X
THE FRIEND OF CHINA AND HONGKONG GAZETTE.
From Trueman and Cook's Circular, published in the BOMBAY TIMES of the
14th December.
Money and Exchanges.-There has been no return of confi- dence, but on the contrary,; credit was perhaps never before at a lower ebb; a state äf things, no doubt traceable to the more com plate development, recently, of the evils consequent upon the working of a vicious system of Banking, which has resulted in a ancrifice of proporty beyond any thing which could have boon imagined; to losnes in the Corn Trade, amounting to two and a hall-millions, and to failures almost in every direction, the effects of all which could not be otherwise than paralizing. In the Manufacturing districta also no sooner have the difficulties with the Operatives been adjusted, than a Tariff comes from America adverse to the industrial interests of this coun.ry affecting the Lancashire and Yorkshire districta more particularly, whilst the Linen trade is suffering in an equal degree from the operation of the French Tariffs and prices of manufactures are forced down to the very lowest point of July.
The return of the Revenue, as given for the last quarter, has had a depressing influence, although the falling off should be ascribed in a great degree to the interruption of the receipts by the non-ratification of the Portuguese treaty, for the reduction of Duty on Wine, from 59. 6d, to 36. per gallon ; but for the contigny there would no doubt have been a considerable argumentation, ariisng from the increased consumption of Sugar, Ten, Te
bacco, &c.
The plethora of Money so far from abating, bec mes more unwieldy; millions of Bank Notes are daily locked np by Bankers and other capitalists in Lombard Street, which cannot be loaned on good security at any rate of intereet whatever. This is the more remarkable, from occuring at a season when the engages mennts of individuals are at the heaviest amunt, and discounts should be required on a scale in proportion the transactions on the Stock Exchange are daily becoming mere and more insiguifi- cant; and on the different walks of the Exchange the aspect of affairs is not cheering, more particularly, as applicable to houses of Agency.
The departure of Mr. Ellis to the Brazila has given rise to many conjectures, as to the intentions of the Government, and the course
to be pursued with respect to the Sugar Duties, Whatever may result from his mission to that country, it is only reasonable to suppose that due notice will be given of the measures to be determined upon, and that sufficient time will be allowed to the Colonial Interest to make any new arrangements, such as the altered state of things might require; indeed any other course would be extremely embarassing; this country, in negociating with
the Brazils for any new treaty of commerce, has less to apprehend. from the Continental powers for France and other States have their own Colonies, with not only high protective dutes on Sngar, but there is now also a large class Interested in the manufacture of Beet Root Sugar. the production of which is annually nearly 100, 000. Tons.
Tea.--Since the arrival of the last India Mail, there has evi dently existed astronger inclination to realize, and the impression- is gaining ground; that from better arrangements and more exten- Five intercourse with the natives, our supplies will be larger next season, and obtainable at less cost, even should there be a con- tinuance of hostilities; be that as it may, the market has felt the -influence of sales being pressed;, prices in the course of the month having receded Id. to Tid. on Congou, and 2d. on the Pekoe kind; Id. at 1 & hälf d. on Twankay and Id. to 2d. on Hysont: The Imports haye about, doubled those for the corresponding period of last year, say twenty-eight millions of pounds, against furteen and a-half the deliveries on the other hand are progress ively increasing, and now amount to about 29,300,coulb, against 27,800,000; the Stock at this Port stands at 28,500,000 Ïb., a- gainst 25,800,000; add prices for the common sound descriptions may be quoted--Congot, is 7d. to 1s. 7 & half d. per lb.;- Twunkey, at Is. 7 & half d. at Is. 8 & half d.--Hyson, 2s. 3d
at 29. 54.5——Bokea, 1s. at 18. 3d.
CASSIA LIGNEA.The Stock is still very light, being now only about 1700 Chests, against 3200 in 1841, and 6000 in 1840, whilst the Imports for the same period amount to 17,500 Chests, against. 13,000 in 1841, and 4000 in 1840. The demand has been good throughout the month, and higher prices have been realized. The present quotations are 888, 988, against 928, at 100s.
LORD MAYOR'S COURT, OUT, 29th.-The Court was occupied during its sittings in adjudicating on claims made by four Chinese Merchants, bearing the aespective names of Pwankhegwa, Samq. ua, Watschsing, and Tongching, against a British Subject for he several sums of 12001, and 16001.
WATSCHING V. STEVENS.-G. AND HORSLEY FALMER AND 00
GARNISHEES.
