REVISED REGULATIONS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF RAILWAYS IN CHINA 399
date thereof make a through survey of the route, and cominence the construction of the line within a further period of six months. The guage of the railway must be exactly 4 feet 84 inches (English measurement). The date of the commencement of the work must be reported to the Board of Commerce. If the time limit for the com. meucement of the work has been exceeded the concession will be cancelled so as to prevent the evils likely to arise from the holding of such priveleges by persons who are unable to raise the requisite amount of capital. If reasonable excuse can be offered for the delay, the company should, before the time limit has expired, send a petition to the Board of Commerce setting forth the facts, and if after investigation it is ascertained that the Company has truthfully represented the state of affairs, the Board may grant an extension of time.
XIV. If in any province where railways are to be constructed owners of land demand an excessive price for the land required for the railway and thus obstruct progress of the work, or if workmen combine to demand exorbitant rates of wages, the company should report to the local authority and the said local authority shall issue a proclamation to the people strictly prohibiting such conduct, and also any extortionate practises on the part of yamen officials. The people should be informed of the advantages of the railway in the development of the trade and prosperity of the country, and that it has the active support of the Imperial Government. If the local authorities fail to give adequate protection to the Company they will be severely dealt with.
XV.—As there are but few Chinese at present competent to make railway surveys, or to estimate the cost, or superintend the construction of railways, a com- pany to whom a concession has been granted will be permitted to employ foreign experts, and the local authorities in the districts through which a railway will pass must exercise every care to afford them protection from danger. If any foreigner in the employ of the railway company does not properly conduct himself, the local authority should inform the railway company, who will be required to dismiss the said employee. The Company must not show favour to the said employee by transferring him to another railway which they may be constructing. If the faults of the said employee be of a serious character, the matter shall be reported to the Board of Commerce who will communicate the complaints to the Consul concerned, and the offender shall not be allowed to remain in Chinese territory.
XVI.-When applications for railway concessions are made to Viceroys or Governors of provinces either by Chinese or foreigners, the said Viceroys or Governors shall make a careful investigation as to whether the proposed railway will be advantageous to Chinese trade and commerce, and also whether or not any violation of these Regulations may be involved. They shall then make a report to this Board who will consider aad determine the matter.
XVII.-If any dispute arise affecting the interests of a railway company, providing it be a Chinese company, the local authority shall equitable settle the dispute, preventing injustice to either of the parties thereto. If either is dissatisfied with the judgment, he may appeal to the Board of Commerce to hear and determine the dispute and to give due protection. If the dispute be between Chinese and foreign merchants, each party shall nominate a person to jointly investigate and decide the matter; and if the two arbitrators are unable to agree in their decision they shall appoint a third man of honour and integrity who may or may not be connected with the railway company, and together they shall decide the dispute. The Governments of the two nationalities shall not concern themselves in the case.
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XVIII.-Mines and railways are now separately administered, each being gov- erned by its own regulations, and must be undertaken as separate concerns. company applying for a railway concession must not at the same time demand the right to work mines in connection with the railway. Formerly the regulations ad- mitted of the joint working of mines and railways, but such is no longer the case. If a railway company is unable to obtain the necessary supply of coal in the neigh- bourhood where it is required, and loss and inconvenience is thereby entailed to the company, the said company should send a petition to the Board of Commerce fully
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UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
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