CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 | CO129-128 - Public Offices & Others - 1867 # JAPAN HERALD, AND JOURNAL OF THE EASTERN ARCHIPELAGO. PUBLISHED ON ARRIVAL OF THE MAILS, about the 4th, 14th, and 28th, in connection with the "LONDON AND CHINA EXPRESS," A SUMMARY OF NEWS FOR THE OUTWARD MAILS OF 10th, 17th, and 26th. ## LONDON, TUESDAY, AUG. 13, 1867. ### VOL. IX.-No. 254.] #### Latest Advices. | Location | Advices | | :-------------- | :-------------- | | Nagasaki | Hakodadi | | JAPAN-Yokohama | | | CHINA-Peking | --- | | Tien-tein | Chefoo | | New-chwang | Hankow | | Kia-king | | | Chin-kiang | Shanghai | | | Ningpo | #### HOMEWARD. | From London | Arrived out | Arrived in London | Date | | :---------- | :---------- | :----------------- | :--------- | | | | Foo-Chow | June 28 | | | | Framora-Tamany | June 20 | | | | Amoy | June 23 | | | | Swatow | May 10 | | | | Hong Kong | June 17 | | | | | June 24 | | | | Canton | June 29 | | | | Macao | July 4 | | | | Manila | April 26 | | | | | June 10 | | | | | June 22 | | | | Saigon | | | | | Bangkok | May 27 | | | | Bouxgo-Labuan | May 27 | | | | Sarawak | June 27 | | | | Batavia | June 25 | | | | Singapore | July 1 | | | | Penang | July 7 | | | | | July 10 | No later telegrams have been received than those noticed in our last. ### List of Passengers. #### PASSENGERS INWARD. Price 6d., with Sup., 1s. 8d.--Sub. 20s p ann. postage included, Sup. 12s. extra From Marseilles, October 12.-To Ceylon: Mr. J. Mardoch, Mr. and Mrs. Armitage. To Hong Kong: Mr. T. Pyke, Mr. T. Porter. Per P. and O. steamer, from Southampton, October 20-To Hong Kong: Mr. Armstrong, Miss Caldwell. From Marseilles, October 28-To Singapore: Mrs. R. Little and child. To Hong Kong: Mrs. J. Haffendon. Per French mail steamer Cuniboge, arrived at Marseilles August-From Yokohama: Mr. Bauduin and four Japanese. From Shanghai: Messrs. Alcock and Tadreyt. From Hong Kong: Messrs. Marnier, De Valla, Payron, Den Breras, Warden, Preciot, Martinez, Rivas, Major, and Tejero. From Batavia: Messrs. Menu, Moser, Van Mariswell, G. A. Smith, G. H. Smith, Cubyn, You der Schall, Van der Bruken Bege mann, Van der Zevreys. From Singapore: Messrs. Colina, Muniz, Salero, Weiss, Saralta, Avarra, Blanco, Aguirre, Del Barco, Navarro, Coro, De Trevins, Kaltenbach, Walter, Lefour, Clavery, Raiz, Lopez, B. Ruiz, Romes Front Galle: Musste, North more, Smith. By this mail, to Marseilles, per P. and O. steamer Bangalore, arrived Aug. 11. From Shanghai: Mr. F King, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Twombly and child, Mr. Swire, Mr. Holfe, Lieutenant Rivington. From Hong Kong: Mr. Marshall, Mr. Ashton. From Singapore: Mr. Brenuand. From Penang: Capt. Meyer. From Galle: Mr. A. M. Ferguson. To Southampton, per P. and O. steamer Pota, expected to arrive Aug. 19.-List not to hand. ### Summary of News from the Far East. #### JAPAN. ##### YOKOHAMA, The present mail brings only two days later dates from Yokohama - viz., to June 14th. The following items are from the Japan Times:— We are still unable to give the name of the new port on the West coast. We are glad to find that our fear that Tsurunga would be chosen was unfounded; the foreign Ministers have expressed themselves strongly against it. The Serpent, one of H.B.M.'s surveying ships, is now engaged examining all the apparently eligible harbours on the West coast, and some weeks must necessarily elapse before Captain Bullock can make his report. Our news from Osaka are by no means satisfactory; they augur anything but ease for the Shingoon and peace for the empire. Consequently, unless existing difficulties can be previously arranged, we cannot anticipate much advantage for ourselves when the ports are opened next year. The combination of Daimios against the Shiogoon, to which we alluded last mail, we have now ascertained to be an actual and threatening reality. They very naturally object to the extension of a trade in which they have no share, and the profits from which only strengthen an able and dangerous rival, whom they shrewdly suspect of a design to become their absolute master. It appears that Osaka not being strictly his own port, the Shiogoon, by taking the responsibility of promising that it shall be opened in 1868, has so far committed himself that the Daimios opposed to him have just ground of complaint that they had not been previously consulted. They carefully avoided giving him any opportunity of consulting them, it must be remarked, by steadily refusing to attend the conference which he has repeatedly endeavoured to assemble for the purpose. They declare that Osaka shall not be opened, unless foreign trade is also permitted at certain points in their own dominions, and Satsuma, Chiosiu, Echizen, Tosa, and Kanga have declared that if Osaka be opened in 1868, they will themselves invite foreigners to trade at their own ports. It is difficult to say how this can be prevented with any show of right, and very easy to see that much evil will result from the fulfilment of their threat. Subjects of Powers having treaties with the Shiogoon can be punished for trading at any of his ports not opened by those treaties, but at ports out of his territory, and where his authority is not acknowledged, we can see nothing to prevent traders doing whatever business they can, particularly when specially invited by the Sovereign of that country. On the other hand, foreign Powers will certainly never make a number of separate treaties with these individual Daimios, and, consequently, foreign traders repairing to their ports would have to do so on their own responsibility, and would be without the inestimable advantage of consular protection. Probably business trade, by means of coasting vessels, supercargos, and receiving ships, a system the evils and inconveniences of which are manifest. The development of the Japan trade has been so... #### PASSENGERS OUTWARD. Per P. and O. steamer Euxine, from Southampton, August 4-To Shanghai: Mrs. Algernon Wright and child. To Singapore: Capt. Formoehy. To Hong Kong: Mr. Stratford, R.N., Mr. Grant, R.N., Mr. Flatt, R.N., Mr. Blackburn, Mr. C. Jackman, Mr. Wilkinson. To Madras: Lieut-Col. Simpson. To Ceylon: Mr. and Mrs. Milne. To Calcutta: Mrs. Hornbrook, Major and Mrs. Wil... Per P. and O. steamer Columbian, from Southampton, August 20.-To Shanghai: Mr. A. E. Hippisley. To Ceylon: Rev. J. Pickford, Rev. Griffith. To Hong Kong: Mr. Oldknow, R.N., Mr. Toxdale, Mr. Vercoe, Mr. White, Mr. Lugden, Mr. Pinkis, Mr. Lumley. To Singapore: Mr. Kellock, R.N. Per P. and O. steamer, from Marseilles, September 4-To Hong Kong, via Bombay: Mr. C. I. Alford, Per P. and O. steamer, from Southampton, September 4-To Hong Kong: Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Caine and child, Miss M. Middlemist, Mr. Lucas, Lieut. Spaight. To Singapore: Mr. Isemonger. To Shanghai: Mr. K. Price. From Marseilles, September 12.-To Singapore: Mr. and Mrs. C. Heinzen, Mr. J. W. Miller. To Penang: Mr. I. Zander. To Hong Kong: Mr. and Mrs. Schonerman, The Bishop of Victoria and Mrs. Alford, Mr. C. Alford. Per P. and O. steamer, from Southampton, September 17-To Ceylon: Mr. and Mr. Add and two children, Miss Piachand. To Singapore: Mr. Hervey, Mr. Austen. From Marseilles, September 25.-To Hong Kong: Dr. C. M. Jones, Mr. B. H. Price, Mr. Leopold Kalu. To Shanghai: Mr. J. Brand. To Ceylon: Mr. Morris. Per P. and O. steamer, from Southampton, October 4-To Ceylon: Mr. G. Crowe. ================================================================================ CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 | CO129-177 - Sir Kennedy Acting Governor Austin Lieut Governor Hennessy - 1877 [1-5] 4570 10 AR 1877 D 166 W: 39. Government Ware, Wengkong, 28 February, 1877. My Lord, On the eve of my departure I have the honour to forward to Your Lordship a copy of the proposed Basis for a Convention relative to the conditions of ... under consideration for a conference ... Sir Thomas Wade's Chefoo Convention relative to the conditions of ... The Right Honorable The Earl of Derby, Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State. ================================================================================ CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 | CO129-183 - Public Offices & Others - 1878 ## Governor Sir A. Kennedy to the Earl of Carnarvon My Lord, Government House, Hong Kong, February 28, 1877. On the eve of my departure, I transmit to your Lordship a copy of the proposed basis for a conference under the conditions of Sir Thomas Wade's Chefoo Convention, relative to the "Hong Kong Blockade question." Sir Brooke Robertson's serious and protracted illness precluded me from taking any further or final steps. I am, &c. (Signed) A. E. KENNEDY. ## Inclosure 2 in No. 2 ### Proposed Basis of Settlement by Sir B. Robertson 1. With regard to the collection of duties and war-tax on vessels entering and clearing from Hong Kong, it is proposed that the Viceroy of the Two Kuang should, in conjunction with the Superintendent of Customs, Canton, appoint a fitting person as his deputy to generally superintend this matter. It is further proposed that a Customs Station shall be established, as near as possible to the boundaries of the British territory, somewhere in the neighbourhood of Kowloon, to make the levies and to issue clearances and receipts. 2. That the Viceroy of the Two Kuang shall, in conjunction with the Superintendent of Customs, Canton, appoint an Englishman as an officer to assist at the new station. The collection of duties and war-tax to be under the joint surveillance of the Chinese Wei-Yuan and Foreign Assistant, under the direction of the former. 3. After the establishment of the new station, all junks clearing from Hong Kong with cargo shall hand in a manifesto to, and pay duty at the new station, and shall receive clearances; the junk shall then be examined at Kap-si-mun, Fo-tow-chow, or Chang-chow, as the case may be, to see that the cargo corresponds with the manifest. Junks proceeding to Hong Kong shall also stop at the three stations above mentioned to have their goods examined and to be given clearances, and shall then proceed to the new duty station to pay such duties as may be due. 4. That all revenue cruizers of every description, whether steamers or sailing-junks, are to be entirely under the jurisdiction of the new duty station. These cruizers shall be supplied with a special flag, and their crews shall be dressed in a special uniform. Any junk they capture must be forwarded to the new duty station to be examined by the Deputy and Foreign Assistant, who will inquire whether she is guilty of smuggling or not. 5. That if any Chinese residing in the Colony is suspected of smuggling, a report of the circumstances shall be made to the Viceroy, who will communicate it to the Hong Kong Government. 6. If after a seizure has been effected by the new station, a complaint is lodged with the Hong Kong authorities, it shall be competent for the Colonial Government to appoint an officer to proceed to the station to make inquiries, and, in conjunction with the new duty station, to summon witnesses, jointly to investigate the matter, and settle it on a fair basis. If the British official cannot agree with the officers of the new station, and, therefore, the case cannot be settled, each must report the matter to the Hong Kong Government and the Viceroy respectively. Page 167 Page 5 Page 92 ================================================================================ CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 | CO129-183 - Public Offices & Others - 1878 ## 8: telegraph to ask for timely notice of the proposal when things come up. Conference to give me ... The enclosure was sent to me before 2356 8.4/4. So proceed at once. Mr. Herbert to meet and discuss. See the draft on this at Minutes on 2356 and 4843. The F.O. never called the conference together, & Sir ... Wede 2 725. Hack have won. Kuow left England; but whether with or without F.O. instructions upon this subject ... Refer to this letter of 6 Apr. 78. and have not been able to ascertain whether they ... Sir J. Ladd ... did so to what extent. 81.6/2/29 had better leave this inquiry private. I mentioned in the first instance, we did not begin ... Kom the walter Earlier. the d H. Zb b withiout having done anything with them. It should however be remembered that this Conference comes under an article of the Chefoo Convention of 1876 - which has now been ratified. Though we accepted the money which the Chinese were tendering for the murder of Mr. Margary - Sir Julian seems to indicate that as the Margary question is now at rest, their having been no War ... Complaints, it might be allowed to rest. This is gone Julian as against the Chinese, but it is not quite satisfactory I think. F.O. could come to an agreement, as that if the complaints begin again, our Officials might be in a position to deal with particular lines - an Extension of the Foreign Inspectorate doubtless would be the simplest & best. as we have already Louisla were disposed to concur in 39. 3967 2012- M we might suffer this 67.0. Grat 2356/78.47.0 AWW Feb 2 Yes Work Feb 23. Sent notification annexed - I saw Sir Julian Pauncefote on the 7th Feb. & understood from him that the papers have been sent to Sir J. Walsh who will return them to F.O. when we went away. ================================================================================ CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 | CO129-183 - Public Offices & Others - 1878 5 4 trading to Manila, Saigon, and the Straits Settlements, and that the Canton authorities have doubtless informed the Consul that such is the case. The Colonists, however, represent that the rates do differ, and it is not impossible that the facts have not been correctly represented to Sir Brooke Robertson, or that the collections do not agree with the Tariff. In the absence of any known Tariff, it seems scarcely possible to arrive at any certain conclusion on the subject. 6. I am to state that Lord Carnarvon approves of the proposition suggested by Sir Thomas Wade as a means of settling the difficulty, and is ready to believe that this may be done if it be possible to obtain the removal of the three obnoxious stations, or failing their removal to place them under the control of the foreign Inspectorate, the Chinese revenue would thus be materially benefited, and the Colonists relieved from the causes of their present complaint. His Lordship feels that it will be necessary to entrust the new station with the supervision no less of native exports into Hong Kong than of foreign imports into China, if any permanent good is to result from the arrangement. The complaints relate to the trade in native goods as much or even more than to the trade in foreign goods; and it appears desirable that the officials who represent British interests on this occasion should be specially directed to keep this part of the case fully before them. 7. I am to take this opportunity of transmitting a copy of a despatch from Sir Arthur Kennedy, dated the 28th February, 1877, forwarding a copy of a Memorandum (which is no doubt already in the possession of Lord Derby) by Sir Brooke Robertson, apparently founded upon the views expressed by Sir Thomas Wade to that officer on his way home from China, containing a proposed basis for the settlement of the question, and a copy of a similar Memorandum by the Government of the Colony. It will be seen that these documents are not quite the same in their terms; and as Lord Carnarvon presumes that the instructions to the British members of the Conference will be sent from the Foreign Office and this Office respectively, and will be identical, his Lordship would be glad to be favoured with the views of Lord Derby upon the relative merits of these two documents as the groundwork of such instructions. 8. I am to state that Lord Carnarvon is disposed to approve of the first two Articles of the Memorandum by Sir Brooke Robertson, and the first paragraph of the third Article on the assumption that the three stations are not to be removed; but in reference to the second paragraph of that Article his Lordship is of opinion that some greater precision would seem to be required in order to make it clear beyond any doubt that our officers are not assenting to anything like import duties into Hong Kong. Lord Carnarvon feels it right specially to allude to this point, for it is sometimes alleged that the Hoppo in his collections treats Hong Kong as part of the Province of Kwang Tung, and that the duties now levied partake of the character of imports as well as of unpaid exports. In this respect the 3rd and 4th Articles of the Memorandum of the Colonial Government appear to be judiciously conceived. 9. The 4th article of the Memorandum by Sir Brooke Robertson is, in Lord Carnarvon's opinion, quite proper; and he sees no objection to the admission of the 5th article, but it is not very clear what measures the Governor of Hong Kong is intended, or indeed would be able, to take in pursuance of any such report. The 6th and 7th articles appear to be the same in substance as the 5th and 6th articles of the Colonial Memorandum, except as to the procedure to be followed in case of the officials differing as to the decision upon any given case. It is scarcely to be expected that the Chinese Government would consent to the final decision of an English Judge, and it is clear that an appeal to any given Chinese official would be inadmissible. The Colonial proposition might perhaps be mooted with the view of being withdrawn if necessary, and Sir Brooke Robertson's proposition substituted, unless Lord Derby thinks that any third course would be preferable. For when the members of a divided Court report to their respective superiors, it would seem that the opinion of the Chinese official will in fact prevail. The alleged smuggling craft will necessarily remain under detention at the Customs Station; and previous experience has demonstrated how difficult it is to obtain the release of a junk under such circumstances. In other respects it appears to Lord Carnarvon that the Memoranda appear to contain all the material points upon which instructions are required. 10. With regard to the detention of junks by the Chinese authorities when the smuggling is not established, I am to refer you to the conduct of the Canton officials in the recent case where a junk was seized by the armed crew of a Mandarin boat hauled off the shore of the Island of Hong Kong, and carried forcibly to one of the Customs Stations, upon which subject a letter was addressed to you from this Department this 25th April, and I am to observe that the recurrence of similar acts might, in Lord Carnarvon's opinion, possibly render it necessary to consider whether the Chinese cruizers can continue to enjoy the privilege of using the harbour of Hong Kong, which has hitherto been accorded to them, in common with the ships of other Governments. His Lordship thinks that it may be desirable, in view of such a possibility, to reserve all questions as to the status of these vessels. I am, &c. My Lord, (Signed) ROBERT G. W. HERBERT. ## Inclosure 1 in No. 2. ### Governor Sir A. Kennedy to the Earl of Carnarvon Government House, Hong Kong, February 28, 1877. On the eve of my departure I transmit to your Lordship copy of proposed basis for a conference under conditions of Sir Thomas Wade's Chefoo Convention, relative to the "Hong Kong Blockade question." Sir Brooke Robertson's serious and protracted illness precluded me from taking any further or final steps. I am, &c. (Signed) A. E. KENNEDY. ## Inclosure 2 in No. 2. ### Proposed Basis of Settlement by Sir B. Robertson 1. With regard to the collection of duties and war-tax on vessels entering and clearing from Hong Kong, it is proposed that the Viceroy of the Two Kuang should, in conjunction with the Superintendent of Customs, Canton, appoint a fitting person as his deputy to generally superintend this matter. It is further proposed that a Customs Station shall be established, as near as possible to the boundaries of the British territory, somewhere in the neighbourhood of Kowloon, to make the levies and to issue clearances and receipts. 2. That the Viceroy of the Two Kuang shall, in conjunction with the Superintendent of Customs, Canton, appoint an Englishman as an officer to assist at the new station. The collection of duties and war-tax to be under the joint surveillance of the Chinese Wei-Yuan and Foreign Assistant, under the direction of the former. 