Directory_and_Chronicle_1908 — Page 832

SHANGHAI

727

where the deterioration of the navigable channel has been progressive since the opening of the port in 1843. When first frequented by foreign shipping an extensive widening of the channel was found immediately inside Woosung, and this led to a shallowing of the stream; presently an island commenced to grow up in this shallow part which divided the stream into two channels, and at the same time deflected the current towards the right bank, with consequent erosion on that side. The result of both these causes has been that both channels are now blocked by bars, impassable at low water to all but the most shallow-draught river boats, and the large ocean- going steamers can only enter the river at high water springs. At other periods goods intended to be landed at Shanghai have to be conveyed some thirteen miles in lighters. The enforced detention of the vessels as well as the cost of lighterage are heavy charges on the commerce of the port.

The unsatisfactory condition of the lower river has been a constant cause of complaint to the Imperial Government at Peking, since about 1850, when the de- terioration of the channel commenced to assume alarming proportions, and has been urged by the foreign Governments having the largest interest in the commerce of the port. Unfortunately in this, as in many other things concerning the good of the port, the reactionary authorities at the Capital were able to shelter themselves behind the representatives of the Powers less interested in commerce, and as by traditional arrangements numbers alone count in such affairs, Peking was always able to evade its responsibilities. The Imperial Government, largely guided by statesmen of whom the late Li Hung Chang was a characteristic type, looked upon the Bar at Woosung as a powerful aid in their policy of exclusion, and refused to do anything towards the improvement of the navigation, or deliberately took measures which they well knew would prove ineffective. The foreign merchants, assisted by the Municipality on their side, took steps to have the lower river surveyed and reported on by competent foreign hydraulic engineers.

After the defeat of the anti-foreign party in 1900, and the capture, by foreign troops, of Peking, these reports were accepted, and a River Authority on the model of that formed for the port of London, wherein local as well as Imperial interests were represented, was agreed on by all parties, and it was confidently hoped that the difficulties, entirely political, of the case had been surmounted, and that work would be immediately commenced. It is not necessary here to go into details, but the same retarding influences were still at work. A reactionary viceroy of the Kiangnan provinces was the tool chosen; he offered to undertake the work of controlling the river under the advice of a foreign engineer, over the appointment of whom the foreign Powers were to have a veto; and ever ready, with China, to accept the promise for the deed, the foreign representatives, apparently impressed by the engagement that the viceroy should undertake the whole of the financial burden, instead of its being shared by the beneficiaries as in the accepted scheme, agreed to the new proposition. The result so far has been that Mr. De Rijke, the gentleman formerly consulted by the mercantile community of Shanghai, an engineer of standing who has carried out several important works in connection with the Japanese Government, was appointed, and dredging work commenced in 1907.

Under the control of the Coast-Lighting department of the Imperial Maritime Customs, and out of the Tonnage Dues provided in the original treaties with China, the approaches from the sea to Shanghai are now well lighted and buoyed and the dangers of the continually shifting banks and shoals well cared for. Lighthouses have been erected, served by powerful lights, at West Volcano, Shaweishan, North Saddle, Bonham and Steep Islands, Pehyushan, Gutzlaff and Woosung, as well as two lightships in the entrance of the River Yangtze. In this respect the interests of the shipping frequenting the Port have been well considered, and the entire installation takes a high rank amongst similar undertakings elsewhere.

The same department has also inaugurated a system of buoys and lighting on the Upper Yangtze as far as Hankow, six hundred miles above Woosung, admirably suited to present requirements, and which leaves little to be desired. The northern mouth of the Yangtze, which serves as the main passage for coasting steamers from Shanghai to the northern ports, has also been carefully surveyed and buoyed and lighted by the same authority.

HISTORY

"River

The origin of the name "Shanghai," which literally means "Upper Sea," has been much debated, but probably like Kaoch'ang, "High Reeds," and Kiangwan, Bend," names still existing in the neighbourhood, was merely the vernacular title given to the place when still an island at the mouth of the Yangtze; it does not appear in

Digitized by Google