October 8, 1898.1
assist in the resistance to the Japanese occupa- tion of their new territory. Had the Japanese been so dispose they might have made China pay for her treachery in the matter. The bill would have been a heavy one, for it cost the Japanese considerable, in men and money, before the island came fully under their sway, and much of her present trouble with the netires is due to the action of the Chi- nese Authorities on the mainland. Japan, however, though fully aware of China's dupli- city has made no claim; doubtless this, and the failure of the French to demand satisfaction for similar action as to Tonkin has encouraged China in pursuing a like policy in her other ces- sions of territory; a policy which only, in the long run, recoils on herself, for these rowdies, armed by her, when driven out go to swell the -rebel bands now ravaging her southern pro- vinces. The British authorities would be doing the Chinese Government a kindness if they were to visit them with severe penalties for their duplicity in connection with the territory to be ceded for the extension of the colony of Hong- kbug, the penalties taking the form of extend ing British influence locally.
As it is not the desire of the British Govern- ment to obtain a further cession of territory, though this might well be done, the penalty in- flicted should be an imperative demand for the acceptance of a British Resident (with duties similar to the British Resident in a Native State in India) in all the coast and delta districts which carry ou a large trade with this colony; thus impressing ou the people of these districts and on the Chinese Government the lesson that the British Government
is not to be trifled with. The districts to
which Residents should be appointed are Sun on, Tung-koon, Heung-shan, Sun-ning, Sun-wei, Hoi-ping, Nam-hoi, and Puu-ya."
By this action we would, besides bringing the Chinese Government to book, intimate plainly to France that her pretentions to the reversion of the Province of Kwangtung on the break up of the Chinese Empire will not be tolerated by Great Britain.
The Consular Service, the Colonial Ciril Service of the Far East, or the Chinese Maritime Customs could supply suitable mnen for Residents; if coming from the latter service they would have to renounce their ad herence to it on taking up their new duties.
The time is ripe for such action, for Russia has no stomach for fighting, at present, and France is not prepared to put her claims to the test of warlike action. Both would, of course, vigorously protest.
The British Government have the ball at their feet and have only to be firm and the gaine is theirs. The British electorate will not forget or forgive them if they fail now to recover their lost prestige in Chius and conserve the interests of the import ant colony of Hongkong and the vast and growing tradal interests in South China as well
as that in the North.
A large number of the compradore class, es- pecially in the-north, hail from Sam-tsun, the centre of this intrigue. It is well to remember it is this class which supports the system of farming the taxes and the accompanying abuses to which foreign trade is subjected.
Strange to say, although the preparations for resistance have been common talk amongst the local Chinese for weeks past no word has come out amongst foreigners, and most Chinese will, on being interrogated, profess ignorance of it, though when pressed, with the assurance that the fact is known, some will own up to it.
Mention has been omitted, in the body of this article, that inhabitants of the area ceded to the colony of Hongkong who are favourably dis- posed to the change have been intimidated and fear now to speak their minds.
At the Magistracy ou 6th Oct. a coolie was fined $25, or six weeks, for carrying two re- volvers and 500 rounds of ammunition without a license. He said he did not know the box contained arms. He was carrying it ashore for an American ship. Another coolie was similarly
dealt with for a like offence. He said he was employed at No. 2, Peel Street. Some Chinese customers told him to carry the arms on board
the Fatshan and take them to Canton. He was promised nothing for carrying them.
CHINA OVERLAND TRADE RÉPORT.
THE POSITION AT MANILA.
THE PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC.
THE CUSTOMS QUESTION.
THE ADMISSION OF CHINESE.
+
In
[FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.]
Manila, 29th September. This is a great day for the Philippinos. They are celebrating a grand holiday at Malolos. the exuberance of their enthusiasm they have sent out invitations to all Britishers, Americans, and other foreigners whom Aguinaldo or his leaders know to be present, at a magnificent festival given in honour of the Philippine Inde. pendent Republic. It is the most ostentatious affair yet attempted by the insurgents. I am writing this letter in the early morning before going to Malolos. Extra trains ou the railroad are announced to accommodate the crowd and from all appearances and the interest manifested they will be taxed to their limit. Numerous American Army and Navy officers will go in citizen's dress out of curiosity. A large portion of the local British colony will be present to witness the elaborate programme. It would not do for the American officers to show themselves there in uniform. Such dress would amount to a recognition of the insurgent movement in too formal a way unless they were ordered to at- tend as a matter of military occupation. At first it was reported that a general order would be issued forbidding any American officer to attend either officially or incognito on account of the peculiar relations existing pending the decision of the Peace Commission and during the armistice, but in view of the good feeling now obtaining between natives and Americans and the desire of the latter to avoid creating the impression among the former that they look npon them with distrust or even disdain, it was deemed wise to take no action whatever and let each officer govern his own acts. By allowing matters to take their own course and issuing no order whatever General Otis has again showed his wisdom where some, less discreet than he would impel him to more decisive action.