3. After the establishment of the new station, all junks clearing from Hong Kong with cargo shall hand in manifesto to, and pay duty at the new station, and shall receive clearances; the junk shall then be examined at Kap-si-mun, Fo-tow-chow, or Chang-chow, as the case may be, to see that the cargo corresponds with the manifest. Junks proceeding to Hong Kong shall also stop at the three stations above mentioned to have their goods examined and to be given clearances, and shall then proceed to the new duty stations to pay such duties as may be due. 4. That all revenue cruizers of every description, whether steamers or sailing-junks, are to be entirely under the jurisdiction of the new duty station. Cruizers shall be supplied with a special flag, and their crews shall be dressed in a special uniform. Any junk they capture must be forwarded to the new duty station to be examined by the Deputy and Foreign Assistant, who will inquire whether she is guilty of smuggling or not. 5. That if any Chinese residing in the Colony is suspected of smuggling, a report of the circumstances shall be made to the Viceroy, who will communicate it to the Hong Kong Government. 6. If after a seizure has been effected by the new station a complaint is lodged with the Hong Kong authorities, it shall be competent for the Colonial Government to appoint an officer to proceed to the station to make inquiries, and, in conjunction with the new duty station, to summon witnesses, jointly to investigate the matter, and settle it on a fair basis. If the British official cannot agree with the officers of the new station, and, therefore, the case cannot be settled, each must report the matter to the Hong Kong Government and the Viceroy respectively. [92] 194 ================================================================================ CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 | CO129-196 - Public Offices & Others - 1881 RECP C. O. 5322 LCD 26 MAR 21 (No. 167.) My Lord, No. 125. Sir T. Wade to Earl Granville.-(Received February 17, 1881.) Peking, December 10, 1880. I HAVE already reported the arrival of Mr. James Angell, as Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States. As Her Majesty's Minister at Washington had informed your Lordship in his No. 114 of the 12th April last, Mr. Angell, with Mr. Swift and Mr. Trescot, had been appointed members of a Commission, the precise nature of whose functions was as yet undeclared. From the statements that had appeared in the newspapers, I was under the impression that the sole object of the Special Commission was a modification of the Burlingame Treaty, in such form as to meet the objection of the State of California to the excessive immigration of Chinese. In this I was mistaken. Mr. Angell arrived first, as I have reported, and having, after a brief visit returned to bring up his family from Chefoo, was joined by Mr. Smith and Mr. Trescot in Peking. I believe that I am correct in saying that while Mr. Angell himself represented his Government as Minister, and as such was competent to deal single-handed with all matters of current interest, his two fellow-members of the Commission held powers equal with his own to treat of all questions affecting possible change of Treaties. In this capacity they attended a Conference of the foreign Representatives of Treaty Powers present in Peking, upon the subject of taxation of imports. The Commission, so far as I can learn, succeeded in obtaining the assent of the Chinese Government to some arrangement that will improve the state of things objected to in California. But the nature of this arrangement has not as yet been divulged. Neither have the particulars of a short Commercial Treaty negotiated by the Commission. This, I believe, contains one Article that will enable Chinese steamers to enter the port of San Francisco without the special permission heretofore required. I do not vouch, however, for the exact justice of my impression. Mr. Swift and Mr. Trescot have left China for the United States. I have, &c. (Signed) THOMAS FRANCIS WADE. 137 ================================================================================ CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 | CO129-205 - Public Offices - 1882 ## C.O. 7801 ## RECE 174 ## PEGO MAY **(No. 4.) (Telegraphic.)** **Sir T. Wade to Earl Granville.—(Received February 12.)** MY telegram No. 1. Peking, February 9, 1882. Please observe that in this I use "excise" for "li-kin" and "ounces" for "taels." If Her Majesty's Government consent to increase Tariff duty on opium, Chinese Government will ask us to double present duty of 30 ounces. If Her Majesty's Government sanction the levy, by Foreign Customs, of present Tariff and excise together, Chinese Government will ask for 70 ounces excise. Grand Secretary Tso originally wanted 150 ounces excise, then came down to 120. Grand Secretary Li and the Yamén originally wanted 90, then 80, now 70. Remember that, when I signed Agreement at Chefoo, Li wanted 60 ounces excise to clear opium at the port alone, further tax being leviable inland. The excise now proposed is to clear all opium of all taxation throughout the Empire. Yamên will give any guarantee we require that nothing more shall be levied of any kind. Believing that Chinese Government had never received more than 40 ounces excise, I held out a long time for this rate, to include ports and inland taxation. Yamên declaring revenue on opium to average 6,000,000 ounces, I argued that this would still imply but an excise of 50 ounces. For this reason I refused to recommend more than 60. I have now promised to recommend 70, on condition that the whole question of internal taxation be finally settled; but I warn the Yamên, both in conference and correspondence, that it rests entirely with Her Majesty's Government to decide what course it will adopt as regards Tariff duty or excise or other arrangements. Consumption of foreign opium will not be affected even by excise of 80 ounces. Mr. Hart maintains opium could bear 90. If Her Majesty's Government elect merely to raise Tariff duty, leaving levy of excise, as hitherto, to native officers, these will, I fear, go in for higher rates than those now low. The Grand Secretary Tso, disgusted with his political failure here, has got himself made Minister Superintendent of Southern Trade. If the Central Government fix no rate of excise, he will fix rates of his own in the southern provinces. The Chinese Government lose revenue, but we shall suffer much by general disturbance of the trade. I shall therefore recommend Her Majesty's Government to sanction levy by Customs of 70 ounces excise, under conditions which involve Her Majesty's Minister of India and Hong Kong. The Colony will gain much by relief from blockade now sustained mainly to watch export of opium in Chinese crafts. As regards India, no one here, except Tso, has, from first to last, spoken of extinction of the trade. The Chinese Government is not indifferent to the moral question, but is at present very anxious to secure the revenue on opium. Whatever makes collection of this most regular will best secure the revenue of India. This is my chief reason for preferring fixed rate of excise to increase of Tariff. I am reporting fully. Please answer questions with great caution... matter stands. I have not told my colleagues how the ================================================================================ CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 | CO129-205 - Public Offices - 1882 # 153 ## 300 ### 152 I discussed the li-kin that can be made sure of once the drug emerges from the port area, and a 40 tael rate would be liberal. I was prepared for an invitation to recommend Her Majesty's Government to go as far as 50 taels. But we did not reach this point. The Grand Secretary, acting, I thought, under instructions from Peking, suddenly became, to all appearance, indifferent to further prosecution of the negotiations. I had hardly returned to Peking when my colleague, the Minister of Germany, whose Treaty revision was still incomplete, invited me as Doyen to call together all the Representatives of Treaty Powers for a Conference upon the inland taxation of trade, import and export. We were also to consider other questions affecting our Treaty relations with China, but the question of trade is that to which alone it is necessary to refer at this moment. I had myself made it a condition with the Tsung-li Yamên, before I took on me to declare the Yun-Nan affair closed in 1876, that the foreign Representatives should be invited to take up the whole of these questions. The Yamên did issue its Circular note, but without result, and I was to a certain extent in a position of disadvantage vis-à-vis the Yamên, as it was thus enabled to contend that every condition affecting trade that I had required of the Chinese Government, in the Chefoo Agreement, had been satisfied, while on our side nothing had been done. Nor would it admit that Her Majesty's Government was in any way hampered by the objection of foreign Governments to the commercial clauses of the Agreement. The Minister of Germany had demanded removal of the li-kin Collectorate from the Shanghae settlement, on the ground that its action was in contravention of Treaty. But the Yamên persisted in maintaining that this demand, so far as Shanghae was concerned, was based upon a virtual acceptance of the Chefoo Agreement, against which, as I have said, the Minister of Germany and others of my colleagues were at the very time protesting. The demand referred to had been coupled with an intimation from the Minister of Germany and his colleagues that no objection would be made to the levy of li-kin on opium within the settlement of Shanghae; but of this, I was not aware until nearly a twelvemonth had passed. The Yamên never alluded to it, and I was first informed of it by the Minister of Germany himself, in the course of a conference upon the general trade last year. Let me say here that I regard this concession to the Chinese, if concession it may be called, as a perfectly legitimate concession on the part of my colleagues concerned. Chinese, in my opinion, had as much right to lay a li-kin on opium in the settlement or any larger port area, as they had to lay upon other articles of the import trade. I merely mention it here as part of the history of the case, and as an incident, no doubt, that added to my embarrassment as a negotiator. I was not cognizant of it, for instance, for months after the conclusion of the discussion recorded in the correspondence laid before Parliament in `China No. 2(1880)`, in which I agreed to recommend, as an experiment, the collection of li-kin, together with Tariff duty, at the single port of Shanghae for a term of five years. This last-named arrangement came to nothing because I could not obtain satisfactory information either as to the amount of li-kin it was proposed to collect in the first instance, or the area of exemption from farther taxation after the first payment had been made. The year 1880, though not wholly lost to trade discussion, was much taken up with matter of graver concernment. Still, I continued to confer with the Chinese Ministers of the Tsung-li Yamên, both on the subject of the general trade in imports, and of the opium trade. The formal engagement of the American Government to prohibit all participation in this trade to American citizens, as soon as I heard of it, gave me occasion to put questions regarding the possible treatment of the trade by China. The answer, which was to the effect that neither legislation in China, nor diminution of the import from India, would lessen consumption, that in the remoralization of the individual Chinese lay the only chance of Chinese recovery, I telegraphed to your Lordship in January 1881. It was read in the House of Commons by the Marquis of Hartington. The arrival of the Grand Secretary, Tso, somewhat later, proved a fresh point of departure. He is a man of undoubted energy and tenacity, and his career during the last twenty years, either against rebels within the frontier, or revolted colonists beyond it, has gained him with all Chinese of the old school a high reputation. In the two provinces of Shên Si and Kan Su, of which he was Governor-General, it was his boast that he had made a successful crusade against both poppy cultivation and opium smokers, and in one of his first interviews with me, he declared that he had suppressed at least nine-tenths of the production and consumption of opium within his jurisdiction. This is not quite borne out by travellers who have recently visited those far-off districts. It is undoubted, at the same time, that his treatment of offenders against his interdict was rigorous in the extreme. His Excellency appeared to me none the less to approach the opium traffic on its fiscal rather than on its moral side, although the latter occupied, indeed, the more advanced place in his argument. He denounced the trade in the severest terms; but while insisting, as most Chinese statesmen, when speaking of opium, do insist, that extinction of the foreign trade in opium must precede extinction of the native trade in it, and that to this end such taxation must be laid upon it as will render its price all but prohibitory, he certainly let me see that he was not indifferent to the revenue which, with high taxation, he hoped might be derived from it. The fair thing, he argued—and it is not a new argument in China—the fair thing, on the part of the Indian Government, would be to divide its enormous profits on the opium sales with the Chinese Exchequer, share and share alike. And while affirming stoutly that as the trade had been put down in his jurisdiction, so it might and should be put down in all provinces of China, he more than admitted that native opium was regularly taxed. "Would such and such an arrangement regarding Indian opium work?" I asked his Excellency. "By no means," he replied; "we should then lose the revenue on native opium." I am here summarizing very briefly what fell from the Grand Secretary Tso on more than one occasion, before the reappearance on the scene of his distinguished colleague, the Grand Secretary Li, who paid a visit to Peking in the month of May 1881. By their own invitation, I met the two great Ministers together at the Tsung-li Yamên, when his Excellency Tso, repeating much that he said before, proposed as a uniform rate of li-kin the addition of 120 taels to the Tariff duty of 30 taels. This, I was informed, was an abatement; he had originally proposed 150 taels li-kin. We did not meet after this. His Excellency addressed a Memorial to the throne, in which he represented me as having shown great impatience and shiftiness. He allowed his paper to appear in one of the Shanghae native journals. I thought it right to challenge some of his statements about myself. I inclose copies of our correspondence, also a translation of his Memorial more carefully prepared than that which has been published in the native prints.* It is noteworthy that in this Memorial, he speaks of the rate of 40 taels li-kin originally proposed by me as but a slight rise upon the rates of collection already ruling. In the Chefoo Agreement, be it remembered, I had only tried to secure to China what she was receiving on opium. His Excellency Li proved less exacting. He began, however, with a rate of 120 taels; this he subsequently reduced to 110 taels. I was much pressed to name a rate myself; I declined. If it rested entirely with me, I said, admitting, as I did, that we owed China something under the Chefoo Agreement, I should be for an increase of the Tariff duty by one-half, the native Collectorates being left, as in time past, to get in the li-kin as they might. This arrangement, I had reason to think, would be more acceptable in the provinces than collection of a high rate of li-kin by the Customs Inspectorate. The Provincial Governments have, lawfully and unlawfully, an interest in the collection by native offices, which cannot fail to be prejudiced by the more regular intervention of the foreign Inspectorate. The revenue collected by the latter, again, may be said to stand rather to the credit of the Central Government, although it is not practically absorbed by it. These were accepted conclusions which were supported by the observations of the Grand Secretary Tso in my first conversation with him, when he declared that any system that might interfere with the collection inland of li-kin or similar imposts could not fail to discontent the Provincial Governments. My proposal, if it could be called one, to present China with a half duty, and there an end, did not meet with much encouragement. A general doubt was expressed that Her Majesty's Government would consent to it. Some attempt was made at the same time to make light of it, although I showed that, taking the opium import of 1878 as an average, it would add 1,000,000 taels to the opium revenue receipts. A high li-kin rate secured by the foreign Inspectorate was the favourite, and had the Chinese Ministers at the conference referred to adhered to what I had privately learned was their intention, of proposing 60 taels as the uniform rate, I should have recommended this to the consideration of Her Majesty's Government at once. I have omitted to observe that there was an important difference between the systems previously examined and that here under discussion. We had so far been dealing with rates that were to clear opium of li-kin at the ports only, the li-kin inland being still to be collected. *Copies of correspondence (Nos. 7-9) with the Grand Secretary Tso have been left in Peking, and will be forwarded by the next mail. Page [1703] ================================================================================ CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 | CO129-205 - Public Offices - 1882 # 303 ## 153 he discussed with him the question of raising the Tariff duty and li-kin excise upon opium, with a view to diminishing the taste for it. Nor had Thomas Wade any objection to make thereto. But, when Li Hung-chang arrived, your servant and he further discussed the matter with Thomas Wade on two occasions; Li Hung-chang having besides one separate conference with him alone; and at these conferences Thomas Wade maintained opinions at variance with those of your servants. There was a considerable change in his language (or he retracted much), and with reference to the augmentation of the price of opium, he showed as much irritation as if the change were something to be deplored. Were your servants to have agreed to a proposition he subsequently made, that 80 taels a chest should be the fixed amount [of opium taxation], this would have added little [to the present cost of the drug, and not only could it have effected nothing towards diminishing the appetite for it, but, by increasing the trade in foreign opium, it would have expanded the area of its distribution, and would have supplied an excuse for the cultivation of the poppy in the interior, and the trade in native opium. Great inconvenience also would have attended the additional levy of the li-kin. His scheme, therefore, while its proper object, namely, the increase of the duty and li-kin, would be in great part defeated, being also otherwise impracticable, your servant would propose that, in addition to the import Tariff duty of 30 taels, which will be collected as heretofore at a central port, the collection of li-kin at such central port shall be left in the hands of the Chinese authorities. A central li-kin collectorate should be established in the vicinity of this central port, and a clean-handed and capable officer of high rank should be deputed to take general control of the collection of li-kin upon foreign opium. All foreign opium, after payment of the import Tariff duty, should be allowed to be distributed for sale by the foreign merchants amongst the different ports, being deposited [on arrival at the central port] in hulks or godowns at his option. The Commissioner of Customs should then ascertain the number of chests imported, and report the same to the Central Collectorate, who should again inspect them, enter the number in a register, and affix a seal thereto. A triplicate certificate should then be drawn up, one portion of which should be retained in the Central Office as a counterfoil; one filled in and sent to the Commissioner of Customs as a means of verifying the third portion, which should be given to the foreign merchant as an authority to ship the opium for sale at any other open port. Seals should be placed on the folds of the triplicate pass, and numbers affixed, whereby the holder of any portion can check his certificate by the other portion. Thus smuggling, the mixture of foreign and native opium, and other frauds, will readily be detected at a glance. The places of sale being thus clearly defined inspection and prevention will become possible, while uniformity of rates will make it easy to ascertain the exact amount of duty and li-kin [that is collected]. The above suggestion may possibly not be out of place in connection with a scheme for increasing the duty and li-kin on opium in the hope of successfully securing a restriction of its consumption. ## vary. As regards