37.
settlers. In 1847 he repeated these opinions in the book aforementioned, showing that the latent prosperity of this Colony had not yet manifested itself. His views were given in part yesterday; here is a further extract:
"It is for the advantage of England that our trade with China be carried on with the northern ports. In the central districts of China along the Yangtzekiang, and other great rivers and canals, the people are more civilized, more wealthy, and (now that they are becoming acquainted with the English), more disposed to friendly and commercial intercourse.
By purchasing tea and silk near the place of production, the charges of land carriage, fees, etc. will be reduced, and the cost price thus lessened by one-third to the British consumer. On the other hand, the Chinese will be able to purchase at a cheap rate British manufactures, when they are brought by our vessels to their doors. These, and other considerations, render it a matter of national importance that our trade with China be diffused over several ports, instead of being confined to Canton; and indicates that it is not desirable Hongkong be maintained (even if the assertion be true) as a protection to the trade of Canton."
418
Dr. Gutzlaff in November, 1844, wrote the following opinion on Hongkong, which Governor Davis forwarded to Lord Aberdeen and which Mr. Martin reproduces:
"Hongkong, with its fine harbour, has not yet proved a place of trade on anticipations founded at the opening of the port, on the previous flourishing condition of the floating Colonies at Lintin, Kansingmoon, and Kapsingmoon.
"The whole state of things is now, however, materially and radically changed. The violent prohibitions against opium have ceased to be carried into effect, and the smuggling vessels are now everywhere scattered on the coast. Every raw and manufactured article may be bought nearly as cheap as at Hongkong, at any of the four emporiums. What should, therefore, induce the Chinese to fetch them from a distant mart?
"The Chinchew race of mariners and merchants, have not yet made this island their abode, and unless they commence in earnest, the motley group now inhabiting our shores will never rise beyond the sphere of pedlars.
"In the same ratio as the northern trade expands, the limits of the southern will be more and more narrowed, and unless matters are replaced in their former state, which is beyond the range of possibilities, we cannot expect that Hongkong will become a large emporium.
"Its only chance is that troubles might arise at Canton, and the commerce be carried on here for security's sake; local advantages that can in the smallest degree compete with Chusan, Hongkong does not possess.
37.
settlers. In 1847 he repeated these opinions in the book aforementioned, showing that the latent prosperity of this Colony had not yet manifested itself. His views were given in part yesterday; here is a further extract:
"It is for the advantage of England that
our trade with China be carried on with the northern ports. In the central districts of Ching along the Yangtzekang, and other great rivers and canals, the people are more civilized, more wealthy, and (now that they are becoming acquainted with the English), more disposed to friendly and commercial intercourse.
By purchasing tea and silk near the place of production, the charges of land carriage, fees, etc. will be reduced, and the cost price thus lessened by one- third to the British consumer. On the other hand, the Chinese will be able to purchase at a cheap rate British manufactures, when they are brought by our vessels to their doors. These, and other considerations, render it a matter of national importance that our trade with China be diffused over several ports, instead of being confined to Canton; and indicates that it is not desirable Hongkong be maintained (even if the assertion be true) as a protection to the trade of Canton."
418
Dr. Gutzlaff in November, 1844, wrote the following opinion on Hongkong, which Governor Davis forwarded to Lord Aberdeen and which Ir. Martin reproduces:
"Hongkong, with its fine harbour, has not yet proved a place of trade on anticipations founded at the opening of the port, on the previous flourishing condition of the floating Colonies at Lintin, Kansingmoon, and kapsingmoon.
"The whole state of things is now, however, materially and radically changed. The violent prohibitions against opium have ceased to be carried into effect, and the smuggling vessels are now everywhere scattered on the coast. Every raw and manufactured article may be bought nearly as cheap as at llongkong, at any of the four suporiums. What should, therefore, induce the Chinese to fetch them from a distant mart
"The Chinchew race of mariners and merchants, have not yet made this island their abode, and unless they commence in earnest, the motley group now inhabiting our shores will never rise beyond the sphere of pedlars.
"In the same ratio as the northern trade expands, the limits of the southern will be more and more narrowed, and unless matters are replaced • in their former state, which is beyond the rango of possibilities, we cannot expect that Hongkong will become a large emporium.
"Its only chance is that troubles might arise at Canton, and the commerce be carried on here for security's sake; local advantages that can in the smallest degree compete with Chusan, Hongkong does not possess.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.