There is no denying that the insurgents are strengthening their hand every day, but they cannot be blamed for this until they know what is to be the disposition of the islands. If Spain is to come back, which seems most improbable, they cannot afford to relax their efforts to be fully provided against such a contingency, but if the United States are to hold the Philippines, as now appears altogether probable, the insur- gents themselves will not be any the worse for their present showing of military activity and a successful provisional government, because they will have made a showing of what they can do and proved that they do possess qualities of organization and administration. I have a higher opinion of Aguinaldo and many of his leaders than some other correspondents, but I base my conclusions ou careful observations covering several mouths. While respecting his ability and eleverness and sympathising with his ambition to make his people free and happy, I cannot for a moment believe that he personally would be guilty of such absolute folly as going to war with the United States or resisting in any way by force of arms American annexation or control of the islands. He is well aware that he could no more stand against the determined purpose of the United States to govern the Philippines than he could dam the waters of the China sea from entering Manila Bay and that the United States would do its best to treat the natives with all fairness and give them both protection and prosperity, but on the other hand he is honestly endeavouring to prove that as far as they themselves are concerned they are quite worthy of the con- fidence and trust of the United States in the matter of local government.
There are meetings nearly every day between the Collector of Customs, Brigadier General Whittier, and the leading business men of Manila in regard to the tariff regulations. By a circular just published it is announced that on and after October *, the Customs House Tariff and Regulations for the Philippine Islands prescribed by the President under date of July
• The date has since been changed to November
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13, will be operative. In a previous letter I have given the reasons why the local merchants ob- ject to immediate operation of these laws. Of course there is another side to the question. For instance the trade in oil can be noted. The continuance in the present rates will kill this leading export of the United States to the Phi- lippines. At present the duty amounts ap. proximately to $2.05 per case while the actual cost is only $1.75. This indeed might be termed 'rubbing it in" with a rengeance where the duty exceeds the value of an article by nearly one seventh of its original cost, Consul-General Wildman of Hongkong bas wisely remarked: People here are more interested in the econo mic phase of Manila than in the political." What applies to oil may apply to many other important articles. There are two sides to the question and it is well that both should be known. I cannot help sympathising with the local merchants in an honest effort to protect themselves from loss on the sale of a large accumulation of goods purchased under the old regime and not marketed on account of the war, but at the same time it would be un- fortunate to clog the channels of trade when it is reviving under the conditions of peace by too long continuance of old laws.
*
The Chinese question is also exciting much discussion. It is very evident that if the United States occupy these islands permanently they must make different laws for Chinese land. Chinese labour is simply indispensable, immigrants than those which apply to the home
It is very unlike America here. There the Chinese compete with a high class of white labour; in the Philippines they compete with a much lower grade of native labour. The in- dustries of the islands can hardly expect to prosper without Chinese merchants and labourers. But in this as in other matters, it must be remembered that the treaty of peace. has not even been signed yet nor any commis- sion appointed to determine laws for the Philip- pines if the United States keeps them. In due time all these irregularities will be adjusted.
Meanwhile it is best to be thankful that business is going on as well as it is.
In the collection of excise duties there are some features that, need amending. General Whittier, Collector of Customs, Colonel Crowder, Judge Advocate, and Major Bement, Collector commission by General Otis to consider the Internal Revenue, bare been appointed as a advisability of making any modifications neces- sary in regard to excise duties ou tobacco, cigars, and cigarettes, as prescribed in the tariff Regulations This step is taken in deference to the request of the local manufacturers and in accordance with the advice of those in touch with the situation. The changes, while impor- tant, will not be radical.
Major-General Otis is certainly a most cap- able man and the longer he directs affairs the He is an better grows the opinion of him. untiring worker. He goes to his office early and he does not leave until late. His mastery of detail is enormous and he lets no order be issued or step taken without giving it his personal attention. He even tires his young aides. The only evil resulting from such faithful service is the danger that he may break down and be unable to remain in the Philippines.
The Arizona arrived yesterday sometime No overdue but bringing 300 bags of mail. mail was ever more cheerfully welcomed. It has been over a month since a regular one was received from America. The wives of officers are beginning to appear and if American occupation lasts Manila should bave the nuclens of much social activity by the time the cooler season is at hand.
The capture of the Abby has had a good effect. The smugglers will be more careful in the future. The persons concerned in this doubt- ful enterprise are well known here but they are not, for obvious reasons, in Manila at the present moment.
Every effort possible is being exerted to get the local government of Manila into splendid shape and the wheels of administration are running more smoothly. The great and serious drawback at the present is the lack of money to pay for work and improvements. There is an abundance of cash in the public treasury and in the Custom House vaults, but from various
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