the manner in which duties are to be increased and li-kin raised, opinions **vary**. Some maintain that the treatment should be wholesale. In other words, that [all] the extra li-kin should be collected at the central port simultaneously with the duty taken from the foreign importer. Others contend that the treatment should be separate. In other words, that, in addition to an increase of one Tariff duty to the li-kin at the central port, a further li-kin should be levied from the native dealer at the centres of sale inland. One of these two methods must be the correct one, and the right of deciding between the respective merits of each rests with the Court, foreigners having nothing whatever to do with the question. By the rules under which li-kin is now proposed to be levied, two inspections are to be made on two occasions, and herein is a vestige of the principle (cited above) under which, in the Chou dynasty, the idle agriculturist was kept in awe, and, in the Han dynasty, prohibitions against the use of wine were rigorously enforced. For every 100 catties of foreign opium will pay in all 150 taels duty and li-kin, a rate which will satisfy the requirements of principle and right. Although this amount is much lower than the tax of 100 per cent. of their value levied on local products exported from foreign countries, and of 200 per cent. levied on articles of consumption that are considered luxuries, the arrangement does not conflict with the ancient maxim, that "punishments should be sparingly used and levies lightly imposed.” As regards opium prepared from the poppy grown in China, in contravention of rule, the sale of which is extending, its use should be taxed by an increase of li-kin in the same manner as in the case of the foreign drug. As, however, the flavour of the native drug is not so rich or so strong as that of the foreign drug, it is not held in such esteem by smokers, and the price is lower than that of the latter. The increase of duty and li-kin upon it should, therefore, not be at the same rate as in the case of foreign opium, and the prohibitive principle will be complied with if it be muleted according to weight and price in the same proportion as foreign opium. The poorer classes, being then deterred by the price, will reduce their craving, and the results will be equally successful [with those predicated in the case of foreign opium]. The memorialist, in his ignorance, ventures to believe that the enforcement of strict prohibitions against the consumption of opium is a radical essential in the restriction of a popular vice and the ordering of public morality. At the present time, the ever-increasing diminution of price creates a corresponding increase of consumption, the evil effects of which become worse as they grow. And so, when prohibitive measures come to be considered, it becomes apparent that the only plan is to increase the duty and li-kin both on the foreign and on the native drug. It is not merely with the object of reaping a richer revenue that this increase is suggested. In ancient times [money] was only taken from the people within restricted limits; and, although taxation should undoubtedly incline towards the side of lightness, if the object in view is to regulate the morality of the present day on modern questions of principle, the principle involved being the prevention of the commission of what is wrong, the imposition of duty and li-kin to illustrate this prohibition cannot but lean towards the side of heaviness. When the people are purified from unclean habits, and are no longer cut off in their prime, the benefits that will spontaneously arise on the suppression of such vices will bring about results that will be apparent in the immediate future—results which will obviate the necessity of recourse to those arts by which a nation is enriched and strengthened, or to plans for securing the general welfare. The memorialist would humbly beg their Majesties the Empress and the Emperor to send down this Memorial to the Princes, Ministers, six Boards, and nine Ministries of State, with orders to consider them in Council, and to decide in what points he is right and in what wrong, submitting a statement of their views to the throne. He would further pray that the provincial high authorities and Superintendents of Customs be directed to furnish Returns of the sales of foreign opium within their respective jurisdictions, the duty and li-kin originally imposed upon it, and the loss that is at present entailed by smuggling, with the reasons. Also to submit Returns of the extent of poppy cultivation, with the quantity of prepared opium that it produces, with draft Rules as to the manner in which the two inspections are to be conducted, and propositions as to the amount of increased duty and li-kin that should be imposed. He would finally pray that they, one and all, be directed to furnish the above Reports within the space of one month from the date of the receipt of the Decree. ## Inclosure 2 in No. 76. **Sir T. Wade to the Prince of Kung.** Peking, January 13, 1882. Sir, I RETURNED from the south to Tien-tsin on the 27th November, and having exchanged visits with the Grand Secretary Li, his Excellency handed me for perusal an Imperial Decree which he had had the honour to receive on the 20th October, directing him, in concert with the Tsung-li Yamên, to consider the propositions of the Grand Secretary Tan regarding opium taxation, and to report thereon. With this intimation of the Emperor's pleasure before me, I could have no difficulty whatever in at once resuming discussion of this important question with his Excellency, and I have now the honour to submit to your Imperial Highness a summary of the propositions which it becomes my duty to lay before Earl Granville as, in my opinion, entitled to the serious consideration of Her Majesty's Government. I must be allowed in the first place to recall to your Imperial Highness' recollection the circumstances under which the taxation of opium came once more to be discussed in 1876 at Chefoo. The merchants of all nations having Treaties with China had been for years complaining that their trade was subjected inland to the imposition of taxes, especially of li-kin, in violation of Treaty engagements, and the Representatives of the Treaty Powers had in vain endeavoured to obtain for their respective mercantile communities such exemption from taxation as the Treaties, according to their interpretation of them, engaged to secure. ================================================================================ CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 | CO129-205 - Public Offices - 1882 ## 182 In the course of the present year, a number of schemes have been brought forward from different quarters. Indeed, including the arrangement contemplated in the Chefoo Agreement, and the modification of this above cited, which would have restricted operation of the clause to Shanghae for a stated period, there are, perhaps, a dozen proposals at this moment before us. There is, first, the scheme of Mr. Samuel, an English gentleman, who, in his capacity of financial agent, has had occasion to devote some attention to the opium revenue of India. In prosecution of inquiries that he desired to make, he came on to China, by way of India, last summer, provided with a letter from the Foreign Office, instructing Her Majesty's Consuls to assist him in collecting information so far as lay in their power. Mr. Samuel's idea, in few words, was to make the British Government sole proprietor of all opium produced in the world, to supply all the opium markets outside China with a certain limited quota of drug, to deposit all drug in excess of these quotas at Hong Kong, whence it was to be passed, according to the estimated requirements of the open ports, into China, under surveillance of the Maritime Customs, the purchaser paying into the Customs at the same time both the Tariff duty and a fixed rate of li-kin. Opium imported into China under these conditions would have nothing further to pay as taxation, and the sole market of the purchaser being in reality at Hong Kong, the amount of duty to be imposed upon it would be exclusively the affair of England and China. I did not bring this scheme to the knowledge of the Tsung-li Yamên, because Mr. Samuel had not been invested with any official authority, but I reported it to my Government as a scheme that appeared to me worth examination. It has been examined at the India Office, but no decision has as yet been pronounced upon it. The next project was a native monopoly. While Mr. Samuel was in the south of China, he had some communication with certain Chinese of Canton, who desired to form a Company for the sale of opium in China. Their head-quarters were to be, I believe, in Hong Kong. Their capital was affirmed to be considerable, and they were ready to guarantee to the Chinese Exchequer a large amount of revenue in exchange for the exclusive right to sell opium in China free of all taxation inland. They have since prayed the support of the Government of Hong Kong, and their petition has been forwarded by the Governor of the Colony to me. I have given it no encouragement. The value of the opium imported annually into China is some 40,000,000 taels; the revenue of the two countries, China and India, is largely concerned in the trade, and I have doubts whether, even if the amount of the capital of the Company be not overstated, it would be safe to intrust the conduct of so vast an enterprise to a local association. Its operations, it appears to me, would, at least, have to be controlled by competent official authority. To proceed. When I returned to Tien-tsin last month, I had communicated to me two other schemes, which also undoubtedly merit attention. The first is that the Chinese Government should virtually become proprietor of all British Indian opium for a term of years, to be fixed by common consent, the Government of England engaging that the production of opium in India shall be gradually reduced during that term, and that, on the expiry of the term, the export of opium from India shall wholly cease. The price to be paid per picul to the Indian Government would be fixed, either once a-year or at longer intervals, by agreement, and the payment agreed to would be made either at Hong Kong or in India, as might be agreed, and either through an official agency or a privileged Company. These, if I have not misunderstood the Grand Secretary Li and the Tao-tai Ma, are, more or less, the conditions lately submitted to a high officer of the Indian Government by the Tao-tai Ma, who, by order of the Grand Secretary Li, had proceeded to India on a private mission to obtain information regarding opium. The second scheme is little more than a modification of the above, the chief addition of importance being the provision of a means of payment of the revenue promised to the Government of India during a term of years in consideration of the engagement, should it be accepted, to extinguish its interest in the opium trade within that term. The scheme would work thus:- An official Agency, representing both Governments, being established in Calcutta and Bombay, would buy all opium leaving India for China. Cheques for the estimated value, at a rate agreed to, drawn on a stated bank, also duly appointed to act for both Governments, would be handed by the Agent of the Chinese Government to the Agent for the British Government. These cheques cashed, the Treasury of India would claim no farther interest in the opium exported. The opium would be consigned to a second official Agency established at Hong Kong, in whose keeping it would remain until it might be sold in Hong Kong or at the ports; the price charged covering the advance of the bank in India, plus the duty imposed upon the opium by the Chinese Government. The Agency, as the sales were effected, would repay the bank the money paid by it to the Government of India; the bank necessarily retaining a lien upon the opium deposited at Hong Kong until the completion of these sales. This is the substance of an arrangement laid by a foreign agent before the Grand Secretary Li, and communicated to me by his Excellency. ## 133 There remain to be noticed the proposition of the Grand Secretary Tso, who would levy, in addition to the Tariff duty of 30 taels collected by the Maritime Customs, a uniform rate of 120 taels, that is to say, a total sum of 150 taels; and the kindred proposition of the Grand Secretary Li himself, who would fix the li-kin rate at 80 taels, in addition to the Tariff duty, would levy, that is to say, a total of 110 taels; the whole in this case to be collected through the Maritime Customs. These propositions were brought forward by the Tsung-li Yamên last summer, and while I was at Tien-tsin, the Grand Secretary Li forwarded me a Memorandum in three Articles regarding the collection of the impost should his own proposal be adopted:- 1. The sum of 110 taels being collected at the port of entry by the Maritime Customs, opium is to be thenceforward free of all charge whatever, and any official found to be levying li-kin upon it is to be punished. 2. All opium brought from India being deposited at Hong Kong, an official Agency of the Chinese Government is to be established at Hong Kong for the purpose of surveillance, the Government of India and the Government of Hong Kong being instructed by the Government of Her Majesty to keep this Agency informed of the shipment and arrival of the drug, the duty on which is to be collected either at Hong Kong or at the ports to which it is consigned, according as the Hong Kong Government and the high officer at the head of the Chinese Agency shall agree. The Governments of India and Hong Kong are to engage to do all in their power to prevent smuggling. 3. When the sanction of the Governments of England and China shall have been given, the Opium Clause of the Chefoo Agreement is to be cancelled. These arrangements are to be tried under provisional regulations. As regards the establishment of a uniform rate, I have been at some pains, in past discussions, to prove that a li-kin of 50 taels being added to the Tariff duty, the Chinese Government would receive a larger sum than the total of its revenue on foreign opium as at present estimated. In a Conference held last May at the Tsung-li Yamên, in which, I think, the Grand Secretary Li himself took part, the Ministers present maintained that the opium revenue was estimated at 6,000,000 taels; but from this they allowed that there would have to be deducted a charge of 10 per cent. for expense of collection, while it was farther admitted that the duty on no small amount of opium that ought to pay duty was evaded. Taking the import of the year 1878 as an average year, I pointed out that with a charge of 50 taels li-kin, plus 30 taels Tariff, per picul, the exact sum of 6,000,000 taels would be attained; that as this, if the provisions of the Chefoo Agreement were to be abided by, would be paid through the Maritime Customs, the expense of collection, as at present conducted through the opium li-kin offices, would be saved. Lastly, that by an understanding with the Government of Hong Kong, not only might evasion of the li-kin at other places be rendered impossible, but revenue might be collected on a great deal of opium that now never reaches the open ports at all. I have argued that, when the Chefoo Agreement was signed in 1876, no higher li-kin than 40 taels was exacted at any ports except Foochow and Amoy, at which ports, precisely because the li-kin rate was so high, the import was comparatively small. The country in rear of these ports was supplied from other quarters, and at these ports themselves much of the li-kin due on the opium imported was admittedly evaded. At some ports, again, the li-kin in 1876 was considerably below 40 taels. Against this, the Grand Secretary Li has upheld that the rates I refer to were merely the rates ruling at the ports of entry, and that I have overlooked the inland taxation of opium. I do not forget the liability of opium to inland taxation, but I am satisfied from the testimony of Chinese officials and Chinese of business experience, that once an article so easily concealed as the foreign drug begins to travel inland, its further taxation is but imperfectly assured, and consequently insignificant. Unless I am misinformed, in many provinces the opium, after passing the first li-kin collectorate, is franked by a particular badge or ticket throughout the province. I have therefore urged, and I still hold, that a uniform rate of 50 taels li-kin per picul, even were no larger quantity of opium to be imported annually than in the year 1878, would raise the revenue on British Indian opium not only to 6,000,000 taels, the Tsung-li Yamên's estimate of what it is entitled to receive, ## 305 ================================================================================ CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 | CO129-205 - Public Offices - 1882 170 309 because the withdrawal of other foreign Powers, which point, it was hoped, might one day be attained, would deprive England of an argument which I have used, I need hardly say in perfect good faith, in favour of a satisfactory settlement of the question of taxation of the general trade inland. Although India is the chief field of opium production, it has been repeated *ad nauseam*, every Treaty Power, except the three above named, still keeps opium in its Tariff, and is free to claim for its merchants the right to import, house, and sell opium, without payment of a penny more than the Tariff duty of 30 taels. It follows, therefore, that supposing the Chinese Government, unable to adopt any scheme, such as that I believe it to be at this moment considering, a scheme that would possibly make it independent of other Governments, it will fall back upon the joint collection of Tariff duty and li-kin by the Customs Inspectorate. It will then first have to agree with Her Majesty's Government as to the amount of the rate to be agreed to; then, to induce the other Treaty Powers, who have not deprived themselves of the right to trade in opium, to adhere to the arrangement accepted by Her Majesty's Government. I was in hopes, when I telegraphed to your Lordship some time since, that the taxation of trade question was nearer solution than it proves to be. I shall not here say more. I do not despair of a solution, and its postponement notwithstanding, I feel I am no longer at liberty to defer transmission of the Report so frequently promised. Assuming it to be as likely as not that a uniform rate will have to be named, it is on the point of its amount that I beg now to urge Her Majesty's Government to decide. In the interest of the Indian Government I support a liberal rate. Believing that the Chinese Government, though entitled to more, never did really receive more than 40 taels li-kin a picul, while on some 20,000 piculs it received nothing at all, I considered that a rate of 50 taels on all opium brought to Hong Kong, the quality heretofore unaccounted for paying equally with the rest, would have been worth its acceptance. After two years' incessant debate, I have found 60 taels, the minimum offer which, in any responsible official's opinion it would be worth the while of the Chinese Government to close with. I believe that this would have been assented to last summer had I named it. But in face of the Grand Secretary Tso's sweeping propositions, and the averment, on the other side, that the opium revenue was estimated at 6,000,000 taels, less expense of collection and loss by smuggling, I declined to go above 50 taels. The late addition to the 60 tael rate of 20, but since reduced to 10, taels, is a concession, I am persuaded, to the Grand Secretary Tso. It must be for Her Majesty's Government to decide which rate, if any, it will consent to. Sir Robert Hart contends that the drug will bear 90 taels li-kin, a total burden that is of 120 taels. I cannot suppose that so large an increase of taxation would not injuriously affect the revenue of India. I think 70 taels, nay 60 taels, a liberal rate, and the greater the benefit secured to the Chinese Government from this impost, the more secure, in my belief, will the revenue of India be from disturbing action on the part of the Chinese Government. As regards the Chefoo Agreement, it must be borne in mind, as I have mentioned before, that the high rate proposed when this was signed was to have cleared opium at the port only. Inland of the port, it would be impossible to say how soon, a native Collectorate would have been free to tax it. It is at the port of import, of course, that its taxation is of chief importance. Of all merchandise opium is the most easily smuggled in small quantities, but the larger consignments would not similarly escape any charge to which they might be liable on an inland route. The uniform rate now proposed once paid, the Tsung-li Yamên is prepared to guarantee exemption of the drug from all further taxation of any description. The security for fulfilment of this promise appears to me very simple; an understanding that, if it be not kept, we return at once to the conditions of the Treaty of 1858. I have not the slightest apprehension of a counter-movement; of a retaliatory interdict suddenly laid upon the trade. The Chinese Government knows that it would be utterly futile. On the other part, the power of diminishing the revenue, if faith were broken, is entirely in our hands, and the Chinese Government, I feel sure, will not lightly cast away an increase of income, at the lowest, of from 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 taels. Whatever arrangement be eventually consented to will, I presume, take the place of that recommended in the Chefoo Agreement. This, I trust, may then be formally ratified. It will be observed that I have made no reference to the possible extinction of the interest of the Indian Government in the opium trade within a term of years. I shall submit what I have to say to your Lordship on this subject in the following despatch. I have, &c. THOMAS FRANCIS WADE. (Signed) (No. 41.) My Lord, No. 79. Sir T. Wade to Earl Granville.