Gecember 28, 1907.]
Enclosure No. 363.
Peking, 24th July, 1907. SIE, In pursuance of a representation which he recently received from the. Chambers of Commerce of Hongkong, Shanghai and Tientsin the Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps addressed a note, copy of which I have the honour to enolose, to Prince Ch'ing again calling the attention of His Highness to the disabili- ties under which Foreign Trade is labouring owing to the delay in the establishment of a uniform National Coinage.
In his reply, copy of which is likewise enclosed" the Prince states that the question is now under the consideration of a Commission composed of officials in the Grand Secretariat and other departments of State who will make a report to the Throne, after which His Highness promises to furnish faller information on the subject.
In spite of his assurances, I regret to say that no material advance has, as far as I can ascertain, been made towards the attainment of a uniform system of currency. At the same time it must be admitted that in certain respects, at least the Chinese Government have shown some appreciation of the disadvantages of irresponsible action on the part of the provinces.
CHINA OVERLAND TRADE REPORT
Le 10 Juillet, 1907.
411
present facilities for trade. If such a branch lettre da 12 Juin dernier concernant l'introduc-established, commerce is bound to improve. He J'ai l'honneur de vous accuser réception de la bank of the Imperial Chinese Government is tion d'un système monétaire uniforme en Chine requests the Viceroy to submit his suggestions et me demandant si les mesures maintenant en
for the consideration of the Board of Revenue considération, donnaient à espérer une favorable and the Chief Director of the Bank. et prompte solution avec priére d'une réponse.
Notre Département s'est empressé de se mettre en communication avec le Ministère des
Finances, qui nous fait parvenir la communica- tion suivante:
It was decided to reply that the Chamber could see no reason to object against che opening of a Chinese Government Bank in the Colony so long 18 it was. on exactly the same footing as the other Foreign Banks now trading in the Colony.
"Considérant que le prix de l'or et de l'argent est exposé à des hausges et des baisses, notre | Département est justement en train de chercher | MR. YANG SHIH OHI, AN OFFICIAL DEPUTED uniforme en Chine,
moyen pour avoir un système monétaire
"Le 10 Mai dernier an mémorandum fut présen'é au trône et en réponse
an Décret Impérial ordonnait Aux fonctionnaires du Grand Sécrétariat et des divers Départements de se concerter et d'en faire un rapport au trône. “ Après que les pour parlors auront eu lieu et le rapport avec les moyens à employer sera envoyé an tiòne, nous vous ferons savoir les détails, avec un compte rendu exact,
Nous avons l'honneur de porter ce qui précède à la connaissance de Votre Excellence.
The CHAIRMAN said it was regrettable to learn Restrictions have been placed on the issue of that no material advance had so far been made copper coins from the provincial miuts, the by the Chinese · Government in placing the experiment which His Excellency hang Chin- currency of the Empire on a uniform basis but tang was authorised to make of introducing a is was to be honed that the Hongkong Govern. Tael coinage has been topped and its failurement would lose no opportunity of furthering seems to have convinced the Central Government. the project as opportunity offered. that the dollar must be adopted as the standard coir.
Apart from the above and the visit of in- spection which His Excellener Ch'en-p, the Vice-President of the Board of Finance, lately made to the provincial mints, China has not yet taken any effective measures towards accomplishing the difficult task she has set herself by the Second Article of the British Treaty of 1902.--I have, etc.
(Sgd.) J. N. JORDAN.
The Right Honourable
Sir Edward Grey, Bart. M.P..
Сору.
&o.,
&o.,
The Dean of the Diplomatic Body to H.I.H. the Prince Ch'ing.
Peking, July 12th, 1907. IMPERIAL HIGHNESS, The serious dis abilities under which foreign trade in China has been labouring by reason of the incessaut and often violent fluctuations in the gold value of silver, are well known to the Imperial Go- vernment of China, and remedial measures, particularly the early adoption of a uniform coinage, have, we are aware, received its careful attention within the last few years; have, however, we believe, met with its approval, and the difficulty of the situation appears to be increasing, and more disturbing to foreign commercial in- terests in China,
none
provas ever
The gravity of the situation thus created, and the difficulty in which the Foreign Representa tives at Peking find themselves to reassure their nationals and to hold out to them hopes for a betterment, have led them to request. me to address Your Imperial Highnes on the sub- ject, and to ask if it be not possible that some assurance be given them that the measures now under consideration for the adoption of an uniform coinage are such that a favourable and early solution of the question on be hoped for. Such assurances they could in turn commani- cate to the commercial bodies engaged in the China trade and they would unquestionably allay all apprehensions on that point, and re- establish confidence-so essential to commercial undertakings, of every nature.
Trusting that Your Imperial Highness will be in a position to supply the Diplomatic Body the information it desires. I avail myself of this pportunity to renew to Y. ur Imperial High- ness the assurance of my highest consideration. THE DEAN OF THE DIPLOMATIC BODY.
