it a so-called boiled opium tax, on the basis that a given bulk of raw opium represented (I think) double the bulk of prepared opium, was so obviously a breach of the Additional Article of the Chefoo Convention that it could not be enforced. The present boiling tax on the face of it appears to affect native and foreign opium alike, and should not affect one more than the other, premising, of course, that the taxation on native raw opium is as heavy as that on the imported drug.\n\nOn this latter point the Commissioner of Customs informs me that the taxation on native opium is not uniform as regards inland dues, but as far as Yunnan and Szechuan opium are concerned the duty is 78 Haikwan taels per picul (i.e., 60 Haikwan taels plus a 30 per cent. increase in 1900).\n\nBesides this, in the latter half of 1905 an additional consolidated tax of 52 Haikwan taels per picul was imposed. The evidence is contradictory as to whether this tax is levied on all native opium or only on the steamer-borne drug.\n\n(No. 33.) Sir,\n\nI have, &c. (Signed) R. W. MANSFIELD.\n\nInclosure 2 in No. 1.\n\nConsul-General Mansfield to Mr. Carnegie.\n\nCanton, June 7, 1906.\n\nI HAVE the honour to acknowledge receipt of your despatch No. 10 of the 21 ultimo, forwarding copy and translation of a further Petition respecting the additional taxation on opium in Canton.\n\nYou will now have received my Report No. 27 of the 9th ultimo, sent in reply to Sir Ernest Satow's No. 6 of the 27th April, and I have little more to add.\n\nThe present method of farming is objectionable, but I am informed that a year hence, when the farm has ascertained the consumption and classified the shops, the Provincial Government proposes to take it over and collect the tax itself.\n\nI have, &c. (Signed) R. W. MANSFIELD.\n\n(Translation.)\n\nInclosure 3 in No. 1.\n\nViceroy of Canton to Consul-General Mansfield.\n\nJune 4, 1906.\n\nI HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch to the effect that His Majesty's Minister has been notified by His Majesty's Consul at Kiungchow of the extension to that port of the tax on prepared opium, and has instructed you to inform that no such tax should come into force until the question has been properly discussed by His Majesty's Minister and the Wai-wu Pu.\n\nIn reply, I have the honour to observe that the new scheme requires all prepared opium shops to take out licences, for which \"mark fees\" are levied, and is in no sense within the terms of the Chefoo Convention tax on unbroken packages of the raw drug. It does not therefore, in my opinion, ...\n\nSome time ago I received a despatch from your predecessor on the subject of the production of boiled opium licences in Canton, and, in reply, I availed myself of the opportunity to lay my views on the subject clearly before him. The Kiungchow tax is essentially the same as that to which Mr. Scott took exception, and I regret that I did not see my way to give instructions that it should be discontinued.\n\nIn accordance with the request contained in your despatch No. 8 of the 7th instant regarding the imposition of the boiled opium tax at Kiungchow, I repeated to the Viceroy that no tax on prepared opium should be introduced without the sanction of His Majesty's Minister and the Wai-wu Pu. I have the honour to inclose copy and translation of his reply.\n\nFrom neither of the Petitions which you have received do I gather that there is any charge against the Viceroy of discriminating to the prejudice of Indian opium, and his contention that he is within Treaty rights in levying this tax on prepared opium appears to me borne out by clause 5 of the Additional Article of the Chefoo Convention. The only point which seems at all open to question is whether the 4 per cent. ad valorem is levied on the market price of Indian opium or on that price less 80 taels a chest, the commuted likin levied by the Maritime Customs under the Additional Article. Even this, however, does not appear a serious matter now that native opium is equally heavily taxed with the Indian drug. I understand that the tax is levied in a fixed lump sum from each opium shop, based on its average monthly boiling.\n\nThat the trade generally will suffer is possible, and also that the consumption of opium generally may diminish, but the latter result could scarcely be deplored. Foreign opium, however, being a luxury for the wealthier classes, would be less affected than the cheap native drug used by the masses.\n\nI avail, &c.",
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-337 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1906",
        "page_number": 630,
        "title": "CO129-337 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1906",
        "content_text": "021\n\n6\n\n# Permits and Stamps.\n\n20. All stamps, permits, certificates, and labels shall be manufactured by the Head Office, whence they will be issued to the branch offices. Any irregularity in stamps or documents and any misrepresentations on the part of merchants will result in the confiscation of the opium, unless it be clearly shown that there was no intention to defraud. Fines, however, may not be inflicted.\n\n21. Square stamps will be used by the branch offices and round stamps by the Customs, clearly printed and bearing the name of the province, the serial number, and the date; the same marks are also to appear on the certificates, special permits, and labels, which are to be printed in blue, red, and black respectively.\n\nAll these documents are to be obliterated with the seal of the Head Office. Of the quadruplicate certificates, one slip only is to be handed to the merchant, one (the counterfoil) is to be retained by the issuing office, and the other two are to be forwarded, for purposes of verification, to the Head Office and the Board of Revenue respectively.\n\n22. Documents issued to merchants are to be forwarded monthly by the receiving stations through the branch offices to the Head Office, and carefully checked, as forming the evidence of taxation receipts.\n\n23. The opium of any merchant guilty of concealment or obliteration of marks or numbers will be confiscated. Penalties will be inflicted on officials responsible for the careless affixing of stamps or for errors in the issue of documents.\n\n## Statements of Accounts.\n\n24. The total receipts in respect of tax proper and of expenses are to be forwarded monthly by each station to the branch offices, who will return to each province the sum which it is entitled to retain. All surplus receipts are to be forwarded to the Head Office to be dealt with.\n\nThe accounts of each station are to be drawn up in duplicate, one copy being retained in the branch office and the other forwarded to the Head Office, together with two copies of the joint account for all the stations under the jurisdiction of each branch office. Of these joint accounts, one copy will be retained by the Head Office and the other forwarded, together with a general statement of accounts for all the provinces, to the Board of Revenue. Forms for accounts will be issued by the Head Office.\n\nAccounts must be carefully checked, each month being kept separately, and must bear the official seals. To avoid unnecessary delay in transmission, surplus receipts from the northern provinces should be forwarded direct to the Board of Revenue.\n\n25. In regard to the retention of revenue derived from opium taxation, each province will, as far as possible, conform to the precedents afforded by the years 1904 and 1905, the surplus being devoted to army funds.\n\nSpecial allowances will, however, have to be made for certain of the provinces in which either the production of opium has been insignificant or the revenue has been derived from imported opium only.\n\nFor the Province of Hupei, a special Report will be furnished by K'o Feng-Shih for the consideration of the Board of Revenue.\n\nThe salaries of the officials at collecting stations are to be provided out of the funds to be retained.\n\nSpecial conditions are also sanctioned for the Provinces of Kuangtung and Kuanghsi.\n\n26. The evidence for the retention of funds will be furnished by the permits and duty certificates handed in by the merchants; these are to be forwarded, with lists, through the branch offices to the Head Office. There must be no irregularities or misrepresentations.\n\n27. The salaries and office expenses, &c., of the taxation officials will be paid out of the \"expenses\" receipts, in accordance with the recommendations made by the Head Office to the Finance Council and the Board of Revenue. Telegrams on service also may be included under this heading. These sums will, for the present, be advanced by the Head Office, such advances being subsequently refunded from the \"expenses\" receipts. No other expenditure may be included under the heading of office expenses except the cost of forwarding lists and receipts, which will be made good.\n\n7\n\n28. Of the proceeds of confiscated opium, one-half is to be employed on rewards, and the remainder is to be the property of the province. Monthly reports are, however, to be furnished, and for all opium thus sold, as well as for opium pledged in lieu of payment of taxation, the regular uniform taxes are to be paid and stamps issued.\n\n29. The funds derived from taxation by the Head Office and the branch offices are to be deposited in banks at a fair monthly rate of interest, and the officials will be required to make good all losses resulting from the failure of such banks,\n\n## Reform Prospects.\n\nA\n\n30. The evils introduced by the opium drug are universally recognized, but a thorough eradication alone can effect a change for the better. The introduction of increased taxation can only operate as a preventive if it is rigidly enforced. A gradual reduction, resulting finally in complete abolition, of this scourge might be effected by good advice, as opportunities arise, at the taxation stations, and by the establishment of anti-opium Societies by the officials. The resulting loss of revenue would be no matter for regret.\n\n31. Contingencies not touched on in the above Regulations will be dealt with as they arise in further Memorials.\n\n(No. 15.) Sir,\n\n## Inclosure 2 in No. 1.\n\nConsul Fox to Mr. Carnegie,\n\nIchang, June 22, 1906.\n\nI HAVE the honour to inclose copy and translation of a Proclamation which was posted here on the 16th instant, inaugurating a new scheme of taxation of native opium throughout the Empire.\n\nThe new Regulations, of which the principal clauses are contained in the above Proclamation, came into force at Ichang on Sunday, the 17th instant.\n\nMy predecessor, Mr. Ottewill, in his despatch No. 8, dated the 6th July, 1905, reporting the inception of a scheme for the payment in advance of all taxes and duties on native opium in the eight provinces of Hunan, Hupei, Kuangtung, Kuangsi, Kiangsi, Anhui, Kiangsu, and Fukien, stated: \"The fundamental principle is that the collection of all taxes on opium is taken away from the provincial authorities and undertaken by the Central Government.\" In practice, however, the high authorities of these eight provinces resolved themselves into a sort of Syndicate for the collection of the opium taxes within their boundaries; the other provinces, such as Szechuan and Yunnan, continued to levy taxes on their own opium. The Syndicate having apparently proved a success financially, the Central Government have now, in principle and in practice, taken into their own hands the taxation of all native opium produced throughout the Empire. That is to say, on payment of a fixed sum of 115 Kuping taels at the first barrier en route, opium may be transported free of any further fiscal charges to any part of China.\n\nAs far as Ichang is concerned, the immediate effect of the new scheme will be to greatly diminish the importance of the port as a taxing station. The duties collected on native opium last year by the foreign Customs alone amounted to 763,576 Haikwan taels, or 94 per cent. of the total revenue collected; of the amounts collected on account of \"kao chuan\" and \"duties,\" no statistics are available, but the total revenue derived from opium taxed at Ichang in 1905 is estimated to have been well over 4,000,000 taels. I hope shortly to be able to forward details of this estimate. This source of revenue will henceforth be lost to Ichang, as the prefecture produces no opium for export and the Szechuan and Yunnan product will now pay its taxes at Chungking, Fuchau, Kueichou-fu, or some other barrier above Ichang. The Hupei Provincial Treasury will not, however, be altogether a loser, as the scheme provides for an annual refund of a sum equal to the amount collected during the thirtieth year of Kuang Hsü, i.e., 1904. The total collection that year was, I am informed, well above the average of the last ten years.\n\nAs the port of transhipment for river-borne opium, Ichang will continue to be an important examination and clearing station.\n\nPage 630\n\nPage 631",
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    {
        "id": 407335,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-337 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1906",
        "page_number": 631,
        "title": "CO129-337 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1906",
        "content_text": "The new scheme will, on the face of it, benefit the Steam-ship Companies on the Yang-tsze, as it will tend to increase the amount of opium carried by steamer. Hitherto steamers have been practically debarred from taking opium destined for the four inner provinces, i.e., Hunan, Hupei, Kiangsi, and Anhui (these including the important markets of Shasi, Hankow, Changteh, Kiukiang, and Wuhu), owing to a differential tax in favour of junk-borne opium amounting to 118.93 Haikwan taels on junk-borne and 134.79 Haikwan taels on steamer-borne, the actual duties charged being: For junk-borne opium, \"koa chuan\" tax, 82.79 Kuping taels; l-kin, 38.10 Kuping taels; total, 120.89 Kuping taels (118.93 Haikwan taels); for steamer-borne, \"kao chuan,\" 82.79 Haikwan taels; customs export duty, 52 Haikwan taels; total, 134.79 Haikwan taels per picul.\n\nWith a uniform tax of 115 Kuping taels, steamers, offering speedy and safe transport, should obtain the bulk of the opium shipped from this port.\n\nThe new Regulations have, as far as I can learn, been well received by the local opium shippers, although they are taking exception to the clause providing for the payment of the tax in ready money. They seem to think, however, that the present comparatively low tariff will be increased as soon as the scheme gets into proper working order.\n\nOne or more Taotais are to be appointed to each province as delegates of the Board of Revenue to superintend the collection of the new tax. Taotai Ts'ai Yuan-shun assumed charge here on the 16th instant as Superintendent for Hunan and Hupeh, his official title being \"Tu pan Liang Hang t'u yao t'ung shui tsung pan.\"\n\nI venture to think that the new scheme, in so far as it affects the opium trade of Western China, deserves careful watching, as although the avowed object of its promoters is to regulate, limit, and eventually suppress altogether opium growing in China, it seems quite possible that the new tax, which, if properly administered, will simplify procedure and reduce taxation in the most productive areas, will have the effect of increasing and stimulating rather than diminishing and discouraging the production of opium in China.\n\n(Translation.)\n\nI have, &c.\n\nHARRY E. FOX.\n\n(Signed)\n\nInclosure 3 in No. 1.\n\nA PROCLAMATION by Ko Feng-Shih, Junior Vice-President of the Board of Revenue, Imperial Commissioner for the Reform of the Currency, Imperially appointed to supervise the arrangements for the collective taxation of native opium throughout the Empire.\n\nWHEREAS the Board of Revenue and the Board of Financial Reorganization have jointly memorialized the Throne with regard to a uniform scheme for the conversion into one collective tax of all taxes and dues hitherto levied on raw and prepared opium in the various provinces, and whereas the Imperial sanction has now been received to the universal adoption of this scheme, be it known that hereafter all opium, no matter in what province it is produced or in what province it is consumed, shall pay its dues in full at the first custom-house or barrier en route, have a label affixed, and receive a certificate, after which it may be conveyed for sale into any province without any further charges whatsoever, thus securing uniformity of treatment.\n\nThe Boards having memorialized for the appointment of high officials in all the provinces who, in consultation with the territorial authorities, will establish offices for the administration of the new scheme, hereby issue this Proclamation, in which are embodied the most important Articles of the Regulations which have received the Imperial sanction for the information and guidance of the public.\n\nRegulations.\n\n1. For the purposes of taxation a package of opium without its outer covering and inside wrappings will be called \"net weight opium\"; on this no deduction will be allowed under any circumstances. Weights will be calculated at the uniform rate of 16 Kuping ounces to the catty.\n\n2. One picul of \"net weight opium\" shall pay a collective tax of 100 Kuping taels, and at the same time a supplementary fee of 15 Kuping taels, no distinction being made between raw opium, l-kin, and boiled opium excise, and no other charges. All levies coming under the heading of production tax, consumption tax, fees for reporting to barrier, meltage fees, charges for loss by exchange, office repairs, examination, labels, certificates, &c., are now abolished.\n\nIf the slightest addition is made by any office or official to the 115 taels above mentioned, the merchant should report the case, giving particulars, when the case will be inquired into and the guilty parties dismissed or punished.\n\n\"Net weight\" opium reported to the Foreign Customs for export shall pay in accordance with these Regulations 115 taels per picul. There shall be no further charges.\n\nKuping taels will henceforth be substituted for Haikuan taels in assessing duties.\n\nOn payment by the merchant of the collective tax and supplementary fee a label will be affixed to each ball of opium, and a certificate will be issued for each package; the Foreign Customs will in addition affix a box label. There shall be no further charge, no matter to what province the opium is conveyed for sale.\n\nNo matter in what province the opium is produced, it is to be taxed according to these Regulations. No compromises of any kind shall be permitted. Duty-paid opium conveyed for sale into another province shall at the first office or barrier across the frontier be reported for examination of weights, numbers, labels, and certificates. If found to be in order the opium will be stamped and released. It shall not be subjected to any delays or exactions. If not in order the opium shall be confiscated.\n\nThe offices and barriers are strictly forbidden to allow the payment of fines. If it is found when the opium comes up for examination that the labels have not been properly affixed but are handed in by the merchant, or if the label has been removed and fastened on in another place, or if the label is torn or mutilated in any way, or if the label is not accompanied by a certificate, or vice versa, or if the label is in any way not in order, then the opium shall be detained, and the name of the office and official responsible for the issue of the original documents shall be reported for punishment and dismissal.\n\nAll documents such as labels, certificates, duty-paid memorandums, Customs certificates (\"chuan chao\"), box labels, &c., shall be supplied by the Head Office and distributed to the various branch offices, where they will be in charge of special deputies. In order to avoid complications no documents shall be made in the provinces.\n\nWhen an opium merchant intends selling his opium in any province he shall report to the nearest office or barrier and have the original certificate cancelled; the official in charge shall issue in exchange a box label on which will be indorsed the number and \"yin hua\" and which will be affixed to the package. Every package locally sold shall have its documents in order, that is to say, the box label must agree with the \"yin hua,\" otherwise the opium is liable to confiscation. In the case of box labels fixed by the Foreign Customs, the merchant shall produce (to the office or barrier) the Customs certificate and the red stamp indorsement showing the opium's destination. These documents may be handed in at any office or barrier free of charge.\n\nNo opium can be sold until its documents have been properly cancelled.\n\nAn opium merchant, having paid the tax and received his documents from the barrier, shall, if the opium is to be transported by steamer, report at the nearest custom-house, hand in his certificate for examination, and will receive in return a new certificate and a Customs box label. No further \"yin hua\" will be issued. It may then be transported anywhere free of charge. Arrived at its destination, the Customs certificate and box label must, as above stated, be handed in for cancellation.\n\nThe offices shall, in consultation with the territorial authorities, make arrangements for the taxation of opium produced for local consumption. The Head Office will issue labels and quadruplicate duty-paid memorandums, on which will be indorsed the number of balls, weights, and serial number of \"yin hua,\" but no certificate will be issued. Such opium is for local consumption only; if sent into another province it will be treated as contraband.\n\nThe revenue hitherto derived by the various provinces from opium duties and levies now included in the collective tax will be refunded in full to each province. No further levies of any kind are to be made. Any attempt by provincial offices and officials to levy taxes on their own account should be reported by the merchants, and will be dealt with according to the circumstances of the case.\n\nThe collective tax must be paid in ready money; if the merchant has no ready money his opium will be detained and a receipt given.",
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        "page_number": 693,
        "title": "CO129-337 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1906",
        "content_text": "12\n\nWogack of financial assistance from the Tien-tsin Provisional Government on the condition that the commercial interests concerned would raise funds on their side also.\n\nSir E. Satow, in reply, on the 29th June, asked for a schedule of the proposed dues, and said that it would be necessary for him to issue a Regulation provisionally under Articles 9 and 11 of the Order in Council of the 25th October, 1881, making the payment of the wharfage dues as municipal taxes binding on British subjects; and on the 8th July Sir E. Satow forwarded, for perusal and comment, a draft Regulation providing for the imposition of the tax. This Regulation would be inserted in the Tien-tsin Land Regulations next after Regulation 7.\n\nOn the 15th July Mr. Hopkins returned the draft Regulations, expressing his concurrence, and later in the same month Sir E. Satow forwarded the Regulation, with instructions that it should be printed and made known to the British community in Tien-tsin.\n\nIt should be mentioned that, by Article 11 of the Final Protocol of the 7th September, 1901, the Chinese Government undertook to be represented on the International Commission for improving the Pei Ho, and to pay the sum of 60,000 Haikwan taels each year for this purpose. This undertaking has been carried out since 1902.\n\nThe Conservancy Board have effected three cuttings in the river between 1902 and 1904, and many other works of improvement have been carried out; the sums spent were raised by loans secured by taxes known as \"river dues,\" but it was felt that the deplorable condition of the bar was a perpetual hindrance to commercial interests.\n\nIn April 1903, at a general meeting of Landrenters, a Resolution was passed providing for a further tax of 1 per cent. of the duties to be devoted to the improvement of the Taku Bar, and in July 1903 Mr. Hopkins informed the Tien-tsin Municipal Council that the consent of the Ministers in Peking had been received to the levy of additional river dues for the bar purposes, but the shipping Companies did not see their way to co-operate and nothing was done.\n\nMeanwhile a bar improvement scheme had been devised by the Conservancy Commission, and only funds were lacking to carry it out.\n\nOn the 30th May, 1905, the Chairman of the Tien-tsin Municipal Council was informed by the German Minister that the Council might be assured that the Hamburg-America line would fall into line with any scheme that commended itself to the Steamer Companies.\n\nMr. Dickinson informed Sir E. Satow that the extra 1 per cent. was still in suspense pending a contribution from the Steam-ship Companies.\n\nAt an extraordinary general meeting of the Landrenters of the 14th June, 1905, the Municipal Council proposed a Resolution asking to be authorized to convey an offer to the Hai Ho Conservancy Commission to provide the necessary sum of 450,000 taels on and subject to certain conditions:--\n\n(1.) No part of the loan to be redeemed until the amortization of existing river loans.\n\n(2.) Loan of 250,000 taels at 7 per cent., payable by Hai Ho Conservancy Commission.\n\n(3.) The tax of per mille authorized in 1903 shall be levied in addition to the existing dues.\n\n(4.) Shipping Companies shall pay tax.\n\n(5.) Taxes and dues provided for in (3) and (4) shall continue to be levied until the amortization of loan and interest.\n\n(6.) On final amortization of river loans, taxes and dues devoted to service of these river loans to be continued, and with taxes and dues under (3) and (4) be devoted to payment of interest on 250,000 taels and accumulated interest on balance of 200,000 taels to bar works, and to amortization of principal sum.\n\nAll this was, of course, dependent on the sanction of the Diplomatic Body and payment by the Shipping Companies. The latter finally agreed to pay 1 mace per registered ton per trip from the time of issue to the final amortization of the loan subject to certain conditions, one of which is that ships unable to cross the bar shall pay 5 candareens per ton per trip on their net registered tonnage, with the option of paying 1 mace per ton on cargo discharged and loaded.\n\nOn the 8th March, 1906, M. Rocher, Consul-General for France, resigned his position as Delegate of the Consular Body on the Conservancy Board, and Mr. Hopkins was selected to take his place.\n\nIn June 1905 the Landrenters put forward a scheme for providing the necessary funds for the improvement of the bar in its final form, and requested the sanction of the Diplomatic Body.\n\n13\n\nWhat the Diplomatic Body was requested to sanction were-\n\n(1.) A continuation of the existing taxes and dues until the amortization of the loan of 425,000 taels, the initial expenditure for the bar improvement scheme.\n\n(2.) Now that an agreement with the Shipping Companies had been arrived at, it was necessary to have a reaffirmation of the sanction given by the Diplomatic Body to the Resolutions of the 6th April, 1903, to levy the additional tax of per mille on the value of all goods on which duty has been paid or may become payable, which with the shipping tax is to meet the service of the loan and the necessary maintenance expenses of the river.\n\nAs regards the tax on shipping, it would appear that the bond to be signed by the Shipping Companies is to be considered sufficient guarantee for payment, and the Council lays down that it will agree with the signatories to the bond to use every means in their power in conjunction with the General Chamber of Commerce to prevent any ship-owners from taking advantage of the terms of the bond to the detriment of the signatories thereto, the Council and the General Chamber of Commerce recognizing the shipping levy as a general port charge to be paid by all ships coming to the bar.\n\nPeking, May 26, 1906.\n\nInclosure 13 in No. 1.\n\nTien-tsin Land Regulations.\n\n[Not printed.]\n\n0\n\n684",
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        "id": 407628,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-338 - Public Offices & Others - 1906",
        "page_number": 92,
        "title": "CO129-338 - Public Offices & Others - 1906",
        "content_text": "-12 \n\nWogack of financial assistance from the Tien-tsin Provisional Government on the condition that the commercial interests concerned would raise funds on their side also.\n\nSir E. Satow, in reply, on the 29th June, asked for a schedule of the proposed dues, and said that it would be necessary for him to issue a Regulation provisionally under Articles 9 and 11 of the Order in Council of the 25th October, 1881, making the payment of the wharfage dues as municipal taxes binding on British subjects; and on the 8th July Sir E. Satow forwarded, for perusal and comment, a draft Regulation providing for the imposition of the tax. This Regulation would be inserted in the Tien-tsin Land Regulations next after Regulation 7.\n\nOn the 15th July Mr. Hopkins returned the draft Regulations, expressing his concurrence, and later in the same month Sir E. Satow forwarded the Regulation, with instructions that it should be printed and made known to the British community in Tien-tsin.\n\nIt should be mentioned that, by Article 11 of the Final Protocol of the 7th September, 1901, the Chinese Government undertook to be represented on the International Commission for improving the Pei Ho, and to pay the sum of 60,000 Haikwan taels each year for this purpose. This undertaking has been carried out since 1902.\n\nThe Conservancy Board have effected three cuttings in the river between 1902 and 1904, and many other works of improvement have been carried out; the sums spent were raised by loans secured by taxes known as \"river dues,\" but it was felt that the deplorable condition of the bar was a perpetual hindrance to commercial interests.\n\nIn April 1903, at a general meeting of Landrenters, a Resolution was passed providing for a further tax of 1 per cent. of the duties to be devoted to the improvement of the Taku Bar, and in July 1903 Mr. Hopkins informed the Tien-tsin Municipal Council that the consent of the Ministers in Peking had been received to the levy of additional river dues for the bar purposes, but the shipping Companies did not see their way to co-operate and nothing was done.\n\nMeanwhile a bar improvement scheme had been devised by the Conservancy Commission, and only funds were lacking to carry it out.\n\nOn the 8th May, 1905, the Chairman of the Tien-tsin Municipal Council was informed by the German Minister that the Council might be assured that the Hamburg-America line would fall into line with any scheme that commended itself to the Steamer Companies.\n\nMr. Dickinson informed Sir E. Satow that the extra 1 per cent. was still in suspense pending a contribution from the Steam-ship Companies.\n\nAt an extraordinary general meeting of the Landrenters of the 14th June, 1905, the Municipal Council proposed a Resolution asking to be authorized to convey an offer to the Hai Ho Conservancy Commission to provide the necessary sum of 450,000 taels on and subject to certain conditions:\n\n(1) No part of the loan to be redeemed until the amortization of existing river loans.\n(2) Loan of 250,000 taels at 7 per cent., payable by Hai Ho Conservancy Commission.\n(3) The tax of per mille authorized in 1903 shall be levied in addition to the existing dues.\n(4) Shipping Companies shall pay tax.\n(5) Taxes and dues provided for in (3) and (4) shall continue to be levied until the amortization of loan and interest.\n(6) On final amortization of river loans, taxes and dues devoted to service of these river loans to be continued, and with taxes and dues under (3) and (4) be devoted to payment of interest on 250,000 taels and accumulated interest on balance of 200,000 taels to bar works, and to amortization of principal sum.\n\nAll this was, of course, dependent on the sanction of the Diplomatic Body and payment by the Shipping Companies. The latter finally agreed to pay 1 mace per registered ton per trip from the time of issue to the final amortization of the loan subject to certain conditions, one of which is that ships unable to cross the bar shall pay 5 candareens per ton per trip on their net registered tonnage, with the option of paying 1 mace per ton on cargo discharged and loaded.\n\nOn the 8th March, 1906, M. Rocher, Consul-General for France, resigned his position as Delegate of the Consular Body on the Conservancy Board, and Mr. Hopkins was selected to take his place.\n\nIn June 1905 the Landrenters put forward a scheme for providing the necessary funds for the improvement of the bar in its final form, and requested the sanction of the Diplomatic Body.\n\nWhat the Diplomatic Body was requested to sanction were--\n\n(1) A continuation of the existing taxes and dues until the amortization of the loan of 425,000 taels, the initial expenditure for the bar improvement scheme.\n(2) Now that an agreement with the Shipping Companies had been arrived at, it was necessary to have a reaffirmation of the sanction given by the Diplomatic Body to the Resolutions of the 6th April, 1903, to levy the additional tax of per mille on the value of all goods on which duty has been paid or may become payable, which with the shipping tax is to meet the service of the loan and the necessary maintenance expenses of the river.\n\nAs regards the tax on shipping, it would appear that the bond to be signed by the Shipping Companies is to be considered sufficient guarantee for payment, and the Council lays down that it will agree with the signatories to the bond to use every means in their power in conjunction with the General Chamber of Commerce to prevent any ship-owners from taking advantage of the terms of the bond to the detriment of the signatories thereto, the Council and the General Chamber of Commerce recognizing the shipping levy as a general port charge to be paid by all ships coming to the bar.\n\nPeking, May 26, 1906.\n\n## Inclosure 13 in No. 1\n\n### Tien-tsin Land Regulations\n\n[Not printed.]",
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        "id": 407685,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-338 - Public Offices & Others - 1906",
        "page_number": 149,
        "title": "CO129-338 - Public Offices & Others - 1906",
        "content_text": "145 \n\nWe believe it to be correct to state that the privilege in question was granted to the China Merchants' Steam Navigation Company through a report to the Tsung-li Yamên made by the Chibli Viceroy (Li Hung-chang—interested in China Merchants' Steam Navigation Company, of course) in the 10th month of the 11th year of Tung Chi = 1872.\n\nOver 230,000 piculs brick tea were imported into Tien-tsin during 1904, and classed in the Customs Returns under native imports as brick tea for Russia. The proportion of this quantity imported and transferred by Russians under their special privilege for Kiachta is very small, and is probably considerably less than the odd 30,000 piculs. The large proportion is imported by the steamers of the China Merchants' Steam Navigation Company, and forwarded by Chinese under a bond issued by the Customs which has to be returned by the Superintendent of Trade at Kalgan, certified that the produce has duly arrived. Nominally, it may be supposed that this tea ex China Merchants' steamers is forwarded to Kiachta, but we believe that the first actual market is in Kalgan, and there is no doubt that the tea is actually consumed in Mongolia. Tea forwarded by Russians, which may really reach Kiachta, certainly finds its way back into Mongolia. Tea forwarded by Russians is covered by precisely similar documents to those accompanying Chinese shipments.\n\nA shipment of 1,410 piculs tea ex a steamer of the China Merchants' Steam Navigation Company imported and forwarded through the Customs by the hong Hsiang Far Yuan, is charged the following taxes:—\n| Tax | Amount (Haikwan Taels) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Coast trade duty | Nil |\n| Wharfage dues | 38.07 |\n| Native customs duty, at 12 cands per picul | 169.20 |\n| A li-kin charge of 4 cands per picul | 56.40 |\n| Total | 263.67 |\n\nThe shipment ex the China Navigation Company's steamer \"Nanchang\" applied on the 28th October last, had to bear the following taxes:----\n| Tax | Amount (Haikwan Taels) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Coast trade duty, at 30 cands per picul | 423.00 |\n| Wharfage dues | 38.07 |\n| Native customs duty, at 30 cands per picul | 423.00 |\n| A li-kin charge, at 15 cands per picul | 211.50 |\n| Total | 1,095.57 |\n\nconstituting a preferential duty against the steam-ship \"Nanchang\" of 831.90 Haikwan taels, or, say, 59 cands, per picul, in favour of Chinese steamers as against British steamers, and by this means the China Merchants' Steam Navigation Company have secured the monopoly of carriage of Shansi brick tea from Hankow to Shanghae by river steamer and thence to Tien-tsin by coast steamer.\n\nThe tea in question is known at Hankow as Shansi brick tea, because the buyers are Shansi people who resell to the Mongolians.\n\nThe following Articles in Treaties appear to be framed to assist in circumstances of this nature:\n\n**Article XIV of the French Treaty of Tien-tsin, 1860, viz.:----**\n\"No privileged commercial Society henceforward be established in China, and the same should apply to any organized coalition having for its end the exercise of a monopoly of trade. In case of the contravention of the present Article, the Chinese authorities, on the representation of the Consul or Consular Agent, shall advise as to the means of dissolving such Associations--of which they are also bound to prevent the existence by the preceding prohibitions--so as to remove all that may stand in the way of free competition.\"\n\n**Article XXIV, British Treaty of Tien-tsin, 1858, viz.:----**\n\"It is agreed that British subjects shall pay on all merchandize imported or exported by them the duties prescribed by the Tariff; but in no case shall they be called upon to pay other or higher duties than are required of the subjects of any other foreign nation.\"\n\nWe shall be much obliged if His Majesty's Minister will give directions that some course be taken, either through these Articles or by such means as he thinks fit, whereby the desired end may be attained. The matter is an important one, for not only is a considerable trade at present affected and closed to British steamers, but it appears that if the China Merchants' Steam Navigation Company can sustain their right to receive preferential treatment in duties and taxation on brick tea, the way is open to them to establish further monopolies of other items of coasting trade.\n\nIn view of this aspect of the case, we shall esteem it a favour if an expression of opinion can be given us at an early date, in order that we may proceed cautiously in any further action it may be desired to take.\n\nWe trust that we have not written too lengthily, and that the importance of the subject may be sufficient justification.\n\nWe are, &c.\n\n(Per pro. Butterfield and Swire),\n(Signed)\nG. J. EDKINS,\nAgents, China Navigation Company (Limited).\n\n## Inclosure 3 in No. 1.\n\n**Sir E. Satow to Consul-General Hopkins.**\n\n(No. 8.) Sir,\n\nPeking, February 19, 1906.\n\nI HAVE received your despatch No. 15 of the 14th instant, forwarding a letter addressed to you by the representative of Messrs. Butterfield and Swire at Tien-tsin, in which he states that they are anxious to bring within their business activities the transport by their steamers of brick tea to Tien-tsin and its conveyance thence, under overland pass, on the same terms as brick tea shipped by vessels of the China Merchants' Steam Navigation Company.\n\nAn examination of the Tien-tsin Customs Returns for 1904, to which Mr. Edkins refers, would appear to show that all the tea re-exported in that year was sent overland to Siberia, Russia, &c., by way of Kalgan and Kiachta, and Article 10 of the Regulations of the 24th February, 1881, governing the overland trade between Russia and China, distinctly states that Chinese produce exported from Tien-tsin overland to Russia must be carried by way of Kalgan, and that sale thereof en chemin will subject the merchant concerned to the penalties laid down in Article 8 of the same Regulations, while Article 16 declares that Russian merchants are prohibited from conveying merchandize belonging to Chinese merchants and passing it as their property.\n\nThe question of duties is also fully dealt with in Article 10. Chinese produce brought to Tien-tsin for export overland to Russia pays full export duty at the original port of export and coast trade duty at Tien-tsin, but the latter is refunded if the produce is exported to Russian territory within a year after its payment, so that native produce carried overland to Russia is liable to payment of one full export duty only.\n\nMessrs. Butterfield and Swire, however, allege that they believe that part of the brick tea brought to Tien-tsin is carried to Kalgan for sale there, and not exported to Russia, and they wish to take part in this transport trade; but they are only the carriers, and not the owners, and I know not of any Treaty right or privilege entitling British or other foreign subjects to overland passes to convey native produce, the property of Chinese, from a port overland to a place in the interior of China. Mr. Hosie will be shortly in Tien-tsin, and will take the opportunity of looking into the question in all its bearings.\n\nYou should communicate a copy of this despatch to Messrs. Butterfield and Swire.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nERNEST SATOW.\n\n(No. 23.) Sir,\n\n## Inclosure 4 in No. 1.\n\n**Consul-General Hopkins to Sir E. Satow.**\n\nTien-tsin, March 1, 1906.\n\nWITH reference to your despatch No. 8, of the 19th ultimo, on the subject of the carriage transport inland of brick tea, copy of which I communicated to Messrs. Butterfield and Swire.",
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    {
        "id": 407828,
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        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-338 - Public Offices & Others - 1906",
        "page_number": 292,
        "title": "CO129-338 - Public Offices & Others - 1906",
        "content_text": "287\n\n2\n\nindicated generally under the term \"artificial obstructions to navigation\" in Article V of the Mackay Treaty. I inclose copy of His Highness' note and Memorandum, and request you to inform me whether it can now be considered that the Article in question has been duly carried into execution.\n\nI am, &c.\n\n(Signed)\n\nERNEST SATOW.\n\n3\n\nThe expenditure incurred on account of removing barriers—not including salaries, &c., of a number of Customs officers detached for the special duty of planning and directing the operations during a period of many months (15,306·07 taels)—amounted to 111,329·27 Haikwan taels. (Total, 126,635·34 taels.)\n\nJ. F. OIESEN, Chief Secretary.\n\n(Signed)\n\nInspectorate-General of Customs, Peking, November 18, 1905.\n\nInclosure 2 in No. 1.\n\nPrince Ching to Sir E. Satow.\n\nYour Excellency,\n\nPeking, December 26, 1905. BY the Vth Article of the Mackay Treaty the Chinese Government undertook to remove within the next two years the artificial obstructions to navigation in the Canton River,\n\nThe Board has repeatedly consulted the Viceroy of Canton with regard to effecting this work in accordance with Treaty and at the proper time, and directions were sent by the Inspector-General of Customs to the Commissioner of Customs at Canton to take the necessary steps for the removal of the obstructions.\n\nI am now in receipt of a letter from the Inspector-General reporting that the removal of the barriers in the Canton River has been completely effected, in which he shows what measures were taken, and incloses a Memorandum in English for communication to your Excellency.\n\nI have therefore the honour to inclose the Memorandum herewith for your information.\n\nInclosure 3 in No. 1.\n\nMEMORANDUM showing what has been done, in accordance with the provisions of the Vth Article of the Mackay Treaty, by the removal of artificial barriers in the Canton River to facilitate communication along two routes between the city of Canton and the sea.\n\nTHE two channels selected to be cleared of obstructions were the Back Reach and the Front Reach. In the Back Reach, which is the principal approach to Canton, were three barriers—the Iron Barrier, Bridge Barrier, and Taishek Barrier. In the Front Reach, which is 4 miles shorter, but, owing to shoals, is little frequented by foreign vessels except river-steamers coming up at certain stages of the tide, were two barriers—the Cambridge Barrier and Whampoa Barrier.\n\nOperations for improving the passages through these barriers were begun on the 5th October, 1904, and were completed on the 15th August, 1905. The work involved the removal of enormous masses of stones, iron piles, timbers, and sunken junks laden with stones.\n\nBefore improvement the width of the channel through each barrier was—\n\n  \n    Iron Barrier\n    150\n  \n  \n    Bridge Barrier\n    200\n  \n  \n    Taishek Barrier\n    100\n  \n  \n    Cambridge Barrier\n    300\n  \n  \n    Whampoa Barrier\n    200\n  \n\nThe work done has secured the following results:—\n\n  \n    \n    Width\n    Depth at Low Water\n  \n  \n    Iron Barrier\n    670\n    16\n  \n  \n    Bridge Barrier (entirely removed)\n    \n    16\n  \n  \n    Taishek Barrier\n    400\n    12\n  \n  \n    Cambridge Barrier\n    450\n    16\n  \n  \n    Whampoa Barrier\n    400\n    9\n  \n\nInclosure 4 in No. 1.\n\nConsul-General Scott to Sir E. Satow.\n\n(No. 23.)\n\nCanton, March 31, 1906. Sir,\n\nI BEG to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 26 of the 28th December, 1905, regarding the removal of barriers in the Canton River, in which you direct me to inform you whether it can now be considered that Article V of the Mackay Treaty for the removal of \"artificial obstructions to navigation\" has been duly carried out.\n\nI beg to report that on receipt of your despatch I duly communicated with the Hong Kong Government with a view to obtaining expert opinion—and more particularly the views and wishes of the naval authorities and the Shipping Companies—on the subject. So far I have not succeeded in obtaining any expert opinion, but I beg to inclose copy of a despatch from his Excellency the Admiral, and also a joint letter from Messrs. Jardine, Matheson, and Co., Messrs. Butterfield and Swire, and the Hong Kong and Canton Steam-boat Company.\n\nAccording to Admiral Noel's letter, sufficient depth of water has now been provided to admit of the usual traffic, but he records his opinion that the Mackay Treaty has not been carried out. Admiral Noel admits, however, that the total removal of the barriers might lead to a risk of causing the deep channel to silt up. He further suggests that the parts of the barriers left should be so cut away as to render them practically useless in facilitating the erection of barriers in future.\n\nThe Steam-ship Companies, on their part, acknowledge that good work has been done in facilitating navigation, but claim that the provisions of the Treaty have not been fulfilled, only a comparatively small portion of the barriers having been removed. They suggest that the Iron Barrier to the north should be wholly removed, and in this view I entirely concur. There should be little difficulty in the operation, and the material is evidently of some value, for I understand that a Chinese had offered to remove it free of cost. The Companies further suggest that the Taishek Barrier be also removed, and that further dredging operations might be carried on in the Front Reach and at Sulphur Point, Whampoa.\n\nIn regard hereto I have merely to observe that these places cannot come under the category of \"artificial obstructions,\" as understood in the Mackay Treaty, and the suggestions need not therefore be discussed.\n\nThe shallow place near the Taishek Barrier which the Shipping Companies wish to have removed is more or less a moving shoal, which disappears with the floods and reappears during the dry season. The only question to be considered is how far the deepening and widening of the Taishek Barrier will affect this shoal permanently, and this can only be ascertained by future observation.\n\nIn paragraphs 6 and 7 of their joint letter the Shipping Companies raise the question of the improvement of the harbour of Canton, and especially the removal of the Pak Hin, Honam, and Fati rocks. This question, however, is separately provided for, under Article V of the Mackay Treaty, by a special arrangement between the merchants and the Customs, and by a tax on goods landed and shipped.\n\nThe underlying idea of the Companies is, no doubt, that, in consideration of the only partial removal of the barriers and the consequently lessened cost to the Chinese Government, the latter will forgo their claim and will improve the harbour at their own expense.\n\nI would point out that the removal of the rocks in question must prove a tedious and expensive operation, and the benefits to be derived from the removal can never be commensurate, as far as British interests are concerned, to the cost, nine-tenths of which would fall on British trade. The Norwegian and German tramp steamers would be the sole gainers. The reason is: the Hong Kong and Canton Steam-boat Company already possess their wharves and landing-stages, and all that is necessary to meet their",
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        "page_number": 373,
        "title": "CO129-338 - Public Offices & Others - 1906",
        "content_text": "368\n\n2\n\n2. Pakma to Hsunchow.-Above Pakma, where is a well-known li-kin station, the river is found running through a large plain, which, with varying width, stretches from Pakma up to Kuei Hsien. The mountains in the far distance on the north form a continuous range, which occasionally sweeps south towards the river, touching it 30 miles south above Pakma at Konghon, and again 15 miles above that at Hsunchow. These mountains have the valleys at their base scantily covered with pine. The river banks are from 20 feet to 30 feet high, and from the ship can be obtained only occasional glimpses of the plain, which, at least near the river, appears to be well cultivated, producing rice, mulberry, and sugar-cane. Frequent villages are scattered along the banks, but even in this fat country the population does not appear to be great. Ping Nam is an important market town, and Konghou, well placed at the lower junction of the West River main branch with the Yu Kiang, is the busiest place we meet until we arrive at Hsunchow-fu, situated at the upper junction of these two rivers.\n\n3. Hsunchow to Kuei Hsien-At Hsunchow (Kueiping, Samchow are the local names) our route leaves the main branch of the West River and follows the Yu Kiang, which is here only about 250 yards wide. The country between Hsunchow and Kuei Hsien seems to have a natural division line just about the place where the Kueiping and Kuei Hsien prefectures meet. For 40 miles along the river below this boundary the banks show at intervals a dark red stratified rock, while throughout the 15 miles above, between the boundary and the town of Kuei Hsien, limestone rock is predominant. With this division a change in the nature of the country corresponds fairly closely. The first 40 miles of land along the river seems practically waste land, a rough, uncultivated continuation of the plain we have been following from Pakma, growing coarse, long grass with a few pines. In the stretch of 15 miles approaching Kuei Hsien the plain is very flat and well cultivated, producing sugar and rice. The bamboo reappears and pines almost disappear. One or two villages are dotted along the banks, and it was in this district we saw the first carts, which are unknown between Hsunchow and the sea.\n\nThe above description will help one to realize the fact that for fully half of our entire route between Wuchow and Kuei Hsien the country appears to be quite unproductive, except for timber on the hill-sides. From a commercial point of view the most striking fact is the scarcity of river traffic between these two points. Except near the big centres like Hsunchow, Konghon, and Kuei Hsien, and to a small extent Têng Hsien and Ping Nam, one meets nothing on the river for mile after mile except an occasional junk carrying firewood, hides, or poultry, and some fishing-boats. A few steam launches, most of them flying the British flag, represent the foreign-built vessels. Some small timber rafts were seen below Konghou.\n\nAs regards animals, buffaloes and red cattle are fairly numerous along the river banks, especially near Hsunchow, Kuei Hsien, and Ping Nam. Above Hsunchow one enters the pony country. Ducks and geese are frequently seen in large flocks.\n\n3. Notes on Towns en route.\n\nTêng Hsien is the West River port for Wat Lum, an important distributing centre in the south of the province, which has also a seaport in Pakhoi, on the Tonquin Gulf. Except for some 30 miles near Wat Lum, goods can go by boat from Pakhoi to Têng Hsien.\n\nBefore the opening of Wuchow in 1897, Wat Lum was within the area of commercial attraction of Pakhoi; since then, it has been gradually drawn within the West River area. Sumatran oil is the chief foreign article now taken by Wat Lum from Pakhoi, and even this import seems to be dwindling in quantity year by year. If the French railway is ever built from Kwang Chow Wan through Wat Lum to Kueilin, it will follow the valley of the Têng River.\n\nKuei Hsien. I called on the Magistrate, who was very friendly, and who informed us that, apart from the \"Moorhen,\" only one foreign gun-boat had visited the town this summer; he disagreed, however, with his Secretary as to whether it was of French or German nationality, finally deciding in favour of French. It does not say a great deal for the impression made by the different foreign gun-boats that the \"Tsingtao\" has since been remembered as French.\n\nOn the 12th August I paid a visit to the San Cha Shan silver mines, 15 miles to the north-west. The first half of the journey, before we got into the hills, was over a large fertile plain cultivated with rice and millet (\"kao-liang\"). Here we met a constant procession of men carrying baskets of liquid indigo into Kuei Hsien. Rice, however, is the chief product of the district.\n\nThe Chinese overseer in charge of the mines said they had been closed now for over a year. After running at a loss of from 2,000 dollars to 3,000 dollars a-month, the Hua Sing Company had made them over to Government. The expenses latterly had been about 6,000 dollars a-month, including 20 cents a-day each for some 250 coolies. The coal used for smelting was Japanese, and cost on delivery at the mines 20 dollars a-ton. This included 6 dollars a-ton paid for carriage by coolies over the hills from Kuei Hsien. About 100 tons were used each month. The produce of the mines was valued at about 5,000 dollars to 3,000 dollars a-month; but, though the loss was thus heavy, the overseer believes that some Chinese Syndicate in Hong Kong will attempt to work them again. A great many of the old employés were still living near the mines. Some were washing for ore in the hill streams, making, they say, about 10 cents a-day; others of the old employés had taken to indigo cultivation, which is carried on here with considerable success.\n\nKuei Hsien boasts two new-model elementary schools, upper and lower grade. Each has 100 pupils. Expenses are defrayed from the \"t'u chuan\" (tax on pigs killed), the revenue of temple lands, and the proceeds of the old University, now abolished. The schools were opened only this year, and are not yet quite complete. English and Japanese are to be taught in the upper-grade school by Chinese instructors. The French missionaries here, on whom I called, propose to build a church shortly.\n\nHsunchow Chow-fu.The 15th August, the Emperor of China's birthday, was spent here, and the \"Moorhen,\" dressed ship for the occasion, and gave a firework display in the evening, which was much appreciated by the inhabitants. While mentioning these details, I may add that throughout the trip the \"Moorhen\" did its best to show the flag, having a jack in the bow, a white ensign at the main, and the same aft.\n\nI did not see the Prefect, as, according to the message from his yamên, he had gone to the hills in connection with some ceremonies in honour of the Emperor. This official had just taken over office from his predecessor, of whom Mr. Fox had to complain in 1904.\n\nThe church of the French Mission was built in 1902, and is a conspicuous feature in the town. The city is well provided educationally, having primary and elementary schools and a middle college, all on the new plan. The elementary schools were clean and well ordered, while the middle college was quite palatial. In the latter the students, for some of whom there are dormitories, number over 200, and English and Japanese are both taught by Chinese instructors.\n\n4. Competition with West River Trade.\n\nWhen in Pakhoi, I was informed that before the opening of the West River the total value of trade between Nanning and Pakhoi was over 1,000,000 Haikwan taels. This has been almost entirely diverted down the West River, and the Nanning trade with Pakhoi is at present practically nil.\n\nLately native newspapers have again raised rumours as to French engineers surveying the Lungchow-Nanning route, but the intermediate country is generally recognized to be so poor and dangerous that it is extremely doubtful whether a line from Nanning to connect with the Haiphong-Hanoi-Dongdang line would pay. Except perhaps in three winter months such a line, provided there were no differential rates, would probably do little to divert the general current of traffic from the West River. As for the proposed railway from Nanning to Pakhoi, the apparent failure of Kwang Chow Wan as a commercial port is likely to prevent the French from building such a line, if they ever seriously thought of it, which seems doubtful.\n\nAt Wuchow many rumours were current in regard to the imminent opening (effectively) of Nanning, and the Commissioner there, Herr von Strauch, left for Nanning in a launch on the 7th August with a view, it was said, to making arrangements for Customs quarters.\n\n5. Attitude of Natives: Piracy.\n\nThe natives along the route were quite friendly; in no case was insult offered to any one when ashore. The usual crowds formed in the streets to stare, but their behaviour was generally orderly.\n\n3",
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        "id": 407918,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-338 - Public Offices & Others - 1906",
        "page_number": 382,
        "title": "CO129-338 - Public Offices & Others - 1906",
        "content_text": "Mr. Hayashi seems to think that Newchwang may decline as a Treaty port, its competitor, however, being not Dalny, but Tientsin, which is more favourably situated for the bean trade, and will enjoy superior railway facilities.\n\nThe railway between Chang Chun and Kirin will, he explains, be constructed by the Chinese themselves, who will receive any financial assistance they may require from Japan.\n\nMy American colleague informs me that the United States' Consul-General at Newchwang, who recently visited Antung, reported that all the available water frontage at the port was occupied by the Japanese under the plea of military necessity, and that there seems no immediate prospect of its restoration in accordance with Article 4 of the Supplementary Agreement appended to the Treaty between Japan and China of the 22nd December, 1905. The lumber trade on the Yalu, which formerly found an outlet at Ta Tung K'ou, has now been diverted by the Japanese to the Korean side of the river at New Wijn, the point where the railway crosses the Yalu. This deprives Ta Tung Kou of any importance it may have had as a port, and involves a loss of revenue of 200,000 Haikwan taels (£30,000) a year to China. The change has probably been made in anticipation of the formation of the Joint Stock Forestry Company, contemplated by Article 10 of the Supplementary Agreement alluded to above.\n\nMr. Rockhill is of opinion that there should be free trade throughout the interior of Manchuria, and that no duties should be levied either at Mukden or any of the sixteen places opened by the above Agreement.\n\nI assume that foreign goods entering Newchwang, Antung, or any other maritime port in Manchuria, would, on payment of the ordinary import duty, receive an exemption certificate and be forwarded in bond to their destination.\n\nThe question of foreign Settlements is one which is likely to present some difficulties. The Chinese consider that at Mukden and Antung, being opened \"by China itself,\" they can allot areas for foreign residence in the same way as they have done at places like Chinan-fu, and that outside those areas they are free to exercise their favourite device of taxing foreign goods as they please. The American Minister considers, and I agree with him, that this growing desire to restrict the limits of the port to the actual area occupied by foreign residence is a practice which ought to be resisted, not so much perhaps for the prejudicial effect it would have upon trade in Manchuria, as on account of the danger of establishing a precedent which the Chinese would endeavour to extend to the older established ports in China proper.\n\nI have, &c. (Signed) J. N. JORDAN,\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nPage 377\n\n2\n\n3\n\nAFFAIRS OF CHINA.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[39466]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n[November 21.]\n\nSECTION 4. C. O.\n\n45640\n\nRECEIVED THE 11 DEC\n\nSir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan. (No. 413.) Sir,\n\nForeign Office, November 21, 1906.\n\nThe Chinese Minister informed me to-day of the progress which had been made in connection with the Shanghae-Nanking and Canton-Kowloon Railways.\n\nI expressed satisfaction that a step in advance should have been made in each of these cases.\n\nHe then referred to the indemnity demanded for the disturbances at Shanghae. He represented that the guilty persons had been punished, and that the indemnity would fall upon innocent persons, and have a very bad effect. He also thought that the actual damage done had not been very great, and that the Taotai had been in a very difficult position, because inside the Settlement he could not depend upon his own forces, but only upon the municipal police, who were not under his control.\n\nI answered that I had not all the details of the case in my mind, but my recollection was that the worst damage had been done by people who came in from outside the Settlement, and who ought therefore to have been under Chinese control. I also thought that the damage done was considerable. We had certainly sent instructions at the time that an indemnity should be asked for. It seemed to me that this was necessary in order to prevent the recurrence of similar events.\n\nThe Chinese Minister pressed the matter of the indemnity very strongly, and I said that the question had been dealt with at Peking, so that I had not all the details in my mind, but I would look into the case, and see what the exact position was at the present moment, and what was the amount of indemnity asked for.\n\nI am, &c.\n\n(Signed) EDWARD GREY.\n\n[2226]\n\n4\n\nPage 394",
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        "id": 410836,
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        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-343 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "page_number": 13,
        "title": "CO129-343 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "content_text": "## Minutes of the Eighteenth Meeting held at the Office of the Haikwan Taotai at Tien-tsin\n\nIt is eventually agreed to take these counter-proposals as the basis for negotiation, comparing them seriatim with the draft of Final Agreement, the Viceroy's Representatives being of opinion that his Excellency will abide by these terms, especially if the question of control is settled to his satisfaction.\n\nAn informal discussion takes place on this subject, the Chinese Representatives holding that if China guarantees the interest on a Government railway loan, the final control in construction and working of the line must rest with the Chinese authorities.\n\nMr. Cordes, on the other hand, points out that so long as the loan remains unredeemed, the interests and rights of the bondholders are entitled to effective representation and protection by their representative agents, the Syndicate. The proposal that in matters of difference the decision of the Director-General should be final, is impracticable, an opinion in which Mr. Bland concurs. The point is left for settlement hereafter under Article 10.\n\nOmitting for the present discussion of the terms of the preamble, the first six Articles are discussed with the following results:\n\n| Article | Description |\n| --- | --- |\n| 1 | Liang Taotai suggests the possibility of a 4 per Cent. Loan, but it is eventually agreed to allow this Article to stand unamended, leaving the amount of the loan undetermined until the question of price shall have been arranged under Article 13. The railway to be known as the \"Tientsin-Yang-tsze Railway.\" |\n| 2 | The terminus of the southern section of the railway is to be Puk'ou instead of Kuachou (Chinkiang). |\n| 3 | To meet the views of Liang Taotai the words \"which should not exceed four years\" are substituted for the words \"which is considered to be six years\" in the first paragraph of this Article. In the second paragraph, after the word agreement, it is decided to insert the words \"by reason of any cause other than those provided for in Article 16 hereinafter.\" Mr. Cordes objects to the principle of forfeiture, pointing out that in the present negotiations the Chinese Government is dealing with financial institutions of established reputation, whose interests and good name in China must necessarily be of a permanent nature. For this reason, precautions to prevent the recurrence of the state of affairs which occurred in the Yueh-Han line appear unnecessary and ill-advised. Chow Taotai concurs in a suggestion made by Mr. Bland that the Chinese Government's interests should be sufficiently protected by the insertion of a clause in Article 16 to the effect that if the Syndicate should desire to postpone the performance of the contract owing to the condition of the money market, the matter would be amicably discussed and arranged with the Representative of the Chinese Government. |\n| 4 | The Article is allowed to stand as in the Syndicate's draft, the additional words contained in the counter-proposals being recognized as unnecessary and confusing. |\n| 5 | Liang Taotai thought that his Excellency the Viceroy might desire to reduce the term of the loan to thirty years. This Article was only partially discussed, the text of the counter-proposals being left for future consideration. |\n| 6 | In regard to the redemption of the loan, or portion thereof, in advance of the dates prescribed in the amortization schedule, it is understood that, provided the other conditions of the contract can be satisfactorily arranged, the Syndicate may be prepared to agree to the conditions laid down in the counter-proposals, that is, redemption after twelve and a-half years, at a premium of 2½ per cent. after thirty years at par, it being provided, however, that due notice be given for the information of the bondholders concerned. If the Directors of the Syndicate authorize this important modification of the loan terms, it will be with a view to facilitating the conclusion of negotiations. |\n\nAt this point, after arranging for the next meeting at 3 P.M. on Saturday, the 1st September, the meeting adjourns.\n\nPage 31\n\n## Inclosure 5 in No. 1\n\n## Minutes of the Nineteenth Meeting held at the Office of the Haikwan Taotai at Tien-tsin, on Saturday, September 1, 1906\n\nPresent:\n- Taotai Liang Tun-yen, representing the Viceroy.\n- Taotai C. L. Chow,\n- Mr. H. Cordes, representing the Deutsche-Asiatische Bank.\n- Mr. J. O. P. Bland, representing the Chinese Central Railways (Limited).\n\nThe discussion of the Chinese Government's counter-proposals was resumed at Article 7.\n\n| Article | Description |\n| --- | --- |\n| 7 | A question arises as to the intention and effect of the clauses in this Article referring to payments of interest and capital made in Europe, and particularly to the stipulation that interest shall be allowed on such payments. No satisfactory solution being arrived at, the clause is left in abeyance, but Mr. Cordes records his opinion that it is unusual and calculated to create misunderstanding. A suggestion is made by Liang Taotai that interest should be allowed on payments of principal and interest for the period of twenty-one days before due date, during which the banks hold these funds for distribution to the bondholders, but it is pointed out that the allowance of such a period for the necessary banking arrangements without interest claimed, is usual in all Chinese Loan Agreements, and that the Syndicate could not consent to a proposal of the kind which would involve the banks in direct loss. |\n| 8 | The sense of the meeting is recorded in favour of retaining the Article, as drafted in the original Preliminary Agreement, which prescribes the procedure to be followed for making good interest and capital payments, in the event of the revenues of the railway proving insufficient for the purpose. If this is done reference to the Central Government's responsibility will be deleted wherever it occurs in other Articles. |\n| 9 | For the words \"lines named in clause 2,\" the word \"railway\" is substituted. The Chinese Commissioners accept the inclusion of provision for temporary transfer of the line to the Syndicate in the event of default, as prescribed in the draft Agreement, and agree to adopt for this clause the form of the corresponding Article in the Shanghae-Nanking Loan Agreement, with an additional paragraph allowing a reasonable period of grace: say, three months. |\n| 10 | The second paragraph of this Article is placed after paragraph 4, the remainder of the Article being accepted. |\n| 11 | The additional paragraph in the draft Agreement is accepted for inclusion in this Article. |\n| 12 | Unchanged. |\n| 13 | The Chinese Government's proposal to make the loan \"in one issue divided into several calls\" is fully discussed, and its impracticable nature explained. It is realized that the intention of the Government is to prevent loss of interest by borrowing funds at different rates as construction proceeds, but the Chinese Representatives recognize that the conditions under which loans are floated in Europe render it difficult to provide for more than two or three series. In this connection Mr. Bland lays stress on the difficulties and objections inseparable from naming a fixed price, binding alike on the Chinese Government and on the Syndicate, for loan issues which may not be required for several years, and suggests as an equitable and convenient alternative that the Chinese Government should allow the Syndicate a fixed rate of commission on flotation, the loan issues being then made to meet the Chinese Government's requirements, the Syndicate being relieved of responsibility for money market fluctuations beyond its control, and all possible cause of delay and disagreement thus removed. He instances the case of the Shanghae-Nanking Loan Agreement where the price was definitely fixed at 90 in the contract and subsequently disputed--the Chinese Representatives concur in the view that this means many difficulties would be eliminated. It is noted that the Syndicate has not made any proposals in this sense, and that any negotiations on this basis would require to be confirmed. He suggests that at a commission rate of ½ per cent. business might be possible. |",
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    {
        "id": 410837,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-343 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "page_number": 14,
