[
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"document_key": "CO129-210 - Governor Sir Bowen - 1883 [6-7]",
"page_number": 296,
"title": "CO129-210 - Governor Sir Bowen - 1883 [6-7]",
"content_text": "Haiphong, as there has been, up to the present, no general registration organised.\n\nFrom Hanoi no news of any consequence has arrived for some time. The fury-maru, whose departure up river I mentioned in my last, carried up 70 bullocks in addition to her other stores and 100 Chinese who were enlisted in a corps of auxiliaries being raised and equipped by Captain Georges, a pilot of Haiphong and an officer of considerable experience in the training and direction of Chinese troops, he having served throughout the Taiping rebellion. The new corps is to be 600 strong, and of this number 200 have already been collected at Hanoi, in addition to the 100 who left here by the Ruru-maru. They are to be armed with Remington rifles and are to receive, I hear, $10 per month each, a much better pay indeed, than that of their European companions in arms.\n\nAt Namdinh, where there is stationed a garrison of about 400 men, there has been a rather serious prevalence of dysentery among the troops, caused, it is supposed, by the exhalations from the stagnant water in the moat surrounding the citadel, but the more seriously affected amongst the sick having been removed to Hanoi, and their places filled by men from that place, the health of the garrison is improving. On Sunday last, the 24th June, an attack was made on the citadel by the Annamites, but they were repulsed after some hours' firing, with, it is said, considerable loss. No casualties are reported on the French side.\n\nA river junk which had been attacked and capsized by pirates was towed into Haiphong by one of the small gunboats on Thursday.\n\nThe M.M.S.S. Coy.'s steamship Saigon arrived here yesterday from Saigon and Quinhon. She brought up a company of French marines from the latter place and a company of Annamite tirailleurs and 24 guns from Saigon. Amongst her passengers also were the French Consul and Commissioner of Customs from Quinhon. That station has been abandoned by the French authorities. The reason assigned for the evacuation of the port is that it is expected that Hué, the capital of Annam, will shortly be bombarded by the French fleet and that after that event it would not be possible to hold the position without a larger garrison than can be spared at the present time, when all the available forces are required in Tonquin. One gunboat was, however, left at Quinhon to watch the course of events.\n\nLast evening I had the honour of dining with M. Forestier, the Resident, and met at his hospitable table several of the heads of Governmental departments and officers of the Army and Navy. M. Forestier has written to General Bouvet, the Commander of the forces at Hanoi, asking him to grant me a passport to visit Hanoi, and I hope to obtain his reply before the arrival of the troopships with the reinforcements from Europe. I have since my arrival here, received the utmost courtesy and consideration from all classes of the community, and every one appears gratified that there should be among them an impartial witness of passing events, \"a chiel amang them takin' notes.\"\n\n286",
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"document_key": "CO129-213 - Governor Sir Bowen - 1883 [12]",
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"title": "CO129-213 - Governor Sir Bowen - 1883 [12]",
"content_text": "Enclosure 276\n\nTHE WAR IN TONQUIN.\n\n[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT,]\n\nHAIPHONG, 25th December. Since I last wrote Soatai has been taken by the French, who entered it on the 16th. The bombardment commenced on the 14th, the gun-boats being anchored in a creek off the town at a distance of about one kilometre. About 3,000 troops had marched on the place by land, while another 3,000 were conveyed by water. The bombardment continued for two days and two nights almost without intermission both from the land batteries and the gunboats. The Chinese artillery was almost useless, while that of the French worked tremendous havoc. On the 16th the town was taken by assault, the Tirailleurs and the Legion des Etrangers forming the advance guard and the French the rear guard. The former were therefore the most exposed and suffered the severest losses. They had indeed a hard fight of it. For example, of one company of 150 Chasseurs d'Afrique only 45 returned. The officers all fought gallantly, and lost over thirty killed and wounded. Admiral Courbet himself even is said to have exposed himself far too much. There were three forts to be taken before Sontai itself could be entered. Of those two were taken at the point of the bayonet by the Algerians and Legionaires and the third was evacuated.