Directory_and_Chronicle_1906 — Page 954

CHANGSHA

沙

Chang-sha

Changsha, the capital city of Hunan, which stands on the bank of River Hsiang, 120 miles above Yocliow (at the confluence of the Hsiang and Yangtze) became an Open Port under the new China-Japan Commercial Treaty. A Custom House was inaugurated on July 1st, 1904. The surrounding country is hilly; though to the North there is a long plain varying in width from half a mile to a mile; possibly an ancient watercourse. The river Hsiang is not navigable for steamers in winter time, although its gradual fall and absence of rocks seem to promise a useful waterway. The city itself contains many fine streets, well paved and kept, according to Chinese ideas. There are many handsome buildings, both public and private. A local print describes the Changsha people as being earnest in temple worship and incense burning, which accounts for the careful preservation of all the innumerable temples and shrines. The newly-installed Customs Commissioner, writing in February, 1905, declared the "reception accorded to the new status of the port by the people has been quiet but satisfactory; their behaviour has been quiet but excellent. Officials and gentry alike have been courteous and civil, and, the right conditions being premised, the future is full of promise." As this was written prior to the recent notorious treatment of a foreign merchant (Mr. H. Bennertz) who sought, in July, 1905, to take advantage of the nominal opening of Changsha, it is not unjust to remark that the words quoted are to a certain extent misleading. There is a good deal to be said for both sides; but the foreign contention is that the opening of Changsha meant the opening of the city of Changsha, and not the opening of some section of the surrounding sandbanks, which are never safe from submersion. The officials of Changsha forcibly restrained the merchant mentioned from doing business within the city walls; and the fact that the Chinese Government subsequently paid compensation to the ousted and boycotted merchant indicates that the error, if any, was not all on one side. The mercantile community of Shanghai regarded it as a test case, and raised a subscription, not merely to recoup the pioneer's money losses, but to encourage him to fight what was regarded as an international issue. The Customs Commissioner, it has to be remembered, has to write as an employee of the Chinese Government, however much he may sympathise with foreign commercial aspirations. In fulfilment of his duty he advised Mr. Bennertz at the time that to the best of his knowledge the city of Changsha was not included in the treaty port limits. British Consular opinion was to the contrary effect, and the decision (as established by the payment of compensation) was that the city was "open." By imposing likin, by boycotting, and in other ways, however, this open port is kept practically closed. According to the Commissioner, there were, in February, 1905, signs that the question is approaching a solution. A comprehensive bunding scheme is now under consideration, and part of the work is already in process of execution." Up to that time, during the few months of the Customs regine, only a small quantity of foreign goods entered direct. The total value was Hk. Tls. 485,331, and of that Tls. 15,000 worth was plant and copper ingots for the Changsha Mints. There were no exports.

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ICHANG

昌宜 I-Chang

Is one of the four ports opened to foreign trade on the 1st April, 1877, in accordance with Clause 1. Section 3, of the Chefoo Convention.

Ichang is situated in lat. 30° 44′ 25′′ N., long. 111' 18′ 34′′ E., on the left bank of the river Yangtsze, about 393 miles above Hankow, and some ten miles below the