        "title": "CO129-343 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "content_text": "# Minutes of the Twentieth Meeting held at the Office of the Haikwan Taotai at Tien-tsin, on Saturday, September 8, 1906.\n\n## Present:\n| Name | Representation |\n| --- | --- |\n| Taotai Liang Tun-yen | The Viceroy |\n| Taotai C. L. Chow |  |\n| Mr. H. Cordes | Deutsch-Asiatische Bank |\n| Mr. J. O. P. Bland | Chinese Central Railways |\n\nThe negotiations are resumed at Article 13 of the Chinese counter-proposals of 1903.\n\n### Article 13\nIt is recognized that any Agreement as to the manner in which the loan shall be raised (i.e., in one issue or more) must depend upon the terms fixed upon as to its price; this Article is accordingly discussed in connection with Article 14. Liang Taotai expresses the opinion that a fixed price is desirable, and that the Syndicate should be able to name a figure based on present market rates, taking the profit or loss that may occur on the several issues of the loan. Mr. Cordes says that if this is to be the basis of agreement, the Syndicate is prepared to advance capital in accordance with the Preliminary Agreement - i.e., at 90 - but if this is not acceptable, it should be for the Chinese Representatives to make definite counter-proposals.\n\nThe alternative of a fixed commission of 5 points on flotation being discussed, Liang Taotai observes that the Chinese Government might accept it if left free to call up the loan at its own discretion without time limit. It is pointed out that the period of construction is limited by the Agreement.\n\nEventually the whole question is left undecided. Mr. Bland's suggestion being accepted that the Chinese Representatives shall ascertain in what manner the Viceroy would prefer to finance the loan, three alternatives being submitted, i.e., (1) one issue at a fixed price; (2) several issues at one and the same fixed price; and (3) commission on flotation. It is explained that if the Syndicate is asked to accept the risk involved in the second method, the price will have to be materially less than under the first.\n\n### Article 15\nNo discussion.\n\n### Article 16\nIn the event of flotation of loan on fixed commission this Article would be superfluous, the Chinese Government being in a position to obtain funds at any time, irrespective of the market, within the construction period agreed upon.\n\nMr. Cordes suggests that if the second paragraph of Article 5 is deleted, as suggested by the Chinese Representatives, the original Article 17 of the Preliminary Agreement should be introduced at this point defining the respective shares and responsibility of the German and English groups in the Syndicate. It is considered certain that the Chinese Government would object to such definition on the ground that the Agreement is intended to cover the financing and construction of an undivided Chinese Government line; it is also observed that the effect of this Article conflicts with the whole tenor of the Syndicate's collective proposals, and in particular with the provisions of Article 15 of the Final Agreement.\n\n(Note. The same criticism applies to the second paragraph of Article 13 of the Syndicate's Final Agreement draft.)\n\n### Article 17\nThe second paragraph is amended to read, \"A Board of Commissioners for each section shall be appointed to manage the construction, equipment, and working of the railway.\"\n\n### Article 18\nNanking is suggested (in lieu of Chinkiang) as the most suitable place for the office of the Southern Board of Commissioners.\n\nIn regard to the constitution of the Boards, the Syndicate's representatives are unable to accept the Chinese proposals, their instructions being to consent to modification of the terms of Final Agreement by substitution of those contained in the Shanghae-Nanking Loan Agreement. As regards the number of members on the Boards, however (which is five for the Shanghae-Nanking Railway, and which the Chinese propose to limit to three), Mr. Cordes considers that as a final concession the Syndicate might agree to making it four, thus placing the Chinese and foreign interests on a footing of equality. Liang Taotai states that the Viceroy attaches great importance to this question; the matter is therefore left in abeyance, it being understood that the Syndicate's proposals will be submitted to his Excellency.\n\nThe last paragraph of the 3rd clause of this Article (referring to knowledge of English by the foreign staff) is deleted as superfluous.\n\nClause 5 is discussed at considerable length, the Syndicate's representatives stating that reference of questions in dispute to the absolute and final decision of the Imperial Director is impracticable and would prevent the final conclusion of the Loan Agreement.\n\nThe clause is amended to read \"such question shall be referred for decision by the Imperial Directors in consultation with the representatives of the Syndicate Banks.\"\n\nClause 6 is amended to read \"the salaries of the members of the Boards of Commissioners shall be arranged by the Imperial Directors in consultation with the representatives of the Syndicate Banks;\" \"the salaries of the staff, Chinese and foreign, shall be fixed and paid by the Boards of Commissioners.\"\n\n### Article 19\nFor \"head office\" the words Boards of Commissioners are substituted; the remainder of this Article remaining unchanged.\n\n### Article 20\nNo discussion.\n\n### Article 21\nClause 2, paragraphs 2 and 3, amended to read, \"shall be placed by the Boards of Commissioners in the hands of the Syndicate Banks for execution in London or Berlin as may be required. The banks shall buy the goods on the best possible terms, calling for tenders whenever necessary, &c.\"\n\nClause 3 amended by substitution of the words \"all Chinese Government manufactories\" for the words \"Hanyang Iron Works,\" and deletion of the second paragraph.\n\n### Article 22\nNo discussion.\n\n### Article 23\nThe conclusion of this Article is amended to read \"with funds at their disposal from Chinese sources, and, if foreign capital is required, preference to be given to the Syndicate Banks.\"\n\n### Articles 24, 25, 26, 27\nNo discussion.\n\n### Article 28\nThe conclusion of this Article is amended \"shall thereafter be managed as the Chinese Government may think fit.\"\n\nAt this point the meeting adjourns.\n\n# Minutes of the Twenty-first Meeting held at the Office of the Haikwan Taotai at Tien-tsin, on Saturday, September 15, 1906.\n\n## Present:\n| Name | Representation |\n| --- | --- |\n| Taotai Liang Tun-yen | The Viceroy |\n| Taotai C. L. Chow |  |\n| Mr. H. Cordes | Deutsche-Asiatische Bank |\n| Mr. J. O. P. Bland | Chinese Central Railways |\n\nThe Minutes of last meeting, having been forwarded to the Chinese Representatives early in the week, are taken as read and passed.\n\nReferring thereto Mr. Cordes submits a draft of Article 18 (constitution of Boards of Commissioners, &c.), based on the terms of the Shanghae-Nanking Loan Agreement, wherein the number of Commissioners has been reduced to four, thus equalizing the Chinese and foreign interests.\n\nLiang Taotai observes that, this being the most important Article in the Agreement, he would like to postpone its discussion until next meeting.",
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    {
        "id": 410838,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-343 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "page_number": 15,
        "title": "CO129-343 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "content_text": "## 18\n\nThe Syndicate's representatives point out that their instructions are to ask for the same measure and nature of control as exist under the Shanghae-Nanking Loan Agreement, but they hope to be able to obtain the necessary authority for the terms now proposed which are eminently reasonable, whereas the Chinese proposal that the bondholders' representatives should be in a minority on the Board would certainly prevent the conclusion of the loan contract.\n\nChow Taotai lays stress on the provincial opposition which is to be expected in the event of any terms being conceded which infringe on China's sovereign rights; Mr. Bland, in reply, points out that the Boards of Commissioners represent the Imperial Director-General and the Syndicate respectively, and that the control in all matters of administration not immediately affecting the interests of the bondholders lies primarily with the Director-General as Representative of the Imperial Government.\n\nDiscussion of the Chinese draft of November 1903 is resumed at Article 29. The representatives of the Syndicate state that their instructions, based on the undertaking given by the Chinese Government in the Preliminary Agreement, preclude acceptance of the proposal to limit the Syndicate's interest in the net profits to 10 per cent. Mr. Bland points out that such a condition would place the Syndicate in a position of inferiority as compared with other Chinese Government railways financed, and constructed by foreign Companies; and that recognized usage in such joint enterprises entitles those who provide the funds to share in the prosperity of the enterprise. That the terms asked amount to only one-fifth of the net profits for a minimum term of fifteen years, and as the line is not likely to be immediately remunerative, this cannot be regarded as unreasonable. The Syndicate has the right under the Preliminary Agreement to ask for 20 per cent. of the profits for a period of thirty years, but might be prepared, as a final concession, to accept 15 per cent. during twenty years. Chow Taotai answers that it would be preferable, from the Chinese point of view, and more in accordance with precedents, to suggest 20 per cent. during fifteen years, the Government being thereafter entitled to redeem; on this question it will be necessary to obtain the Viceroy's instructions.\n\nThe question of \"Loan Service Reserve Fund\" is next discussed. Liang Taotai objects to its amount of four millions sterling, and to the proviso that the fund can only be used to make good deficiencies of interest and for final redemption of the loan. He considers it unreasonable that such a large sum should be deposited with the Syndicate banks and not be available for immediate redemption of bonds after the period agreed upon; he therefore proposes that the maximum amount of the fund be 2,000,000l., and that the final paragraph of the Article be amended to read \"this fund may, however, be used towards redemption of the loan, one notice to be given to the Syndicate of the intentions of the Imperial Government so to use the fund, provided always that an amount be sufficient to pay the ensuing year's instalments of interest shall be reserved for that purpose.” The Article is eventually amended in this sense.\n\n## Article 30.—No discussion.\n\n## Article 31.—For \"accept any commercial telegrams for transmission\" read \"transmit any service telegrams.\"\n\n## Articles 32, 33, and 34.—Unaltered.\n\n## Article 35.—It is agreed that joint signature of the Agreement shall follow the issue of the necessary Imperial Edict, it being understood that the Syndicate will give formal assurance to abide by the conditions submitted for the approval of the Throne.\n\n## Article 36.—Unaltered.\n\nIt is understood that Liang Taotai will take an early opportunity of seeing his Excellency the Viceroy in Peking and obtaining instructions on the several questions left in abeyance. In the meanwhile a résumé of the recent negotiations will be compiled and discussed at next meeting, with a view to reconciliation of the results thereof with the Syndicate's draft Agreement.\n\nThe meeting then adjourns.\n\n## 19\n\n### Inclosure 8 in No. 1.\n\n#### Minutes of the Twenty-second Meeting held at the Office of the Haikwan Taotai at Tien-tsin, on Saturday, September 22, 1906.\n\n**Present:**\n\n| Name | Representation |\n| --- | --- |\n| Taotai Lian Tuu-yen | Representing the Viceroy |\n| C. L. Chow |  |\n| Mr. H. Cordes | Representing the Deutsche-Asiatische Bank |\n| Mr. J. O. P. Bland | Representing the Chinese Central Railways |\n\nThe Minutes of last meeting, having been forwarded to the Chinese Commissioners, are taken as read and passed.\n\nMr. Cordes hands to each member a copy of the draft which he has compiled, embodying the results of the last three meetings' discussion of the Viceroy's counter-proposals of November 1903. It is agreed to go over this draft at next meeting, preparatory to its translation for the Viceroy's information.\n\nThe discussion of Article 18 is resumed, having reference to the constitution of the Boards of Commissioners and the position of the Engineer-in-chief.\n\nLiang Taotai says that, having consulted his Excellency the Viceroy in Peking, he is in a position to state that no agreement can be made except under conditions giving to the Chinese Government a much wider measure of authority and control than is contemplated by the Syndicate. He claims that the Engineer-in-chief should be under the direct and absolute control of the Imperial Director, and that in all questions connected with the Railway the latter's decision should be final. Upon reference being made to the formal undertakings given under Imperial authority in the Preliminary Agreement of May 1899, he expresses the opinion that this is not binding upon China except upon modified terms acceptable to Chinese public opinion.\n\nConsiderable discussion ensues upon this point, Mr. Cordes laying stress on the fact that the Syndicates have at all times been ready and willing to conclude the Final Agreement and to proceed with the enterprise. He points out that in the Preliminary Agreement certain essential conditions, now disputed by the Chinese Commissioners, were definitely accepted by the Chinese Government, and that Liang Taotai's present proposals as to control would constitute a direct breach of that Agreement.\n\nMr. Bland observes that although the Syndicate may consent to abandoning its rights to a majority of representation on the Boards of Commissioners, and may meet the Chinese Government in an amicable spirit on several points of difference, it is not to be expected that the rights granted under the Preliminary Agreement can be ignored. If the proposals now put forward by Liang Taotai were seriously maintained, it would be necessary to revert to the terms specifically stated in the Preliminary Agreement.\n\nChow Taotai considers that a serious objection to the Syndicate's proposals lies in the existence of two separate Boards of Commissioners and two Engineers-in-chief, his own experience having shown that such a condition of affairs must lead to continual friction. It is also unnecessarily expensive. He recognizes the necessity of this system during construction, but considers that when the line has been completed, it should be administered and controlled as an undivided Imperial railway under conditions similar to those of the Peking-Shanhaikwan line.\n\nHe also suggests as modifications likely to facilitate the conclusion of the Agreement:\n\n1. That the keeping of the northern section's accounts in German be not insisted upon; and\n2. That the purchase of materials be made not by the Syndicate Banks, but by the Boards of Commissioners by open tenders, on the understanding that the Syndicate receives its commission of 5 per cent. on all such purchases, and that preference be given in the open market to German and British goods for the German and British sections at equal rates.\n\nAfter detailed consideration of Article 18, in the wording of which certain amendments are made.\n\nLiang Taotai states that, to meet the objects contemplated by the Agreement in regard to the better security of the foreign capital invested, the Viceroy may be... \n\n[2263 a--9]",
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-343 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "page_number": 82,
        "title": "CO129-343 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "content_text": "## [This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n79\n\n4. Expenditure.--Statements of expenditure under various headings up to the 30th June current, and amounting to 22,151.80 Haikwan taels in all, are handed herewith.\n\nJUI CH'ENG,\nAFFAIRS OF CHINA.\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n[December 29.]\n\n## SECTION 6\n\nC.\n\n(Signed)\nH. E. HOBSON,\nMembers of the Whangpoo Conservancy Board.\n\n753\n[43524]\n\n### No. 1.\n\n#### Inclosure 3 in No. 1.\n\n**STATEMENT of Receipts and Expenditure during March and June Quarters, 1906, respecting Conservancy of Whangpoo River.**\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received December 29.) (No. 470.)\n\nSir,\nPeking, November 13, 1906.\n\nI HAVE the honour to inclose herewith copies of Reports on the Peking-Kalgan Railway which have been furnished to me by Lieutenant-Colonel Pereira, the Military Attaché to this Legation.\n\nI have, &c.\n(Signed)\nJ. N. JORDAN.\n\n|          | March Quarter | June Quarter |\n|----------|---------------|---------------|\n| RECEIPTS | Hk. Taels     | Hk. Taels     |\n| Balance from previous quarter, 1905 |  | 18,208.26     |\n| (A.) Superintendent on account of grant | 4,910.84      |               |\n| (B.) Unclassed: sundry receipts       |               | 6.14          |\n| (C.) Gain by exchange                 | 227.30        |               |\n| (D), (E.)                             |               |               |\n| Total net receipts                    | 4,910.84      | 18,214.40     |\n| Advances repaid                       |               | 319.83        |\n| Total                                 | 4,910.84      | 18,761.53     |\n\n#### Inclosure 1 in No. 1.\n\n**Report respecting the Peking-Kalgan Railway.**\n\nMAJOR WILLOUGHBY (2nd Lancers, Indian Army) and myself travelled on the Peking to Nan-k'ou line on the 1st and 3rd November, 1906, and we inclose the following report:-\n\n| EXPENDITURE | Hk. Taels |\n|-------------|-----------|\n| 1. Salaries | 2,382.56  |\n| 2. Transport | 46.44     |\n| 3. Rent | 291.62    |\n| 4. Plant: cost and maintenance | 607.08    |\n| 5. Houses, furniture, &c. | 689.17    |\n| 6. Ordinary stores, &c., miscellaneous | 4,016.87  |\n| 7. Special | 666.67    |\n| 8. Loss by exchange |           |\n| Total net expenditure | 13,178.08 |\n| Advances (lent) | 306.40    |\n| Balance carried forward | 278.29    |\n| Total | 17,184.92  |\n|               | 333.34    |\n|               | 17,468.26 |\n|               | 1,293.27  |\n|               | 4,910.84  |\n|               | 18,761.53 |\n\nPrepared by J. H. Macound, Accountant.\n(Signed)\nH. E. HOBSON, Commissioner.\n\n### Time Table\n\n#### DOWN\n\n| Station        | No. 1 | No. 3 | No. 5 |\n|----------------|-------|-------|-------|\n| Nan-k'ou       | depart | 8.45  | 12.10 |\n| Sha-ho         |        | 9.32  | 12.57 |\n| Hsi-chih-men   |        |       |       |\n| Fo-ch'ing-men  | arrive | 10.8  | 13.33 |\n|                | depart | 10.13 | 13.38 |\n| Kuang-an-men   | arrive | 10.40 | 14.5  |\n| Feng-t'ai      | depart | 6.30  | 10.50 | 14.15 |\n|                | arrive | 6.36  | 10.57 | 14.22 |\n|                | depart | 6.39  | 11.0  | 14.25 |\n|                | arrive | 6.51  | 11.12 | 14.37 |\n|                | depart | 6.56  | 11.17 | 14.42 |\n|                | arrive | 7.14  | 11.35 | 15.0  |\n\n#### UP\n\n| Station        | No. 2 | No. 4 | No. 6 |\n|----------------|-------|-------|-------|\n| Feng-t'ai      | depart | 8.40  | 12.10 | 18.25 |\n| Kuang-an-men   | arrive | 9.8   | 12.28 | 18.43 |\n|                | depart | 9.8   | 12.33 | 18.46 |\n|                | arrive | 9.20  | 12.45 | 18.58 |\n| Fo-ch'ing-men  | depart | 9.23  | 12.48 | 19.0  |\n|                | arrive | 9.30  | 12.55 |       |\n| Hsi-chih-men   | depart | 9.40  | 13.5  |       |\n|                | arrive | 10.6  | 13.31 |       |\n| Sha-ho         | depart | 10.11 |       | 14.3  |\n|                | arrive | 10.38 | 14.3  |       |\n| Nan-k'ou       | depart | 10.48 | 14.13 |       |\n|                | arrive | 11.35 | 15.0  |       |\n\n[2263 ƒ-6]",
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-343 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "page_number": 333,
        "title": "CO129-343 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "content_text": "## 328 \n\n## \n\n2 \n\nKa Du, and the arsenal wharves, and tide records kept for over a month at each place. Sounding lines have been run, about 400 feet apart, from the lower end of Kinleeyuen Wharf to Pailien Creek (2.4 miles). Deep water soundings were fixed by sextant angles, shallow soundings by actual measurement from both banks of the river; junks and sampans anchored in the way much retarded work off the Chinese bund. Shore lines (wharves, jetties, bunding) were measured from the low end of the French bund to the upper end of the native waterworks (2 miles) on the Shanghae side, and from Pailien Creek to Yangking Creek (5 miles) on Pootung side, excepting Pootung Point. \n\nWoosung outer bar was resounded and plotted in September to ascertain last half-year's changes, and Foochow poles, 9 feet long, placed between Telegraph and bar stations as fixed marks for cross-section lines. Marks were placed on the upper and lower ends of Gough Island to indicate the parts required for conservancy work, also for land required at Kajao Creek. Six cross-sections, 400 feet out in the river, were taken at Black Point, Pootung side, plotted, and handed to the engineer-in-chief. The parts of the river from Woosung outer bar to the point and from the French bund to Pailien Creek are completed (plotted and inked in). \n\nThe Chinese gun-boat \"**Loong Shiang**\" was returned to Admiral Sah on the 28th September. \n\nWork has been considerably delayed by the illness of two out of our three tracers. M. de Ryke writes:-- \n\n\"Compared with the survey made in February last, I am much pleased to be able to say that, during the last half-year, the outer bar has not in any way grown worse.\" \n\n## 5. Expenditure.--A statement for the period under review is sent herewith. \n\nWe have, &c. \n(Signed) \n**JUI CH'ENG**. \n**H. E. HOBSON**. \nMembers of the Whangpoo Conservancy Board. \n\n## Inclosure 2 in No. 1. \n\n## STATEMENTS of Receipts and Expenditure of the Whangpoo Conservancy Board during September Quarter 1906. \n\nThis Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government. \n\n## AFFAIRS OF CHINA. \n\n**CONFIDENTIAL**. \n\n[February 4.] \n\n## SECTION C \n\n### No. 1. \n\n7655 \n\n**Sir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan**. \n\n**RECO** \n28 FEE 07 \n**(Telegraphic.) P**. \n\nSAINAM piracy case. \n\nForeign Office, February 4, 1907. \n\n[2613] \n\n(No. 18.) \n\nMy telegram No. 195 of the 16th November, 1906. After considering the representations of the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce and the China Association, I have decided against putting the claim for consequential damages forward. \n\nThe presentation of the claim can therefore now be proceeded with, in accordance with the original instructions issued to His Majesty's Consul-General at Canton. \n\n[2376 d-1] \n\n| Category | Haikwan Taels | C. |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| **RECEIPTS** |  |  |\n| Balance from June quarter | 84,058 | 64 |\n| (a) Superintendent on Account Grant | 9,080 | 70 |\n| (b) Unclassed: Sundry receipts | 44,038 | 84 |\n| (c) Gain by exchange | 41 | 00 |\n| Total net receipts September quarter | 44,042 | 84 |\n|  | 492 | 04 |\n|  | 45,828 | 15 |\n| Total | 125,288 | 47 |\n| **EXPENDITURE---** |  |  |\n| Advances repaid |  |  |\n| Total |  |  |\n| Salaries | 21,830 | 72 |\n| Transport | 9,827 | 25 |\n| Rent.. | 638 | 17 |\n| Plant: Cost and maintenance | 1,100 | 45 |\n| Houses, furniture, &c. | 10,625 | 50 |\n| Ordinary Stores, &c.; miscellaneous | 504 | 50 |\n| Special | 4,475 | 68 |\n| Loss by exchange | 692 | 95 |\n|  | 5,168 | 58 |\n| Total net expenditure September quarter | 39,847 | 92 |\n| Advances lent | 39 |  |\n|  | 5,666 | 66 |\n| Balance carried forward | 45,514 | 58 |\n| Total | 4,318 | 57 |\n|  | 45,828 | 15 |\n\n(Signed) \n**H. E. HOBSON**.",
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    {
        "id": 411359,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-343 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "page_number": 536,
        "title": "CO129-343 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "content_text": "## AFFAIRS OF CHINA\n### CONFIDENTIAL\n\n**(No. 47.)**\n\nNo. 1.\n\n[March 9.  \nRECEIVED 5 APR 07,  \nSECTION 11.]\n\n**Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received March 9.)**\n\nSir,\n\nPeking, January 23, 1907.\n\nSince writing my despatches Nos. 497 and 523 of the 29th November and the 12th December last on the subject of the establishment of custom-houses in Manchuria, I have repeatedly pressed the Wai-wu Pu in interviews to accelerate their arrangements with the Japanese and Russian Representatives, and on receipt of your telegram No. 8 of the 18th January, inquiring whether any settlement of the question had been reached, I addressed a note to Prince Ching, copy of which I have the honour to inclose, calling attention to the necessity of taking immediate steps in this matter.\n\nAt my last interview with the Wai-wu Pu on the 18th instant, I informed the Ministers present of the result of Mr. Coales' investigation at Antung, and was assured that instructions had already been issued to the Inspector-General of Customs to send a staff to that port for the establishment of a custom-house. The only cause of delay there was the difficulty in finding a suitable location, owing to the acquisition by Japan of all the water frontage. Their Excellencies promised that every effort would be made to arrive at a settlement of the whole question before navigation opens; but, as I stated in my telegram No. 13 of the 19th instant, I am doubtful whether this can be done, unless representations are made at Tôkiô and St. Petersburgh.\n\nMr. Coales' Report, copy of which I also have the honour to inclose, shows clearly that Japanese goods imported into Antung escape entirely the levy of dues which are enforced on British goods, and that this condition of things arises from the want of a maritime custom-house at that Treaty port.\n\nMr. Coales' Report touches further on the question of the levy of inland dues in these new Manchurian ports, which formed the subject of my despatch No. 20 of the 8th January. Respecting this question Mr. Fulford reports from Mukden that the Tartar General has now replied to the identic notes of the Consuls, maintaining that under the Japanese and American Commercial Treaties of 1903 the entire towns of Mukden, Antung, and Tatungkou were not opened to international trade and residence, but only a limited area in each place to be settled by negotiation.\n\nThe Consular Body at Mukden have replied severally to this communication, refusing to admit the contention, and I have furnished Mr. Fulford with a copy of despatch No. 418 of the 29th November, describing the view of His Majesty's Government as to the term \"Treaty Port.\"\n\nI have, &c.  \n(Signed) J. N. JORDAN.\n\n### Inclosure 1 in No. 1.\n\n**Sir J. Jordan to Prince Ching.**\n\nPeking, January 21, 1907.\n\nIn a note of the 15th August, 1906, Mr. Carnegie, under instructions from His Majesty's Government, reminded your Highness that the Chinese Government had taken no steps to levy tariff duties on goods passing the north or south frontiers of Manchuria by the Chinese Eastern Railway, and that the result was an unfair discrimination against goods passing through Newchwang, on all of which duties were levied, and a large proportion of which were of British origin. The simultaneous establishment of custom-houses by the Imperial Chinese Government in the north, as well as in the south of Manchuria, in order that the tariff duties might be levied alike on all goods exported or imported, either by railway or by sea, was urgently recommended, in view of the proximate opening of Talienwan (Dalny) as a free port.\n\nPage 530  \nC. O. 11983  \n[B]  \n\n\"A correspondent, referring to this subject, writes as follows:-\n\n\"At present a Chinese in the Customs Service is debarred, simply because of his Chinese nationality, from promotion above the rank of mere clerkship, whatever his ability or standing in the service, while subjects of other nationalities can aspire to gradual promotions up to a Commissionership. This is a manifestly unjust and intolerable discrimination, uncalled for by the Treaties with the foreign Powers and urgently demanding reform. The result of this system has been the exclusion of well-educated Chinese from the service, which offers no attraction to them.\n\n\"In view of the growing number of Chinese educated on Western lines, for whose service the field must be widened, the time seems to be ripe for representation to be made to the proper quarter for the removal of this disability imposed upon the Chinese, the injustice of which is now rendered the more pronounced by the fact that capable Chinese are not now lacking—if they were before—in filling responsible posts in the Customs.\n\n\"All we ask is a fair field and no favour, and it seems certain that our reasonable request in behalf of the educated young men cannot be denied or at least ignored.'\n\n\"Candidate clerks are employed at 25 Haikwan taels a-month. If they are so fortunate as to be engaged on the 2nd January—the 1st being a holiday—they will get an increase of 5 taels a-month from next January. But it very rarely happens that they are engaged on the 2nd January. If they are engaged on any day subsequent to the 2nd January, then they will not get the increase till the beginning of the third year. For example, a man is engaged on the 3rd January, 1905. In 1906 he gets no increase. In January 1907 his pay is increased monthly by 5 taels, and in January 1908 another increase of 5 taels. A clerk getting 35 taels a-month is termed 'Candidate Clerk A,' but it is impossible to tell when he will be promoted to be 'Fourth Clerk B,' at 40 taels a-month. If he is lucky, he may get his promotion a year after he was made Candidate Clerk A, but, if not, he may have to wait for two or three years.\n\n\"It would be quite impossible for a clerk nowadays to receive the high rate of pay—250 taels—though he may live seventy or eighty years. Of course there are some exceptions, but these are very rare at present. We are informed that promotions are very slow for the Chinese staff, and none of the 140 clerks engaged in the Shanghae Office, for instance, was promoted last year, while one-half of the thirty-five or thirty-seven assistants in the Office received promotions, and one of them even was promoted twice. The Deputy Inspector-General is reported to have said while he was Commissioner of the Shanghae Customs that if he had the power he would, instead of increasing the pay of Chinese in general, employ more men to do more work.\n\n\"Chinese clerks may be transferred to any port without any increase of pay. They may be ordered to go to Tengyueh, Mengtsz, and Chungking, and if they should refuse to proceed to their destination for good and justifiable reasons, they will be asked to resign from the service.\n\n\"Chinese clerks are powerless, and have to do what the assistants tell them to do. If they make any blunders in their work, they are blamed, warned, and so on. The assistants are, in fact, the masters, and the Chinese their slaves.\n\n\"Chinese writers and Shupan are even worse off than the clerks, and their lot is by no means to be envied, in view of the great inequality of treatment between them and their foreign confrères in the Customs Service.\"\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]",
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    {
        "id": 411563,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-344 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "page_number": 63,
        "title": "CO129-344 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "content_text": "**CONFIDENTIAL.**\n[12735]\n\n(No. 104.)\nSir,\n\nNo. 1.\n62\n[April 20.]\n\n## SECTION 1\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received April 20.)\n\nPeking, March 4, 1907.\n\nIN continuation of my despatch No. 59 of the 4th ultimo I have the honour to transmit to you herewith copy of the Minutes of a meeting held on the 23rd ultimo between Messrs. Cordes and Bland and the Chinese negotiators of the Tien-tsin-Chinkiang Railway Agreement.\n\nSome time before this meeting took place Messrs. Cordes and Bland addressed a letter to the Chinese Delegates, copy of which is likewise inclosed, notifying them that they were prepared to make certain modifications in the preliminary Agreement, and inclosing a new draft Agreement embodying these concessions. This draft, it will be observed, is largely based upon the Memorandum of the Conference held in Berlin on the 1st December last, copy of which was inclosed in your despatch No. 463 of that month. The stipulation for a 5 per cent. commission and several other points appear to form an exception, but these are doubtless retained to serve as a margin for negotiation.\n\nIn pursuance of an understanding with Count Rex, the German Minister, who had spoken to the Wai-wu Pu on the subject some days previously, I took the opportunity of a visit to that Department on the 26th ultimo to impress upon the Ministers the necessity of bringing the Tien-tsin-Chinkiang negotiations to a speedy completion.\n\nThe response was not altogether satisfactory. The Ministers expressed the belief that the line would not prove remunerative, especially the southern section from I-hsien to Pu K'ou, which passed through a poor country. What traffic there was would be diverted to the German colony of Tsingtau, and it would be that Power, rather than China or Great Britain, which would profit by the enterprise. The time had now come when China must seriously consider whether in pledging her national credit for railway construction she was not assuming a responsibility greater than her resources justified.\n\nIn 1898, when the preliminary Agreement was made, the country had not yet become saddled with the Boxer indemnity, while now they had not only to meet a large foreign debt, but also to find money for measures of reform.\n\nI expressed surprise at this line of argument, and gave the Ministers to understand that its serious adoption would be regarded as a distinct breach of a formal Agreement.\n\nChina's credit, as tested by the European money markets, had never, I said, stood higher than at the present time; and instead of checking the development of the country by gratuitously discrediting their financial position, they should seize the opportunity to make railways while foreign capital was available on such easy terms.\n\nWhile writing this despatch I have received the Minutes of a further meeting of the negotiators, copy of which I have likewise the honour to inclose.\n\nI have, &c.\n(Signed) J. N. JORDAN\n\n### Inclosure 1 in No. 1\n\nMinutes of the 26th Meeting held at the Office of the Haikwan Taotai on February 23, at 3 P.M.\n\nPresent:\n| Name | Representation |\n| --- | --- |\n| Taotai Liang Tun Yen | Board of Communications |\n| Taotai C. L. Chow |  |\n| Mr. H. Cordes | Dentsch-Asiatische Bank |\n| Mr. J. O. P. Bland | Chinese Central Railways (Limited) |\n\nMessrs. Cordes and Bland's letter of the 5th instant, forwarding revised draft of proposed Agreement, leads to discussion of the procedure to be...",
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        "document_key": "CO129-344 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "page_number": 66,
        "title": "CO129-344 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "content_text": "# Articles of Agreement\n\nGeneral, whether conveyed directly or through the Managing Directors, and shall always comply therewith, having at the same time due regard to the efficient construction and maintenance of the railway.\n\nA school for the education of Chinese in railway matters shall be established by the Managing Directors, subject to the approval of the Director-General.\n\n## Art. 18\nThe general plans, estimates, and surveys of the railway lines must be submitted for approbation to the Director-General. The Engineer-in-chief, accompanied by a Chinese deputy, shall indicate the land to be acquired for the purposes of the railway, and the Director-General shall thereupon effect such purchases at the actual cost of the land. In the event of the route proposed by the Engineer-in-chief passing through towns, villages, graveyards, or other points where much obstruction is encountered, the Engineer-in-chief will, together with the Director-General, consider means of diverting the proposed railway route in order to avoid difficulties.\n\n## Art. 19\nThe Director-General will endeavour to arrange with the Chinese Imperial Government regulations for the payment of li-kin and duty upon merchandise and live-stock in transit over the railway lines, and these regulations shall not be less favourable than any arrangements made for the same purpose with other most favoured railways in China built with capital borrowed from foreign countries.\n\n## Art. 20\nAll materials necessary for the construction and working of the lines obtained either from foreign countries or from other provinces of China, and the revenue derived from the railway as well as the railway's landed property shall, in virtue of its being a Government railway, be exempt from duty or taxation of all kinds, and the Imperial Government of China will instruct the Customs, li-kin, and local authorities accordingly. This exemption to continue until such time as the Imperial Government imposes duties and taxes on other lines of railways.\n\nTenders shall be invited in China by the Managing Directors in consultation with the Engineers-in-chief for the execution of all important indents for materials, plant, and goods, and the plans, estimates, and requisitions for such materials shall be submitted to the Director-General by the Engineer-in-chief concerned through the Managing Director. Indents not dealt with in China shall be placed by the head office concerned in the hands of the Syndicate's Banks for execution in London or Berlin as may be required. The banks shall buy the goods on the best possible terms, calling for tenders when necessary, for account of the Chinese Government, and charge the original cost plus a commission of 5 per cent., but all return commissions and rebates of every description shall be credited to the railway, and all purchases made by the Syndicate Banks on behalf of the railway shall be supported by the manufacturer's original invoices and Inspector's certificates.\n\nDue consideration will be extended to materials from all Chinese Government manufactories, if available when required, and of a quality satisfactory to the Engineer-in-chief.\n\n## Art. 21\nThe head office shall during the working of the lines, and in using the funds mentioned in Article 28, maintain the railways, buildings, works, rolling-stock, and dependencies in good order and condition, and the Engineers-in-chief shall certify at the close of each financial year that this has been duly done.\n\n## Art. 22\nBranch lines or extensions in connection with the railway lines mentioned in this Agreement, that may appear profitable or necessary later on, shall be built by the Imperial Government with funds at their disposal from Chinese sources, and if foreign capital is required preference to be given to the Syndicate Banks.\n\n## Art. 23\nThe tariff of traffic charges shall be decided by the Director-General upon the recommendation of the head offices. They will take into consideration the tariffs of other existing railways in China, while keeping in view the necessity for attracting traffic. The head offices, with the approval of the Director-General, may enter into arrangements for tariffs or through traffic over connecting lines. In case of war, foreign or internal, the railway lines shall be reserved in the first instance for the transport of Chinese troops, commissariat, and munitions of war under the order of the Director-General, and at half the ordinary tariff rates, and the railways shall not engage in any service injurious to China. In case of famine or great need grain will also be transported over the lines at half the ordinary tariff rate under orders of the Director-General. Government and Court supplies shall be dealt with by the head offices in the same way as they are treated on other lines.\n\n## Art. 24\nAfter the railway is opened to traffic the head offices will prepare semi-annual estimates of receipts and expenditure, and communicate the same to the Director-General and to the representatives of the Syndicate. The annual accounts of the northern and southern sections shall, at the close of each financial year, be audited and signed by qualified auditors, not connected with the railway, selected by the Syndicate.\n\n## Art. 25\nAll receipts of whatsoever nature derived during the time of construction from working completed or incompleted sections of the railways shall be credited to railway revenue account.\n\n## Art. 26\nShould any traffic business be apparent later on as likely to benefit the Imperial Government of China and increase the earning power of the railway lines, the head offices shall represent the same to the Director-General and request him to obtain the necessary authority to arrange the business.\n\n## Art. 27\nThe head offices shall work the lines on behalf of the Imperial Government of China until the present loan is redeemed. As soon as the loan has been completely redeemed this Agreement shall become null and void, and the railway shall thereafter be managed as the Chinese Government may think fit.\n\n## Art. 28\nThe annual net revenue is understood to be that resulting from the gross receipts of the passenger and goods traffic and the income from other sources after deducting all working expenses, including maintenance of the permanent way, repairs, renovation of machinery and rolling-stock, and all expenses of administration, besides deducting an amount to be determined by the Director-General in consultation with the head offices as sufficient for accumulating a reserve fund for extraordinary improvements or repairs.\n\nUnder the heading of repairs and renovations are not to be included such work on the permanent way, bridges, rolling-stock, machinery, and dependencies as may be caused by force majeure—for instance, by earthquake, extraordinary flood, or other exceptional manifestations of natural forces, war, or riots.\n\nThe expenditure due to such causes is to be covered either by the Imperial Government or by supplementary loans as described in Article 15.\n\nOf the surplus of the net annual revenue of the railway lines after payment of interest and repayment of principal of the loan, first a participation of 20 per cent. of the said surplus will be granted to the Syndicate Banks in remuneration for their general responsibility and services; secondly, an amount equal to not less than that required to pay the ensuing year's instalments of interest shall be deposited with the Syndicate Banks, and shall bear interest at the market rate. The remainder of the net annual revenue will be at the disposal of the Imperial Government of China.\n\n## Art. 29\nThe powers and authority given and delegated to the Director-General by the Imperial Government of China shall, in the case of his promotion or removal, be transferred to his successor, and the Deutsch-Asiatische Bank and the Chinese Central Railways (Limited) may, subject to all their obligations hereunder, transfer or delegate all or any of their rights, powers, and discretions hereunder to any German or British Company, Directors or agents, with power of further transfer and sub-delegation, such transfer, sub-transfer, delegations, or sub-delegations to be subject to the approval of the Director-General.\n\n## Art. 30\nThis Agreement is signed under authority of an Imperial Edict dated which has been officially communicated to the Ministers of Germany and Great Britain in Peking by the Wai-wu Pu.\n\n## Art. 31\nFive sets of this Agreement are executed in English and Chinese, one set to be retained by the Yuch'uan Pu, one by the Board of Commerce, one by the Director-General, one by the Deutsch-Asiatische Bank, and one by the Chinese Central Railways (Limited). In the event of any doubt arising regarding the interpretation of the contract the English text shall rule.\n\nSigned, &c.\n\n## Inclosure 4 in No. 1\n### Minutes of the 27th Meeting held at the Office of the Haikwan Taotai on March 2, at 3 P.M.\n\nPresent:\n| Name | Representation |\n| --- | --- |\n| Taotai Liang Tun Yen | Representing the Board of Communications |\n| C. L. Chou |  |\n| Mr. H. Cordes | Representing the Deutsch-Asiatische Bank |\n| Mr. J. O. P. Bland | Representing the Chinese Central Railways (Limited) |\n\nThe Chinese text of the revised draft Agreement having been completed by Mr. Cordes and handed to the Yuch'uan Pu's representatives, the meeting proceeded...",
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        "id": 411664,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-344 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "page_number": 164,
        "title": "CO129-344 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "content_text": "# 103\n\n2\n\nprepared to meet German competition, and are willing to risk that for the sake of increased means of communication which cannot fail to benefit trade in general.\n\nIt would, however, be a tactical mistake on our part to give the Chinese the impression that our interest in the Tien-tsin line was diverting our attention from the Soochow-Ningpo extension, and although I should have preferred not to resume the negotiations for the latter until the Canton-Kowloon loan had been floated, I think that they cannot safely be allowed to remain any longer in abeyance, and I have therefore, in the telegram to which I have already referred, recommended their immediate resumption.\n\nThere is unfortunately every reason to anticipate the most determined opposition, and the appointment of negotiators will, Mr. Bland considers, take six months' work, but further delay is likely to increase rather than lessen the difficulties.\n\nI have, &c.  \n(Signed)  \n**J. N. JORDAN**\n\n## Inclosure 1 in No. 1.\n\n### Minutes of the Twenty-eighth Meeting held at the Office of the Haikwan Taotai, on March 9, 1907.\n\nPresent:  \n- Taotai Liang Tun-yen, representing the Board of Communications.  \n- Taotai C. L. Chow  \n- Mr. H. Cordes, representing the Deutsch-Asiatische Bank.  \n- Mr. J. O. P. Bland, representing the Chinese Central Railways (Limited).\n\nCHOW TAOTAI, referring to the Minutes of last meeting, and to Mr. Bland's statement therein regarding the assurances said to have been given by his Excellency Tang Shao-yi, observes that it should have been recorded that no instructions confirmatory of these assurances had been issued to Liang Taotai and himself by the Yu Chuan Pu. In the absence of such instructions, it was evidently impossible for them to accept the financial conditions of the Preliminary Agreement as final.\n\nMr. Bland points out that the understanding upon which the Syndicate authorized abandonment of control by Boards of Commissioners and general modification of the administrative clauses of the Agreement, was clearly recorded in the Minutes of the twenty-fifth meeting (the 26th January), and suggests that it was for the Chinese Commissioners to obtain confirmation thereof, if necessary.\n\nMr. Cordes draws attention to the fact that, in the revised draft Agreement now under discussion, many of the financial advantages conferred by the Preliminary Agreement have been modified in favour of the Chinese Government, and that the assurances given by his Excellency Tang Shao-yi were understood to mean that no further concessions would be asked in this direction.\n\nIt is eventually agreed that if Messrs. Cordes and Bland will write officially on the subject, the Chinese Commissioners will refer the matter to the Yu Ch'uan Pu for instructions. It is also suggested that, at the same time, the Yu Ch'uan Pu should be requested to send a representative to attend these meetings, whose duty it would be to report in person their results, and to ascertain the views of the Board thereon for the guidance of the Commissioners.\n\nLiang Taotai states that his understanding of the matter as originally expressed by his Excellency the Viceroy is that the Chinese Government is prepared to act liberally in the matter of financial conditions if the question of control is \"satisfactorily settled.\" No official instructions, however, have been given to this effect. He considers that the system of control now proposed still leaves too great a measure of responsibility and authority in the hands of the Syndicate's representatives.\n\nResuming the discussion of the draft Agreement at Article 5, in regard to the term of the loan and the date at which redemption begins, Chow Taotai suggests adoption of terms similar to those of the Canton-Kowloon Railway.\n\nMr. Cordes points out that the conditions of Articles 5 and 6, as now drafted, are the result of long negotiations already recorded; those of Article 6 in particular having been proposed by Chow Taotai at the twenty-first meeting (the 15th September). They represent important modifications of the terms granted under Imperial Edict in the Preliminary Agreement. If there is to be no finality in the demands for such modifications these negotiations are useless.\n\nChow Taotai is of opinion that none of the results of earlier negotiations can be regarded as final. He thinks the Canton-Kowloon Agreement's loan terms are more advantageous, and therefore proposes their adoption.\n\nMr. Bland strongly objects to the Canton-Kowloon Agreement's loan terms being referred to as a precedent in the present negotiations, except in so far as they affect administration and control; he points out that reference thereto is inconsistent with recent assurances, relying upon which the Syndicate has already agreed to make important concessions.\n\nLiang Taotai proposes that, pending instructions from the Yu Ch'uan Pu in regard to the financial terms of the Agreement, the meeting should postpone their discussion and proceed to the question of control.\n\nArticles 7 to 14 are read and passed with slight verbal amendments. It is agreed to modify Article 7 (should the Chinese Commissioners wish it) in regard to the purchase of sterling drafts, giving the Chinese Government the right of settling exchange in advance, as stipulated in the Canton-Kowloon Loan Agreement.\n\nThe meeting adjourns at 5:10 P.M.\n\nGentlemen,  \n(Signed) **J. O. P. BLAND**\n\n## Inclosure 2 in No. 1.\n\n### Mr. Bland to Taotais Liang Tun-yen and C. L. Chow.\n\n[Undated]\n\nWITH reference to our meeting of to-day, and to the present position of the negotiations for the Tien-tsin-Yang-tsze Railway, we consider it advisable to draw your particular attention to the understanding recorded in our Minutes of the twenty-fifth and twenty-seventh meetings, upon which the Syndicate has agreed to accept certain important modifications of the Preliminary Agreement on the subject of the railway's administration and control. This understanding, in regard to the maintenance of which formal assurances have been given by his Excellency Tang Shao-yi on more than one occasion, is to the effect that, if the Syndicate abandons the system of control by Boards of Commissioners, and is prepared to adopt a system of administration similar to that laid down in the Canton-Kowloon Agreement, none of the financial advantages conferred by the Tien-tsin-Yang-tsze Preliminary Agreement would be withdrawn or curtailed.\n\nWe understand that no information on this most important matter has as yet been communicated to yourselves by the Yu Ch'uan Pu, and as a clear understanding thereof is evidently essential to the satisfactory progress of our negotiations, we have the honour to request that you may be good enough to apply to the Board for definite instructions, whereby the assurances above referred to may be confirmed.\n\nWe have, &c.  \n(Signed) **J. O. P. BLAND**\n\n## Inclosure 3 in No. 1.\n\n### Minutes of the Twenty-ninth Meeting held at the Office of the Haikwan Taotai, March 16, 1907.\n\nPresent:  \n- Taotai Liang Tun-yen, representing the Board of Communications.  \n- Taotai C. L. Chow  \n- Mr. H. Cordes, representing the Deutsch-Asiatische Bank.  \n- Mr. J. O. P. Bland, representing the Chinese Central Railways (Limited).\n\nLIANG TAOTAI observes that, on further consideration, his colleague and himself are not prepared to carry out the decision recorded at last meeting by asking the Yu Ch'uan Pu for instructions, considering that their present instructions are definite, and that no good reason has been shown for suggesting their alteration. He had conveyed this decision in writing yesterday.",
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    {
        "id": 411774,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-344 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "page_number": 274,
        "title": "CO129-344 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "content_text": "# \n## \n\nIt has been agreed :- \n\n1. That until further notice the negotiations will be carried on, as hitherto, at Tien-tsin. \n\n2. That a special Deputy of the **Board of Communications** will attend the meetings. This Deputy will have full powers to represent the **Yu-chuan Pu**, and to express its opinions. He will report in person the result of each meeting to the **Yu-chuan Pu**. \n\n3. That the Minutes of each meeting will be signed at the subsequent meeting by all the negotiators, and that the result therein recorded shall be regarded as finally accepted. \n\n4. That the next meeting will take place on Saturday the 30th instant. \n\nI beg to request your Highness to confirm by letter that the above is a correct résumé of the results of our interview. \n\nIn reference to the above, and in order that the negotiations may be placed on a definite and practical basis, with a view to the early settlement of this long protracted question, I have the honour to request your Highness that the special Deputy of the **Yu-chuan Pu** shall be furnished with such instructions as shall enable him and his colleagues to reply to the official letter addressed by the representatives of the Syndicate to the Chinese negotiators on the 9th instant, wherein it was requested that instructions on certain definite points at issue should be obtained from the **Yu-chuan Pu**. \n\nA Chinese version of the letter in question is herewith inclosed. \n\n## My dear Sir John, \n\n### Inclosure 2 in No. 1. \n\n**Mr. Bland to Sir J. Jordan**. \n\nPeking, April 2, 1907. \n\nCordes and I inclose a copy of the Minutes of our last meeting at Tien-tsin. I am of opinion that if we accept the position which the Chinese Representatives are trying to force upon us we shall be losing the last chance of successful negotiation, and that it would be better tactics to inform the Chinese point blank that we withdraw the concessions proposed in the draft Agreement and return to our position under the Preliminary Agreement, sanctioned by Imperial Edict, and shall hereafter submit a claim for compensation on the basis of that document which the Chinese Representatives decline to acknowledge. Cordes is coming up this afternoon to consult on the subject. As you will see by the Minutes, they have made it very difficult for us to go on, but perhaps some means may be found to avoid a definite issue and a deadlock. \n\nI have to-day telegraphed to the B. and C. urging them to reconsider the question of priority of the Hangchow business, and I have expressed briefly the views which I hold on the subject, adding that if the joint interests (German and French) which I now represent are to be prejudiced in favour of the B. and C.'s business, it will be necessary for me to confine myself strictly to the Corporation's work, and it will be necessary for these joint interests to send out their own representatives. Where interests conflict, it is impossible for one man to render loyal service; and, if the policy of precedence is unavoidable, if outstanding preliminary Agreements, &c., cannot be dealt with simultaneously and with an equal measure of support, the sooner the Corporation disassociates itself from these joint interests the better. If it does not, I imagine that neither the German nor the French groups are likely to acquiesce in the indefinite postponement of the affairs in which they are interested. \n\nI remain, &c. \n\n(Signed) **J. O. P. BLAND**. \n\n### Inclosure 3 in No. 1. \n\n**TIEN-TSIN-YANGTSZE RAILWAY**, \n\nMinutes of the Thirtieth Meeting held at the Office of the **Haikwan Taotai** on Saturday, March 30, 1907. \n\n| Present | \n| --- | \n| **Taotai Liang Tun-yon**, representing the **Board of Communications**. | \n| **Chow**, | \n| **Mr. Feng**, Special Deputy from the **Board of Communications**. | \n| **Mr. H. Cordes**, representing the **Deutsch-Asiatische Bank**; and | \n| **Mr. J. O. P. Bland**, representing the **Chinese Central Railways**. | \n\n**Liang Taotai**, introducing **Mr. Feng**, observes that as this gentleman does not speak English, the negotiations will hereafter be conducted in Chinese. Further, he states that the **Board of Communications**, replying to and complying with the request made by **Chow Taotai** and himself for the appointment of the special Deputy, notifies them that **Mr. Feng**'s instructions are to go over the text of the draft Agreement recently submitted by the Syndicate's representatives, clause by clause, and to report on the negotiations in due course for the Board's information and approval. \n\n**Mr. Feng**, replying to a question by **Mr. Bland**, states that these are the only instructions he has received. He is not in a position to afford the information asked for in the Syndicate's letter of the 9th instant, either as regards the system of control or the financial terms of the Agreement, having received no instructions on the subject. \n\n**Mr. Cordes** says that, in this case, negotiations are likely to remain in status quo. He points out that Articles 1 to 14 of the draft Agreement have already been considered and adopted in principle, so that further discussion must involve those questions of control and finance, in regard to which a definite basis of negotiation and confirmation of the assurances given to the Syndicate's representatives, are indispensable. Upon the suggestion of **Liang Taotai** it is agreed that the text of Articles 1 to 14, with certain amendments, should be passed, and submitted by **Mr. Feng** to the **Board of Communications**. Article 15 is then discussed. **Liang Taotai** proposes its amendment to read, that if the amount specified for the loan should not be sufficient for the completion of the line, the balance required should be provided by the Chinese Government from its own resources. The impracticability of this method of finance having been explained by reference to the preliminary Agreement, Articles 1 and 13 are amended, at the request of the Chinese Commissioners, by the addition of clauses stating clearly that the final series of the loan shall be limited to the amount actually required to complete the construction and equipment of the line. Article 16 is discussed at considerable length. Referring to its conclusion, **Liang Taotai** expressed the opinion that if within the time limit of eighteen months, the Syndicate shall not have been able to issue the first series of the loan, then the sums advanced under the provisions of Article 3 should be forfeited. \n\nThe Syndicate's representatives decline to accept such a condition, pointing out that in the absence of political or financial crises entailing a serious decline in Chinese Government stocks, the first series of the loan must be issued, in accordance with terms of Article 13, within twelve months; furthermore that it is to the interest of the Syndicate to issue the loan as soon as possible, and that if, by reason of a serious decline in China's credit, this should not be feasible within eighteen months, the contract would be null and void—a result sufficiently prejudicial to the Syndicate without suggestion of further penalty. It is eventually agreed to reduce the twelve months' period in Article 13 to nine months, and to amend the conclusion of Article 16 after the word \"contract\" to read, \"if within this time limit the first series of the loan shall not have been issued, then this contract shall become null and void.\" \n\n**Mr. Bland** points out that the issue of the first series of the loan at a fixed price is a condition which has been insisted upon by the Chinese Commissioners, but that the Syndicate has declared itself prepared to finance it, like the second and subsequent series, at a fixed flotation commission of 54 points. If this method were adopted, Article 16 might be eliminated, and the Syndicate would be prepared to give the \n\n## \n273",
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    {
        "id": 412431,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-345 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "page_number": 191,
        "title": "CO129-345 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "content_text": "## Provisional Customs Regulations for the Leased Territory of Kwangtung\n\n**(Customs Version)**\n\n1. Foreign goods imported to Dairen from a foreign country, or goods manufactured therefrom, must pay import duty if sent to the interior.\n\nForeign goods imported from a Chinese Treaty Port unaccompanied by duty-paid certificate must pay import duty if sent to the interior.\n\nForeign goods imported from a Chinese Treaty Port, if consumed in the leased territory, or re-exported from the leased territory, and when they are accompanied by duty-paid certificate, are entitled to drawback at the port of duty payment.\n\n2. Native produce coming from a Chinese Treaty Port, accompanied by duty-paid certificate, must pay coast trade duty if sent to the interior.\n\n3. Native produce imported from a Chinese port unaccompanied by duty-paid certificate must pay full import duty on deposit, pending inquiry with the custom-house of the port concerned, and are liable to confiscation, together with the deposit, if found with unlawful intentions.\n\n4. Native produce brought down to the leased territory from the interior, whether by railway or carts or by some other conveyance, must pay tariff duty if exported.\n\n5. Produce raised in the leased territory, and goods manufactured therefrom or from the materials imported from a foreign country, shall not pay export duty, but they must be accompanied by certificate of origin issued by Japanese authorities.\n\n6. Goods manufactured from the materials brought from the interior or from a Chinese port shall pay export duty on shipment to a foreign country or to a Chinese port, but it is optional with the shipper whether duty to be paid should be on the material or on the manufactured article.\n\n7. Foreign goods shipped to Dairen from a Chinese Treaty Port, where import duty had been paid, shall pay no export duty if re-exported to a foreign country.\n\nNative goods imported to Dairen from a Chinese Treaty port where import duty had been paid shall pay no duty, if reshipped to a foreign country.\n\n8. Foreign goods imported to Dairen, if sent to the interior under transit pass, must pay transit dues, in addition to import duty.\n\nNative products brought down from the interior under transit pass must pay transit dues, in addition to export duty upon exportation to a foreign country.\n\n9. Opium coming to the leased territory, whether by land or by sea, in chests or in packages, must be reported to the Customs immediately upon arrival.\n\n10. Opium going to the interior must pay import duty and li-kin. But this does not apply to foreign or native opium imported from a Chinese Treaty port accompanied by duty-paid certificate or with Hu-pu labels on.\n\n11. All opium going to the interior must be declared to the Customs and labelled and stamped.\n\n12. Native opium coming from a Chinese Treaty port, unaccompanied by duty-paid certificate, or not bearing Hu-pu labels, will be charged with \"tung-shui.\"\n\nSimilarly, native opium coming from the interior, unaccompanied by any documents issued by Customs authorities in duty-paid proof, or not bearing Hu-pu labels, will be charged with \"tung-shui.”\n\n13. Arms, ammunition, explosives, and the materials used in the manufacture of the same, imported by merchant vessels, must be reported to the Customs immediately upon arrival, with all necessary particulars, and cannot be discharged or landed until a special permit has been issued by the Customs.\n\n14. The exportation of arms, ammunition, explosives, and the materials used in the manufacture of the same, into the interior, as well as to a Chinese Treaty port is prohibited, unless they are accompanied by “hu-chao\" issued by Chinese authorities.\n\n15. The above two Rules do not apply to arms and ammunition for use of the Imperial Japanese army and navy and police force.\n\n16. The ship's paper or Consul report and import manifest must be handed in to the Customs after the ship's arrival, without delay. The manifest must be signed by the master of the vessel and contain full and true account of all cargo on board. Any error detected therein must be corrected within twenty-four hours after it had been handed in to the Customs.\n\nWhen cargo on board a vessel is known to be destined for the interior and if its quantity is considerable so as to form independent cargo the master of the vessel should prepare two manifests--one for the cargo destined for the hinterland and another for the leased territory.\n\n17. Consignees of import cargo, whether it be for the interior or for the leased territory, are to report to the Customs, giving full particulars such as the denomination of the goods, number, quantity, weight and value, and also with the place of purchase, or production, or manufacture, &c.\n\n18. When a vessel wants to clear from a port export manifest must be handed in to the Customs either by the master of the vessel or by the agent. The manifest must be signed by the master or the agent, and handed in to the office at least two hours before application for the Customs clearance is made.\n\n19. When goods are to be exported the shipper must send the goods to the examination shed or to the bund specially authorized, accompanied by export application, giving all necessary particulars. After examination of the goods duty memorandum will be issued which the applicant must take to the Haikwan Bank to pay duty stated thereon. The shipping permit will be issued upon the production of duty receipt at the office.\n\n20. The Customs clearance will be issued when all dues and duties have been paid.\n\n21. Cargo for which a shipping permit had been issued, but which cannot be received on board must be reported to the office without delay, so that \"shut-out memorandum\" may be issued.\n\n22. Transhipment of goods cannot take place without special permission from the Customs. In absence of a special permit the goods transhipped are liable to confiscation and the master to fine.\n\n23. Tariffs in use in the Customs are-\n\n| Tariff Type | Description |\n| --- | --- |\n| (a) | For foreign imports, the revised Import Tariff of 1902. |\n| (b) | For native imports and exports, the general Tariff for the trade of China. |\n\n24. In cases of appeal against fines and confiscations imposed by the Commissioner of Customs the procedure will be conducted in accordance with the spirit of **The Rules for Joint Investigation in cases of Confiscation and Fine** by the Custom-house Authorities, Peking, 31st May, 1868.\"\n\n25. The custom-house is open for transaction of business from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M., Sundays and holidays excepted.\n\nExamination office will be open from 8 A.M. to 4 P.M.\n\nthe spirit of \"The Regulations for the Joint Investigation in cases of Fine or Confiscation,\" agreed upon at Peking on the 31st May, 1868.\n\n25. The hours of business of the Customs will be from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M., Sundays and holidays excluded.\n\nN.B. At the examination shed, however, the hours of business shall be from 8 A.M. to 4 P.M.\n\n26. It shall not be permissible, without the sanction of the Commissioner of Customs, to load or discharge cargo before 6 A.M. or after 6 P.M., or on Sundays or holidays.\n\nN.B. This does not, however, apply to passengers' luggage or to mails.\n\nThe fees chargeable for special permits are as follows:\n\n| Time/Condition | Fee (Haikwan taels) |\n| --- | --- |\n| before 6 A.M. | 10 |\n| after 6 P.M. to 12 P.M. | 20 |\n| from 6 P.M. to 6 A.M. | 40 |\n| on holidays (whole day) | 30 |\n| on holidays (half day) | 20 |\n| on Sundays (whole day) | 40 |\n| on Sundays (half day) | 20 |\n\n27. All communications on business connected with the Customs should be addressed to the Commissioner of Customs.\n\n## Additional Article\n\n28. In these Regulations the word \"interior\" means any part of the territory of China beyond the frontiers of the leased territory.",
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    {
        "id": 412432,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-345 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "page_number": 192,
        "title": "CO129-345 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "content_text": "## AFFAIRS OF CHINA\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n169\n\n[September 9.]\n\n### SECTION 1\n\nThe fees charged on such permit are as follows:\n\n| Time | Haikwan taels |\n| --- | --- |\n| For working before 6 A.M. | 10 |\n| after 6 A.M. to 12 P.M. | 5 |\n| from 6 P.M. to 6 A.M. | 10 |\n| Sunday permit (whole day) | 20 |\n| \" (half day) | 10 |\n| holiday permit (whole day) | 20 |\n| \" (half day) | 10 |\n\n26. Vessels wishing to load or discharge cargo before 6 A.M. and after 6 P.M., or on Sundays or holidays, must apply for a special permit from the Customs.\n\n27. All business communications should be addressed to the Commissioner of Customs.\n\n28. The term \"interior\" in the Regulations means any part of Chinese territory beyond the frontier of the leased territory.\n\nP.S.-According to a later despatch of Mr. Parlett's dated the 31st July, by Ordinance No. 42, issued by the Governor-General of Kwangtung, the following Regulations have been added to the provisional Customs Regulations for the leased territory of the Kwangtung embodied in Ordinance No. 38 of Meiji 40:-\n\nArticle 2 (paragraph 2). If it is desired to send products of the leased territory or goods manufactured therefrom into the interior, they shall be liable to import duty. It is, however, permissible for the person sending such goods or products not to pay import duty, should he so prefer; but in that case the said goods or products shall receive the same treatment as Chinese goods or products.\n\nArticle 26 (paragraph 1). The rate of exchange for Haikwan taels payable to the Customs at Dairen shall be determined by the rate ruling at Newchwang.\n\nPeking, July 22, 1907.\n\nIT is difficult to give any connected account of the disturbances which are going on in widely separated parts of the country at present, but the Reports which I have the honour to inclose herewith will convey some idea of the state of things in the lower Yang-tsze and in the provinces in the immediate neighbourhood of Shanghae.\n\nThe extract from the Wuhu Intelligence Report indicates considerable revolutionary activity in the Province of Anhui, where the assassination of the late Governor and the appointment of a reactionary as his successor has probably tended to stimulate rather than repress the movement. The plot through which the late Governor lost his life seems to have aimed at the murder of all the officials and the seizure of the provincial capital, but the plans of the revolutionaries were disconcerted by a change in the date for the inspection of the students.\n\nThe reports from Messrs. Pearson and Mortimore deal with the Province of Cheikiang where there have been widespread troubles due to a variety of causes. The Wai-wu Pu, to whom I communicated the substance of Mr. Pearson's Report, admitted that there had been serious rioting in a number of places, which had called for the dispatch of troops and strong measures of repression.\n\nMr. Mortimore's account of the riot at Tinghai is a curious illustration of the weakness of provincial government in China under the altered conditions of the present day. Whether the movement is, as in this case, a reaction against the new methods, or a protest against the old, the officials are equally disinclined or powerless to withstand the expressed will of the people as soon as it shows any sign of asserting itself by a show of force. It is this undue deference to popular clamour, however unreasonable it may be, on the part of the provincial as also of the central authorities, which threatens to make all government impossible, as soon as the people begin to realize the full use that may be made of their newly acquired power.\n\nI have, &c. \n(Signed) J. N. JORDAN\n\n### Inclosure 1 in No. 1\n\nExtract from the Wuhu Intelligence Report.\n\n**Revolutionary Propaganda**\n\nTHE recent extensive seizures of arms in the north have caused the authorities on the Yang-tsze considerable uneasiness, and stringent precautions are being taken against any similar happenings in these parts. Under instructions from the Viceroy, the Taotai has written to the Commissioner of Customs, communicating to him a very liberal scale of rewards for the detection of smuggled arms and ammunition. A recent edition of the `Nang Fang Pao` announced that the Viceroy at Nanking had decided to establish a detective force in the Treaty ports and large towns, and that he had applied to Yuan Shih K'ai for the loan of some officers to assist him in carrying out his scheme.\n\nA missionary, who has been for a long time in Anching and has considerable experience of the Yang-tsze districts, informed me recently that he regarded the revolutionary movement in these parts as very widespread and steadily increasing. Many Chinese officials were, he said, in active sympathy with the movement, a fact which no doubt accounted for so few of the adherents being discovered and punished. Their affairs are conducted with great secrecy and circumspection; and although a very extensive revolutionary literature is circulating all over the country, it is almost... \n\n[2652 i-1] \nPage 169",
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        "page_number": 234,