\n\nOne captain of Algerians got a shot through the head. He said \"Adieu! ma compagnie. Avancer!\" and died. Another had the whole top of his helmet blown away by bullets; each time a shot came he simply remarked \"There is another.\" It appears the Chinese tried their best to kill all the officers they possibly could, and seeing that over thirty fell, their attempt was not altogether a failure.\n\nAfter Sontai was taken, on the evening of the 16th, the place was given over to the troops for some hours. Over what happened then let a veil be drawn.\n\nThe Chinese are said to have lost over 6,000 men, while the French loss is variously stated at from 350 to 1,000. The exact number I have not been able to learn.\n\nThe Chinese beat a retreat, and as a reconnaissance did not result in the discovery of any more troops farther up the river it is supposed they have fallen back partly on Hung-Hoa and partly on Namdinh.\n\nI hear the French found a large amount of treasure in Sontai, the amount being estimated by some at over two million dollars, having seen soldiers with their pockets full of small silver bars. The fact of this bullion being found in the place leads me to the belief that the Chinese were firmly of opinion that Sontai could never be taken. If this was their opinion of Sontai, it will probably be found that Bacninh will fall as easily, but at present military operations seem to be postponed pending the arrival of further reinforcements. Sontai was taken more easily even than was expected in the higher military circles. The forty-eight hours' bombardment was too much for the Chinese, and its moral effect upon them, as well as its physical effect upon the town, must have been considerable.\n\nGeneral Brière de l'Isle (likely \"Bonet\" is a misrecognition), in his report to the Chamber, said everything went to prove that there were Germans in command of the Black Flags, I may say that not a single German was found with the Black Flags, but it is officially stated that there were two Americans. It is also said that a former French captain of artillery was with them; and the Arabs assert when they were at close quarters, only ten yards from the enemy, they distinctly heard the French words of command given.\n\nChina would do well to back out before seriously entering on a war with France, as she has no chance in European warfare. I may mention one circumstance which, small in itself, goes far to prove the general incompetency of China in military matters. In Sontai the best Krupp guns were found abandoned by the Chinese, and an examination showed that though the guns were rifled they had been charged with common ball and were thus ruined at the first shot. Sontai was well fortified, and the troops say that had it been defended by European soldiers it would not have been taken.",
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"document_key": "CO129-219 Foreign Office 1884",
"page_number": 35,
"title": "CO129-219 Foreign Office 1884",
"content_text": "## in the Rivers wear Backmile \nto the \ngun \nし \nbouts \nam \n$ 6 \nJummah Sivil 7 Furier \n10 \n34 \nC 0. 249. \n1813 FEB 84 \n\nYou \ntobedient- \nhumble servant.\n\nLe ministre de la marine a reçu la dépêche suivante :\n\nDe Hanoi, 25 janvier; - Hong-Kong, 5 février\n\n**Amiral Courbet à ministre de la marine.**\n\nLes provinces de Sontay, Hanoi, Haïdzuong, Namdinh et Haïphong sont tranquilles. Après reconnaissances faites dans les rivières avoisinant Bac Ninh, j'ai acquis la conviction que les canonnières y trouveront assez d'eau pour rendre de grands services. Un barrage a été fait par l'ennemi dans le Song-Cau; on va le faire sauter.",
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"document_key": "CO129-224 - Foreign Office - 1885",
"page_number": 346,
"title": "CO129-224 - Foreign Office - 1885",
"content_text": "# Dix-septième année. \nN⚫ 215 \n## JOURNAL OFFICIEL DE LA RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE \n242 A \n[1885] 9 Août \n4361 \n\nTABLEAU indiquant les prix des principales denrées, produits, marchandises, etc., au Tonkin, \ndu 1er au 30 avril 1885, d'après les rapports de MM. les résidents.\n\n## JOURNAL OFFICIEL DE LA RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE\n\nceux qui sont portés aux comptes rendus par se vendent assez rapidement dans l'intérieur aux cantiniers qui suivent les colonnes du corps les ministres --- \nexpéditionnaire et aux autres marchands dans les centres. \nLe ministre de la marine et des colonies a reçu du général commandant le corps expéditionnaire du Tonkin le rapport suivant, émanant du bureau d'informations commerciales: \n\nHanoi, le 1 mai 1885.