--(Received August 3.) Peking, June 8, 1882. I HAVE the honour to inclose copies of my correspondence with the Grand Secretary Tso, referred to in my despatch No. 38 of the 3rd instant, which by mistake I had not carried with me to Tien-tsin. Sir, I have, &c. (Signed) THOMAS FRANCIS WADE. Inclosure 1 in No. 79. Sir T. Wade to Grand Secretary Tso. Peking, August 2, 1881. I HASTEN to acknowledge your Excellency's reply of 1st instant to my note of the 23rd July. It appears to me that I must have failed to make my meaning perfectly clear to your Excellency when we met at the Tsung-li Yamên, and that I have been equally unsuccessful in the explanations submitted to your Excellency in the note to which I have now received your reply. But I will not take up more of your Excellency's time. My chief object in writing was to prove to you that I had not been guilty of shifting my ground ("fan fu") as the Memorial addressed to the throne in your Excellency's single name, I regretted to observe, had represented. Sir, (Signed) THOMAS FRANCIS WADE. Inclosure 2 in No. 79. Sir T. Wade to Grand Secretary Tso. Peking, July 23, 1881. IN the *Shên Pao* newspaper published at Shanghae on the 29th June last, a paper is printed which purports to be a Memorial laid before the throne by your Excellency on the subject of opium taxation, in the course of which reference is made to myself in the following words:- "Your servant having been honoured by the command of your Majesty to take cognizance of foreign affairs, was of course not free to decline the responsibility, and when (in discharge of it) he received the British Minister Wei T'o-ma (Thomas Wade), he discussed with him the question of raising the Tariff duty and li-kin excise upon opium, with a view to diminishing the taste for it. Nor had Thomas Wade any objection to make thereto. But when Li Hung-chang arrived, your servant and he further discussed the two occasions; Li Hung-chang having besides one separate conference with him alone; and at these conferences Thomas Wade maintained there was a considerable change in his opinions at variance with those of your servants. The language (or he retracted much), and with reference to the augmentation of the price of opium, he showed as much irritation as if the change were something to be deplored. "Were your servants to have agreed to a proposition he subsequently made that 80 taels a chest should be the fixed amount (of opium taxation), this would have added little (to the present cost of trading), and not only would it have effected nothing towards diminishing the appetite for it, but by increasing the trade in foreign opium, it would have expanded the area of its distribution, and would have supplied an excuse for the cultivation of the poppy in the interior, and the trade in native opium. Great inconvenience also would have attended the additional levy of the li-kin. "His scheme, therefore, while its proper object, namely, the increase of the duty and li-kin would be in great part defeated, being also otherwise impracticable." As the *Shên Pao* cannot be regarded like the "Peking Gazette" as a publication possessing official authority, it is, of course, possible that the paper to which I am directing attention may not be genuine. If this be the case, it will be my duty to apologize for having troubled your Excellency upon the subject. If the paper be genuine, I shall have done no harm by remarking that the statement of what has fallen from me on the subject... ================================================================================ CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 | CO129-211 - Governor Sir Bowen - 1883 [8-9] 16. On his way to England, in the end of 1876, Sir THOMAS WADE addressed a letter to Governor KENNEDY, 29th November, 1876, stating what he had done with a view to relieve the junk trade of the Colony from the continual harassing searches of the Chinese Cruisers of which it complained. In that letter he nominates Sir BROOKE ROBERTSON as the Consular Commissioner under the Convention, and proceeds to point out that the remedy most desired by the Colony, namely, the publication of a tariff at the three Stations, would do little to relieve the pressure on the trade. "I am persuaded," he states, "that as long as the Stations in question remain where they are, their action will be always vexatious, often, perhaps, unjust." But he adds, what was never denied, that the Chinese Authorities have a right to place them where they are. His remedy is "to get rid of the obnoxious Stations," and to invite the establishment of a Branch of the Foreign Customs Inspectorate either in a hulk in the harbour, or at a Station upon the shore of China forming the North side of the port, east of the Colony's ground on the Kau-lung promontory. Sir THOMAS WADE preferred the latter alternative. 17. Sir THOMAS WADE assumes that the Tariff would be the same as the Tariff of 1858, under the Treaty of Tientsin, which is the Tariff for British-ship-carried goods, and that likin on opium might be levied at the same time. The junk trade, he says, would gain by having Foreign instead of Native inspection. "The Cruiser service would of course still be required, but the offensiveness would be diminished, and the Colony and the Provincial Government would be spared 90 per cent. of the irritating discussions." 18. In brief, Sir THOMAS WADE states:---The publication of a Tariff which you want would serve you little, but get rid of the three Stations, and let a Branch of the Foreign Inspectorate, situate outside the boundary, control everything, give the Chinese Government help by seeing that junks entering and leaving the harbour go and pay duty; and let them keep the Cruisers. 19. On this letter Sir ARTHUR KENNEDY wrote a minute, recording his own personal views, and the instructions which he thought the Hongkong Commissioner should receive. He had at one time thought of a Branch of the Foreign Inspectorate, even in the Colony, but he abandoned that idea as interfering with the prestige of the Government. (See Proceedings of Council, 7th July, 1876.) His personal views under date of 2nd December, 1876, are thus recorded:------ "Points for Colonial Officer to insist on":- “(1.) Authenticated publication of Tariff by Chinese Government.” (2.) Where and to whom the duties so fixed are to be paid. (3.) A mixed tribunal of officers of the Chinese and Hongkong Government to be appointed for the investigation of all disputed cases of seizure, such court to be open and their proceedings duly recorded. 20. If these conditions were accepted, the Governor, "in proof of good faith, and to discourage law-breakers," was prepared to recommend that any breach of Chinese Customs laws should be investigated before a Magistrate, and if a prima facie case were proved, that rendition should be made to the Chinese Government. 21. I had the honour of being selected by Sir ARTHUR KENNEDY to represent the Hongkong Government, and had therefore full opportunity of knowing His Excellency's opinions. The essential requirements, in the Governor's view, were the publication of a fixed tariff, and a mixed tribunal with duly recorded proceedings. 22. In pursuance of the Chefoo arrangement, and as one of the Commissioners, Sir BROOKE ROBERTSON drew up 7 propositions as a basis of conference on the Blockade question (Appendix 4.) They were discussed at a meeting of Executive Council attended by the un-official members of the Legislative Council and myself, but not approved of, as the new Station was considered an additional burden without any corresponding advantage to the trade. 23. Counter propositions were drawn up by the Government as a basis of conference, and, as appears from a despatch of Governor HENNESSY to the Secretary of State, that basis was sent to Sir BROOKE ROBERTSON. A good deal of discussion subsequently took place as to whether the un-official members of Council, Mr. Lowcock and Mr. KESWICK, assented to the Hongkong basis. At all events the illness of Sir BROOKE in January prevented any meeting of the Commission from taking place, and Sir ARTHUR KENNEDY wrote to that effect on the 28th February, 1877, forwarding at the same time to the Secretary of State the two proposals. The Hongkong Government proposal is annexed (Appendix B.) History of the Blockade question under Governor Hennessy, from 1877. 24. Sir JOHN POPE HENNESSY arrived in April, 1877, as Governor of the Colony, and an opportunity was soon afforded to him of dealing with a case of smuggling which occurred in the time of Sir ARTHUR KENNEDY, but the discussion of which with the Canton Government had not been completed. It was as follows :--- 25. In 1876 a Junk with Opium had been fired upon in British waters by a Revenue Cruiser, dragged from the coast at Cape d'Aguilar, and towed to the Fat-tau Mun Station. The Junk had a large quantity of Opium on board. Sir ARTHUR KENNEDY demanded the restoration of the Junk and Cargo, an apology from the Viceroy, and dismissal of the Officer in charge of the Cruiser who had thus invaded our waters and territory. It was June or July, 1877, before the Opium was restored and compensation allowed for the forfeited and sold Junk. Governor HENNESSY resolved not to give up the Opium and Cargo to the owners, because the Junk had left the anchorage without a proper clearance, and from that time forward, with the view of assisting the Chinese in the collection of their duties, His Excellency gave instructions that, in case of complaints by Hongkong Junks of seizures either in the waters of the Colony or outside, inquiry should in the first instance be made whether the Junk had properly cleared as required by the Harbour and Coasts Ordinance 6 of 1866-an Ordinance which was established for putting down piracy, rampant at that time, the Harbour itself being quite a rendezvous for piratical craft. (See Sir R. G. MACDONNELL'S despatch forwarding the Ordinance to Secretary of State, and the Attorney General's (me) opinion on the Ordinance, shewing that 3 Foreign vessels had been followed from the Harbour and attacked outside, No. 111 of 28th August, 1866.) If the Junk had been guilty of any infringement for not reporting or obtaining a clearance, the Master was to be charged, and forfeiture of Junk and Cargo took place. This, of course, was a strong measure, and the Governor soon reported to the Colonial Office that complaints had ceased. The Secretary of State sanctioned the employment of this Ordinance for the suppression of smuggling, although the pains and penalties of forfeiture were only intended to attach to breaches of Harbour Regulations where piracy was in contemplation. The undersigned ventures with very great respect to think that if the Colonial Office had been made fully 451 ================================================================================ CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 | CO129-248 - Public Offices & Others - 1890 4 colleague, with the approval of his Government, has been supporting those interests.' The India Office, however, adhered to their view, March 5, 1889, and on the 16th March we telegraphed to Sir J. Walsham explaining why they did so. Sir J. Walsham, No. 27, Telegraphic, Sir J. Walsham, in reply, telegraphed a summary of the modifications desired by Russia, and stated that his attitude in supporting them was in the interest of the Companies. October 10, 1889. But before the receipt of this telegram Sir J. Pender, October 4, 1889, wrote enumerating certain modifications which the Company were prepared to agree to, and which would, he thought, satisfy both Russia and India. The India Office gave a general assent to these proposals, and Sir J. Walsham was instructed to give them a general support at their approaching discussion at Chefoo. India Office, October 19, 1889. To Sir J. Walsham, No. 32, Telegraphic, October 20, 1889. On the 29th October, however, Sir J. Pender informed us that they were not put forward at the Chefoo Conference. The Russians decided that the negotiators were to confine themselves to making the arrangements necessary for the out-payments in Europe being defrayed by China out of her proportion of the tariff; that Article 13 of the original Agreement was to be left as amended by Russia; and that Article 9 was not to be discussed for the present. An agreement was arrived at on this basis, subject to the approval of the British and Russian Ministers, the Viceroy Li, the Tsung-li Yamên, and the two Companies. The following is a copy of the original Agreement, in which the proposed amendments are printed in italics :- "An Agreement entered into the 10th day of August, 1887, between the Imperial Chinese Telegraph Company (hereinafter called the 'Administration') of the one part, and the Great Northern Telegraph Company of Copenhagen, and the Eastern Extension, Australasia, and China Telegraph Company (Limited) (hereinafter called the 'Companies') of the other part. "Whereas the Administration intend to connect the Chinese telegraph system with the telegraph lines of adjacent countries in telegraphic communication with Europe; and "Whereas the Companies have already established such connections by means of their direct cable routes vià Russia and via India; and "Whereas, by the basis of Agreement signed on the 7th July, 1887, at Chefoo, the Administration and the 'Companies, in order to avoid competition and establish friendly co-operation, have agreed upon certain principles to effect this end; and "Whereas it has been agreed that the said basis of agreement shall be annulled, and shall be superseded by these presents; and "Whereas it has been proposed that the Administration and the Companies shall enter into the Agreement hereinafter contained, and it is intended that such Agreement shall be construed with reference to and so as to effectuate the aforesaid objects of the Administration and the Companies. "Now it is hereby agreed as follows: "Article 1. All the traffic exchanged between any part of China (excepting the three ports, Shanghae, Foochow, and Amoy) on the one side, and Europe (Russia excepted) and countries beyond Europe on the other side, and vice versa, transmitted by the land lines of the Administration, whether via the land frontiers or via the cables of the Companies, shall belong to the Administration. "For the traffic named in this Article the Administration shall fix a terminal rate of 5 fr. 50 c. per word, which shall belong to the Administration. "Art. 2. The Administration shall fix a terminal rate of 5 fr. 50 c. per word for all traffic exchanged by the land lines of the Administration via the land frontiers between Hong Kong, Amoy, Foochow, and Shanghae on the one side, and Europe (Russia excepted) and countries beyond Europe on the other side, which shall belong to the Companies, subject to the payment of percentage named in Article 4. "Art. 3. The Companies shall fix their proportion of the tariff on traffic exchanged between Hong Kong, Amoy, Foochow, and Shanghae on the one side, and Europe (Russia excepted) and countries beyond Europe on the other side, and vice versa, by their direct cable routes vià Russia (Siberia) and viâ India at 5 fr. 50 c. per word, which shall belong to the Companies, subject to the payment of percentage named in Article 4. "Art. 4. The proceeds of all traffic exchanged, whether by the cables of the Companies, or by the land lines of the Administration, between Hong Kong, Amoy, Foochow, and Shanghae on the one side, and Europe (Russia excepted) and countries beyond Europe on the other side, and vice versa, shall belong to the Companies, who shall pay to the Administration 10 per cent. of their proportion of the tariff on traffic exchanged between Shanghae, Foochow, and Amoy, on the one side, and Europe (Russia excepted) and countries beyond Europe on the other side, and vice versa. "Art. 5. If the traffic described in Article 1 be transmitted via the Companies' cables, the Companies shall not charge for such transmission, provided that the land lines of the Administration be not interrupted for more than sixty days during any one foreign calendar year, but out of the Administration's proportion mentioned in the preceding 5 343 [180] 0 ================================================================================ CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 | CO129-271 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1896 [1-4] ## Minute by the Honorary General, Hon: W. M. Goodman. 