        "title": "CO129-345 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government]\n\nIn order to give practical effect to this sympathy they have, after consulting the Government of India, informed the Chinese Government that-\n\n1. They accept in principle the proposal that the import of Indian opium into China shall be diminished by one-tenth annually, pari passu with an equal decrease in the production of the native drug, up to the year 1910, and they will continue to reduce at the same rate the export in 1911 and subsequent years, on proof that China has carried out its share of the arrangement;\n\n2. They have informed the Chinese Government that they have no objection to a Chinese official being stationed at Calcutta, provided that he has no direct powers of interference with customs arrangements--that is a matter to which the Indian Government attached great importance;\n\n3. His Majesty's Government have informed the Chinese Government that they are prepared to assent to such enhancement of the customs and li-kin duty on foreign opium as will make its taxation in China equivalent to the taxation actually levied on native opium, differences in relative value and quality being taken into consideration.\n\nSteps have been taken to reduce the area of poppy cultivation in Bengal, which in the five years preceding 1906-7 averaged 615,000 acres, and in 1907-8 is not to exceed 562,000 acres. In 1907 the number of chests of Bengal opium fixed for sale was originally 4,400 a-month. This has now been reduced to 4,000 a-month, while for 1908 it has been fixed at 3,900 a-month. Further reductions will be fixed in succeeding years if the proposed arrangement with the Chinese Government becomes operative.\n\nI hope that information, so far as it goes, will be satisfactory to the right reverend Prelate.\n\n## CHINA TRADE\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n[31718]\n\n### (No. 373.)\n\nSir,\n\n#### No. 1.\n\n231\n\n[September 23.]\n\n#### SECTION 1.\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received September 23.)\n\nPeking, August 6, 1907.\n\nI HAVE the honour to transmit to you herewith copies of a correspondence which has passed between His Majesty's Consul-General at Shanghae and myself with regard to apprehensions expressed by the Shanghae branch of the China Association as to the effect which the enforcement of the Opium Edict may have upon the guarantee given in Clause X of the Whangpoo Conservancy Convention of September 1905.\n\nWhatever may be the final outcome of the efforts that are being made for the suppression of the opium habit, it seems to me to be premature to raise this question at the present moment.\n\nIn a communication dated the 25th June last, copy of which I have the honour to inclose, the \"Times\" correspondent at Shanghae, who is intimately connected with the civic life of the place, stated that the opium crop in Hsüchow Fu and Szechuan, the two districts whose duties form the subject of the guarantee in question, is unusually good this year, and that the area under poppy cultivation is undiminished.\n\nI have, &c.\n\n(Signed) J. N. JORDAN.\n\n#### Inclosure 1 in No. 1.\n\nThe Lord Bishop of Southwark: I am extremely obliged to the noble Lord.\n\n### (No. 99.)\n\nSir,\n\nConsul-General Sir P. Warren to Sir J. Jordan.\n\nShanghae, July 18, 1907.\n\nI HAVE the honour to inclose herewith copy of a letter dated the 12th July which I have received from the Shanghae branch of the China Association, in which, with reference to Article X of the Convention signed by China and the Powers on the 27th September, 1905, they express their apprehension that the suppression of the opium trade contemplated by the Chinese Government may seriously affect the Whangpoo conservancy scheme.\n\nSir,\n\nI have, &c.\n\n(Signed) PELHAM WARREN.\n\n#### Inclosure 2 in No. 1.\n\nMr. Skottowe to Consul-General Sir P. Warren.\n\nChina Association (Shanghae Branch), July 12, 1907.\n\nI HAVE the honour to inform you that the Committee of this Association, in view of the Imperial Edicts for the suppression of the opium trade, regard with apprehension the effect this step will have on the conservancy of the Whangpoo.\n\nClause X of the Convention of September 1905 lays down that China is to provide 460,000 Haikwan taels per annum for twenty years, and gives as guarantee the entire duties on the opium of Szechuan and Hsüchow Fu, in Kiangsu.\n\nMy Committee cannot too strongly impress on His Majesty's Minister that, should China on this pretext evade her Treaty obligations, steps should be taken to obtain a guarantee from the Chinese Government that the necessary funds for the conservancy work, as laid down in Article X referred to above, should be forthcoming.\n\nI have, &c.\n\n(Signed) E. B. SKOTTOWE, Chairman.\n\n[2641-1]",
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    {
        "id": 412583,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-345 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "page_number": 343,
        "title": "CO129-345 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "content_text": "## This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.\n\n340\n\n2\n\nChinese. However, like all Chinese, they are of an inflammable nature, and, as in the case of peaceful natures, when once aroused they may go to further extremes than more turbulent spirits, as happened in 1900.\n\n4. Opium Smoking.--Shan-hsi is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, of the opium-smoking provinces of China. Mr. Sowerby assured me that in and around Tai-yuan Fu, though there might be a slight decrease, it was not very appreciable. He said that sometimes, when he goes into a village and asks how many non-opium smokers it contains, an inhabitant will smile and point to one or two small children, whilst in another a native will state with some pride that 110 per cent. [sic] are opium smokers. He thinks, however, that less opium is grown in the district.\n\nGoing north, I found at Ta-tung Fu that the evil was much less, and in that city the Magistrate stated, and the local missionary corroborated, that under 50 per cent. were opium smokers. The Magistrate, himself an inveterate smoker and possibly unreliable (I had no means of checking his statement), stated that only one-fifth of the area given up to the poppy in his district last year was now utilized for the same purpose.\n\n5. The Irish potato was introduced by Dr. Attwood, an American missionary, residing at Feng-chou Fu, some twenty years ago and has proved a great success. I found them in abundance in the Ta-t'ung Fu region.\n\n6. Secret Societies. The great anti-dynastic Secret Society known as the Ko-ming-tang is, local missionaries assured me, very strong in the parts of the province I visited, and many of the officials are believed to belong to it. At Hsin Chou, 47 miles to the north of T'ai-yuan Fu, it was rumoured that there would be a great rising in Southern China this August, that the troops in the north would be dispatched to put it down, and that when they were gone the north would seize the opportunity to rise. This, of course, is only a type of the sensational and ridiculous rumours one hears at times in the country, but it shows that the feeling of unrest is very extended.\n\n7. Robbers flourish in the hills to the north-east and to the west of Ta-t'ung Fu, but they usually avoid the main road, and, as is always the case, they are not likely to attack a passing foreigner. It is only a matter of surprise that with such poorly trained soldiers as the provincial troops (the Hsun-fang-tui) the robbers are of such minor local importance.\n\n8. Poorness of the Province. Shan-hsi is a very poor province, and T'ai-yüan Fu is very inferior in population and importance to any provincial capital I have yet visited. (I have visited fourteen out of eighteen.) I estimate the population at between 50,000 and 70,000 inhabitants, whilst the officials put it at only 40,000. I believe that as regards population Ta-tung Fu has the largest population of any city in the province. The railway is, however, attracting people to Tai-yüan Fu, and it is bound to improve on its present stagnant condition. Through the energy of Taotai Ting, the Judge, a fine new road is being made, and they are even reported to be in possession of a steam-roller, which, however, I did not personally see.\n\n9. Russian Colony at Kalgan.--Consists of one Russian clerk in the Russo-Chinese Bank, and three Siberian Russians (viz., one postmaster and two tea merchants), who have not much in common with their European compatriot.\n\n10. Japanese Instructors at Tai-yuan Fu.-There are ten in the various schools, including one officer in the military school and one sergeant-major.\n\n(Signed) G. PEREIRA, Lieutenant-Colonel, Grenadier Guards, Military Attaché.\n\nPeking, August 24, 1907.\n\n## CHINA TRADE\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n[36185]\n\n[November 2.]\n\n### SECTION 3.\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received November 2.)\n\n(No. 443.) Sir,\n\nPeking, September 17, 1907. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 260 of the 4th July transmitting copy of a letter from the Colonial Office respecting a suggestion by the Hong Kong Government that, in view of the acute currency crisis existing in Canton and Hong Kong, the Chinese Government should be urged to carry out its obligation under the Mackay Treaty to establish a proper currency in China and instructing me to report, should no practical steps have yet been taken, whether the time is opportune for making further representations to the Chinese Government on the subject.\n\nIn my despatch No. 363 of the 24th July, I had the honour to transmit to you copies of a note which, in pursuance of a representation received from the Chambers of Commerce of Hong Kong, Shanghae, and Tien-tsin, the doyen of the Diplomatic Body addressed to Prince Ch'ing and of His Highness's reply that a Commission had been appointed to deal with the question and report to the Throne. Since that time I have frequently asked the Ministers of the Wai-wu Pu whether the Commission had presented its report, and have been informed that, owing to the divergent views of its members, no satisfactory scheme for a uniform currency has yet been decided upon.\n\nWhile the want of a uniform silver coinage is a serious obstacle to the foreign and internal trade of China, the difficulties attending its introduction, although not insuperable, are by no means light. That a suitable coin in the shape of a silver dollar can be made in China is evidenced by the fact that the dollar issued by the Pei-yang Mint at Tien-tsin holds its own here with the British dollar and that both are at a premium as compared with the Mexican dollar; but the aim of the Chinese provincial mints is not so much to coin as to make money, and this object is facilitated by the lax way in which they are controlled by the Central Government. A dollar coined in one province is accepted in the next only at a considerable discount. The coining of a dollar of the proper fineness, weight, and finish is not a gain but a cost to the mint from which it comes, and it is not unnatural that the mint should wish to recoup itself by the profitable coinage of subsidiary silver coins, the over issue of which, combined with the natural law that the coin of less will always oust the coin of greater intrinsic value in a country where the coinage is not sufficiently protected by law, has been specially felt in South China. What has occurred in the silver coinage of the south is at present taking place in the copper coinage all over the Empire, the new copper coins are fast displacing the old copper cash.\n\nBy the laws of China land and other taxes are payable in Treasury (Kuping) taels, while the Treaty Tariff calls for Customs duties in Haikwan taels, so that, if the proposed silver dollar is to be the uniform coinage of China, it will be necessary to fix the rate of exchange between it and Kuping and Haikwan taels, and, what is still more desirable, between it and the new copper coinage which is the retail trade currency of the Empire.\n\nThese are some of the difficulties with which China has to grapple, and, although from a European standpoint they are not insurmountable, the ignorance of even the highest officials on the subject of finance and currency is so great that their speedy solution can hardly be looked for; but I shall continue to make representations to the Chinese Government for the fulfilment of its Treaty engagement.\n\nWere the coinage of this new dollar restricted to three or four mints under the direct control of the Ministry of Finance, identical dies supplied to them, the defacement or destruction of the coin made a penal offence, the issue of subsidiary coins restricted as in the case of copper with a fixed legal tender, and only the new coins accepted in payment of...",
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    {
        "id": 412629,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-345 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "page_number": 389,
        "title": "CO129-345 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "content_text": "# AFFAIRS OF CHINA.\n\n## CONFIDENTIAL.\n\n**(No. 386.)** Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received October 5.)\n\nPeking, August 16, 1907.\n\nAt a meeting of the Diplomatic Body held on the 9th May last, it was decided to call upon the Consular Body at Shanghae to furnish certain information on the working of the Huangpu Conservancy Convention of the 27th September, 1905, and Mr. Rockhill, the United States' Minister, subsequently formulated a number of points, copy of which I have the honour to inclose, on which it was desired to have the views of the Consuls.\n\nA collective reply has not yet been received from the Consular Body, but the German and Dutch Consuls-General have each written statements on the subject (copies inclosed), which raise some interesting points in connection with the working and interpretation of the Convention of 1905.\n\nThe Memorandum of the Dutch Consul-General is of especial value, as it may be presumed to be based upon information derived from his countryman, M. de Rijke, the Engineer-in-charge of the undertaking.\n\nThe accompanying report from the Shanghae Taot'ai and the Commissioner of Customs deals with conservancy matters for the quarter ended the 30th June last. From this it appears that for the three years ending on that date the Taot'ai had received a sum of 1,380,000 Haikwan taels, of which 255,257 Haikwan taels had been expended, leaving a balance in hand, exclusive of interest, of 1,124,743 Haikwan taels.\n\nI have, &c.  \n(Signed) J. N. JORDAN,\n\n### Inclosure 1 in No. 1.\n\nMr. Rockhill to Doyen of Diplomatic Body.\n\nMy dear Colleague,\n\nPeking, May 24, 1907.\n\nAt the meeting of the Diplomatic Body, held on the 9th instant, it was agreed that the Consular Body of Shanghae would be requested to supply us with certain information concerning the working of the new Agreement for the Huangpu Conservancy, signed in Peking, the 27th September, 1905.\n\nThe questions which it appeared to me desirable that we should be informed upon, and which I think we are entitled to inquire into under the provisions of the Agreement, are the following :-\n\n| Question No. | Question Text |\n| --- | --- |\n| 1 | Have the works been carried out with diligence, care, and economy? |\n| 2 | Are the measures which the Chinese Government has adopted for financing the enterprise such that all its requirements are and will be satisfactorily insured? |\n| 3 | In view of the possible reduction of the opium revenues, has any information been given by the Chinese authorities concerning an additional guarantee for annual payments for the works? |\n| 4 | Have the monthly instalments been regularly paid to the Shanghae Taot'ai and the Commissioner of Customs, and since what date? |\n| 5 | Where are the funds deposited, and how and by whom are they drawn? |\n| 6 | What interest is allowed on monthly balances of these funds, and to what purpose is such interest applied? |\n| 7 | By whom are the annual accounts of the Board audited? |\n\nI have no doubt our colleagues may have other pertinent questions to submit to the Consular Body, and I would be greatly obliged if you would request from them expressions of their opinions.\n\nI am, &c.  \n(Signed) W. W. ROCKHILL.",
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    {
        "id": 412630,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-345 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "page_number": 390,
        "title": "CO129-345 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "content_text": "## Inclosure 2 in No. 1.\n\nHerr von Buri to M. Siffert.\n\nShanghue, July 15, 1907.\n\n**REGARDING** the letter addressed to the Senior Consul by the Dean of the Diplomatic Body, dated Peking, June 6th, concerning the Whangpu Conservancy Board, in which it was stated that Board should be requested to furnish the Consular Body with a detailed working scheme of the entire river conservancy, together with an estimate of costs, I beg to make the following observations. The question, \"If the works have been carried out with diligence, care, and economy,\" can, in my opinion, only be answered when one is able, by the light of a working scheme, to pass in review not only the different works already executed, but also those to be executed in due order, and in their relation to and bearing upon one another, and when, by means of an estimate of costs, it is shown how the means at the disposal of the Board are to be distributed on the different parts of the work. Speaking quite generally, there is, without such a working scheme, a danger that too much money might be spent on a particular part of the work to the detriment of the river conservancy as a whole.\n\nThe working scheme would, in particular, have to show that the waterway in the ship channel, which has been much altered and deepened since the original project was put forward (see Quarterly Reports of the Whangpu Conservancy Board), will not, by the working and appliances used in carrying out the work, become so narrowed as to endanger shipping, or even be blocked before the new waterway is open.\n\nYou will oblige me by circulating this letter, so that the matter may be discussed at the next Consular meeting.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nVON BURI, Consul-General for Germany.\n\n(Signed)\n\n## Inclosure 3 in No. 1.\n\n**Niemorandum** on some Questions connected with the Improvement of the Whangpu. [Sent in by Mr. A. Van de Sande Bakhyusen, Dutch Acting Consul-General, on July 23, 1907.]\n\nThe Consular Body decided, at its meeting on the 11th June last, to inquire closely into the financial situation of the Whangpu Conservancy Board, and since then we have received from the Diplomatic Body in Peking a list of questions referring to the same point, whilst some other questions referring to the technical part of the improvement have been submitted by the German Consul-General. As the whole matter of the working and carrying out of the new Agreement will therefore have to be looked into, and as this affords a very good opportunity for us to consider all the difficulties which have arisen or may arise with regard to this vital interest of Shangbae, I beg to suggest that the inquiry be extended still a little further, and I take the liberty of drawing attention to some points which require elucidation before we will really be able not only to give a satisfactory answer to the letter of the Diplomatic Body, but also to enable us to form an opinion for ourselves, and to perform the duty imposed upon us by the new Agreement.\n\nThe Quarterly Reports, which contain the only official information in our possession, do not provide us with sufficient material to form a judgment on all the questions which the execution of the work involves.\n\n### Finances\n\nThe questions enumerated in the letter from the doyen of the Diplomatic Body, which refer mainly to the administration of the funds, may find an answer in the next Quarterly Report, but there is another point in regard to the finances. There seems to be a doubt in regard to the financial obligations of the Chinese Government for the Whangpu work. The preamble of the new Arrangement states explicitly that the Chinese Government undertakes to pay all the costs of the works (\"en prenant à sa charge la totalité des dépenses\").\n\nThis is reaffirmed and repeated in Article 9, but Article 10 says that the Chinese Government will, in conformity with the stipulations of the Protocol of 1901, spend on these works annually for twenty years the sum of 460,000 Haikwan taels. The Chinese Government may, continues Article 10, if necessary, float a loan to meet exceptionally high expenses. For the payment of the capital and interest of this loan, as well as for the payment of expenses of any kind in connection with the execution of the work or the maintenance thereof, China must pay yearly a minimum of 460,000 taels. The question arises, if China has fulfilled all its obligations by the payment of 460,000 taels yearly for a period of twenty years. If that were the opinion of the Chinese Government, who is to provide for the always rather expensive maintenance of the works? Moreover, it seems quite certain that a few more millions will have to be invested in improvement works before the river will be in good condition, and that the total cost will be heavier than apparently anticipated when the Agreement was drawn up. I think that it would be advisable to ascertain what the opinion of the Conservancy Board is on the very important point.\n\n### Revenue\n\nJudging by the plans of the improvement, it seems that a good deal of land will have to be reclaimed, and some land cut away, and perhaps to be paid for. According to the new Agreement, the riparian owners have a preferential right to buy or to lease any reclaimed land which accrues to their property. The Agreement does not say who will be entitled to the proceeds of these sales or leases. I presume that the intention was that the Board will have the benefit thereof, or is it perhaps the opinion of the Chinese Government that they may claim any profits there may be on this account? It would seem to be more in keeping with the Agreement that this money should go to the Board over and above the 460,000 taels per year. As the profits may constitute a considerable amount, it would be well to inquire what the intention of the Board is.\n\n### Riparian Owners\n\nThe question of the riparian owners threatens to become a most difficult one, and is very likely to cause a good deal of friction. To some of them the reclaiming of land will be of great advantage, whereas to others it may entail considerable loss to give up their present landing stages or wharves and to conform to the observance of the normal lines. It is the intention of the Conservancy Board to force the riparian owners to observe the normal lines, and, if so, how will the Board carry this out?\n\nAccording to the Agreement, the price to be paid by the riparian owners for reclaimed land will be fixed by a Committee, which Committee will be differently composed according to the nationality of the riparian owners. This does not seem conducive to even and fair assessments. It would be interesting to elicit from the Board a statement as to how it intends to deal with this question.\n\n### The Chinese Bund\n\nA most difficult question exists with regard to the river in front of the Chinese city. The river is there at its narrowest, and it seems to be essential for the success of the improvement scheme that the flood tide should have ample room to run up the river, but this is prevented by the narrowness of the river at this point, and still further by a mud bank which extends along the Chinese bund. On this mud bank, which is dry at low tide, there are stored thousands of logs which act as silt catchers and impair the condition of the river. Furthermore, there is situated there a small floating city of so-called beggar boats, which harbour a great number of people who are too poor to hire lodgings on shore. According to the Engineer's opinion, it is indispensable that this lumber and the beggar-boats should be removed, and that the river should be brought to normal depth over the entire width of the river. Before long the Board will have to deal with this question, and as this will probably cause great expenditure in the form of compensation, it would be advisable to ask the Board to express an opinion on this point.\n\nPage 390\nPage 391",
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        "page_number": 392,
        "title": "CO129-345 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907",
        "content_text": "## MATERIALS\n\n| Material | In Stock, beginning of Quarter | Accepted during Quarter | Used during Quarter | Remainder in Stock, end of Quarter |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| Brush-wood (bundles) | 12,824 | 283,303 | 281,712 | 14,415 |\n| Stakes | 6,712 | 14,480 | 3,873 | 17,319 |\n| Rudos |  | 18 | 20 |  |\n| Rubble stone (piculs) | 1,548 | 1,382 | 166 | 2,764 |\n| Tops | 9,140 | 8,935 | 4,516 | 13,559 |\n| Gabbioni (pieces) | 1,059 | 2,850 | 1,489 | 2,420 |\n| Poles, 5 ft. 4 in. | 640 | 10 | 630 | 20 |\n| Poles, 12 ft. 36 in. |  |  | 33 |  |\n| Bags | 1,036 | 3,710 | 1,600 | 3,146 |\n\n## EXPENDITURE\n\n1. Salaries | 578.06 taels\n2. Transport | 1,218.74 taels\n3. Rent | 2,677.67 taels\n4. Plant: cost and maintenance | 6,516.63 taels\n5. Houses, furniture, &c. | 644.59 taels\n6. Ordinary stores, &c., miscellaneous | 53,801.11 taels\n7. Special conservancy works | 17.95 taels\n8. Loss by exchange | 89,098.33 taels\n\nTotal net expenditure, June quarter, 1907 | 124,177.63 taels\nAdvances lent | 1,738.55 taels\nBalance carried forward | 90,888.88 taels - 33,340.65 taels (illegible text removed)\n\nThere were only eight days on which bad weather prevented work.\n\n## Expenditure\nA statement for the quarter under review is inclosed. In a letter addressed to Mr. Hobson as co-Director of the Board, and dated the 5th day of the 6th moon of the current year (14th August, 1907), Jui Taotai places it on record that remittances on Conservancy account commenced to reach him in July 1904, the sum received up to the 1st July, 1907, amounting to 1,880,000 Haikwan taels, equivalent to the allotted sum of 460,000 Haikwan taels a-year for three years.\n\nAs the expenditure at the end of the June quarter 1907 amounted to about 255,257 Haikwan taels, the balance in hand, exclusive of interest, should be 1,124,743 Haikwan taels. Of this, 35,340.65 Haikwan taels is shown on Conservancy accounts now rendered, the balance, to be drawn against as required, being deposited by the Taotai in various approved native banking establishments for which he holds himself responsible. The interest account, made up to the end of the 5th moon current year (5th July, 1907), stands at 116,854.90 taels (Jui Taotai's letter of the 30th July, 1907).\n\nWe have, &c.\n(Signed) JUI CH'ENG,\nH. E. HOBSON,\nDirectors of the Whangpu Conservancy Board.\n\nTotal\n\n(Signed) \nH. E. HOBSON, Commissioner.\n\n[Prepared by A. S. H. Carruthers, Accountant.]\n\n## Inclosure 5 in No. 1\n\n**STATEMENT of Receipts and Expenditure during June quarter 1907 respecting the Conservancy of Whangpu River**\n\n|  | Hk. taels | Bk. taels |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Balance from March quarter, 1907 | 22,177.51 |  |\n| (a.) Superintendent: on account grant | 100,000.00 |  |\n| (b.) Unclassed: sundry receipts | 80.00 | 241.47 |\n| (c) Gain by exchange |  |  |\n| Total net receipts | 100,321.47 |  |\n| Advances repaid | 1,739.55 |  |\n| Total | 124,177.53 |  |",
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-350 - Public Offices - 1908",
        "page_number": 350,
        "title": "CO129-350 - Public Offices - 1908",
        "content_text": "**CONFIDENTIAL.**\n\n## CHINA TRADE.\n\n### No. 1.\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey. (Received December 28.)\n\n(No. 520.) Sir,\n\nPeking, November 8, 1907.\n\nIN my despatch No. 487 of the 10th ultimo, I had the honour to bring to your notice the action of the Customs authorities at Chefoo in imposing a fine on a British steamer.\n\nI have now the honour to forward to you copy of a further despatch from His Majesty's Consul at that port reporting the return by the Commissioner of Customs of the fine imposed, and his own decision of the question.\n\nI have approved the action taken by Mr. Brady as reported in his despatch.\n\nI have, &c.\n\n(Signed) J. N. JORDAN,\n\n#### Inclosure 1 in No. 1.\n\n(No. 14) Sir,\n\nConsul Brady to Sir J. Jordan.\n\nChefoo, October 25, 1907.\n\nREFERRING to your despatch No. 10 of the 7th instant, I have the honour to inform you that the fine of 100 taels imposed by the Commissioner of Customs on the steam-ship \"Lienshing\" has now been returned, and the matter amicably arranged to the satisfaction of both Mr. Unwin and Messrs. Cornabe, Eckford and Co, on the lines suggested by you and Sir Robert Hart. There was a difficulty in regard to the holding of a joint investigation as the contraband cargo over which the dispute arose had not been seized, and the Customs had no desire to press the charge under Article XLVIII of the Tien-tsin Treaty; therefore, the only alternative short of the one adopted, was to bring the case into Court under Article 70 (iii) of the `Order in Council, 1904`. The Customs, however, as you are aware, have always had a rooted objection to appear as prosecutors before His Majesty's Courts, and in the present instance Mr. Unwin preferred I should deal with the matter out of Court.\n\nI inclose copies of the correspondence that has taken place. I have had no official acknowledgment of my despatch to the Commissioner, but he has written to me privately expressing his thanks for the action taken by me, and explaining that he deferred writing officially until he had had an opportunity of seeing the Taotai, who is at present absent in Peking. The case, however, can now be considered closed.\n\nI have, &c.\n\n(Signed) HERBERT F. BRADY.\n\n#### Inclosure 2 in No. 1.\n\nSir,\n\nCustoms to Consul Brady.\n\nCustom-house, Chefoo, October 16, 1907.\n\nAS you are aware, the steam-ship \"Lienshing\" received on board on the 1st August last twenty cases containing gunpowder and other ammunition without Customs permit. The circumstances under which this shipment took place and the Customs action that followed are known to you, and have been the subject of correspondence between yourself and His Britannic Majesty's Minister at Peking. As a result of this correspondence I have now received instructions from the Inspector-General of Customs to return to the agents of the vessel the fine of 100 Haikwan taels paid by them in settlement of the case on the 29th August, and to request you to punish the vessel concerned for taking in contraband cargo without a permit.\n\nPage 348",
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "page_number": 351,
        "title": "CO129-350 - Public Offices - 1908",
        "content_text": "## Inclosure 3 in No. 1\n### Consul Brady to Messrs. Cornabe, Eckford and Co.\n\nGentlemen,\n\nChefoo, October 18, 1907.\n\nAs I informed you on Wednesday, I have received a despatch from His Majesty's Minister in regard to the infliction by the Customs of the fine of 100 taels on Messrs. Jardine, Matheson, and Co's, steamer \"Lienshing.\"\n\nThe charge which the Commissioner preferred against the vessel and for which he imposed the fine was, as you are aware, that the master had wittingly taken on board without permit and without informing the Customs, twenty cases of munitions of war in contravention of the 3rd Article of the Tariff Rules which strictly prohibits all trading in such articles. The fact that the master had done so was not at any time in dispute, but the circumstances under which the goods were shipped were such that at the time they seemed to throw the responsibility, if not wholly, at least in a great measure, on others, and for that reason I gave you what support I could in your protest to the Commissioner. It was, however, rather to the manner in which the case had been dealt with that I chiefly took exception, the Commissioner having imposed the fine under the terms of your annual guarantee, or bond, and having threatened that unless it were promptly paid all privileges would be withdrawn from the steamer.\n\nThis action appeared to me so unwarranted and so entirely opposed to the procedure laid down by Treaty and Regulation that I felt it my duty to protest against it and to report it to His Majesty's Minister. In doing so I pointed out that the sole object of the bond was to facilitate the prompt dispatch of vessels by guaranteeing to the Customs the payment of all duties on cargoes landed irrespective of whether the ship was in port or not; that for the Customs to make use of it for any other purpose, for instance to enforce fines, or to compel obedience to any order the Commissioner might choose to give, was improper, and that to allow this interpretation would be granting a power, I considered, which might easily be abused, and which would enable the ordinary procedure prescribed by Treaty to be overridden. In this view, I am glad to say, His Majesty's Minister concurred, and in the representations which he addressed to the Inspector-General, he stated that the use which Mr. Unwin had attempted to make of the guarantee was not contemplated by the wording of the instrument and constituted a precedent for withdrawing British vessels from their national jurisdiction to which he felt obliged to take exception.\n\nThe result of the Minister's intervention has been that the Commissioner has received instructions from the Inspector-General to refund the fine to you, and to leave me to deal with the case either on such evidence as I already possess, or by holding a joint investigation.\n\nThis decision safeguards the principle that breaches of Treaty, or Customs Regulations, by British vessels shall be adjudicated upon by His Majesty's Consuls, while it also places beyond all doubt the interpretation which is to be given to the guarantee, and is therefore entirely satisfactory. It does not, however, unfortunately, dispose of the charge against the master of the \"Lienshing\" for shipping contraband goods. In regard to this, as I have already said, there is no disputing the fact that he allowed the munitions of war to be taken on board his vessel, while it is equally clear from the evidence that has been produced, that he did so with full knowledge that he was doing what was wrong. The fact that you appear to have thought that the matter could be set right by reporting the irregularity to the Customs the next morning by no means exonerates him from blame, or from his liability to punishment. That being so, the only question to be decided is how the case shall be dealt with. The Customs authorities, who have no desire to press it unduly, have expressed their willingness to leave it in my hands, and as I understand you are also prepared to abide by any decision I may come to, without recourse being had to legal proceedings, I have come to the conclusion, after carefully considering all the circumstances, that the Minister's instructions will be carried out and justice met by your submitting to a fine of 100 taels. If you are willing to accept this settlement, the matter may be considered at an end.\n\nI am, &c.\n(Signed) **HERBERT F. BRADY**\n\n## Inclosure 4 in No. 1\n### Messrs. Cornabe, Eckford and Co. to Consul Brady\n\nDear Sir,\n\nChefoo, October 21, 1907.\n\nWe are in receipt of your letter of the 18th instant, and now beg on behalf of Messrs. Jardine, Matheson and Co. (Limited), as well as on our own behalf, to express our thanks for the support you have given us in connection with the steam-ship \"Lienshing\" case.\n\nWe recognize that your action in the matter has resulted in the obtaining of a clear definition of the purpose and scope of the annual guarantee, a definition which will be of much value to the shipping community here and elsewhere.\n\nWe agree that someone was blameworthy in allowing the contraband to go out of port without a Customs permit. We are quite willing to take the blame ourselves, but it would appear that the master is technically responsible. Both the master and ourselves were well aware that, by a mistake on the part of others, contraband was on board and that a rule was broken by the vessel leaving with it. In explanation, therefore, we would say that we were guided in our decision by our previous knowledge of the slow-working of the custom-house machinery. Had we informed the custom-house officer at the time the discovery was made, there is no doubt that the ship would have been detained until the next day pending investigation. It was important that the vessel should get away quickly and we, therefore, decided to despatch her, trusting to our being able to set the irregularity right with the Commissioner the following morning.\n\nThere is, of course, no doubt that from the Imperial Maritime Customs' point of view, our action was wrong, and we, therefore, beg to inclose our cheque for the sum of 100 Haikwan taels for the favour of transmission to the Commissioner.\n\nI am, &c. Per pro. Cornabe, Eckford and Co.,\n(Signed) **J. HOWARD STOOKE**\n\n## Inclosure 5 in No. 1\n### Consul Brady to Customs\n\nChefoo, October 23, 1907.\n\nI have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 16th instant, in which you laid a formal charge against the master of the steam-ship \"Lienshing\" of having, on the 1st August last, received on board his vessel certain contraband cargo in contravention of the Regulations, and at the same time requested me to take such measures as might seem advisable for the due punishment of the offence.\n\nFrom your thus placing the matter in my hands to deal with as I might think best, I understand that you were willing to waive your right to have the case investigated under the Joint Investigation Rules, and also that you had no desire to proceed criminally against the master, provided it were possible for me to deal with the offence in an equitable manner without its being made the subject of a case in Court. This course is, in fact, the one which, after carefully considering the instructions we had received from Peking, we mutually decided would be the most convenient to adopt in view of the difficulties attending any other form of inquiry, and I accordingly at once proceeded to carry out your request.\n\nPage 349",
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        "page_number": 352,
        "title": "CO129-350 - Public Offices - 1908",
        "content_text": "## CONFIDENTIAL\n\nI have now the honour to acquaint you with the result of my action. In so doing, a cursory review of the facts may not be out of place, as the circumstances under which the offence was committed were peculiar. The packages, as you are aware, were shipped by the consignors without notice of any kind being given to the agents of the steamer, and were received on board in ignorance of the fact that they contained explosives; it was only after they had been taken delivery of and were being stowed in the hold that the discovery was made. This occurred late in the evening when the Customs Offices were closed, and the agents, in their anxiety that the steamer should not be delayed, hurriedly decided to allow her to proceed and to report the matter to you the first thing the following morning, which they did. In taking this responsibility upon themselves, there is no question they placed themselves in the wrong and were guilty of a serious irregularity, but that they had any intention to defraud the Customs, or to commit a deliberate breach of Regulations, cannot, I think, be imputed to them.\n\nThe action of the master, on the other hand, is less excusable; it was his duty to see that no contraband cargo was admitted on board his vessel without proper documents, and, as I informed Messrs. Cornabe, Eckford and Co., the fact that they appeared to have thought that the matter could be set right by reporting the irregularity to you the following morning by no means exonerated him from blame, or relieved him of his liability to punishment.\n\nWhen the case was first brought to my notice, as you are aware, I was strongly of the opinion that the real offenders were the American naval authorities, as it was admittedly owing to negligence on their part that the mistake arose, and hence I considered that the proper course was to seize, and, if necessary, confiscate the stores; but, however we may regard this view of the case, there is no denying that the Treaty imposes upon the master of a vessel, and on him alone, the responsibility for any breach of regulation that takes place on board his ship, and I thought it only right, therefore, to bring this fact to the notice of Messrs. Cornabe, Eckford and Co., to whom I explained that were the case to come before me judicially, I should have no option but to enforce the law against the master of the Lienshing. I mentioned to them, however, that neither you nor I were anxious to press the point unduly, and that as you had placed the case in my hands to deal with as I thought best, so long as a just settlement were arrived at, I would advise them to submit to any decision I might come to, otherwise, I added, the case would have to be brought into Court. Messrs. Cornabe, Eckford and Co. readily fell in with this proposal, as I fully expected they would do, and this enabled me to at once consider the merits of the case. The conclusion I came to after a review of the evidence was that the master should be called upon to pay a fine of 100 Haikwan taels, which was the sum you considered would meet the gravity of the offence. There was no reason, so far as I could see, why it should be reduced, nor yet increased, and upon my communicating this decision to Messrs. Cornabe, Eckford and Co., they at once sent me a cheque for the amount, and expressed their satisfaction that I had been able to arrange the matter in an amicable way. I trust this solution will also prove satisfactory to you, and in remitting you the fine, I take the opportunity to record my appreciation of the friendly feeling shown by you throughout the conduct of this unpleasant case, and to thank you for the frankness with which you have met me in discussing it.\n\nI should be much obliged by your furnishing me at your convenience with a receipt (in duplicate) for Messrs. Cornabe, Eckford and Co.'s cheque, so that I can forward it to them and thus close the case.\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government]\n\n## CHINA TRADE\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n[38634]\n\n(No. 239.)\n\nSir,\n\n## No. 1.\n\n[November 25.]\n\n## SECTION 2.\n\nSir C. MacDonald to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received November 25.)\n\nTokić, October 28, 1907.\n\nI HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 175 of the 26th August last, on the subject of the alleged discrimination of railway rates to Dairen to the detriment of Newchwang.\n\nIt appears that this despatch crossed my No. 194 of the 5th ultimo dealing with the same subject, and, pending the perusal of that despatch by yourself, I have refrained from any further action other than sending your despatch under reply, together with its inclosures, to His Majesty's Vice-Consul at Dairen for any further observations he may have to make.\n\nI have the honour to transmit herewith copy of a despatch from Mr. Parlett, inclosing a translation of Regulations issued by the South Manchurian Railway Company governing the subject of rebates. These Regulations do not appear to have any important bearing on the question under discussion.\n\nI have, &c.\n\n(Signed) CLAUDE M. MacDONALD,\n\n## Inclosure 1 in No. 1.\n\nVice-Consul Parlett to Sir C. MacDonald.\n\nDairen, September 29, 1907.\n\nI HAVE the honour to inclose herewith, for your Excellency's information, a translation, which has been sent me by the South Manchurian Railway Company, of the Regulations governing the granting of rebates to persons who pay annually over a certain amount of freight. I have not been supplied with a copy of the original.\n\nJudging from present conditions, it would seem as if some time must elapse before these Regulations can have much practical interest for British merchants here.\n\nI have, &c.\n\n(Signed) HAROLD G. PARLETT.\n\nI have, &c.\n\n(Signed) HERBERT F. BRADY.\n\n## Inclosure 2 in No. 1.\n\nRegulations concerning the Allowance of Rebates by the South Manchurian Railway Company. (Translation.)\n\n### ARTICLE 1.\n\nThe South Manchurian Railway Company will allow rebates at the following rates to persons who pay large freight charges yearly by shipping great quantities of goods:\n\n| Freight Charges (Yen) | Rebate Rate |\n| --- | --- |\n| Under 150,000 over 100,000 |  |\n| 200,000 - 150,000 | 8/100 |\n| 250,000 - 200,000 | 35/1000 |\n| 300,000 - 250,000 | 1 |\n| 350,000 - 300,000 | 4/100 |\n| 400,000 - 350,000 | 15/1000 |\n| 450,000 - 400,000 | 5/100 |\n| 500,000 - 450,000 | 55/1000 |\n| Over 500,000 | 7/100 |\n\n12724 b6--2] \n350",
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        "title": "CO129-350 - Public Offices - 1908",
        "content_text": "## Article 2 \nof the loan. This amount of 500,000l., or whatever portion thereof is actually advanced, together with interest thereon not exceeding a charge of 6 per cent. per annum, shall be deducted from the proceeds of the first sale of the bonds.\n\n## Art. 4. \nThe rate of interest for the loan shall be 5 per cent. per annum on the nominal principal and shall be paid by the Imperial Chinese Government during the time of construction either from the proceeds of the loan or from other sources, and afterwards, in the first place, out of the revenue of the railway, and then from such other revenue as the Chinese Government may think fit to use for the purpose in quarterly instalments according to the amounts and dates of the schedule attached to this Agreement.\n\n## Art. 5. \nThe term of the loan shall be thirty years. Except as provided for in Article 6, hereinafter, repayment of principal shall commence in the eleventh year from the date of the loan, and shall be made by a yearly sinking fund to the Syndicate banks in quarterly instalments out of the revenue of the line or such other revenues as the Chinese Government may think fit to use for the purpose according to the amounts and dates of the schedule attached to this Agreement.\n\n## Art. 6. \nIf at any time after the lapse of ten years from the date of the loan the Imperial Chinese Government should desire to redeem the whole outstanding amount of the loan, or any part of it, not yet due for repayment in accordance with the schedule of repayments hereto attached, it may do so until the thirtieth year, by payment of a premium of 2 per cent. on the face value of the bonds (that is to say, by payment of 102l. 10s. for each 100 bond), and after the twentieth year without premium; but in each and every case of such extra redemption the Imperial Chinese Government shall give six months' notice in writing to the Syndicate banks, and such redemption shall be effected by additional drawings of bonds, to take place on the date of an ordinary drawing, as provided for in the prospectus of the loan.\n\n## Art. 7. \nThe Deutsch-Asiatische Bank and the Hong Kong and Shanghae Banking Corporation are hereby appointed agents for the service of the loan and the quarterly payments due for amortization and interest—except as otherwise provided in Article 4—shall be made in accordance with the amounts and dates of the schedule attached to this Agreement, to the said banks by the Director-General, who shall hand to the banks in Shanghae or in Tien-tsin on the dates named in the schedule, funds in Shanghae or Tien-tsin sycee sufficient to meet such payments in gold in Europe, exchange for which shall be settled with the said banks on the same day, the Railway Administration having, however, the option of settling exchange with the two banks at any date or dates within six months previous to any due date for the repayment of interest and principal. These payments may, however, be made in gold if the Imperial Chinese Government should happen to have gold funds bona fide at their disposal in Europe not remitted from China for the purpose and desire so to use them.\n\nIn reimbursement of expenses connected with the payment of interest and the repayment of principal of the loan the Hong Kong and Shanghae Bank and the Deutsch-Asiatische Bank will receive a commission of one-quarter per cent. on the annual loan service.\n\n## Art. 8. \nThe Imperial Government of China hereby engages that the interest and principal of this loan shall duly be paid in full, and should the revenue of the railway, and/or the proceeds of the loan not be sufficient to provide for the due and full payment of interest and repayment of principal, the Director-General shall memorialize the Throne and the Imperial Government of China will thereupon make arrangements to insure that the amount of deficiency shall be met from other sources and handed over to the banks on the date upon which funds are required to complete full payment of interest and repayment of principal.\n\n## Art. 9. \nThe loan is hereby secured:—\n| No. | Security Details | Amount (Haikwan taels) |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| 1 | Li-kin and internal revenues of the Province of Chihli | 1,200,000 a-year |\n| 2 | Li-kin and internal revenues of the Province of Shantung | 1,600,000 a-year |\n| 3 | Revenue of the Nanking Li-kin Collectorate and of the Huai-an native customs in the Province of Kiangsu | 900,000 and 100,000 taels a-year |\n\nThe provincial revenues as above stated are hereby declared to be free from all other loans, charges, or mortgages.\n\nSo long as principal and interest of the loan are regularly paid there shall be no interference with these provincial revenues; but if principal or interest of the loan be in default at due date, then after a reasonable period of grace li-kin and suitable internal revenues of the three provinces sufficient to provide the amounts above stated shall forthwith be transferred to, and be administered by, the Imperial Maritime Customs, in the interests of the bondholders. And so long as this loan or any part thereof shall remain unredeemed it shall have priority both as regards principal and interest over all future loans, charges, and mortgages charged on the above-mentioned revenues of the three provinces. No loan, charge, or mortgage shall be raised or created which shall take precedence of, or be on equality with, this loan, or which shall in any manner lessen or impair its security over the revenues of the three provinces as above stated; and any future loan, charge, or mortgage charged on the said revenues of the three provinces shall be made subject to this loan, and it shall be so expressed in every Agreement for every such future loan, charge, or mortgage. It is understood and agreed that so long as this loan is unredeemed the railway shall under no circumstances be mortgaged nor its receipts given as security to any other party.\n\nIn the event of the Chinese Government during the currency of this loan entering definite arrangements for the revision of Customs Tariff accompanied by stipulations for decrease or abolition of li-kin, it is hereby agreed, on the one hand, that such revision shall not be barred by the fact that this loan is secured by li-kin and provincial revenues, and, on the other hand, that whatever li-kin is required to provide the security of this loan shall neither be decreased nor abolished except by previous arrangement with the Syndicate, and then only in so far as an equivalent is substituted for it in the shape of a first charge upon the increase of customs revenue consequent upon such revision.\n\n## Art. 10. \nThe Syndicate will be authorized to issue to the subscribers to the loan bonds for the total amount of the loan for such amounts as may appear advisable to the Syndicate banks. The form of the bonds shall be settled by the Syndicate in consultation with the Director-General or the Chinese Ministers in London and Berlin. The bonds shall be engraved in English or German as may be required; they shall bear the facsimile of the signature of the Director-General and of his seal of office, in order to dispense with the necessity of signing them all in person. But the Chinese Minister in London or Berlin, as the case may be, shall previous to the issue of any bonds, put his seal upon each bond with a facsimile of his signature, as a proof that the issue and sale of the bonds are duly authorized by, and binding upon, the Imperial Chinese Government, and the representatives of the Syndicate in London and/or Berlin shall countersign the bonds as agents for the issue of the loan.\n\nIn the event of bonds issued for this loan being lost, stolen, or destroyed, the Syndicate banks shall immediately notify the Director-General and the Chinese Minister in London and/or Berlin, as the case requires, who shall authorize the Syndicate to insert an advertisement in the public newspapers notifying that payment of the same has been stopped, and to take such other steps as may appear advisable or necessary according to the laws and customs of the country concerned; and should such bonds not be recovered after a lapse of time to be fixed by the Syndicate banks, the Director-General or the Chinese Minister in London or Berlin, as the case may be, shall seal and execute duplicate bonds for a like amount and hand them to the banks, by whom all expenses in connection therewith shall be defrayed.\n\n## Art. 11. \nAll bonds and coupons and payments made and received in connection with the service of this loan shall be exempt from all Chinese taxes and imposts during the currency of the loan.\n\n## Art. 12. \nAll details necessary for the prospectus and connected with the payment of the interest and repayment of the principal of this loan, not herein explicitly provided for, shall be left to the arrangements of the Syndicate banks in consultation with the Chinese Ministers in London and Berlin. The Syndicate will be authorized to issue the prospectus of the loan as soon as possible after the signing of this Agreement, and the Imperial Chinese Government will instruct the Chinese Ministers in London and Berlin to co-operate with the Syndicate in any matters requiring conjoint action and to sign the prospectus of the loan.\n\n## Art. 13. \nThe loan shall be issued to the public in two or more series of bonds, the first issue to be made to the amount of 3,000,000l. as soon as possible after the signature of this Agreement, and not later than twelve months from the date thereof. The price to the Imperial Chinese Government of the first series of bonds shall be 93 per cent. of their nominal value. The second and any subsequent series shall be issued in time to permit of uninterrupted continuance of the work of construction, in amounts to be determined by the Director-General, and the price payable to the Chinese Government in respect to these series shall be the actual rate of... \n\nPage 413",
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-350 - Public Offices - 1908",
        "page_number": 452,
        "title": "CO129-350 - Public Offices - 1908",
        "content_text": "443\n\n4\n\ncompleted. These additions are being made by hard-headed business men who are not likely to invest their capital without counting the cost; but I shall speak of this later when I deal with Tairen.\n\nAn English merchant at Newchwang bitterly complained to me that on indenting for cotton goods on samples sent out from England he was informed in reply that the goods could not be supplied for a year or more, and then only at prices higher than quoted with the samples. I am forwarding with this Report samples of Japanese sheetings, which are finding great favour in Manchuria, owing, it is alleged, to the readiness with which they take the dye as compared with British or American manufactured goods, and I may mention here that I have good authority for stating that Japanese merchants, in order to capture the Manchurian market, not infrequently mix their own inferior cottons with English goods at, if not under, cost price.\n\nJapanese Railway to Tairen.\n\nI left Newchwang for Tairen at 8:40 p.m. of the 27th September, and arrived at 11:30 A.M. the following day; but, after accomplishing the 13 miles between Newchwang and Ta Shih Ch'iao on the main line, I had to wait at the latter from 9:25 P.M. till 1:46 A.M., when I caught the down, or, as it is called by the Japanese, the up train from Mukden. It is a somewhat weird experience to enter a railway carriage in the middle of the night and find nearly all the seats fully occupied with recumbent figures closely wrapped in white cotton blankets, which are such an eyesore to the British manufacturer of woollen goods. In each 2nd class carriage there was one, and in each 3rd class carriage two, Japanese railway guards fully armed, marked by wooden labels with the characters for \"escort's seat,\" but the men stood to attention the whole time. They were relieved at various stations. A third rail was being laid down in places to the standard gauge, and here and there the track was being widened for the double line to be constructed between Tairen and Mukden.\n\nTairen (Dalny).\n\nAn excellent view of Tairen and of Ta-lien Bay, along whose southern shore it is built, is obtained from the hills which run east and west behind the town. I had previously visited it as Dalny when in Russian hands, the administration quarter of the town, on high ground on the north-west side, was still uncompleted, and the harbour works were in course of construction. The administration quarter, which was built on a lavish scale, still remains the best part of the town, for, although a considerable part of the area laid down in the Russian plan has been and is being built over, the houses are inferior, many of them mere lath and plaster hidden by cemented exteriors. The passenger station is situated near the administration quarter, but the railway opening out into numerous sidings is continued through a cutting, over which a rather pretentious brick-cemented bridge is almost completed, to the docks and wharves. The population was given to me by a Japanese friend, formerly Consul-General at Shanghai, who did much to satisfy my inquisitiveness, as 30,000, of which 20,000 and 10,000 were Japanese and Chinese respectively; but Mr. Parlett, His Britannic Majesty's Vice-Consul, discounts the total by about 5,000. Streets on the Asiatic side of Russia are notoriously bad, and, although those in the administration quarter may be described as fairly good, Japan has had neither the time nor the money to put this part of her house in order. Tairen is still too evidently in a state of transition, and it will be some time before the town can be made presentable to a European eye. With the exception of four small Chinese hand-worked bean mills, there are as yet no industrial undertakings in Tairen; but a large bean mill jointly Japanese (Mitsui Bussan Kaisha) and Chinese (from Newchwang) with foreign machinery is in course of construction. That the Chinese are from Newchwang, and bean-mill owners there is a significant fact. The foreigners resident in Tairen are fourteen all told. There are two British firms, one which has laid claim to be British, but has failed to satisfy the proper authorities in Tairen and elsewhere in Manchuria of its genuineness, and a German; but they do little business, and are more steamer agents than merchants. The town is full of small Japanese and Chinese retail shops, but genuine wholesale Japanese traders number less than a dozen. Regulations of the Kwantung Government now in force do not tend to encourage foreigners: they fail to provide for fixity of tenure, without which firms are unlikely to start business, and, although the authorities profess that there need be no fear of ejectment, they decline to put it in writing. Nor is any encouragement held out to the Chinese to take part in the development of the port, for the Japanese authorities, without any warning, may and do demolish Chinese houses on the ground that they are insanitary. Under such conditions Chinese traders are scarcely likely to take up their residence there. My Japanese friend informed me that Japanese banks and traders are treated in exactly the same way, and an endeavour is being made to have the Regulations revised and amended.\n\nOn the day of my arrival in Tairen there were four steamers outside the breakwater and one large British steamer—the \"Indravelli,\" of Liverpool—two smaller Japanese steamers, and a number of small craft and tow boats alongside the wharves. The quay is lined with corrugated-iron godowns surrounded by railway sidings, and a double track on which laden trucks were standing occupied the quay itself. In a word, there is every possible railway facility for the shipping and discharging of cargo from and to the interior of Manchuria. But, as in Newchwang, times were dull; the godowns were far from full; and the extent of the trade since the opening of the custom-house on the 1st July may be gauged by the amount of revenue collected. In July it was 14,000 Haikwan taels, in August 7,000, and the September collection up to date was poor; but, as I have already stated, Tairen is in a state of transition, and it is yet too early to judge of its effect on the trade of Manchuria. It has the natural advantage of being open to steamer traffic all the year round, while Newchwang is closed by ice for four months. It has the railway facilities for handling cargo not possessed by Newchwang, for at the latter port cargo has to cross or ascend the river to be forwarded by the Chinese or Japanese lines, and transit costs money; and although railway freight to stations south of Mukden is heavier by the Japanese lines from Tairen than from Newchwang, the cost of transit mentioned above must go far to discount the difference, while the equality of freight to places north of Mukden, where the great producing and distributing centres are situated, is strongly in favour of Tairen. It is true that the Imperial Railways of North China are competing successfully with the Japanese line from Newchwang to Mukden; and had the British Concession on the north bank of the Liao been acquired, steamers could have loaded and landed their cargoes from and into godowns close to the Chinese railway which desired the right of way into the proposed Concession when the negotiations were being carried on in 1899.\n\nThe Japanese are continuing the work of afforesting the hills south of the town which was begun by the Russians, and on the lower slopes the pines have attained a height of over 6 feet. There are extensive nurseries full of pine saplings raised from Japanese seed which were being carefully tended by Chinese under Japanese superintendence, and there is an experimental farm in which dry rice was being treated in separate plots with different chemical manures, the other cereals being the millets known as Holcus sorghum and Setaria italica so common throughout Manchuria. Of fibre plants, hemp (Cannabis sativa), abutilon hemp (Abutilon Avicennæ), and cotton from American seed were all being tried, and the Japanese Superintendent informed me that the cotton was showing signs of being an excellent crop. The sugar beet was also a success. Several varieties of cabbages, turnips, taros, and melons were also the subject of experiment; the brinjal or egg-plant gave poor results, and a Japanese capsicum splendid results; peppermint showed a fine bushy growth; and there was a plot of young mulberries which in Japan are manured with macerated bean-cake. A tuber from Japan called \"Gobo,\" which is unknown to China, was also being cultivated. Flowers of many kinds and varieties were being tried; but the soil of the Kwantung territory is undoubtedly the poorest, as it is the stoniest, part of the Liaotung Peninsula and of Manchuria generally.\n\nThe accompanying plan of the town and harbour was issued by the Civil Administration Office of Tairen during the present year.*\n\nTairen to Chemulpo.\n\nTairen is an expensive place, as indeed is the whole of Manchuria at the present time, and it may be a slight exaggeration to say that a house proprietor is able to recoup his initial outlay by a couple of years' rental. My room with board at a Japanese hotel cost 10 dollars a-day, and as I found that I would have to wait about a week for a steamer to Antung, I resolved to take the first ship to Chemulpo and proceed by rail to Seoul, Ping-yang, and Hsin Yi Chou on the left bank of the Yalu River, 14 miles below the City of Antung, which lies on the right bank and in Manchuria.\n\n* Not reproduced.\n\n[28137-2]",
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    {
        "id": 415825,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-350 - Public Offices - 1908",
        "page_number": 520,
        "title": "CO129-350 - Public Offices - 1908",
        "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nCHINA TRADE.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[1047]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n517\n\n[January 16th]\n\nSPORTON\n\nINFE\n\nFEB 08\n\n(No. 555.) Sir,\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received January 11, 1908.)\n\nPeking, November 27, 1907.\n\nDURING the past year reports have from time to time been sent to you of the progress of the measures which the Chinese Government and the provincial authorities were taking for enforcing the Opium Decree of the 20th September, 1906, but the information thus furnished was necessarily of a somewhat fragmentary character,\n\nIn order to convey an adequate idea of the results attained during the first year in which the Decree has been operative, I requested Mr. Leech, the Councillor of the Legation, to bring all the information at our disposal into a general and accessible form, and the result is the Report which I have now the honour to transmit to you, and which will, I venture to think, prove both instructive and useful,\n\nI have, &c. (Signed) J. N. JORDAN.\n\nInclosure in No. 1.\n\nGeneral Report on Opium.\n\nGLOSSARY.\n\nTHE following glossary is given of words used in this Report, which may not be familiar to those who read it-\n\nTAOTAL: The Intendant of a circuit usually composed of several prefectures within a province.\n\nYAMEN: An official residence.\n\nMANDARIN: A general term for an official.\n\nGENTRY: Influential people, not necessarily landowners.\n\nTexashur: Consolidated provincial dues; in this Report applicable to native opium, which pays a uniform tax of 115 Kuping taels per picul, whether for export or consumption, and on payment of which the drug is labelled, and can then circulate freely throughout the Empire.\n\nLi-kin: An inland transit tax.\n\nCONCESSION: An area of land leased in perpetuity by a foreign Government from the Chinese Government.\n\nSETTLEMENT: An area of land selected as a suitable place for foreigners to reside.\n\nCATTY: 1⅓ lbs.\n\nPICUL: 133⅓ lbs. (100 catties).\n\nMACE: 1/10th of a tael.\n\nHAIKWAN TAEL: The average demand value was 3s. 3½d. in 1906.\n\nKUPING TAEL: Is the Government Treasury tael, differing slightly from a Haikwan tael.\n\nCASH: About 1,200 are equal to 1 tael.\n\nDOLLAR: Present exchange is 2s. 7¼d.\n\nAS a year has now elapsed since the issue by the Chinese Government of the eleven Regulations framed for the enforcement of the Opium Edict of the 20th September, 1906, it will be of interest to review the results which have been so far obtained, and the measure of success which has attended the stupendous task of attempting by legislation\n\nPage 2\n\n \n(To be continued)",
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    {
        "id": 415826,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-350 - Public Offices - 1908",
        "page_number": 521,
        "title": "CO129-350 - Public Offices - 1908",
        "content_text": "to eradicate a national and popular vice in a country whose population is generally estimated at 400,000,000,\n\nChina has not hesitated to deal with a question which a European nation, with all the modern machinery of government and the power of enforcing its decisions, would probably have been unwilling to face.\n\nThough it is too early to expect any very definite result, the amount of success (and it is appreciable) which has hitherto been obtained produces the impression that the task which the Government has undertaken can be fulfilled, and shows conclusively that the Chinese people in general consider opium smoking a vice, from which they would willingly free themselves, inspired by what a missionary has aptly described as an ill-defined moral and patriotic motive.\n\nThe Court attaches great importance to the conscientious fulfilment of the Decree and Regulations, and the fact that the Central Government has found it necessary to adopt the unusual course of repeating the instructions at frequent intervals would seem to show that they are not altogether satisfied with the response which has been made. Moreover, the Decree of the 10th October, 1907, removing from their offices a number of high dignitaries and Princes who have failed to break off the opium habit within the limit of the prescribed time, indicates the determination of the Palace to insist on obedience.\n\nIf this example of the Court is upheld and followed by the authorities in the provinces, there seems no reason why the object of the Decree should not be attained in the specified term of ten years. The Vice-Presidents of the Censorate and of the Law Reform Committee, who were confirmed opium smokers, have recently died in consequence of having had to give up the habit. These sad results of virtue have caused the stringency of the Regulations to be relaxed, and those past 50 years of age are now to be allowed to continue smoking instead of 60 years; while those who have been addicted to the habit for ten years may continue to smoke in diminishing quantity during the ten years allowed for total abolition of opium.\n\nThe steps to be taken towards a general suppression of opium smoking practically only commenced in August last, and as the poppy is in most places a winter crop, and is usually sown in the late autumn, no reduction in the area under cultivation could be made last year in obedience to the Decree, while, as the seed is only now being sown, it is too early to judge how far the Regulations are being carried out in this respect.\n\nBefore explaining the action which has been taken in each province to carry out the Imperial Decree, it will be well to mention the difficulties with which the Government has to contend.\n\nForemost among those is the increasing difficulty experienced by the Central Government in enforcing their wishes in the provinces. The opium habit is one indulged in by all classes of society throughout the vast Empire, and is practically the principal, if not only, national stimulant. If opium goes, its place will not long be empty, and if its substitute is one which produces aggressive action rather than sedative inaction, the change will scarcely be a good one.\n\nThe loss of revenue will, under present conditions, be less severely felt by the Central Government than by the provinces. In a country where official statistics do not exist, and where there is often great irregularity of procedure, it is difficult to obtain figures which are absolutely reliable, but competent authorities assert that out of the total annual revenue of about 6,500,000l, collected on native opium only 1,750,000l, reaches the Central Government, the remainder being employed in the provinces. Formerly taxation on native opium varied in different provinces, but in July 1906 it was abandoned in favour of a uniform tax of 115 Kuping taels per picul, known as \"tungshui,\" leviable on all native opium, whether for export or local consumption. Once paid, the drug can circulate free throughout the Empire. Owing to the difficulties of enforcing this tax in the Province of Szechuan, the Central Government have permitted a return to the tax formerly levied, viz., 27-28 taels per picul and an additional 5-28 taels levied for railway purposes, which reduces the price of the drug in the province, but increases it in others, where it still has to pay the 115 taels \"tungshui\" on entering. Foreign raw opium pays 30 taels (Haikwan) import duty and 80 taels li-kin, and receives a Customs stamp which accords free circulation in China.\n\nThe prospective loss of revenue, however, is a matter which would not seem to have caused much anxiety to the Central Government, and, as far as can be ascertained, no concrete proposals have yet been made to replace the eventual loss to the Exchequer. In the provinces, however, the progress of the movement has been greatly hampered by the Revenue difficulty and the prospect of dislocated finances.\n\nPage 6\n\nWhether China can completely obtain the goal she seeks without Government control of opium, both native-grown and imported, is somewhat doubtful. She is debarred from doing so by Article V of the British Treaty of Nanking of 1842 and Article XIV of the French Treaty of Tien-tsin of 1858, which run as follows:----\n\nArticle V of the British Treaty of Nanking, 1842:\n\n\"The Government of China having compelled the British merchants trading at Canton to deal exclusively with certain Chinese merchants, called hong merchants (or co-hong), who had been licensed by the Chinese Government for this purpose, the Emperor of China agrees to abolish that practice in future at all ports where British merchants may reside, and to permit them to carry on their mercantile transactions with whatever persons they please; and His Imperial Majesty further agrees to pay to the British Government the sum of 3,000,000 dollars on account of debts due to British subjects by some of the said hong merchants, or co-hong, who have become insolvent, and who owe very large sums of money to subjects of Her Britannic Majesty.\"\n\nArticle XIV of the French Treaty of Tien-tsin of 1858:\n\n\"Aucune Société de Commerce privilégiée ne pourra désormais s'établir en Chine, et il en sera de même de toute coalition organisée dans le but d'exercer un monopole sur le commerce. En cas de contravention au présent Article, les autorités Chinoises, sur les représentations du Consul ou de l'Agent Consulaire, aviseront aux moyens de dissoudre de semblables Associations, dont elles s'efforceront d'ailleurs de prévenir l'existence par des prohibitions préalables, afin d'écarter tout ce qui pourrait porter atteinte à la libre concurrence.\"\n\nBoth in former years and since the issue of the Edict attempts have been made both in the direction of interfering with the importation of foreign opium and the establishment of official monopolies, and successfully opposed by Great Britain as contrary to Treaty stipulations.\n\nThe financial side of the question in connection with the establishment of a State control or monopoly is a very serious obstacle to be overcome should the matter ever come within the bounds of practical politics. In the cases where State control was recently commenced it was found necessary to seek the assistance of the native opium merchants in order to overcome the difficulty. Although China can deal with native-grown opium as she wishes, wherever the interests of British opium merchants have been affected by these monopolies complaint has been made, and they have in consequence been abandoned, except in the non-Treaty cities or ports where they have been established.\n\nOfficial control of any undertaking is in these days regarded in China with suspicion and dislike by the non-official classes, who would find no difficulty in convincing the people that the officials, so far from endeavouring to suppress the use of opium, were converting the traffic to their own advantage. However, it is evident that China cannot establish State control of foreign opium without the consent of the Treaty Powers, and, to judge from the past, it is questionable whether she would obtain the consent of all without having to pay very dearly by way of quid pro quo to some, and also doubtful if all would be prepared to approach the question from a purely moral standpoint.\n\nThe position of the Chinese Government in regard to the opium question is not dissimilar to that in which His Majesty's Government would find themselves if they desired to suppress the distillation and consumption of whisky in the British Isles without being able, owing to Treaty stipulations, to introduce efficient Government control or prevent the importation of the spirit from abroad.\n\nThe amount of opium produced in China in 1906 has been estimated at 330,000 piculs (a picul equals 1331/3 lbs.), and the accompanying map (Annex (C)) shows the various provinces and the amount of opium attributed to each, though the Province of Fukien is probably under-estimated. It will thus be seen that Szechuan alone produces close on two-thirds. Of this total production only 4,730 piculs were exported to foreign countries in 1906, of which the chief items were 4,013 piculs to French Indo-China, and 147 to Hong Kong, en route probably to Formosa. Foreign raw opium imported in the same year was as follows:\n\nPiculs.\nIndian-\nMalwa14,465\nPatna25,486\nBenares13,479\nOther kinds53,480\nTotal795\n54,225\n\nPage 3",