\n\nLa sécheresse, depuis l'équinoxe du printemps, a fait place à des alternatives de beau temps et de brouillards, à quelques orages suivis de pluies bienfaisantes pour l'agriculture en général. Le thermomètre oscillant entre +19 et +26° centigrades, la végétation se trouve dans toute sa force dans les champs cultivés, où les divers travaux pour l'entretien des cultures diverses font l'objet des soins incessants des Annamites.\n\nLes diverses espèces de riz ont poussé avec vigueur aux premières pluies et font présager une bonne récolte au 5e mois annamite (juin et juillet) Leur aspect de verdure offre un beau coup d'œil dans les plaines d'une certaine étendue, où l'agglomération de population est assez dense pour ne laisser aucune parcelle de rizière en friche. D'ailleurs, les riz qui ont été plantés tardivement n'ont plus à souffrir du manque d'eau.\n\nLes autres cultures: patatas, haricots blancs et noirs, ricin, maïs, sésame, arachides et mûriers; plantes potagères: navets, carottes, choux, se sont également bien ressenties du changement de saison, et l'aspect qu'elles présentent semble promettre un bon rendement.\n\nLes industries des poteries, des cuivres ouvragés et du tissage de la soie tendent à reprendre dans la province de Bao-Ninh leur ancienne activité. Cependant l'industrie minière n'a repris nulle part, et l'on ne constate en ce moment que quelques chercheurs d'or, — des Chinois errants principalement dans les montagnes à l'ouest du Day et sur les deux rives de la rivière Noire, dans le haut de son parcours. Ils semblent travailler pour leur propre compte et vendent leur produit relativement plus cher qu'il n'est acheté en Europe. Ainsi, le gramme d'or, coté à Paris 3 fr. 20, valeur intrinsèque convenue, vaut à Hanoi et à Son Tay, en ce moment, 3 fr. 56 environ en feuilles; si on déduit 10 p. 100 pour les frais de laminage, etc., on obtient son prix d'achat à l'état brut, soit 3 fr.21 sur les lieux de production, chiffre supérieur à la cote européenne et qui augmenterait encore, s'il fallait l'expédier.\n\nDans les principaux centres, les résidents font exécuter par les indigènes divers travaux de terrassement et de voirie indispensables pour l'assainissement des villes. Les voies du dehors sont également réparées dans leurs parties essentielles. On travaille aux deux routes de Phu-lang-Thuong à Chu et de Tiendao à Kep par Dongquan, dans la province de Bac-Ninh.\n\nL'entretien des routes pendant la saison pluvieuse exige une surveillance de chaque instant. Les orages sont assez violents quelquefois, par la grande quantité d'eau de pluie qui les accompagne, pour détériorer sur plusieurs points à la fois les meilleures routes. Elles sont d'ailleurs faciles à désagréger, n'étant construites en général dans le Delta que de sables d'alluvions. Les réparations de ces routes se font rapidement par le système aunamite des corvées: chaque village étant responsable des travaux que nécessite le tronçon qui passe sur son territoire; aussitôt qu'un dégât ou affouillement est signalé, la corvée du village s'y transporte sous la direction des notables; mais quand il s'agit de travaux plus considérables, tels que constructions ou réparations de digues et canalisations, le gouverneur d'une province est chargé quelquefois d'en diriger l'exécution par les corvées de plusieurs cantons à la fois.\n\nQuoique l'outillage restreint que possède le pays pour le transport de ses produits sur les voies fluviales ne permette pas au commerce d'exportation de profiter d'une façon complète de la latitude qui lui a été donnée par la décision du 19 novembre dernier, l'exportation des riz reprend d'une manière sensible depuis le milieu du mois d'avril. Les achats se bornent au superflu, que les détenteurs, peu habitués au commerce libre, gardaient dans l'espérance qu'ils pourraient bientôt, avant la récolte du 6e mois, si elle n'avait pas été heureuse, la vendre sur place à un prix très rémunérateur. Les marchands chinois fixés depuis longtemps dans les provinces méridionales, représentants de maisons chinoises établies à Hong-Kong, semblent, en ce moment, n'avoir que le souci d'y envoyer tout le riz qu'ils peuvent acheter au Tonkin, étant assurés de bénéfices (35 à 40 cents par picul) dans les très grandes circonstances particulières actuelles, tandis que pendant la période de temps de l'ouverture à l'exportation des années précédentes ces bénéfices ne dépassaient guère 9 ou 10 cents pour le même poids et sur la même place.