537 Since my previous minute in `C.O. 12917` of 1895 dated 11th October 1895, the draft ordinance of 6th October 1895 has been considerably amended and some extra letters have been received from the Consuls (Mr. Jamieson, Mr. Sims, and M. Stopford, Acting Consul at Chefoo) which have been considered in the amendments. I have now the honour to submit the amended draft of 18th January 1896 which has been considered in conference by Commander Rowley R. N. (the Harbour Master and Immigration Officer of Hong Kong), Consul Brenan, Captain G. G. Short, and myself. You will observe that... Page 540 Page 541 ================================================================================ CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 | CO129-351 - Public Offices - 1908 3 445 of the province. Bishop Cassels says: "There is a very remarkable decrease in the amount of land placed under opium cultivation this autumn. This is, I think, not the result of any fresh official action, but is due to the fear that impending heavy taxation will render opium growing unprofitable." Dr. Smith, of the Canadian Methodist Mission, Yung Hsien, states: "In this district I am sure that not more than one-third of the total area has been planted with poppy this autumn. Yung Hsien is an important opium-growing district, and formerly quite two-thirds of the whole area was under cultivation." Dr. J. R. Cox, of the same mission, writes of the Jen Shou district: "I notice a marked decrease in the area under cultivation this year." With regard to my second impression, I quote Mr. Faers, of the China Inland Mission at Suifu, an old resident and keen observer. He says: "There is certainly less land under poppy this year. I attribute this entirely to the vigorous action taken by our new District Magistrate." Dr. Parker, of the London Mission at Chungking, informs me that the Pa Hsien Magistrate has "practically stamped out the poppy in the Chungking district." This is confirmed by Mr. Bristow in his Report No. 12 of the 5th December last: "I was surprised to find no trace of poppy cultivation on the right bank of the river (i.e., in the neighbourhood of Chungking), where last year the greater proportion of the available land was producing opium." On the other hand, at Kuan Hsien, where the local official is an opium smoker, the missionary reports that no attention has been paid to the Proclamation ordering a reduction of cultivation. In support of my third impression, namely, that a decrease of cultivation in one district may mean an increase in another, I again quote Mr. Faers. He writes, after referring to the reduction in the neighbourhood of Suifu: "I must admit that between Tzu Chou and Chengtu (on the road from Suifu to the capital) the poppy was universal." And Mr. Davey, who recently visited Chiang Ching Hsien, a district adjoining the Pa Hsien above referred to, tells me that opium is being cultivated in that district in increased quantities this year. Turning now to the restrictions placed by the Chinese authorities on opium smoking, I have to state that, to the best of my knowledge, these exist at the present time only in name and not in reality. The preparation of opium has been made a Government monopoly, effective in Chengtu and the larger cities, only partially so in the smaller towns and country places; otherwise the opium smoker can obtain the drug as easily and almost as cheaply now as he could a year ago. To take Chengtu as an example: there is no registration of opium smokers; any one may go into an official opium divan and obtain as much opium as he requires; police control of these establishments appears to be purely nominal; opium is provided as heretofore in the inns, restaurants, and houses of ill fame; opium ash is still hawked about the streets, not so openly as formerly, but quite as generally; the opium refuges established in various parts of the city stand empty. Reports from missionaries in the interior indicate a similar state of affairs. Opium dens reopened, no official supervision, no registration of smokers, prices slightly raised owing to taxes imposed on dens and boiling shops, is the tale most of my correspondents have to tell. Mr. Crabtree, of the Church Missionary Society, who recently made a tour in North-Western Szechuan, writes: "In no single case could I find the slightest attempt being made to check opium smoking. At Maochou (on the Chengtu-Sungpan road) dens are all closed, but opium can be freely bought and smoked in the inns. In many places I asked smokers if they had their opium licences, but in every case the answer was in the negative." One is therefore forced to the conclusion that the local officials, as a body, are doing little or nothing to assist the movement for the eradication of the use of opium in this province. They doubtless take their cue from the Viceroy and his advisers in Chengtu, who, as their term of office will shortly expire on the arrival of the new Viceroy, are naturally disinclined to take any drastic measures, possibly involving a collision with agricultural interests, at the present juncture. The approaching change of Administration may also account for the fact that the Acting Viceroy appears to have made no serious attempt to weed out the many notorious opium-smoking officials holding office in the province. While opium smokers are debarred from teaching in schools or holding commands in the new army and police force, territorial officials, more especially District Magistrates, who are known to be habitual opium smokers are retained at their posts and even receive promotion. I select two examples from several that have come under my notice. Mao Yu Lin, the notorious opium-smoking Prefect of Suifu, more than once referred to in my reports, who should long ago have been cashiered for his inability to break off the opium habit—he has, I am informed, endeavoured to cure himself and is in consequence little better than a mental and physical wreck—has recently been appointed Director of the new arsenal at Chengtu. At Wei Yuan Hsien the Magistrate is unable to attend to the duties of his office because of the opium habit; in the adjoining sub-district of Kung Ching, the Assistant Magistrate in charge, also a heavy smoker, has recently been appointed District Magistrate and transferred to a more lucrative post. There is happily a brighter side to the picture. The movement against opium among all classes of the people of this province is undoubtedly slowly but surely growing. There is a consensus of opinion on the part of those, both native and foreign, who are best qualified to judge that opium smoking is on the decrease. This applies more particularly to Chengtu and Chungking, cities where an enlightened public opinion is able to make itself felt in a more forcible manner than elsewhere. In 1904 Sir Alexander Hosie, in his Report on the Province of Szechuan, estimated the number of male opium smokers in this city at 50 per cent. of the adult male population. Replies that I have received to inquiries on this point agree in fixing the proportion at the present time at not more than one in four, or 25 per cent. The proportion of women smokers is estimated at from 10 to 12 per cent., as compared with Sir Alexander Hosie's former estimate of 20 per cent. More than one recent traveller has mentioned to me the growing demand for opium "remedies to cure the drug habit." Mr. Crabtree, above referred to, writes: "I am constantly being asked for medicine." Another missionary mentions that opium pills are in great demand among the country people at his station, and Dr. Smith, of Yung Hsien, tells me that on a recent occasion thirty people from one village came in and asked him to cure them of opium smoking. They were, as is usually the case, disinclined to undergo treatment, and greatly disappointed when the doctor told them that he had no sovereign remedy for opium in the shape of pill or powder. A Delegate from Chiating, an opium-ridden city, informed the Conference that his Mission had offered to assist the local authorities by opening opium refuges under foreign medical superintendence, but that the offer had been politely but firmly declined. One or two other Delegates related similar experiences. This confirms my opinion, expressed in a former report, that the Chinese do not want, and will not accept, foreign assistance in this matter. It would be well if some of the more enthusiastic but less experienced members of the Protestant missionary body in Szechuan would realize this fact and devote less time and attention to the furtherance of what they term the "anti-opium crusade." I have, &c. (Signed) HARRY FOX. Inclosure 2 in No. 1. Précis of Reports respecting the Opium Movement. Chefoo. TOWARDS the close of 1907 an official Prepared-opium Bureau was opened, which consisted of a body of merchants intrusted not only with the opium trade generally in and around Chefoo, but who were also accorded the exclusive right or monopoly to manufacture and sell prepared opium. The Bureau thus became practically the depository of all opium, raw and prepared, in Chefoo, having the right to take over all opium it required at a fair market price. As a result of representations in the matter, the Taotai has promised to alter the Regulations so as to exclude foreign opium. Chinkiang. The opium dens in the British Concession have, as already reported, been closed. In regard to the opium shops in the Concession, the 1908 licences are revocable at any moment should circumstances render such action necessary, and will not be renewed for 1909. In the Provinces of Hupei, Hunan, Shensi, Shansi, and Kansu Proclamations continue to be issued at intervals, without producing much effect, and the general... ================================================================================ CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 | CO129-351 - Public Offices - 1908 2 terminal Chefoo telegrams written in Kana, and Japanese Government telegrams exchanged with the stations in the Japanese telegraph system. 2. Japan agrees to close all telegraph stations in Manchuria except those in the railway area and towns in the vicinity which are open to foreign commerce. 3. Japan agrees to pay China a royalty on telegrams transmitted solely over the railway lines and the Japanese connecting lines. These are more favourable terms than Japan has hitherto offered, doubtless due to the action of the British Foreign Office, and Mr. Dresing considers that a basis of agreement on these lines may possibly be arranged. He understands that telegrams accepted at the Japanese offices in Manchuria will be confined to local telegrams exchanged between Japanese Railway offices and terminal telegrams exchanged with Japan. Until Japan defines the class of traffic which she stipulates shall be transmitted over the Sasebo Dalny and Dalny--Chefoo cables, we are unable to say to what extent our interests would be affected by an agreement based on the above proposals. Mr. Dresing does not propose to conclude an agreement until after the Telegraph Conference at Lisbon has taken place, as he considers it advisable first to discuss details with the other parties concerned. Mr. Dresing and Mr. Chow Wan Pang have been appointed to represent China unofficially at the Conference. They are leaving for Lisbon in a few weeks hence, and will there meet Japan's Delegates and the representatives of the two Companies. Prolonged negotiations have taken place at Tôkiô between the Northern Company and the Japanese Administration. The Northern Company agreed to withdraw their protest against the laying of the Sasebo-Dalny cable, and to give their consent to the laying of the cable between Dalny and Chefoo, subject to China's consent being obtained, provided that Japan would enter into an arrangement regarding terminal traffic exchanged between China and Japan. The negotiations have, however, been fruitless, and are now in abeyance, owing to the unreasonable terms demanded by Japan. Russo-Chinese Convention. A new Telegraph Convention between Russia and China was concluded in October 1907, in which Russia agreed- 1. To hand over to China all telegraph landlines erected by Russia in Manchuria other than railway landlines; 2. To pay China a royalty on telegrams transmitted over the Russian Railway landlines in Manchuria; 3. That telegrams transmitted over the Russian Railway telegraph lines shall be confined to terminal telegrams exchanged between Manchuria and Russia. Telegrams for Europe and America accepted at the Russian Railway offices in Manchuria will be handed over to the nearest Chinese telegraph station. 4. That the Russian Railway telegraph lines will not exchange with the Japanese Railway lines any other than service telegrams. As Japan still retains ten telegraph offices in Manchuria outside the railway area, Russia is now dissatisfied with the terms of the above-stated Convention, and has recently given China twelve months' notice of her intention to determine the same. We have not a copy of this Convention. Agreement between Germany and China. An Agreement made between Germany and China came into force in July 1907, whereby it was agreed: 1. That when both of the Chinese Administration's cables between Chefoo and Taku are in working order, one of the said cables will be placed at the disposal of the German post offices at Chefoo and Peking for four periods of thirty minutes each day for the transmission of bona fide German Government telegrams. When one cable is interrupted, the time will be reduced to two periods of thirty minutes. 2. During the interruption of one of the German Administration's cables, the Chinese Administration will transmit German Government telegrams free of charge between Shanghae and Chefoo. 3. During the interruption of the Chinese Administration's Shanghae-Chefoo cable, the German Administration will place the Shanghae-Tsingtau-Chefoo cable at the disposal of the Chinese Administration, provided that the cable is not occupied by special German traffic. In such cases a fixed charge will be paid to the German Administration for all traffic transmitted over the said cable, excepting Chinese Government telegrams and telegrams terminating in China and exchanged between China, on the one side, and Europe, America, and Russia, on which no charge will be levied. 4. The German Administration undertakes not to fix lower rates for their Shanghae-Tsingtau-Chefoo cable than those established by the Chinese Administration. They further undertake not to compete with the Administration, and to pay the latter half of their receipts for all traffic exchanged by their cable between Shanghae and Chefoo originating and terminating at these places. The Chinese Administration have communicated to us several extracts from the Chinese-German Agreement, but we have not a copy of the Agreement. Negotiations between France and China. The Convention made between France and China in 1888 for the exchange of telegrams between the Tonquin and Chinese land lines has been prolonged by a supplementary Article signed on the 31st December, 1907, which contains a clause to the effect that the Convention can be terminated by either party on giving six months' notice. The protracted negotiations concerning the French cable from Tourane to Amoy have been fruitless, and are at present in abeyance owing to France maintaining her demand for permission to extend the cable from Amoy to Shanghae, a demand to which China has declined to accede on the grounds that there is no necessity for such a cable, which would be a competing line with the Administration's land line, and that if it should eventually be required, China herself would lay the cable. It was explained that China was treating France exactly as she was treating other Powers, who were not allowed to extend their cables beyond the landing-place originally chosen. We are informed that if the French cable is extended to Shanghae, France intends to lay a cable from Shanghae to Vladivostock; this would be highly detrimental to the interests of the Extension Company, as it would establish a competing route to Europe. Should your Excellency at any time desire further information on telegraph affairs, I shall be glad to communicate the same. I have, &c. (Signed) W. BULLARD, Manager in China. 646 ================================================================================ CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 | CO129-352 - Public Offices - 1908 This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.] 2 much more to be feared than that of the revolutionaries, and the present incident is taken as confirming this opinion. It is a fact that Europeans were never in any way interfered with by the rebels. The Imperial forces have also suffered in reputation from the disgusting scene which was witnessed after the taking of Hokou. All the rebels had evacuated the place, and practically all the rest of the population as well. Some half-dozen miserable coolies were, however, captured, and accused of giving information to the revolutionaries, which may have been true or may not. They were bound and taken to the public execution ground on a sand-bank in front of Hokou, and in full view of Laokay, where they were put to death in the most atrocious and fiendish manner, their bodies being afterwards subjected to nameless mutilations. Portions of their internal organs are said to have been taken away to eat, but this, though possible, cannot be held to be proved. Of the fact of the torture and mutilation there cannot be any doubt, as it was witnessed by many French people in Lackay. In the light of this behaviour of the troops, presumably with the concurrence of the authorities, the humanitarian and civilized sentiments recently uttered by the French-speaking Judicial Commissioner of Yunnan and Taotai of Mongtze in the interviews accorded by them to local journals, are looked upon here as so much hypocrisy. These two officials have left Hanoi and proceeded up to Yünnan. An incident, which has not been reported in the press, has recently occurred also on the frontier of Kwangsi, near Langson, where a party of Chinese regular troops crossed over into French territory and sacked a small village. I imagine, however, that the soldiers were not acting in uniform and officially, but in their private capacity of brigands. There are now over 800 revolutionaries in custody who have surrendered to the French authorities and been disarmed in connection with the recent events, and it is somewhat difficult to know what to do with them. At present they are to be interned on an island in the Baie d'Along (north of the Red River delta), known as the Ile des Daims, where they will be kept at the expense of the Chinese Government. Eventually they will probably be gradually deported in small numbers. I have, &c. (Signed) T. F. F. CARLISLE. AFFAIRS OF CHINA. CONFIDENTIAL. [24531] No. 1. [July 15.] SECTION 1. Post Office to Foreign Office.—(Received July 15.) Sir, General Post Office, London, July 13, 1908. WITH reference to previous correspondence, I am directed by the Postmaster-General to transmit the accompanying advance copy of a Report from the Cables (Landing Rights) Committee on the question of telegraphic communication with Japan and the Far East, Mr. Buxton concurs in the recommendation of the Committee, and he would be glad to learn, at Sir Edward Grey's early convenience, whether he also concurs. Mr. Buxton is asking the other Departments represented on the Committee whether they also agree, and he will acquaint you as speedily as possible with their replies. In view of the presence in London of the Japanese Delegates to the Lisbon Conference, an early reply has been requested—if possible within one week from the date of this letter. If no objection is taken by the Foreign Office or by any of the other Departments, Mr. Buxton would propose to inform the Japanese Delegates to the Lisbon Conference (who are now in this country), in accordance with paragraph 1 of the recommendations of the Committee, and also to communicate with the Eastern and Eastern Extension Companies in accordance with both paragraphs; and he assumes that in that case Sir Edward Grey will also make a communication to the Japanese Government in the sense of paragraph 1. In this connection, I am to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 1st instant, inclosing a copy of a communication from Mr. Hesse, of the Eastern Extension Company, relative to the proposed Agreement between China and Japan in respect of the South Manchurian telegraphs. Mr. Buxton understands that the facts in regard to the present position of the negotiations are as stated by Mr. Hesse; and he has learnt indirectly through the Japanese Delegates at the Lisbon Conference that there is no prospect of these terms being accepted by the Japanese Government, who are unlikely to agree to any modifications of their last proposal. For the reasons mentioned in previous correspondence, Mr. Buxton thinks it highly desirable that everything possible should be done to remove this deadlock, and that, if Sir Edward Grey sees no objection, a further representation should be made to the Chinese Government with a view to their acceptance of the compromise proposed by Japan. Japan, at the suggestion of His Majesty's Government, has made large concessions; and the consequences to China which would arise from the non-acceptance of the Japanese proposal, through the termination of the Russo-Chinese Agreement concerning the North Manchurian telegraphs, and, in other ways, would probably be much more damaging than any which are likely to follow from its acceptance. In particular, Japan might claim a free hand with regard to the laying and working of the proposed Dalny-Chefoo cable. It is right to say, however, that Mr. Buxton has no reason to suppose that this course of action has occurred to the Japanese Government; and he thinks it would be undesirable for His Majesty's Government to do anything which might have the effect of suggesting it to them. I am, &c. (Signed) H. BABINGTON SMITH, [1865 p-1] ================================================================================ CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 | CO129-366 - Governor Sir Lugard Acting Governor May - 1910 [4-5] # K ## Mr. Russell's Memo. On this letter Sir A. Kennedy wrote a minute recording his own personal views and stating that, although he had at one time thought of a Branch of the Foreign Inspectorate, even in the Colony, he had now abandoned that idea as interfering with the prestige of the Government. It appears, therefore, that his views on the subject had undergone a complete change during the past two years. Meanwhile the question of the appointment of a Chinese Consul for Hongkong was allowed to drop; and, though it was again discussed in 1882 and 1883, the objections of the Colonial Government prevailed. (`Confidential Blue Book respecting Proposed Appointment of a Chinese Consul for Hongkong`). Then, however, the necessity arose for Colonial co-operation in carrying out the new regulations regarding Opium made in the Chefoo Convention of 1876, and Mr. J. Russell was deputed to represent the government of Hongkong at a Conference with a representative of the Chinese Foreign Inspectorate and of the Government of India to be held in Hongkong in 1886. The proposal to officially recognise a branch of the Chinese Foreign Customs Inspectorate in Hongkong was once more considered in Executive Council in order that explicit instructions might be given to Mr. Russell on that subject to guide him in the negotiations. The Council advised on the 2nd July, 1886, that "a branch of the Foreign Customs Inspectorate within the waters of the Colony of Hongkong or ashore for the purpose proposed should not be recognised by this Government;" and this decision found effect in the Agreement signed by Messrs. J. Russell, R. Hart, and Byron Brenan at Hongkong on 11th September, 1886. This agreement provided that:- (a) ================================================================================ CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 | CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910 YRS 2 taken up, and it is accordingly now contended that a serious situation has been created by the successful defiance, on the part of the provincial Government, of representations made to them by the Wai-wu Pu at the instance of the British Legation, and that, in consequence, a diplomatic defeat has been sustained, 44 This theory of the foreign importers may or may not be correct, but, from a practical point of view, the outcome of the struggle has been a resumption of trade, subject to what is now described as "grave inconvenience" to their Chinese friends. On Messrs. David Sassoon and Co. (Limited) have just lodged another protest. this occasion it is against notification, issued by the prefectural authorities to the dealers of Namhong (Nan-hsiung, in the north of the province), forbidding them to sell opium in quantities less than one whole ball, and it is asserted that such a restriction is detrimental to business, in that it prevents free buying and selling. I have not taken any action in this matter, as I do not see how a prescription of the kind runs counter to the spirit of the additional article to the Chefoo Convention, so long as the contents of a package of opium, conveyed into the interior under transit pass, after having been opened at the place of consumption, are not subjected to any tax, contribution, or restriction not enforced on native opium. His Majesty's acting consul at Kiungchow, who was here recently, informs me that it is proposed to establish a monopoly in opium at that port, and that he has addressed suitable remonstrances to the local authorities. I ventured to assure him that his action was in order, as such a monopoly would be contrary to article 14 of the French Treaty of 1858. I have not learned since that the monopoly has actually been farmed out. The taot'ai, who is at the head of the Provincial Opium Prohibition Bureau, came to pay a formal call on me this morning, and in the course thereof expressed a desire to co-operate amicably with me. I pointed out to him that, while appreciating his friendly feeling, I would remind him of the fact that there are two parties to the triennial agreement, and that, so far at least, one of the parties had had cause to complain of having been treated with scant consideration. I have, &c. J. W. JAMIESON. [This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government OPIUM. CONFIDENTIAL. [4645] Sir, No. 1. REC C294 RegP24 FEB 10 [February 9.] SECTION 1. Colonial Office to Foreign Office.