Mr. Ryland (with who was Mr. Enurie) appeared for the
was 16001.
plaintiff, and Mr. Gurney for the Garnishes. The sum claimed
all that is going on in the busy world. I am induced, to request, the favor of your aquaintance, for a spare
·corner of your Journal-an outline of the way in which comfortably settled down for the winter Races which we ushered in, the Infant Year. The Garrison having had been talkled of, for some time past (and the weather still continuing line) were now seriously thought of-and every thing immediately put in progress, the course though not, by any means, good-y
--was put in tolerable repair, and our Steeds (a dozen in number) trained; while these preparations were going on, the Navy were not backward, and their squadron having been strengthened, to 3 Brigs and a Frigate,, at once planned a Regatta. The morning of the 5th presented sed out with flags, and the day being fine, all promised a very animating appearance, the ships were all dres.. well; the breeze which was at first fresh, lasted suffi. ciently long, to enable the larger Boats to complete their course, but about noon it became somewhat faint. Frigate's Barge from her superior construction, carried the Sailing however was particularly good; but the easily the palm The Cutters and Jolly Boats followed in the same trak; and each in their turn, on passing the winning post, were gladly welcomed by the Band of the 18th, who through the kindness of the Com- mandant, COL CowPER, were lent for the occasion; an elegant cold Collation was prepared, by the, Captain and Officers of the Frigate, and after which, the Row- ing Matches came off; the Frigate's Barge, which had shown herself so conspicuously in the morning, again took the lead, and came ronnd the Course in the same masterly way, though ran very hard by the Wan- derer, the whole concluded with an amateur Rowing Match, by the Offfcers of the Navy and Garrison; Sport throughout the day was excellent, and we only regretted, as the Sun went downthat, there was a term- ination to our day's amusement...
Mr, Ryland, in stating the plaintiff's case, said, his client was a Tea-merchant at Canton; the defendant John Woodham Nie vens, was a Tea-dealer in the City of London; and the Garnishtee were the well-known large wealthy Tea-dealers trading under the firm of "George and John Horsley Palmer, and Co" This suit was an attachment against some property belonging to the defen dant, now in the hands of the Garnishees. This was an ancient custom peculiar to the City of London, and its benefits world, in this instance be very apparent. Actions having been brought. add verdicts obtained, against a party who could not be found, but, property being found in the hands of a third party, was attached and through the jury the plaintiff would get possession in aid of his claim; and the defendant, though not present, could not be damaged,
as he would be allowed a twelvemonth to come in arid dispute the clam. This was the case of a person who, although residing and carrying on business in China, could neverthe Ices through his agent, attach proporty in the hands of persons in
the city of London--a proof of the goodness of this entuary
custom,
Mr. Ryland was about to call wittnesses, when Mr Gurney said, to save trouble, he would admit that the Garnishces had in their bands money amounting to 15731, 175, and 400 peices of silk of the value of 5001, belonging to the defendant:
The Jury, under the learned Recorder's directions, then gave the plaintiff a verdict for 1921, 12s. 6d. being ashare of the above property proportionate to his claim of 16001, *--
Tho other cases were not gone into, verdict in like magnez were taken by consent, awarding Pwankhegwa 15231, 3 and to the firm of Slamgwa and Tangohing 4571. 1s, 6d the parties! thus only receiving 21721, 178, in lieu of 17,601,
ORIGINAL CORRESPON
ΑΜΟΥ.
LONDON MAI
the
The 16th was at last settled, as the day for those on shore, and all anxiously looked forward to it, with pleasure and interest, the first morning though fire, was exceedingly cold, but notwithstanding which, the Course was thronged, Tents where erected, and every thing looked as promising as in 1842. After some little delay, incident to these occations, the Bugle. sounded and collected the little Band that were to run for the Maiden Plate, 8 started; and although they soon bolted, separated, either by bolting or swerving, the Race was a very well contested one, and won by
Lieu Noble.
1
Others of minor importance followed, though more closely run for, and the whole went off a merveille, an intermediate day, between each, being allowed for the horses to Tocover their strength; the next-of importance rap for, were the Cheroot Stakes, the stipulation being the rider to smoke whilst geing round. or forfeit, and the last terminated with Hundle and Foot Races, nothing could have passed off more agreeably, and the pleasing Band of 18th performing throughout the day, tended much to the amusement and gratification of all. ***
187
which leads to Smuggling, particularly of the last named goods. I am of opinion that 5 per cent on those three articles would put an end to Smyg- materially assist the Revenue. gling, lead to their more extensive use, and very
On CAMETs the Duty is prohibitory, "and hot one piece of them pays it in a year, they are all smug gled, being very valuable goods, and of extensive yield a large Revenue. Those goods and Woollens use among the Chinese, a Duty of 5 per cent would interfere with no native manufacture of China, consequently may well be admitted by that Go vernment, at the moderate Duty I have put on them.
STRAITS PRODUCE. It would be advantageous to the Trade were a moderate Duty say, from 5 to 10 per cent, laid on every article that comes un-
Malay Camphor, Gambier, Ebony, Rattans, Sandal, der this head, such as Pepper, Betel Nut, Beche di Mar, (Tripang or Sea Slug,). Cloves, Nutmegs,
tortions at Canton, have almost put an end to a and Sapan Wood, &c. The high Duties and ex-
Trade, that was once a flourishing one in that City; while the China Junks continue to carry large quantities of the articles just named, from Singa- pore to the Northern Ports every year; for the last three years, scarcely a ship load has been sent from the Straits on European account,
These are the principal articles of Import, into this vast Empire, and indeed, not to take up your Excellency's time with any lengthened remarks, on the immense advantage Great Britain and Brit- ish India would derive, were the moderate Duties mentioned above made legal, and all extortions by the Canton authorities, Co-Hong, &c. annihila- ted,
of our Trade, and I do not think the Duties pro- The great object I have in view, is the increase posed by me, would check that increase in thre slightest degree.