\n\nLa petite hausse signalée au 1er avril sur les riz, paddys, noix d'arec, bétel, thé, sel, bambous, briques et paillottes, dans les marchés, s'est maintenue sans augmentation; il y a eu même tendance à la baisse sur les riz, paddys, noix d'arec et bétel. Cette dernière plante, qu'on avait dû couper ras de terre dans quelques endroits, notamment dans la province de Ninh-Binh où elle avait été très éprouvée par les brouillards de l'hiver, qui lui avaient fait perdre ses feuilles, repousse maintenant avec vigueur et ne tardera pas à montrer ses feuilles si en usage chez les Annamites, avec la noix d'arec, comme luxe ou dans les cérémonies.\n\nLes soins incessants que les Annamites donnent à leurs cultures diverses, les réparations qu'ils font à leurs paillottes pour le passage de la saison chaude et des pluies, ainsi qu'aux digues et aux chemins pour résister à l'inondation périodique annuelle, le curage des fossés, la diminution du stock des récoltes de l'année passée, sont, en ce moment, autant de causes principales qui rendent à peu près nulle la navigation commerciale des jonques du pays sur les fleuves et arroyos de certaines parties des provinces de Bac-Ninh, Son-Tay et Hanoi; mais ces centres ainsi que les provinces de Ninh-Binh, Nam-Dinh, Hai-Dzuong et Hai-Phong possèdent une certaine animation fluviale née de la reprise en avril de l'exportation des riz vers Hong-Kong.\n\nLe port de Hai-Phong toutefois conserve son animation maritime ordinaire, grâce aux entrées de navires de commerce chargés de divers approvisionnements. Les magasins des négociants de cette ville sont actuellement bien approvisionnés de marchandises européennes, qui ...\n\n## INDICATION \n### DÉSIGNATION DES PRODUITS \n| Produits | Poids, Mesures | BAC-NH | HAI ĐƯỜNG | HAIPHONG | HANOI | NAMDINH | BỆNH BINH | SON-TAY |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| Paddy, 1 qualité | Picul de 61 k, 280 | 1.66 | 1.88 | 2.88 | le hoc | 2 | | |\n| 2 qualité | Dito. | 1.28 | le hoc | 2.56 | le hoc | | | |\n| Nep (riz), 1 qualité | Dito. | 5.07 | 4.42 | | | | | |\n| 2 qualité | Dito. | 4.42 | | | | | | |\n| Riz, 1 qualité | Dito. | 8.90 | 7.68 | 9.10 | | | | |\n| 2 qualité | Dito. | 7.88 | 6.82 | | | | | |\n| 3 qualité | Dito. | 7.68 | 6.40 | 8.01 | 8.12 | 6.30 | | |\n| Haricots verts | Dito. | 6.40 | 5.44 | 6.67 | 7.47 | 5.95 | | |\n| blancs | Dito. | 5.12 | 5.12 | 5.78 | 6.50 | 5.60 | | |\n| Maïs | Dito. | 15.36 | 22.40 | 22.25 | 26 | 12.60 | | |\n| Sésame | Dito. | 9.60 | 19.20 | 15.57 | 23 | 11.90 | | |\n| égrené | Dito. | 2.56 | 1.09 | | | | | |\n| Laque | Dito. | 38.40 | | | | | | |\n| Ecorce à papier | Dito. | | 0.77 | | | | | |\n| Vermicelle chinois | 7 les 10 liv. | | | | | | | |\n| Sucre | Champignons secs | 4.75 | 4.25 | 11.50 | 10.50 | 9 | | |\n| Thé chinois | Dito. | | 9.50 | 17 | 9 | 6.50 | | |\n| Andigo en poudre | Dito. | | | | 14.5 | | | |\n| Poisson salé | Dito. | | | | | | | |\n| Peaux de bœuf | la livr. | 0.32 | 0.65r-n n w | | | | | |\n| de buffles | Dito. | | | | | | | |\n| Viande de porc | Picul | 3.20 | 1.15 | 1.82 | | | | |\n| Briques | Le mille | 3.20 | 3.20 | | 2 | 8.40 | | |\n| Tuiles | Dito. | 16 | 7.68 | | 15.40 | | | |\n| arrezax | Dito. | | | | | | | |\n| Paillettes | Dito. | 32 | | 28 | 21.45 | 28 | | |\n| Bambous grands | Le cent | 64 | 97.50 | 56 | | | | |\n| ordinaires | Dito. | 38.40 | 6.50 | 5.60 | 56 | | | |\n| lamettes | La caisse | 5 | | | | | | |\n| ANCHE CO | | 19.50 | | | | | | |\n| | 140 | 100 | 48 | 45.50 | 103 | | | |\n| | | | 33 | 75 | 105 | 92 | | |\n| | | | | | 69 | 35 | 4.50 | 2 f. les 10 li |\n| | | | | | 0.45 | la litre | | |\n| | | | | | 9.75 | 0.35 le litre | | |\n| | | | | | 11 fr.la livre | | | |\n| | | | | | 8.50 | 93.50 | 8.50 l'une | |\n| | | | | | 8.50 l'une | 0.60 la livre | | |\n| | | | | | 0.35 la livre | | | |\n| | | | | | 0.40 la livre | | | |\n| | | | | | 35 | 78 | 84 | 2.45 le cent |\n| | | | | | | 14 la cent | 4 fr. le cent | |\n| | | | | | 60 | | 1.30 | 14 fr, le picul |\n| | | | | | | 5.20 | $ 60 | |\n| | | | | | 14.30 | 20 | 46 | 22.65 |\n| | | | | | 15 | 50 | 25 | 25 |\n| Or en feuilles | Le taël de 38 gr. | | | | 180 | | | |\n| | les 100 feuilles | | | | | | | |\n| Maitre | Pical | 160 | 224 | | 140 | | | |\n| | | | | | | | | |\n| | Dito. | $1.20 | | 21 | | 45.50 | គន | S |\n| | | | | | 138 | 69 | | |\n| | | | | | 10 | | | |\n| Cuivre de fer | Dito. | 17.50 | 19 | | | | | |\n| | Dito. | | | | | | | |\n| Plomb en lingots 1 qualité | Dito. | 51.20 | | 0.61 le lingot | 14 | | | |\n| 2 qualité | Dito. | 44.80 | | | | | | |\n| 3 qualité | Dito. | 38.40 | | | 21 fr. la diz. | | | |\n| Dacre 1 qualité | Dito. | | | | | | | |\n| 2 qualité, jame laque | Dito. | | | | | | | |\n| | Dito. | 0.77 | | 247 | 69 | | | |\n| | les 250 gr. | | | | | | | |\n| | Dito. | 384 | 320 | | 315 | 260 | 1 | 2.50 la livre |\n| | | | | | 0.180 | | | |\n| Huile de ricin, 1 qualité | Prtie de Chine | 16 | 2.56 la douz. | 17.50 | 13 | | | |\n| | Dito. | | | | 22 f. le cent | | | |\n| 2 qualité | Dito. | 57.60 | 58 la livre | 44.50 | 62.40 | 44.80 | 32.50 | 10 |\n| | | | | | 31.50 | 8 a | | 5 |\n| | Dito. | | | | 2 | | | |\n| Bétel | Dito. | 76.80 | | 0.06 | | | | |\n| | les 100 feuilles | | | | | | | |\n| Coton non égrené | Picul | 64 | | | 31.15 | 71.20 | | |\n| | Dito. | 51.20 | 9.60 | 64 | | | | |\n| | Dito. | 28.80 | 0.64 | | 22.40 | 26 | 72.80 | 104 |\n| | | | | | 21 | 0.05 | les 100 feuilles | |\n| | | | | | 56 | 49 | 39 | 771.50 |\n| | | | | | 1 fr. la livr. | | | |\n| Huoc-mam (saumure de p.) | Dito. | 12.80 | 14.48 | | | | | |\n| Alcool de riz 1 qualité | Dito. | 2.24 le pot | 0.51 | 17.80 | 8.40 | 35 | 45.50 | 32.50 |\n| 2 qualité | Dito. | 1.92 le pot | 0.45 | 28 | | | | |\n| | Dito. | 9.60 la livre | 10.20 la livre | | 9.80 le livre | 97.50 | 26.60 | |\n| | Dito. | 32 | | | | | | |\n| | Dito. | 28.80 | | | | | | |\n| Viande de bœuf | Dito. | 25.60 | | 38.76 | | | | |\n| de buffle | Dito. | 25.60 | | | | | | |\n| Teuts | L'un. | 76.80 | | 44.50 | | | | |\n| | en moyenno | | | | | | | |\n| Pouides, Rais | Dito. | 76.80 | | | | | | |\n| | La douzaine | 0.35 | | | | | | |\n| | Picul | 3.20 | 1.15 | 1.82 | | | | |\n| Tuttes | Le millle | 3.20 | 3.20 | | 2 | 8.40 | | |\n| | Dito. | 16 | 7.68 | | 15.40 | | | |\n| Paillettes | Dito. | 32 | | 28 | 21.45 | 28 | | |\n| Bambous grands | Le cent | 64 | 97.50 | 56 | | | | |\n| ordinaires | Dito. | 38.40 | 6.50 | 5.60 | 56 | | | |\n| lamettes | La caisse | 5 | | | | | | | \n## Dix-septième année. -- N⚫ 215",
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"document_key": "CO129-321 - Public Offices & Others - 1903",
"page_number": 84,
"title": "CO129-321 - Public Offices & Others - 1903",
"content_text": "Trade.\n\nTransit trade.\n\nActivity of Japanese.\n\nForeigners excluded from timber trade.\n\nCultivation of pepper.\n\n6\n\nThe taxation is in fact very light, amounting to only 5 fr. a-head, which is less than in India, and but little over half the rate in Java. There has doubtless been an apparent increase of charges, but this has been probably more than compensated for by the reduction of the exactions of the native officials, to say nothing of the greater well-being and prosperity which naturally follow the substitution of order for lawlessness and good government for bad.\n\nThe total value of the trade rose from 8,628,000l. in 1896 to 21,406,000l. in 1901, an increase of nearly 150 per cent. The imports advanced from 3,243,000l. to 8,099,000l., the exports from 3,552,000l. to 6,424,000l., transit trade from 877,000l. to 1,339,000l., and coast trade from 1,455,000l. to 5,542,000l. The imports from and the exports to France and her colonies were valued at 4,002,000l., and 1,582,000l., respectively, as against 1,222,000l. and 405,000l. respectively in 1896. The share of the mother country and her colonies in the imports was, in 1901, nearly one-half, and in the exports somewhat less than one-quarter, or roughly two-fifths of the whole foreign trade, which is a considerably larger proportion than in the previous year.\n\nThe shipping entered in 1901 increased by 75 ships and 139,000 tons, the total amounting to 1,235 ships of 1,492,000 tons, of which France contributed 595 ships of 759,000 tons, Germany 341 ships of 334,000 tons, and Great Britain 194 ships of 269,000 tons, the balance of 130,000 tons being divided between eleven different flags. British shipping shows an advance of 30,000 tons on the figures for 1900, whilst French and German gained 144,000 and 71,000 tons respectively. The shipping of both these countries appears to be increasing faster, both absolutely and relatively, than that of Great Britain. It is noteworthy that Japanese tonnage fell from 66,000 tons in 1899 to 11,000 in 1901.\n\nIn view of the various French schemes for the exploitation of Yunnan and Kuanghsi, the growth of the transit trade, above noted, is of special interest. It amounted to 1,339,000l., of which 1,239,000l. represented trade with Yünnan, an advance of some 50 per cent. on 1900, the balance being mostly with Battambong (in Siam). The business was almost entirely with Hong Kong, which sent goods to the value of 911,000l. and received 325,000l. The chief articles imported were yarn, 620,000l. (from India and Japan in about equal quantities), textiles 124,000l., and Chinese tobacco 100,000l., while the exports consisted almost entirely of tin 282,000l., and tea nearly 16,000l. The direct trade with Europe was very small, amounting to only 2,000l. in value, but an attempt is now being made to divert the tin from Hong Kong and ship it direct to France, and should this succeed the French steamers from Indo-China will obtain some 3,000 tons of freight a-year at the expense of the Hong Kong lines.