-(Received February 9.) Downing Street, February 8, 1910. I AM directed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to transmit to you, with reference to letter to the Colonial Office of the 12th January, copy of a despatch from the Board of Trade on the subject of the export of morphine from the United Kingdom to China and Hong Kong. Sir, I am, &c. Enclosure in No. 1. FRANCIS J. S. HOPWOOD, Board of Trade to Colonial Office. Board of Trade, January 28, 1910. I AM directed by the Board of Trade to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 1st January with its inclosures relative to the export of morphine from the United Kingdom to China and Hong Kong, and, in reply, to state that the Board do not at the present moment contemplate the initiation of any legislation dealing with the matter. As Lord Crewe is doubtless aware, a proposal for an international conference to deal with the opium traffic has been made by the United States Government and is now under consideration, and, pending a decision as to participation in the proposed conference, the Board are of opinion that any action on the part of His Majesty's Government in the direction suggested would be premature. I am, &c. H. LLEWELLYN SMITH. [2636 i-1] ================================================================================ CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 | CO129-388 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1912 [1-2] Broglialni o somein 60 2003 iBeldirodjuk ezaninu s. d bun .di wovens va vidawung blwww,noldnevnoo and vietne od dn it the Monet ni benimus bei. edetig onena,at vet ila ni poiting » af S.,naitrovno9 04 na nino ri ci od ungir sia deildkuns ‚bine su „/LS. Vilidad-.den o nel: 02.00 159AJ VÁLOZ „Josdong ¿lingary Li yuqon kawan at si acein kunnosis Is i &.. PAC.JA9VNOS 1. 3. betoJeig91- Cheboo # @VAN ut se J t voriunda ei 0880.1 Low run ou 9L/fshogid au ca les Adam KHẮC It end në 1700 gindoct-deta Dedusvali „ndal COP Y. Hon. Colonial Secretary, Enclosure 2. CO 3502 Jet 3 FEB 12 The reply to the contention suggested by His Excellency may perhaps be partly found in the last paragraph of the minutes of Mr. Crowe's conference with the Manchester Chamber. "Mr. Crowe explained why it was unlikely that Sir F. Lugard's draft convention would be accepted by the Japanese Government. He said that it was a matter of some delicacy to urge the Japanese to provide for protection for unregistered owners in China, seeing that in all our other arrangements and in the arrangements between Japan and America, Japan and France, only registered marks were protected. The inference drawn would be that we could not trust the Japanese as far as we were prepared to trust other nations, or even as far as other nations trusted the Japanese*. It is undoubtedly the fact that the British merchant does not trust the Japanese merchant as far as he trusts merchants of other nations. Long experience of the give and take of international commerce has, I suggest, confirmed in the mind of the British merchant the conclusion that, generally speaking, the European nations and America are, to borrow the words of the preamble to the Convention of 1883, "equally animated with the desire to secure by mutual agreement complete and effectual protection for the industry and commerce of their respective subjects and citizens, and to provide a guarantee for the rights of inventors, and for the loyalty of commercial transactions". But he has not the same confidence in the case of Japan. Japanese participation in international trade is of very recent origin. The Japanese merchant only a few years ago woke to the value of trade marks and names, and, having no old established ones of his own, he proceeded to pirate marks of foreign merchants in order to sell his goods more readily. This piracy has been in a sense condoned by the Japanese Government who, subject only to the proviso that no protest is raised within the brief space of three years, have given to the pirating merchant complete and exclusive ownership in the mark which he has stolen. ** The ================================================================================ CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 | CO129-470 - Public Offices - 1921 # GICIERAL POST OFFICE, LONDON ## 255355/20 ### 7th February, 1921 261 Sir, I am directed by the Postmaster General to refer to your letter of the 17th ultimo (`7 267p/2579/10`) relative to a scheme which has been discussed between the Chinese Telegraph Administration and the Eastern Extension and Great Northern Telegraph Companies for the laying of additional cables between Amoy and Hongkong and between Shanghai and Chefoo, and for the grant by the Companies to the Chinese Government of a loan of £1,500,000, in consideration for which the Companies' exclusive concessions in China, which are due to expire in 1930, should be extended until 1950. At the recent Preliminary Conference at Washington a resolution was proposed by the United States Delegation recommending that Governments should not in future grant exclusive cable or wireless concessions, and should not support their nationals, diplomatically or otherwise, in seeking such concessions from other Governments except in cases where the traffic is too small to admit of competitive services. This resolution was accepted by the British Delegation as being in general accordance with their instructions, and it was also agreed to by the other Delegations. It is believed to be on the whole in accordance with British interests, as there have been tendencies on the part of certain United States wireless Companies to seek exclusive privileges in South America, and (as shown by the enclosures to your letter) on the part of Japan to seek exclusive rights in China, such as the resolution will militate against. It would be unfortunate if this resolution - to which the United States Government attach great importance - were to be used as a reason for the British Government to refuse support for the extension of the exclusive concessions of the Eastern Extension and Great Northern Companies. The Under Secretary of State, Foreign Office. ================================================================================ CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 | CO129-470 - Public Offices - 1921 ## ANNEX 4 Post Office to Foreign Office.-(Received February 8.) **General Post Office, London, February 7, 1921.** I am directed by the Postmaster-General to refer to your letter of the 17th ultimo, relative to a scheme which has been discussed between the Chinese Telegraph Administration and the Eastern Extension and Great Northern Telegraph companies for the laying of additional cables between Shanghai and Hong Kong and between Shanghai and Chefoo, and for the grant by the companies to the Chinese Government of a loan of 1,500,000*l., in consideration for which the companies' exclusive concessions in China, which are due to expire in 1930, should be extended until 1950. At the recent preliminary conference at Washington a resolution was proposed by the United States delegation recommending that Governments should not in future grant exclusive cable or wireless concessions, and should not support their nationals, diplomatically or otherwise, in seeking such concessions from other Governments, except in cases where the traffic is too small to admit of competitive services. This resolution was accepted by the British delegation as being in general harmony with their instructions, and it was also agreed to by the other delegations. It is believed to be on the whole in accordance with British interests, as there have been tendencies on the part of the United States wireless companies to seek exclusive privileges in South America, and (as shown by the enclosures to your letter) on the part of Japan to seek exclusive rights in China, against which the resolution will militate. It would be contrary to the spirit of this resolution, to which the United States delegation attached great importance, for the British Government to support a scheme for the extension of the exclusive concessions of the Eastern Extension and Great Northern Companies. It seems clear from the history of the case, as described in your letter and in the memoranda which accompanied it, that the present so-called "monopoly" is a monopoly in name only, as in actual practice other companies have been allowed in several cases (indeed in all cases where the company concerned has received sufficiently strong support from its Government) to lay cables and to establish wireless stations for communication between China and other countries. The Postmaster-General observes from the telegram of the 23rd November last, a copy of which was enclosed with the Foreign Office letter of the 6th December, that Sir John Denison Pender has suggested that, if there is great objection to the suggested extension of the exclusive concessions, his company might be ready to accept a scheme "for pooling among the consortium Powers." It is not clear whether the suggested "pooling" applies only to the loan (the exclusive concessions not being extended at all), or whether it is contemplated that the exclusive concessions would be extended but would not apply as against the nationals of the consortium Powers (which are understood to include the United States). The Postmaster-General is of opinion that some such modification as that suggested by Sir John Pender would, if feasible, probably be the best solution. The present exclusive concessions operate not only against foreign telegraph companies but also against other British companies, including wireless companies. The only real risk of serious competition with the present cable service between China and Europe seems to lie in the direction of wireless telegraphy; but it is very doubtful whether it is in accordance with British interests that wireless communication with Europe should be excluded. From this point of view, therefore, the exclusive rights, in any form in which the British Government could agree to them, would probably mean little to the Eastern Company. As regards cable communication, the company may well stand on their merits. The question is one which concerns several Government Departments; and, in the circumstances, the Postmaster-General would suggest that it should be referred as soon as possible to the Imperial Communications Committee. I am, &c. G. E. P. MURRAY. ## ANNEX 5 **Memorandum communicated by United States Embassy.** The American Embassy is informed that on the 8th January last, the Federal Telegraph Company, an American corporation, signed with the Chinese Government a contract for the construction and opening of wireless stations at Shanghai, Peking, Harbin, and Canton for a period of ten years in joint agreement with the Chinese Government, and for a further period of ten years thereafter on a royalty basis. In this regard the American Government is amazed to learn that His Majesty's Minister at Peking recently advised the American Legation there that, under instructions from His Britannic Majesty's Government, he had protested to the Chinese Government against the American contract above referred to, and had insisted upon its cancellation on the ground that such a contract infringes upon the rights which are claimed to have accrued to the British Marconi Company by virtue of a contract entered into on the 24th May, 1919, which established a joint enterprise under the name of the British Corporation, with certain preferential rights for the supply of wireless equipment to the Chinese Government. Leaving on one side for the present any discussion as to the propriety of a foreign Government asserting diplomatically as against another nationality the claims of this Corporation, the American Government desires to meet unequivocally and on its merits the claim that any Government can rightfully assert in behalf of the interests of its nationals to exercise any such monopoly or preference for the supply of materials or equipment as would debar American citizens from the right to contract freely with the Chinese Government for any category of supplies. The adoption of such an exclusive or preferential right in behalf of British interests would frankly raise in the mind of the American Government a doubt whether it has quite understood the attitude of His Britannic Majesty's Government during the course of the recent efforts to co-operate in making real and effective the principle of equality of commercial and industrial opportunities in China. The American Government feels that it must in candour make clear its position that such a claim to monopoly or preference in the supply of equipment to any service of the Chinese Government is, in its view, fundamentally repugnant to the principle of the "open door" and to treaty rights, and that the American Government is not prepared to recognise any claim to contractual rights in favour of any party as valid or effective in excluding its nationals from any field of commercial or industrial activity in China. It is thought that His Britannic Majesty's Government may perhaps not be aware that as long ago as 1917 the American Government found occasion to apply this interpretation of the "open door" principle as against the claims of certain of its own nationals under the following circumstances:- On the 20th October, 1917, by a contract closely analogous to the Marconi contract with the Chinese Wireless Company, the Western Electric Company, an American company, formed with the Chinese Government the China Electric Company, which, according to the provisions of the contract, was to have a preference for the supply of all machinery, apparatus, or other materials in connection with the telephone and telegraph systems required by the Chinese Ministry of Communications. Upon becoming acquainted with this provision, and after consultation with the United States Government, the American Minister at Peking, on the 28th January, 1919, formally notified the China Electric Company that his Government would not recognise or support any such preference as was provided for in the contract of 1917. The position of the American Government in this regard was at that time explained to the Chinese Government also. No doubt exists in the mind of the United States Government that, with a knowledge of the attitude thus taken, His Britannic Majesty's Government will not be disposed to insist in favour of its nationals upon an advantage which the American Government had previously rejected as unfair and repugnant to treaty rights and the policy of equality in China, when claimed by American interests. Should it be found, however, that this confidence is not justified, and should His Britannic Majesty's Government continue to assert the preference claimed in favour of the Marconi Company, the American Government would be reluctantly compelled to consider, amongst other things, whether the prior rights claimed as accruing to the Western Electric Company under the contract of 1917 are not as fully entitled... ================================================================================ CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 | CO129-470 - Public Offices - 1921 # the wording of the resolution be left and brought up for consideration at some other time? On the following morning an amendment in the wording which appears at the head of this report, was proposed, seconded and carried unanimously. ## THE MAIL SERVICE. ### The Suez and the Pacific Routes, It was unanimously agreed: That, whilst gladly recognising that there has recently been some improvement in the mail service between China and the United Kingdom, the conference desires to call attention to the fact that it is still subject to frequent delay and is deplorably irregular, and urges the responsible authorities to make every effort to put the service on a satisfactory basis.' In moving this resolution on behalf of Shanghai, Mr. Massey (Reiss and Co.) said: I have taken some pains to ascertain whether there is any radical change that could be effected which would bring about the desired expedition of our mail service via Suez, but unfortunately, after studying the schedule and conferring with the agents of the different steamship lines concerned, I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that the Government is doing almost all that lies in its power to do, and that until the conditions of travel are so improved as to bring us back towards what we were accustomed to in pre-war days very little can be achieved in the desired direction. It is true that nowadays 90 per cent. of business is conducted over the wires, but notwithstanding this a prompt and regular mail service is a very necessary complement thereto. Those of us who are engaged in the import trade know what great inconvenience has been caused both to importers, steamship agents, banks and the customs service through the erratic way in which our advices of shipments and documents come forward. Sometimes we have had two or even three steamers of one line in harbour, without a single document relating thereto having been received. We occasionally see an instance of a fast freighter making the voyage out to China in what we would have considered excellent mail time in pre-war days, and at one period the Government were criticised for not making regular use of these opportunities, but unfortunately a service like this is not to be relied upon for continuity. Further, in the nature of their trade these big freight steamers cannot guarantee to maintain a settled itinerary and the economic speed of the different vessels of the same fleet varies very considerably, thus making such a service, if it was availed of for mails, irregular in the extreme. "Without wishing to minimise the difficulties with which the London officials of the Post Office are concerned, it is, however, thought that if these officials kept in closer touch with the various steamship lines trading with the East, they could inform themselves more accurately as to when the various vessels might be expected to reach Hong Kong and/or Shanghai, with considerable advantage to the mails. I hope that representations of this fact may be made to the