Copy
Lettre du Prince Ching a Son Excellence le Jonkheer van Citters, Ministre des Paya Bas et Doyen du Corps Diplomatique à Pékin.
CHINESE EMIGRATION ORDINANCE 1889. Latter from the Government was read as follows:
Colonial Secretary's Office, Hongkong, 22nd October, 1907. SIR,With reference to Mr. Sercombe Smith's letter of the 16th of November, 1906, and to previous correspondence I am directed to inform you that His Majesty's Government does not see its way to permit the the amendment of the Chinese Emigration Ordinance 1889, in the direction desired by the Chamber. I am, Sir, Your obedient servant, (Sgd.) F. H. MAY. Colonial Secretary.
بی
The Secretary,
Chamber of Commerce,
The CHAIRMAN remarked that the attitude of the Home Government towards the carrying of contract Chinese labourers in British Shins
regretted in the interests of British Trade but on voyages of over 30 days' duration was to be it was not unexpected and it would be advisable to represent the feeling of the Chamber to the London Chamber of Commerce. PROPOSED ESTABLISH MENT IN THE
COLONY
OF A BRANCH BANK OF THE CHINESE
IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT.
|
The following Letter and Enclosures were read :-
Colonial Secretary's Office, Hongkong, 29th October, 1907. SIR,-I am directed to forward a translation of an article which appeared in a local Verna- cular Paper on the 17th instant regarding the proposed establishment id this Colony of a branch of the Bauk controlled by the Chinese Board of Finance, and to request that you will be so good as to furnish me with the views of your Chamber on the subject.-I am, Sir. Your obedient servant,
(8gd.) F. H. MAY, Colonial Secretary,
The Secretary.
Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce.
TRANSLATIONE.
BY THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT TO INVEST- IGATE INT.. TRADE CONDITIONS OF THE VARIOUS COLONIAL POSSESSIONS 07 THE
WESTERN POWERS.
The following Correspondence was read :---
Colonial Secretary's Omoe, Hongkong. 29th October, 190, SIR, I am directed to inform you that an official named Mr. Yang Shih Chỉ, who has been depu ed by the Chinese Government to proceed on a mission of investigation into trade" condi- tions in the various Colonial Possessions of the Western Powers where there
are Chinese Communities, is expected to arrive shortly in this Colony.
2. His Excellency will be glad to have any observat ons or suggestions that your Chamber my see fit to offer regarding Mr. Yang's visit.—I am, Sir, Your obedient servants.
(Sgd.) F. H. MAY, Colonial Secretary,
The Secretary,
Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce.
Hongkong Chamber of Commerce,
8th November, 1807. STR,-I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 29th ultimo (No. 7434/197) relative to the mission of Mr. Yang Sbih Chi and to express the thanks of my Committee for the information placed at their disposal.
This Chamber has no particular observations or suggestions to offer regarding Mr. Yang's visit, but if that gentleman desires any informa- tion which he believes the Chamber can supply as to the course of trade in this Colony, I sm to suggest that he should either write direct to me on the points he requires elucidation, or make an appointment for a personal interview with me at the offices of this Chamber.—I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant,
(8gd.) A. R. Lows, Secretary.
I
Hon. F. H. May, C.M.G.,
Colonial Secretary.
The Secretary reported that Mr. Yang Shih Chi had not applied for any information.
LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE COMMERCIAL KXAMINATIONS.
The following letter from the Commercial Education Department of the London Chamber was read:—
Oxford Court,
Cannon Street, E.C.
2nd October, 1907. DEAR SIR,- The Commercial Education Committee of this Chamber desire so call your attention to the Scheme of Commercial Eduon- tion which it has promoted since 1890, and cordially invites the assistance of your Chamber in this importaat work.
No less than 33 Chambers of Commeros in the United Kingdom and the Colonies are co-operating with this Chamber, by conducting under their auspices, the examination of students who may be presented from the Schools or Colleges in their respective towns or
Translations,
Extract from the Tsau Wan Yat Po" of districts. the 17th October, 1907.
Proposed Establishment of a Branch Bank in Hongkong.
Taai Wa Ho of the Imperial Chinese Telegraph Administration, Hongkong. has recently forwarded a pet.tio: to the Viceroy to the following effect:-
he Bank controlled by the Board of Finance has made a very good profit since it was first established. Taotsi Lok Ping has received the Imperial Commend to start a branch of that Bank in Canton. The close commercial cons nection between Canton and Hongkong demand- that a branch of the bank should also be established in Hongkong so as to improve the
A copy of the Syllabus of the Examinations for 19 8-a circular letter, addressed to parenta, guardians and students, setting forth the okjesta and advantages of these examinations for those intended for a commercial career—and the Rules and Regulations for the formation of a Local Centre of examinations, by Chambers of Com. merce are sent under separate cover. Bhould your require additional copies of any of the above, or further particulars relating thereto, they will be readily applied on application,
Trusting that your Chamber may give this matter their careful consideration and decide to co-operate in this movement.—Yours faithfully,
(8gd.) KENRIC B. MURRAY, Secretary.
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