\n\nAs will be observed from the above figures, cotton yarn represents more than half the trade with Yunnan. At present all this comes from abroad, but Indo-China, producing its own raw material and favoured by its proximity to the place of consumption, may in the near future become a serious competitor. Tonquin has now two mills in operation and another about to start, numbering in all 50,000 spindles capable of turning out 2,500 tons of yarn a-year, which is about two-thirds of the local consumption. The production of these mills reduced the import of yarn (mostly No. 20) for the local market by some 300,000l. in 1901, and with the development of the industry that is now going on the home demand will probably soon be more than satisfied, when will arise a need for new outlets, which will no doubt be sought in the neighbouring provinces of China. To satisfy local requirements, and also to supply the Yunnan market, about three times the present number of spindles would be required.\n\nThere was no transit trade with Kuanghsi, the transport charges being considerably higher than by the Pakhoi-Chinchou and West River routes.\n\nIt is alleged by the press that several Japanese officers have been serving with the Siamese forces in the valley of the Mekong, and that the Japanese are displaying activity in other directions in that country. It seems to be feared that their presence will be prejudicial to French interests.\n\nThe Japanese are also said to be practising a system of espionage in Indo-China, and there appears to be an uneasy feeling that they may in certain eventualities become a menace to the security of French possessions in the East.\n\nBy a Decree of June last the timber trade in Indo-China is reserved for Frenchmen and French protégés, but power is given to relax this law in favour of foreigners paying State and municipal taxes.\n\nEncouraged by a remission of half the import duty into France, the cultivation of pepper in Cochin-China and Cambodia has greatly developed of recent years, the production having reached in 1901 some 3,000 tons, which is more than enough to supply the demand of the French market.\n\n**\n\n9\n\n7\n\nOwing to the surreptitious import of pepper from Siam, and its export as colonial produce, a law has now been passed limiting to 2,100 tons the amount which shall be entitled to the abatement of duty. This has caused a heavy fall in the price, and much consternation among the planters. It is feared that the industry, which had attained a very prosperous condition, and was rapidly developing, will suffer a serious check as a consequence of this enactment.\n\n80\n\nA good many Frenchmen are already settled in the country as planters, and their number is constantly increasing. Much may be expected from the presence of this class of men in the way of developing the agricultural resources of the country and strengthening French power.\n\nExtensive operations are being carried on for the enlargement and improvement of the harbour at Haipong, and other important works for the improvement of navigation, and the promotion of agriculture by irrigation and drainage are being projected.\n\nThe recent Treaty with Siam meets with general condemnation, and is considered likely to seriously lower French influence in that country, and to injuriously affect the interests of Indo-China.\n\nIt may be mentioned incidentally that the number of persons registered in the French Consulates as being under French protection is stated to be 30,000.\n\n(Signed) H. A. LITTLE, Consul.\n\nPakhoi, January 9, 1903.\n\nSupplementary Note on Railways.\n\nThe line from Hanoi to Vietry is finished, but is not yet formally open to traffic owing to an accident to the bridge at that place. The necessary repairs are, I understand, almost completed. The section to Yenbay (about 80 kilom.) is expected to be opened in June.\n\nThe route selected from Laokay to Yünnan-fu has turned out to be impracticable, and the line will now pass some distance from Hengtzu, to which a branch will, however, be made.\n\nOwing to the dilatoriness of the contractors the work of construction has been recently placed under military control, and Chinese coolies are being engaged in Kuanghsi, several batches of from 50 to 100 having already arrived from Lungchow.\n\nThe Langson line has been carried right up to the frontier at Nankuan, but trains only run to Dongdang, 31 kilom. distant.\n\nThe section from Ninbinh to Thanhoa will be finished this year, and the continuation to Vinh shortly afterwards. The bridges, which are being made in France, may cause some delay,\n\nThere is a short branch from The section from Saigon to Bienhoa is already open. Ticau to the busy river port Dapcau, one of 2 kilom. from Namdinh to its port, one of 5 kilom. from Vinh to its port Benthuy, one from the Ninghson coal mines to Tourane, and one for portage purposes across the Isle of Khone, on the Mekong, where navigation is obstructed by rapids.\n\nI am informed that a survey is about to be made for a line from Hanoi down the valley of the Mekong to Pnompeh; and I believe that surveys have been made of the country between Lungchow, Nanning, and Kuangchouwan.\n\n(Signed) H. A. LITTLE, Consul.\n\nFebruary 23, 1903,\n\nInclosure 3 in No. 1.\n\nMap showing Railways in Indo-China.\n\n[Not printed.]",