responsible authorities at home and that they will see fit to act upon it. "At present the mails are coming out mostly via Bombay, whence they proceed overland to Negapatam, and from there a regular service is maintained to the Straits. The next stage is that they are sent forward as opportunity offers to Hong Kong and further up the coast, but there have been instances where good judgment has not been exercised as to the on-carrying vessel. The Hong Kong Chamber has kept a keen watch on this point, and it may be hoped and expected that the representations made by it through the Hong Kong Government will lead to the non-recurrence of such instances. It is at the instance of the Hong Kong Chamber that mails are now forwarded from Penang to Singapore by rail, which means the saving of at least twenty-four hours, and might mean the saving of several days by being able to take advantage of the earliest fast sailing from Singapore to Hong Kong. The weak link in this chain is that the mails do not always arrive in Bombay in fourteen days, as scheduled, thus dislocating all the connection. We may hope that with an improvement in the P. & O. service such incidents may be eliminated. ## What I have said up to now refers particularly to the Suez route, and this route must ever remain the principal one for our friends in the South of China. But for those of us in the Yangtze district and the more northern ports, the Pacific route affords an excellent opportunity for communicating quickly with the Homeland. It is not difficult to imagine, therefore, with what consternation we learnt last July that a dispute had arisen between the Canadian Government and the Canadian Pacific steamers with regard to the subsidy for carrying mails, with the result that a large consignment of mails, which were already on board one of the big Empresses at Vancouver, was unloaded at the last moment and had to come along by slower vessels, entailing a delay of at least two weeks. "It was naturally thought at the time that a way would soon be found out of the impasse that had arisen, but here we are four months later and, as far as one can find out, there is no immediate prospect of this particular service being resumed. I think you will all agree with me in urging on His Majesty's Government the great value there is to this not unimportant British community in the Far East that arrangements should speedily be concluded for the resumption of the carriage of mails from England by the Empress boats. By this route we can at least expect one or more fast mails per month, and though this is by no means the ideal for which we are striving, it is at any rate a very desirable step to achieve. "It is understood here that the dispute arose upon refusal of the Canadian Government to pay the increased subsidy required by the Canadian Pacific Ocean Services. I have been privileged to see a letter dated the 30th August, written by the Department of Trade and Commerce to Dr. Ross, the Canadian Trade Commissioner here, on this subject and it would appear therefrom that the Post Office Department claim that they could get done for 10,000 dollars what the Canadian Pacific Railway ask 400,000 dollars for. The Canadian Pacific Railway then offered to take whatever the regular postal rates were, but the Post Office Department stated that under the International Postal Union, if they put any mails on the Canadian Pacific Railway at all, they would be obliged to carry all other foreign mails for all countries within the Postal Union. The letter concludes with the statement that the matter is now engaging the attention of the Government. As such a small part of the mail which should be taken by these steamers emanates from Canada itself, the bulk being mail in transit for the United Kingdom, it is perhaps a not unreasonable attitude for the Canadian Government to take up. But we would urge on the Imperial Government seriously to consider whether it is not in a position to take on its own shoulders the extra subsidy required, in recognition of the big service it would thus do to British commercial interests. Should it be necessary and feasible I am quite sure that merchants would be only too glad to pay an extra fee for letters routed via Vancouver, when the connections are suitable." In seconding the resolution on behalf of Chefoo, Mr. Railton said:— "Mr. Massey has left very little for me to say in seconding this resolution unless it may be to bring forward a couple of instances to prove that very serious blunders or mistakes have been made by the authorities somewhere between London and Chefoo. In the first instance copies of five different letters reached us earlier than the originals whereas the originals were posted a week before the copies. A friend of mine left London on the 11th April on the 'Delta', and seeing advices that there was a mail for China on the 3rd April he posted a letter to his people in North China on the 1st April. He came straight through and landed in Chefoo after spending a fortnight in Shanghai. And he waited two weeks before the mail which he posted on the 1st April reached its destination.'' ## Mr. L. E. N. Ryan (Canadian Pacific Ocean Services (Limited)), said:— "There is one point which Mr. Massey mentioned in his speech and that is that the Canadian Pacific Ocean Services had asked for an increased subsidy. increased subsidy was asked for but it was finally decided to ask the Canadian Government to renew the subsidy at the same figure which it was fixed at five years ago. When that was fixed the Siberian route was open and most mail matter went that way. During the war we got a great deal of mail which used to go through Siberia and the subsidy was not a profitable one during that time. I think you can hardly blame the Canadian Pacific Ocean Services for asking for the subsidy to be at the same rate as before the war despite the fact that a great deal of mail is still coming out that way." Page 493 ================================================================================ CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 | CO129-476 - Acting Governor Claud Severn & Governor Sir Stubbs - 1922 [8-12] Shipping to Europe, Australia, and other Ports. P.&O.-BRITISH INDIA, APCAR AND EASTERN & AUSTRALIAN LINES. (COMPANIES incorporated in ENGLAND) TO BURMA, CEYLON, INDIA, PERSIAN GULF, WEST INDIES, MAURITIUS, EAST & SOUTH AFRICA, AUSTRALASIA, INCLUDING NEW ZEALAND & QUEENSLAND PORTS. RED SEA, EGYPT, EUROPE, ETC PENINSULAR & ORIENTAL FORTNIGHTLY DIRECT ROYAL MAIL STEAMERS (UNDER CONTRACT WITH H. M. GOVERNMENT.) S.S. Tons From Hong-kong (about) Destination Miles MACEDONIA 11,000 27 Sept. 11 am 'pore, P'ang, C'ho & B'bay B'bay, M'les, L'don, A'werp 6,696 KALYAN 9,000 11th Oct. B'bay, M'les, L'don, A'werp MANTUA 11,000 25th Oct. M'les, London & Antwerp DONGOLA 8,000 8th Nov. BRITISH INDIA-APCAR SAILINGS (South) TORILLA 15,205 24th Sept. 11 a.m. | Singapore & Madras. JANUS 4,824 29th Sept. | Calcutta via S'pore, Penang. EASTERN & AUSTRALIAN SAILINGS (South) ARAFURA 4th Oct. | Manila, Iloilo, Sandakan, Thurs. Is., Tville, B'bane, Sydney and Melbourne, Frequent connections from Australia with the following:- The Union S. S. Co's steamers to the United Kingdom via New Zealand, Vancouver, San Francisco, etc The P.&O. Royal Mail steamers to London via Suez Canal The P&O Branch Service of steamers to London via the Cape The New Zealand Shipping Co's steamers for Southampton and London via Panama Canal. S.S. Tons From Hong-kong (about) Destination ST. ALBANS 6,052 22 Sept. d'light Amoy, Y'hama & Kobe MANTUA 10,902 25 Sept. d'light S'hai, Moji, Kobe, Y'hama DONGOLA 8,083 7th Oct. Shanghai & Japan SAILINGS TO SHANGHAI & JAPAN. All dates are approximate and subject to alteration without notice WIRELESS ON ALL STEAMERS. Parcels Measuring not more than 2ft x 2ft. x 1ft. will be received at the Company's Office up to noon on the day previous to sailing. For Passage Rates, Handbooks, Freights etc., apply to MACKINNON, MACKENZIE & CO 22, Des Voeux Road Central. GLEN AND SHIRE. JOINT SERVICE OF STEAMERS. U.K., STRAITS, CHINA & JAPAN Service. Vessel OUTWARDS HOMEWARDS S.S. GLENOGLE Leaves Hongkong... 22nd September Discharges G'OA, L'DON, A'WERP, R'DAM, H'BURG S.S. GLENAVY 5th October S.S. GLENAPP 5th October S.S. GLENADE 24th Sept. G'OA, L'DON, A'WERP, R'DAM, H'BURG S.S GLENARIFFE 18th Oct. G'OA, L'DON, A'WERP, H'BURG Movements are subject to change without notice. For freight or further particulars please apply to:- JARDINE, MATHESON & CO., LTD. THE GLEN LINE, LTD. AGENTS Telephone Central No. 215, sub-ex. 23 and 3696 JAVA-CHINA-JAPAN LIJN. REGULAR FORTNIGHTLY SERVICE BETWEEN JAVA, CHINA and JAPAN. Steamer From Expected on or about Will leave on in port Tjikini Java 21st Sept. 23rd Sept. Shanghai Tjisondari Java 21st Sept. Japan Tjisalak Japan 23rd Sept. Java The steamers are all fitted throughout with electric light and have accommodation for a limited number of saloon-passengers All steamers carry a duly qualified Surgeon. Cargo taken with through rates to all ports in N., Frlands-India and Australia. For Freight and Passage apply to the Java-China-Japan Lijn. York Buildings. Telephone Central No. 1574. HONGKONG, CANTON & MACAO STEAMERS. JOINT SERVICE OF THE HONGKONG, CANTON AND MACAO STEAM-BOAT CO., LTD., AND THE CHINA NAVIGATION CO. LTD. HONGKONG-CANTON LINE. Sailings: To Canton daily at 8 a.m & 10 p.m. (Sun. 10 p.m. only) From Canton daily at 8 a.m. & 5 p.m. (Sundays 5 p.m. only) SERVICE OF THE HONGKONG, CANTON & MACAO STEAMBOAT CO., LTD. HONGKONG-MACAO LINE. Sailings to Macao Daily at 8 a.m. & 2 p.m. (Sundays at 9 a.m. only) Sailings from Macao Daily at 8 a.m. & 2 p.m. (Sun. at 5 p.m. only) Further information may be obtained at the Company's office, 4A Des Voeux Road Central, Messrs. Thos. Cook & Son or the American Express Company, Hongkong. THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH. FRIDAY. Shipping to Europe, Australia, and other Ports. N. Y. K. SAILINGS SUBJECT TO ALTERATION, VICTORIA, SEATTLE & VANCOUVER via S'hai & Japan ports Through Bills of Lading issued to all Overland Common Points in U.S.A & Canada Steamer Sailing Destination SHIDZUOKA MARU Saturday, 30th Sept., at 11 am YOKOHAMA MARU Monday, 23rd Oct., at 11 am KASHIMA MARU Friday, 29th Sept. at 11a.m. MARSEILLES, LONDON & ANTWERP via Singanore, &c. HAKONE MARU Friday, 13th Oct. at 11 am MATSUMOTO MARU Thursday, 28th September. LIVERPOOL via MARSEILLES TOYOHASHI MARU 17th Oct. at 11 a.m. SYDNEY & MELBOURNE via Manila, &c. YOSHINO MARU Tuesday, 26th Sept. at 11 a.m. AKI MARU Tuesday, 3rd Oct. at 11 a.m. NEW YORK VIA PANAMA SANUKI MARU Monday, 25th September. CALCUTTA via Singapore, Penang & Rangoon MORICKA MARU Friday, 29th Sept. BOMBAY via Singapore, Penang & Colombo AKI MARU Friday, 13th Oct. at 11a.m. NAGASAKI, KOBE & YOKOHAMA TOTTORI M. Saturday, 23rd Sept. SHANGHAI, KOBE & YOKOHAMA FUSHIMI MARU Thursday, 28th Sept. at 11 a.m. For further information apply to Tel. Central Nos. 292 & 293. NIPPON YUSEN KAISHA. K. H. KAMEI, Manager. SEPTEMBER 22, 1922. COASTAL SHIPPING. INDO CHINA STEAM 309 11 SHIPPING NEWS. SYDNEY'S PILFERAGE LOST The annual loss at the port of Sydney through pillaging of cargo NAVIGATION CO., LTD. SAILINGS SUBJECT TO ALTERATION. Steamer Sailing Destination Yuensang Sat. 23rd Sept. at 3 p.m. MANILA Chipshing Tues. 26th Sept. at 4 p.m. TIENTSIN Wingsang Tues. 26th Sept. at noon T'TAO via S'tow & S'hai Drufar Tues, 26th Sept. at noon BANGKOK via Swatow Mingsang Wed. 27th Sept. at 8 a.m. HAIPHONG via Hoihow Fooksang Wed. 27th Sept. at 3 p.m. STRAITS & Calcutta Yatching Thurs. 28th Sept. at noon T'TAO via S'tow & S'hai Mausang Sat. 30th Sept. at 2 p.m. SANDAKAN Hangsang Sun. 1st Oct. at noon T'TAO via Stow & S'hai Kutsang Tues. 3rd Oct. at 3 p.m. STRAITS & Calcutta Laisang Thurs. 5th Oct. at noon KOBE CALCUTTA LINE:-This Line now affords regular sailings to Calcutta, Penang and Singapore; Returning from Calcutta steamers proceed via Straits and Hongkong to Japan occasionally calling at Shanghai. from ships is considered to be not less than £500,000 yearly. SECOND MATE'S CERTIFICATE During the year ended June 30 last 1,974 candidates were examined at Home for certificates of competency as second mates. 829 were successful. SOOCHOW SHIPPING. A total of 4.293 vessels, aggregating 188,948 tons, entered and cleared at the Custom House during 1921 as compared with 4031 vessels, aggregating 189,859 tons, during 1920. GERMANY BUYS JAPANESE STEAMER. The Japanese s. Shimpo Maru, 4,392 gross tons, has been purchased by Messrs. Schroser, Holcken and Fischer, of E SHANGHAI LINE: Sailings approximately every three days between Canton and Shanghai, sometimes calling at Swatow. Through Bills of Lading are issued for all to Northern and Yangtsze Ports via Shanghai. All steamers have excellent passenger accommodation, are fitted with Electric Light & Fans and carry a fully qualified Surgeon. stated to have been re-christened the Harald. MANILA LINE-A weekly service is maintained with Manila by vessels with good passenger accommodation, sailing from both ports every Friday. HAIPHONG LINE:-Sailings, approximately weekly for passengers and cargo, calling at Hoihow when inducement offers. BORNEO LINE:-Fortnightly sailings to and from Sandakan by two 5,000 ton steamers s.s." HINSANG" & " MAUSANG " both steamers having excellent passenger accommodation. Cargo taken on through Bills of Lading for Kudat, Jesselton, Labuan, Tawao and Lahad Datu. DODWELL & CO., LTD. TIENTSIN LINE-A regular service is run from March to Nov. REGULAR SAILINGS TO NEW YORK & BOSTON FOR NEW YORK & BOSTON. LLOYD TRIESTINO. Taking cargo on through Bills of Lading for Levant. Black Sea and Danube Ports. FIUME having been re-opened for traffic, cargo is also accepted for this port on through Bills of Lading. FOR SHANGHAI. S.S. "TRIESTE “ Sailing on or about 5th October. For BRINDISI, VENICE & TRIESTE. Via Singapore, Penang and Colombo. S.S. "PERSIA " S.S. "TRIESTE" Sailing on or about 22nd September. Sailing on or about 22nd October. Passengers Luggage can be insured at the office of the Agents. NATAL LINE OF STEAMERS. Regular Passenger and Cargo Service. FROM CALCUTTA TO SOUTH AFRICAN PORTS. S.S. "UMLAZI " Sailing on or about 31st October. Through Bills of Lading issued from Hongkong. For Freight or Passage on any of the above Lines apply to:- DODWELL & CO., LTD., Agents. Telephone Central 1030. AUSTRALIAN ORIENTAL LINE. HONGKONG TO PHILIPPINES & AUSTRALIAN PORTS. SAILING (SUBJECT TO ALTERATION) Steamer Arrives Hongkong from Australia Leaves Hongkong for Australia TAIYUAN 28th Sept. 3rd Oct. CHANGSHA 15th Oct. 20th Oct. This steamer is fitted with Refrigerating machinery, ensuring between H'kong & Tientsin calling at Weihaiwei & Chefoo, plan. The Shipping Board suggested the plan to preserve the rates after the recent disruptions and disorganizing of the Eastern freight shipments. when the Atlantic Conference declare i open rates. A later report av that fourteen steamship es. plying between American N Atlantic and Far Eastern ports, have drawn up a schedule f freights, which is stated to b higher than the present rate. They have also agreed to deposit a sum of $25,000 each as a guarantee of the maintenan the schedule. CREW'S "SMOKE-ABLES" Recently in the House of Commons a member asked the President of the Board of Trade a question relative to the prices charged to ships' crews for cigarettes and tobacco. According to this querier, there "M certain stij masters who compel those on board to SHANGHAI LINE.-PASSENGERS, MAILS AND CARGO. Excellent Saloon accommodation amidships. Electric Fans in Saloon and State-rooms. Regular schedule service between Canton, Hongkong and Shanghai (thrice weekly) and Tsingtao (weekly), taking Cargo on through Bills of Lading to all Yangtsze, and Northern China Ports. Passengers are Landed in Shanghai avoiding the inconvenience of transhipment at Woosung. BANGKOK LINE.-Weekly service to and from B'kok via 'tow. For Freight or Passage apply to BUTTERFIELD & SWIRE, (John Swire & Sons, Ltd.) AGENTS. Telephone Central No. 36. Cargo and baggage can be insured at the above office. DOUGLAS STEAMSHIP CO. LTD. and HONGKONG & SOUTH CHINA COAST PORTS SERVICE. Regular Service of Fast, High Class Coast Steamers having a plentiful supply of ice, fresh provisions etc. and has superior good accommodation for First Class Passengers. Electric Light throughout and Electric Fans in the State-rooms. A duly qualified Doctor is carried. Reduced Fares. Cargo booked through to all Australian. New Zealand and Tasmanian ports. For Freight and Passage apply to Telephone Central No. 36. Butterfield & Swire. JOHN SWIRE, & SON, LTD.) Agents. For Swatow, Amoy and Foochow and Returns, (Occupying 9 to 10 days,) Steamships. Captain. Leaving. Haiching... J. S. Thomson ... | SUN.. 24th Sept. at 11 a.m. Haihong .. W. C. Passmore FRI, 29th Sept. at 1 p.m. Haifoong... W. S. Turnbull... | FRI., 29th Sept. at p.m. Arrivals and Departures from the Co's Wharf (dear Blake Pier.) For Freight and Passage, apply to "ELLERMAN" LINE. (Ellerman & Bucknall S. S. Co., Ltd.) UNITED KINGDOM & CONTINENT SERVICE. Vessel OUTWARDS HOMEWARDS "City of Tokio S'hai, Kobe & Yokohama. 20th Oct. "City of Sydney" 10th Oct. L'don, Alwerp, R'dam, H'burg. G’gow "City of Paris" Mid. Dec. Marseilles & London "City of York" Beg. Feb. "City of Simla " Mud, March. "City of Poona" Mid. April. PASSENGER SERVICE. Subject to change without notice. For further particulars apply to REISS & CO. CANTON. Douglas Lapraik & Co., General Managers. be left to shipowners and masters to take action. AN OLD-TIME CAPTAIN The following is culler ** the Syren anul Shipping The late Captain "Tom "Dutton mas in his day one of those tine a men whose sterling chara ter and sound navigational ski...com tributed so largely to the enviable reputation which the hard Line enjoys Atlantic voy acers. We made several passages ar ago with Captain Dutton in the old Umbria, and have Many pleasant recollections, both of the ship and her commander. He was a typical British sailo bluff, courteous, and cool an emergency. During his 32 rear of service with the Cunard Cor-pany he commanded many of their well-known liners, and h was in command of the inhr when he retired some 20 - Old Cunarders will re bar the late Captain Drzys famous "mosquito net," was one of the institutions tr Umbria. Many tales are tid o ago. NANYO YUSEN KAISHA. this old sea.dog. One fine ... The South Sea Mail S.S. Co., Ltd.) REGULAR FORTNIGHTLY SERVICE between JAPAN, HONGKONG & JAVA. For Batavia, Samarang & Sourabaya. S.S. SAMARANG MARU Sailing on or about 26th Sept. For Moji, Kobe & Yokohama. S.S. CHERIBON MARU Sailing on or about 24th Sept. For further particulars please apply to:- THE BANK LINE, LTD. (Tel. Central 80). Tel. Central No. 2206. Second Floor, Prince's Building. K. SUZUKI, Manager. day morning in mid-Atlan: fe appeared on deck in full rezal -white cap cover, white trou etc. A lady passenger meeting him said: 'Good morning Captain, I see you've got clea white trousers ou." madam," was the reply, and i hope you have, too." KIANGSU EDUCATORS' APPEAL TO PEKING, The Educational Association of Kiangsu has sent a telegraphic appeal to the Peking Government asking that a stricter enforcement of the Presidential Mandates against lotteries be made. These Mandates prohibiting lotteries : China bave not been obeyed the merchants of Kiangsu a they have even gone to the ends of requesting the local authorities to suspend the operation of the.. ================================================================================ CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 | CO129-501-8 General policy in China 30-11-1926 - 30-11-1926 - 3 - ## 4. To remedy the laxity and impose a restraint on evil intention, the co-operation of the Chinese Maritime Customs was invoked and Sir Robert Hart assisted to the extent of putting foreign officers on board the steam cruisers, with no control or responsibility, but charged with the duty of restraining these craft from committing illegal actions. The Hong Kong community, however, continued to have a feeling of exasperation at this interference with the Colony's trade and protests were frequent. But in December, 1879, at a conference with the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce, Sir Thomas Wade, His Majesty's Minister at Peking, declared that "the blockade stations would not be removed by the Chinese until the Colony devised some scheme by which the Chinese Government could collect the revenue fairly due to them." This was held in Hong Kong to be a demand to sacrifice the freedom of the port, in order to gain the removal of the blockade. ## 5. Meanwhile on the 13th September, 1876, Sir T. Wade and Li Hung-chang had signed the Chefoo Convention, the 7th article of which was as follows:- "The Governor of Hong Kong having long complained of the interference of the Canton Customs Revenue Cruisers with the junk trade of that Colony, the Chinese Government agrees to the appointment of a Commission, to consist of a British Consul, an officer of the Hong Kong Government, and a Chinese official of equal rank, in order to the establishment of some system that shall enable the Chinese Government to protect its revenue without prejudice to the interests of the Colony". There was a long delay in giving effect to this article; but at last ================================================================================ CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 | CO129-517-1 Administration and function of Chinese Maritime customs- prevention of smuggling across Chinese frontiers 7-2-1929 - 15-11-1929 ## -3- To remedy the objection to "the blockade", it was considered necessary to check the laxity and impose a restraint on evil intention. The co-operation of the Chinese Maritime Customs was invoked, and Sir Robert Hart assisted to the extent of putting foreign officers on board the steam cruisers, with no control or responsibility, but charged with the duty of restraining these craft from committing illegal actions. The Hong Kong community, however, continued to have a feeling of exasperation at this interference with the Colony's trade, and protests were frequent. But in December, 1879, at a conference with the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce, Sir Thomas Wade, His Majesty's Minister at Peking, declared that "the blockade stations would not be removed by the Chinese until the Colony devised some scheme by which the Chinese Government could collect the revenue fairly due to them". This was held in Hong Kong to be a demand to sacrifice the freedom of the port, in order to gain the removal of the blockade. Meanwhile, on the 13th September, 1876, Sir T. Wade and Li Hung-chang had signed the Chefoo Convention, the 7th article of which was as follows: - "The Governor of Hong Kong having long complained of the interference of the Canton Customs Revenue Cruisers with the junk trade of that Colony, the Chinese Government agrees to the appointment of a Commission, to consist of a British Consul, an officer of the Hong Kong Government, and a Chinese... ================================================================================ CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 | CO129-521-13 Chinese Customs- proposed agreement with Hong Kong 27-8-1930 - 16-10-1930 10. 