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        "id": 416066,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-351 - Public Offices - 1908",
        "page_number": 231,
        "title": "CO129-351 - Public Offices - 1908",
        "content_text": "Art. 5.-The term of the loan shall be thirty years. Repayment of principal shall commence after the expiry of ten years from the date of the loan and, except as provided in Article 6 hereinafter, shall be made by yearly amortization to the Deutsch-Asiatische Bank and the Hong Kong and Shanghae Banking Corporation in half-yearly instalments out of the revenue of the line, or such other revenues as the Chinese Government may think fit to use for the purpose, according to the amounts specified in the Schedule attached to this Agreement, but fourteen days before their due dates, Western calendar, as calculated half-yearly from the date on which the loan is issued to the public.\n\nArt. 6.If at any time after the lapse of ten years from the date of the loan the Imperial Chinese Government should desire to reduce the whole outstanding amount of the loan, or any part of it, not yet due for repayment in accordance with the Schedule of repayments hereto attached, it may do so until the twentieth year, by payment of a premium of 2 per cent, on the face value of the bonds (that is to say, by payment of 102l. 10s. for each 100l. bond), and after the twentieth year without premium; but in each and every case of such extra redemption, the Imperial Chinese Government shall give six months' notice in writing to the Syndicate, and such redemption shall be effected by additional drawings of bonds to take place on the date of an ordinary drawing as provided for in the prospectus of the loan.\n\nArt. 7.-The Deutsch-Asiatische Bank and the Hong Kong and Shanghae Banking Corporation having been appointed, by the German and British parties of the Syndicate respectively, agents for the service of the loan, the half-yearly payments due for amortization and interest, referred to in Articles 4 and 5, shall be made, in accordance with the amounts of the Schedule attached to this Agreement and fourteen days before their due dates as fixed by Articles 4 and 5, to these banks by the Director-General of the railway, who shall hand to the said banks in Shanghae or in Tien-tsin fourteen days before the said due dates, in shares to be arranged by the banks, funds in Shanghae or Tien-tsin sycee sufficient to meet such payments in gold in Europe, exchange for which shall be settled with the said banks on the same day, the Railway Administration having, however, the option of settling exchange with the two banks at any date or dates within six months previous to any due date for the repayment of interest and principal. These payments may, however, be made in gold, if the Imperial Chinese Government should happen to have gold funds bond fide at their disposal in Europe not remitted from China for the purpose and desire so to use them.\n\nIn reimbursement of expenses connected with the payment of interest and the repayment of principal of the loan, the Hong Kong and Shanghae Banking Corporation and Deutsch-Asiatische Bank will receive a commission of one quarter per cent, on the annual loan service.\n\nArt. 8. The Imperial Government of China hereby engages that the interest and principal of this loan shall duly be paid in full; and should the revenue of the railway and [or] the proceeds of the loan not be sufficient to provide for the due and full payment of interest and repayment of principal, the Director-General shall memorialize the Throne, and the Imperial Government of China will thereupon make arrangements to insure that the amount of deficiency shall be met from other sources and handed over to the banks on the date upon which funds are required, to complete full payment of interest and repayment of principal.\n\nArt. 9. The loan is hereby secured-\n\n1. By li-kin and internal revenues of the Province of Chihli to the amount of 1,200,000 Haikwan taels a-year;\n\n2. By li-kin and internal revenues of the Province of Shantung to the amount of 1,600,000 Haikwan taels a-year; and\n\n3. By the revenue of the Nanking Li-kin Collectorate (to the amount of 900,000 Haikwan taels a-year) and of the Huai-an Native Customs (to the amount of 100,000 Haikwan taels a-year), in the Province of Kiangsu.\n\nThe provincial revenues as above stated are hereby declared to be free from all other loans, charges, or mortgages.\n\nSo long as principal and interest of the loan are regularly paid there shall be no interference with these provincial revenues, but if principal or interest of the loan be in default at due date, then, after a reasonable period of grace, li-kin and suitable internal revenues of the three provinces sufficient to provide the amounts above stated shall forthwith be transferred to, and be administered by, the Imperial Maritime Customs in\n\n3\n\nthe interest of the bondholders. And so long as this loan, or any part thereof, shall remain unredeemed it shall have priority, both as regards principal and interest, over all future loans, charges, and mortgages charged on the above-mentioned revenues of the three provinces. No loan, charge, or mortgage shall be raised or created which shall take precedence of or be on equality with this loan, or which shall in any manner lessen or impair its security over the revenues of the three provinces as above stated; and any future loan, charge, or mortgage charged on the said revenues of the three provinces shall be made subject to this loan, and it shall be so expressed in every Agreement for every such future loan, charge, or mortgage. It is understood and agreed that so long as this loan is unredeemed the railway shall under no circumstances be mortgaged nor its receipts given as security to any other party.\n\nIn the event of the Chinese Government during the currency of this loan entering upon definite arrangements for the revision of Customs Tariff accompanied by stipulations for decrease or abolition of li-kin, it is hereby agreed, on the one hand, that such revision shall not be barred by the fact that this loan is secured by li-kin and provincial revenues, and, on the other hand, that whatever li-kin is required to provide the security of this loan shall neither be decreased nor abolished except by previous arrangement with the Syndicate, and then only in so far as an equivalent is substituted for it in the shape of a first charge upon the increase of customs revenue consequent upon such revision.\n\nArt. 10. The Syndicate is hereby authorized to issue to the subscribers to the loan bonds for the total amount of the loan for such amounts as may appear advisable to the Syndicate. The form of the bonds shall be settled by the Syndicate in consultation with the Director-General or the Chinese Ministers in London and Berlin. The bonds shall be engraved in Chinese and English or Chinese and German, as may be required; they shall bear the fac-simile of the signature of the Director-General and of his seal of office, in order to dispense with the necessity of signing them all in person. But the Chinese Minister in London or Berlin, as the case may be, shall, previous to the issue of any bonds, put his seal upon each bond, with a fac-simile of his signature, as a proof that the issue and sale of the bonds are duly authorized by and binding upon the Imperial Chinese Government, and the representatives of the Syndicate in London and [or] Berlin shall countersign the bonds as agents for the issue of the loan.\n\nIn the event of bonds issued for this loan being lost, stolen, or destroyed, the Syndicate shall immediately notify the Director-General and the Chinese Minister in London and [or] Berlin, as the case requires, who shall authorize the Syndicate to insert an advertisement in the public newspapers notifying that payment of the same has been stopped, and to take such other steps as may appear advisable or necessary according to the laws and customs of the country concerned; and should such bonds not be recovered after a lapse of time to be fixed by the Syndicate, the Director-General, or the Chinese Minister in London or Berlin, as the case may be, shall seal and execute duplicate bonds for a like amount and hand them to the Syndicate, by whom all expenses in connection therewith shall be defrayed.\n\nArt. 11. All bonds and coupons and payments made and received in connection with the service of this loan shall be exempt from all Chinese taxes and imposts during the currency of this loan.\n\nArt. 12. All details necessary for the prospectus and connected with the payment of the interest and repayment of the principal of this loan not herein explicitly provided for shall be left to the arrangement of the Syndicate in consultation with the Chinese Ministers in London and Berlin. The Syndicate is hereby authorized to issue the prospectus of the loan as soon as possible after the signing of this Agreement, and the Imperial Government will instruct the Chinese Ministers in London and Berlin to co-operate with the Syndicate in any matters requiring conjoint action, and to sign the prospectus of the loan.\n\nArt. 13. The loan shall be issued to the public in two or more series of bonds, the first issue to be made to the amount of 3,000,000l. as soon as possible after the signature of this Agreement and not later than twelve months from the date thereof. The price to the Imperial Chinese Government of the first series of bonds shall be 93 per cent. of their nominal value. The second and any subsequent series shall be issued in time to permit of uninterrupted continuance of the work of construction, in amounts to be determined by the Director-General, and the price payable to the Chinese Government in respect of these series shall be the actual rate of their issue to the public, less flotation charges of 5 points retainable by the Syndicate (that is to say, a charge of 5l. 10s. for every 100l. bond issued). Subscriptions will be invited by the Syndicate in Europe and in China both from Chinese and Europeans on equal conditions, preference\n\n228",
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        "page_number": 451,
        "title": "CO129-352 - Public Offices - 1908",
        "content_text": "2\n\n3\n\n448\n\n(No. 41.) Sir,\n\nInclosure 2 in No. 1.\n\nConsul-General Sir P. Warren to Sir J. Jordan.\n\nShanghae, April 4, 1908.\n\nI HAVE the honour to forward to you herewith a copy of a letter which was addressed on the 27th February last by the local branch of the China Association to the parent body in London with reference to the alleged obstruction by the Japanese of foreign trade in Manchuria and their opposition to railway development in that region.\n\ntion of Syndicate goods. The granting and withholding of these facilities doubtless accounts for the falling off in Manchurian trade from Shanghae.\n\nWe have been unable to get details of the exports to Manchuria from Japan for 1907, but from February 1906 to August 1907 the imports of American goods into Dalny is stated to have been 6,000 bales against 29,000 bales of Japanese manufacture.\n\nThe following figures are instructive :-\n\n1907.\n\n1st July to 31st December, 1907.\n\nI have, &c.\n\n(Signed)\n\nPELHAM L WARREN.\n\n  \n    \n    Net foreign imports\n    native imports\n    Exports..\n  \n  \n    Newchwang.\n    Haikwan taels.\n    10,587,235\n    \n    \n  \n  \n    Dairen.\n    Haikwan tuels.\n    32,437,793\n    183,591\n    3,231,145\n  \n  \n    \n    \n    5,995,845\n    15,711,583\n    \n  \n  \n    Total\n    \n    32,294,663\n    \n    35,952,528\n  \n\nDear Sir,\n\nInclosure 3 in No. 1.\n\nShanghae Branch to China Association, London.\n\nFebruary 27, 1908.\n\nON the 25th instant we telegraphed to you as follows through the Hong Kong and Shanghae Bank, and have now to add the following observations in support of the views therein expressed :—\n\n\"Reports from Manchuria indicate continuance Japanese obstruction foreign trade--- coupled with opposition railway development hinterland Newchwang indicates settled Japanese policy adoption of Russian ante bellum attitude-if acquiesced in policy must lead revival sphere of influence régime and negation open door.\n\nLocal feeling growing that Japanese professions co-operation Great Britain support of mutual interests insincere. Fear Japanese action Manchuria will prove bad example Germans Shantung.\"\n\nI trust this reached you intelligibly.\n\nAs your Committee are doubtless aware, it is extremely difficult in a distant country like Manchuria to get chapter and verse for specific cases of obstruction to trade. The Japanese are far too clever to allow definite cases to arise in which clear evidence can be quoted against them; as the trade is almost entirely in the hands of Chinese and their own people, they doubtless feel a considerable degree of confidence that evidence of their action towards foreign trade cannot be produced.\n\nWe have, however, the evidence of captains of local British steamers trading to Dairen complaining time after time of obstacles being put in the way of their ships-- delay in allotting berths to them; only allowing them a limited time at the wharf; curtailing the hours during which loading or discharging is permitted-and pointing out that Japanese steamers can work on much more favourable conditions than British.\n\nThe discharging of steamers is under the control of the Railway Administration, and it is therefore a reasonable assumption that, if unnecessary difficulties are put in the way of handling merchandize at the port of landing, more favourable treatment will not be accorded to it in the interior.\n\nThe experience of importers here is that imports of English and American goods into Manchuria are very much smaller than formerly, when competition was open and free. A Syndicate of Japanese manufacturers has been formed to exploit this trade, and there is reason to believe that it has the active support and patronage of the Japanese Government. According to an article in the Japanese paper \"Asahi,\" quoted in the \"Board of Trade Journal\" of the 23rd January, 1908, the Government authorized advances to this Syndicate of 5,000,000 yen at 4 per cent. per annum, and a like amount at 4 per cent. per annum, rates of interest lower than that at which the Government itself has borrowed, and considerably under the current rate of interest charged by foreign banks. Special rates of freight have been arranged by Japanese Shipping Companies for carrying cotton goods from Osaka to Dalny, about which perhaps no complaint can be made, but it is admitted by this newspaper that, although the Railway Administration were not in a position to allow a discount on freight directly to the Syndicate, they accorded \"certain facilities\" for the transporta-\n\nTotal\n\nOf this amount railway plant accounts for 25,200,000 Haikwan taels, leaving 7,237,792 as foreign imports into Dairen for six months against 10,587,235 taels into Newchwang for the whole year.\n\nWe have as yet no means of ascertaining the details of which the above figures are composed, but if we take the shipments of all kinds of piece-goods from Shanghae to the two ports in 1907 we find by this rough calculation the following result :--\n\n  \n    \n    All foreign piece-goods (pieces)\n    Yarn (piculs)\n  \n  \n    Dairen.\n    708,000\n    29,000\n  \n  \n    Newchwang\n    113,000\n    4,400\n  \n\nIf, therefore, for the whole year Dairen only took about one-seventh of the quantity taken by Newchwang, whilst her total foreign imports as above were millions for six months as against Newchwang's 10 millions for twelve months, the assumption is that a very large business has been done with Japan, and that, while British and American trade is being smothered, Japanese trade is active. As direct transfer can be made from Dairen to Mukden by rail, the advantage of the latter route over Newchwang on equal terms is clear. It is stated on good authority that fixity of tenure is refused to any foreigner who proposes to start business in Dairen, and that no encouragement is given to Chinese to go there for business purposes. In many cases hardships have to be endured. These facts may be taken as additional proof that the open door is a myth.\n\nCrowds of undesirables are said to be continually arriving from Japan, public gambling and general demoralization following in their train.\n\nIt can hardly be maintained that Japan is loyally carrying out in practice the Articles in the Treaty of Portsmouth bearing on the future administration of that part of Manchuria which lies in her sphere, and under these circumstances it is all the more important that she should not be supported in trying to throttle the foreign trade of Newchwang and its hinterland, as she is doing to that of Dairen. It is important that there should be an inlet through Newchwang as it is still in Chinese hands, and fair treatment to all foreigners may be counted upon there; if \"development\" of that district falls into Japanese hands, we may look for similar results to those produced at Dairen.\n\nThe consequences of Japanese action are most serious and need only be indicated. Her present attitude in Manchuria is one of arrogance tending towards exclusive dealing; she is thereby reviving the \"sphere of influence\" policy, and it is probable that Japanese action in Southern Manchuria will have considerable influence upon Russia in Northern Manchuria and on Germany in Shantung. Japanese activity in Fokien and Chekiang will probably be the next step, and the future of China will again become a burning question, creating friction between all the Powers.\n\n[1844 -4]\n\nB 2",
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        "content_text": "# 6\n\nthrough the use of the medicines which it supplies, but it is careful to add that proof must be forthcoming that claimants for the prizes were actually smokers.\n\nOn the 2nd July an Ordinance was passed by the Legislative Council of Hong Kong to prohibit the exportation of prepared opium to China and to French Indo-China, and proposals dealing with the subject of opium within the Colony have been submitted to the British Government.\n\nOn the 30th June 25 per cent. of the opium-smoking houses within the International Settlement at Shanghai were closed, and lots for the closing of another 25 per cent. by the 31st December were drawn on the 3rd October. It is stated that the opium houses left open after the closing on the 30th June did not benefit from the reduced competition to the extent anticipated by their proprietors. Although notice has been given by the Council that it is proposed to follow in the French Settlement the procedure adopted in the International Settlement, no steps have yet been taken and the question is still under discussion.\n\nIn the International Settlement of Kulangsu, Amoy, all opium-smoking houses were closed on the 31st August, and all shops for the sale of the drug, fourteen in number, will be closed, one-half on the 31st March, 1909, and the balance on the corresponding date 1910. The Shanghai procedure of drawing lots will be followed in January next.\n\nTowards the end of September, Japan notified China of her consent to the prohibition of the general importation of morphia and instruments for its injection, and the Chinese Government at once notified the foreign Representatives that the prohibition would take effect from the 1st January, 1909. The prohibition also includes the manufacture of morphia and instruments in China. Due provision has been made for importation for medicinal purposes, in accordance with Article 11 of the British Treaty with China of the 5th September, 1902, and the import duty has been reduced from 3 Haikwan taels an ounce to 5 per cent. ad valorem. The high duty of 8 Haikwan taels (about 9s.) per ounce imposed by the Tariff drawn up in accordance with the Protocol of the 7th September, 1901, led to extensive smuggling, for, while the morphia habit was rapidly spreading in China, the importation, as shown in the Returns of the Imperial Maritime Customs, has steadily declined.\n\nOn the 14th December, 1907, a Memorial was submitted to the Throne by the Governor of Kiangsu, recommending the enactment of special penal laws against the sale of morphia and the manufacture of instruments for its injection. The Memorial was referred to the Board of Laws which, jointly with the Imperial Commissioners for Law Reform, presented their Report, and recommended that those convicted of manufacturing instruments for the injection of morphia should suffer banishment to the most remote and unhealthy regions of the Empire, and that those convicted of selling morphia, except under a special Customs permit, should suffer the same punishment, together with confiscation of their shops. This recommendation was approved by Imperial Decree on the 16th July. A copy of the Report embodying the Memorial of the Governor of Kiangsu is annexed.\n\nIn view of the assembling of the Joint Opium Commission, which will commence its sittings at Shanghai on the 1st January, 1909, the Acting Inspector-General of Customs and Posts was instructed by the Chinese Government to associate a member of the Customs Service with the Commission, and for this purpose, he has nominated Mr. J. L. Chalmers, the acting Statistical Secretary, who resides in Shanghai, and on the 31st August, he addressed a Circular calling upon officers of the Revenue and Postal Departments to report on various phases of the opium question to Mr. Chalmers before the 30th November. Owing to the large number of post-offices established in every province of the Empire, the resulting information should be more comprehensive than anything hitherto obtained, and should prove of value to the Commission, and of great interest to the world at large.\n\nA Memorial recently addressed to the Throne by the Board of Finance, the proposals contained in which received Imperial approval on the 4th October, gives an interesting, if somewhat sanguine, forecast of the prospects of suppression. It states that prohibition will be made effective during the present Chinese year in the Provinces of Kiangsu, Anhui, Honan, Yunnan, Fuhkien, and Hei-lung-chiang (in Manchuria), that production will be entirely suppressed during the following year in the Provinces of Fengt'ien and Kirin (in Manchuria), Chihli, Shantung, Kiangsi, Chekiang, Hupei, Hunan, Hsin Chiang (the new Dominion), Kuangtung, and Kuangsi, which are credited with a small output, and that a reduction, as compared with 1907, of 20 per cent. in the area under poppy in, and of a similar proportion of, the export of opium from the Provinces of Szechuan, Kueichow, Kansu, and Shensi, will be carried out.\n\n# 7\n\nThe memorialists leave the entire suppression in Shansi, which, although a large producer, consumes its whole output, to the Governor of the province, who has since presented a Memorial to the Throne requesting sanction to the total prohibition of opium cultivation within his jurisdiction from the beginning of next year, and he proposes to request the authorities of other provinces to issue instructions forbidding the export of native opium to Shansi, and states that he will direct the frontier Customs officials to take strict measures against smuggling.\n\nThe opinion is further expressed that poppy cultivation and opium smoking will be abolished well within the period of ten years originally fixed, and that, in the absence of demand, the import of foreign opium will ipso facto cease. These, as stated above, are sanguine views, and it is hoped that they will be realized.\n\nThe Memorial also deals with the production and sale of native opium and the consumption of foreign opium in China, and an attempt is made to show that the production of native opium has of late largely decreased, while the import of foreign opium has not. It is a very simple matter for the Chinese Government to obtain reliable statistics of foreign opium from the Returns of the Imperial Maritime Customs; but the figures given for the production of native opium are from native sources, and are on the face of them a manifest underestimate. To anyone with the least knowledge of poppy cultivation in China, the statement that the opium production of the whole Empire amounted in 1905, 1906, and 1907 to 142,698, 148,103, and 119,983 piculs respectively is nothing short of ludicrous. The Memorial, a translation of which is appended to this Report, is interesting from other standpoints. It was presented in accordance with an Imperial Decree suggesting the establishment of an official monopoly which the memorialists declare to be impracticable and undesirable for several reasons; it seems to confuse reduced export from India with decreased import into China, and it states that, as the Hong Kong opium farmer is permitted by his licence to boil 15 chests of raw opium daily, while less than 3 chests suffice for the consumption of the Colony, the difference is smuggled into China, whereas it is known that the farmer boiled on the average less than 2 chests a-day in 1907, and that part of the drug prepared by him was exported to Annam and the Straits Settlements. Apart from these misconceptions and misstatements, the Memorial is worthy of perusal, grappling, as it tries to do, with a question whose solution depends on the support, energy, and loyal co-operation of the local authorities.\n\nThis Memorial may be assumed to express the views and aspirations of the Central Government on the subject of opium, and I propose now to pass in review the steps that have been taken in the provinces since last Report towards the abolition of cultivation and the eradication of the habit. This review is based for the most part on the Reports of His Majesty's Consuls, who are indebted for much of their information to British missionaries residing or travelling in the interior of the country.\n\nManchuria.--The northern Province of Hei-lung-chiang has always been the great centre of opium production in Manchuria, the principal poppy-growing districts lying to the north of the River Sungari. No Report has been received from this or the central Province of Kirin for the last six months. Opium is still produced in the southern Province of Fengt'ien, but in diminished quantities. Writing of the prefectures of Chin-chou Fu and Hsin-min Fu, a correspondent says that on the whole there is a decrease in the area planted, in smokers, and in shops which openly sell the drug, but the underground traffic cannot be easily estimated. He enumerates thirteen places in these two prefectures, and in eleven of these, the decrease in acreage is described as ranging from a little less to one-half. In the remaining two places, one is said to grow as much as before, while in the other production is reported to have doubled. These two places are on the Mongolian border, and the successful cultivation is alleged to have been carried on by the use of bribes. In cases, however, where the bribes offered were insufficient, the crops were uprooted. Taxation of poppy-growing land rose from 50 cents in 1906 and 1 dollar in 1907 to 2 dols. 50 c. per mou in 1908. The price of the drug has increased, and it pays better to grow the poppy now than when the tax was lighter. There was a shortage in 1908 through a partial destruction of the crop by rain at the time of gathering the opium. In seven of the places, the smokers are described as fewer to much fewer; in five, they are said to number as much as before; and in the remaining one, my correspondent would not hazard an opinion. In several places, shops for the sale of opium are fewer in number, but the drug is sold in other places, principally in secret.\n\nAccording to the approved proposals of the Board of Finance, poppy cultivation...",
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        "title": "CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909",
        "content_text": "## Inclosure 2 in No. 1\n\nPELHAM L. WARREN\n\nbeing devoted for the present to the regulation and improvement of the lower river only.\n\nM. de Rijke is, of course, correct in saying that it was not by him that the estimate in the Conservancy Agreement of the probable cost of the scheme was arrived at, but he is nevertheless responsible to some extent for the miscalculation that has been made. In the Report on the subject which he made to the Shanghae General Chamber in 1898, he estimated the cost of improving the lower approaches only of the river at 8,000,000 taels, and it was on his figures that the Chamber based its estimate of the annual revenue that would have to be raised to carry out the scheme. As we see now from the statement of the Conservancy Board's finances, the cost will in all probability be very nearly double M. de Rijke's original estimate, so that the balance left for other improvements will not carry the Board very far. At the same time it is only fair to M. de Rijke to state that, since his estimate was made, the conditions in the lower river have changed very considerably for the worse, and that he has always maintained that it was impossible for an honest man to give an estimate of the cost of carrying through the whole of the scheme from the Kiangnan Arsenal to the mouth of the Whangpoo.\n\nThe fact, however, remains that the question of raising further revenue to enable the scheme as stipulated in the Conservancy Agreement to be carried to a satisfactory conclusion must before long engage the attention of the Chinese Government.\n\nI have, &c.\n(Signed)  \n**PELHAM L. WARREN**\n\n## Inclosure 2 in No. 1\n### M. von Buri to M. Siffert\n\nSir and dear Colleague,\n\nShanghae, December 15, 1908.\n\n**REGARDING** the conservancy of the Whangpoo, you will oblige me by circulating the following Memorandum, so that the matter may be discussed at the next Consular meeting.\n\nAccording to previous Quarterly Reports of the Whangpoo Conservancy Board (cf. Reports of the 9th November, 1906; the 26th January, 1907), the expenses for carrying through M. de Rijke's scheme are higher than at first estimated.\n\nMoreover, the Dutch Acting Consul-General has mentioned in his Memorandum of the 23rd July, 1907, that it seems quite certain that a few more millions will have to be invested in improvement works before the river will be in good condition. This two-fold additional expenditure, anticipated by the Quarterly Reports and by the Dutch Consul respectively, is liable to be still further increased by unforeseen expenses.\n\nIn the last Report of 1907 it was stated that the first cutting through the Junk Channel will be about 500 feet wide and 15 feet deep at low water, and that it \"may be through by next March\" (1908). As may be seen by the last Quarterly Report, there has so far not been much progress made in dredging this cutting, for a depth of 12 feet throughout the Junk Channel has not yet been achieved.\n\nAccording to the last two Reports, this is due to constant resilting, and much work still has to be done over again.\n\nThe repeated dredging of the same masses of soil in Junk Channel from March last until a further date, to-day not yet known, means therefore repeated unforeseen increase of cost.\n\nIf under these circumstances it should happen that some day before the completion of the works the sum of 9,200,000 taels set aside by the Chinese Government (under the Whangpoo Conservancy Convention of the 27th September, 1905) for the purposes of the conservancy of the river should be used up, the conservancy works would come to a standstill.\n\nIf this should occur at a moment when the operations have brought the river into a critical state, from the point of view of navigation, there might be fatal consequences to the shipping of Shanghae.\n\nTo prevent the works being stopped at, perhaps, such a critical moment, and on the other hand, to secure the completion of the improvement of the whole course of the Whangpoo from the Kiangnan Arsenal to the mouth, it becomes imperative to deal now with the financial part of the scheme.\n\nI am therefore of the opinion that the Consular Body should ask the Conservancy Board\n\n1. To show by a full statement of accounts the total amount of money spent up to the end of the current year, in order that it may be clearly seen how much is still available for the conservancy scheme.\n2. If the 9,200,000 taels stipulated under the Whangpoo Conservancy Agreement of the 27th September, 1905, are sufficient for carrying through the whole conservancy scheme from the Kiangnan Arsenal to the mouth of the Whangpoo.\n3. If not, on what further funds the practicability of the scheme is based or how else revenue and expenditure are to be adjusted.\n4. To furnish the Consular Body, for their information, with copies of M. de Rijke's scheme of the Whangpoo conservancy from the Kiangnan Arsenal down to the mouth of the river with a detailed estimate based on the latest experiences.\n\nI have, &c.\n(Signed) **P. VON BURI**,  \nConsul-General for Germany.\n\n## Inclosure 3 in No. 1\n### Mr. Hobson to M. Siffert\n\nSir,\n\nWhangpoo Conservancy Board, Shanghae,  \nFebruary 4, 1909.\n\nIn reply to your letter of the 26th January asking, on behalf of the Consular Body, for details of the state of Conservancy funds at the end of 1908, also for details of M. de Rijke's scheme of Whangpoo conservancy, I now send you inclosed copy of a Memorandum prepared by the Board's Secretary with regard to the state of the funds and copy of a letter from M. de Rijke in reply to the other questions.\n\nThe letter of the 5th March, 1908, referred to in M. de Rijke's reply, simply alludes to the mud-bank in front of the Chinese city bund; that of 6th June covered a Report sent to the Consular Body on the 18th June, 1908, on the subject of bunding.\n\nI have, &c.\n(Signed) **I. E. HOBSON**,  \nDirector of the Conservancy Board.\n\n## Inclosure 4 in No. 1\n### Mr. Carruthers to Mr. Hobson\n\nShanghae, February 2, 1909.\n\nThe state of Conservancy finances at the end of the year 1908 was as follows:-\n\n| Item | Amount (Shanghae taels) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Annual revenue of 480,000 Haikwan taels for twenty years | 9,600,000.00 |\n| Expended up to December 31, 1908 | 2,911,665.70 |\n| Due, interest on loan of 4.4 million taels | 340,034.74 |\n| Due, unpaid balance of dredging contract | 1,375,000.00 |\n| Due, unpaid balance of Fort Jetty contract | 1,182,030.48 |\n| **Total** | **8,808,730.92** |\n| Balance | 1,440,069.08 |\n\nThus at the end of 1908, reckoning all sums for which we are pledged as paid (i.e., Fort Jetty and dredging contracts, interest on and principal of 4.4 million loan), we have 1,440,069.08 Shanghae taels left, available for payments of salaries, training works, under our own Administration, and all other expenses, which in 1908 amounted to 690,788.25 Shanghae taels, or roughly, funds for two years. To our assets must be added the interest account kept by the Taotai in native banks, of which I only know that, in July 1907, Jui Taotai wrote it amounted to 116,854.90.",
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "title": "CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909",
        "content_text": "## AFFAIRS OF CHINA\n### CONFIDENTIAL\n\nIn the year 1906 Shanghae taels; as, after that date, our expenditure increased enormously, it cannot be very much more now.\n\nThe Board is therefore not in a position now to make any new contracts for dredging or other large works, or to renew the engagements of our engineers beyond the end of 1910, unless the Chinese Government decides to spend more money on the conservancy scheme than the 460,000 Haikwan taels a-year for twenty years originally agreed upon.\n\nOur expenditure has been :-\n\n| Year | Amount |\n| --- | --- |\n| 1906 | 98,786.92 Haikwan taels |\n| 1907 | 478,784.13 Shanghae taels |\n| 1908 | 2,041,182 Shanghae taels, 2,613,703.50 Haikwan taels, 2,911,665.70 |\n\nThe big increase in 1907 and 1908 is due to the arrival of the dredgers and commencement of work in earnest.\n\nYours truly,\n**(Signed)** A. G. H. CARRUTHERS, Secretary, Whangpoo Conservancy Board.\n\n### Inclosure 5 in No. 1\n\n**(Secret.)** Sir,\n\nNo. 1. War Office to Foreign Office.-(Received March 24.)\n\nI AM commanded by the Army Council to forward, for the information of Sir Edward Grey, a copy of a Secret letter received from the General Officer Commanding the Troops in North China (dated the 12th January last), with regard to recent reductions in the Peking Legation guards.\n\nThe Council consider that it is most inexpedient that certain Powers should, without reference to the others, withdraw portions of their Legation guards, thereby weakening the system of defence.\n\nI am to ask, therefore, that they may be favoured with the view taken by Sir Edward Grey with regard to the matter.\n\nI am, &c.\n**(Signed)** R. W. BRADE.\n\nGentlemen,\n\nM. de Rijke to Whangpoo Conservancy Board, Shanghae.\n\nShanghae, February 3, 1909. THE Secretary, Mr. Carruthers, on account of the Whangpoo River Conservancy Board, handed to me the copy of a letter from the senior Consul, addressed to the Board, dated the 26th January, 1909.\n\nIn this letter four questions were asked, and as I understand, the Board wishes my opinion on Nos. 2, 3, and 4.\n\nNo. 2.-My reply on this is that 9,200,000 taels is not at all sufficient.\n\nNo. 3.-I cannot say, and have no idea who made the estimate mentioned in the Convention.\n\nNo. 4-In reply to this question, I must say that for the present my attention is still mainly devoted to the regulation and improvement of the lower river. Beyond laying down the normal lines, nothing further can at present, i.e., under the present circumstances be considered with regard to the upper reaches (Shanghae Harbour region), and it is utterly impossible to give a detailed estimate as asked, which would have to cover such questions as, e.g., the removal of the great obstruction on the river front of the Chinese city suburbs, compensation to the timber merchants, the removal of a floating population living in boats, the bunding question, &c.\n\nSee also my letters of the 5th March, 1908, and of the 6th June, 1908. All these questions, however urgent, are still pending.\n\n**(Signed)** JOHS. DE RIJKE,\n\n### Inclosure 1 in No. 1\n\n**(Secret.)** Brigadier-General Waters to War Office.\n\nSir,\n\nGeneral Staff Office, Tien-tsin, January 12, 1909. I HAVE the honour to inclose distribution lists of the foreign troops in Peking for May and for December 1908. From a comparison of these two lists it will be seen that the Japanese garrison has been reduced from 317 of all ranks to 137, and the Russian garrison from 102 to 48.\n\n2. These reductions will naturally affect the Scheme of Defence of Legations quarter sent with my letter of the 17th October, 1908. As regards the Japanese (paragraphs 6 (a) and 10 (b)), they still undertake to occupy the St. Michel Hospital and to place four guns on the Water Gate, though numbers will be slightly modified. This, however, must leave the reserve (paragraph 7 (a)) merely a nominal one.\n\nWith regard to the Russians, they have now only reduced their garrison to half its former strength, but official intimation has been given to the British Minister that they intend to withdraw the whole of their troops. This will leave an undefended gap of 250 yards between the British and American Legations, and this matter is to receive attention at the next meeting of Commandants which will take place shortly.\n\n3. The total perimeter of the whole Legations' quarter to be defended is about 5,000 yards, and for this 1,615 of all ranks are now available. In the British Legation there would be one man to every 6 yards of defences when manned by every available man, and when working in reliefs with one-third of the garrison on duty there would be one man to every 20 yards.\n\n4. Should the Legation quarter be besieged, as in 1900, by an armed mob it could hold its own until relieved by reinforcements from India or Africa, but if guns should be brought against it the brick walls, which are of poor quality, could be easily breached, and no ditch was allowed to be dug round the northern and western walls (the two exposed ones) of the British Legation, of which the former is 70 yards from the southern wall of the Imperial city.\n\n5. The position is a bad one for defence, and the military situation has greatly changed since the Legation guards were first placed here in 1901. At that time there were comparatively few Chinese troops in Peking, and the modern Chinese army did not exist. Now there are, in the immediate neighbourhood of Peking, 17,000 modern-trained troops with 108 modern field and mountain-guns, besides 9,000 provincial troops and police armed with breech-loaders. The defence of the Legations would be...\n\nPage 93 \nC.0. 12734 \n[March 24.] \nREGP 14 APR 09 \nSECTION 1. \n[B] \n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government:]",
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        "page_number": 413,
        "title": "CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909",
        "content_text": "# COPY.\n\n**BANQUE DE L'INDO-CHINE.**\n\n411 O.O.\n\n17401\n\nRECR Rec'd 24 MAY\n\nPARIS, le 18 Mai 1909.\n\nCher Monsieur Addis,\n\nJe reçois à l'instant de M. Casenave le télégramme suivant:\n\n\"Nous vous proposons garantie likins provinces de Hou-Pé et de Honan: 4.000.000 Halkwan taels taxe sel Province de Hon-Pé: 700.000 taels, taxe riz Province de Hou-nan, Province de Hou-Pé 500,000 taels.\n\n\"Nous vous recommandons très-sérieusement garantie précédente libre d'hypothèque.\n\n\"Télégramme informe Cordès que Indo-Chine ne pas faire figurer son nom articles 14, 17, 18 Est-ce exact ?\"\n\n\"A quel taux de change pouvons-nous négocier ?\"\n\nJe vous ai aussitôt cablé ainsi qu'à nos amis allemands suivant copies ci-jointes.\n\nNous ne faisons en effet aucune objection à ne pas figurer dans la rédaction des articles 17 et 18, étant bien entendu que la Commission de 5 n'en sera pas moins partagée par tiers. D'autre part nous consentons volentiers à ne pas figurer à l'article 14 en ce qui concerne les fonds destinés à la construction des lignes étant bien entendu que réciprocité nous sera accordée pour la première ligne à construire sous la direction d'un ingénieur en chef français - mais nous demandons à partager par tiers le dépôt des 500.000 £ destinées au rachat des obligations belges.\n\nJe viens de télégraphier à H. Casenave en conséquence, ajoutant que les garanties offertes nous paraissaient suffisantes, et que l'emprunt pouvait être libellé en livres sterling sans change fixe.\n\nDemain après-midi aura lieu une réunion du Chinese Central Railway où je proposerai l'adoption de la résolution suivante:\n\n\"La nomination de l'Ingénieur en chef étant accordée aux Chinese Central Railways pour la construction du prolongement de la ligne Hankow-Chentou au delà du Houpeh, il est entendu que les Chinese Central Railways désigneront un ingénieur français pour la première moitié de la ligne.\n\nSi...",
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    {
        "id": 422585,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909",
        "page_number": 614,
        "title": "CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909",
        "content_text": "# CHINA RAILWAYS\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n(19313)\n\n612\n\n[May 22.]\n\nC.O. 22029\n\n## SECTION 2.\n\n### No. 1.\n\nSir,\n\n**British and Chinese Corporation to Foreign Office**, (Received May 22.)\n\n3, Lombard Street, London, May 21, 1909.\n\nREFERRING to our letter of to-day, we now beg leave to hand you six copies each of the following letters:---\n\n| Letter | Date |\n| --- | --- |\n| Banque de l'Indo-Chine to Chinese Central Railways | the 18th May |\n| Reply of Chinese Central Railways (to S. Simon) | the 21st May |\n\nWe are, &c.\n\nFor the British and Chinese Corporation (Limited),\n\n**A. N. FREWER, Secretary**\n\n### Inclosure 1 in No. 1.\n\n**Banque de l'Indo-Chine to Mr. C. S. Addis**\n\nCher Mr. Addis,\n\nParis, le 18 mai, 1909.\n\nJE reçois à l'instant de M. Casenave le télégramme suivant :--\n\n\"Nous vous proposons garantie li-kins provinces de Hou-Pé et de Honan: 4,000,000 Haikwan taels, taxe sel province de Hou-Pé; 700,000 taels, taxe riz province de Hou-nan; province de Hou-Pé, 500,000 taels.\n\n\"Nous vous recommandons très sérieusement garantie précédente libre d'hypothèque.\n\nTélégramme informe Cordes que l'Indo-Chine ne pas faire figurer son nom articles 14, 17, 18. Est-ce exact ?\n\n\"A quel taux de change pouvons-nous négocier ?\"\n\nJe vous ai aussitôt câblé ainsi qu'à nos amis allemands suivant copies ci-jointes.\n\nNous ne faisons en effet aucune objection à ne pas figurer dans la rédaction des articles 17 et 18, étant bien entendu que la commission de 5 pour cent n'en sera pas moins partagée par tiers. D'autre part, nous consentons volontiers à ne pas figurer à l'article 14 en ce qui concerne les fonds destinés à la construction des lignes-étant bien entendu que réciprocité nous sera accordée pour la première ligne à construire sous la direction d'un ingénieur en chef français-mais nous demandons à partager par tiers le dépôt des 500,000 l. destinées au rachat des obligations belges.\n\nJe viens de télégraphier à M. Casenave en conséquence, ajoutant que les garanties offertes nous paraissaient suffisantes, et que l'emprunt pouvait être libellé en livres sterling sans change fixe.\n\nDemain après-midi aura lieu une réunion du Chinese Central Railway, où je proposerai l'adoption de la résolution suivante :--\n\n\"La nomination de l'ingénieur en chef étant accordée aux Chinese Central Railways pour la construction du prolongement de la ligne Hankow-Chentou au delà du Hou-Pé, il est entendu que les Chinese Central Railways désigneront un ingénieur français pour la première moitié de la ligne. Si cette première moitié n'atteignait pas 800 kilom., il y aurait lieu éventuellement de désigner un ingénieur français pour la construction de toute extension, prolongement, ou embranchement de cette ligne jusqu'à ce que soit parfaite une longueur totale de 800 kilom.\"\n\nDans le même après-midi aura lieu une réunion des établissements financiers participant à notre syndicat, dans laquelle sera proposée l'approbation de l'\"agreement\" du 14 mai.",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909.txt",
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    {
        "id": 423030,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909",
        "page_number": 433,
        "title": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909",
        "content_text": "## STATEMENT of receipts and expenditure during March quarter 1909\n\nBalance from December quarter, 1908  \n(a.) Superintendent: on account grant  \n(b.) Unclassed: sundry receipts  \n(c) Gain by exchange  \n\nTotal net receipts  \nAdvances repaid  \n\n| Hk. taels |  |\n| --- | --- |\n| 410,000.00 |  |\n| 282.81 |  |\n| 532.61 | C.O J0327 |\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]  \n3GP || SEP 09  \n[August 9.]  \n## SECTION 10.  \n### AFFAIRS OF CHINA.  \n**CONFIDENTIAL.**  \n[29902]  \nNo. 1.  \n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received August 9.)  \n(No. 266.) Sir,  \n\n| Receipts | Hk. taels |\n| --- | --- |\n|  | 59,825.71 |\n| Total | 410,765.42 |\n|  | 461.89 |\n|  | 471,053.02 |\n\n| Expenditure | Hk. taels |\n| --- | --- |\n| 1. Salaries | 36,091.55 |\n| 2. Transport | 537.21 |\n| 3. Rent.. | 2,125.52 |\n| 4. Plant: cost and maintenance | 4,488.06 |\n| 5. Houses. furniture, &c. | 965.45 |\n| 6. Ordinary stores, &c., miscellaneous | 484.04 |\n| 7. Conservancy works | 858,460.58 |\n| 8. Loss by exchange | 47.87 |\n| 9. Special payments | 120.33 |\n| Total net expenditure, March quarter | 404,220.81 |\n| Advances, lent | 461.89 |\n| Balance carried forward | 404,682.50 |\n| Total | 471,053.02 |\n\nPrepared by-  \n**A. G. H. CARRUTHER, Accountant.**  \n**H. E. HOBSON, Commissioner.**\n\n### Inclosure 13 in No. 1.\n\nConsul-General Sir P. Warren to Sir J. Jordan.  \nShanghae, June 3, 1909.  \nI HAVE the honour to continue my despatch No. 43 of the 1st June, forwarding copies of correspondence relating to the affairs of the Whangpoo Conservancy.\n\nThe minority report presented by the consul-general for Germany at the meeting (which took place on the 30th April, vide my despatch No. 40) of the consular committee appointed to consider the affairs of the conservancy was adopted at the seventh meeting the consular body by a majority of five--eight for, three against, and four neutral. At the following meeting of the consular body, M. Müller's motion was, after further discussion, rejected by a majority of three-nine for, six against, and one neutral, and it was decided not to forward the proposal to Peking.\n\nLetters from the Chamber of Commerce and the China Association (Inclosures 1 and 2 in my despatch No. 43) have had something to do with the change of front on the part of certain consuls, who at first had voted with M. Müller.\n\nI have, &c.  \nPELHAM L. WARREN.\n\nPeking, July 22, 1909.  \nWITH reference to my despatch No. 221 of the 23rd ultimo, I have the honour to report that the affairs of the Whangpoo Conservancy were discussed at the last meeting of the diplomatic body held on the 9th instant.\n\nIt will be within your recollection that, as stated in my despatch No. 199 of the 27th May last, M. de Rijke, the chief engineer in charge of the conservancy work, requires a further sum of some 8,089,765 dollars for the improvements to be carried out within the next five years, and the diplomatic body had consequently to examine and decide the question as to whether, and if so in what manner, they should ask the Chinese Government to provide this sum.\n\nOn the 14th ultimo the dean of the diplomatic body circulated a letter which he had received from M. von Mutius, writing in the name of Count Rex. A copy of this letter, together with my observations upon it, is inclosed herewith for your information. You will observe that I was unable to agree with the proposal which, if adopted, would, in my opinion, have cast unmerited discredit on M. de Rijke. His Majesty's consul-general at Shanghae has kept me fully informed of the situation at Shanghae, and I gather that M. de Rijke has performed, and is performing, his duty in a manner which commends itself to the shipping community, that his scheme of improvement is well thought of, and that the opposition from German quarters is really not due to any misgivings as to the efficacy of his methods, but to the desire to get the control of so important a concern into German hands. Sir Pelham Warren informs me that the Germans in Shanghae have persistently placed every obstacle in the way of M. de Rijke, whose appointment was not agreeable to them. A German engineer was sent out by the German Government in the hope that he would be employed by the Conservancy Board, and when M. de Rijke was appointed engineer-in-chief this gentleman applied for a post under him. The application was not entertained, nor was a German tender for the dredging contract accepted, although it was the lowest. Indeed, its rejection was due to the low prices quoted, as it was impossible to do the work at those rates except at a loss, and it seemed obvious to the Conservancy Board that the tender was made for political reasons with the support of the German Government.\n\nThe opinion which I expressed on M. von Mutius' letter was fortunately shared by a majority of my colleagues, and M. von Mutius accordingly declared at the meeting on the 9th instant that Count Rex had had no other object in view than to \"tirer la question au clair,\" and that he desired to withdraw his proposal, since his colleagues did not wish to discuss M. de Rijke's scheme. The only question before us was, therefore, that of ways and means.\n\nI explained to my colleagues the difficulties which occurred to my mind in this connection. According to the information in my possession, which I had taken care to verify by a reference to our consul-general at Shanghae, the position was as follows. The Conservancy Board will have received by the year 1925 twenty annual payments (under the agreement of 1905) of 400,000 Haikwan taels, or a total of 10,248,800 Shanghae taels. By the year 1911 they will also have received payment of a loan of 4,500,000 taels, which they contracted last year. This loan, bearing interest at 7 per cent., is payable in quarterly instalments in three years, and repayment of the capital commences at the expiry of that period, viz., in 1911, and is spread over a further period of fourteen years until 1925. Thus the total sum to be received by the Conservancy Board, under present arrangements, is 14,748,800 taels. The liabilities appear to be :-\n\n* Expended up to December 31, 1908. \n* Unpaid balances of contract \n* Interest on loan of 4,500,000 taels for 17 years, allowing for repayment of capital \n* Repayment of loan of 4,500,000 taels \n\n| Taels |  |\n| --- | --- |\n|  | 2,911,665 |\n|  | 2,557,030 |\n|  | 8,340,084 |\n|  | 4,500,000 |\n| Total | 13,308,729 |\n\nleaving a balance in the Conservancy's favour of 1,440,071 taels.  \n[2391-10]",
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    {
        "id": 423385,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909",
        "page_number": 788,
        "title": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909",
        "content_text": "# C.0. \n36185 \n**This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.**] \n\n## AFFAIRS OF CHINA. \n**CONFIDENTIAL** \n(REG: 3 NOVOS [October 11.) \n\n### SECTION 6, \n786 \n[37588] \n\n**(No. 343.)** Sir, \n\n#### No. 1. \n**Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.—(Received October 11.)** \n\nPeking, September 21, 1909. \n\nI HAVE the honour to transmit herewith copy of a despatch which I have received from the acting British consul-general at Mukden, calling attention to the disproportion apparent between the amount of foreign goods imported duty free into Dairen (Dalny) and the amount forwarded thence into the interior under exemption certificates, which seems to indicate that such goods, chiefly Japanese, find their way in considerable quantities into Manchuria without paying any import duty whatever. \n\nMr. Willis's calculations are based upon the published customs returns of the trade of Dairen for the year 1908, and he points out that after deducting from the total value of foreign imports (a) the value of those that paid import duty and were forwarded to the trade marts in the interior under exemption certificate, and (b) the value of \"railway material\" which is passed duty free by special arrangement, there remained duty unpaid foreign imports to the value of 8,459,755 Haikwan taels ($1,127,967). He mentions that the leased territory contains a total population of less than 500,000, and draws the inference that many foreign goods declared for the leased territory are afterwards forwarded into Manchuria without paying customs duties. He advocates the establishment of a customs station on the northern frontier of the leased territory where goods can be examined, so that only those can pass which are provided with exemption certificate, proving that import duty has been paid; and he condemns as inefficacious the remedy proposed by the provincial authorities, namely, to levy li-kin and inland dues on goods unaccompanied by exemption certificates. \n\nAfter carefully comparing Mr. Willis's figures with those of the Dairen customs returns, I am of opinion that, although his estimate of the value of foreign goods supposed to be consumed in the leased territory might be reduced by some 2,000,000 Haikwan taels (by deducting as for railway construction part of the value of \"machinery\" and \"timber\" imported as well as that of \"railway material\"), still the balance of over 6,000,000 Haikwan taels represents a quantity of foreign imports far too great to be consumed in the leased territory, and the conclusion is irresistible that a large proportion is smuggled into Manchuria either surreptitiously or under a system which allows foreign goods to pass without exemption certificates, but subject to inland taxation on demand. Not only is such subjection to inland taxation futile in the absence of li-kin stations on the railway, but even if it were practicable, British and other foreign importers of goods into Manchuria might reasonably complain that foreign goods were imported into Manchuria on two dissimilar systems of taxation, and that their Japanese competitors, with the help of the South Manchurian Railway under Japanese control and the connivance of the Dairen customs under a Japanese commissioner, had an unfair advantage not only as regards freights, but as regards the payment of the prescribed import duties. \n\nTo explain the situation it may be well to recall the provisions of article 5 of the agreement regarding the Dairen customs, signed by Baron Hayashi and Sir Robert Hart at Peking on the 30th May, 1907, copy of which was forwarded in my despatch `No. 274` of the 10th June, 1907 :- \n\n\"On merchandise brought by sea to Dairen no import duty shall be levied. Import duty according to existing treaties shall be levied by the maritime customs on all merchandise or products passing the frontier of the Japanese leased territory into the interior of China. The Japanese authorities agree to take suitable measures to assist as far as possible in the prevention of merchandise passing the frontier of the Japanese leased territory when not provided with a permit or pass by the maritime customs office.\" \n\nThere is thus every reason to expect the co-operation of the Japanese authorities, if necessary, in devising a remedy for the smuggling that at present appears to prevail. Whether the proper remedy is to be found in the establishment of a customs station ... \n\n[2482 1-6]",
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    },
    {
        "id": 423412,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909",
        "page_number": 16,
        "title": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909",
        "content_text": "## C. O.\n\n4\n\ncompromise, in my opinion, is one by which the taxes raised on the trade of the port would be devoted entirely to the work at Duck Island and the bar, the Provincial Government defraying the cost of the upper river improvements. Such an arrangement would meet to a considerable extent the objections of the Japanese, for it is impossible to deny that the protection of the bank at Duck Island and the deepening of the bar are works for which the trade of the port may very fairly be called upon to pay.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nF. E. WILKINSON.\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government\n\n## AFFAIRS OF CHINA.\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL.**\n\n[38456]\n\n(No. 357.)\n\nSir,\n\n## No. 1.\n\nReceived 19 Oct 1909.  \n[October 18.]\n\n### SECTION 2.\n\n15\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received October 18.)\n\nPeking, September 29, 1909.\n\nTHE question of the provision of funds for the conservancy of the Whangpoo, which formed the subject of my despatch No. 266 of the 22nd July last, was again brought up for discussion at a meeting of the diplomatic body held on the 15th instant. A report from the chief engineer to the Conservancy Board, detailing the exact financial position of that body and their requirements, had already been circulated among my colleagues by the dean, and also been communicated to me by His Majesty's consul-general at Shanghae* in a despatch, copy of which I have the honour to enclose. It remained, therefore, to decide whether the Chinese Government should be asked to provide the sums required, and, if so, in what manner the demand should be pressed upon the attention of the Wai-wu Pu. I am glad to be able to report that upon the first part of the question there was practically a unanimous decision in favour of approaching the Chinese Government, and that, although the German Minister at first expressed some doubt as to whether so large a sum was really required, he raised no active objections, although he is known to view M. de Rijke and his plans with disfavour. With regard to the manner in which the demand for funds should be presented, it was felt that the Chinese Government had morally incurred the obligation to defray the cost of all necessary improvements, and that consequently the demand should be couched in language implying that such an obligation existed. It will be remembered that a definite scheme for the creation of a Conservancy Board and the provision of funds for improvements was sanctioned in article 11B of the protocol of September 1901, and that the details of this arrangement, contained in annexe 17 to the protocol, provided that the foreign interests involved should be represented upon the board to be created, and should contribute one-half of the cost of the works. In spite of repeated representations, the Chinese Government could never be brought to carry out their share of the arrangement, which they considered derogatory to China's dignity and sovereign rights, and it was upon their own request to have sole control of the enterprise that the agreement of 1905 was concluded, which vested all authority in a board composed of the Taotai and commissioner of customs at Shanghae, and transferred to the Chinese authorities the duty of providing the whole of the yearly subsidy of 460,000 Haikwan taels.\n\nA committee was appointed, consisting of the Austrian (dean of the diplomatic body), German, and Japanese Ministers, and myself, to draw up a memorandum for presentation to the Wai-wu Pu at a personal interview, when verbal representations would also be made. Accordingly on the 21st instant the dean, accompanied by Mr. Ijuin, Count Luxburg, and myself, proceeded to the Wai-wu Pu, and communicated to the Ministers present (Na-t'ung, Liang Tun-yen, and Lien-fang) the memorandum, copy of which is enclosed herewith for your information. It is perhaps worthy of note that the German Minister did not attend, but sent the first secretary of the legation in his place. It may be that Count Rex was really indisposed on that day, but I am inclined to think that his absence was due to a desire not to identify himself too strongly with the prosecution of a scheme which has his assent, but not his whole-hearted approval.\n\nHis Excellency Liang showed considerable reluctance to adopt the views of M. de Kuczynski, who urged upon him the necessity for immediate measures. He admitted that the needs of the situation were pressing, but said that the sum required was very large, and that the Chinese Government would require time to consider so important a matter. He also expressed a want of confidence in the manner in which the work was being carried out, with special reference to the unfortunate case of malpractices in connection with the dredging operations (see my despatch No. 30 of the 18th January last).\n\n* Not printed.\n\n[2462 & -2]",
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    {
        "id": 423761,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909",
        "page_number": 365,
        "title": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909",
        "content_text": "# 364\n\n## Inclosure 1 in No. 1\n\n### Wai-wu Pu to Dean of Diplomatic Body\n\nTHE Board has the honour to acknowledge the receipt of a memorandum from the doyen of the diplomatic corps on the subject of the Whangpoo conservancy in the following terms ---\n\n\"According to the chief engineer's report discussing ways and means for raising the required amount of money and arranging as to the proportion to be spent annually, it appears that it will take five years to complete the work and that the total cost will amount to 9,360,820 dollars, the dredging at one particular spot not being included in this amount. It is therefore requested that the diplomatic corps be informed how it is proposed to provide the necessary sum.\"\n\nThe Board would submit that the final protocol of 1901, with reference to the Whangpoo conservancy, estimated that the expenses incurred for the works and the general management of the undertaking would reach the annual sum of 460,000 Haikwan taels for twenty years. This sum was to be supplied in equal portions by the Chinese Government and the foreign interests concerned. Later it was arranged with all the Powers that China should undertake the work herself, that she would bear the whole cost, and that the annual expenses as fixed by the protocol of 1901 should remain at 460,000 Haikwan taels during a period of twenty years. By the engineer-in-chief's scheme in 1907 the works were to be finished in four years and the cost would amount to 8,000,000 taels. M. de Rijke being regarded by all the Powers as a man in whom the greatest confidence could be placed, China therefore accepted his scheme. The whole of the work according to the schedule ought to be finished by next year without demanding from the Chinese Government any more money. M. de Rijke ought to complete the work according to the estimate and within the proper time, but to the great surprise of the Chinese Government he suddenly demands more money for the work. This is quite contrary to the stipulations already agreed on.\n\nChina has expended large sums on the opening of the new channel and on the closing of the old channel, and she does not intend to allow the new channel to silt up afresh and thus lose the benefit of all the works already executed.\n\nThe Board has accordingly telegraphed frequently to the Shanghae taotai to take steps to provide the necessary funds, and to urge the engineer-in-chief to carry out the dredging operations, section by section, without any delay. The taotai has also been instructed to telegraph immediately a detailed and comprehensive scheme for the future carrying on of the works in order that the Board might carefully examine the same. As soon as the reply has been received it will be forwarded to you. In the meantime the Board has the honour to forward this memorandum for the information of the doyen, and begs that he will communicate it to his colleagues.\n\nPeking, October 9, 1909.\n\n## Inclosure 2 in No. 1\n\n### Memorial by Wai-wu Pu to Dean of Diplomatic Body\n\nIT is in the records that we have sent a memorial on the 9th October regarding the works for the correction of the Whangpoo River.\n\nNow we are in receipt of the telegraphic answer from the Shanghao taotai, in which he says:--\n\n\"According to the sum fixed, China has provided sufficient funds, and the work hitherto done early has been examined and approved by the officials and merchants of all nationalities. Also all the Ministers residing in Peking say that good results have been obtained. This showing that China, conforming to all articles of the special treaty concerning the correction of the Whangpoo River, acted in full accordance with them and did not delay. The costs for dredging work, amounting to 300,000 taels, are not included by the sum fixed by the special treaty. As this is a work of greatest importance for the future, according to the terms of the tender, a company, who was offering cheapest and in most conforming manner, has been selected already to undertake the work. As the engineer, de Rijke, is sick, he has gone to Japan for treatment. The other works of all kinds, which are executed in the original way, have not been finished yet and still are performed as always. Besides, as the construction of the jetties has not come to an end yet, how could the Li Chi Company (East Asiatic Dredging Company) discontinue the work?\"\n\nOut of this explanation of the Shanghae taotai we find that none of the different works have been suspended. As to the dredging work, likewise sufficient funds have already been prepared and a company has been selected for the execution. This shows sufficiently that China is acting according to the treaties and does not spare efforts. As these affairs are of the greatest importance to the Chinese Government and the views are differing, the Governor of Kiangsu, by Imperial command, has been ordered especially to proceed to Shanghae to direct the Shanghae taotai to inspect in detail and to find reliable methods in order to arrive at a satisfactory result.\n\n## Inclosure 3 in No. 1\n\n### Dean of Diplomatic Body to Prince Ch'ing\n\nAltesse,\n\nPékin, le 18 octobre, 1909.\n\nJ'AI l'honneur d'accuser réception à votre Altesse Impériale de la note qu'elle a bien voulu m'adresser à la date du 16 octobre, concernant les travaux d'amélioration du cours du Whangpoo.\n\nJe constate avec satisfaction que les autorités chinoises ont actuellement à leur disposition une somme suffisante pour permettre la reprise des travaux de dragage et que, par conséquent, cette reprise aurait lieu aussitôt que faire se pourra.\n\nJe me permets, à ce sujet, de faire remarquer à votre Altesse Impériale que l'absence de M. de Rijke au Japon ne semble devoir en rien retarder l'exécution de ce projet, puisque la nature peu compliquée des opérations ne saurait exiger la présence continuelle à Shanghaï de l'ingénieur en chef; et je pense que votre Altesse sera d'accord avec moi pour constater que rien, dans l'espèce, ne s'oppose à une reprise immédiate de ces travaux.\n\nLes représentants des Puissances attachent beaucoup de prix à la continuité dans l'œuvre d'amélioration, sans laquelle le libre accès du port de Shanghai ne saurait être assuré et un préjudice très grave pourrait être causé au commerce tant chinois qu'étranger. C'est pourquoi ils ne manqueront pas d'apprendre avec plaisir la décision prise par le Gouvernement chinois.\n\nJe prie votre Altesse Impériale de bien vouloir m'aviser de la reprise des travaux de dragage dès que celle-ci sera un fait accompli. Je pourrai alors reprendre avec le conseil de votre Altesse l'étude du projet de travaux à exécuter présenté par M. de Rijke et la demande de fonds qui en dépend.\n\n## Inclosure 4 in No. 1\n\n### Official Note addressed by the Wai-wu Pu to Dean of Diplomatic Body\n\n(Translation.)\n\nTHE Chief President of the Wai-wu Pu, &c., and Prince of the First Order Ch'ing sends an official reply.\n\nOn the 6th day of the first year Hsuan Tung (the 19th October) we received a note that the nature of the dredging work for the conservancy of the Whangpoo is not at all difficult, and that it is requested to resume the work quickly. Again, there is said that the Ministers of all nations regard the continuation of the work of the regulation of the Whangpoo as a matter of great importance; it is requested that a letter may be sent at the time when the dredging shall have been resumed in fact; afterwards there could be opened up the projects submitted by the engineer, de Rijke, and the funds in connection therewith.\n\nB 2\n\n`[2546 ƒ-2]`",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909.txt",
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    {
        "id": 428130,
        "series_id": 27,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910",
        "page_number": 55,
        "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910",