Before saying any thing on the ExPORTS of Chi- na, I will wind up my remarks on the IMPORTS, by a few remarks on the OPIUM TRADE. Could Y. E. by any means in your power, get that Trade le- galised, you would be doing an incalculable benefit to every one concerned in it. It would be pre- sumption in me, to attempt to point out to Y. E. these last three years, knowing them as Y. E. the positive horrors of that Trade, as carried on
must, much better than I do.
It has occurred to me, and my opinion corres- ponds with many respectable Chinese, that OPIUM might be legally Imported into China, under the name of Medicine, or in fact under any other than its own name. Twenty Dollars per Chest, would cost the Import- A Duty of One Hundred and
coast, and in my opinion stop Smuggling, er less than it now does to sell his drug on the
in it, and the attempt has certainly not disappointed us. Thongh out of the world, we try to fancy ourselves The Navy are daily expecting the Admiral, and
To insure the payment of this Duty by Euro- were in great hopes that these little several amuse-Chest from their ships, I would establish some peans, before they were allowed to unload a single ments. would have witnessed his presence.
If what is passing on in this world should prove at all stringent Rules; such as acceptable. we shall be glad to send you from time to time a sketch of passing scenes. And believe
EXTRACTS
me,
Sir.
1st. Any European Vessel selling Opium in any Port or Harbour on the coast of China, except those YOUTS,
authorised by treaty, to be a lawful Prize (Ship and A LOOKER ON Cargo) to any of II. M. Ships.
2d. All Vessels Importing OPIUM, to bring from the Port they loaded at, a Certified-Manifest,. From a Communication addressed to H. E. the stating the number of Chests they may have on
Plenipotentiary,
the
Having heard that individual opinions, from parties more or less acquainted with the trade of China, would be acceptable to Y. E. I take the liberty of waiting on Y. E. with the following remarks, in hopes they may not prove
not prove altotogether valueless, in the negotiations shortly to commence between Y. E and the Chinese Commissioners.
In the first place I would call Y. E's attention to the Duties, leviable on IMPORTs into China, from Europe and India: I mean the legal duties, not the exorbitant charges, levied by the Hong Merchants and Canton Authorities.
tap pears from the Imperial Tariff, that the Du- ty on the Timportation of RAW COTTON is 5 per cent, on the average Market Value at this time. This might with great advantage to the English Manu- facturer be raised to 10 per cent, adunarem, a suffi- ciently moderate rare, when compared with the ex- actions of the Co-hong, and at the same time a Rate that will lead the Chinese to purchase more of our Manufactures, in preference to the Raw material.
board.
till such Certified Manifest has been exhibited, to one 3d. No OPIUM to be discharged from any Vessel of H. M. Consuls, and the Duty paid to the proper
Authorities.
4th. Any Vessel having more or less Opiunt on. board, than the quantity specified in the Manifest, to forfeit the Drug in the first case, and in the second, for the
can satisfactorily account e deficiency), pay a Fine of three times the Duty, on such deficiency, the probability being, that he sunuggled it on shore somewhere up the
(unless her Comver Vaca
coast.
Port, and afterwards shipped for any other author- 5th. Orrum on being landed at any authorised
Permit, stating the number of Chests, Marks, Num- ised Port, should be accompanied by a Pass or bers, &c., and no Opium should be permitted to be moved from Port to Port. (after being once land- ed) without such Permit from the Consul.
These are a few Rules which suggest themselves to my mind, and I trust Y. E. will not think my offering them presumptuous. If Y. E. should find it impossible to persuade the Chinese Government to legalise the OPIUM TRADE, on any terms, Iwo respecfully submit to Y. E. the positive i
bem paid by Importers, and could that exists for some such Rule as my No.
put in force, to restrain the numerous Comma ders, now on all parts of the Coast, selling Brus in defiance all laws, human
it may Ports, in
COTTON GOODS are subject by the Imperial Ta- raff to a Duty var
10 to 30 per cent, an average Duty of
t on them, would in my opinion be willin
3 be afforded by the
On TRON En would let the Du
TO THE EDITOR OF THE "FRIEND OF CHINA, AND OF CHINA, on the
HONGKONG GAZETTE,
MR. EDITOR.
anufacturer
Try and COPPER,
eration
charge of 1
cent could be paid on each of those Motio with out detriment to the Trade. They are compara
pear
to talk of on an legal Tradt
It is not so, the
HAYING from time to time perused your paper, with tively minor articles, and not worthy much consid
much pleasure and interest containing as much useful and pleasing information, inasmuch has made us, in this forgotten spot acquainted with
eration.
On BROAD CLOTH SPANISH STRIPER and LLS, the Imperial Tariff levies too high
ONG
ades at all Ports
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.