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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": "CO129-321 - Public Offices & Others - 1903",
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"title": "CO129-321 - Public Offices & Others - 1903",
"content_text": "0\n\n7\n\n284\n\nDistribution of exports.\n\nDistribution of total trade,\n\nCauses of the commercial development.\n\nAgriculture and\n\nFrench colonization.\n\nThe exports were distributed as follows:-\n\n \n France and Colonies\n Million £.\n 14\n \n \n Hong Kong\n \n 24\n 1%\n \n \n Singapore\n \n 6\n 1%\n \n \n China and Japan (direct)\n \n \n \n \n \n Europe (direct)\n \n \n \n \n \n Other countries (mostly eastern)†\n \n \n \n \n \n Total\n \n \n \n \n\nThe total foreign trade was divided between the different countries as follows:-\n\n \n France and Colonies\n Nearly\n Million £.\n 54\n \n \n Hong Kong\n Nearly\n \n 2\n \n \n China and Japan (direct)\n \n \n 14)\n \n \n Europe (direct)\n \n \n \n \n \n Singapore\n \n \n \n \n \n Other countries (mostly eastern)\n \n \n \n \n \n Total\n \n \n \n \n\nIt is interesting to note that as regards the whole volume of trade Indo-China ranks twenty-first, and as regards imports alone thirteenth in importance among the countries trading with France.\n\nIt will have been noticed that the general increase in trade begun in 1897, and was most marked in 1900, but, as already stated, I do not think this was to any great extent due to the loans which were raised about that time. Over half of the loan of 1896 for 80,000,000 fr. was applied to paying off previous deficits, that is, expenses of administration for the most part, and the balance, I believe, has only recently been exhausted, so that it can hardly have materially influenced the course of trade. Of the authorized loan of 1898 for 200,000,000 fr., 50,000,000 fr. were issued at the end of 1898 or the beginning of 1899, and were apparently completely expended last year when the second issue of 70,000,000 fr. was made. The expenditure of this money was no doubt largely responsible for the big jump in imports in 1900, but it must be observed that it was also in that year that the exports showed the greatest expansion, which, as these latter consist entirely of agricultural produce, can scarcely be attributable to the same cause. Moreover, the large increase in the class of goods in the purchase of which the loan was partly applied was to a certain extent due to the importation of material for public works paid for out of current revenue, and also for agricultural and industrial purposes. Further, the increase was not by any means confined to this class, but extended to all kinds of articles consumed by the natives, which, even after making considerable allowance for the money spent in wages in connection with railway construction, can only be rationally explained by a growth in the prosperity of the people as a whole. And this prosperity is, I think, the healthy fruit of a general internal development resulting from the restoration of order and tranquillity which, by insuring safety of property and person, has stimulated the industry of the people; from the execution of extensive irrigation works and the improvement of the means of communication which, by adding to the cultivable area and facilitating the interchange of goods, have increased production and promoted trade; from the reorganization of the financial and general administration which, by demonstrating the present solvency of the country and inspiring a belief in its future progress, has attracted foreign capital and foreign enterprise. The recent commercial expansion thus resting, as I think, on the solid foundation of a development of internal resources appears to me sound and likely to continue.\n\nI have already, in dealing with exports, given some account of the chief products of the soil, and I shall here merely record a few facts concerning the part played by Frenchmen in the agricultural development of the country.