18
HONGKONG AND THE OPENING- UP OF CHINA.
THE HONGKONG WEEKLY PRESS AND
THE REIFICATION OF HỌNG
KONG'S BOUNDARIES.
(5th January.)
""
[January 13, 1898.
were established in the principal treaty ports before Western merchants arrived on the scene. For some years after the ports were opened, foreign commercial interests were represented by n mimber of Japanese and one German firm. More recently Brit- ish mer hants have appeared on the scene, but the entire volume of trade is even now insignificant. What Russia is really aiming at, however, is not so much the development of trade as the establishment of a paramount influence in the peninsula and the acquisi tion of an unfrozen port, possibly for the terminus of the great Trans-Siberian Rail-
way.
It is better to recognise facts as they are, and to come to a definite understanding with Russia at once than for Lord SALIS BURY to shut his eyes to what is going on anil," saying he would ne'er consent," con- senting. It is no part of Great Britain's true policy to play the part of dog in the
By yesterday's mail we are in receipt of London papers containing the detailed state- ment on which was founded the report telegraphed to Canadian papers respecting the rectification of Hongkong's boundaries, which we reproduced a few days ago: The Central News Agency is the authority for the statement, which is made with such detail that it is impossible to doubt that it has some foundation in fact. Several con- tradictions, it seems, were published after the report appeared, but none of them were official. The London and China Express in reproducing the statement remarks that it " contains nothing by way of information to its readers, a remark which is opposed to fact, for our contemporary had not upto that time informed its readers that negotia tions on the subject had made substantial progress, nor was known in the Far Eastmanger by attempting to thwart Russia's natural ambition to find an outlet for. her We all knew what that such was the case. was wanted, but had no idea the question was SO for advanced, though it was naturally assumed that with the altered situation in the Far East the importance of speedily securing Mirs Bay would be recognised by the home Government, as it has long been by the local authorities, It would appear, however, if the statement of the Central News is correct, that the matter was set in train in October last,
And
(11th January.) If it be true that England has consented to guarantee a Chinese loan-of which there would seem now to be little doubt-we may look for an important forward movement in China. Such a guarantee would not have been given without some security in the shape of an effective control over the collec- tion and administration of the revenue, and if that be once secured the development of the country's resources will follow as a na- tural sequence. We shall see railways made, mines opened up, and the whole coun- try thrown open to trade. It is always wise not to count one's chickens before they are hatched, but it is impossible to refrain from speculation as to the great results that must follow, not only to China itself but also and more particularly to this colony, which will remain the headquarters and focus of British influence in the Far East and the chief em- porium of a greatly increasing commerce. It is said that the loan is to be a three per cent.
trade and produce from Siberia in an open port. She may for sentimental reasons one issued at 110, terms which are quite phenomenally advantageous for China and
regret to see the "Hermit Kingdom "lose her semi-independence and become a pro- can only have been granted in return for
vince of the Russian empire; but her substantial concessions. Only on very rare
interests in Korea are, as we have in- occasions has Great Britain, guaranteed a loan even for one of her own colonies,
timated, very slender, and they might be but she is now giving her guarantee to
compounded for by an understanding with China, which makes investment in, the loan
Russia to secure compensatory advantages elsewhere. It is time that a proper under- almost as good as in consols, and the terms
standing should be come to with Russin, of issue are more favourable than those before the German -seizure of Kiaochau on which Hongkong's loan was launched. threw the political work of the Far East if that Power is amenable to reason. Under such exceptional circumstances we into a ferment. We can only hope that the there is no special reason to believe other- wise. Great Britain and Russia are natur- are justified in looking for important de-negotiations have progressed as favourably ally not rivals. They each have their own velopments. The rectification of Hong-as the Central News represents, and that well defined spheres of influence in Asia, kong's bundaries had in all probability the convention giving effect to the alleged and should be close allies rather than com- been already agreed upon, but if the agreement may be speedily concluded. question was still hanging in the balance Possibly the Central News may have been petitors. The field occupied by each is so vast that neither could, in the nature of it will now be decided in the colony's favour indiscreet, from a Foreign Office point of as one of the terms of the arrangement view, in prematurely publishing informa-things, aspire or desire to take the place of the other in addition to her own existing under which England gives China her tion as to negotiations not actually con-
look for friendly assistance and protection. With eluded, but, however that may be, there can
responsibilities. Each should the delimitation once effected numerous and be no question as to the importance of the support from the other to repress disorder, important industrial undertakings will information if it be correct, of which there promote trade, and quicken the effete civilisa- tion of the orientals with the vigour, life, speedily spring up in the newly acquired does not seem to be much doubt.