        "content_text": "2\n\ngrowth. In the streets there is more activity, the shops are brighter and more attractive, building is going on both in the residential and commercial quarters, and the era of speculation and reckless extravagance which has characterised Harbin since the conclusion of hostilities now seems to have given way to a more normal and businesslike method of living.\n\nAlthough up to the present no new enterprises have been started, I am informed that there is a considerable quantity of capital awaiting employment, which, I was given to understand, would mainly be devoted to the establishment of bean-oil factories. The sugar-beet factory at Asiho, 10 miles from Harbin, the erection of which was delayed for over a year owing to difficulty in finding funds, has now been completed, and two other similar factories are in course of erection at Harbin.\n\nIn this connection I would remark that certain Japanese have also been experimenting with beet at Chang Ch'un, and the analysis of the root made by the experimental laboratory established by the South Manchuria Railway at Dairen is reported to be very satisfactory. It thus seems possible that there may be considerable development in this industry in North Manchuria.\n\nThe flour-mills which were established at Harbin during the Russo-Japanese war for the purpose of supplying the necessities of the Russian troops are not up to the present proving a success. During the year 1907 the Russo-Chinese Bank foreclosed on the mortgages it held on the eight principal mills and a new syndicate was formed, but at the present only three out of the eight mills are working. Without further information than I have at present, it is difficult to account for the comparative failure of these mills; there is a large quantity of wheat grown in the district and a considerable export of the raw product, and it seems to me almost impossible to believe that this industry, if properly conducted, will not ultimately play its part in the development of the district.\n\nIt is practically an impossibility to arrive at the exact value of the trade of the town of Harbin, but it is undoubtedly the chief distributing centre of Northern Manchuria, and an examination of the trade statistics published by the Chinese Customs for the stations of Manchouli on the western, and of Sui-fen Ho on the eastern frontier, may prove of assistance in showing the importance of the trade of the district taken as a whole.\n\nIn the year 1908 the figures show a net import of 2,852,551 Haikwan taels, and a net export of 977,231 Haikwan taels via Manchouli. The imports are for the most part of Russian or German origin, and apparently are destined in the main for the consumption of the Russian inhabitants of Northern Manchuria.\n\nThe following table shows the quantity or value, as given by the customs returns, of the principal articles:\n\n  \n    MANCHOULI\n    PRINCIPAL Imports during 1908\n  \n  \n    Cotton-\n    \n  \n  \n    Piece-goods\n    12,740 pieces\n  \n  \n    Goods, unclassed\n    121,816 yards\n  \n  \n    Woollen-\n    \n  \n  \n    Cloth\n    20,473 yards\n  \n  \n    Blankets\n    52,444 lbs\n  \n  \n    Cigarettes\n    3\n  \n  \n    Clothing, foreign\n    \n  \n\nThe following tables show the value or quantity of the chief articles of export and import:\n\n  \n    SUIFENHO\n    TABLE of principal Imports during 1908\n  \n  \n    Cotton-\n    \n  \n  \n    Piece-goods\n    77,897 pieces\n  \n  \n    Cloth\n    417,184 yards\n  \n  \n    Towels\n    14,942 dozen\n  \n  \n    Woollen-\n    \n  \n  \n    Carriages\n    308,858 yards\n  \n  \n    Cloth\n    8,974 lbs\n  \n  \n    Blankets\n    28,475 piculs\n  \n  \n    Pig-iron\n    588,446 pieces\n  \n  \n    Bags--\n    \n  \n  \n    Cotton\n    1,608,846\n  \n  \n    Gunny\n    26,206 Haikwan taels\n  \n  \n    Cigarettes\n    96,433\n  \n  \n    Haberdashery, &c.\n    46,052\n  \n  \n    Kerosene, Russian\n    38,912\n  \n  \n    Salt\n    11\n  \n  \n    Spirits\n    20,293\n  \n  \n    Stores, household\n    182,326 gallons\n  \n  \n    Sugar\n    1,029,385\n  \n  \n    Hardware\n    77,541 piculs\n  \n  \n    India-rubber\n    134,782 Haikwan taels\n  \n  \n    Machinery\n    66,127\n  \n  \n    Oil, engine\n    14,000 piculs\n  \n  \n    Tea\n    11\n  \n  \n    Wines\n    5,435\n  \n  \n    Bean-cake\n    79,354 Haikwan taels\n  \n  \n    Beans and peas\n    \n  \n\n  \n    PRINCIPAL Exports during 1908\n    \n  \n  \n    Cereals: Barley, buckwheat, Kaoliang maize, millet, cats, rye, wheat\n    555,330 piculs\n  \n  \n    Firewood\n    1,110,339\n  \n  \n    Flour and wheat\n    414,361\n  \n  \n    Live-stock: Fowls, ducks, &c., horses, ponies, oxen, cows, pigs, and sheep\n    7,559,947\n  \n  \n    Oil: bean and hemp\n    253,975\n  \n  \n    Meat, fresh: beef, mutton, and pork\n    -\n  \n  \n    Railway sleepers\n    55\n  \n  \n    Tar\n    67,811 head\n  \n  \n    Timber-\n    \n  \n  \n    Soft wood, beams\n    69,093 piculs\n  \n  \n    laths\n    8,831\n  \n  \n    planks\n    103,418 pieces\n  \n  \n    Hard wood, beams\n    28,850 gallons\n  \n  \n    planks\n    3,987,466 pieces\n  \n  \n    poles\n    3,913,803 super feet\n  \n  \n    \n    7,883 cubic feet\n  \n  \n    \n    29,150\n  \n  \n    \n    5,700\n  \n  \n    Confectionery\n    475,761 mille\n  \n  \n    Haberdashery, &c.\n    70,564 Haikwan taels\n  \n  \n    Hardware\n    17,063\n  \n  \n    Machinery\n    17,262\n  \n  \n    Shoes and boots, all sorts, foreign\n    38,367\n  \n  \n    \n    1\n  \n  \n    \n    21,891\n  \n  \n    \n    19\n  \n  \n    Timber and planks, soft wood\n    128,102 pairs\n  \n  \n    Skin (fur) clothing\n    (value)\n  \n  \n    Spirits of wine\n    98,578 Haikwan taels\n  \n  \n    \n    404,639 gallons\n  \n  \n    \n    451,038 square feet\n  \n\nThe chief export to Europe by this route are skins, flour from the Harbin mills, and hemp oil; 487,797 pieces of skins were exported, of which 238,479 were sheep, and 210,221 were tarabagan. Only 920 pieces of sable are recorded.\n\nThe flour export amounted to 115,470 piculs, and the hemp oil to 10,273 piculs. (One picul = 133 lbs.).\n\nThe trade of Sui Fen Ho, or Pogranichnaya as it is called by the Russians, is, however, far more important, the net value for 1908 amounting to 11,985,705 taels, of which 3,481,296 taels were imports, and 8,504,409 taels exports.\n\nThe total value of the trade across the Russian frontiers thus amounts to 15,815,490 Haikwan taels, but in addition to this there is the import arriving at Harbin from the south, either by the branch of the Chinese Eastern Railway from Chang Ch'un to Harbin or by Chinese cart. No figures are available to check these imports, but I do not think 3,000,000 Haikwan taels would be an unreasonable estimate.\n\nThe policy of the Chinese Eastern Railway has hitherto been to discourage import via Chang Ch'un, in favour of Vladivostock, and the rates charged are so high that it is cheaper to carry from Chang Chun to Harbin by cart than by rail. The average freight by rail from Newchwang to Chang Ch'un by the South Manchurian Railway, a distance of 300 miles, say 173. a-ton, is approximately equal to the amount charged by the Chinese Eastern Railway for carriage from Chang Ch'un to Harbin, a distance of only 140 miles. Consequently goods are brought up to Chang Ch'un from Dairen and Newchwang by the South Manchurian Railway and forwarded on by Chinese cart, this method being apparently economically competitive as against shipment from Shanghai to Vladivostock and rail thence to Harbin.\n\nThe general trade of Northern Manchuria which even in 1908 can be estimated at a value of 20,000,000 Haikwan taels, received however an enormous stimulus towards the end of that year from the export of the soya beans to Europe, and as the ...\n\nB 2 [2518 u-2]\n\n54",
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    {
        "id": 428317,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910",
        "page_number": 242,
        "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910",
        "content_text": "right direction, does not, however, redress the grievances of the merchants interested in the Chinwangtao export trade.\n\nEnclosure 1 in No. 1.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nJ. N. JORDAN.\n\nMemorandum communicated to Wai-wu Pu by Sir J. Jordan.\n\nTHE British Cigarette Company (Limited) have requested Sir John Jordan to invite the attention of the Wai-wu Pu to the serious disabilities under which the export trade from Manchuria by the Chinese Northern Railways at present labours owing to the exactions of the li-kin authorities. The following instance, quoted by the company, is a striking example of the manner in which these exactions tend, not only to check the development of new industries, but also to divert traffic from the Imperial Railways of North China to the South Manchurian Railway.\n\nIn March of this year the company decided, as a new venture, to ship a large quantity of native tobacco from Mukden to Hankow, and arranged that shipment should be made through the port of Chinwangtao. On the arrival of the first consignment of five car-loads at Shanhaikuan, the heavy charge of 1,512 taels was demanded by the li-kin authorities, and this amount was paid under protest, but when the second consignment arrived payment of li-kin was refused, and the tobacco was sent back to Mukden. The company point out that their enterprise, if not interfered with by the oppressive action of the li-kin authorities, was calculated to develop inter-provincial trade, to encourage a demand for Manchurian tobacco, and to create traffic for the Northern Railways. The imposition of the heavy charge of 1.40 taels a picul, which is about a third of the value of the tobacco at Mukden, practically prohibits the export of tobacco by the Northern Railways, and leaves merchants no option but to transfer their business to the South Manchurian Railway, on which they are free from these vexatious exactions. They have requested the assistance of Sir John Jordan in securing the removal of these impositions, and the refund of the charges which they have already been required to pay.\n\nSir John Jordan has already called attention to this matter in his note of the 8th April, wherein he pointed out the necessity for prompt action to remedy the present anomalous state of affairs under which the Chinese authorities are assisting, by their fiscal policy, in the development of the trade of the South Manchurian Railway and the port of Dalny at the expense of the Imperial Railways of North China, and the case quoted by the British Cigarette Company is a concrete instance of the need for such action. The interests of commerce and of the Chinese revenue alike demand that trade between Manchuria and other parts of China should be on an equal footing as regards fiscal treatment, and that the present system, which involves an unfair discrimination to the detriment of the Chinese Northern Railways, should be done away with. Sir John Jordan has therefore the honour to urge the pressing necessity for putting a stop to the exactions of the li-kin authorities at Shanhaikuan, so that traffic by the Chinese Northern Railways may be at no disadvantage as compared with that carried by the South Manchurian Railway Company. He has also the honour to request that the excessive charges already paid by the British Cigarette Company in the case above referred to may be refunded to them.\n\nPeking, August 13, 1909.\n\n(No. 69.) Sir,\n\nEnclosure 2 in No. 1.\n\nConsul-General Fulford to Sir J. Jordan.\n\nTien-tsin, November 16, 1909.\n\nIN some connection with the subject of your despatch No. 14 of the 9th April, 1909, to my predecessor regarding exports of native products from Manchurian treaty ports to other treaty ports, and the duties to be charged thereon, I have the honour to enclose copy of a letter dated the 8th instant I have received from Messrs. W. Forbes and Co., and of my reply, dated the 13th instant.\n\nMessrs. Forbes and Co. wish to export bean produce from Manchuria to foreign countries viâ Chin Wang Tao, and request to be placed on an equality, so far as taxation is concerned, with merchants exporting such produce at Newchwang and Dalny.\n\nMy reply points out the extreme difficulty, if not impossibility, of obtaining the privileges they desire.\n\nThe only alternative I can see to the procedure I have sketched for them would be to advocate the principle that native produce intended for export abroad is entitled at all the open marts of Manchuria to pay at the mart in question export duty to the Maritime Customs, and to then be conveyed by railway from said mart to a treaty sea-port, such as Chin Wang Tao, and be exported without further payment either of duty or li-kin.\n\nThe difficulty in the way of this procedure is that the Maritime Customs are not functioning at most of the internal treaty marts of Manchuria, and have no control over goods conveyed by the Japanese Manchurian Railway. There is consequently, I believe, no machinery for supervising such a procedure.\n\nMoreover, it would not free the produce from local taxation before it reached an open mart. My suggestion would cover produce from every part of Manchuria. I should be glad to be instructed if you saw fit to press for an addition to the provisional rules of 1907 regarding Manchurian trade in the sense of my alternative procedure.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nH. E. FULFORD.\n\nMessrs. Forbes and Co, to Consul-General Fulford.\n\nChinwangtao, North China, November 8, 1909.\n\nWE have the honour to bring the following to your notice :—\n\n(a.) That we are desirous of exporting Manchurian yellow beans and bean oil to Great Britain and other places abroad;\n\n(b.) That on investigating the conditions under which shipments may be made from this port we have learnt that the following duties would have to be paid--\n\n1. Li-kin, payable at place of origin or at Shanhaikwan.\n\n2. Half inland duty, at 0.3 Haikwan taels per picul on beans.\n\n3. Export duty, at 0.6 Haikwan taels per picul on bean oil.\n\n(c.) That we have been informed that no li-kin charges have to be paid en route to Dalny or to Newchwang on similar produce conveyed by the South Manchurian Railway, and that half inland duty is not charged at either of these ports;\n\n(d) That on enquiring at the Chinwangtao customs as to the reason for the half inland duty we have been told that the Chinwangtao custom-house does not accept the Shanhaikwan barrier documents as proper li-kin documents, and that failing the production of proper li-kin documents the half inland duty must be charged on all goods coming from outside the Wall;\n\n(e.) That the charge levied at the Shanhaikwan barrier are about the same in amount as the half inland duty, so that beans and bean oil if shipped from this port would pay double duty as compared with exports from Newchwang and Dalny;\n\n(f) That this condition of affairs makes profitable exportation from this port impossible; and\n\n(g.) That in these circumstances we, as British merchants, venture to ask for your assistance to get the obstacles to business that we have pointed out removed so as to place us on an equality, so far as taxation is concerned, with merchants in Newchwang and Dalny.\n\nWe have, &c.\n\nPer pro. W. Mortin Smith,\n\nWILLIAM FORBES AND CO.\n\n240",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt",
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    {
        "id": 428906,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910",
        "page_number": 247,
        "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910",
        "content_text": "8\n\nthe Canton-Hankow railway line,\" being about 1,800 Chinese li, or 900 kilom., and of\n\nA Government railway main line from Ichang, in the province of Hupei, through Ching-men-chou and Hsiangyang, to a point at or near Kuangchui, connecting it with the Peking-Hankow railway line, and a branch line from Ching-men-chou, on the aforesaid main line, through Sha-si to Hanyang, the combined length of these two lines, hereinafter known as \"The Hupei section of the Szechuan-Hankow railway line,\" being about 1,600 Chinese li, or 800 kilom.\n\nThe survey lines shall be open to revision by the director-general of the railways. The Chinese Imperial Government undertakes to call in, after having received from the banks application in writing to do so, the aforesaid gold bonds, and the banks will apply the amount necessary for the said redemption out of the proceeds of the loan, and will deliver the redeemed bonds to the Chinese Government after having made the bonds valueless. The Chinese Imperial Government will, after receipt of the redeemed bonds, cancel the inscription of the pledge of the Canton-Hankow railway line in their archives, and will advise the banks in writing after having done this.\n\nIt is understood that the allotment of the aforesaid total nominal capital of 5,500,000l., will be in the proportion of 2,500,000l. to the Hupei-Hunan section of the Canton-Hankow railway line, and 2,500,000l. to the Hupei section of the Szechuan-Hankow railway line, and that any surplus of the nominal amount of 500,000l. hereby allotted for the redemption of the gold bonds issued by the American China Development Company, aforesaid, which may remain after complete redemption of those bonds, shall be added to the amount allotted to the Hupei-Hunan section of the Canton-Hankow railway line.\n\nArt. 3. After deduction of the amount required for the redemption of the gold bonds referred to in article 2 of this agreement, the balance of the loan proceeds shall be solely devoted to the construction of the aforesaid railway lines, including the purchase of land, rolling stock and other equipment, and to the working of the lines, and to payment of interest on the loan during the period of construction, which is estimated at four years from the actual beginning of the works. The commencement of the works shall not be delayed beyond six months after this agreement has been signed, within which period the banks shall notify the director-general that the sum of 510,000l. has been placed at his disposal, in case funds should be required for survey or construction purposes, or for the ordering of materials, the said sum to be held in Europe or remitted to China as he may direct, as a first instalment on account of the proceeds of the loan. This amount of 510,000l., or whatever portion thereof is actually advanced, together with interest thereon not exceeding a charge of 6 per cent. per annum, shall be deducted from the first proceeds of the sale of the bonds.\n\nArt. 4. The rate of interest for the loan shall be 5 per cent. per annum on the nominal principal, and shall be paid to the bond-holders half-yearly. The said interest shall be calculated from the date on which the loan is issued to the public, and shall be paid by the Imperial Chinese Government during the time of construction either from the proceeds of the loan or from other sources, and afterwards, in the first place, out of the revenues of the railways, and then from such other revenues as the Chinese Government may think fit to use for the purpose, in half-yearly instalments according to the amounts specified in the schedule attached to this agreement, and fourteen days before their due dates, Western calendar, as calculated half-yearly from the date on which the loan is issued to the public.\n\nArt. 5. The term of the loan shall be twenty-five years. Repayment of principal shall commence after the expiry of ten years from the date of the loan, and, except as provided in article 6 hereinafter, shall be made by equal yearly amortisation to the banks in half-yearly instalments out of the revenues of the lines, or such other revenues as the Chinese Government may think fit to use for the purpose, according to the amounts specified in the schedule attached to this agreement, but fourteen days before their due dates, Western calendar, as calculated half-yearly from the date on which the loan is issued to the public.\n\nArt. 6. If at any time after the lapse of ten years from the date of the loan the Imperial Chinese Government should desire to redeem the whole outstanding amount of the loan or any part of it not yet due for repayment in accordance with the schedule of repayments hereto attached, it may do so up to the end of the seventeenth year by payment of a premium of 2½ per cent. on the face value of the bonds, that is\n\n9\n\nto say, by the payment of 102l. 10s. for each 100l. bond, and after the lapse of seventeen years without premium; but in each and every case of such extra redemption the Imperial Chinese Government will give six months' previous notice in writing to the banks, and such redemption shall be effected by additional drawings of bonds to take place on the date of an ordinary drawing as provided for in the prospectus of the loan.\n\nArt. 7. The half-yearly payments due for amortisation and interest referred to in articles 4 and 5 shall be made in accordance with the amounts of the schedule attached to this agreement, and fourteen days before their due dates as fixed by articles 4 and 5, in equal shares to the banks by the director-general of the railways, who shall hand to the banks in Shanghae or in Hankow, fourteen days before the said due dates, funds in Shanghae (Kuei-yuan) sycee or Hankow \"Yang-li\" sycee sufficient to meet such payments in gold in Europe, exchange for which shall be settled with the banks on the same day, the railway administration having, however, the option of settling exchange with the banks simultaneously at any date or dates within six months previous to any due date for the payment of interest and (or) principal. These payments may, however, be made in gold in Europe if the Imperial Chinese Government should happen to have gold funds bona fide at their disposal in Europe, not remitted from China for the purpose, and desire so to use them.\n\nIn reimbursement of expenses connected with the payment of interest and repayment of principal of the loan the banks will receive from the Chinese Government a commission of ¼ per cent. on the annual loan service.\n\nArt. 8. The Imperial Government of China hereby engages that the interest and principal of this loan shall duly be paid in full, and should the revenues of the railways and (or) the proceeds of the loan not be sufficient to provide for the due and full payment of interest and repayment of principal, the director-general shall memorialise the Throne and the Imperial Government of China will thereupon make arrangements to ensure that the amount of deficiency shall be met from other sources and handed over to the banks on the date upon which funds are required to complete full payment of interest and repayment of principal.\n\nArt. 9. The present loan, in respect to both principal and interest, is hereby secured by-\n\n1. Hupei general li-kin amounting to 2,000,000 Haikwan taels a-year.\n\n2. Hupei additional salt tax for river defence amounting to 400,000 Haikwan taels a-year.\n\n3. Hupei new additional 2 cash salt tax of September 1908 amounting to 300,000 Haikwan taels a-year.\n\n4. Hupei collection of Hukuang inter-provincial tax on imported rice to the amount of 250,000 Haikwan taels a-year.\n\n5. Hunan general li-kin amounting to 2,000,000 Haikwan taels a-year.\n\n6. Hunan salt commissioner's treasury regular salt li-kin to the amount of 250,000 Haikwan taels a-year.\n\nThe above provincial revenues are hereby declared to be free from all other loans, charges, or mortgages.\n\nSo long as principal and interest of this loan are regularly paid there shall be no interference with these provincial revenues; but if principal or interest of the loan be in default at due date, then, after a reasonable period of grace, other suitable internal revenues of the provinces of Hupei and Hunan sufficient to provide the amounts above stated shall forthwith be transferred to and administered by the Imperial Maritime Customs in the interests of the bondholders. And so long as this loan, or any part thereof, shall remain unredeemed, it shall have priority, both as regards principal and interest, over all future loans, charges, and mortgages charged on the aforesaid provincial revenues. No loan, charge, or mortgage shall be raised or created which shall take precedence of, or be on an equality with, this loan, or shall in any manner lessen or impair its security over the aforesaid provincial revenues, and any future loan, charge, or mortgage charged on the said provincial revenues shall be made subject to this loan, and it shall be so expressed in every agreement for every such future loan, charge, or mortgage.\n\nAfter redemption of the existing gold bonds referred to in article 2 of this agreement, it is understood and agreed that, so long as this loan is unredeemed, the railways shall under no circumstances be mortgaged nor their receipts given as security to any other party.\n\n[2761 ee---1]\n\nD\n\n245",
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        "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910",
        "page_number": 345,
        "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910",
        "content_text": "2\n\nstill be under the 1 per mille limit. For the native customs an all-round levy of 5 per cent. of the duty is proposed, and, finally, in taxing foreign shipping no distinction is to be made between inland waters' steamers and other vessels, the rate to be a uniform one of 23 candareens per ton. The commissioner estimates that these changes, if agreed to, will increase the annual revenue from the foreign customs, which is to be entirely devoted to the bar and Duck Island works, from 37,784 taels to 49,241 taels, to which sum should be added the collection on duty-free goods.\n\nThese proposals have been considered at a meeting of the consular body and have been generally approved, and the Foreign Chamber of Commerce is also in favour of them. The only objectionable feature in them, in my opinion, is the increased tax on steamers plying under inland navigation rules. This trade is mostly carried on between Lungkow and this port, and is mainly a passenger trade. To try and divert it to the leased territory the Kwantung Government has subsidised a rival line between Lungkow and Dairen, and has reduced the railway rates from Dairen for through passengers into the interior to the level of those from Newchwang. It would be suicidal under the circumstances to increase the expenses of the local steamers.\n\nThe reply, however, which the consular body has sent to the taotai is that, while we shall be very glad to submit his proposals in due course to the Foreign Ministers at Peking for their favourable consideration, before doing so we wish to be assured that satisfactory arrangements have also been made to meet the cost of the upper river improvements, for, until we are in a position to inform our respective Ministers not only that the provision made for the purpose is adequate, but that the money needed is not to be raised in such a way as to neutralise the good effect of the scheme in general, it would serve no useful purpose again to address them on the subject.\n\nSince then we have received a further communication, dated the 17th May, from the taotai, informing us that he has sent a full report on the question to the Viceroy, and that he has suggested to his Excellency that he should memorialise the Throne to instruct the Board of Finance to furnish the 200,000 dollars required for dredgers and preliminary expenses, and that the Viceroy has replied, stating that he is consulting with the board in question as to the correct mode of procedure, and will communicate again with him shortly.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nF. E. WILKINSON.\n\nEnclosure 2 in No. 1.\n\nNotes on the Senior Consul's despatch of February 2 re Liao River Conservancy Funds, &c.\n\nTHE proposals made in this despatch are not strictly equitable, for, if carried out, we should be collecting on the trade passing the foreign customs at a rate averaging about five-eighths of 1 mille ad valorem, while the trade passing the native customs would be paying a full 1 per mille ad valorem, a difference of three-eighths, or, in other words, an increase of 60 per cent. in the rate of taxation. I can see no justification for the statement \"that in the case of the native trade there are not the same objections to collecting the tax on imports and exports on the actual value of the goods.\" I advise by all means that the rate of taxation should be, as near as practicable, the same for both custom-houses.\n\nThe original suggestions of the Chambers of Commerce were that all imports and exports should pay a tax of 1 mille ad valorem, and that the foreign shipping entering the port should pay 24 candareens per registered ton. They certainly ought to know how much taxation the trade of Newchwang can stand without fear of its being driven elsewhere. I think therefore that, considering the amount of work to be done—the deepening of the bar, the dredging of the river in certain other places, and the Duck Island scheme—it would be unwise to attempt the business unless an annual revenue of about 50,000 Haikwan taels be available from the collection of the foreign customs alone, and to obtain this sum the rate of taxation must be, as near as possible, the figure proposed originally by the Chambers of Commerce. The rate given in the senior consul's despatch for the collection of the funds would have returned for the year 1908—a good average year for trade—the sum of 39,000 Haikwan taels only from the foreign customs. I am of opinion that 2 per cent. on the customs duties is too small for native imports and exports paying the old tariff duties, which were drawn up more than half a century back when values were a half or a third of what they are now. The rate is all right for foreign goods, as it will return about four-fifths of 1 per mille, but with native goods it will return on the average not over one-half of per mille. The adoption of a 2 per cent. on the duty rate moreover would result in unfair taxation, for with articles paying a 5 per cent. ad valorem duty it would mean a full 1 per mille, while articles paying tariff duty would escape with less than half that figure. I propose, therefore, to get over this unfairness by suggesting the adoption of a 4 per cent. on the duty rate for native goods either imported or exported paying tariff duties, retaining 2 per cent. on the duty for articles paying 5 per cent. ad valorem. This will equalise matters and place all goods on the same tax basis. It will also place the various branches of the trade on level terms, as you can see from the rough estimate I have drawn up of the collection based on the trade for 1908. For the native customs I would suggest an all-round levy of 5 per cent. on the duties. This will put that trade on practically the same footing as that passing through the foreign customs. The tax on the foreign shipping ought to be a uniform rate, and no distinction made between inland waters' steamers and other vessels. The senior consul's proposal of 1 candareen per ton for the former is not equitable, and is not in accord with the rate originally proposed by the Chambers of Commerce. The same is true of his proposed rate of 2 per cent. on the customs duties. He was no doubt under the impression that it would be a fair one, but such is far from being the case. Take, for instance, beancakes for the year 1908: 2 per cent. on the duty would give 3,208 Haikwan taels, whereas 1 per mille on the value would have given 10,174 Haikwan taels—over three times as much. This would mean that our largest article of export is taxed one-third of 1 mille! From the customs point of view it is just as easy collecting 4 per cent. on the duty as 2 per cent., and I can see no great objection to even fixing a specific rate for the principal articles (native) of import and export should the 4 per cent. on the duty not prove acceptable. To collect these funds there will, of course, be certain charges made by the customs, for it would be unreasonable to expect the staff to do extra work without some compensation, but how much this will be will have to be decided by the inspector-general of customs at Peking.\n\nAs suggested by you, I have drawn up two rough estimates showing what the trade of 1908 could have produced. One is based on the rates mentioned in the senior consul's despatch and the other on the rates I have suggested above.\n\nIn the first instance the foreign customs would have returned 37,784 Haikwan taels and the native customs 11,000 Haikwan taels, making a total of 48,784 Haikwan taels.\n\nIn the second the foreign customs would have returned 49,244 Haikwan taels and the native customs 9,207 Haikwan taels, making a total of 58,451 Haikwan taels.\n\nFRANCIS A. CARL, Commissioner.\n\nCustom-house, Newchwang,\n\nFebruary 25, 1910.\n\n342",
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        "title": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910",
        "content_text": "2\n\nThere is one other point on which I am not quite easy in my mind. It is whether the Board of Finance is quite within its rights under the loan agreements in directing the Viceroy to draw its contribution of 200,000 dollars out of the customs revenue at this port. According to the taotai, the surplus revenue, over and above the amount annually set aside for the service of the loans, is in any case remitted to the Board, which has merely chosen the most convenient method of handing over the money. If the statement is correct there is some excuse for the Board, even if its action is technically wrong.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nEnclosure 2 in No. 1.\n\nF. E. WILKINSON.\n\nConsul Wilkinson to the Doyen of Diplomatic Corps, Peking.\n\nYour Excellency,\n\nNewchwang, July 28, 1910. ON the 3rd February last the late consul for Russia and senior consul at this port, M. Beltchenko, had the honour to submit to your Excellency, for the consideration and approval of the diplomatic body at Peking, a scheme for the conservancy of the Liao River which had been proposed by the taotai at this port, and which, with certain modifications, the consular body was willing to accept subject to the approval of the foreign Powers.\n\nYour Excellency's reply, which is dated the 21st March, states that the diplomatic body endorses in principle the views on the subject of the consuls at this port, and directs them to continue their negotiations with the taotai.\n\nThese instructions have been carried out by the consular body, and a compromise has now been arrived at, for which the approval of the diplomatic body is again requested.\n\nAs explained by my predecessor, the conservancy works which it is proposed to carry out and their estimated cost are as follows:-\n\n  \n    Dollars.\n  \n  \n    1. Deepening the bar at the mouth of the Liao and otherwise improving the approaches to the port\n    482,974\n  \n  \n    2. Protecting Duck Island bend\n    44,000\n    150,000\n  \n  \n    Running expenses (annually)\n    28,000\n  \n  \n    3. Improving the upper river-dredgers, &c.\n  \n\nThe view taken by the consular body was that the cost of the bar and Duck Island works should be borne by the foreign, or steamer, trade of the port, that is, the trade passing the foreign customs, and the cost of the upper river improvements by the native, or junk, trade, that is, the trade passing the native customs, aided by a contribution of 200,000 dollars from the provincial Government.\n\nTo provide the necessary funds for the bar and Duck Island works it was suggested that for a period of twenty years the following additional taxes should be levied by the foreign customs and devoted to the purpose, viz. -\n\n1. A tax of 1 per mille ad valorem on the imports and exports of the port, to be collected by the uniform addition of 2 per cent. to the duties.\n\n2. A tax of 2 candareens a ton on the registered tonnage of all vessels entering the port, excepting steamers plying under Inland Navigation Rules, for which the tax was to be 1 candareen only.\n\nThese taxes, it was estimated by the consular body, would furnish an annual revenue of not less than 39,000 Haikwan taels, on the security of which a loan could be raised which would be sufficient to cover the cost of the works.\n\nThe revenue from the native customs available for the upper river improvements was estimated at about 16,000 Haikwan taels per annum. The taxes to be levied were to be the same as at the foreign customs, but as, in the opinion of the consular body, there were not the same objections at the native as at the foreign custom-house to collecting the tax of 1 per mille on the actual value of the goods passing the customs, it was suggested that it should be so collected instead of by a fixed addition to the duties. This arrangement would slightly increase the revenue, which, with the contribution of 200,000 dollars asked for from the provincial Government, would likewise be adequate for the work.\n\n3\n\nThese proposals of the consular body were communicated by my predecessor to the taotai, at the same time that he submitted them to your Excellency for the consideration and approval of the diplomatic body.\n\nThe taotai, in reply, while approving our proposals generally, has raised objections to the basis on which we suggest that the taxes shall be collected. His views on the subject are fully stated in the memorandum drawn up by the Commissioner of Customs, of which I have the honour to enclose a copy. He is opposed, in the first place, to the uniform tax of 2 per cent, ad valorem on the duties which we have substituted for the tax of 1 per mille on the value of the trade. His opposition is based on the ground, firstly, that it is not an equitable arrangement, since for articles paying a 5 per cent. ad valorem duty it would mean a full 1 per mille of their value, while articles paying tariff duties would escape as a rule with less than half that figure, and, secondly, that it will not give us sufficient revenue for our purpose. He also demurs to the distinction made in the tax on shipping between inland waters steamers and other vessels.\n\nIn place of the plan suggested by the consular body the taotai has now proposed a taxation scheme of his own which, without exceeding the limits stipulated by the chambers of commerce, or adding appreciably to the difficulties and expense of collection, will increase the total revenue from the taxes at the foreign customs from 37,784 Haikwan taels, his estimate of the collection under the consular body's scheme, to 49,244 Haikwan taels, exclusive of the revenue from duty-free goods.\n\nHis scheme may be summarised as follows: In the case of foreign imports, the tariff duties on which average very nearly 5 per cent. ad valorem, the 1 per mille tax will be collected, as originally suggested by the consular body, by adding 2 per cent. to the duties, which will also be the method followed in the case of all goods for which no specific duties are laid down in the tariff, and which therefore pay duty at the rate of 5 per cent. ad valorem. The rate of levy, on the other hand, in the case of native imports paying full duty, and of exports, will be 4 per cent. in lieu of 2 per cent. of the duty, and in the case of native imports paying half duty, 8 per cent, in lieu of 4 per cent. These increases, the taotai considers, are justified by the fact that native imports and exports passing the foreign customs both pay the old tariff duties, which were drawn up more than half a century back, when values were a third or half what they are now, so that even with a 4 per cent. on the duty rate they will still be paying less than 1 per mille ad valorem,\n\n4\n\nFor the native customs, where, the taotai maintains, there are the same objections as at the foreign customs to collecting the tax of 1 per mille on the actual value of the goods passing it, he suggests an all-round levy of 5 per cent. on the duties, which will put the junk trade on the same footing as the steamer trade.\n\nThe rough estimates of the collection under each scheme attached to the Commissioner of Customs' memorandum show very clearly the differences between them.\n\nThese counter-proposals of the taotai have been communicated by the consular body to the foreign chamber of commerce, which, with one reservation, has approved them. The reservation relates to the dues on inland waters steamers, which, in the opinion of the chamber, should remain at 1 candareen a ton, the reason given being that the heavily subsidised competition of other ports, for the passenger traffic in which they engage, leaves the local steamers so slender a margin of profit that the substantial addition to their running expenses which a 2 candareen rate would entail might very probably cause their withdrawal from the trade.\n\nThe scheme has also been carefully considered by the consular body, which, while it still believes that the revenue collected by the foreign customs under its own plan would be sufficient to cover the estimated cost of the bar and Duck Island works, agrees, nevertheless, with the taotai in thinking that a larger margin of reserve is desirable to provide against any eventualities which might cause Mr. Hughes's estimates to be exceeded, and for this reason is in favour of the adoption of the revised scheme with the reservation made by the chamber of commerce.\n\nThe taotai was accordingly informed that the consular body would be glad to submit the amended scheme to the foreign Ministers at Peking for their favourable consideration as soon as he could assure the consuls that satisfactory arrangements had been made by the provincial Government for the provision of the funds still needed for the upper river.\n\nWe are now in receipt of a despatch from the taotai, dated the 12th instant, informing us that the Board of Finance at Peking has consented, at the request of the Viceroy, to furnish the 200,000 dollars required for the purchase of the dredgers and other preliminary expenses in connection with the upper river improvements, and has\n\nPage 67\n\n \n\n3\n\n4\n\nis rewritten to \n\n2\n\nThere is one other point on which I am not quite easy in my mind. It is whether the Board of Finance is quite within its rights under the loan agreements in directing the Viceroy to draw its contribution of 200,000 dollars out of the customs revenue at this port. According to the taotai, the surplus revenue, over and above the amount annually set aside for the service of the loans, is in any case remitted to the Board, which has merely chosen the most convenient method of handing over the money. If the statement is correct there is some excuse for the Board, even if its action is technically wrong.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nF. E. WILKINSON.\n\nConsul Wilkinson to the Doyen of Diplomatic Corps, Peking.\n\nYour Excellency,\n\nNewchwang, July 28, 1910. On the 3rd February last the late consul for Russia and senior consul at this port, M. Beltchenko, had the honour to submit to your Excellency, for the consideration and approval of the diplomatic body at Peking, a scheme for the conservancy of the Liao River which had been proposed by the taotai at this port, and which, with certain modifications, the consular body was willing to accept subject to the approval of the foreign Powers.\n\nYour Excellency's reply, which is dated the 21st March, states that the diplomatic body endorses in principle the views on the subject of the consuls at this port, and directs them to continue their negotiations with the taotai.\n\nThese instructions have been carried out by the consular body, and a compromise has now been arrived at, for which the approval of the diplomatic body is again requested.\n\nAs explained by my predecessor, the conservancy works which it is proposed to carry out and their estimated cost are as follows:\n\n  \n    1. Deepening the bar at the mouth of the Liao and otherwise improving the approaches to the port\n    Dollars 482,974\n  \n  \n    2. Protecting Duck Island bend\n    44,000\n  \n  \n    Running expenses (annually)\n    150,000\n    28,000\n  \n  \n    3. Improving the upper river-dredgers, &c.\n  \n\nThe view taken by the consular body was that the cost of the bar and Duck Island works should be borne by the foreign, or steamer, trade of the port, that is, the trade passing the foreign customs, and the cost of the upper river improvements by the native, or junk, trade, that is, the trade passing the native customs, aided by a contribution of 200,000 dollars from the provincial Government.\n\nTo provide the necessary funds for the bar and Duck Island works it was suggested that for a period of twenty years the following additional taxes should be levied by the foreign customs and devoted to the purpose, viz. -\n\n1. A tax of 1 per mille ad valorem on the imports and exports of the port, to be collected by the uniform addition of 2 per cent. to the duties.\n\n2. A tax of 2 candareens a ton on the registered tonnage of all vessels entering the port, excepting steamers plying under Inland Navigation Rules, for which the tax was to be 1 candareen only.\n\nThese taxes, it was estimated by the consular body, would furnish an annual revenue of not less than 39,000 Haikwan taels, on the security of which a loan could be raised which would be sufficient to cover the cost of the works.\n\nThe revenue from the native customs available for the upper river improvements was estimated at about 16,000 Haikwan taels per annum. The taxes to be levied were to be the same as at the foreign customs, but as, in the opinion of the consular body, there were not the same objections at the native as at the foreign custom-house to collecting the tax of 1 per mille on the actual value of the goods passing the customs, it was suggested that it should be so collected instead of by a fixed addition to the duties. This arrangement would slightly increase the revenue, which, with the contribution of 200,000 dollars asked for from the provincial Government, would likewise be adequate for the work.\n\nThese proposals of the consular body were communicated by my predecessor to the taotai, at the same time that he submitted them to your Excellency for the consideration and approval of the diplomatic body.\n\nThe taotai, in reply, while approving our proposals generally, has raised objections to the basis on which we suggest that the taxes shall be collected. His views on the subject are fully stated in the memorandum drawn up by the Commissioner of Customs, of which I have the honour to enclose a copy. He is opposed, in the first place, to the uniform tax of 2 per cent. ad valorem on the duties which we have substituted for the tax of 1 per mille on the value of the trade. His opposition is based on the ground, firstly, that it is not an equitable arrangement, since for articles paying a 5 per cent. ad valorem duty it would mean a full 1 per mille of their value, while articles paying tariff duties would escape as a rule with less than half that figure, and, secondly, that it will not give us sufficient revenue for our purpose. He also demurs to the distinction made in the tax on shipping between inland waters steamers and other vessels.\n\nIn place of the plan suggested by the consular body the taotai has now proposed a taxation scheme of his own which, without exceeding the limits stipulated by the chambers of commerce, or adding appreciably to the difficulties and expense of collection, will increase the total revenue from the taxes at the foreign customs from 37,784 Haikwan taels, his estimate of the collection under the consular body's scheme, to 49,244 Haikwan taels, exclusive of the revenue from duty-free goods.\n\nHis scheme may be summarised as follows: In the case of foreign imports, the tariff duties on which average very nearly 5 per cent. ad valorem, the 1 per mille tax will be collected, as originally suggested by the consular body, by adding 2 per cent. to the duties, which will also be the method followed in the case of all goods for which no specific duties are laid down in the tariff, and which therefore pay duty at the rate of 5 per cent. ad valorem. The rate of levy, on the other hand, in the case of native imports paying full duty, and of exports, will be 4 per cent. in lieu of 2 per cent. of the duty, and in the case of native imports paying half duty, 8 per cent. in lieu of 4 per cent. These increases, the taotai considers, are justified by the fact that native imports and exports passing the foreign customs both pay the old tariff duties, which were drawn up more than half a century back, when values were a third or half what they are now, so that even with a 4 per cent. on the duty rate they will still be paying less than 1 per mille ad valorem.\n\nFor the native customs, where, the taotai maintains, there are the same objections as at the foreign customs to collecting the tax of 1 per mille on the actual value of the goods passing it, he suggests an all-round levy of 5 per cent. on the duties, which will put the junk trade on the same footing as the steamer trade.\n\nThe rough estimates of the collection under each scheme attached to the Commissioner of Customs' memorandum show very clearly the differences between them.\n\nThese counter-proposals of the taotai have been communicated by the consular body to the foreign chamber of commerce, which, with one reservation, has approved them. The reservation relates to the dues on inland waters steamers, which, in the opinion of the chamber, should remain at 1 candareen a ton, the reason given being that the heavily subsidised competition of other ports, for the passenger traffic in which they engage, leaves the local steamers so slender a margin of profit that the substantial addition to their running expenses which a 2 candareen rate would entail might very probably cause their withdrawal from the trade.\n\nThe scheme has also been carefully considered by the consular body, which, while it still believes that the revenue collected by the foreign customs under its own plan would be sufficient to cover the estimated cost of the bar and Duck Island works, agrees, nevertheless, with the taotai in thinking that a larger margin of reserve is desirable to provide against any eventualities which might cause Mr. Hughes's estimates to be exceeded, and for this reason is in favour of the adoption of the revised scheme with the reservation made by the chamber of commerce.\n\nThe taotai was accordingly informed that the consular body would be glad to submit the amended scheme to the foreign Ministers at Peking for their favourable consideration as soon as he could assure the consuls that satisfactory arrangements had been made by the provincial Government for the provision of the funds still needed for the upper river.\n\nWe are now in receipt of a despatch from the taotai, dated the 12th instant, informing us that the Board of Finance at Peking has consented, at the request of the Viceroy, to furnish the 200,000 dollars required for the purchase of the dredgers and other preliminary expenses in connection with the upper river improvements, and has\n\nPage 67",
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        "title": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910",
        "content_text": "84\n\npreparations' should be omitted.\n\nonly but upon all countries.\n\n10\n\nThis would put the pressure not upon one country He also ventured to suggest to the United States it is the duty of all delegation that the paragraph in question should read countries to adopt reasonable measures to prevent, etc.'\n\n\"Dr. Hamilton Wright accepted these amendments, and the resolution in its altered form was adopted unanimously by the House.\n\n56\n\n(Note. The Portuguese delegation asked permission to reserve its vote on each and all of the resolutions).”\n\nExtract (E).\n\n(a.) \"The Chinese delegation demonstrated that there had been an opium question in China since the beginning of the eighteenth century, and that though many efforts had been made by the Emperors to suppress the habit, they had signally failed. This appeared to be largely due to the fact that at the critical moment when China was putting forth herculean efforts to suppress the evil---that is, at the end of the eighteenth and in the early part of the last century-the vice was fixed on her because of her inability to contend against or control the large amount of Indian opium smuggled or otherwise introduced into the country.\n\n\"As the result of the clandestine introduction of Indian opium and the final legalisation of the opium traffic by the Tien-tsin treaties (1858), negotiated after the Arrow war, general indifference prevailed throughout China, and the internal production of the drug, which had for many years been large, now assumed huge proportions.\" (P. 66.)\n\n(b.) \"Although no formal declaration was made as to further international action in regard to opium production, traffic, and misuse, it was, nevertheless, recognised that such action was necessary before the Powers could congratulate themselves on having solved the problem that has loomed so large and so long in the Far East, causing war and other evil consequences not (P. 71.) outstripped by the evil consequences of slavery.\"\n\nThe following passage from the report presented by the Chinese delegation shows what they actually said on these questions (\"International Opium Commission,\" vol. ii, P. 45):\n\n44\n\nForeign opium was first imported from Goa by the Portuguese in the beginning of the eighteenth century, and the first prohibiting edict against opium smoking was issued by the Emperor Yung Chêng in 1729, enacting severe penalties on the sale of opium and the opening of opium-smoking divans, and from this time on the sale of In 1729 the arrivals of opium for the purpose of smoking became a criminal offence. foreign opium were but 200 chests, but a constant increase followed each and by year, In 1796 an edict 1790 the importation had reached the figure of over 4,000 chests. formally prohibiting the importation of all opium was issued, and in 1800 this prohibitory edict was issued anew. From that date all trade in opium became contraband. Instead of diminishing, the trade flourished in spite of the prohibition, and by the year 1820 the importation amounted to 5,000 chests. By 1830 it had increased to 16,877 chests, by 1838 to 20,619 chests, by 1850 to 50,000 chests, and in 1858 to 70,000 chests. In November of the last-mentioned year the trade was legalised by China, and a tariff rate of Haikwan taels 30 per picul on opium was chargeable thereafter. While there can be little doubt that this legalisation of the opium traffic was contrary to the wishes of the Imperial Family and the enlightened classes in China, the country was then in the throes of the greatest rebellion ever experienced in its history, and revenue was badly needed. It was recognised that as the contraband trade continued in spite of the Imperial disfavour, it would be best to legalise it as the choice of two evils, and this was accordingly done.\n\n\"The next step in the history of opium is found in the Chefoo Convention of 1876, by which the British Government accepted in principle a proposal that inland taxation (li-kin) on the drug should be collected simultaneously with the import duty, i.e., by the Imperial, and not the provincial, authorities. This was made effective by an additional article, signed on the 18th July, 1885, by which the amount of li-kin was settled at Haikwan taels 80 per picul, making, with the import duty, a total of Haikwan taels 110 per picul, which the Chinese Government now collects.\"\n\n11\n\nAppendix 2.\n\nExtracts from Dr. Wright's Report.\n\nExtract (F).\n\n\"The British delegates presented data showing that in the Crown colony of the Straits Settlements and in the protected Federated Malay States a commission recently appointed had reported on the opium vice as seen there, the report being somewhat favourable to the continuance of the opium farm by which the Government disposed of opium and acquired a large revenue.\" (P. 67.)\n\nThe following is an extract* from the Straits Settlements Commission's own summary of its findings. (Report, vol. i, paragraph 342) :-\n\n\"We find that the vast majority of smokers indulge to an extent that may properly be called moderate, and that excessive indulgence occurs only in isolated instances.\n\n\"We find that there has been no increase in the prevalence of the habit, and in this we include use in moderation and use in excess, during the past decade.\n\n\"We do not find it proved that the evils arising from the use of opium have in any way increased during the past decade, We consider, however, that the circumstances surrounding the use of opium justify the Government in maintaining a closer and stricter control over it and we therefore recommend that the present system of farming the opium revenue be abolished and that a Government monopoly of the preparation and distribution of chandu be substituted.”\n\nThe following is also extracted from the same report (paragraph 310):- \"We have up to the present refrained from consideration of the purely fiscal side of the opium question, and our arguments on the question of prohibition are based entirely on consideration of the facts that the evils arising from the use of opium in the areas with which the commission has had to deal are not sufficiently widespread or acute as to justify legislative prohibition of the use of opium and that popular desire for such legislation has not yet reached such an advanced stage as to render a policy of that nature desirable.\"\n\nExtract (G).\n\n\"Resolution 6 was unfortunate in that it declared that the International Commission was not constituted in such a manner as to permit the investigation from a scientific point of view of anti-opium remedies, and the properties and effects of opium, for there were several delegates in the commission who were competent to pronounce on the subject. The Japanese Government anticipating such an investigation had sent as part of its delegation two eminent scientists who for many years have been in charge of the Japanese Government monopoly for the manufacture of opium and its preparations used in medicine. However, it developed that the principles of the moral and economic dangers of the misuse of opium were not to be endangered by this resolution, and opposition was waived for the sake of harmony. (Pp. 70-71.)\n\nThis question in a somewhat different form was first voted upon in the sixth session (see \"International Opium Commission,\" vol. i, p. 31).\n\nIt was again discussed and voted upon in the eighth and ninth sessions (see pp. 36-38, ibid.) on the following resolution moved by the Chinese delegate :\n\n\"That a committee consisting of five delegates be appointed to consider and report on the medical aspects of the opium question, including the best methods of curing the opium habit without recourse to the drug or any of its derivatives.\"\n\n* There was one dissentient from the principles adopted in this report. The portion of the summary of recommendations not reproduced in this extract relates to the use of opium in brothels, the arrangements for shops, sales to women and children, and the price of chandu.\n\n+ The commission then proceeded to deal separately with financial considerations, finally recording (paragraph 321), that these also led them to a conclusion adverse to prohibition.\n\n[2860 k-3]\n\nE\n\n14",
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910",
        "page_number": 396,
        "title": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910",
        "content_text": "2\n\nChapter XII, sections 118--120.\n\nChapter XIII, sections 122, 123, 133, 134, and 139. Chapter XIV, section 140.\n\nChapter XV, sections 147-157.\n\nChapter XVI, sections 158-162.\n\nChapter XVII, sections 163–165.\n\nI regret that I have not received any copies of the drawings referred to in section 8.\n\nThe considered opinion of three such eminent engineers as those who sign this report ought to go far to convince all impartial readers as to the wisdom of the scheme that has been adopted under the direction of M. de Rijke to improve the deep-water approach to Shanghai. There has, as you are aware, always been a considerable amount of criticism of M. de Rijke's scheme and, as the work was proving far more costly than was originally anticipated, it was clearly of the greatest utility to have this independent judgment thereon before a final decision was reached in regard to additional funds for carrying through that portion of the conservancy scheme which still remained untouched. The consulting engineers fully endorse the judgment contained in the enclosed note from the Wai-wu Pu as to the excellence of the work executed by M. de Rijke and, after carefully considering the various criticisms of that gentleman's scheme, they are able to state as their deliberate opinion that that scheme as carried out is the best that could have been adopted and that there is every probability of its being permanently successful. In regard to the rival channels for selection as the permanent fairway, they are of opinion that \"the right course was adopted in the decision to improve and develop the Junk Channel\" and they clearly explain the grounds on which they have arrived at that conclusion.\n\nIn Chapter IX, after giving some figures proving the satisfactory results already achieved in the improvement of the navigable channel, the consulting engineers mention the names of various persons interested in the shipping and general trade of the river whom their delegates, Messrs. Wilson and Matthews, interviewed in Shanghai, including the local agents of the North German Lloyd and Hamburg-Amerika Shipping Company and Captain Schellhoss, the technical attaché to the German consulate-general. These gentlemen were practically unanimous, the report says, in their approval of the works already effected by M. de Rijke and in the hope that the works in progress would be completed.\n\nFinally, in section 139, we read that the results produced by the works already executed appear on the whole to be of an entirely successful character.\n\nWhen, however, we turn to the chapter dealing with the further works included in M. de Rijke's scheme, but not yet commenced, we find that the consulting engineers are no longer in complete accord with M. de Rijke, though they are at evident pains not to hurt his feelings unduly.\n\nIt will be remembered that in April of last year M. de Rijke put forward a detailed estimate for the completion of the conservancy work involving an expenditure of something like 9,000,000 dollars over and above the sum already allocated by the Chinese Government. This scheme naturally met with considerable criticism and was rejected by the Chinese Government when presented to them by the diplomatic body. M. de Rijke, however, as will have been seen from his memorandum, which I had the honour to enclose in my despatch No. 225 of the 13th July, never modified his opinion as to the necessity of carrying out his scheme in its entirety. In Chapters VIII and XV the consulting engineers first describe the various further works included in M. de Rijke's scheme and then proceed to discuss the question of their urgency or necessity.\n\nThe only works which they describe as essential and urgent are (1) the final closing of the old Ship Channel; and (2) the completion of the present dredging contract of 1,200,000 cubic yards. These two works are, I presume, completed by this time, or anyhow will shortly be so, as should also the construction of the jetty at Woosung.\n\nUnder the heading of works of importance, for the construction of some of which at all events, the necessary funds should be provided as early as possible, they mention the whole of the training works proposed by M. de Rijke on both sides of the river between the upper end of the Astræa (Junk) Channel and Cosmopolitan Dock, and the training works on the right bank of the river below Pheasant Point opposite Woosung. But even as to these latter works the consulting engineers state that they are not convinced of their desirability or necessity, which future experience alone can prove, and they condemn the proposed dredging on the convex side of Pheasant Point as unnecessary and unlikely to have any permanent result.\n\n3\n\nUnder a third heading the report mentions the works which for the present need not be proceeded with, though ultimately some of them will be required. These works include the dredging opposite Cosmopolitan Dock, the cutting back and dredging at Pootung Point, and the dredging near the native city. The total of the dredging work proposed by M. de Rijke, but not commenced, amounts to about 7,500,000 cubic yards, and it appears from the present report as if the major part, if not the whole, of this costly work could be spared.\n\nIn Chapter XIV the consulting engineers deal with the paramount importance of providing for the careful maintenance of the new works. On this point I shall have the honour to address you further, when I have received the minutes of the meeting of the diplomatic body of the 1st instant, at which were discussed the steps to be taken in order to convince the Chinese Government of the urgency of continuing the conservancy work on the lines laid down without any interruption; the question of the provision of funds for upkeep and for any new work that might be found necessary, and finally, the possibility of a conservancy board on the lines of the Haiho Conservancy Board at Tien-tsin.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nEnclosure 1 in No. 1.\n\nWai-wu Pu to M. de Kuczynski,\n\nW. G. MAX MÜLLER.\n\ndu\n\nPékin, le 15 juillet, 1910. (Traduction.)\n\nÀ la date du 3 janvier, 1910, votre Excellence a bien voulu m'écrire au sujet de la Whangpoo Conservancy. Mon département avait alors reçu un décret Impérial chargeant le Gouverneur du Kiang-Sou de se rendre à Shanghai pour examiner la question. Comme à ce moment le rapport au Trône de ce haut fonctionnaire n'était pas encore parvenu à Pékin, je n'étais pas en mesure de vous donner une réponse immédiate.\n\nActuellement vous voulez bien me faire savoir que les représentants des Puissances à Pékin sont désireux d'être mis au courant de ce que le Gouverneur du Kiang-Sou a rapporté au Trône, et vous me demandez de vous donner à ce sujet des informations détaillées.\n\nLe Gouverneur du Kiang-Sou a fait savoir qu'il s'est rendu en personne à Shanghai sur le champ des travaux, et que, accompagné du Taotaï des Douanes de Shanghai ainsi que d'un ingénieur spécialement engagé pour l'inspection, il a examiné en détail ce qui a été fait. Depuis l'accord spécial conclu au sujet du Whangpoo Conservancy, le prix des travaux avait été évalué à 9,200,000 Haikwan taels, cette somme comprenant l'intérêt de l'emprunt et les frais d'entretien.\n\nDans le contrat conclu par la suite avec l'ingénieur en chef, de Rijke, on fixa un terme de quatre ans pour l'achèvement des travaux, et on décida en conséquence que les sommes nécessaires pour lesdits travaux seraient intégralement versées en quatre ans. Les plans et le contrat furent alors sanctionnés par le corps consulaire et les travaux commencèrent.\n\nRien, donc, n'a été omis dans l'ensemble des travaux à exécuter; leur coût total a été, après évaluation, arrêté à la somme ci-dessus, les fonds ont également été versés chaque année. Actuellement huit à neuf dixièmes des travaux sont terminés.\n\nIl y a quelque temps, un groupe de fonctionnaires et de marchands de toutes nationalités sont allés les visiter à bord d'un vapeur, et n'ont pas tari d'éloges. L'ingénieur spécialement engagé les a également examinés et les a déclarés très satisfaisants. Ceci pour les excellents résultats qui ont été obtenus.\n\nIl reste encore à exécuter un ou deux dixièmes de l'ensemble; le Taotaï et le Commissaire des Douanes ont mission de veiller à ce que les travaux qui restent à exécuter soient rapidement poussés.\n\nQuand la somme prévue aura été complètement versée, quand les travaux seront complètement achevés, la Chine aura rempli toutes les obligations qu'elle avait contractées par l'accord spécial. Tout sera donc terminé, l'ancien chenal doit être bouché, afin d'empêcher l'apport de vase et de sable et de protéger les travaux exécutés.\n\n395",
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        "title": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910",
        "content_text": "6\n\ntides, the range of tides being about 5 feet. At Shanghai the rise of springs is neap about 9 feet, and at neap 6 ft. 6 in. above low-water ordinary spring tides the range of the neap tides being 4 feet. It would appear from levellings and observations recently made for M. de Rijke that low-water ordinary spring tide at Shanghai is 1 foot higher than low-water ordinary spring tide at Woosung.\n\nDatum.\n\n13. It will be noticed that we have referred the tidal particulars given above to low water of ordinary springs, this being the datum which has been adopted by the We should, Whangpoo Conservancy, and is the result of many years of observation. however, point out that there also exists the \"Customs datum,\" which is adopted by the harbour-master, and is used in signalling to vessels the depth of water which is available. This last-named datum is the lowest recorded low-water level, and is 2 feet below the \"Conservancy datum\" just referred to. It is desirable that the harbour officials and the Conservancy Board should endeavour to agree upon a common datum, the existence of two zeros being liable to give rise to confusion.\n\nCharacter of Bed of River.\n\n14. The Whangpoo runs throughout its length, across a flat alluvial country, of which extensive areas are liable to flooding, especially at high tides, for notwithstanding that dykes or bunds have been constructed over considerable lengths, they have not been maintained in proper and efficient state of repair. The bed of the river is in places of soft and, from the point of view of engineering works, a treacherous character, especially in the neighbourhood of Gough Island. The right bank through Ship Channel, previous to the construction of the new works, had been subject to very rapid erosion, a comparison of old charts showing that between 1877 and the date of the commencement of the works the channel has shifted to the eastward to an extent fully equal to its width.\n\n15. The Whangpoo is, naturally, a clear-running river. The Yang-tsze, on the other hand, is heavily charged with silt, especially during the floods in the summer months, when it is reported to rise normally 45 feet above its low-water level at Hankow and about 2 feet at Woosung. Its waters carry into the Whangpoo, on a rising tide, large quantities of matter in suspension, which are deposited during slack water, thus forming banks and shoals in the bed of the river. It therefore happens that the Whangpoo, although rising to a higher level, is not in so good a condition for navigation at this season of the year, as it is after the Yang-tsze floods are over.\n\nPort of Shanghai.\n\n16. The port of Shanghai is situated on the left bank of the river, about 14 miles above Woosung. On arrival there almost all vessels are berthed at a wharf, but some lie in the stream, made fast to buoys, and swing with the tide. In a few cases they moor head and stern and do not swing. The cargo from steamers lying in the stream is loaded into native boats, by which it is either conveyed up the creeks, or landed at one of the numerous pontoon piers or wharves, and thence taken to the merchants' godowns.\n\n17. The river is crowded with all kinds of native craft, running from large five-masted ocean-going junks down to sampans. We gathered from the witnesses, whom we examined, that vessels drawing upwards of, say 24 or 25 feet, and some of the mail-steamers, do not as a rule come up the river to Shanghai, but remain at anchor at Woosung, either in the Whangpoo abreast the fort railway station, or in the Yang-tsze off the end of the jetty. Other vessels, of heavy draught, not infrequently lighten at Woosung before going up the river to Shanghai.\n\nApproaches to Whangpoo River.\n\n18. It is important here to explain the general practice observed in the navigation of vessels proceeding to and from Shanghai. There exist in the Yang-tsze River, about 25 miles below Woosung, patches of shoal water named the Fairy Flats, on which, as shown on the Admiralty charts, the depth is from 2 to 3 fathoms, but, according to the local pilots, a minimum depth of about 18 feet at low-water ordinary spring tides may usually be found there.\n\n7\n\n19. Captain Gregor and Captain Evans (before referred to) informed us that it is the usual practice for vessels approaching Shanghai to leave the fair-way bell-buoy, off the Yang-tsze Cape, and 20 miles south-east of the Fairy Flats, at one hour after low water, and thence to proceed up the river. Fairy Flats are passed at about one-third flood, the vessel carrying the tide with her past Woosung—which is reached at about high water—and then up the river to Shanghai, where she arrives about an hour after high water, using the last of the flood current to swing head downstream prior to coming alongside a wharf. When outward bound from Shanghai the time for departure is not quite so important, as vessels are almost always then of lighter draught; but the practice is to leave a little before high water, so as to pass through the Astræa Channel about the top of the tide.\n\nNavigable Depth required.\n\n20. The improvement works in progress under the direction of M. de Rijke, for the Whangpoo Conservancy, are designed to give a minimum depth of 15 feet at low-water ordinary spring tides in the new or Astræa Channel. We have already mentioned, in paragraph 12, that at Woosung neap tides rise 8 feet above low-water ordinary spring tides thus giving an available depth at high-water neap tides of 25 feet, which may be taken as limiting the draught of vessels which could reach Shanghai during such tides to, say about 24 feet. From the foregoing it will be seen that the depth provided by the improvement works, about corresponds with that which is available over the Fairy Flats.\n\n21. It would thus appear, for the reasons given, that if a minimum depth of 18 feet at low-water ordinary spring tides is provided and maintained throughout the Whangpoo River to Shanghai, such depth would be sufficient to pass any vessel which could come up the Yang-tsze to Woosung. A vessel, however, of unusually heavy draught, which could not pass over Fairy Flats until a later period of the flood tide than above described would have either to anchor at Woosung and lighten, or wait there during a tide, in order to pass through the Astræa Channel during the following high water.\n\nII. THE CONSTITUTION OF THE WHANGPOO CONSERVANCY.\n\n22. For many years the deteriorating condition of the Whangpoo has been a menace to the existence of Shanghai as a sea-port, consequently efforts have been made by the Chamber of Commerce to obtain the appointment of a board charged with the improvement and proper conservation of the river. In putting forward these efforts the chamber were strongly supported by the consular body at Shanghai, as well as by the foreign Ministers at Peking; but it was not until almost thirty years had elapsed that definite provision was made for the above purpose in the peace protocol following the Boxer rising of 1900,\n\nOriginal Conservancy Board.\n\n23. At that date a Conservancy Board was appointed which comprised representatives of China and of all the foreign Powers interested in Shanghai. It was agreed that the necessary works should be carried out, and that half the cost should be defrayed by the Chinese Government and half by the foreign nationalities.\n\nModified Conservancy Board.\n\n24. This board, however, never actually met. Difficulties due to the number of its members and the complicated nature of its constitution proved to be so great that it was unanimously agreed by the Chinese Government and the foreign Powers that China should herself undertake the works, subject to the provision that, if they were not carried out satisfactorily, the Powers might revert to the original board, for which stipulation was made in the protocol.\n\n25. Thus, in 1905, a convention was signed under which, instead of the board provided by the peace protocol, a Conservancy Board was created consisting only of the taotai of the native city and the local commissioner of customs, China agreeing at the same time to pay the entire cost of the works, and to forthwith provide 9,200,000 Haikwan taels in twenty annual instalments of 460,000 each. Provision was likewise made that in the event of the money being required at an earlier period,\n\n397",
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        "page_number": 399,
        "title": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910",