97 to "the blockade." To remedy the laxity and impose a restraint on evil intention, the co-operation of the Chinese Maritime Customs was invoked and Sir Robert Hart assisted to the extent of putting foreign officers on board the steam cruisers, with no control or responsibility, but charged with the duty of restraining these craft from committing illegal actions. 7. The Hong Kong community, however, continued to have a feeling of exasperation at this interference with the Colony's trade and protests were frequent. But in December 1879, at a conference with the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce, Sir Thomas Wade, His Majesty's Minister at Peking, declared that "the blockade stations would not be removed by the Chinese until the Colony devised some scheme by which the Chinese Government could collect the revenue fairly due to them." was held in Hong Kong to be a demand to sacrifice the freedom of the port, in order to gain the removal of the blockade. 8. Meanwhile on the 13th September, 1876, Sir T. Wade and Li Hung-chang had signed the Chefoo Convention, the 7th article of which was as follows:- "The Governor of Hongkong having long complained of the interference of the Canton Customs Revenue Cruisers with the junk. ================================================================================ CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 | CO129-521-13 Chinese Customs- proposed agreement with Hong Kong 27-8-1930 - 16-10-1930 219 10. to "the blockade." To remedy the laxity and impose a restraint on evil intention, the co-operation of the Chinese Maritime Customs was invoked and Sir Robert Hart assisted to the extent of putting foreign officers on board the steam cruisers, with no control or responsibility, but charged with the duty of restraining these craft from committing illegal actions. 7. The Hong Kong community, however, continued to have a feeling of exasperation at this interference with the Colony's trade and protests were frequent. But in December 1879, at a conference with the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce, Sir Thomas Wade, His Majesty's Minister at Peking, declared that "the blockade stations would not be removed by the Chinese until the Colony devised some scheme by which the Chinese Government could collect the revenue fairly due to them." was held in Hong Kong to be a demand to sacrifice the freedom of the port, in order to gain the removal of the blockade. 8. Meanwhile on the 13th September, 1876, Sir T. Wade and Li Hung-chang had signed the Chefoo Convention, the 7th article of which was as follows:- "The Governor of Hongkong having long complained of the interference of the Canton Customs Revenue Cruisers with the junk... Page 220 Page 221 ================================================================================ CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案 | CO129-542-10 Mui Tsai system- correspondence from private individuals 13-1-1933 - 11-12-1933 # The Slave Market News ## April, 1933 ### What We Think #### Women Traffic in and Children in the East The Commission of Enquiry into Traffic in Women and Children in the East has now issued its Report to the League of Nations. The price is 16 shillings, and British people can obtain copies from the authorised agents, George Allen and Unwin, Ltd., 40 Museum-street, London, W.C.1. The Travelling Commission started their investigations, sailing from Marseilles on October 9th, 1930, and concluded their itinerary on March 16th, 1932, after visiting many of the principal centres in the Far East. A debt of gratitude is due to the members of the Travelling Commission for the care and labour shown in making their investigations and for compiling this voluminous report. It consists of 527 pages of vital information concerning the widespread traffic in human flesh and blood that prevails to-day. The report is appallingly tragic in its revelations. Most countries in the Far East or Near East have been willing to assist the Commission, and reveal something of the terrible conditions of helpless women and children bartered for gain. The rest of the East has offered a sufficiently wide scope for the labours of the Travelling Commission. We wish it were possible in these days for the Daily Press, forever seeking new worlds of sensation to conquer, to delve into this Report and give the facts to the world. Streamer headlines dealing with the manner in which Chinese children are bought and sold in China might not be good politics, but they would make a bit of a stir in Britain. The widespread traffic in girls in Japan might not be a subject calculated to please, but it might stir Western women to some form of concerted action. The Report pleads for the support of public opinion, but how that public opinion is to be enlightened remains to be discovered. The significant and awful fact that is forced upon one by reading the lines, and between the lines, of this stupendous volume is that slavery of women and girls is looked upon as being of another order to slavery of men. The god of lust reigns and rules in the dark habitations, and helpless women and children are bartered in multitudes to satisfy the sensuality of men. That is the plain and unmistakable fact that will impress itself upon all who will obtain this Report and read. We would ask that all men and women of goodwill who are in any way able to influence public opinion would obtain a copy. The Commission visited Port Said, Jerusalem, Jaffa, Beirout, Damascus, Bagdad, Teheran, Bushire, Karachi, Bombay, Colombo, Pondicherry, Madras, Deli, Calcutta, Rangoon, Penang, Port Swettenham, Kuala Lumpur, Johore, Bangkok, Pnom Penh, Saigon-Cholon, Batavia, Semarang, Surabaya, Macassar, Manila, Turane, Hanoi, Haiphong, Macao, Canton, Hongkong, Swatow, Amoy, Foochow, Nanking, Shanghai, Chefoo, Port Arthur, Tientsin, Pekin, Dairen, Moukden, Harbin, Anting, Keijo, Fusan, Nagasaki, Shimonoseki, Osaka, Kobe, Kioto, Yokohama, and Tokio. As one glances at the information provided, the prayer of the Psalmist arises instinctively: "O let the sorrowful sighing of the prisoners come before Thee; according to the greatness of Thy power, preserve Thou those that are appointed to die." ### Slavery Centenary Celebrations We understand that the Methodist Conference has passed a resolution that all her ministers shall preach on the slavery question on the last Sunday in July next. That is an encouraging sign and indicates that one of the great Christian churches is awakening to a sense of responsibility in the matter of slave-liberation. We feel, however, that there must be much perplexity to the minds of those who are asked to speak on this subject. Vast is the scope of enquiry and realm of investigation. We feel strongly, too, that very few are able to speak with knowledge concerning the extent and nature of slavery that is rampant to-day. The danger is that the Slavery Centenary celebrations may convey to a large number of people the impression that things are much better than they are. To some of us, it seems a mockery to celebrate the Centenary of Slave Abolition under the British flag if due prominence is not given to the fact that there is still considerable slavery under the British flag. Let the facts be made known concerning Hong Kong. Let those who are under the impression that there is no slavery under the British flag read the report of the League of Nations' Commission to which we have already referred. It is not a difficult matter to search out the names of British possessions and read what is said concerning them. We write these few observations with real grief. How can we pat ourselves on the back, metaphorically, for that which our forefathers have done if we refrain from following their lead? This is not a time for soft words and pious phrases, but for plain truth. "From the liberality that says everybody is right, from the charity which forbids us to say that anybody is wrong, from the peace which is bought at the expense of truth, may the good Lord deliver us." ### Christian Assyrians Find a Refuge At the time of the Mosul Boundary dispute, we ventured to observe that there was a real danger to the Christian communities in Irak if ever the British left that country. The reports of General Laidoner sent out by the League of Nations at the time were plain evidence that massacre and enslavement had taken place just previously. Irak has now become a member of the League, and the British have all but gone. The Assyrians, with the Armenians, were our faithful allies at the time of the Great War, but it has been left to Persia to offer this gallant little nation a refuge. The Assyrian Christians are fearful of their future security in Irak, so they are trekking to Persia, where they are assured security from persecution. At Geneva, in 1924, we heard a passionate appeal by their youthful spokesman. It was a plea to the representatives of the Near East Conference to urge their need for security. The Western nations have, however, been unable to find them a place of sanctuary. Persia welcomes them. Our Armenian Allies were left to their fate by the Western Nations, but found a refuge for their remnant in the Caucasus. Strange that Russia and Persia should find homes for the two most ancient Christian races. We were privileged to meet the representative of the Assyrians at Geneva in 1924 and hear his case. Like their Armenian brothers, they can sing: "I will not be a heathen. I will not be a slave. If I cannot find a Christian home, I'll find a Christian grave." ### Freeing the Slaves: Sir John Simon's Remarkable Figures Sir John Simon was among the speakers at a complimentary luncheon given on Tuesday in London to Mr. John H. Harris, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Anti-Slavery and Aborigines' Protection Society, who received a knighthood in the New Year's Honours. Sir John said that Mr. Harris went to the Foreign Office when and as often as he found it necessary in connection with his anti-slavery work with that degree of persistence which is necessary if you want to get through the outer covering of any Government department. Mr. Harris said that within the last 20 years, not fewer than 465,389 slaves had been liberated. The British Foreign Office, during the last 100 years, had framed and negotiated with other Powers over 650 anti-slavery treaties. It was estimated that during the same period, Great Britain had spent over £50,000,000 in police work against the slave trade on the high seas. Now, as a result of work done at Geneva during the past 10 years, that burden had been shifted from the national shoulders to those of 60 nations, who were now, by a solemn instrument, bound to undertake collectively the task of the emancipation of at least 5,000,000 slaves. Great and beneficent has been the work of The Anti-Slavery Society, and it is in no spirit of captious criticism that we suggest that celebrating the Centenary of the Abolition of Slavery within Possessions, its speakers will deal frankly with the condition of affairs in Hong Kong, where thousands of children are still bought and sold. We also further respectfully suggest that the slavery of women should be given as much prominence as the slavery of men. Why should the so-called White Slave Traffic, or the Traffic in Women and Children, be treated on any different basis to the Red Sea Slave Traffic? Earl Buxton presided, and the Archbishop of Canterbury was amongst those present. ### Slavery in the World To-day #### By the Rev. JOHN R. PALMER, Lit.D. Slavery! Slavery! Can it be that it exists in the world of human beings to-day? In past ages, yes, but the world then was not half civilised; nearly all nations, even of Europe, were, as far as civilisation goes, in much the same state as "the backward races," so called, of the East to-day. But now we are well on in the twentieth century of Christianity! We have at least reached a state, with all our shortcomings, in which civilised, to say nothing of Christian nations, might reasonably be expected to show "a more excellent way" of treating those classes of the human race which are commonly regarded as its most backward representatives. Is that our aim and endeavour? Are we trying at all times and everywhere to do that, and nothing less, in the world to-day? If so, Slavery should soon be a thing of the Past. But the opposite of this is true, and has been for centuries. Although a modern writer says: "In the Roman Empire, slavery was a recognised and regular institution... To-day Christians do not tolerate slavery." Would that it were so, as far as all Christian nations are concerned. But what of the White Slave Traffic in our own and other lands, from which its victims seldom, if ever, escape? What is the awful record of it which the National Vigilance Association is able to furnish? Of young girls snatched from home and friends, ensnared by the most insidious means on the streets and elsewhere, then lost, and doomed almost hopelessly to a life of shame and suffering. And to-day it still goes on in defiance of all efforts to check the diabolical traffic, because the subtle devices of the entrepreneur prevail. This form of Slavery for immoral purposes is responsible in London and elsewhere for the loss to home and friends of scores of decent and respectable girls every year, while in Japan many commit suicide to avoid falling a prey to this hideous thraldom. And it is an indisputable fact that in India, all the circumstances of the enforced conjugal relationships in which thousands of young girls, mere children, find themselves, are nothing less than Slavery. We speak of the age-long "custom and practices of such lands and races," but it has been truly said that "the deadliest form of humanity is the deadening power of custom." The question is, are we, as a Christian nation, doing all in our power to discourage such practices? What of Slavery and the Slave Trade proper? We speak of our emancipation of the slaves a century ago, and of our more recent efforts to put down various forms of slavery in different places. But what are the facts as to the number of slaves now in the world to-day? It has been estimated that there are from four to six millions, exclusive of the quarter of a million Soviet Slaves, whose condition to-day is that of "poorly clad, badly housed, and half-starved human chattels," and who are "authorised" by corps of the Ogpu (secret police) agents, and by men like "Rakovsky, the notorious Chekist and executioner." In fact, under its murderous Communist despots, almost the whole of Russia is forced labour. At Odessa, men have been obliged to work in "shifts" of five days under armed sentries, with little time for sleep, and women fourteen hours a day. There is a cry of distress in such facts to which no reasonable and intelligent being can be deaf! Nor is it only the poor and working class that is oppressed and terrorised in Russia to-day, but thousands of all classes who have known both of "life's opposite poles" of luxury and poverty, "the loneliness and the fellowship that exist in a generation." Again, in the slow march of a hundred years or more, how little has been done by nations to put down the Slave Trade. It was condemned by the Treaty of Vienna in 1815, and our forefathers regarded past efforts as only a preliminary move to future and more complete measures of emancipation. And yet to-day there are "still five millions of human chattels" in the world. Well may the Archbishop of Canterbury say that Slavery is "the open sore of the world!" In Abyssinia alone, there are now two millions of people bought and sold as human merchandise! Slavery still survives in Sierra Leone. In Burma (India), it is widespread over almost the whole of China. Branding on lips, face, and hands, and other cruelties, are still practised in this abominable institution, while "hundreds of girl slaves have been seen on the march, chained together and whipped like cattle by Arabian traders." In Liberia, the condition of Slaves is terrible; they are often to be seen in chains and collars. The lot of the poor African slave down all the ages has been pitiable in the extreme, while some of the worst features are manifest in the Slavery carried on in Japan. And even in Kenya, under the British flag, not only have the natives "no legal right in their own land," but forced labour is widespread everywhere, which at the best is but poorly disguised Slavery. In Kenya, "the link is snapped between the African farmer and his land. His relation to the soil is reduced almost to that of a serf to the white settler." No wonder that we have reason to fear, as many do, the final results of the "Clash of Colour." Moreover, "Great Britain is committed to the principle of trusteeship for the economic, moral, and social progress of the African." It is, therefore, up to us not to allow Slavery under our flag, but to see that, as far as possible: "These things shall be! A loftier race Than ere the world has known shall rise, With flame of freedom in their souls, And light of knowledge in their eyes." ### Summary of the Report on the Traffic in Women and Children in the Far East This is a useful summary of the recently published report of the Commission appointed by the League of Nations to enquire into the Traffic in Women and Children in the Far East. The complete report, which consists of 527 pages, costs 16 shillings. This pamphlet sums up in 28 pages the results of the investigations of the Commissioners in the various countries visited, which include Ceylon, China, India, Irak, Japan, Malaya, Manchuria, Palestine, Persia, Siam, and Syria. It should be invaluable to those who have to study or speak on this subject. ### Make Me Kind #### By DUNCAN MCNEIL So many hearts are breaking, And many more are aching, To hear the tender word. God make me kind! For I myself am learning That my sad heart is yearning For some sweet word to heal my hurt. O Lord, do make me kind. God make me kind! So many hearts are needing The balm to stop the bleeding That my kind words can bring. God make me kind! For I am also seeking The cure in some one's keeping They should impart to my sick heart. O Lord, do make me kind. God make me kind! So many hearts are lonely And asking for this only, The kind and tender word. God make me kind! To all who mutely ask it, Before they fill the casket, Or bouquets may be wreaths one day. O Lord, do make me kind. ================================================================================