and activity of the West. Should Russia, territory, where cheap sites and adequate
however, either through an unreasoning water supply will readily be found. It may
jealousy or mistrust of England, elect to go be assumed, too, that the obstacles that have
on an opposite tack, striving to injure and hitherto been placed in the way of the
wound British amour propre, she may'drive making of a railway from Canton to Kow- loon will now be removed and that capit-protectorate in Korea. She has given the the Mistress of the Seas to measures which, alists who wish to invest their money in an
coupled with the probable action of Japan, undertaking of that kind will encounter
could hardly fail to eliminate Russia from no further difficulties.. How long the
the Pacific coast for many years to come and set back the growth of Siberia in- scheme may be before it materialises we
definitely. would not like to predict, for it will no doubt be left to local enterprise. The cheme for a great trunk line from Peking to Hankow, to be extended subsequently to Canton, will, however, be taken in hand at once and lines in other directions will speedily follow. The waterways throughout the country will also be improved and thrown open to navigation, by steamers, and with the regularisation of internal taxation and the abolition of the squeeze system trade in all branches will receive an enor- mous impetus. This will necessarily lead to a great increase in the shipping passing through. Hongkong, and with an increase in its life blood--pace the Harbour Master the colony cannot fail to prosper. Great aş has been the growth of Hongkong at various periods in its past history we are now pro- bably entering on a period which will in that respect surpass any previous one.
The Hyogo News says:-Portland Cement is alleged to be available now in excess of the demand and prices for the imported article have declined. Most of the home, factories are still busy with standing contracts:
RUSSIA IN KOREA,
(8th January.) Russia is openly bent on establishing a
ANGLO-FRENCH AGREEMENT RE- LATING TO CHUSAN.
(10th January.) A Refter's telegram to the Indian dated the 21st December, in-
that us
semi-official state-
a
British Government cause for remonstrance and complaint by insisting on the retire- ment of Mr. McLEAVY BROWN, a British subject, from the Korean Customs and from the position of financial adviser, and is aiming at the virtual expulsion of the Japan- ese from the peninsular Kingdom. It is openly announced at St. Petersburg that Monsieur ALEXIEPF, the new Russian Representative there, is invested with authority to promote Russian commerce in Korea in competition with Great Britain papers, and Japan and to construct an Orthodox forms Church at Seoul. So far as Great Britainment made in Paris recalls the fact that is concerned Russia is welcome to promote Great Britain and France some years ago Russo-Korean trade as much as she pleases, signed a protocol each undertaking not to and to construct half a dozen Orthodox take Chusan. This important telegram, of more interest to Reuter's subscribers in the Churches in the capital. The Koreans are sadly in need of some religion and if the Greek religion will only improve their morals and render their persons more cleanly the Russian fathers will not labour As for trade, there is, so far, If Russia very little to talk about. secured the whole England would be little the poorer, as the share taken by her in the foreign trade of Korea is very limited, and there are only two or three British traders in the country. With the Japanese it is different. Japan first opened Korea to trade, and Japanese traders and merchants
in vain.
Far East than to those in India, was not sent out here, though the French semi-official statement was apparently made in reply to an article in the Times, a brief summary of which Reuter telegraphed out under date of 20th December in the following terms:- "The Times, discussing the occupation of "Port Arthur by a Russian Squadron, says "that Great Britain cannot remain indiffer- ent to changes which, by their effect upon the Peking Government and the redistribution of Naval power, may seri- "ously affect our commercial supremacy.-
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