        "content_text": "398\n\n8\n\nChina might obtain a loan for such sum, and that the interest on the same should **form part of the 9,200,000 taels to be provided**.\n\nAppointment of M. de Rijke.\n\n26. After the creation of the Conservancy Board as finally constituted in 1905, M. Johannes de Rijke was invited by the board (acting for the Peking Government) to undertake the duties of engineer-in-chief for the purpose of carrying out the necessary improvements in the river. The appointment of the officer to occupy this position had, under the convention, to be approved by the foreign representatives, and M. de Rijke was adopted by them as having a large experience of river problems and as possessing considerable knowledge of the Whangpoo River.\n\nIII—THE TRADE OF SHANGHAI.\n\n27. It will be of advantage if we here give some statistics showing the great extent of the trade of Shanghai, from which will be apparent the paramount importance to the city, of maintaining a good channel from the sea, for the accommodation of ocean-going vessels.\n\n28. The following figures were kindly compiled for us, from the official returns of the Imperial Customs, by the secretary of the Chamber of Commerce.\n\n  \n    TOTAL Collection of Dues and Duties by the Imperial Maritime Customs for the years 1903-8 inclusive\n  \n  \n    1903\n    1904\n    1905\n    1906\n    1907\n    1908\n    Haikwan Taels\n  \n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    9,924,890\n  \n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    10,328,433\n  \n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    12,080,135\n  \n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    12,823,817\n  \n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    11,007,454\n  \n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    9,613,526\n  \n\n  \n    TONNAGE Dues only collected by the Imperial Maritime Customs for the years 1903-8 inclusive\n  \n  \n    1903\n    1904\n    1905\n    1906\n    1907\n    1908\n    Haikwan Taels\n  \n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    603,997\n  \n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    666,381\n  \n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    712,275\n  \n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    895,801\n  \n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    897,914\n  \n  \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    816,855\n  \n\nWe may here remark that, at the commencement of the year, the value of the Haikwan taels was about 2s. 8d.\n\n  \n    \n    TOTAL Number and Tonnage of Vessels Entered and Cleared at the Imperial Customs, 1903-8\n  \n  \n    \n    1903\n    1904\n    1905\n    1906\n    1907\n    1908\n  \n  \n    STEAMERS and Sailing-vessels Entered\n    No.\n    4,677\n    4,711\n    7,692,207\n    26,032\n    24,104\n    22,255\n  \n  \n    Tonnage\n    6,179,554\n    6,076,279\n    \n    8,550,508\n    6,668,541\n    8,769,348\n  \n  \n    STEAMERS and Sailing-vessels Cleared\n    No.\n    4,553\n    4,728\n    35,765\n    35,787\n    34,900\n    2,973,434\n  \n  \n    Tonnage\n    6,162,891\n    6,105,519\n    7,887,103\n    8,816,454\n    \n    $2,588 9,048,566 + 9\n  \n\n28. From 1905 are included in the above table the number and tonnage of the inward steamers, towed passenger boats, and cargo junks.\n\nIn addition to the foregoing there are, on the average, 5,000 junks entered and cleared yearly at the native customs, besides about 700 steam launches running between Kiangpeh and Chekiang to Shanghai, the yearly tonnage amounting to about 150,000 tons entered and cleared.\n\nIV. TOPOGRAPHY OF THE RIVER, WITH FORMER OBSTRUCTIONS TO NAVIGATION.\n\n30. The principal defects in the river, working upwards from the mouth, before the inception of the training works, were generally as follows:--\n\nOuter Bar\n\n31. At the confluence of the Whangpoo with the Yang-tsze a bar, known as the Outer Bar, had always existed in a greater or less degree, subject to variations from time to time both in extent and in the depth of water available over it.\n\n32. As will be apparent upon reference to drawing No. 2, the tidal currents naturally followed for some distance from the Outer Bar the western or Woosung shore, which is concave, but a portion of the flood current making up the Yang-tsze has always had a tendency to open a second channel on the opposite shore. At times such a channel has actually been formed, and on these occasions the main deep-water channel has considerably deteriorated. As an example of this action, it appears from a comparison of charts of different dates, that in 1871 there was a single channel only on the western, or Woosung, side of the entrance, having a minimum depth of 22 feet at low water, whereas in 1877 there were two channels, the greater available depth being 15 feet. Generally, however, there has been a single deep-water channel near the left bank, with an extensive area of shoal water extending from the right or southern shore,\n\nPheasant Point.\n\n33. About 2 miles above Woosung Forts, the river makes a turn around a promontory called Pheasant Point, from which a large shoal extends outwards, thus considerably reducing the width of the river. This conformation tends to diminish the inflow of tidal water—a matter of great moment with regard to the tidal development in the upper reaches of the river.\n\nGough Island Reach,\n\n34. Almost immediately above Pheasant Point, and about 2 miles from Woosung Forts, the Whangpoo divides into two branches, passing respectively to the north-east and south-west of Gough Island, reuniting above the latter a little below Kajow Creek. The channel to the northward and eastward of Gough Island, has hitherto been known as “Ship” Channel, from the fact that until the works which have been recently carried out had considerably advanced, it was the main navigable channel to and from Shanghai; whilst the wider channel passing to the southward and westward\n\nChannel.\n\nof Gough Island, in which there was less depth, was known as “Junk\n\n35. M. de Rijke determined to improve and develop the Junk Channel, and it is in connection with this decision that most of the criticism of his proposals has been based. This important question will, however, receive due consideration at a later period herein.\n\nInner Bar.\n\n36. Where Ship Channel joined Junk Channel at the lower end of Gough Island, a bar called the Woosung Inner Bar, existed for many years across the first-named channel, and formed a great impediment to navigation. Up to the year 1843, no mention was made of any Inner Bar, and the first authentic record of the depth upon it was in 1856, when Lieutenant Bable, United States navy, stated that “the depth of water on the Outer Bar at the lowest spring tide is 24 feet, and on the bar above Woosung it is about 12 feet.” From a paper prepared by Captain Bisbee, coast inspector, recording the results of observations made by him during the period 1872-1893, it also appeared that the depth of water over this Inner Bar was constantly fluctuating, the least recorded depths at spring tides being 6 ft. 9 in. in September\n\n[2958 hh-1]",
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        "content_text": "# 18\n\nEffect on the Navigation of the River.\n\n96. In order to ascertain as far as practicable the general opinion of those principally concerned in the improvement of the Wangpoo, Messrs. Wilson and Matthews, when at Shanghai, interviewed several gentlemen interested in the shipping and general trade of the river, who courteously afforded them valuable information.\n\n97. Amongst these gentlemen were Mr. Merrill, Commissioner of Customs, and one of the members of the Wangpoo Conservancy Board; Mr. Landale, chairman of the Shanghai Municipal Council, and local manager of Messrs. Jardine, Matheson, and Co.; Mr. Marshall, agent of the P. and O. Company and chairman of the Shipping Conference; Mr. Wright, deputy chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, of Messrs. Butterfield and Swire; M. Michelau, of Messrs. Melchors, agents for the North German Lloyd and Hamburg-America Shipping Companies; M. de Thuy, agent for the Messageries maritimes; and Captain Schellhoss, technical attaché to the German consulates in China.\n\n98. In addition to the gentlemen above named, Messrs. Wilson and Matthews had several interviews with Captain Carlson, the harbour-master, who at all times readily furnished such information as was desired from him, also ship-masters and pilots of the P. and O., Norddeutscher Lloyd, Messageries maritimes, Ocean Steamship, and other companies. It is gratifying that the agents and pilots of the Norddeutscher Lloyd and Messageries maritimes companies were good enough to furnish such information on the spot, seeing that, as already remarked in paragraph 3 we have unfortunately not been successful in meeting the representatives of these companies in London.\n\n99. Although it is not necessary to follow in detail the opinions expressed by these gentlemen, we may state that, with regard to the broad question at issue, they were practically unanimous in the opinion that the Astrea Channel is greatly superior for navigation purposes to the old Ship Channel, both on account of its straighter course and its greater width of dead water. They also earnestly hoped that the works in progress would be fully completed. Whilst putting forward the foregoing views and opinions, we should also remark that M. de Rijke's scheme has on other grounds been the subject of much adverse criticism, to which reference will be made hereafter in section XI.\n\nX. THE COST OF THE UNDERTAKING.\n\nWork Fund.\n\n100. As already described (paragraph 25) the cost of the whole of the works had, by the convention of 1905, to be borne by the Chinese Government, the amount being estimated at twenty annual instalments of 460,000 Haikwan taels, or a total of 9,200,000 Haikwan taels. This sum may therefore be taken here as the work fund.\n\n101. In order to prosecute vigorously the two main portions of the undertaking, viz., the Woosung Jetty Works and the opening of the Junk Channel, it became necessary at the commencement of the undertaking to arrange for a fund of 4,500,000 Haikwan taels for immediate contracts.\n\n102. There was, however, as already pointed out, a reservation in the convention that if a greater sum of 460,000 Haikwan taels was required in any one year, China might obtain a loan for the same, interests being defrayed out of the capital sum of 9,200,000 Haikwan taels. The result thus came about that a loan was obtained for 2,998,235 Haikwan taels, being fixed as representing the total interest to be paid on the same. The effective sum forming the work fund was thus reduced to 6,201,764 Haikwan taels. This last-named amount has, however, since been augmented by the addition of 300,000 Shanghai taels, specially granted last year. This total work fund, therefore, stands as follows:-\n\nOriginal capital sum9,200,000\nLess interest on loan2,998,235\nTotal net sum6,201,764\nSpecial grant300,000\nTotal net work fund7,208,765\n\n19\n\nContract Work.\n\n103. Contract No. 1, for the construction of the Woosung jetty and contingent works, amounted to 1,997,798 Shanghai taels, to which must be added a sum of 23,326 Shanghai taels for extra work, making a total of 2,028,124 Shanghai taels. Contract No. 2, for dredging in the Junk Channel, amounted to 2,000,000 Shanghai taels, to which must be added 7,614 Shanghai taels for extra work, making a total of 2,007,014 Shanghai taels. Contract No. 3, for further dredging in Astræa Channel, amounted to 264,000 Shanghai taels. These three contracts therefore necessitated a total expenditure of 4,292,738 Shanghai taels.\n\n\"Own Administration\" Work.\n\n104. The sum expended on \"own administration\" work (i.e., work carried out departmentally by the board under M. de Rijke) amounted at the 31st December, 1909, to 2,132,833 Shanghai taels.\n\nTotal Expenditure on Works.\n\n105. It will be seen from the foregoing that at the end of last year, including both “contract\" and \"own administration\" works, a total sum of 6,425,571 Shanghai taels has been expended, leaving an available balance of only 783,194 Shanghai taels out of the total net \"work fund\" of 7,208,765 Shanghai taels referred to in paragraph 102.\n\n106. Our information regarding the financial aspect of the works was obtained through Mr. A. G. H. Carruthers, secretary to the Whangpoo Conservancy.\n\nXI-CRITICISMS OF THE WORKS WHICH HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT.\n\n107. Whilst at Shanghai Messrs. Wilson and Matthews obtained, as far as it was practicable to do so, particulars of the grounds on which the criticisms of M. de Rijke's scheme and the operations in connection therewith were based, and in many cases had the advantage of bearing the objections directly from their originators.\n\n108. They were fortunate in having several interviews with M. Michelau, whose firm, as already mentioned, are agents for the North German Lloyd and Hamburg-America Shipping Companies, and also with Captain Schellhoss. These gentlemen courteously received them, and afforded the fullest information as to the objections raised by the German community and the reasons for the same.\n\n109. In the first place, M. de Rijke was severely criticised for having commenced the works in 1907 on lines practically corresponding with those which he had laid down in 1895, notwithstanding that in the meantime great alterations had taken place in the river; this in particular reference to the selection of Junk Channel for improvement rather than Ship Channel.\n\nMemorandum of the \"Deutsche Vereinigung.\"\n\n110. In November 1907, some months after the present works were commenced, we understand, a copy of a memorandum, addressed to the German Imperial consul-general and supported by the German Association (\"Deutsche Vereinigung\") of Shanghai, was forwarded by that association to the chairman of the Shanghai Chamber of Commerce, with a letter dated the 5th November, 1907.\n\n111. The memorandum supported the contention that Ship Channel should be adhered to as the permanent navigation route, and stated that, although at the date of M. de Rijke's report of 1898 the Ship Channel was shoaling, in 1907, when the works were about to be commenced, the same channel was again deepening and the Junk Channel shoaling.\n\n112. In support of the latter statement the memorandum quotes the following from M. de Rijke's quarterly report, dated the 26th January, 1907:\n\n\"The depth of water in the river generally has greatly increased, owing to the heavy rain washing out the channel (Ship Channel), and consequently defence work has proved more difficult. Gough Island Reach, where some of the largest works have to be made, has grown much deeper, and the shoaling of Ship Channel will be much more expensive than at first estimated.\"\n\nPage 403",
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910",
        "page_number": 405,
        "title": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910",
        "content_text": "20\n\nM. de Rijke's quarterly report, dated the 20th April, 1907, is also then quoted, as follows:-\n\n\"A resounding of Gough Island Reach shows that the depth all along Ship Channel has increased, while Junk Channel has shallowed.\"\n\nThe memorandum further states that at that date-\n\n\"the so-called Inner Bar has almost disappeared, and there is to-day, from the arsenal to the mouth of the river, a uniform depth of at least 18 feet at lowest low-water level; in other words, the works which the River Conservancy tries to achieve are already almost in existence.\"\n\n113. The memorandum, in summarising the conclusions arrived at, contains the following:-\n\nAccording to M. de Rijke's own words, the forcing over of the main stream of a river like this, without causing new impediments and without much interrupting navigation, is often found to be a most difficult task, even when using numbers of men skilled in such work.\" The Kajow Bar, which should facilitate this 'forcing over,' has entirely disappeared, and there must now be a certain danger if it is tried. Is it, under these circumstances, advisable to run such an incalculable and enormous risk? Or what security does M. de Rijke's scheme give that, in the course of its execution, shipping will not be seriously hampered or even interrupted?\n\n\"The expense of the Ship Channel's closing up under the present conditions will be--as admitted by the quarterly reports-much higher than at first estimated. Will this amount, under all circumstances, suffice for the complete execution of M. de Rijke's scheme?\n\n\"There are at the disposal twenty annual votes of 460,000 taels each.\n\n\"If these two questions cannot be answered with certainty, might it not be taken into serious consideration to make use of the natural tendency of the river, choosing the present fair-way (Ship Channel) by improving and straightening it?\n\nIt is quite obvious that thereby the shipping can in no way be hampered, and, moreover, the expenses will be considerably smaller.\n\n\"We would like to mention that our misgivings are shared by experts.\"\n\n114. We have made these quotations from the memorandum of the \"Deutsche Vereinigung,\" for the purpose of focussing attention on the main points where difference of opinion existed between the advocates of the Ship Channel route and those who favoured the scheme for the development of Junk Channel.\n\nCaptain Schellhoss's further Criticisms.\n\n115. Captain Schellhoss also explained, at an interview, that in his opinion the Jetty Works at Woosung were of a much heavier section than required, and pointed out that owing to the large expenditure upon them and on the great works, previously described, which were required to divert the river from its normal course at Gough Island, it had been necessary to raise a large loan, with the consequence that there had to be paid away in interest a sum amounting to one-third of the total available work fund. He considered that all the improvements required might have been effected at the rate of 460,000 Haikwan taels per annum, in which case almost 3,000,000 Haikwan taels more would have been available for productive expenditure.\n\n116. Captain Schellhoss also questioned the necessity for the series of six cross dams behind the main longitudinal dam at Upper Gough, and the introduction in nearly every case of two cribs, connecting the shore with the various parallel works, instead of relying on one only.\n\n117. Criticisms were also expressed by Captain Schellhoss and some others with regard to the administration of the works. This matter does not, however, appear to us to have a direct bearing upon the main question which we are called upon to investigate, viz., whether or not in the scheme, as carried out, is the best which could have been adopted, and also whether there is a probability of its being permanently successful.\n\nXII.-M. DE RIJKE'S VIEWS GENERALLY ON THE FOREGOING CRITICISMS.\n\n118. Taking first the points raised in the memorandum of the \"Deutsche Vereinigung,\" it will now be conceded that the fears formally expressed with regard to cutting off Shanghai for a time from the sea, or of increased difficulties in the navigation during the construction of the works, have been proved to be unfounded.\n\n21\n\nReasons for the Selection of Junk Channel.\n\n119. M. de Rijke answered the foregoing criticisms in writing, and also explained his views to Mr. Wilson and Mr. Matthews; his replies on the question of the selection of the Junk Channel for improvement rather than the Ship Channel may be summarised as follows:--\n\n(a.) That a much straighter and better course is thereby obtained, both for tidal development and for navigation.\n\n(b.) That owing to the sharp concave bend in the Ship Channel and the action of the tidal currents thereon, the defence works on the right bank would require to be almost continuous, and, having to be constructed in deep water, would, of necessity, prove very costly to carry out in the first instances, and would entail heavy maintenance charges in the future.\n\n(c.) That in consequence of the insufficiency of the cross-sectional area of the Ship Channel branch of the river, either very heavy dredging work would have been necessary along Gough Island shore, or else a portion of the Junk Channel must have been left open, which might have resulted in the continuation of the Inner Bar, and would have defeated the whole object of training the river and the creation of a single waterway for the flux of the tides.\n\n(d.) That the training works extending from the left bank, below Gough Island, which would be required to divert the flood currents into the Ship Channel would have to be carried across deep water, and be of exceptional strength on account of the abrupt angle around which the stream would have to be turned.\n\nAt the same time the development of the flood tide would have been seriously injured by being forced around so sharp a curve.\n\n(e.) That works of a similar description, though of a less substantial character, would have been required from the left bank, above Gough Island, in order to divert the ebb currents into the Ship Canal.\n\n(f) That a channel of the full section required, and with good curves, could be more readily obtained through Junk Channel, and, moreover, the training works necessary, apart from the main parallel dam at Upper Gough, could be constructed almost entirely in shallow water.\n\nCross Dams at Upper Gough.\n\n120. With reference to the series of cross dams behind the main parallel dam at Upper Gough, and the system of double or treble cribs, connecting the shore with the various parallel works, M. de Rijke considered a provision of this kind essential, on so soft a bottom as is here experienced, in order to subdivide the fall of the stream over the works in such a manner as to reduce scour at the foot of the dam, and to facilitate the deposit of silt between the cribs. Although he had allowed for the six upper dams in his estimate of April 1909, in case they might all be required, he proposed only to construct such of them as experience might find to be necessary as the works proceeded.\n\nXIII.-OUR OPINION WITH REGARD TO THE WORKS EXECUTED BY M. DE RIJKE.\n\n121. We have thought it desirable to describe fully the works which have been proposed and those which have been executed, and have referred at length to the reasons which led to the adoption of the design of the works which have been carried out, and also to the views which are entertained generally at Shanghai with regard thereto. It now becomes necessary that we should express our opinion, which we do after most careful consideration, with reference to these important matters.\n\nPreference for Junk Channel Route.\n\n122. Dealing first with the principal controversial point, viz., as to whether the Ship Channel or the Junk Channel should have been selected for improvement; we are strongly of opinion, after mature reflection, that the right course was adopted in the decision to improve and develop the Junk Channel.\n\n[2958 kh-1]\n\n404",
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        "id": 429702,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910",
        "page_number": 439,
        "title": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910",
        "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\nAFFAIRS OF CHINA.\n\n36747\n\n[November 10.]\n\nSECTION 1.\n\nDEC 10\n\n[40974]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n(No. 375.) Sir,\n\nMr. Max Müller to Sir Edward Grey-(Received November 10.)\n\nPeking, October 26, 1910.\n\nIN case the matter should not have come to your notice through other sources, I have the honour to report that \"The Northern Bank\" (of St. Petersburgh) has been amalgamated with \"The Russo-Chinese Bank.\" The new institution will be known under the name of \"The Russo-Asiatic Bank\" and takes over all the assets and liabilities, together with the rights and obligations attaching thereto, of the two banks of which it forms the amalgamation.\n\nThe new institution, which is said to have 150 branches, publishes the following particulars of capital:-\n\n  \n    Stock\n    Roubles.\n    35,000,000\n  \n  \n    Reserve\n    Roubles.\n    17,005,147.60\n  \n  \n    Chinese Government deposit reserve\n    Haikwan Taels.\n    3,500,000\n  \n  \n    \n    Haikwan Taels.\n    1,670,000\n  \n\nI have, &c.\n\nW. G. MAX MÜLLER,\n\n[2982 k—1]\n\n438",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910.txt",
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    {
        "id": 434578,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911",
        "page_number": 579,
        "title": "CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911",
        "content_text": "8 \n\nof opium shall have been effectively applied to native opium, then such orders shall also be applied to Indian opium.\n\n## ARTICLE 5.-Effective Restrictions on the Import of Indian Opium.\n\n**(a.)** The British Government undertake that from the year 1911 the Government of India will issue an export permit with a consecutive number for each chest of Indian opium declared for shipment to or for consumption in China. During 1911, the number of permits so issued shall not exceed 30,600, and subsequently, during the period of import, shall be progressively reduced annually by 5,100.\n\n**(b.)** During the period of import of Indian opium, the Chinese Government may dispatch one or more officers to India to watch the opium sales, and, further, to be present at the packing of opium.\n\n**(c.)** A copy of each permit so issued shall, before shipment of opium declared for shipment to or for consumption in China, be handed to the Chinese officer concerned, for transmission to his Government or the Custom authorities in China.\n\n**(d.)** Each chest of opium, for which such permit has been granted, shall be sealed by the officer deputed by the Indian Government. The Chinese officer concerned may attend personally to watch the operation, and may affix his seal (on the official sealing strip).\n\n**(e.)** Chests of opium so sealed and accompanied by such permits may, if such two seals remain unbroken, be imported into any treaty port of China.\n\n**(f)** On the expiry of ... days from the date of publication of the new regulations, chests of opium unsealed (i.e., without both seals), and chests sealed but unaccompanied by permits, shall be refused entry into any of the treaty ports of China.\n\nThis article cannot become effective until all the treaty Powers have signified their acceptance of the engagement set forth therein as binding on their nationals. Prior to the introduction of the new regulations, the two Governments shall continue to act in accordance with the arrangement at present in force.\n\n## ARTICLE 6.-Increase of Duty.\n\nThe British Government should consent, during the period of the import of Indian opium, to assess the consolidated import duty on the basis of per cent. of the present market price of foreign opium. The Chinese Government will adopt this basis, in fixing the duty to be levied on native opium, in order to preserve equality of treatment.\n\n## ARTICLE 7-Supplementary.\n\nThis arrangement, drawn up between the British and Chinese Governments, must be carried out. But should the Powers at some future date, when dealing with the prohibition of opium question, agree to adopt some other policy or to take administrative measures to control opium, then, in that case, the fact that this arrangement exists should not be allowed to stand in the way of the two countries participating in an equal degree in the universal advantages to be derived from such new policy.\n\nPeking, February 11, 1911.\n\n## Enclosure 3 in No 1.\n\n**Chinese Memorandum: Re-draft of Articles 4 and 7.** (Handed in by Dr. Yen on February 21, 1911.)\n\n## ARTICLE 4.-Anti-Opium Laws and Regulations.\n\nDuring the period of importation of Indian opium, the laws and regulations instituted by the Imperial Chinese Government or by their executive officers, for the suppression of opium, and effectively enforced on native opium, shall also, after suitable negotiation with and with the consent of the British Government, be applied to Indian opium.\n\n9 \n\n## ARTICLE 7.-Additional Article.\n\nThe arrangement concluded this time between the Chinese and British Governments shall, upon signing of the agreement, be immediately put into force. It is understood, however, that in the suppression of opium, if circumstances should change, or superior arrangements should be discovered, amendments to the present agreement may be proposed and considered.\n\n**Counter-Draft to above.** (Handed to Dr. Yen February 21, 1911.) Should it be found necessary during the unexpired period of seven years to modify this agreement, it may be revised by mutual agreement between the two High Contracting Parties.\n\n## Enclosure 4 in No. 1.\n\n**British Memorandum: Re-draft of Clause 1, Sections (d), (e), (f), and (g).** (Handed to Dr. Yen on February 21, 1911.)\n\nClause 1, Sections (d), (e), (f), and (g).\n\nON confirmation of this agreement, China will at once cause to be withdrawn all restrictions placed by the provincial authorities on the wholesale trade in Indian opium such as those recently imposed in Canton and elsewhere, and also all taxation on the wholesale trade other than the consolidated import duty, and no such restrictions or taxation shall be again imposed so long as the additional article to the Chefoo agreement remains as at present in force.\n\nOn a breach of any of the conditions contained in this article, His Majesty's Government shall be at liberty to suspend or withdraw the restrictions on the export of opium from India.\n\n## Enclosure 5 in No. 1.\n\n**Memorandum to show that an ad valorem Import Duty on Opium is feasible and presents few difficulties.** (Handed in by Dr. Yen on February 21, 1911.)\n\n(Translation.)\n\nTHE question has two aspects:— \n\n1. Can an increase of the present duty to a considerable extent be fairly expected?\n\nAnd,\n\n2. Will there be any serious difficulty in providing for the collection of duty on the ad valorem principle?\n\nRegarding the first question, the following considerations present themselves: -\n\n| Point | Description |\n| --- | --- |\n| 1 | When the present consolidated opium tax (duty plus li-kin) was fixed at 110 taels per chest, opium was worth from 350 to 400 taels a chest, and the duty therefore represented about 30 per cent. ad valorem on the selling price in China. |\n| 2 | During the ten years from 1880 to 1889, both included, the value of opium as deduced from the Customs published figures for the year 1889, was in round numbers 400 Haikwan taels, and the relation of duty to value was 27.4 per cent. |\n| 3 | During the succeeding ten years from 1890 to 1899, both included, the value of opium had risen till in 1899 it was worth 600 taels a picul, as shown by the figures of the last year; the relation of duty to value had fallen to about 18 per cent. |\n| 4 | In the ten years from 1900 to 1909 (the last year for which full Customs figures are available), the value had risen in round numbers to 730 taels a picul, and duty assessed on it would have been just about 15 per cent. |\n| 5 | The Customs figures for 1910 are not yet published, but it is understood that values have risen enormously, possibly for reasons which need not be stated. The |",
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911",
        "page_number": 80,
        "title": "CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911",
        "content_text": "# 79 \n## 2 \nShanghai. Roughly speaking, Shanghai takes 30 per cent. of the total import, Canton 20 per cent., Swatow, Amoy, and Foochow, 20 per cent, and the Yang-tsze ports-- Chinkiang-Hankow 11 per cent., and Kowloon and Lappa (for the West River and Macao) 4 per cent. The frontier ports-Lungchow, Mengtze, Ssumao, and Tengyueh take no foreign opium, nor, with the exception of Changsha, do the Yang-tsze ports west of Hankow. The import of foreign opium into Manchurian ports has virtually ceased, and Tientsin takes an inconsiderable quantity.\n\nThe total import of foreign opium into China in 1910 was, according to the customs returns, 35,357 piculs, as compared with 48,875 piculs in 1909, made up of \n| Type | Quantity |\n| --- | --- |\n| Malwa | 10,584 chests |\n| Patna | 13,183 |\n| Banares | 6,988 |\n| Other kinds (chiefly Persian) | 627 piculs |\n\nThe total Indian import was therefore 30,705 chests, or nearly 5,000 chests less than the amount which it was estimated, under the arrangement for progressive reduction of the export from India, would come to China during the year 1910. It should be noted, however, that the above figures refer to opium that actually passed the customs, i.e., was taken out of bond; heavy stocks, amounting to over 10,200 chests, are understood to have been still in bond at Shanghai at the end of the year.\n\nThe customs valuation of the 1910 import cannot be ascertained, as the returns from the ports are not yet complete, but judging by the prices given in the consular reports, the average c.i.f. value of Indian opium for the past year may safely be taken as rather more than double that of 1909, which was 730 Haikwan taels a picul. Allowing 1,550 taels a picul, this would give a total value of 54,803,350 Haikwan taels (7,378,471) for the 1910 import, or just over 19,000,000 taels (2,558,073) more than the 1909 total.\n\nThe customs duty and li-kin, at the rate of 110 taels per picul, amounted to 3,903,656 taels (525,570), a decrease of 1,467,001 taels (197,510).\n\nThe following is a brief summary of the reports received from His Majesty's consuls: --\n\n### Pakhoi\nThe trade, which is in native hands, decreased by 50 per cent. in volume, the import for 1910 being 122 piculs. Prices, however, rose steadily from 800 taels in January to 1,250 taels in December. In June the new \"prepared opium levy\" of 7 dols. 20 c. per ball was farmed out to a syndicate of importers. This syndicate was wound up in November, and the tax is now paid either by the purchaser through the importer, who procures the boiling licence, or direct to the Investigation Bureau.\n\nMr. Handley-Derry notes a tendency for the opium trade of Pakhoi to be absorbed by the neighbouring free port of Kwangchowwan.\n\n### Swatow\nHis Majesty's consul reports that the leading Chinese dealers - there are no foreign importers of opium - describe the year's trade as unsatisfactory. The imposition of the new prepared opium tax of 7 dol. 20 c. per ball (which has from the beginning of the new Chinese year been raised to 12 dollars per ball) has laid an additional burden on the trade, already severely handicapped by the smuggling which is carried on from Amoy. The outlook for 1911 is stated to be gloomy, and many of the opium hongs are finding themselves obliged to take up other lines of business in order to make a living. The import in 1910, 5,656 piculs, dropped 62 per cent. in volume as compared with 1909, while prices rose from an average of 900 dollars a chest to 2,220 dollars a chest. In Swatow itself, Mr. Tours was informed that the daily consumption had fallen from eleven to three chests a-day, and that consequently, in spite of enhanced prices, the profits made had been small.\n\n### Amoy\nHis Majesty's consul states that the action of the Indian Government in reducing sales, coupled with the wave of gambling that swept over China, made 1910 a very speculative year. The Chinese dealers are reported to have made profits amounting to about 500,000 dollars, but foreign merchants did not share in these profits. The total imports, 3,204 piculs, shows a decrease of only 334 piculs as compared with 1909, but the value rose by over 100 per cent. Prices fluctuated violently during the year, Bengal opium ranging from 1,500 dollars to 3,000 per picul.\n\n### Foochow\nHis Majesty's consul reports that in the latter half of 1908, and up to July 1909 very heavy losses were incurred by both foreign and Chinese merchants. Then from August 1909 to March 1910 most prosperous times were experienced, the like of which will perhaps never be seen again. From April to August 1910 the worst five months on record were passed, all former profits being swallowed up. From September to the end of the year conditions improved, but the trade was interfered with by the establishment of an opium monopoly, consisting of certain officially controlled boiling shops, to which importers were obliged to sell their opium. The import of Indian opium decreased by 25 per cent., Persian remaining steady. Prices varied between 1,400 dollars and 2,800 dollars per picul, with a general upward tendency.\n\nMr. Werner remarks that the consumption of foreign opium in Foochow is visibly decreasing, on account of the rise in price and the monopoly. He considers that the monopoly will before long extinguish the trade altogether by causing, by continually enhanced price, decline of imports from India, and decreased cultivation of the Chinese poppy.\n\n### Hangchow\nThe import through the Imperial Maritime Customs fell from 1,034 piculs in 1909, to 363 in 1910, but His Majesty's consul explains that these figures are misleading, as dealers, partly as a protest against the rigorous enforcement of the anti-opium regulations by the local officials, and partly because they are no longer able to obtain a rebate of duty from the Superintendent of Trade, have taken to paying import duties at Shanghai and shipping to Hangchow in native craft. The retail price of the drug has almost doubled during the last five years, Patna having risen to 2,800 dollars per chest and Malwa to 2,500 dollars per chest.\n\nMr. Savage says that on the whole the volume of the opium trade in the Hangchow district has declined very considerably during the past year, and he thinks that the foreign merchants interested in the trade must have lost heavily. They claim that, having large stocks on their hands, they cannot stop their purchases in India so long as the sales continue without incurring the risk of creating a slump in the price of the drug. For this reason they would prefer, if the prohibitive action of the Chinese authorities continues unchecked, to see the output from India curtailed even more rapidly than is being done at present.\n\n### Chinkiang\nHis Majesty's consul states that there has been an average decrease of 421 piculs per annum in the quantity of Indian opium imported during the past three years, while prices show a remarkable increase, having risen from 827 taels per picul in 1909 to 1,582 taels per picul in 1910. These Chinese dealers have, he thinks, made slight profits during the past year.\n\n### Nanking\nHis Majesty's consul reports that there was a decrease of 28 per cent. in the imports of Indian opium from Shanghai. He estimates the import at 829 piculs, but exact returns are not obtainable, as most of the opium comes in by train and is passed through the li-kin office, where no accurate records are kept. The import by train for 1909 was 1,157 piculs, a record amount due, Mr. Wilkinson believes, to the curtailment of the production of the native drug, the retail price of which had doubled in that year, while foreign opium had only increased 20 per cent. in value. In 1910 the price of the foreign drug averaged 70 per cent. higher than in the previous year, resulting in the lowest import on record since the opening of Nanking to foreign trade in 1899.\n\n### Kiukiang\nHis Majesty's consul states that the foreign opium consumed in the port is principally Malwa. The import in 1910 being 1,216 piculs as against 1,438 in the previous year. Prices in 1909 averaged 800-900 taels per chest; in 1910 they rose to 2,000 per chest. The trade is in the hands of native dealers, who are reported to have made large profits last year.\n\n### Hankow\nHis Majesty's consul reports that the trade is in the hands of native dealers, who betray extreme reluctance to reveal the inner workings of their business. The import in 1910 fell from 183 piculs in 1909 to 86 piculs; prices steadily rising from 700 taels in 1908 to 2,000 taels in 1910. The price receded during the latter half of 1910, probably in sympathy with the slump in native opium due to the excessive accumulation of stocks. At the close of the year prices showed an upward tendency, owing to the clearing off of native stocks in view of the difficulty of obtaining fresh supplies.\n\n### Changsha\nHis Majesty's consul states that the customs returns do not represent the actual amount of Indian opium imported as there is considerable smuggling, stimulated by the exceptionally high prices now ruling, and much is brought in by native boat. The customs returns show a total import of 154 piculs in 1910 as against 196 in 1909, values having risen from 700 taels to 1,568 taels. Retail prices were, Mr. Giles points out, considerably higher.\n\n### Chefoo\nHis Majesty's consul states that there was a heavy decline, amounting to 80 per cent. in the quantity of Indian opium imported in 1910, the figures being 133 piculs as against 757 piculs. Mr. Barr attributes this decline to reduced exports from India, the accumulation of stocks in 1909 when prices were low and the high prices ruling when the time came for dealers to replenish their stocks.\n\n## 3",
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        "id": 435059,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911",
        "page_number": 473,
        "title": "CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911",
        "content_text": "# and development of Russian trade in Manchuria and, incidentally, Mongolia are many of them of a very sweeping nature, and it will be at once observed that, in their opinion, the concession which it is of chief importance to secure is a reduction in the duties now levied by the Imperial Maritime Customs on imported Russian goods. Their first suggestion is that the importation into Manchuria of Russian goods should be free; failing this, they propose the following principal alternatives :---- \n\n(a) The increase of the extent of the present free frontier zones from 50 versts (100 li, or 33 miles) to 150 versts (300 li, or 100 miles) each side of the Russo-Chinese frontier--Vladivostock to be excluded from the operation of this stipulation.\n\n(b) The formation of a free zone extending 150 versts each side of the Chinese Eastern Railway.\n\n(c) The reduction of the import duty on goods imported into Manchuria by rail from two-thirds to one-third of the tariff rates.\n\n(d) An amended duty-free list.\n\n(e) Exemption from inland transit duty for Russian goods sent into the interior from places along the Chinese Eastern Railway, provided these goods have been examined by the Imperial Maritime Customs and paid import duty at the time of their importation into Manchuria, and other customs requirements have been fulfilled.\n\n(f) The establishment at Harbin of a customs godown to which imported goods consigned to commercial houses in Harbin shall be conveyed under the guarantee of the Chinese Eastern Railway Company without being subjected to examination at the frontier stations.\n\n(g) Restriction of the powers of the Imperial Maritime Customs in respect to the valuation of goods on which ad valorem duties are charged.\n\n(h) The settlement and public notification each month in advance of the tael-rouble rate of exchange for customs transactions.\n\nA consideration of these proposals seriatim is now desirable.\n\n## 1. The free importation of Russian goods into Manchuria.\n\nThis is an extension of the concession granted under existing treaties to Russian trade with Mongolia. It means very special treatment, and, if conceded, would, it seems, enable the preferment of a similar claim by Japan in respect to the trade between Corea and Manchuria (see the Sino-Japanese treaty of 1905, article 11). The proposal is likely to be strongly resisted by the Chinese Government if for no other reason than that the revenue collected by the Imperial maritime custom-houses functioning under the direction of the commissioner of customs at Harbin is urgently needed. The total revenue paid to these custom-houses in 1910 was 1,031,000 Haikwan taels.\n\n## 2. The extension of the limits of the free zones from 50 versts to 150 versts on either side of the frontier.\n\nThis concession would appear to be of value, not necessarily for a bona fide purpose, in the country bordering the Ussuri and in the Hunchun district on the east in part of the country along the western frontier and in the neighbourhood of Aigun, and in the country stretching along the Amur from the point of its junction with the Sungari as far as Khabarovsk on the north. A distance of 150 versts or 100 miles, measuring on the map as the crow flies, would bring the station of Hailar within the free zone. It is between Hailar and Manchuria that the bulk of the marmot or tarabagan skins are collected which are exported to Europe. In the past exporters, in order to escape Chinese export duty, have conveyed these skins by cart into the Russian free zone and there shipped them by rail to Europe. A reduction in the export duty, involving them in less expenditure than the cart hire, has now, it is understood, induced them to send their goods by train to Manchuria station and pay export duty in the regular way. Should Hailar, however, be brought within the Chinese free zone, it would be possible--unless the Russian authorities were prepared to assist in preventing it--to declare these goods for the Russian free zone, and convey them thence to Europe without payment of duty to the Imperial Maritime Customs. The opinion has frequently been expressed that the Russian customs authorities themselves are opposed to the idea of the free zones, and would welcome their abolition, since they fully realise that they are a great incentive to smuggling, and largely increase the difficulty of collecting revenue. It is not, however, altogether easy to reconcile this view with the attitude adopted by the Russian authorities at the negotiations held last year in connection with the revision of the Sungari regulations. M. Latkin, the chief of the Amur Customs, was a member of the commission which considered this question and the revised Sungari regulations, so far from abolishing the free zones, gave a more liberal interpretation to the treaty stipulation in regard to them than the strict wording of the Russo-Chinese convention of 1858 would seem to warrant (see Harbin confidential despatches Nos. 30 and 33 of the 24th September and 1st October, 1910).\n\n## 3. The formation of a free zone extending 150 versts each side of the Chinese Eastern Railway.\n\nComment on this suggestion need only be brief. The proposition, if Northern Manchuria is still to be regarded as an integral part of the Chinese Empire, is altogether untenable. A proposal that all stations along the Chinese Eastern Railway should be declared open trade marts, though not likely to be acceptable to the Chinese Government, would certainly be much more reasonable and would conform better with the arrangement reached by the Sungari regulations of last year under which, as stated in Harbin despatch No. 27 of the 12th September, all places along the Sungari are open to Russian trade and navigation.\n\n## 4. The reduction of the import duty on goods imported into Manchuria by rail from two-thirds to one-third of the tariff rates.\n\nThe chief argument on which this demand is based, namely, that Russia is the only country from which China receives goods by land, and that land transport is more expensive than sea carriage, is in part entirely false. No account has been taken of the fact that the frontiers of Tongking, Burma, and India are also contiguous with that of China, that a French railway runs from Haiphong, through Tongking, to Yunnan-fu, and that the Burma railways reach as far as Bhamo from which and other places goods are sent into Yunnan. A point which should, however, be mentioned is that British goods conveyed to Manchuria, whether via Pogranitchnaya or Manchuria stations, would, like Russian goods, pay only one-third of the tariff duty should the proposed reduction be granted, just as (vide despatch No. 27 from this consulate of the 12th September last) beans brought from Hulan and Petuna by water to Harbin and thence transported by rail to Vladivostock for export to England now pay, under the revised Sungari regulations, only two-thirds of the tariff duty. At the same time, merchants have been heard to declare that the present saving of one-third duty is, on ordinary imported goods, a matter of small account and does not encourage them to import their wares via Vladivostock owing to the delays and other inconveniences which they experience at that port.\n\n## 5. Proposed amended duty-free list.\n\nParticulars of the proposed additions and omissions from the duty-free list of the 1881 treaty are given in `Annex(F)` in which a comparison is drawn between the two exempla of the draft treaty. It will be noted that, as drafted, article 6 of the second exemplum applies only to certain goods imported from Russia, whereas the exemption under article 14 of the regulations for trade by land attached to the treaty of 1881 is equally applicable to the same classes of goods when exported from China to Russia. If this is an unintentional omission as it would seem to be, and if the duty-free list is to apply to goods carried by rail, then the most significant of the suggestions made is, perhaps, the addition of grain products--a term which in Russian phraseology includes beans. The export of pulse and grain would become free and the privileges accorded under the railway agreement of 1896 and the Sungari regulations of 1910 would be still further extended. The duty-free list of the 1881 treaty, though (vide Harbin despatch No. 27 of last year) tacitly accepted as applicable to trade on the Sungari and though actually in use on the Chinese Eastern Railway, has not been definitely admitted by the Chinese Government as applying to goods carried by rail. It may further be observed that in article 6 of the second exemplum of the draft treaty, which enumerates the duty-free goods, nothing is said as to the mode of transportation. Seeing, however, that the railway is expressly mentioned in the preceding article and other articles, it would seem that the intention must be that rail-borne goods of the kinds in question should also be exempt from import duty.\n\nPage 468",
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    {
        "id": 435061,
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        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911",
        "page_number": 475,
        "title": "CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911",
        "content_text": "## CONFIDENTIAL.\n\n# AFFAIRS OF CHINA,\n\n**REG 16 JUN 11**\n\n## SECTION 1.\n\nNo. 1.\n\n[17855]\n\n**Mr. Addis to Foreign Office,-(Received May 11.)**\n\nHong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation,  \nDear Sir Francis,  \n31, Lombard Street, London, May 10, 1911.\n\nCHINESE currency loan. I enclose for your information a copy of a telegram from Mr. Calhoun, the American Minister at Peking, to Mr. Secretary Knox, from which you will see that the Chinese Government have agreed to the appointment of a foreign financial adviser on the terms suggested, which I understand to be a three years' engagement at a salary of £5,000 per annum with a house.\n\nYours truly,\nC. S. ADDIS.\n\n**(Telegraphic.)**\n\n## Enclosure in No. 1.\n\n**Mr. Calhoun to Mr. Knox.**\n\nPeking, April 29, 1911.\n\nIn reply to your telegram of the 24th March, I have not been able to get a definite answer as to China's opinion until to-day. Shêng first objected to the price as being too high, but to-day he told Tenney that the terms as suggested by you will be satisfactory. I am to have written confirmation to-morrow. Sheng hopes that the adviser selected will be able to speak English, also wishes him to assist in the reorganisation of the Ta Ching Bank. Hopes he can be here as early as July.\n\npart of China to another. The matter, however, does not appear to be one which it would be altogether easy to adjust.\n\nA state of things which is somewhat analogous arises in connection with native goods sent by steamer from Canton via Hong Kong to Shanghai or other coast ports; but in this instance, things are simplified by the fact that the method of transportation does not change, and that the Imperial Maritime Customs do not at any time lose control. The goods declared for Amoy or Shanghai, as the case may be, are thus entered on the steamer's manifest and are not landed in Hong Kong.\n\nIn the case of goods shipped via Vladivostock, matters are more complicated: from Pogranitchnaya, the goods pass into the Primorsk, a foreign country, and out of the control of the Imperial Maritime Customs and, on arrival at Vladivostock, they are transshipped from the railway to the steamer in which they are to be conveyed to the port of destination in China proper. Possibly, the practice adopted in Yünnan regarding native goods transported from one part of China to another, and carried over a portion of the journey by the French railway via Tongking, may in some respects be adaptable to local conditions.\n\n## The two \"Exempla\" of the Draft Treaty.\n\nThe object of these drafts is to embody in succinct form the recommendations of the committee contained in Annexes (A) and (B). The points which have seemed to be of chief importance have already received consideration, but in Annex (F), the two alternative drafts have been contrasted with a view to facilitating a comparison between them.\n\n## RETURN of the Total Trade coming under the cognisance of the Imperial Maritime Custom-houses in the Harbin District during the years 1909 and 1910.\n\n| Port | 1909 Haikwan Taels | 1910 Haikwan Taels |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Aigun | 819,452 | 2,114,869 |\n| Sansing | 1,080,708 | 2,967,470 |\n| Manchuria | ... | ... |\n| Harbin | 7,865,700 | 10,864,419 |\n| Pogranitchnaya | 4,416,250 | 8,420,694 |\n| Total | 23,670,924 | 20,196,050 |\n|  | 37,869,034 | 44,563,002 |\n\nIt should be stated that the year 1910 was the first in which the Imperial Maritime Customs had control for a full season of the trade on the Sungari and at Aigun, and that the total customs revenue collected at the five ports was in 1909 814,361 Haikwan taels and in 1910 1,031,050 Haikwan taels. It may be remarked, also, that in one way or another, Russia was interested in the bulk of the large total trade of 37,859,034 Haikwan taels in 1909 and 44,563,002 Haikwan taels in 1910.\n\nH. E. SLY.  \nHarbin, March 30, 1911.\n\n**[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]**  \n`19607`  \n`[May 11.]`  \n`0.0`  \n`470`",
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    {
        "id": 435067,
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        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911",
        "page_number": 481,
        "title": "CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911",
        "content_text": "## Enclosure 1 in No. 1\n\nIt is stated--\n\n1. When Japanese goods are sold to the natives at such places as Mukden, Tiehling, &c., the Mitsui people permit the carts carrying such cargo to fly a Japanese flag, which frees the goods from the li-kin and consumption tax-ranging from 4 per cent. to 8 per cent. which British and American goods have to pay.\n\n2. The entire customs staff at Dalny, except one man, are Japanese, and some of both the indoor and the outdoor staffs are ex-employés of the Mitsui Bussan Kwaisha as are the Dalny superintendent of wharves and his assistants, the railway's traffic manager and a number of his subordinates, the station-master and other officers in responsible posts on the railway.\n\n3. Four of that kwaisha's directors are also directors of the South Manchurian Railway.\n\n4. The system of sealed cars in the railway is valueless in face of the above facts.\n\n5. The Dalny commissioners alleged admission that there were irregularities only in connection with transportation out of that port by cart which could not be controlled, is inconsistent with the Japanese assurance that by means of guards of ten men at Pulantion and of sixty at Chinchou, all Chinese cart and foot passengers could be kept out of Dalny and Port Arthur during the plague alarm.\n\n6. Although since 1902-3 the population of Manchuria has risen 30 per cent., and the people's economic condition and purchasing or consuming power have improved at least as much, the combined importation of sheetings, shirtings, drills, and jeans for 1908-9 have increased by only 116,750 pieces; the people are as well clothed and have not abandoned cotton for silk or woollen garments.\n\n7. Further, sheetings and drills in which Japan especially competes with the United States of America, have, according to the customs returns, fallen from 2,228,922 and 921,377 pieces respectively in 1902-3 to 1,681,124 and 699,977 pieces in 1908-9. Is there any reason to suppose the actual consumption was really less?\n\n8. By the customs returns Dalny had 124 per cent. greater shipping, but Newchwang a 27 per cent. greater trade value, although the latter port is closed for several months yearly.\n\n9. The Japanese customs returns give the value of Japanese exports to China as 39,347,000 Haikwan taels; but the Chinese customs returns put the imports into China from Japan at 52,501,000 Haikwan taels. What is the explanation if not evasion of duty?\n\n10. Is there any sound reason why Japan should object to leased territory being put on the same footing as the German leased territory at Tsingtau, i.e., all imports pay duty, and 20 per cent. of the collection go to the civil administration for municipal purposes?\n\n11. Is there any sound reason against Chinese custom-houses at Pulantien and other points on the frontier of the leased territory to see duty paid on all goods going thence into the interior?\n\n12. Finally, why is the customs commissioner at Dalny forced to state in a footnote to his 1909 report that he has to be content with import statements, and so his figures must be taken as only approximate? Surely customs requirements would include ascertaining the actual arrivals of commodities in order to judge of the consumption within and without the leased territory.\n\n13. According to his own figures 495,457 more pieces of imported sheetings, shirtings, drills, and jeans were shipped out of Dalny into the interior during the years 1908-9 than were brought into that port; it is alleged that this cannot be due to accumulation of stocks as needless storage charges would not be incurred by a large company so near its home base and with branches and agencies and a complete warehousing system at all the chief places in Manchuria, this being the position of the Mitsui corporation.\n\nIn order to save time I am sending a copy of this despatch to His Majesty's Minister as well as to our colleague at Dalny.\n\nI have, &c.\nE. H. FRASER.\n\n## Enclosure 2 in No. 1\n\n**Memorandum compiled by Acting Consul-General Willis and Consul Horne in reply to Consul-General Fraser.**\n\n**(Very Confidential.)**\n\n1. The Chinese Government have never accepted the contention of the various foreign Governments that the open marts in Manchuria are open in their entirety.\n\nThe Mukden consular body have, however, practically succeeded in maintaining that goods imported under exemption certificate as long as they are in the hands of foreigners or their agents are freed from consumption tax or other local levies in the open marts.\n\nIn Fengtien province the consumption tax is about 2 per cent. The officials maintain the tax is not levied on foreign goods, and as far as this consulate-general is concerned no complaints have been received for nearly two years past.\n\nIn Kirin province, where consumption and other local taxes are much higher, the provincial authorities openly maintain the right of taxing foreign goods once such goods have passed into Chinese hands. Expostulations from the various foreign consuls have been ineffective, and the Mukden consular body in December last referred the matter to the legations.\n\nThe foreign retailer, therefore, has an advantage over the Chinese dealer, and as there are about 13,000 Japanese subjects resident in the open marts who are potential distributors of Japanese goods, whereas British and American goods are distributed almost entirely through Chinese, it would seem as if Japanese goods had a distinct advantage.\n\nPractically, however, Japanese goods are almost entirely distributed through Chinese agents in the same manner as British or American articles, and I am not aware that the Japanese consuls are any more successful than their colleagues in protecting foreign goods in native hands.\n\nIn the various consular protests that have been made against taxation in the treaty marts in Manchuria, the Japanese consuls have played a leading part, a policy one would not expect from them if it were true that they could protect their own goods whilst, for lack of foreign retailers, their competitors were powerless to escape native exactions.\n\n2. These statements are correct with one important exception. So far as can be ascertained no ex-employés of the Mitsui Bussan Kwaisha are on the indoor or outdoor staffs of the Dalny customs.\n\n3. It is true that four of the directors of the South Manchurian Railway have interests in the Mitsui Bussan Kwaisha.\n\n4. If the above amendment to allegation No. 2 be considered it will be realised that this argument loses what value it possessed originally. It is unnecessary here to enter into detail on the subject of the sealed car system, which seems to give general satisfaction, but it might be well to point out that full cars are sealed both by the customs and by the railway. Unless unauthorised collusion takes place between the subordinate officials of the two departments no serious criticism can be directed against the system.\n\n5. It is submitted that the words underlined in this paragraph are the result of some misunderstanding. The Dalny commissioner has not been known to admit the impossibility of controlling the cart traffic from the leased territory into the interior; he maintains, however, that the expenditure, which would be necessitated by adequate measures of control, is incompatible with the problematical advantages to be obtained. The amount of smuggling carried on in this manner must be insignificant, and the salaries and wages of employés detailed for frontier inspection would be considerably in excess of the revenue there obtained.\n\n6. Tables are enclosed showing the combined import of drills, sheetings, shirtings, and jeans for 1903, 1908, 1909, 1910; also the average import for the years from 1899 to 1904. The figures for 1902 are not accessible here.\n\nTrade in Manchuria was for a variety of reasons disorganised throughout 1906 and 1907 and during the early half of 1908.\n\nIf the average imports of the above articles for the years 1899 to 1904, or for the year 1903 singly, are contrasted with the years 1909 and 1910 the increase appears quite as much as can reasonably be expected.",
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911",
        "page_number": 482,
        "title": "CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911",
        "content_text": "The import of Japanese cotton cloth, which in 1902 and 1903 taken together was about 20,000 yards, rose to 18,000,000 yards in 1909, and was over 13,000,000 yards in 1910.\n\n7. If the figures for 1902 and 1903 are contrasted with those for 1909 and 1910, which for the reasons given above would seem to give a fairer comparison, the decrease is less marked, and is more than balanced by the increase in the import of jeans. The tables given in connection with the previous question are applicable in this instance.\n\nThat there can be no particular advantage for Japanese in importing via Dairen is clearly shown by the following figures:-\n\n5\n\n12. It is held that the opening statement of this paragraph is not strictly accurate. Consideration of the footnote, to which allusion is here made, does not suggest irregularity in the slightest degree. While being in agreement that strict accuracy in returning actual arrivals of commodities would be of considerable benefit, it is felt that the question is one for submission to the inspector-general of customs, under whose authority or sanction the present method is adopted.\n\nyear.\n\n13. It is well known that imports were rushed into Dairen in the early part of 1907 in view of the opening of the custom-house which took place in July of that year. It must be remembered that throughout 1907 and the first half of 1908, i.e., until the completion of the broad gauge, few railway facilities were given by the South Manchurian Railway for the transport of goods, and consequently during this period there was an accumulation of stocks at Dairen. The organisation of the Mitsui firm at this time was by no means so perfect as at present.\n\n| Year | Japanese Sheetings |  | Japoneze Drills |  |\n| | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n|  | Imported via Dairen | Newchwang | Imported via Dairen | Newchwang |\n| 1909 | 43,254 | 185,585 | 13 | 10,218 |\n| 1910 | 358,174 | 244,544 | 38,393 | 102,375 |\n|  |  |  | 149,509 |  |\n\n8. It should be remembered that a large proportion of the shipping value of Dalny is credited to the steam-ship lines providing passenger communication with Shanghai and Japanese and Corean ports. The two connecting steamers of the South Manchurian Railway Company alone take some 200,000 tons of the total annual shipping trade. The foreign passengers to and from Dairen during 1909 were over 44,000.\n\nIn view of the facts pointed out in the final clause of the immediately preceding paragraph, it seems unnecessary to discuss the question in detail.\n\n9. These figures are apparently taken from the returns for the year 1908. The following table will show that similar discrepancies occur in other years:-\n\n| Year | IMPORTS from Japan to China |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |\n| | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n|  | Sheetings | Shirtings | Drills | Jeans | Total |  |  |  |\n| 1906 | 1,096,520 | 187,256 | 502,076 | 85,692 | 1,871,544 |  |  |  |\n| 1907 | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |  |  |  |\n| 1908 | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |  |  |  |\n| 1900 | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |  |  |  |\n| AVERAGE. 1899 to 1904 (excluding 1900) | 1,112,709 | 221,929 | 477 | 586,815 | 117,720 | 2,039,173 |  |  |\n|  | Japanese Figures |  |  |  | Chinese Figures |  |  |  |\n|  | Newchwang | Dairen | Antung | Suifenho | £ | £ |  |  |\n|  |  |  |  |  | 12,023,327 | 10,047,812 |  |  |\n|  |  |  |  |  | 10,822,000 | 9,337,000 |  |  |\n|  |  |  |  |  | 7,988,551 | 9,114,492 |  |  |\n|  |  |  |  |  | 7,000,000 | 7,793,875 |  |  |\n|  |  |  |  |  | Total | Grand total |  |  |\n\n| Year | Sheetings | Shirtings | Drills | Jeans | Total |\n| | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| 1908 | 682,243 | 242,881 | 248,610 | 188,986 |  |\n|  | 108,118 | 186,047 | 20,831 | 10,892 |  |\n|  | 75,072 | 25,025 | 23,254 | 21,856 |  |\n|  | 4,216 | 10,513 | 9,075 | 8,325 |  |\n|  | 869,640 | 464,466 | 301,790 | 229,559 | 1,865,404 |\n| 1909 | 818,361 | 437,529 | 416,822 | 331,458 |  |\n|  | 77,605 | 125,565 | 13,794 | 27,967 |  |\n|  | 104,317 | 49,583 | 14,413 | 22,624 |  |\n|  | 38,033 | 40,214 | 16,386 | 3,691 |  |\n|  | ... | ... | ... | ... |  |\n|  | 1,037,080 | 655,458 | 461,903 | 385,748 | 2,540,184 |\n\nand similar results will be obtained by comparing Japanese and Chinese figures for the exports from China to Japan. The reason for this constant discrepancy is probably to be found in the fact that the Chinese figures are compiled on a basis of fixed silver valuation, whereas the Japanese figures correspond with market fluctuations. It is, in any case, unreasonable to suppose that there could be an evasion of duty on a value of nearly 7,000,000 Haikwan taels at the Dairen customs when the total import was only 18,900,000 taels.\n\n10. The abolition of the free area is a scheme which has been strongly advocated by the commissioner of customs for some time past. The question is being favourably considered by the Kwantung Government in conjunction with certain responsible officials of the Colonial Office at Tokio, and there is every reason to suppose that Dalny will be placed on a customs footing similar to that obtaining at Tsingtau at no very distant date.\n\n11. Branch offices of the Dairen customs have been, for some time past, in operation at Pulantien, Chinchou (Kinshü), Pitzewo, and Port Arthur.",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911.txt",
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    {
        "id": 435349,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-384 - Public Offices - 1911",
        "page_number": 129,
        "title": "CO129-384 - Public Offices - 1911",
        "content_text": "## Article 5\n\nfrom the proceeds of the loan or for other sources, and afterwards, in the first place, out of the revenues of the railways, and then from such other revenues as the Chinese Government may think fit to use for the purpose, in half-yearly instalments according to the amounts specified in the schedule attached to this agreement, and twelve days before their due dates (Western calendar), as calculated half-yearly from the date on which the loan is issued to the public.\n\n## Art. 5. \nThe term of the loan shall be forty years. Repayment of principal shall commence after the expiry of ten years from the date of the loan, and, except as provided in article 6 hereinafter, shall be made by yearly amortisation to the banks in half-yearly instalments out of the revenues of the lines, or such other revenues as the Chinese Government may think fit to use for the purpose, according to the amounts specified in the schedule attached to this agreement, but twelve days before their due dates (Western calendar), as calculated half-yearly from the date on which the loan is issued to the public.\n\n## Art. 6. \nIf at any time after the lapse of ten years from the date of the loan the Imperial Chinese Government should desire to redeem the whole outstanding amount of the loan or any part of it not yet due for repayment in accordance with the schedule of repayments hereto attached, it may do so up to the end of the seventeenth year by payment of a premium of 5 per cent. on the face value of the bonds, that is to say, by the payment of 102. 10s. for each 100l. bond, and after the lapse of seventeen years without premium; but in each and every case of such \"extra redemption\" the Imperial Chinese Government will give six months' previous notice in writing to the banks, and such redemption shall be effected by additional drawings of bonds to take place on the date of an ordinary drawing as provided for in the prospectus of the loan.\n\nWhen the loan has been fully repaid this agreement will immediately become null and void. Bonds and interest coupons which have matured will be collected in due order and cancelled by the banks as they are presented for payment, and will be delivered by them to the Chinese Ministers in Great Britain, Germany, France, and the United States of America. The banks will refund in full to the Imperial Chinese Government the amounts of any drawn bonds and/or interest coupons which have not been presented for payment within thirty years from the respective due dates for redemption or payment of interest.\n\n## Art. 7. \nThe half-yearly payments due for amortisation and interest referred to in articles 4 and 5 shall be made in accordance with the amounts of the schedule attached to this agreement, and twelve days before their due dates as fixed by articles 4 and 5, in equal shares to the banks by the Ministry of Posts and Communications, which shall hand to the banks in Shanghai or Hankow, twelve days before the said due dates, funds in Shanghai \"kuei-yuan\" sycee or Hankow \"yang-li\" sycee and/or coin of the national currency (so soon as the said currency shall have been effectively established), sufficient to meet such payments in gold in Europe and the United States of America, exchange for which shall be settled with the banks on the same day, the Ministry of Posts and Communications having, however, the option of settling exchange with the banks simultaneously at any date or dates within six months previous to any due date for the payment of interest and/or principal. These payments may, however, be made in gold in Europe and/or in the United States of America twelve days before their due dates if the Imperial Chinese Government should happen to have gold funds bona fide at their disposal in Europe and/or in the United States of America not remitted from China for the purpose, and desire so to use them.\n\nIn reimbursement of expenses connected with the payment of interest and repayment of principal of the loan the banks will receive from the Chinese Government a commission of ... per cent. on the annual loan service.\n\n## Art. 8. \nThe Imperial Government of China hereby engages that the interest and principal of this loan shall duly be paid in full, and should the revenues of the railways and/or the proceeds of the loan not be sufficient to provide for the due and full payment of interest and repayment of principal, the Ministry of Posts and Communications shall memorialise the Throne, and the Imperial Government of China will thereupon make arrangements to ensure that the amount of deficiency shall be met from other sources and handed over to the banks on the date upon which funds are required to complete full payment of interest and repayment of principal.\n\n## Art. 9. \nThe present loan of 6,000,000l., together with the second series thereof, provision for the issue of which is made under the terms of article 15 hereinafter, is hereby secured, in respect to both principal and interest, as a first charge upon:\n\n| Revenue Source | Amount (Haikwan taels per year) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Hupei general li-kin | 2,000,000 |\n| Hupei additional salt tax for river defence | 400,000 |\n| Hupei new additional 2-cash salt tax of September 1908 | 300,000 |\n| Hupei collection of Hukuang inter-provincial tax on imported rice | 250,000 |\n| Hunan general li-kin | 2,000,000 |\n| Hunan salt commissioner's treasury regular salt li-kin | 250,000 |\n\nThe above provincial revenues, amounting to a total of 5,200,000 Haikwan taels a-year, are hereby declared to be free from all other loans, charges, or mortgages.\n\nSo long as principal and interest of this loan are regularly paid there shall be no interference with these provincial revenues, but if principal or interest of the loan be in default at due date, then, after a reasonable period of grace, li-kin and other suitable internal revenues of the provinces of Hupei and Hunan, sufficient to provide the amounts above stated, shall forthwith be transferred to and administered by the Imperial Maritime Customs in the interests of the bondholders. And so long as this loan or any part thereof shall remain unredeemed it shall have priority, both as regards principal and interest, over all future loans, charges, and mortgages charged on the aforesaid provincial revenues. No loan, charge, or mortgage shall be raised or created which shall take precedence of or be on an equality with this loan, or shall in any manner lessen or impair its security over the aforesaid provincial revenues, and any future loan, charge, or mortgage charged on the said provincial revenues other than the second series of the present loan provided for in article 15 aforementioned shall be made subject to this loan, and it shall be so expressed in every agreement for every such future loan, charge, or mortgage.\n\nAfter redemption of the existing gold bonds, referred to in article 2 of this agreement, it is understood and agreed that, so long as this loan is unredeemed, the railways shall under no circumstances be mortgaged nor their receipts given as security to any other party.\n\nIn the event of the Chinese Government, during the currency of this loan, entering upon definite arrangements for the revision of the customs tariff, accompanied by stipulations for the decrease or abolition of li-kin, it is hereby agreed, on the one hand, that such revision shall not be barred by the fact that this loan is secured by li-kin and provincial revenues, and, on the other hand, that whatever li-kin is required to provide the security of this loan shall neither be decreased nor abolished except by previous arrangement with the banks, and then only in so far as an equivalent is substituted for it in the shape of a first charge upon the increase of customs revenue consequent upon such revision.\n\n## Art. 10. \nThe banks are hereby authorised to issue to the subscribers to the loan bonds for the total amount of the loan in gold, for such amounts as may appear advisable to the banks. The form and language of the bonds shall be settled by the banks in consultation with the Ministry of Posts and Communications or the Chinese Minister in Berlin, London, Paris, or Washington; they shall bear the facsimile of the signature of the Minister of Posts and Communications and of his seal of office, in order to dispense with the necessity of signing them all in person, and the Chinese Minister in Berlin and/or London and/or Paris and/or Washington at the option of the banks shall, previous to the issue of the bonds, put his seal upon each bond, with a facsimile of his signature, as a proof that the issue and sale of the bonds are duly authorised by and binding upon the Imperial Chinese Government. The representatives of the banks in Berlin, London, Paris, or New York, as the case may be, shall countersign the bonds as agents for the issue of the loan.\n\nIn the event of any bond or bonds issued for this loan being lost, stolen, or destroyed, the group and/or bank or banks concerned shall immediately notify the Ministry of Posts and Communications and the Chinese Minister in Berlin, London, Paris, or Washington, as the case may be, who shall authorise the group and/or bank or banks concerned to insert an advertisement in the public newspapers notifying that payment of such bond or bonds has been stopped, and to take such other steps as may appear advisable or necessary according to the laws and customs of the country concerned, and should any bond or bonds be destroyed, or should such lost or stolen bond or bonds not be recovered after a lapse of time to be fixed by the group and/or bank or banks concerned, the Chinese Minister in Berlin, London, Paris, or Washington, ... \n\n[2076 i-2]",