\n\nThe settlement in the Colony of Frenchmen as planters and colonists is encouraged by the Government by the grant of assisted passages and in other ways, and there has been a steady influx of this class of men in recent years, the movement being most marked in 1897 and 1898, especially the latter year, and thus coinciding with the general forward movement in trade which has already been pointed out. The number of exploitations or Concessions prior to 1896 was 288, with a total area of 160,000 acres;\n\n* About three-fifths consisted of rice for China.\n\n† Mostly rice for Philippines and Dutch Indies. Probably about three-fourths to and from China.\n\nOf these 575,\n\nin 1901 this had risen to 717 with an area of over 890,000 acres. measuring 660,000 acres, were held by Frenchmen, the rest being owned by natives, About one-eighth of this area was under cultivation. The average size of the Concessions was, approximately, 1,000 acres, the total area of holdings under 100 acres not exceeding 10,000 acres, while there were only two or three of more than 20,000 acres in extent. In Cochin China there were 335 Concessions, which was about double the number in Tonquin, the area—150,000 acres—being, however, less than one-third of that of the latter. The area of the exploitations in Annam was some 50,000 acres, and in Cambodia about 5,000 acres. There were in all about 350 French planters, the difference between this figure and the number of Concessions being probably accounted for by some planters holding more than one Concession, and also by some of the Concessions being held by missionaries and officials. The chief objects of culture are rice and pepper, but some progress is being made with tea, tobacco, coffee, sugar, aniseed, and vanilla. Tea already gives promise of being a success (the export in 1901 was 450,000 lbs.), but the others appear to be still in the experimental stage.\n\nThere has been a Board of Agriculture since 1897, with branches in the provinces, Board of Agriculture. which gives much assistance to planters in the way of advising as to what any particular soil is best fitted to grow, the kind of manure to use, the local supply of labour, &c. Small bounties are also granted, and fertilizers in limited quantities supplied at cost price. Experimental gardens have been established in many places where extensive experiments are carried on with a view to improving the quality and yield of the products of the soil. Natives also join in this work by making tests on their land under the supervision of officers of the Board. Some good results are said to have already been obtained from this institution.\n\nThe industrial development of the country is only just beginning, and it is yet Industrial. too early to forecast its future. The following are the factories and mills now in operation :-\n\n \n Albumen\n \n Hue, Quinhon, Numdinh, Moncay, Hanoi.\n \n \n Brewery\n \n Haiphong.\n \n \n Cement\n Considerable quantities used in public works.\n \n \n \n Cotton\n Saigon, Pnompenh (ginning), Haiphong, Hanoi, Namdinh (last three yarn, aggregating 50,000 spindles),\n \n \n \n Docks\n Haiphong (capable of turning out steamers of 300 tons), Saigon (graving dock, 168 metres long), Tourane.\n \n \n \n Ice\n \n Saigon, Pnompenh, Hanoi, Thaiphong.\n \n \n Electricity\n \n Saigon, Hanoi.\n \n \n Iron foundry\n \n Haiphong.\n \n \n Lime\n \n Dapeau (turned out many bridges for Government).\n \n \n Matches\n \n Hue.\n \n \n Paper\n Even with heavy protective duty can scarcely compete with Japanese.\n Viinh, Hanoi.\n \n \n Powder and cartridges\n \n \n \n \n Explosives\n \n Hanoi. Product said to be equal to any but very best French.\n \n \n Rice\n \n Tuyenquang. Erection decided upon by Government about a year ago, but it is not known whether it has been actually completed or not, Hunoi.\n \n \n Saw mills\n \n Saigon and Cholon (a dozen or more).\n \n \n Silk\n Nadinh. Government model filature. Product fetches double the price of native spun, and is said to be equal to Cantonese.\n \n \n \n Soap\n \n Saigon, Haiphong, Hanni. Small quantity exported to Pakhoi and Kwangehouwan.\n \n \n Tiles (encaustic)\n \n Hanoi.\n \n \n Tobacco\n \n Hanoi.\n \n\nThere are also a large number of distilleries scattered all over the country. Besides the coal mines already enumerated under exports, there are gold mines at Attopeu and Bongmieu (near Tourane), and tin mines at Caobang and Pak Hin Boun (Upper Mekong), which are being worked by French Companies.\n\nThe railway system, present and projected, was described at length in my last Communications. Report, and I have now only to add a few particulars which were then overlooked or Railways. have since come to my knowledge.",
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