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    },
    {
        "id": 435907,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-385 - Public Offices - 1911",
        "page_number": 117,
        "title": "CO129-385 - Public Offices - 1911",
        "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[October 23.]\n\nSECTION 1\n\n[41769]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nCO 36988\n\nIndia Office to Foreign Office.--(Received October 23.)\n\nSir,\n\nRES17 NOV 11 India Office, October 21, 1911\n\nWITH reference to Mr. Langley's letter, dated the 14th August, enclosing copy of a telegram from Sir J. Jordan, No. 174, dated the 11th August, regarding the contemplated prohibition by the Chinese Government of the import of prepared opium into China, I am directed to forward, for the observations of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, copy of a letter from the Government of India, dated the 28th September, enclosing copy of a letter from Messrs. David Sassoon and Co., and other opium merchants, complaining of the absence of any restrictions on such importation.\n\nI am,\n\n&c.\n\nJ. W. HOLDERNESS.\n\nEnclosure 1 in No. 1.\n\nSir,\n\nGovernment of India to India Office.\n\nSimla, September 28, 1911.\n\nI AM directed to forward a copy of a letter, dated the 10th August, 1911, from Messrs. David Sassoon and Co. and other opium merchants, in which they complain of the absence of any restriction on the importation of prepared opium into China, and express the fear that uncertified opium will, in these circumstances, readily effect an entrance. I am to suggest that, with the permission of the Right Honourable the Secretary of State for India, it may be ascertained whether any precautions are, or can be, taken to keep out such imports.\n\nI am, &c.\n\nJAS. MESTON.\n\nEnclosure 2 in No. 1.\n\nSir,\n\nJoint Letter addressed to Government of India.\n\nBombay, August 10, 1911.\n\nWE have the honour to address you with reference to a circular recently issued by the Inspector-General of Peking to all the Commissioners of Customs, notifying increase of duty and li-kin on prepared opium.\n\nThe text of the circular is as follows:-\n\n\"Collect on boiled opium arriving, no matter whether from foreign or Chinese ports, import duty and li-kin at the rate of 200 Haikwan taels and 500 Haikwan taels respectively per 100 catties, and on boiled opium exported, similarly irrespective of origin or destination, an export duty of 460 Haikwan taels per 100 catties. 'In fixing these new duty rates the same principle which decided the old rates has been adhered to, viz., that of doubling the rate for the crude article, and further that, in future, as hitherto, boiled opium not exceeding 10 taels weight for personal use may be carried by travellers duty free both inwards and outwards.'\n\nWe make no comment on the enhancement of li-kin and duty, but what we are most anxious to bring to your immediate attention is the fact that no restriction is imposed upon the quantities of prepared opium that may be taken in and out of China. It will be readily seen that this has a most important bearing upon the position of certified Bengal opium. Uncertified opium is, in its raw state, debarred from entry, yet in accordance with the notification of the Inspector-General buyers\n\n[2226 -1]\n\n110",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-385 - Public Offices - 1911.txt",
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    },
    {
        "id": 445314,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-405 - Public Offices - 1913",
        "page_number": 388,
        "title": "CO129-405 - Public Offices - 1913",
        "content_text": "**C.O. 387**\n## AFFAIRS OF CHINA.\n**CONFIDENTIAL.**\n\n[13374]\n\n**(No. 114.)**\nSir,\n\nNo. 1.\n\nMarch 1925\nRECO SECB 517 APR 13\n\n**Sir E. Goschen to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received March 25.)**\n\nBerlin, March 20, 1913.\n\nWITH reference to my despatch No. 154 of the 28th March, 1912, I have the honour to transmit herewith a summary by Mr. Sampson of a memorandum on the development of Kiaochow from October 1911 to October 1912, which was published recently in the \"Norddeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung.\"\n\nI have, &c.\n\nW. E. GOSCHEN.\n\n### Enclosure in No. 1.\n#### Summary of Memorandum on the Development of Kiaochow from October 1911 to October 1912.\n\nTHE Chinese revolution, which began in the autumn of 1911, had an adverse effect on the commerce of the entire country. In the midst of the political troubles, however, Tsingtau remained perfectly secure and tranquil, to such an extent that many influential Chinese merchants took refuge in the colony. It is also worthy of note that the demand for land was greater than in any year since the colony was taken over. The trade of the colony was favourably affected by the above-mentioned settlement of Chinese merchants and by the good harvest in the hinterland.\n\nThese circumstances more than outweighed the harmful effects of the revolution, and there was in consequence an increase of 7.6 per cent. in the revenue of the Chinese Maritime Customs, which amounted to 1,406,113 Haikwan taels in 1911-12 as against 1,306,520 Haikwan taels in 1910-11.\n\nThe trade of the colony rose from 69.40 million Mexican dollars in the previous year to 89.96 million Mexican dollars. The value of the dollar, moreover, increased from an average of 1s. 10d. to 2s. in the year 1911-12.\n\nAccording to the statistics of the Maritime Customs Office, the imports of goods not of Chinese origin, excluding the duty-free materials for railways and mining, amounted to 30.9 million dollars as against 28.7 million dollars in the preceding year, while the imports of Chinese origin, which had continually decreased in recent years, rose from 8.4 million dollars in 1910-11 to 22.06 million dollars in 1911-12. This rise was due principally to the above-mentioned increase in the Chinese population, but was also influenced by the completion of the Tien-tsin-Pukow Railway. The total imports of German origin amounted to 5.4 million Haikwan taels, or £796,500.\n\nThe exports in 1911-12 amounted to 37,000,000 dollars as against 32.3 million dollars in 1910-11. The most important exports in the two years were as follows:-\n\n| Item | 1910-11 (Dollars) | 1911-12 (Dollars) |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Straw plaiting | 7,200,000 | 15,400,000 |\n| Ground nut | 5,700,000 | 5,000,000 |\n| Ground nut-oil | 2,000,000 | 3,200,000 |\n| Silk of all kinds | 5,000,000 | 5,900,000 |\n| Cattle | 300,000 | 700,000 |\n\nDuring the year 727 ships were cleared, with an aggregate tonnage of 1,136,012 net register tons as against 500 ships of 1,025,267 tons in the previous year.\n\nThere was a considerable increase in the receipts of the Shantung Railway Company, which was partly due to the fact that the Tien-tsin-Pukow Railway, joining up to the terminus of the Shantung Railway at Tsinan-fu, was given over to traffic.\n\n[2846 bb-5]",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-405 - Public Offices - 1913.txt",
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    },
    {
        "id": 450650,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-416 - Public Offices - 1914",
        "page_number": 232,
        "title": "CO129-416 - Public Offices - 1914",
        "content_text": "30\n\n+\n\nVe\n\n*\n\n[13162]\n\n19\n\nNo. 36.\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received March 22.)\n\nPeking, March 8, 1913.\n\n(No. 103.) Sir,\n\nI HAVE the honour to report that, after consultation with the Admiral Commanding-in-chief and His Majesty's consul-general at Canton, the detachment of Indian troops stationed on Shamien was withdrawn on the 20th February, the Chinese New Year festivals having passed without any untoward incident.\n\nThe barbed wire entanglement and barricades are being retained for the present, and His Majesty's ship \"Clio\" remains as senior naval officer's command.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nJ. N. JORDAN.\n\n[13374]\n\n(No. 114.) Sir,\n\nNo. 37.\n\nSir E. Goschen to Sir Edward Grey. (Received March 25.)\n\nBerlin, March 20, 1913.\n\nI HAVE the honour to transmit herewith a summary by Mr. Sampson of a memorandum on the development of Kiaochow from October 1911 to October 1912, which was published recently in the \"Norddeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung.\"\n\nI have, &c.\n\nW. E. GOSCHEN.\n\nEnclosure in No. 37.\n\nSummary of Memorandum on the Development of Kiaochow from October 1911 to October 1912.\n\nTHE Chinese revolution, which began in the autumn of 1911, had an adverse effect on the commerce of the entire country. In the midst of the political troubles, however, Tsingtau remained perfectly secure and tranquil, to such an extent that many influential Chinese merchants took refuge in the colony. It is also worthy of note that the demand for land was greater than in any year since the colony was taken over. The trade of the colony was favourably affected by the above-mentioned settlement of Chinese merchants and by the good harvest in the hinterland.\n\nThese circumstances more than outweighed the harmful effects of the revolution, and there was in consequence an increase of 7.6 per cent, in the revenue of the Chinese Maritime Customs, which amounted to 1,406,113 Haikwan taels in 1911–12 as against 1,306,520 Haikwan taels in 1910-11.\n\nThe trade of the colony rose from 69.40 million Mexican dollars in the previous year to 89.96 million Mexican dollars. The value of the dollar, moreover, increased from an average of 1s. 10d. to 2s. in the year 1911-12.\n\nAccording to the statistics of the Maritime Customs Office, the imports of goods not of Chinese origin, excluding the duty-free materials for railways and mining, amounted to 30.9 million dollars as against 28.7 million dollars in the preceding year, while the imports of Chinese origin, which had continually decreased in recent years, rose from 8.4 million dollars in 1910-11 to 22.06 million dollars in 1911-12. This rise was due principally to the above-mentioned increase in the Chinese population, but was also influenced by the completion of the Tien-tsin-Pukow Railway. The total imports of German origin amounted to 5.4 million Haikwan taels, or 796,500l.\n\nThe exports in 1911-12 amounted to 37,000,000 dollars as against 32.3 million dollars in 1910-11. The most important exports in the two years were as follows:-\n\n  \n    1910-11\n    1911-12\n  \n  \n    Dollars\n    Dollars\n  \n  \n    Straw plaiting 7,200,000\n    15,400,000\n  \n  \n    Ground nuts 5,700,000\n    5,000,000\n  \n  \n    Ground nut-oil 2,000,000\n    3,200,000\n  \n  \n    Silk of all kinds 5,600,000\n    5,900,000\n  \n  \n    Cattle 300,000\n    700,000\n  \n\n228",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-416 - Public Offices - 1914.txt",
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    },
    {
        "id": 462785,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-434 - Governor Sir May - 1916 [7-8]",
        "page_number": 574,
        "title": "CO129-434 - Governor Sir May - 1916 [7-8]",
        "content_text": "## Article XIII \n(h) For purposes of payment of dues on goods carried by the Kowloon-Canton railway, the rate of exchange between the Haikwan Tael and local currency shall be that prevailing on the date when payment becomes due.\n\n## Article XIV \nBoth Governments agree to take the necessary steps to enforce the foregoing articles by such ordinances, edicts, or regulations as may be appropriate to give them the force of law.\n\n## Article XV \nThis agreement shall remain in force for a period of five years. It is subject to revision at any time by mutual agreement between the High Contracting Parties and unless denounced by either party 6 months before date of expiry, it shall continue in force from year to year, until either party shall give 6 months' notice of its desire to terminate it. During the duration of this agreement, the Commissioner of Chinese Customs in Hongkong shall continue to be British.\n\n## Article XVI \nThe English and Chinese texts of this agreement have been carefully prepared; but in the event of there being any difference of meaning between them, the sense as expressed in the English text shall be held to be the correct sense.\n\n## Article XVII \nThis agreement shall come into force on the ... day of ... Moon of the ............ Done at ............. in quadruplicate (four copies in English and four copies in Chinese) the .......... being the ..........\n\n569 \nMaritime Customs if the seizure had taken place in China.",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-434 - Governor Sir May - 1916 [7-8].txt",
        "external_url": "",
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    },
    {
        "id": 487681,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-468 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1921 [6-8]",
        "page_number": 34,
        "title": "CO129-468 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1921 [6-8]",
        "content_text": "## SCALE OF SALARIES REQUESTED\n\n**PAYABLE AT 2/- TO $1.**\n\n**WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1920.**\n\n| POSITION | MIN. £ | SALARY ANNUAL INCREMENTS £ | MAX. £ |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| ASSISTANT ENGINEERS | 550 | 20 | 750 |\n| EXECUTIVE ENGINEERS SUPERNUMERARY | ... | ... | 770 |\n| EXECUTIVE ENGINEERS | 800 | 22<br>25 | 870<br>1000 |\n| ... | ... | 33 | X |\n\n*X Promoted after 1 year's service as Assistant Engineers on their maximum.*\n\nIt is respectfully requested that there be no sub-grading and that full consideration be given to the years of service which officers may have served in a similar rank.\n\nWe, your humble petitioners pray that Your Lordship may see your way to arrive at an early decision and that we may be informed of same by telegraph.\n\nWe have the honour to be,\nYour Lordship's\nMost obedient and humble servants,\n\nA. Hackman, Asst. Wright, Carpenter, M.E., Cocosmith\nJohn Duncan, ...at Fickle Executive Engineers (5)",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-468 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1921 [6-8].txt",
        "external_url": "",
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    },
    {
        "id": 489927,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-471 - Public Offices - 1921",
        "page_number": 418,
        "title": "CO129-471 - Public Offices - 1921",
        "content_text": "## The Cultivation of Opium in North Manchuria\n\ndistrict. At Eho the poppy-fields are seen at a distance of 300 feet from the railway, but the cultivation is not confined to the sectors near the railway, as it is carried on all the surrounding hills.\n\nArea under Poppy Cultivation - As far as it is possible to estimate, the area under poppy in North Manchuria can be put down at about 30,000 acres, but this estimate must be taken as a conservative one, and probably does not include the area under cultivation on the Sungari round Fukochin, &c.\n\nThe Cultivation of the Poppy. - Near the railway, some attempts are made to conceal the growing of the poppy from inquisitive eyes, and the fields are ringed in with hemp or maize, or the plants are interspersed in the fields of maize. On the hill-sides and in river valleys, the cultivation is carried on more openly, and places protected from strong winds are selected. In the higher hills, the north-western slopes are favoured or the deep valleys. The best and most fertile soil in the district is given over to poppy cultivation, and whenever possible, virgin soil is selected, which is subsequently used for the planting of beans, &c., but the custom is to plant the poppy for some four years in succession, at the end of which period the fertility of the soil has become so diminished that the cereals which follow are of inferior sort. Occasionally, rotation is practised, the general order being beans, poppy, maize, and so on, but this is the exception. The ground for poppy is prepared in the spring or in the autumn. In autumn, as soon as the summer crop has been gathered, the land is ploughed, the roots and weeds are burnt, and the ashes are scattered over the ground; the sowing takes place about the middle of October. The spring sowing takes place in the middle of March or early in April, but on occasion, it may be deferred until the middle of May. The more hardy plants spring from the earlier sowings. The seeds are sown mostly by hand and are trodden into the prepared furrows. The autumn sowing shows signs of life in the early days of spring. The spring sowings make their appearance in May or June. When the plants are a few inches high, the rows are thinned; each plant bears from one to four blooms, the flowering period being from the end of June to the end of July. The height attained by the plant is from 60 to 150 cm., and the capsules are from 4 to 6 cm. in breadth and 3 to 4.5 cm. in length. In North Manchuria, 2-7 acres produce from 20 to 50 lb. of dry opium; in the Ussuri district, the same area produces between 30 and 120 lb.\n\nThe Harvest. As soon as the petals fall and capsules have grown to full size, the extraction of the juice takes place. The operation, which usually occupies the whole of one day, consists of four to ten incisions made two-thirds round the capsule or in a spiral manner. The juice is collected a few minutes after the incision is made, and is gathered into small oblong tins or into pots made from cow-horn, when it is dried in the sun after being placed on special waterproof paper. The raw article is then ready for the market. The capsules, after the juice has been extracted, ripen about the beginning of August, and from the seeds is extracted an oil which is used both for cooking and as a medicine.\n\nNarcotic Properties. - According to an analysis which has been made, it has been established that the opium of North Manchuria district contains 14 to 15 per cent. of morphia.\n\nOpium Adulteration. It is a common practice in North Manchuria to adulterate the opium by mixing it with bread or oil. In such cases, the percentage of morphia is reduced by one-half.\n\nEffect of Poppy Cultivation. - Putting aside the question of the effect the drug of poppy produces on the population, there is an important point which is apt to be overlooked, and that is the detrimental effect the cultivation of the poppy has on agriculture in general. It has already been pointed out above that the fertility of the ground is seriously compromised by the planting of poppy, but there are two other serious factors: the utilisation of the best agricultural country and the withdrawal of labour which could be better employed in the production of foodstuffs. The cultivation of the poppy is increasing at an alarming extent from an agricultural point of view, and the thousands of men who make their way yearly along the eastern section of the railway come there for no legitimate purpose. Great damage also is done to the bee industry which is carried on to a very large extent in the country where the poppy now grows thickest.\n\nIt is natural to ask why, with all existing laws, the cultivation of the poppy is still so extensively carried on. The answer is that the greater part of the plantations are under the direct protection of the military which is stationed along the whole length of the Chinese Eastern Railway. Every farmer who has a poppy-field has it registered by the soldiers, and in return, his field is defended from depredations by robbers. For this, the farmer pays a regular contribution which, in proportion to the marketable value of the drug to be obtained from his field, is not a very heavy tax. During the cutting season, thousands of coolies come from the south to the poppy districts, large numbers of the workmen on the railway leave their work, and desertions from the ranks are numerous. The cutting of the poppy is a lucrative occupation, and, in a land where no opium laws appear to exist, can be carried on in safety under adequate armed protection.\n\nDuring 1920, the customs officers in the North Manchurian district seized 45.00 piculs of opium raw. Accepting the estimate of 30,000 acres as the actual area under cultivation, and allowing an average of 60 lb. for every 2-7 acres, the total production of opium during one given year can be put down at a little over 5,000 piculs. This means that a very bare 1 per cent. comes into our hands as it passes through the district. To get this infinitesimal quantity, we have officers, foreign and Chinese, whose duty it is to search trains and steamers, goods and passengers' baggage for the drug. To put a blunt question, what are they doing? They are doing nothing to safeguard the revenue; the 1 per cent. of opium they seize is not going to help to any great extent towards the suppression of the opium evil, and they are wasting a great deal of Customs time which might be better employed. Further, every man who is put on opium preventive duty undergoes a period of constant temptation.\n\nAn opium dealer will go to extreme lengths if he sees an opportunity to get his opium through without confiscation, and however much one may theorise on the point that every man is paid well for his work and that he should be above receiving bribes, it is no use shutting one's eyes to plain facts of practice that there are many men of the ordinary walks of life who, honest as can be in nature, one day, in a weak moment, will succumb to temptation. I am far from accusing our officers of dishonesty: I believe that very many come through their ordeal unscathed; but I am afraid there are some who fall. The question is, What benefit does the Customs Administration derive from the placing of these men in positions of temptation? For the sake of seizing 1 per cent. or let it be even 5 per cent. of the opium produced in the district, the moral integrity of our men is being daily deliberately jeopardised. If a man falls and is found out, he is dismissed without further ado, and rightly so. But is the man entirely to blame, and is it fair to assume that because he succumbed to temptation after, very possibly, many severe trials, that he is wholly bad, and that it is he and he alone that is at fault, not the system? In all justice, it must be admitted that the system is as much to blame as any man. The evils of the opium traffic are many, but this is one side of it which affects us very nearly, and a side which opium prohibitionists are very apt to be ignorant of or to ignore. That our officers should be alert and prevent the importation of foreign opium into China, yes; but that they should act as preventive officers within the country over a traffic which they see is carried on openly and actually under military protection seems, from the point of view of an impartial observer, to be nothing more nor less than putting men on to useless work, and work which, sooner or later, tends to strain the integrity of the best. Results are barely worth considering, and a fine body of men is being systematically demoralised.\n\nIn the 1908 edict, some ten years was given for the total suppression of the opium traffic; exactly ten years after the promulgation of this edict, the production of opium in North Manchuria was greater than it had ever been before - sufficiently conclusive evidence that the methods in force were not adapted for the end desired.\n\nThe object is to stamp out opium in China, and towards this end, the Government has been paying out large sums yearly as rewards for opium seized, the amount paid out in 1920 in the Harbin district amounting to 11,600.00 Haekwan taels. So far, the results do not justify even this outlay, and it is suggested that there is a by far more effective method of dealing with the problem which, while it lasts, will be remunerative and will at the same time have a lasting result. It almost amounts to an axiom that if man is forbidden to do something, there will always be a class who will go out of its way to defy that law, especially if there is money to be made out of it, but hit that class in the pocket, and in no gentle way, and it may be safely assumed that the game will soon begin to pall, and activities will be diverted to other objects. Taking this as a fundamental principle, it may be fairly argued that to issue laws prohibiting the cultivation of poppy or the cutting down of poppy-fields is not going to prevent opium being produced. In one case, the law is defied, in the other, the law-enforcers are very apt themselves to become law-breakers by allowing themselves to be turned from the proper object of their business. Therefore, do not prohibit poppy cultivation and ...\n\nPage 3\nPage 417",
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        "id": 489932,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-471 - Public Offices - 1921",
        "page_number": 423,
        "title": "CO129-471 - Public Offices - 1921",
        "content_text": "## Opium Cultivation in North Manchuria\n\ndistrict. At Eho the poppy-fields are seen at a distance of 300 feet from the railway, but the cultivation is not confined to the sectors near the railway, as it is carried on in all the surrounding hills.\n\nArea under Poppy Cultivation - As far as it is possible to estimate, the area under poppy in North Manchuria can be put down at about 30,000 acres, but this estimate must be taken as a conservative one, and probably does not include the area under cultivation on the Sungari round Fukochin, &c.\n\nThe Cultivation of the Poppy - Near the railway, some attempts are made to conceal the growing of the poppy from inquisitive eyes, and the fields are ringed in with hemp or maize, or the plants are interspersed in the fields of maize.\n\nOn the hill-sides and in river valleys, the cultivation is carried on more openly, and places protected from strong winds are selected. In the higher hills, the north-western slopes are favoured or the deep valleys. The best and most fertile soil in the district is given over to poppy cultivation, and whenever possible, virgin soil is selected, which is subsequently used for the planting of beans, &c., but the custom is to plant the poppy for some four years in succession, at the end of which period the fertility of the soil has become so diminished that the cereals which follow are of inferior sort. Occasionally rotation is practised, the general order being beans, poppy, maize, and so on, but this is the exception. The ground for poppy is prepared in the spring or in the autumn. In autumn, as soon as the summer crop has been gathered, the land is ploughed, the roots and weeds are burnt, and the ashes are scattered over the ground; the sowing takes place about the middle of October. The spring sowing takes place in the middle of March or early in April, but on occasion, it may be deferred until the middle of May. The more hardy plants spring from the earlier sowings. The seeds are sown mostly by hand and are trodden into the prepared furrows. The autumn sowing shows signs of life in the early days of spring. The spring sowings make their appearance in May or June.\n\nWhen the plants are a few inches high, the rows are thinned; each plant bears from one to four blooms, the flowering period being from the end of June to the end of July. The height attained by the plant is from 60 to 150 cm., and the capsules are from 4 to 6 cm. in breadth and 3 to 4.5 cm. in length. In North Manchuria, 27 acres produce from 20 to 60 lb. of dry opium; in the Ussuri district, the same area produces between 30 and 120 lb.\n\nThe Harvest - As soon as the petals fall and capsules have grown to full size, the extraction of the juice takes place. The operation, which usually occupies the whole of one day, consists of four to ten incisions made two-thirds round the capsule or in a spiral manner. The juice is collected a few minutes after the incision is made, and is gathered into small oblong tins or into pots made from cow-horn, when it is dried in the sun after being placed on special waterproof paper.\n\nThe raw article is then ready for the market. The capsules, after the juice has been extracted, ripen about the beginning of August, and from the seeds is extracted an oil which is used both for cooking and as a medicine.\n\nNarcotic Properties - According to an analysis which has been made, it has been established that the opium of North Manchuria district contains 14 to 15 per cent. of morphia.\n\nOpium Adulteration - It is a common practice in North Manchuria to adulterate the opium by mixing it with bread or oil. In such cases, the percentage of morphia is reduced by one-half.\n\nEffect of Poppy Cultivation - Putting aside the question of the effect the drug of poppy produces on the population, there is an important point which is apt to be overlooked, and that is the detrimental effect the cultivation of the poppy has on agriculture in general. It has already been pointed out above that the fertility of the ground is seriously compromised by the planting of poppy, but there are two other serious factors: the utilisation of the best agricultural country and the withdrawal of labour which could be better employed in the production of foodstuffs. The cultivation of the poppy is increasing at an alarming extent from an agricultural point of view, and the thousands of men who make their way yearly along the eastern section of the railway come there for no legitimate purpose. Great damage also is done to the bee industry which is carried on to a very large extent in the country where the poppy now grows thickest.\n\nIt is natural to ask why, with all existing laws, the cultivation of the poppy is still so extensively carried on. The answer is that the greater part of the plantations are under the direct protection of the military which is stationed along the whole length of the Chinese Eastern Railway. Every farmer who has a poppy-field has it registered by the soldiers, and in return, his field is defended from depredations by robbers. The farmer pays a regular contribution which, in proportion to the marketable value of the drug to be obtained from his field, is not a very heavy tax. During the cutting season, thousands of coolies come from the south to the poppy districts, large numbers of the workmen on the railway leave their work, and desertions from the ranks are numerous. The cutting of the poppy is a lucrative occupation, and, in a land where no opium laws appear to exist, can be carried on in safety under adequate armed protection.\n\nDuring 1920, the customs officers in the North Manchurian district seized 45.00 piculs of opium raw. Accepting the estimate of 30,000 acres as the actual area under cultivation, and allowing an average of 60 lb. for every 27 acres, the total production of opium during one given year can be put down at a little over 5,000 piculs. This means that a very bare 1 per cent. comes into our hands as it passes through the district. To get this infinitesimal quantity, we have officers, foreign and Chinese, whose duty it is to search trains and steamers, goods and passengers' baggage for the drug. To put a blunt question, what are they doing? They are doing nothing to safeguard the revenue; the 1 per cent. of opium they seize is not going to help to any great extent towards the suppression of the opium evil, and they are wasting a great deal of Customs time which might be better employed. Further, every man who is put on opium preventive duty undergoes a period of constant temptation.\n\nAn opium dealer will go to extreme lengths if he sees an opportunity to get his opium through without confiscation, and however much one may theorise on the point that every man is paid well for his work and that he should be above receiving bribes, it is no use shutting one's eyes to plain facts of practice that there are many men of the ordinary walks of life who, honest as can be in nature, one day, in a weak moment, will succumb to temptation. I am far from accusing our officers of dishonesty; I believe that very many come through their ordeal unscathed; but I am afraid there are some who fall. The question is, What benefit does the Customs Administration derive from the placing of these men in positions of temptation?\n\nFor the sake of seizing 1 per cent. or let it be even 5 per cent. of the opium produced in the district, the moral integrity of our men is being daily deliberately jeopardised. If a man falls and is found out, he is dismissed without further ado, and rightly so. But is the man entirely to blame, and is it fair to assume that because he succumbed to temptation after, very possibly, many severe trials, that he is wholly bad, and that it is he and he alone that is at fault, not the system? In all justice, it must be admitted that the system is as much to blame as any man. The evils of the opium traffic are many, but this is one side of it which affects us very nearly, and a side which opium prohibitionists are very apt to be ignorant of or to ignore. That our officers should be alert and prevent the importation of foreign opium into China, yes; but that they should act as preventive officers within the country over a traffic which they see is carried on openly and actually under military protection seems, from the point of view of an impartial observer, to be nothing more nor less than putting men on to useless work, and work which, sooner or later, tends to strain the integrity of the best. The results are barely worth considering, and a fine body of men is being systematically demoralised.\n\nIn the 1908 edict, some ten years was given for the total suppression of the opium traffic; exactly ten years after the promulgation of this edict, the production of opium in North Manchuria was greater than it had ever been before - sufficiently conclusive evidence that the methods in force were not adapted for the end desired. The object is to stamp out opium in China, and towards this end, the Government has been paying out large sums yearly as rewards for opium seized, the amount paid out in 1920 in the Harbin district amounting to 11,600.00 Haekwan taels. So far, the results do not justify even this outlay, and it is suggested that there is a by far more effective method of dealing with the problem which, while it lasts, will be remunerative and will at the same time have lasting result. It almost amounts to an axiom that if it is forbidden to do something, there will always be a class who will go out of its way to defy that law, especially if there is money to be made out of it, but hit that same class in the pocket, and in no gentle way, and it may be safely assumed that the game will soon begin to pall, and activities will be diverted to other objects. Taking this as a fundamental principle, it may be fairly argued that to issue laws prohibiting the cultivation of poppy or the cutting down of poppy-fields is not going to prevent opium being produced. In one case, the law is defied, in the other, the law-enforcers are very apt themselves to become law-breakers by allowing themselves to be turned from the proper object of their business. Therefore, do not prohibit poppy cultivation and ...\n\nPage 3\nPage 422",
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        "id": 490239,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-471 - Public Offices - 1921",
        "page_number": 730,
        "title": "CO129-471 - Public Offices - 1921",
        "content_text": "# APPENDIX X\n## Value of Trade with China\n\n1896  \n1903  \n1913  \n1914  \n1915  \n1916  \n1917  \n1918  \n1919  \n1920  \n\n| British Empire | 234,624,000 Taels | 331,049,000 Taels | 476,809,000 Taels | 454,297,000 Taels | 423,262,000 Taels | 435,937,000 Taels | 413,463,000 Taels | 401,974,000 Taels | 488,004,000 Taels | 562,750,000 Taels |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| United Kingdom | 145,409,000 | 225,716,000 | 288,764,000 | 262,422,000 | 252,606,000 | 272,838,000 | 274,445,000 | ... | 279,179,000 | 288,518,000 |\n| United States | 55,858,000 | 80,627,000 | 113,257,000 | 83,415,000 | 103,493,000 | 102,054,000 | ... | 105,271,000 | 78,078,000 | 128,271,000 |\n| Hong Kong | 29,708,000 | 23,198,000 | 46,274,000 | 68% $61 | 75,232,000 | ... | 75,154,000 | 75,154,000 | 121,478,000 | 159,015,000 |\n| Japan and Korea | ... | ... | ... | ... | 210,030,000 | ... | 285,126,000 | 357,801,000 | 426,394,000 | 473,995,000 |\n| America and Philippine Islands | ... | ... | ... | ... | 102,054,000 | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |\n| Other countries | 46,141,000 | ... | 80,353,000 | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | 177,520,000 | 215,893,000 |\n| Total | =£55,611,000 | 339,671,000 | £71,392,000 | £147,233,000 | 226,198,000 | 925,468,000 | £126,286,000 | 144,478,000 | 998,204,000 | 1,012,450,000 |\n| Total | ... | ... | 978,468,000 | 541,091,000 | ... | 2/81 | 2/71 | 3/311 | £165,574,000 | £218,564,000=£275,100,000 |\n| Value of Haikwan tael | 3/4 | 2/71 | 3/03 | 2/81 | £113,258,000 | =£165,574,000 | 187,990,000 | 873,336,000 | 1,040,776,000 | 1,277,807,000 |\n| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | 82,171,000 | 71,242,000 | 99,914,000 | 122,260,000 | 1,303,880,000 | £404,637,000|=£442,776,000 |\n| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | 4/344 | 5/37% | 6/4 | $6/9 | ... |\n\n| Canada ... | 2,574,000 T'aels | 2,518,000 T'aels | 1,961,000 Trels | 1,536,000 | 1,612,000 | 13,552,000 | 2,297,000 | 16,732,000 | 2,470,000 | 24,340,000 |\n| Australia and New Zealand | 1,272,000 | 1,238,000 | 1,536,000 | ... | 11,780,000 | 14,461,000 | 1,367,000 | 21,336,000 Taels | 21,220,000 | ... |\n| Singapore | 4,978,000 | 7,301,000 | 16,488,000 | 14,632,000 Taela | 2,851,000 | 3,407,000 Tals | 2,080,000 | 12,851,000 T'aels | ... | ... |\n| British India | 25,202,000 | 35,800,000 | 54,482,000 | 45,926,000 | 48,695,000 | 89,344,000 | 33,939,000 | 14,026,000 | 36,580,000 | 41,260,000 |\n\nAs showing the growth of trade with the British dominions and colonies, the following figures are not without interest :--  \n1919.\n\n29\n\n# APPENDIX XI\n## Percentage of Trade with China\n\n|  | 1896 | 1903 | 1913 | 1914 | 1915 | 1916 | 1917 | 1918 | 1919 | 1920 |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| British Empire | 70.5 | 61.1 | 46.2 | 43.5 | 41.5 | 29.1 | 27.3 | 13.7 | 16.5 | 11.0 |\n| Hong Kong | 8.7 | 15.3 | 19.3 | 20.4 | ... | ... | ... | ... | 11.6 | ... |\n| United Kingdom | 46.1 | ... | 11.5 | 10.5 | 23.1 | 28.0 | 32.5 | 7.7 | ... | ... |\n| Japan and Korea | ... | ... | ... | ... | 46.5 | 42.4 | 39.2 | 37.3 | 38.1 | 43.1 |\n| United States of America and Philippine Islands | 6.9 | 8.5 | 7.7 | 7.1 | 8.3 | ... | 12.8 | ... | 9.681 | 9.3 |\n| Other countries | 13.9 | 15.1 | 20.8 | 26.4 | 22.1 | 8.91 | 12.6 | 15.7 | 16.8 | 16.4 |\n\n# APPENDIX XII\n## British (and partly British) Newspapers in China\n\n### Hong Kong\n- The China Mail\n- The Hong Kong Daily Press\n- The Hong Kong Telegraph\n- The South China Morning Post\n- Tone Chinese-owned papers (mostly vernacular)\n\n### Shanghai\n- The British Chamber of Commerce Journal\n- The North China Daily News\n- The North China Herald (weekly edition of North China Daily News)\n- The Shanghai Mercury*\n- The Shanghai Times*\n- Lloyd's Weekly\n- Shipping and Engineering\n- Finance and Commerce\n- The Celestial Empire (weekly edition of Shanghai Mercury)*\n- Ch'eng Pao (vernacular)\n\n### Tien-tsin\n- Peking and Tien-tsin Times\n- North China Daily Mail\n- North China Sunday Times\n- The China Illustrated Weekly\n- The China Critic\n\n### Hankow\n- The Central China Post\n\n*Under Japanese control.\n\n# APPENDIX XIII\n## MISSIONARY SOCIETIES\n\n| Province and Town | Mission Opened | No. of Staff | Province and Town | Mission Opened | No. of Staff |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| ANOLIOAN |  |  |  |  |  |\n| Missionary Society of the Church of England in Canada |  |  | Church of England Zenana Missionary Society |  |  |\n| Honn | 1911 | 1 | Hurar- | 1910 | 12 |\n| Kaifeng | 1916 | I | Hengchowfu | 1910 | 9 |\n| Kweiteh... |  |  | Siangtan |  |  |\n|  |  |  | Yungchowfu |  |  |\n| Church Missionary Society for Africa and the East: |  |  |  |  |  |\n| Fukien- |  |  |  |  |  |\n| Changanhsien | 1910 | 3 | Nantai, Foochow | 1886 | + |\n| Foochow City | 1850 | 22 | Tosung | 1904 |  |\n| Nantai |  |  | Foochow City | 1884 |  |\n|  |  |  | Funingfu | 1882 | 11 |\n| Kienningfu | 1902 |  | Kienningfu |  |  |\n| Futaing, via Foochow | 1896 | 7 | Kutienhsien |  |  |\n| Loyutanhaien | 1889 |  | Pingnan |  |  |\n| Puchong |  |  | Siyang |  |  |\n| Shenyang |  |  | Sungki, via Kienning | [7320 GG] |  |\n|  |  |  | Hinghwafu | 1893 | 12 |\n| Hotung, via Ningteh | 1903 | 2 | Hotung, via Ningteh | 1902 |  |\n| Kaotanshih, við Futaing | 1896 | 2 | Kaotanshih, via Futaing | 1908 |  |\n| Kiangtow, viên Fuking | 1896 | 2 | Kiangtow, via Fuking | 1893 |  |\n| Kiebuingfu | 1894 | 7 | Kiebuingfu | ... | 5 |\n| Kienyang, via Kieuning | 1891 | + | Kienyang, via Kieuning | 1907 |  |\n| Katiension | 1886 | 2 |  |  |  |",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-471 - Public Offices - 1921.txt",
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    {
        "id": 493942,
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        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-478 - Public Offices & Others - 1922",
        "page_number": 333,
        "title": "CO129-478 - Public Offices & Others - 1922",
        "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n(11724.) (AMENDED.)\n\n328\n\nC. U\n\n7\n\n9085\n\nREC :\n\nREG25 FB22\n\nRemission of the Boxer Indemnity.\n\nAFTER the Boxer rising of 1900 the Chinese Government were called upon to pay an indemnity to the Powers concerned for damage sustained or military expenditure incurred.* By article 6 of the Final Protocol of 1901 the amount was fixed at 450,000,000 Haikwan taels. This sum constituted a gold debt calculated for the different currencies at rates of exchange fixed in the protocol (e.g., in calculating the amount of the gold debt the tael is to be taken as representing 3s. 71⁄2d gold dollars, 3.750 fr., 1.407 yen, &c.).\n\nThe gold debt was to bear interest at the rate of 4 per cent., and was to be redeemed in annual instalments spread over thirty-nine years, terminating at the end of 1940. A proportionate amount was to be paid monthly to a commission of bankers representing the interested Powers, and certain revenues were assigned as security.\n\nThe indemnity was made up between the different Powers as follows:--\n\n  \n    Taels\n    Per cent of Total\n  \n  \n    Russia\n    180,371,120\n    29.0\n  \n  \n    Germany\n    90,070,515\n    20.0\n  \n  \n    France..\n    70,878,240\n    15.75\n  \n  \n    Great Britain\n    50,620,545\n    11.23\n  \n  \n    Japan\n    94,793,100\n    7.7 (?)\n  \n  \n    United States\n    32,939,055\n    7.8 (?)\n  \n  \n    Italy\n    26,617,005\n    5.8\n  \n  \n    Belgium..\n    8,484,345\n    1.8\n  \n  \n    Austria..\n    4,008,920\n    0.9\n  \n  \n    Netherlands\n    782,100\n    0.2\n  \n  \n    Spain\n    185,315\n    \n  \n  \n    Portugal\n    92,250\n    \n  \n  \n    Sweden..\n    62,820\n    \n  \n  \n    Other claims\n    149,670\n    \n  \n  \n    Total\n    450,000,000\n    100.0\n  \n\nIn 1908 the United States Government had the amount of their indemnity claim reviewed by a special claim's court, and according to a statement prepared by Mr. Morse, the author of the standard work, \"The International Relations of the Chinese Empire,\" for the China Association, it was decided to demand from China not the entire cost of the expeditionary force, but a sum to cover the difference between the war cost in the field and the peace cost in garrison. This difference added to the private claims amounted to about 2,800,000l., as compared with the estimate of about 5,000,000l. provisionally made in 1901. The balance of 2,200,000l. was remitted by proportionate deductions from future payments. This was done without any conditions being imposed.\n\nThe United States Minister at Peking, Mr. Rockhill, a persona gratissima with the Chinese Government, induced them to continue voluntarily to issue the American quota of the indemnity without deduction and to pay that portion which was renounced by the United States Government to a Commission of Education for the purpose of sending Chinese students to American Universities. The net result, therefore, was that the Chinese Government devoted the amount by which the original American claim was over-estimated to the education of Chinese students in America.\n\n* For fuller details and for some account of the machinery for the payment of the indemnity instalments, see Appendix I.\n\nTo nearest decimal.\n\n477.6 [6823]\n\nB",
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        "document_key": "CO129-491 - Public Offices - 1925",
        "page_number": 312,
        "title": "CO129-491 - Public Offices - 1925",
        "content_text": "BRITAIN AND THE BOXER INDEMNITY.\n\nPage 363\n\nTOWARDS the end of December, 1922, the British Chargé D'Affaires at Peking, acting on instructions from the British Foreign Office, informed the Chinese Government that Great Britain had decided, in principle, to devote her share of the Boxer Indemnity to expenditure on purposes mutually beneficial to both countries. British opinion in the Far East, and at home, was immediately stampeded into supporting a project for devoting the entire outstanding British share of the indemnity to educational purposes, especially to the \"education of Chinese on British lines.” No other use for the remitted indemnity seems to have been seriously considered.\n\nThe attitude of the British Chambers of Commerce in China, and of Britons at home who took any interest in the matter is easy to understand. There was, in the first place, the American precedent, established in 1908, when a portion of the American indemnity was remitted. The Chinese Government, anxious to mark its appreciation of America's generosity and \"mindful of the desire recently expressed by the President of the United States\" found, in the action of the American Government \"a favourable opportunity to promote the coming of Chinese students to the United States to take courses in the schools and higher educational institutions of the country.\" A scheme was accordingly drawn up, as a result of which Tsing Hua College was established near Peking for the preliminary training of students destined for America. From this institution a steady stream of Chinese students has proceeded to the United States to complete their education in the Universities of that country.\n\nAt the conclusion of the Great War it was generally felt by Britons in China that their country was lagging behind in the provision of facilities for the higher education of Chinese, and a special Committee was appointed by the Associated British Chambers of Commerce to investigate and report. This Committee after an exhaustive inquiry recommended the establishment of a fund, raised by voluntary subscriptions, eighty per cent. of which was to be used for the promotion of the education of Chinese on British lines, and twenty per cent. for the support of British Medical Missions.\n\nInquiries from existing British educational institutions showed that they required approximately $600,000 for capital expenditure, and about $124,000 per annum in the form of grants. It proved impossible to raise the amount required to defray this capital expenditure, and the cost of the proposed annual subsidies. But about $115,000 was subscribed, from which grants ranging from $300 to $5,000 per annum were promised to various British secondary schools for five consecutive years, while $20,000 was allotted to Medical Missions. The remission of the British share of the Boxer Indemnity should render it unnecessary to canvass for further subscriptions for the support of British Educational institutions in China. The question at the moment is whether the whole of the remitted Indemnity should be devoted to the promotion of education, or whether it would not be more beneficial to China to include other projects in the British Indemnity scheme.\n\nThe amount of the Boxer Indemnity was fixed, in 1901, at Haikwan Taels 450,000,000. Amortization was to be spread over a period of thirty-nine years, interest at the rate of four per cent. per annum being charged on the capital amount. The total payable by China between 1902 and 1940 (both inclusive) would therefore amount to Hk. Tls. 982,238,150. The British share of the Indemnity amounts to about 11.25 per cent. (actually 11.24901 per cent.) The annual instalments were regularly met until August 1917, when China declared war on the Central Powers, and Britain and most of the Allies agreed to the\n\nPage 363",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-491 - Public Offices - 1925.txt",
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    {
        "id": 502997,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-493 - Governor Sir Clementi - 1926 [6-8]",
        "page_number": 72,
        "title": "CO129-493 - Governor Sir Clementi - 1926 [6-8]",
        "content_text": "No.2.\n\n71\n\n39,433 Haikwan Taels and on inward cargo 230,668 Haikwan Taels. This gives an annual average on transit dues on outward and inward cargo combined of 54,020 Haikwan Taels, or about $81,030. It is evident that this is an inconsiderable sum from the point of view of the revenue of the Liang Kuang provinces and that the proposal to credit it to the provincial authorities, and not as at present to the Central Government, is unlikely to cause any great elation either to the Government or to the people of those provinces.\n\nIn considering these matters, one does well to bear in mind that the area of Kuang-tung province is some 166,000 square miles and that its population was estimated in 1922 to be about 37,167,000 souls. This province is, therefore, appreciably larger than the British Isles, of which the total area is only 121,633 square miles; and it has a larger population than that of England which was recorded at the 1921 census to be 35,678,530 souls. The area of Kuang-hsi is 77,220 square miles and its estimated population in 1922 was 12,258,335 souls. It is roughly speaking seven times the size of Holland with twice its population.\n\n5.\n\nCoast Trade Duty is levied on Chinese goods leaving a Chinese Treaty Port for any place in China, except an inland place, which can be reached without passing through another Treaty Port. It is equal to half the Export Duty on any kind of goods. The attached table, prepared by Mr. Shaw, gives the collection of Coast Trade Duty at ports in Kuang-tung and Kuang-hsi for the years 1921 to 1925 and shows that the total during those five years was 2,610,081 Haikwan taels or an annual average of 522,016 Haikwan taels equivalent to about $783,025. It is now proposed that this Coast Trade Duty, which hitherto has always gone entirely to the Central Government, should be abolished. Such a proposal will, of course, leave the provincial authorities quite cold: and it remains to be seen...",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-493 - Governor Sir Clementi - 1926 [6-8].txt",
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    },
    {
        "id": 502998,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-493 - Governor Sir Clementi - 1926 [6-8]",
        "page_number": 73,
        "title": "CO129-493 - Governor Sir Clementi - 1926 [6-8]",
        "content_text": "72\n\nbe seen whether they may not decide to collect it for themselves. As will be seen from Mr. Shar's statement the amounts collected at Canton and Swatow give an annual average of 351,430 Haikwan Taels and 152,248 Haikwan Taels, and are worth having.\n\n6.\n\nI do not understand what is meant by the proposal that $750,000 per mensem of the proceeds of the Washington surtaxes should go to the Ministry of Finance solely for currency construction and for administrative expenses\". In any case I should not be surprised if Canton, which has a mint of its own and its own \"Minister of Finance\" in the person of Mr. Sung Tzu-wen, strongly objected to the proposal.\n\n7.\n\nThe telegram continues that, after making this payment to the Ministry of Finance, and after crediting $5,000,000 from Washington surtaxes to ordinary customs revenue in lieu of transit dues and a further $4,000,000 in lieu of coast trade duty, the remaining portion of the increased revenue is to be accumulated by the Customs Administration, free from all encumbrances, for eventual liquidation of unsecured and inadequately secured debts owed by China. I do not suppose that a Canton Government of the kind which now exists would acquiesce in this proposal. Indeed, if (as seems to be the case) all that the provinces of Kuang-tung and Kuang-hsi stand to get out of the draft agreement is a sum of about $81,030 per annum, I am by no means certain that a Canton Government of the kind which now exists might not after all decide to seize the Canton Customs, having in view the fact that Great Britain, America, Japan, France, Italy, and Portugal are not now likely to unite (as they did in 1923) to repel such a seizure by show of force. In the seventh paragraph of my secret despatch of the 21st May, which should be read with this despatch, I expressed the view that the Canton Government would probably not do this, at all events until it is known whether higher interim surtaxes will be enforced.\n\nBut if a document so discouraging to Chinese provincial administrations as the one now drafted were to be signed,",
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    {
        "id": 503000,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-493 - Governor Sir Clementi - 1926 [6-8]",
        "page_number": 75,
        "title": "CO129-493 - Governor Sir Clementi - 1926 [6-8]",
        "content_text": "SWATOW\n\nCANTON\n\nKOWLOON RAILWAY\n\nEnslorine A...\n\nCOLLECTION OF TRANSIT DUES AT MANGTUNG & KWANGSI PORTS 1921\n\nInwards\n\nOutwards\n\n35,233.135\n\n125.283\n\n78,771.292\n\nin Haikwan Taels.\n\nTotal\n\n35,358.418\n\n78,771.292\n\n1925.\n\nAnnual Average.\n\n7,071.683\n\n15,754.258\n\nLAPPA\n\nKONGMOON\n\n12,254.584\n\n12,254.584\n\n2,450.917\n\nSAMSHUI\n\nWUCHOW\n\nNANNING\n\nKIUNGCHOW (HOIHOW)\n\nPAKHOI\n\n  \n    11,414.961\n    31,946.507\n    16,473.304\n    2,685.763\n    46,306.496\n    21,215.955\n  \n  \n    •\n    11,414.961\n    2,282.992\n    48,419.811\n    9,683.762\n    1,618.810\n  \n  \n    4,304.573\n    860.914\n    67,522.451\n    13,504.490\n    \n    \n  \n  \n    LUNGCHOW\n    9,574.668\n    2,480.601\n    9,574.668\n    1,914.934\n    2,480.601\n  \n  \n    496.120\n    230,668.007\n    39,435.352\n    270,101.359\n    54,020 Hk.Tls.\n    \n  \n\n\"\n\nroughly $81,030.\n\n7th June 1926.\n\nPage 74\n\nPage 74",
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    },
    {
        "id": 503001,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-493 - Governor Sir Clementi - 1926 [6-8]",
        "page_number": 76,
        "title": "CO129-493 - Governor Sir Clementi - 1926 [6-8]",
        "content_text": "SWATOW\n\nCANTON\n\nKOWLOON\n\nRAILWAY\n\nLAPPA\n\n3\n\nCOLLECTION OF COAST GRADE DUTY AT MANGULG & AMANGSI PORTS: 1921-1925.\n\nin Haikwan Taels.\n\n  \n    Total\n    761,240.107\n    1,657,151.354\n  \n  \n    Annual Average\n    152,248.021\n    331,430.271\n  \n  \n    KONGMOON\n    ...\n    \n  \n  \n    SAMSHUI\n    57.634\n    \n  \n  \n    WUCHOW\n    29,356.013\n    121,809.224\n  \n  \n    NANNING\n    11,786.943\n    19,202.606\n  \n  \n    KIUNGCHOW (HOIHOW)\n    \n    \n  \n  \n    PAKHOI\n    9,477.620\n    ...\n  \n  \n    LUNGCHOW\n    11.527\n    5,871.203\n  \n  \n    \n    24,561.844\n    2,357.308\n  \n  \n    \n    3,840.521\n    1,895.520\n  \n  \n    \n    ...\n    2,610,081.501\n  \n  \n    \n    522,016 Hk. Tls.\n    \n  \n  \n    \n    - roughly\n    783,025\n  \n\n7th June, 1926.\n\n75",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-493 - Governor Sir Clementi - 1926 [6-8].txt",
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    },
    {
        "id": 505641,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-497 - Public Offices - 1926",
        "page_number": 363,
        "title": "CO129-497 - Public Offices - 1926",
        "content_text": "4\n\nsufficient military protection should be provided to ensure their safety if concentrated in the Shameen.\n\n(4.) Although we have not considered the necessity or desirability from a political point of view of retaining the Shameen, we draw attention to the difficulties of re-establishing our position there, once evacuation has taken place.\n\n(Signed)\n\nCECIL (Chairman).\n\nR. G. HAWTREY, J. D. GREGORY.\n\nC. W. DIXON.\n\nÉ. J. TURNER.\n\nA. G. F. ISAAC, Major, G.S.\n\nJ. M. SPAIGHT.\n\nR. HILL.\n\n5\n\nAppendix No. 1.\n\nCANTON TRADE.\n\nMEMORANDUM PREPARED IN THE BOARD OF TRADE.\n\nThe value of the direct imports into China in each of the three years 1922-1924, and the value of the imports recorded as from Hong Kong, Great Britain, Japan and the United States of America, are shown in the following table, the conversions from Haikwan taels having been made at the rates stated in the reports of the Imperial Maritime Customs :-\n\nC. HIPWOOD.\n\nH. FOUNTAIN,\n\nE. F. CROWE.\n\n(Signed)\n\nC. P. HERMON-HODGE (Secretary).\n\n2, Whitehall Gardens, S. W. 1, March 26, 1926.\n\n  \n    Country whence Imported\n    1922\n    1923\n    1924\n  \n  \n    \n    £'000\n    £'000\n    £'000\n  \n  \n    Hong Kong\n    44,878\n    43,156\n    44,655\n  \n  \n    Great Britain\n    27,242\n    20,944\n    28,069\n  \n  \n    Japan\n    48,893\n    86,710\n    42,978\n  \n  \n    United States of America\n    31,688\n    26,467\n    34,959\n  \n  \n    All other Countries\n    35,518\n    37,346\n    44,570\n  \n  \n    All Countries\n    182,819\n    165,029\n    190,231\n  \n\nImports into Shanghai amount to nearly half the total maritime imports into China. The imports into Canton, added to those into Kowloon and the railway traffic into Kowloon, represented only about one-tenth of the total imports into China. The imports into these latter Chinese Customs districts, and also into Lappa, Kongmoon and Samshui, making up the Delta trade, were:-\n\n  \n    Customs Districts\n    1922\n    1923\n    1924\n  \n  \n    \n    £'000\n    £'000\n    £'000\n  \n  \n    Canton\n    10,169\n    12,846\n    9,890\n  \n  \n    Kowloon\n    8,993\n    5,559\n    9,378\n  \n  \n    Kowloon railway traffic\n    1,646\n    548\n    81\n  \n  \n    Lappa\n    3,914\n    3,142\n    4,007\n  \n  \n    Kongmoon\n    1,683\n    2,619\n    2,442\n  \n  \n    Samshui\n    920\n    1,409\n    1,408\n  \n\nIt will be seen that the railway traffic decreased rapidly in the period covered before it was entirely stopped.\n\nCanton has, in addition to its trade with foreign countries, a large import trade in Chinese produce from other ports in China. This amounted to £8,700,000 in 1922, to £8,700,000 in 1923 and to £11,300,000 in 1924. There was also a substantial value of treasure imported and exported. The principal Chinese export from Canton is silk. The largest items of foreign import into Canton in 1924, with corresponding figures for each of the two preceding years, were as follows, the quantities shown being those retained after deduction of re-exports :-\n\n  \n    Commodity and Unit of Quantity\n    1922\n    1923\n    1924\n  \n  \n    (Quantities in thousands)\n    \n    \n    \n  \n  \n    Rice and paddy (lb.)\n    421,992\n    365,950\n    993,408\n    \n  \n  \n    Wheat flour (lb.)\n    61,220\n    60,624\n    66,220\n  \n  \n    Salt fish (lb.)\n    20,049\n    29,320\n    27,270\n  \n  \n    Sugar (lb.)\n    55,452\n    55,013\n    62,503\n  \n  \n    Coal (tons)\n    189\n    243\n    304\n  \n  \n    Kerosene oil (gallons)\n    12,049\n    11,053\n    6,022\n  \n  \n    Cotton yarns and tissues (£)\n    1,790\n    1,481\n    1,025\n  \n  \n    \n    357",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-497 - Public Offices - 1926.txt",
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    {
        "id": 509131,
        "series_id": 27,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-502-6 China- general situation 7-1-1927 - 3-3-1927",
        "page_number": 56,
        "title": "CO129-502-6 China- general situation 7-1-1927 - 3-3-1927",
        "content_text": "## 16.\n\nNothing in the past attitude of the Treaty Powers gives us any reason to believe that they would be prepared to exercise effective and sustained economic pressure upon China as a whole. For one thing, the large Japanese economic interest concentrated in Manchuria and the presence there of about 200,000 Japanese subjects almost certainly precludes their taking part in such an operation. Moreover, it is exceedingly unlikely that Japan would be prepared to forgo for even a short period her trade with China, which is now as great as ours and even more vital to her than ours is to us. Further, the suspension of British trade alone would not only be almost ineffective as a measure of coercion, but would operate to the profit of our trade rivals, would perhaps permanently breach our predominant position, and would intensify Chinese resentment and concentrate it even more strongly than at present upon ourselves alone.\n\n## 17. \nWhether or not we should in the present circumstances be under any obligation under Article 7 of the Washington Treaty, we should no doubt for political reasons think it right to inform the foreign Powers, parties to that Treaty, of our intention to impose a blockade. This would advertise our plan in advance and *pro tanto* lessen whatever efficiency it might possess, while other Powers might be tempted to make political capital at our expense by currying favour with the Chinese.\n\n## 18. \nA Pacific Blockade, therefore, if complete and effective, would probably damage our interests more severely and more permanently than Chinese interests: if partial, under our leadership, it would be even less damaging to the Chinese and would adversely affect our own position, politically and economically, to the advantage of other foreign Powers.\n\n## 5 \n\n## 19. \nThere is, however, one consideration on the other side which should not be overlooked. A certain portion of internal Chinese trade is carried on by coasting vessels from the mouth of one river to that of another. If this were stopped, a considerable interruption in the supply of consumable commodities such as rice, beans, and tea might take place. It is claimed that the pressure of this kind created by the French blockade of the coast of China in 1884 was by no means negligible. This point is referred to again later.\n\n## The Effects of Applying Economic Pressure to China assuming a State of War.\n\n## 20. \nA study of the Chinese trade statistics shows that foreign trade with China may be divided geographically into three main zones: (1) the outer provinces and Tientsin; (2) the Yangtse Valley; and (3) Canton and the south.\n\nSince roughly speaking, the territory now in possession of the Cantonese, against whom in the first place any blockade measures would be aimed, comprises the two latter areas, it may be advisable to consider them first. Here the situation seems at first sight favourable to us. Practically the whole of the external trade of the South of China passes down the Yangtse to Shanghai or down the West River to Canton, and the closing of these two rivers would therefore mean stoppage of foreign trade with the South of China.\n\n## The Yangtse Valley.\n\n## 21. \nAs regards the Yangtse Valley, the value of the foreign trade of Shanghai and Hankow is nearly half the value of the total trade (Chinese and foreign, imports and exports) of the whole of China passing through the Maritime Customs. Complete severance of this trade is, no doubt, physically possible and perhaps presents smaller difficulties than an attack directed on any other quarter of China.\n\n## Shanghai.\n\n## 22. \nThe year 1924 is the latest year for which complete statistics are available, and the following analysis is in respect of that year. This is considered to be no disadvantage, since the trade of the years 1925 and 1926 has been rendered abnormal by the anti-foreign boycott which commenced in May 1925. The trade of Shanghai may be classified as follows:-\n(a) Foreign goods passing through the Maritime Customs.\n(b) Chinese goods passing through the Maritime Customs.\n(c) Chinese goods passing through the Native Customs.\n\nand these categories have been adopted in the following analysis :-\n\n## Imports.\n\n## 23. \n(a) Of the total foreign goods imported (valued at 483.47 million Haikwan taels, including re-exports) the greater part came from--\n\n| Country/Region | Percentage |\n| --- | --- |\n| British Empire (including Hong Kong) | 37.1 |\n| United States of America (including Philippine Islands) | 23.7 |\n| Japan (including Formosa and Corea) | 20.5 |\n| Holland (including Dutch East Indies) | 6.4 |\n| Germany | 5.2 |\n\nThe following are the principal classes of foreign goods imported, of which the total value, excluding re-exports, was 301.21 million Haikwan taels:\n\n| Goods | Principally from | Percentage |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Raw cotton | British India, Japan, U.S.A. | 13.6 |\n| Cotton piece-goods | Japan, Great Britain, Hong Kong | 13.2 |\n| Woollen and union piece-goods | U.S.A. | 3.8 |\n| Metals | Great Britain, Japan, Hong Kong, Germany, France | 5.6 |\n| Machinery | U.S.A., Japan, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Belgium, Germany | 2.8 |\n\n*1 Haikwan tael = 38.74d.  \n16 piculs = 1 ton.  \nFrom Japan, all re-exports. \n\n## 62",
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    {
        "id": 509132,
        "series_id": 27,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-502-6 China- general situation 7-1-1927 - 3-3-1927",
        "page_number": 57,
        "title": "CO129-502-6 China- general situation 7-1-1927 - 3-3-1927",
        "content_text": "## Imports\n\n### Principal Commodities\n\n| Commodity | Percentage |\n| --- | --- |\n| Coal | 2.5 |\n| Kerosene oil | 3.2 |\n| Timber | 3.6 |\n| Cigarettes | 5.4 |\n| Tobacco | 3.1 |\n| Paper | 2.9 |\n| Dyes | + |\n| Wheat |  |\n| Sugar | 5.3 |\n| Fish and fish products | 5.0 |\n|  | 1.2 |\n\nThe principal sources of these commodities were:\n- Coal: Principally from Japan, French Indo-China, Hong Kong.\n- Kerosene oil: U.S.A., Dutch Indies, Hong Kong.\n- Timber: U.S.A., Japan, Russia.\n- Cigarettes: U.S.A., Great Britain, Hong Kong.\n- Tobacco: U.S.A., Hong Kong, Japan, Great Britain.\n- Paper: Japan, Norway, Sweden.\n- Dyes: Netherlands, Germany, Hong Kong, U.S.A., Japan, Great Britain.\n- Wheat: Canada, U.S.A.\n- Sugar: Hong Kong, Dutch Indies, Japan, Philippine Islands.\n- Fish and fish products: Japan, Hong Kong.\n\n(b.) Of Chinese produce imported through the maritime customs (valued at 91.16 million Haikwan taels, excluding re-exports) nearly half the value consisted of raw cotton.\n\n(c.) Of Chinese produce imported through the native customs (valued at 77.27 million Haikwan taels) no exact details can be given, but the produce consisted mainly of foodstuffs.\n\n## Exports\n\n24.-(a.) Of Chinese produce exported and re-exported to foreign countries through the maritime customs (valued at 276.45 million Haikwan taels) the greater part was shipped:\n- **Destination** | **Percentage**\n| --- | --- |\n| British Empire (including Hong Kong) | 27.2 |\n| United States of America (including Philippine Islands) | 25.7 |\n| Japan (including Formosa and Corea) | 19.5 |\n| France (including French Indo-China) | 14.5 |\n| Holland (including Dutch East Indies) | 2.6 |\n| Germany | 2.6 |\n\nThe value of the most important items shipped to foreign countries through the Maritime Customs was 276.45 million Haikwan taels, and the shipments to Chinese ports 327.9 million Haikwan taels, a total of 604.3 million Haikwan taels.\n\nThe following are the principal classes of goods shipped through the Maritime Customs to foreign countries and to Chinese ports:\n| Commodity | Percentage | Principally to |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Cotton yarn | 17.4 | Chinese ports, principally Tientsin and Yangtse ports. |\n| Cotton textiles | 6.5 | Ditto, ditto. |\n| Raw cotton | 6.1 | Japan and U.S.A. |\n| Silk and silk products | 14.0 | France, U.S.A., Hong Kong, Japan, Great Britain, British India, Italy. |\n| Cigarettes | 14.8 | All China and Hong Kong, Straits Settlements, Japan. |\n| Skins and furs | 1.7 | Hong Kong, U.S.A., Germany, Great Britain, Japan, Europe. |\n| Flour | 4.0 | All China and Hong Kong. |\n| Tea | 3.0 | Great Britain, Chinese ports, Egypt, U.S.A., Russia, British India. |\n\n(b.) Of Chinese produce shipped to Chinese ports through the native customs (valued at 28.67 million Haikwan taels) no exact details can be given, but it consisted mainly of Chinese factory products.\n\n25. As regards the route by which Chinese imports arrive in Shanghai, they come almost entirely via the Yangtse river. Only an inconsiderable amount comes down the Whangpoo (Wusung) river from the interior. Shallow canals, of which the through draft is not more than 5 feet, connect up all parts of the southern delta. The Yangtse river is, however, the main feeder to and from the interior of China. By crossing the Yangtse at Chinkiang the Northern Delta, and even Chihli Province, may be reached by canal. The majority of the small inland waterways of the central China plain are not at present suitable for high-speed power-driven barges on account of the congestion of traffic, tortuosity of the creeks, low bridges, shallowness, and the damage to banks caused by the wash.\n\n26. For essential supplies of food-stuffs and raw materials, Shanghai depends to a preponderating extent upon water transport, either up or down the Yangtse river, although a limited amount of garden and dairy produce from the interior enters through the native customs down the Whangpoo (Wusung) river.\n\n## Hankow\n\n27. Hankow is 600 miles distant from Shanghai upon the Yangtse River, practically in the centre of China, and is the principal port (Shanghai excepted) for the Yangtse Valley, which drains 760,000 square miles of territory and holds a population of about 200,000,000 people. The fact that the incomplete railway between Peking and Canton has to cross the river at this point lends it additional importance in the eyes of the Chinese. Opposite Hankow, on the south bank of the river, is the town of Wu-chang, the terminus of the railway originally intended to reach Canton, but which now extends little beyond Changsha; the uncompleted gap between that town and the rail-head striking north from Canton is about 250 miles.\n\n28. Industries.--Hankow is the centre of a considerable number of Chinese and a few foreign mining and manufacturing enterprises. In the three towns of Wu-chang, Hankow, and Hanyang, there are 56 Chinese-owned factories and six others financed by joint Chinese and foreign capital. Many of these are cotton cloth mills, besides cotton spinning, weaving, and silk and hemp manufactories. Perhaps the most important individual concern from the present point of view, with the exception of the Arsenal, which is referred to later, is the Hanyang iron and steel works. These were, in favourable circumstances, capable of producing over 118,000 tons of martin iron, 32,000 tons of foundry iron, 20,000 tons of railway steel, 41,000 tons of mild steel. They had, however, not been capable of being worked at a profit under Chinese management, and they have, on more than one occasion, received substantial loans from the Japanese Ministry of Finance. The Japanese Government, having insufficient supplies of pig iron and iron ore, obtain both from the Hanyehping mines and works, a fact which should be remembered in any restrictive action which may be considered in regard to these works. Minor factories include flour mills, bean mills, paper mills, sock-making concerns, egg factories, tobacco, and matches. There are altogether 19 native banks in the town, the number having been increased from 10 before the war to 19 in 1919. Antimony, lead, and zinc are crushed by machinery on the Wu-chang side and exported. Several miles below the foreign concessions, the Asiatic Petroleum Company, a British concern, have oil tanks for storing oil in bulk. The total capacity of these tanks is 5,000 tons. The Standard Oil Company also have considerable storage plant.\n\n29. Trade. Hankow is primarily an export port. In 1925, the total trade, import and export, in China amounted to 2,370 million Haikwan taels, and of this figure, Hankow enjoyed 289 million Haikwan taels. Net foreign imports into Hankow amounted to 69 million Haikwan taels, and net Chinese imports to 64 million Haikwan taels, while exports amounted to 155 million Haikwan taels. The principal goods imported and exported were as follows:\n| Commodity | Percentage | Principally to/from |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Vegetable oils | 3.3 | Hong Kong, Europe, Japan, U.S.A. |\n| Eggs and egg products | 2.9 | Great Britain, Japan, U.S.A. |\n| Rice | 2.6 | North and South China. |\n| Seeds and seedcake | 1.7 | Japan, Hong Kong, Europe, &c. |",
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        "id": 509135,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-502-6 China- general situation 7-1-1927 - 3-3-1927",
        "page_number": 60,
        "title": "CO129-502-6 China- general situation 7-1-1927 - 3-3-1927",
        "content_text": "## General Remarks on the effect of Economic Pressure against South China\n\n34. In the circumstances we are considering, viz., a state of war; a blockade of South China could probably be made effective so far as the sea is concerned. The opinion of the Chinese experts is that even such an effective external blockade would produce very little influence on the Cantonese, and that they could quite well get on without any foreign trade, as indeed they did during the 18th Century.\n\n### Munitions\n\n35. It would seem that the only item the stoppage of which might have a real effect on the Cantonese is munitions. They are at present very largely dependent on sea-borne supplies, and if these supplies were cut off the Cantonese would then be dependent on:\n- (i) The small arsenal at Canton and the larger one at Hanyang, whose combined output is understood to be about:\n  | Item | Output |\n  | --- | --- |\n  | Mountain and field guns | 6 per year |\n  | Infantry support guns | 12 per month |\n  | Light automatics | 20 per month |\n  | Heavy M.G.'s | 28 per month |\n  | Rifles | 225 a day |\n  | S.A.A. | 140,000 rounds per day |\n  |  | also powder and automatic pistols |\n\n- (ii) Leakage from North China and French Indo-China.\n\nIt is, however, impossible to state with accuracy the output of the Arsenals—affected as it might be by the stoppage of the import of raw material—or the extent of the leakage from North China and French Indo-China, nor is any reliable information available as to the stocks now held by the Cantonese on which naturally depends the effect of cutting off supplies. But we understand that the demand for munitions on the part of the Cantonese is very great.\n\n### Internal Trade\n\n36. As regards internal trade, which is greater in volume and importance than foreign trade, this trade would, temporarily, be seriously diminished by the complete cessation of coastal traffic and by the stoppage of traffic up and down the Yangtse and Canton Rivers. But, in the opinion of the experts on China, it would be impossible to prevent leakage across these rivers—a leakage which in course of time would become a steady stream. Further, at certain seasons, viz., at \"low river,\" our ships would be unable to operate on the Yangtse above Wuhu for the purpose of preventing across-river trade, which would thus have a practically clear field. For the country north of the Yangtse below Wuhu, the normal channels of distribution are the Tientsin-Pukow Railway, the Yangtse itself, canals, creeks, and, to a limited extent, land routes. The country south of the Yangtse below Wuhu is served by the Shanghai-Nanking Railway and by the other means of communication described above. Above Wuhu, in the north, distribution is effected by the Peking-Hankow Railway and by rivers, canals, and roads. On the south side, the main channels of communication are the Hankow-Changsha Railway, the great lakes, and the other methods already described.\n\n37. We are also informed that, sooner or later, trade would find its way down to other ports in the North as well as in the South, and it would therefore be necessary to blockade these ports, North and South. We understand that this can be done, since there is not a large number which can accommodate steamers. But this at once leads us to a consideration of North China, an area which we have referred to in paragraph 20 as the outer provinces and Tientsin. It is the very strong view of all the Chinese experts that if we find ourselves at war with, or even carrying out a Pacific Blockade against, South China, the North would certainly have to throw in their lot with the South. Some of the recent statements of Chang-tso-lin do not, however, appear to confirm this view.\n\n### Tientsin and the North\n\n38. The following table shows the trade of Tientsin in the year 1925 in millions of Haikwan Taels:\n  | Category | Value (millions of Haikwan Taels) |\n  | --- | --- |\n  | **Imports** |  |\n  | Foreign goods, gross | 110.3 |\n  | Chinese produce, chiefly from Hankow, Shanghai, Canton, and Foochow | 80.9 |\n  | **Exports** |  |\n  | Chinese produce to foreign countries | 61.7 |\n  | Chinese produce to Chinese ports | 38.2 |\n  | **Total** | 291.1 |\n\nat 3s. 5½d. equals approximately £51,000,000.\n\nThe trade is generally similar to that of Shanghai, making allowance for a cold climate and the general absence of Chinese manufactures.\n\n39. The effectiveness of any maritime action directed against trade with Tientsin and the North must depend largely on naval considerations. Not only is the whole of Manchuria saturated with Japanese industrial and economic influence, but it should also be remembered that the direct railway communication between Manchuria and Japan through Corea is controlled by the Japanese.\n\nIt seems incredible to think that the Japanese would not maintain their economic and military interests in this region. It may be mentioned as an illustration of the preponderance of Japanese influence in this district that, of the total number of extra-territorial nationals in China, 98.4 per cent. are Japanese, of which by far the greater part are resident in Manchuria.\n\n### Munitions\n\n40. As regards munitions, North China—particularly Manchuria—is much better able to supply her own requirements than is any other part of China. At Mukden, there is a recently completed and fully equipped arsenal, comparable with almost any modern European one. Its maximum output is understood to be:\n  | Item | Output |\n  | --- | --- |\n  | Rifles | 90 per day (to be shortly increased to 250 a day) |\n  | S.A.A. | 300,000 rounds per day |\n  | 77-m.m. guns | 8 per month |\n  | 150 m.m. Howitzers | 4-6 per month |\n  | 37-m.m. Infantry support guns | 30 per month |\n  | Machine guns | ... per day |\n\nIt must also be remembered that a railway connection still exists and is working between Peking and Siberia (via Tientsin-Mukden-Harbin) and that a practicable though difficult motor route exists from Peking through Urga to the Siberian frontier, so that, as far as North China is concerned, an alternative source of supply of military essentials from Russia might conceivably exist. The maximum capacity of the motor route through Urga is, however, at present only 125 tons a week, and this capacity is seriously affected by snow in winter and by thaw in spring.\n\n41. It is to be noted also that the Peking-Mukden-Harbin-Trans-Siberian railway route passes through Tientsin, where an International Force of some 4,000-5,000 is normally stationed. Moreover, at Peking itself, there are the Legation guards. It is not within the province of this Report to discuss whether part or all of these military centres would remain in situ during a general anti-British military offensive throughout China. Even if they were withdrawn, there are important railway bridges on either side of Tientsin; were these effectively destroyed before evacuation, the railway could be put out of action to an extent which would not be reparable by the Chinese without foreign guidance.\n\nPage 60  \nPage 61",
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        "id": 509412,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-502-7 China- general situation 4-3-1927 - 26-4-1927",
        "page_number": 103,
        "title": "CO129-502-7 China- general situation 4-3-1927 - 26-4-1927",
        "content_text": "## 113\n\n\n## 114\n\n4\n\nefficiently managed and residence here would be even less agreeable than it is now, but, if it is necessary to satisfy the Chinese in order to trade with them, the local resident must presumably subordinate his comfort to the business interests of his principals at home.\n\n14. The chairman of the British Municipal Council is absent from Shameen at the moment, but I have shown this despatch in confidence to Mr. R. Camidge, the manager of the Chartered Bank, who is the vice-chairman, and he concurs in the views I have expressed. Finally, I should like to say that I am no advocate of a policy of scuttle, but I feel that the instructions of the Foreign Office to defend the concession by force, without involving His Majesty's Government in hostilities with the Chinese forces, may be impossible of execution, and the attempt to carry them out may end in a serious tragedy.\n\nI have, &c.\n\n## Enclosure 2 in No. 1\n\n### Shameen Municipal Council (British Concession)\n\n#### Census: Estimated\n\n| Nationality | Men | Number of Women and Children | Total |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| American | 14 | 12 | 26 |\n| British | 46 | 70 | 116 |\n| Danish | 5 | 11 | 8... 4 was likely a typo and was corrected to be in line with the rest of the table, however the original text is unclear |\n| Dutch | 4 | 8 | 12 |\n| French | 12 | 10 | 22 |\n| Italian | 3 | 3 | 6 |\n| Japanese | 53 | 73 | 126 |\n| Parsees and Indians | 10 | 29 | 39 |\n| Portuguese | 11 | 16 | 27 |\n| Russian | 4 | 10 | 14 |\n| Swedish | 1 | ... | ... 7 was likely missing, \"1 7\"  |\n| Swiss | 7 | 9 | 12... likely \"16\" or another number, the original text is unclear |\n| Annamites | ... | ... | ... |\n| Chinese | 173 | 249 | 427 |\n|  | 126 | 677 | 803 |\n|  | 304 | 926 | 1,280 |\n\n#### Property Values on British Concession: Estimated\n\n| Nationality of Land-renter | Land Area | Value of Building(s) | Total |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| British | Square feet. 698,037 | Hk. dollars. 2,772,800 | Hk. dollars. 6,980,870 | Dollars. 9,753,170 |\n| British (C.M. customs, Salt Gabelle, Bank of E.A.) | 117,445 | 478,245 | 1,174,450 | 1,652,695 |\n| Japanese | 123,869 | ... 469,385 |  |  |\n| Portuguese | *12,645 | 42,993 | 1,238,690 | 1,708,075... likely \"Nil\" was on the next line |\n| (Vacant land) |  |  | 42,993 |  |\n| Swiss | 8,463 | 32,159 | 84,630 | 116,789 |\n| American | 74,095 | 300,838 | 710,950 | 1,041,788 |\n| French | 63,989 | 258,505 | 639,890 | 998,395... or 898,395, the original text is unclear, a value of \"1,085,898\" is on the next line |\n| Roads, gardens, open spaces at 5 dollars per square foot | 864,500 | 4,354,925 | 10,858,980 | 4,322,500... and \"15,213,905\" on the next line |\n|  |  |  | 4,322,500 |  |\n|  | *12,645 | 1,968,043 | 8,677,425 | 10,858,980 |\n|  |  |  |  | 19,536,405 |\n\nCemetery at Nam Shik Tou-value, say, 10,000 Hk. dollars.\n\nAreas and values of land, with the exception of roads, gardens and open spaces, in accordance with His Majesty's Office of Works' valuation as per assessment list, 1927.\n\nValues for buildings taken at an estimate of 10 Hk. dollars per square foot of land area on developed properties.\n\n### Municipal Administration\n\nArticle 4 of the Shameen Land Regulations states that not more than five persons, of whom the majority shall be British subjects, shall be elected each year to serve on the Municipal Council. At present the council consists of five members, of whom all are British subjects, a chairman, vice-chairman and three other councillors.\n\n1 British doctor of medicine.\n\nMedical officer of health D.P.W. and secretary... Secretariat\n\nP.W. Department\n\nWaterworks Nursing home.\n\nPolice\n\n| Position | Nationality |\n| --- | --- |\n| 1 British superintendent | British |\n| 19 Indian police | Indian |\n| 1 Indian cook | Indian |\n| 18 Chinese police | Chinese |\n| 1 Chinese clerk | Chinese |\n| 1 Chinese office boy | Chinese |\n| 1 Chinese road-mender | Chinese |\n| 1 Chinese assistant road-mender | Chinese |\n| 8 Chinese road-sweepers | Chinese |\n| 8 Chinese scavengers | Chinese |\n| 1 Chinese sanitary inspector (part-time) | Chinese |\n| 1 Chinese sexton at cemetery | Chinese |\n| 3 Chinese gardeners | Chinese |\n| 1 Chinese fire-brigade engineer | Chinese |\n| 5 Chinese engineers | Chinese |\n| 1 Chinese nurse | Chinese |\n| 1 Chinese coolie | Chinese |\n| 1 Chinese laundress | Chinese |\n| 1 Chinese cook | Chinese |\n| 1 Chinese interpreter | Chinese |\n| 2 Chinese detectives | Chinese |\n\n### Industries\n\nOnly one on this concession-Messrs. A. S. Watson and Co.'s mineral water factory. This factory can produce 5,000 dozens per each eight-hour day.\n\n### Shameen Waterworks\n\nStorage capacity of tank, 50,000 imperial gallons. Average consumption on Shameen, about 100,000 per day. These works supply water to a large proportion of the residences on the French concession as well. Estimated value of machinery, plant and mains (not buildings), 200,000 Haikwan dollars.\n\n### French Concession\n\nIce-making and refrigerating factory. Output about 20 tons ice per day; water for ice-making supplied from Shameen British waterworks.",
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        "id": 516375,
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-512-1 Political situation in China- and Canton 30-11-1928 - 23-5-1929",
        "page_number": 125,
        "title": "CO129-512-1 Political situation in China- and Canton 30-11-1928 - 23-5-1929",
        "content_text": "# CHINA OVERLAND TRADE REPORT\n\nThe addition to world stocks thus amounts to about 323 million standard ounces, against 305 million in the previous year.\n\n## China's Demand for Silver\n\nOn the consumption side, China handled no less than 141 million ounces as compared with 98 million in 1927 and this constitutes a record. India absorbed some 110 million ounces net. The aggregate up-take of the two great silver consuming countries can thus be placed at near 250 million, an increase of about 45 million over the preceding year.\n\nIf the output of the mines had not been amply augmented from the special sources of supply which I have already mentioned, China's unusually large requirements could hardly have been met without a substantial advance in price.\n\nLooking forward, the Chinese demand for silver, as likely to be the dominating factor in price, invites particular interest. The bulk of the silver taken by that country last year was minted into dollars and it remains to be seen whether the hoped-for recovery of trade resulting from more peaceful conditions will mean a sustained demand for these coins, the circulation of which among China's vast population has an enormous potential scope.\n\n## Money Market of the World\n\nThe money markets of the world are dealt with so fully from time to time in the various financial papers that a reference to them here seems unnecessary, but it may be of interest to enumerate certain outstanding events of the year affecting the London Market, which holds its pride of place as the world's chief financial centre.\n\n(1) The stabilization of the French Exchange at 124.21 in June last, a prelude to which was the large accumulation of foreign balances by the Bank of France and the importation of gold from America.\n\n(2) Heavy borrowings of foreign capital by Germany and consequent importation of gold into that country.\n\n(3) The high rates for call money in New York and advance in the New York Federal Reserve Bank rate from 3.1/2 per cent. in January to 5 per cent. in July.\n\n(4) The final transfer of the currency note issue to the Bank of England. This operation completed our transitional steps from the war currency non-gold basis to the Gold Bullion Standard.\n\nIt is satisfactory to note that the endeavours towards the stabilization of world prices are being continued and that the central banks of Europe maintain their policy to this end. Gold has now been universally adopted in Europe as the monetary standard, while in Japan, though the Government remains non-committal, public opinion appears to be favourable to its early adoption.\n\n## Trade Conditions in China\n\nI will now briefly pass in review conditions of trade and finance throughout the Far East, beginning with China.\n\nDespite lack of improvement in such essentials as taxation, transport and public security, not to mention the disturbing effects of a radical alteration of the Customs tariff. Taking the picture as a whole, nevertheless, the year marked a welcome return towards normal. The consumption of British cotton piece goods has compared well with previous years and hopes are fixed on the co-operative schemes of the Lancashire manufacturers.\n\nThe trade in woollens appears to have felt the beneficial effect of the growing use of foreign-style clothing. For engineering products, Manchuria alone has afforded a fair demand and even there British goods have cut but a small figure in the market; good promise of recovery in this important branch of trade attaches, however, to the many schemes of railway improvement, not to mention the present rapid extension of roads for motor traffic and the projects of air transport.\n\n### Hong Kong\n\nTurning to the trade of this Colony, I need only say that the year's experience justifies the restrained optimism of my predecessor's remarks. There has been improvement but on a very restricted scale, showing that the damage of many years of civil war and chaos had sunk too deep to be quickly repaired on the return of peace. Excessive taxation in China further impedes recovery, so much so at Swatow that it has practically closed the port as a distributing centre.\n\nHong Kong itself is suffering from the diversion of the rice trade to direct channels. Canton sales of silk have been fairly satisfactory with low prices but a good demand, while the export of wood-oil has reacted somewhat from the artificial stimulus which it derived in the previous year from the stoppage of Yangtsze shipping.\n\n### The Yangtsze\n\nOn the Yangtsze itself the export trade, which in 1927 was brought almost to a standstill by war, banditry and taxation, made a partial recovery in the absence of civil fighting but continues to struggle with heavy odds. While river navigation—thanks partly to naval guards—has been less interfered with by piracy, the movement of goods has been increasingly hampered by means of local taxation, fresh imposts being continually applied by the various regional authorities without method or warning, to the great dislocation of trade.\n\nTrade on the Upper River has been fitful and somewhat precarious owing to cases of local interference and to the disturbed political condition of the province of Szechuen, which still virtually maintains its traditional independence of the rest of China.\n\n### In the North\n\nIn the North, business has had further obstacles to contend with, firstly the dearth of railway transport, due to the wholesale removal of rolling stock by the Manchurian authorities, and, secondly, the crippling charges imposed on railway traffic by the military authorities controlling the lines. Since the cessation of civil war brought, I need not say, great relief to the trading community in the country. This was largely discounted, however, by a disappointing... \n\nTraffic has been suspended both on the Tientsin-Pukow and Tientsin-Mukden lines, on the former by reason of the blowing-up of the Yellow River bridge and subsequent misunderstandings between the Chinese and Japanese authorities; on the latter on account of the failure of Mukden and Nanking to come to a working arrangement. The port of Tientsin has also been cruelly handicapped by the silting up of its waterway—a state of affairs which is, I trust, being seriously taken in hand.\n\nManchuria has given proof of slow but steady development, commercial and economic, and seems to be coming nearer to rectifying the disordered state of her currency which has been for several years past the chief bar to prosperity.\n\nThe 1928 returns of the Chinese Maritime Customs show a total of Haikwan Taels 82,332,000—a rise of 13 million over the previous year. Though the increase is satisfactory, the figures have little real value as a criterion of progress since the excess is almost entirely referable to the last few months when goods were being hurried into the country in anticipation of the Customs rates which force on the 1st of this month.\n\n## India\n\nIn India the record of 1928 was not unlike that of the previous year, a good monsoon coinciding with rather disappointing trade results. Imports were dull, especially Manchester piece goods which continue to suffer from the popularity of Japanese manufactures. There was a large and good cotton crop, but the price of raw cotton fluctuated unduly owing to speculation, while a strike of mill operatives for six months seriously affected the situation. The jute crop was smaller but sold at a better price, and gunny shipments were well up to the 1927 figure. Exchange followed a normal course and a favourable trade balance at the end of the year encourages a hopeful outlook.\n\n## Japan's Adverse Trade Balance\n\nJapan, on the contrary, has had to face an accentuated adverse trade balance, exports having declined by 20 million yen against an increase of 15 million yen in imports. This result must be attributed mainly to two causes, fluctuations in the exchange value of the yen, and the boycott of Japanese goods in China and in other markets controlled by Chinese traders. Trade development hampered also by an unduly high retail price level, the index figure being no less than 20 points above that ruling in the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Fortunately the country as a whole enjoyed an excellent rice crop and a sustained market for its output of raw silk.\n\nThe financial crisis of 1927 has been repaired to the point where only seven of the thirty banks involved now remain closed and we may fairly look for more prosperous developments if the country is freed from the retarding effects of the boycott by Chinese on the one hand and, on the other, of the uncertainty caused by the lack of a fixed policy in dealing with the foreign exchange problem.\n\nPage 283\nPage 124",
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        "page_number": 128,
        "title": "CO129-512-1 Political situation in China- and Canton 30-11-1928 - 23-5-1929",
        "content_text": "# THE HONG KONG WEEKLY PRESS & \n\n## Shareholders' Meeting\n\nThe disappointing year just passed. We share with you the hope that during the present year there will be such a revival of trade as will justify the continuance of the same level of return to Shareholders as is now recommended, and that the warning you give that without that revival, the high level of past years may not be possible will be found to have been unnecessary.\n\n## Customs\n\nReference is made to the Chinese Maritime Customs returns of last year at over 82 million Haikwan Taels, being a rise of 13 millions over the previous year. Although constituting record and remarkable figures, these should not be exaggerated for the reasons you have given; furthermore, unless and until there is clear evidence that merchandise is moving into the interior markets of China it cannot be confidently asserted that a period of prosperity is immediately at hand, but, given a fair measure of political stability in China throughout the year, with continued industrial peace at Home and in Europe generally, and the faithful carrying out of the new Customs tariff without the imposition of any further vexatious taxes on Imports, the coming year should show a considerable improvement on past years, and bring a much needed relief to both Chinese and foreign merchant firms.\n\nOne of the most gratifying features of the speech is the pronouncement that the anti-British agitation of two or three years ago has practically vanished, and that a new spirit of friendliness is now making itself felt. I am inclined to say rather that the old spirit of friendliness is becoming more apparent. Whichever it be, we are in entire agreement that we are much indebted to H.M. Representative in Peking, and, as regards Canton and South China, to H.E. the Governor of Hong Kong. We congratulate the Directors and Chief Manager on the opening of the Kowloon Sub-Agency, which, I am sure, will be of service to the ever-increasing population on the mainland. For my own part, I am sufficiently optimistic of the future of Kowloon to predict that before many years, it will be necessary to have our own premises.\n\nI am sure this meeting will confirm the action of the Directors in voting the bonus of 10 per cent. on the salaries to the staff. If the Bank's staff in all its branches are as hard worked as they are at Head Office, they well deserve this recognition of good service.\n\nI cannot do better than conclude my remarks by quoting from the address of the Rt. Hon. Mr. Reginald McKenna at the recent general meeting of the Midland Bank in London. His remarks, I think you will agree, are peculiarly appropriate to conditions obtaining in China at the present time: \"Ten years have passed since the conclusion of the most recent and, we devoutly hope, the last, great war in the world's history. They have constituted a decade of grave difficulties involving problems of exceptional magnitude and complexity. Disappointments have been frequent and many setbacks have been suffered. Peace between nations and within nations is a primary condition to our welfare, and whatever the temporary state of trade, however slow we are in solving the financial and industrial problems which confront us, we shall look forward with unshakable confidence to the time when the better relationships now established shall become the foundation of general and permanent well-being.\" Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, I have very much pleasure in seconding the adoption of the report and statement of accounts.\n\nThe motion was carried.\n\n## OTHER BUSINESS\n\nMr. H. R. B. Hancock proposed that the appointments of Messrs. A. Plummer, B. D. F. Beith, and B. Lander Lewis be confirmed and that Messrs. H. P. White, T. G. Weall, and W. H. Bell be re-elected Directors. Mr. K. S. Morison seconded, and the motion was carried.\n\nMr. J. H. Taggart proposed that Mr. C. Bernard Brown and Mr. John Fleming be re-elected Auditors. Mr. E. L. Sim seconded, and the motion was carried.\n\nThis was all the business, and the Chairman announced that dividend warrants would be ready on Monday.\n\n## EXTRAORDINARY MEETING\n\nSubsequently, an extraordinary general meeting was held, at which the resolution passed at the meeting of February 2nd was confirmed.\n\nThe Chairman proposed the confirmation of the resolution, which was seconded by Mr. T. E. Pearce and unanimously agreed to.\n\n## THOSE PRESENT\n\nThose present were Mr. A. H. Compton (Chairman), Messrs. N. S. Brown (Deputy Chairman), B. D. F. Beith, W. H. Bell, B. Lander Lewis, C. G. S. Mackie, W. E. L. Pattende, J. A. Plummer, T. G. Weall, H. P. White (Court of Directors); Hon. Mr. A. C. Hynes (Chief Manager); and the following shareholders: Hon. Sir Henry Pollock, Hon. Mr. W. E. L. Shenton, Hon. Mr. J. Owen Hughes, Dr. R. A. Castro Basto, Messrs. Ho Kom Tong, J. Wright, J. E. Joseph, Chau Shu Ming, Fung Sang Un, J. Ormiston, A. Kennedy, G. G. N. Tinson, D. V. Steavenson, J. S. McEachran, R. A. Dastur, P. K. Kwok, M. Manuk, A. B. Haworth, K. Stewart-Smith, Po Cheung Wan, B. L. Seton-Winton, E. S. Abraham, Chan Lim Pak, J. M. Alves, H. S. Hills, E. Thomas, J. Fleming, S. M. Churn, H. Dixon, Hoeung, Chua Seng Chu, B. Montargis, P. S. Cassidy, & I. Cootes, R. A. Green, W. E. Van Ep, J. M. Castro Basto, V. M. Gryburn, H. R. B. Hancock, K. S. Morrison, J. H. Taggart, E. L. Sim, T. E. Pearce, D. J. Lew, E. Towns, Ho Wing, Ancini, Chan Wing Keu, E. H. Summers, W. S. Bailey, E. M. Raymond, A. Stevenson, J. D. Kinnaird, A. S. Gubbay, H. R. Stuart, E. W. Stapleton, D. H. Cooper, and O. I. Ellis.\n\n## CORRESPONDENCE\n\n### THE FLYING CLUB\n\nTo the Editor of the Daily Press.\n\nHong Kong, February 24th.\n\nSir,—At the Hong Kong University on the evening of the 22nd, I was able to announce that Chinese members would be welcomed in the Scapone Club. This is a very important step in the history of the Club, and I feel that the Club's future is an assured success.\n\nIt will be remembered that in September last, a small \"Working Committee\" was formed to carry out the preliminary organisation. The Committee now desire to complete that organisation and bring the Club to active existence. To do this, it is necessary to communicate with people who are interested, so I would request all those who would like to join the Club or support the movement, although they may not wish to fly themselves, to write to me as soon as possible. In particular, I wish to hear from the Chinese residents in the Colony, and it would greatly assist me and the Committee if one or two Chinese gentlemen would come forward with an offer to assist in the preliminary organisation. Letters expressing interest or a desire to join the Club will not commit the writer; they will only cause this name to be placed on the Club register, so that the organisers can circularise the right people.\n\nIt is expected that a meeting will be held in March, when the final Rules and Regulations can be discussed, and a Committee selected. I would therefore request that replies be forwarded as soon as possible.\n\nI take this opportunity of explaining that Members who join the Club to learn to fly would be taught by a fully qualified Instructor, and that \"Associate Members,\" that is, those who do not actually wish to learn to fly, but wish to support the Club, will be able to obtain flights at a small cost.\n\nSir Robert Ho Tung has requested me to enter his name for the \"Associate Member\" Club, and I think that many well-known residents will follow his excellent example in the course of the next few days.\n\nIf there is any lady or gentleman who would like to support the Club with the gift of an aeroplane, I shall be pleased to discuss this with them. In making this suggestion, it is perhaps necessary to explain that the type of Light Machine required is not expensive, and that many public-spirited people have presented aeroplanes to Clubs in other parts of the Empire. Perhaps there are one or two who would join together and present one.\n\n—Yours, etc.,\n\nR. VAUGHAN-FOWLER.\n\nPeninsula Hotel, February 24th.",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-512-1 Political situation in China- and Canton 30-11-1928 - 23-5-1929.txt",
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    {
        "id": 517074,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-513-5 Coastal and river trade- prevention of smuggling and illicit trading 15-10-1928 - 14-12-1929",
        "page_number": 75,
        "title": "CO129-513-5 Coastal and river trade- prevention of smuggling and illicit trading 15-10-1928 - 14-12-1929",
        "content_text": "## CIRCULAR TO STEAMER COMPRADORES \n\n### SMUGGLING \n\n74 \n\nThe Compradores of Steamers are warned that they must be extremely careful and be on the watch to prevent opium, salt, rice or any other goods being smuggled on board their steamers. Some persons may attempt to bring the goods on board and stow them in the cargo room, which is a very serious offence, or they may put them in the passenger quarters etc.\n\nThe maximum penalty which the Customs can impose, and for which compradores are liable if any smuggled goods are found, is Haikwan Taels 500.\n\nShanghai, August 15th, 1914.\n\n## TRANSLATION IN CHINESE.",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-513-5 Coastal and river trade- prevention of smuggling and illicit trading 15-10-1928 - 14-12-1929.txt",
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    },
    {
        "id": 519342,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-517-1 Administration and function of Chinese Maritime customs- prevention of smuggling across Chinese frontiers 7-2-1929 - 15-11-1929",
        "page_number": 134,
        "title": "CO129-517-1 Administration and function of Chinese Maritime customs- prevention of smuggling across Chinese frontiers 7-2-1929 - 15-11-1929",
        "content_text": "139\n\n(c) Foreign goods under Chinese Customs exemption certificate, landed at Hong Kong from one treaty port for transhipment to another treaty port must be transhipped so as to reach their treaty port destination within a time limit of one year from the date of issue of such exemption certificate. Should such goods fail to reach their treaty port destination within such time limit they shall on arrival be held liable to import duty.\n\n(d) Chinese goods under Chinese Customs documents, landed at Hong Kong from one treaty port for transhipment to another treaty port, must be transhipped so as to reach their treaty port destination within three months from the date of the original shipment. Should such goods fail to reach their treaty port destination within such time limit they shall on arrival be regarded as having lost their native status and be treated accordingly.\n\n(e) In special cases, foreign or Chinese goods passing through Hong Kong, in transit from one treaty port to another, may, on permission first being obtained from the Chinese Maritime Customs, be allowed to be sold in Hong Kong. Foreign goods thus sold, if under exemption certificate, shall be entitled to drawback of the duty originally paid to the Chinese Maritime Customs, according to the regulations governing the issue of drawbacks on foreign cargo.\n\n## ARTICLE X\n\nFor the better prevention of smuggling across the land frontier of the Colony the Hong Kong Government will select in consultation with the Commissioner of the Chinese Maritime Customs certain places of entry for goods or livestock.\n\nWhenever it is found that any goods or livestock have been brought across the land frontier of the Colony from China unaccompanied by proper Customs documents the Hong Kong Government will seize such goods or livestock as security for the payment of such dues as may be mutually agreed upon. If such dues are not paid the Hong Kong Government shall be entitled to recover them on behalf of the Chinese Maritime Customs by proceedings against the owner or by sale of the goods or livestock.\n\n## ARTICLE XI\n\n(a) The Chinese Maritime Customs will take active steps to prevent the illicit entry into the Colony from China of intoxicating liquor, opium, compounds of opium, morphine, and tobacco and will co-operate with the Hong Kong Government in controlling the traffic in these articles by sea and by land.\n\n(b) The Hong Kong Government will continue to take active steps to prevent the illicit entry into China of arms and munitions of war, and will co-operate with the Chinese Government in controlling the traffic in such articles by sea and by land.\n\n## ARTICLE XII\n\nFor the promotion of accurate knowledge and in the interests of the Chinese revenue the Hong Kong Government will, so far as the conditions of the free port admit of it, collect and publish statistics of imports and exports.\n\n## ARTICLE XIII\n\nOffice and warehouse accommodation for the examination and storage of goods carried by the Kowloon-Canton Railway and for the payment of duties thereon will be provided at reasonable rates by the Hong Kong Government. Such duties will be collected by the Chinese Maritime Customs under regulations to be mutually agreed upon, under the following general conditions:—\n\n(a) Goods leaving Kowloon for China by train stopping at no intermediate station in British territory shall pay Customs import duty prior to departure.\n\n(b) Goods arriving at Kowloon from China uncovered by Customs documents shall pay Customs export duty prior to release.\n\n(c) Goods leaving Kowloon by train that stops at intermediate stations in British territory and goods placed on the train at stations in British territory other than the Kowloon Station may pay duty either at Kowloon or at the Chinese frontier station at Shumchun.\n\n(d) Goods not covered by Customs documents, which leave Shumchun for stations in British territory other than the Kowloon Station, shall pay duty at Shumchun.\n\n## ARTICLE XIV\n\nIt is agreed that for purposes of payment of duty and dues to the Chinese Maritime Customs in Hong Kong the rate of exchange between the Haikwan tael and Hong Kong currency shall not be at less favourable rate than the rate in force in the Canton Custom House.\n\n## ARTICLE XV\n\nIf in any application to the Chinese Maritime Customs in Hong Kong a false declaration is made regarding quantity, quality, nature, or value of any dutiable goods or articles carried or intended to be carried by rail, launch, junk, or other means, the Government of Hong Kong shall, upon request being made by the Chinese Maritime Customs, seize the goods or articles in respect of which such false declaration has been made as security for the payment to the Chinese Maritime Customs of such dues as would be payable under the regulations of the Chinese Maritime Customs if the seizure had taken place in China. If such dues are not paid the Hong Kong Government shall be entitled to recover them on behalf of the Chinese Maritime Customs by legal proceedings against the owner or against the goods or articles. The person who made the false declaration shall also be liable upon conviction at the prosecution of the Hong Kong Government to a fine and imprisonment.\n\n140",
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    },
    {
        "id": 522366,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-521-14 Chinese Customs- proposed agreement with Hong Kong 31-10-1930 - 10-1-1931",
        "page_number": 29,
        "title": "CO129-521-14 Chinese Customs- proposed agreement with Hong Kong 31-10-1930 - 10-1-1931",
        "content_text": "Article XXIV\n\nThis Agreement shall remain in force for a period of five years from the date it comes into force. It shall be subject to revision at any time by mutual agreement between the contracting parties.\n\nUnless denounced by the Government of His Britannic Majesty, being the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland, or by the National Government of the Republic of China by notice given six months before the expiration of the period of five years, it shall continue in force from year to year until terminated by either party by notice given six months before the end of any current year.\n\n(b) Goods arriving at Kowloon from China not covered by Customs documents shall pay Customs export duty prior to release.\n\n(c) Goods leaving Kowloon by a train that stops at intermediate stations in British territory and goods placed on the train at stations in British territory other than the Kowloon Station may pay duty either at Kowloon or at the Chinese frontier station at Shumchun.\n\n(d) Goods not covered by Customs Documents which leave Shumchun for stations in British territory other than Kowloon Station shall pay duty at Shumchun.\n\nARTICLE XXI.\n\nIt is agreed that for purposes of payment of duty and dues to the Chinese Maritime Customs in Hong Kong the rate of exchange between the Haikwan tael and Hong Kong currency shall not be less favourable to the payer than the rate in force in the Canton Custom House.\n\nARTICLE XXII.\n\nIf a false manifest is deposited or a false declaration is made regarding quantity, quality, nature, or value of goods or articles carried or intended to be carried by rail, steamer, launch, junk, or other means, in respect of which Chinese dues are payable, the goods or articles not manifested or in respect of which such false declaration has been made shall be liable to seizure and confiscation. If dues are not paid, the Hong Kong Government shall be entitled to recover them on behalf of the Chinese Maritime Customs by legal proceedings against the owner or against the goods or articles. The person who made the false declaration shall also be liable upon conviction at the prosecution of the Hong Kong Government to a fine and imprisonment.\n\nARTICLE XXIII.\n\nBoth Governments agree to take the necessary steps to enforce the foregoing Articles by such ordinances, enactments, or regulations as may be required to give them the force of law.\n\nARTICLE XXIV.\n\nThis Agreement shall remain in force for a period of five years. It is subject to revision at any time by mutual agreement and unless denounced by the Government of His Britannic Majesty or by the Government of the Republic of China six months before date of expiry, it shall continue in force from year to year until either Government shall give six months' notice of its desire to terminate it.\n\nARTICLE XXV.\n\nThis Agreement has been prepared in English and in Chinese. In the event of there being any difference of meaning between the English and the Chinese texts, the sense as expressed in the English text shall be held to be the correct sense to prevail.",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-521-14 Chinese Customs- proposed agreement with Hong Kong 31-10-1930 - 10-1-1931.txt",
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    {
        "id": 522403,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-521-14 Chinese Customs- proposed agreement with Hong Kong 31-10-1930 - 10-1-1931",
        "page_number": 66,
        "title": "CO129-521-14 Chinese Customs- proposed agreement with Hong Kong 31-10-1930 - 10-1-1931",
        "content_text": "(9)\n\nARTICLE XX.\n\nOffice and warehouse accommodation for the examination and storage of goods carried by the Kowloon-Canton Railway and for the payment of duties thereon will be provided at reasonable rates by the Hongkong Government. Such duties will be collected by the staff seconded as aforesaid to the office of the Hongkong Superintendent of Imports and Exports under the following general conditions:-\n\n(a) Goods leaving Kowloon for China by a train stopping at no intermediate station in British territory shall pay Customs import duty prior to departure.\n\n(b) Goods arriving at Kowloon from China uncovered by Customs documents shall pay Customs export duty prior to release.\n\n(c) Goods leaving Kowloon by a train that stops at intermediate stations in British territory and goods placed on the train at stations in British territory other than the Kowloon Station may pay duty either at Kowloon or at the Chinese frontier station at Shumchun.\n\n(d) Goods not covered by Customs documents which leave Shumchun for stations in British territory other than Kowloon Station shall pay duty at Shumchun.\n\nARTICLE XXI.\n\nIt is agreed that for purposes of payment of duty and dues to the Chinese Maritime Customs in Hongkong the rate of exchange between the Haikwan tael and Hongkong currency shall not be less favourable to the payer than the rate in force in the Canton Custom House.\n\nARTICLE XXII.\n\nIf any false declaration is made regarding quantity, quality, nature, or value of dutiable goods or articles carried or intended to be carried by rail, steamer, launch, junk, or other means in respect of which Chinese dues are payable, the goods or articles in respect of which such false declaration has been made shall be liable to seizure and confiscation. If dues are not paid, the Hongkong Government shall be entitled to recover them on behalf of the Chinese Maritime Customs by legal proceedings against the owner or against the goods or articles. The person who made the false declaration shall also be liable upon conviction at the prosecution of the Hongkong Government to a fine and imprisonment.\n\n67\n\nARTICLE XXIII.\n\nBoth Governments agree to take the necessary steps to enforce the foregoing Articles by such ordinances, enactments, or regulations as may be appropriate to give them the force of law.",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-521-14 Chinese Customs- proposed agreement with Hong Kong 31-10-1930 - 10-1-1931.txt",
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    },
    {
        "id": 522465,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-521-14 Chinese Customs- proposed agreement with Hong Kong 31-10-1930 - 10-1-1931",
        "page_number": 128,
        "title": "CO129-521-14 Chinese Customs- proposed agreement with Hong Kong 31-10-1930 - 10-1-1931",
        "content_text": "ARTICLE XX.\n\nC\n\nOffice and warehouse accommodation for the examination and storage of goods carried by the Kowloon-Canton Railway and for the payment of duties thereon will be provided at reasonable rates by the Hong Kong Government. Such duties will be collected by the staff seconded as aforesaid to the office of the Hong Kong Superintendent of Imports and Exports under the following general conditions:-\n\n(a) Goods leaving Kowloon for China by a train stopping at no intermediate station in British territory shall pay Customs import duty prior to departure.\n\n(b) Goods arriving at Kowloon from China uncovered by Customs documents shall pay Customs export duty prior to release.\n\n(c) Goods leaving Kowloon by a train that stops at intermediate stations in British territory and goods placed on the train at stations in British territory other than the Kowloon station may pay duty either at Kowloon or at the Chinese frontier station at Shumchun.\n\n(d) Goods not covered by Customs documents, which leave Shumchun for stations in British territory other than Kowloon Station, shall pay duty at Shumchun.\n\nARTICLE XXI.\n\nIt is agreed that for purposes of payment of duty and dues to the Chinese Maritime Customs in Hong Kong the rate of exchange between the Haikwan Tael and Hong Kong currency shall not be less favourable to the payer than the rate in force in the Canton Custom House.",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-521-14 Chinese Customs- proposed agreement with Hong Kong 31-10-1930 - 10-1-1931.txt",
        "external_url": "",
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    },
    {
        "id": 522477,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-521-14 Chinese Customs- proposed agreement with Hong Kong 31-10-1930 - 10-1-1931",
        "page_number": 140,
        "title": "CO129-521-14 Chinese Customs- proposed agreement with Hong Kong 31-10-1930 - 10-1-1931",
        "content_text": "(9)\n\nARTICLE XX.\n\nOffice and warehouse accommodation for the examination and storage of goods carried by the Kowloon-Canton Railway and for the payment of duties thereon will be provided at reasonable rates by the Hongkong Government. Such duties will be collected by the staff seconded as aforesaid to the office of the Hongkong Superintendent of Imports and Exports under the following general conditions:\n\n(a) Goods leaving Kowloon for China by a train stopping at no intermediate station in British territory shall pay Customs import duty prior to departure.\n\n(b) Goods arriving at Kowloon from China uncovered by Customs documents shall pay Customs export duty prior to release.\n\n(c) Goods leaving Kowloon by a train that stops at intermediate stations in British territory and goods placed on the train at stations in British territory other than the Kowloon Station may pay duty either at Kowloon or at the Chinese frontier station at Shumchun.\n\n(d) Goods not covered by Customs documents which leave Shumchun for stations in British territory other than Kowloon Station shall pay duty at Shumchun.\n\nARTICLE XXI.\n\nIt is agreed that for purposes of payment of duty and dues to the Chinese Maritime Customs in Hongkong the rate of exchange between the Haikwan tael and Hongkong currency shall not be less favourable to the payer than the rate in force in the Canton Custom House.\n\nARTICLE XXII.\n\nIf any false declaration is made regarding quantity, quality, nature, or value of dutiable goods or articles carried or intended to be carried by rail, steamer, launch, junk, or other means in respect of which Chinese dues are payable, the goods or articles in respect of which such false declaration has been made shall be liable to seizure and confiscation.\n\nIf dues are not paid, the Hongkong Government shall be entitled to recover them on behalf of the Chinese Maritime Customs by legal proceedings against the owner or against the goods or articles. The person who made the false declaration shall also be liable upon conviction at the prosecution of the Hongkong Government to a fine and imprisonment.\n\nARTICLE XXIII.\n\nBoth Governments agree to take the necessary steps to enforce the foregoing Articles by such ordinances, enactments, or regulations as may be appropriate to give them the force of law.\n\n132\n\nPage 140\n\nPage 141",
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    },
    {
        "id": 523833,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-523-12 Currency situation 17-2-1930 - 9-7-1930",
        "page_number": 87,
        "title": "CO129-523-12 Currency situation 17-2-1930 - 9-7-1930",
        "content_text": "Extract from Hong Kong Weekly Press\n\nTHE NEW GOLD UNIT.\n\nRELATION TO HAIKWAN TAELS.\n\nThe following explanation, of the new scheme of duty collection on the basis of a gold unit has been made by the Customs, says the N.-C. Daily News, and shows the increase in dues in two periods, from February 1 to March 15, and from March 15 onwards.\n\nPeriod from February 1 to March 15, 1930 inclusive: Goods which formerly paid Hk. Tls. 1 at a specific rate will now pay Gold Units 1.50. One gold unit is equal to U.S. money 0.40.\n\nAt present exchange one Shanghai tael = 50 cents U.S. money therefore one Shanghai Tael = 50/40 = 1.25 gold unit (approximately).\n\nFor example: if the present specific duty rate is Hk. Tls. 3 per picul then gold units 4.50 are to be collected. If paid in Shanghai taels the amount due will be 4.50/1.25, or Sh. Tls. 3.600. Before, a duty rate of Hk. Tls. 3 was equivalent to Sh. Tls. 3.342, and thus with the present scheme, with the exchange as above, the increase is equivalent to Sh. Tls. 3.60 - Sh. Tls. 3.342 = 0.258 which is equivalent to 7-72/100 per cent.\n\n3.600\n3.342\n1.0772\n\nPeriod from March 16 onwards: Goods which formerly paid Hk. Tls. 1 at a specific rate will then pay gold units 1.75; thus the rate in gold units is to be obtained by multiplying the present Hk. Tls. specific rate by 1.75.\n\nIn doing so for the example quoted above, an article now paying Hk. Tls. 3 will be paying (3 x 1.75) 5.25 gold units.\n\nTaking the present exchange, i.e., Sh. Tls. 1 = gold units 1.25, as above, the amount in Shanghai taels required to cover the duty owing would be: 5.25/1.25, or Sh. Tls. 4.200.\n\nTaking the same exchange (Sh. Tls. 1 = U.S. money 0.50) it will be seen that whereas formerly the amount of duty owing was Sh. Tls. 3.342 it will be Sh. Tls. 4.200, meaning an increase of over 25 per cent.\n\n4.200\n3.342\n1.25+\n\nThe above has been worked out at the approximate gold dollar exchange which exists today.\n\nIf there is a rise in the price of silver the percentage will decrease correspondingly, and if the change returns to Sh. Tls. 1 equalling approximately U.S.A. gold $0.623 the percentage will be wiped out.\n\nIn other words, this scheme will produce the amount of gold expected from the new tariff with the exchange rate prevailing in January 1929.\n\nNaturally, goods paying an ad valorem rate of duty are unaffected by this new scheme except that values will have to be declared in the new unit.\n\n76 Feb. 1930\n\nCENTRAL BANK.\n\nNOT GIVING SILVER FOR $1 NOTES.\n\nAccording to the vernacular Press, the Central Bank of China in Canton has been exchanging $1 banknotes for silver since Monday. On the first day the number of persons availing themselves of the privilege did not exceed a hundred. Mr. Lin Tien Chi, the managing-director of the Bank returned to Canton on Sunday from Nanking where he has been conferring with Mr. T. V. Soong, on the re-organisation of the Bank. In an interview with Canton Press representatives, Mr. Lin said that the banknotes of $1 denomination now in circulation in the market are estimated at over $2,000,000. He added that notes of $5, $10, $50, and $100 denominations will be exchanged before long.",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-523-12 Currency situation 17-2-1930 - 9-7-1930.txt",
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    },
    {
        "id": 528210,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-531-10 Hong Kong University- encouragement of Chinese students to counteract American influence 30-5-1931 - 1-9-1931",
        "page_number": 167,
        "title": "CO129-531-10 Hong Kong University- encouragement of Chinese students to counteract American influence 30-5-1931 - 1-9-1931",
        "content_text": "## TABLE OF CONTENTS\n\n**LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL**\n\n**APPOINTMENT AND TERMS OF REFERENCE**\n\n**REPORT:**\n\n## JAPAN\n\n### CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION\nPage 7\n\n### CHAPTER II. THE IMPORT TRADE\nPage 3\n\nMonetary Unit: 1 yen = 100 sen. 1 sen = 10 rin. Rate of Exchange:-Par: 1 yen = 2s. 0.582d.\n\n| Year | Average Rate of Exchange |\n| --- | --- |\n| Pre-war years | 2 0.5 |\n| 1926 | 1 11.2 |\n| 1927 | 1 11.4 |\n| 1928 | 1 10.9 |\n| 1929 | 1 10.8 |\n| 1930 | 2 0.3 |\n\nFor purposes of conversion, the rate used generally throughout the Report is 1 yen = 2s.\n\nUnits of Weight:-\n1 Kin = 1.32 lbs.\n1 Picul (= 100 Kin) = 132.3 lbs.\n\n### CHAPTER III. THE PRINCIPAL INDUSTRIES\nPage 11\n\n* Cotton\n* Iron, Steel and Engineering\n* The Wool Textile Industry\n* Miscellaneous Industries\n\nPage 17, 30, 45\n\n### CHAPTER IV. REASONS FOR THE DECLINE OF BRITISH TRADE WITH JAPAN\nPage 47\n\n## CHINA\n\n### CHAPTER V. GENERAL SURVEY\nPage 55\n\n### CHAPTER VI.—THE IMPORT TRADE\nPage 57\n\n* Cotton\n* Chemicals\n* Metals and manufactures thereof\n* The Wool Textile Industry\n\nPage 62, 63, 64, 91\n\n### CHAPTER VII-THE NEW CHINESE TARIFF\nPage 101\n\nThere are various currencies in use in China. The Haikwan Tael was the unit formerly employed by the Maritime Customs, and was solely a money of account. It has now been superseded for duty purposes by the \"Gold Unit.\" The average value is given below.\n\n| Year | Haikwan Tael | Shanghai Tael |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| 1926 | 3 ... | 2 9.6 |\n| 1927 | 2 9¼ | 2 6.7 |\n| 1928 | 2 11¼ | 2 7.7 |\n| 1929 | 2 7 | 2 4.8 |\n\nThe \"Shanghai Tael\" is the Commercial Unit in most general use in China. The \"Tael\" is not a coin, but a weight of silver roughly equivalent to 1 ounce avoirdupois. The par rate of exchange between taels and sterling varies according to the price of silver. Average exchange values are given above.\n\nFor retail business, the ordinary currency is the dollar or yuan, and bank notes issued by the principal foreign and Chinese banks in Shanghai and the larger treaty ports. The yuan is a silver coin of varying standard and weight according to the mint from which it is issued.\n\nIn 1930, the average value of the Shanghai tael was 1s. 8.6d. There were, however, considerable fluctuations from extremes of about 1s. 4d. to 2s. 2d.\n\nThe equivalent of the \"Gold Unit\" is fixed at 19.7265 pence. An exchange rate with the local dollar for customs purposes is announced weekly.\n\nUnits of Weight: 1 Catty = 1⅓ lbs. 1 Picul = 100 Catties = 133⅓ lbs.\n\n### CHAPTER VIII. CULTURAL RELATIONS WITH CHINA\nPage 104\n\n### CHAPTER IX. FINANCE\nPage 108\n\n### CHAPTER X-PROMOTION OF BRITISH EXPORT TRADE\nPage 112\n\n### CHAPTER XI. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS\nPage 116",
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        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-531-10 Hong Kong University- encouragement of Chinese students to counteract American influence 30-5-1931 - 1-9-1931",
        "page_number": 239,
        "title": "CO129-531-10 Hong Kong University- encouragement of Chinese students to counteract American influence 30-5-1931 - 1-9-1931",
        "content_text": "## TABLE XIII.\nImports of Woollen and Worsted Yarns into China from Various Countries in 1,000 lb.\n\n| Country        | 1913 | 1920 | 1921 | 1922 | 1923 | 1924 | 1925 | 1926 | 1927 | 1928 | 1929 |\n| ---            | ---  | ---  | ---  | ---  | ---  | ---  | ---  | ---  | ---  | ---  | ---  |\n| Hongkong       | 336  | 184  | 2,919 | 221  | 807  | 3,543 | 6,341 | 907  | 3,104 | 4,908 | 76   |\n| Great Britain  | 1,952 | 856  | 1,129 | 1,650 | 4,317 | 4,171 | 3,368 | 8,097 | 3,903 | 7,886 | 13,119 |\n| Germany        | 202  | 46   | 10   | 14   | 10.7 | 6.9  | 8.3  | 4.9  | 4.3  | 4.7  | 4.0  |\n| Belgium        | 11.1 | 6.8  | 6.2  | 13.2 | 61.7 | 51.1 | 59.4 | 67.6 | 58.2 | 49.9 | 43.8  |\n| Austria        | 2.5  | ...  | ...  | ...  | 2.5  | 26.5 | 25.0 | 21.0 | 27.9 | 30.0 | 38.3  |\n| Japan          | 26.5 | 25.0 | 21.0 | 27.9 | 30.0 | 38.3 | 28.2 | 33.9 | 37.4 | 17.7 | 1.8  |\n| Other Countries| 1.8  | 4.2  | 3.2  | 8.3  | 9.7  | 11.9 | 2.2  | 16.9 | 0.1  | ...  | ...  |\n| Total          | ...  | ...  | ...  | ...  | ...  | ...  | ...  | ...  | ...  | ...  | ...  |\n\n## TABLE XIV.\nPercentage of Imports of Woollen and Worsted Yarns into China from Various Countries.\n\n| Country        | 1913  | 1920  | 1921  | 1922  | 1923  | 1924  | 1925  | 1926  | 1927  | 1928  | 1929  |\n| ---            | ---   | ---   | ---   | ---   | ---   | ---   | ---   | ---   | ---   | ---   | ---   |\n| Hongkong       | 11.1  | 6.8   | 59.4  | 6.2   | 8.3   | 41.0  | 48.3  | 7.0   | 37.5  | 37.4  | 0.5   |\n| Great Britain  | 61.7  | 51.1  | 23.6  | 67.6  | 58.2  | 49.9  | 37.5  | 63.4  | 47.2  | 60.2  | 91.1  |\n| Germany        | 6.2   | 2.7   | 0.2   | 0.6   | 0.1   | ...   | ...   | ...   | ...   | ...   | ...   |\n| Belgium        | ...   | ...   | ...   | ...   | 0.3   | 0.3   | 0.1   | 0.1   | 0.1   | ...   | ...   |\n| Austria        | ...   | ...   | ...   | ...   | ...   | 0.3   | 0.3   | 0.2   | 0.3   | 0.2   | 0.3   |\n| Japan          | 12.9  | 12.9  | 10.6  | 4.9   | 2.9   | 9.1   | 3.5   | 7.0   | 4.1   | 1.9   | 0.1   |\n| Other Countries| 2.1   | 8.8   | 3.4   | 3.0   | 4.1   | 2.3   | 2.1   | 3.4   | 3.0   | 0.3   | 0.3   |\n| Total          | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 |\n\n## TABLE XV.\nShowing the growth of the woollen trade with China, Total imports into China (excluding Hongkong) of woollen and worsted yarn and cloth in £1,000.\n\n| Year  | Average value of Haikwan Tael | Woollen and Worsted cloth | Moving average (3 years) | Yarns | Moving average (3 years) |\n| ---   | ---                           | ---                     | ---                     | ---   | ---                     |\n| 1912  | 3 0                           | £1,021                  |                         | 152   |                         |\n| 1913  | 3 01                          | £1,019                  | 1020                    | 197   |                         |\n| ...   | ...                           | ...                     | ...                     | ...   | ...                     |\n| 1925  | 3 51                          | £3,427                  | 669                     |       |                         |\n| 1926  | 3 1                           | £5,061                  | 1,376                   |       |                         |\n| 1927  | 2 911                         | £2,973                  |                         | 629   |                         |\n| 1928  | 2 11                          | £5,754                  | 1,288                   |       | 891                     |\n| 1929  | 2 711                         | £3,373                  | 2,091                   |       | 1,098                   |\n\nNote. The following was the value of the Haikwan tael in other years:\n| Year  | s. d. |\n| ---   | ---   |\n| 1917  | 4 31  |\n| 1918  |       |\n| 1919  |       |\n| 1920  |       |\n| 1921  | 5 37% |\n| 1922  | 6 4   |\n| 1923  | 16 9  |\n| 1924  |       |\n\n## TABLE XVI.\nImports into Hongkong of the most important classes (Values, £1,000).\n\n| Class                  | 1924-9 months | 1924-9 months Great Britain | 1924-9 months Total | 1930-9 months | 1930-9 months Great Britain | 1930-9 months Total | Great Britain Per cent. 1924 | Great Britain Per cent. 1930 |\n| ---                    | ---           | ---                     | ---           | ---           | ---                     | ---           | ---                     | ---                     |\n| Blankets (wool and union); Brilliantines, Lustres, Mohairs and Orleans | 207           | 177                     | 85.5          | 105           | 101                     | 96.2          |                     |                     |\n| Flannels (wool and union) | 246           | 246                     | 100.0         |           |           |           |                     |                     |\n| Meltons, plain, printed and striped | 178           | 170                     | 95.6          |           |           |           |                     |                     |\n| Serges-all makes       | 74            | 71                      | 95.9          | 245           |           |           |                     |                     |\n| Suitings and Tweeds    | 538           | 445                     | 82.7          | 113           |           |           |                     |                     |\n| Union cloths, etc      | 521           | 494                     | 95.0          | 56            |           |           |                     |                     |\n| Heavy woollens...      | 98            | 93                      | 94.4          | 35            |           |           |                     |                     |\n| Woollens, unclassed    | 223           | 200                     | 85.2          |           |           |           |                     |                     |\n| Yarn                   | 108           | 78                      | 72.2          | 134           | 102                     | 76.2          |                     |                     |\n| TOTAL                  | 2,398         | 2,075                   | 86.4          | 794           | 369                     | 46.5          |                     |                     |",
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    {
        "id": 528493,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
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        "document_key": "CO129-531-15 Chinese customs- proposed agreement with Hong Kong 9-7-1931 - 17-1-1932",
        "page_number": 74,
        "title": "CO129-531-15 Chinese customs- proposed agreement with Hong Kong 9-7-1931 - 17-1-1932",
        "content_text": "## Shanghai Customs: Statement of Import Duty (Old Tariff) showing difference between collections on G.U. basis and Haikwan Tael basis. Nov. 1930.\n\n74\n\nImport Duty, November, 1930 as recorded Hk.Tls. 2,616,999.775  \n1929 \" 1,784,935.583  \nIncrease 832,064.192 or 46.62%  \n\nHaikwan Tael equivalent of G.U. 2,814,821.040  \nG.U. 2,814,821.040 at G.U./tls. rates realise Hk.Tls. 2,616,999.775  \nIf the above sum had been collected on Haikwan Tael basis, the result would have been 1,608,469.165  \n\nDifference 1,008,530.610  \nLess approximately 50% paid on ad valorem goods 504,265.305  \nNet excess in revenue resulted from the introduction of Gold Unit system 504,265.305  \n\nImport Duty, November, 1930 Hk.Tls. 2,616,999.775  \nLess amount in excess through collection of G.U. 504,265.306  \nThe would-be figure for Import Duty, November 2,112,734.470  \n\nCompared with same month of previous year 1,784,935.583  \nThe above increase would be reduced to 327,798.887  \nor 18.36%\n\n| Category | Amount (Hk.Tls.) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Import Duty: 1st Jan. to 30th Nov. 1930 as recorded | 27,477,756.180 |\n| Less amount in excess through Collection of G.U. Cumulative from February to November | 4,097,483.320 |\n| The would-be figure for Import Duty Jan. to Nov. | 23,380,272.860 |\n| Compared with same period, 1929 | 23,693,637.772 |\n| Would-be decrease | 313,364.912 |\n| Percentage decrease | 1.32% |",
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    {
        "id": 565679,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-578-12 Sino-Japanese War- attacks on shipping 10-1-1939 - 17-11-1939",
        "page_number": 83,
        "title": "CO129-578-12 Sino-Japanese War- attacks on shipping 10-1-1939 - 17-11-1939",
        "content_text": "## PART I. FISHING JUNKS MOLESTED.\n\n| Date Junk No. | Name | Base | Capacity Mouls. | No. of Crew and Families on board | Casualties | Remarks. |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| 8-4-38 | 548 H.C. Fishing Boat. | CHEUNG CHING | ABERDEEN | not given | Crew 7 males. | Nil. | No claim to British birth. Boat undamaged. |\n| 18-4-36 | 2235 M.C. Fishing Boat. | LAU LUM HING | ABERDEEN | not given | Crew unknown. | #11. | No claim to British birth. Boat undamaged. |\n| 6-5-33 | 393 H.C. Fishing Junk. | CHAN LIN MUN | HAUKITA | not given | 9 males, 8 females 5 children. | Nil | Master claims to be born in Haukwan. Boat undamaged. |\n| 8-5-39 | 208 H.A. Fishing Boat. | DO HOI TI | SHAUKIWAN | not given | 8 males, 4 females 4 children. | #11 | No claim to British birth. Junk undamaged. |\n| 12-5-38 | 3285 H.C. Fishing Boat. | KO HIN ON | HAUKIWAN | not given | 6 males, 1 female 1 child. | #11 |  |\n| 15-5-58 | Cl.IV. Boat. No. unknown. | WONG SAU YING | TAI O | not given | Not known. | #11. |  |\n| 15-5-58 | 2012 H.D. Fishing Boat. | CHENG YAU YEE | TAI O | not given | 8 males, 7 females 10 children. | 2 persons killed. | Master claims to be born in Tai O. Boat undamaged. |\n| 15-6-38 | 4218 C.C. Fishing Boat. | HO HET CHI | TAI O | not given | Not known. | 1 injured. | Master claims to be born in Tai O. Boat undamaged. Sail and fishing net value £150.00 taken away. |\n|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Master born in Tai O. undamaged. Sail and fishing nets value $40.00 taken away. |",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-578-12 Sino-Japanese War- attacks on shipping 10-1-1939 - 17-11-1939.txt",
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    },
    {
        "id": 565923,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-578-5 Development of Whampoa Port 13-12-1938 - 11-5-1939",
        "page_number": 25,
        "title": "CO129-578-5 Development of Whampoa Port 13-12-1938 - 11-5-1939",
        "content_text": "25\n\nCanton City in the inner harbour and about 10,000,000 tons at Huangpu. The total is nearly six times the average annual total net Canton tonnage of entrances and clearances of ocean and coast vessels for the past eight years (1929 to 1936 inclusive), according to the report of the Maritime Department of China Maritime Customs. The actual tonnage has fluctuated between a low of 2,623,954 in 1933 and a high of 3,420,400 in 1936. The average for the eight-year period was 3,038,801, and in that interval, the average increase was nearly 67,000 tons each year.\n\nANNUAL REPORTS.\n\nOn the other hand, the annual reports of the China Maritime Customs show that the combined value of the imports and exports at Canton has decreased almost progressively from 267,127,726 standard dollars (which is the legal equivalent of the number of Haikwan taels reported) for the year 1924, to 73,392,291 dollars for 1936, or to 27.5 per cent of the 1924 figure. In the same interval, the combined Canton and Kowloon exports and imports dropped from $379,599,988 in 1924 to 137,187,871 in 1936, or to 36.3 per cent. This equals an average decrease of slightly over $20,000,000 in business for the two ports combined each year for the twelve-year period. The annual decrease in the business of Canton averaged somewhat over $16,000,000. For China as a whole, there was a drop of $648,189,939 from $2,299,474,072 to 1,651,314,133 for the years here described, or to 72.8 per cent.\n\nThese figures for 1924 for China as a whole omit the business reported by the Manchurian Customs stations, which amounted to $631,807,288 in that year.\n\nSince the ship tonnage showed an increase, it is probable that the loss in value is at least in part to be...",
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    {
        "id": 565949,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-578-5 Development of Whampoa Port 13-12-1938 - 11-5-1939",
        "page_number": 51,
        "title": "CO129-578-5 Development of Whampoa Port 13-12-1938 - 11-5-1939",
        "content_text": "50\n\n3\n\nANNUAL REPORTS\n\nOn the other hand the annual reports of the China Maritime Customs show that combined value of the imports and exports at Canton has decreased almost progressively from 267,127,728 standard dollars (which is the legal equivalent of the number of Haikwan taels reported) for the year 1924, to 73,392,291 dollars for 1926 or to 27.5 per cent of the 1924 figure. In the same interval the combined Canton and Kowloon exports and imports dropped from $379,599,983 in 1924 to $137,187,871 in 1936 or to 36.3 per cent. This equals an average decrease of slightly over $20,000,000 in business for the two ports combined each year for the twelve-year period. The annual decrease in the business of Canton averaged somewhat over $16,000,000.\n\nFor China as a whole there was a drop of $648,159,939 from $2,299,474,072 to $1,651,314,133 for the years here described or to 72.2 percent. These figures for 1924 for China as a whole omit the business reported by the Manchurian Customs' Stations, which amounted to $521,887,288 in that year.\n\nSince the ship tonnage showed an increase, it is probable that the loss in value is at least in part to be explained by changes in the money value of an average ton of most commodities. For example, the money value in dollars of the total export and imports of Canton for the year 1929 per net registered ton of the vessels which entered and cleared was $58.40 while in 1936 it was down to $21.40.\n\nInvestigations of the volume of exports and imports for 1929 compared with 1936 are in progress to discover which commodities have gained or lost in volume and in unit price.\n\nThe future probable tonnage was fixed as a result of studies of all the major ports of China, on the basis first, of distance from the sea to each river port (such as Nanking) second, of the depth of water (which limits...",
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    },
    {
        "id": 570833,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-585-5 Sino-Japanese conflict- shipping on Pearl River 3-1-1940 - 25-8-1940",
        "page_number": 63,
        "title": "CO129-585-5 Sino-Japanese conflict- shipping on Pearl River 3-1-1940 - 25-8-1940",
        "content_text": "63\n\nFinally, as to the Pilotage fee, although I \ndesire to draw your attention to Paragraph 5(●) of the \nAgreement regarding Navigation of the Pearl River initialled \nby Nemora Okazaki and Blunt on July 4th, 1939, I beg to \nstate that the Japanese Authorities, taking into consideration \nthe index figures of prices of commodities but without placing \nany importance on the ever-changing exchange rate between the \nHongkong currency and the Haikwan Tael, do not hold that the \nPilotage fee is grossly excessive compared to the fee prescribed \nin the General Regulation and Local Rules for the Port \nof Canton enacted in 1923; however, they are prepared to \nreconsider and moderate the rate of the fees.\n\nI have the honour to be, \nSir and dear Colleague, \nYour obedient servant,\n\n(sgd.) Nagao Kita, \n**CONSUL GENERAL**",
        "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-585-5 Sino-Japanese conflict- shipping on Pearl River 3-1-1940 - 25-8-1940.txt",
        "external_url": "",
        "rank": 0
    },
    {
        "id": 570837,
        "series_id": 27,
        "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine",
        "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案",
        "series_use_hku_proxy": false,
        "document_key": "CO129-585-5 Sino-Japanese conflict- shipping on Pearl River 3-1-1940 - 25-8-1940",
        "page_number": 67,
        "title": "CO129-585-5 Sino-Japanese conflict- shipping on Pearl River 3-1-1940 - 25-8-1940",
        "content_text": "67\n\nunless supported by a protest by His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo; I am informed that such a protest has actually been made by His Excellency's United States Colleague. As regards the amount of the pilotage fees, I previously protested that I gave your Excellency on March 11th last. The figures here quoted tend to confirm my opinion that the fees levied by the Japanese are not grossly excessive.\n\nMy reply contained no reference to this letter tends to confirm my opinion that he was writing in accordance with instructions from Tokyo.\n\nThe pilotage regulations enacted in 1993, to which Mr. Nitta refers, are identical with those adopted in King's Regulation No. 4 of 1918. Since all the pilotage fees are stated in terms of dollars and cents, any reference to Haikwan taels is pointless.\n\nI am informed that these fees have been levied in Hongkong currency; it is however arguable that they should be charged in Standard dollars, in which case the rates now claimed by the Japanese would be still ...\n\nI have the honour to be, Sir, Your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant,\n**(ngd.)** Frank Toller",
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