No. 92.
Mr. Holcombe to Mr. Evarts.
Legation of
the United States,
Peking, July 2, 1878.
(Received September 2.)
No. 20.]
Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy of
a dispatch addressed by Prince Kung to Mr. Seward, proposing certain changes
in the regulations for foreign trade upon the Yangtze River.
As the modifications suggested are manifestly to the advantage of
[Page 147]
trade, I have replied to the
prince assenting to them. I inclose a copy of my dispatch to him, and also
of one in which I have notified the vice-counsul-general of my approval of
the changes in question,
Trusting that my course will meet with your assent,
I have, &c.,
[Inclosure 1 in No.
20.—Translation.]
Prince Kung to Mr.
Seward.
Prince Kung, chief secretary of state for foreign affairs, herewith makes
a communication:
The circumstances under which the regulations for trade upon the Yangtze
River were made were not the same in 1862 as now, and it hence becomes
necessary to consider the present status, and to
make certain slight modifications in those rules, in order that the
facilities for trade may be increased and hindrances removed.
The third article of the regulations provides that if sea-going vessel be
proceeding up the river beyond Chin Kiang, a pass will be issued by the
Chin Kiang customs, which pass must be presented to the customs at
Kiukiang for inspection, &c.
This regulation was enacted because, at the time, the rebels infested the
country along the river. That whole country being now quiet, this office
proposes, while leaving the original article in force, and while
carrying it into effect upon lorchas and sailing-vessels, that in the
case of sea-going steamers passing above Chin Kiang a pass shall be
issued by the customs at that port, which must be presented for
inspection at any port to which the vessel may proceed for purposes of
trade. If the vessel in question does not trade at Wuhu or Kiukiang, she
need not stop at those ports for inspection of her pass.
The fourth article provides that the tonnage dues leviable on any steamer
holding a river pass shall be paid alternately at Chin Kiang, Kiukiang,
and Hankow.
This office proposes that hereafter the tonnage dues leviable on any
steamer holding a river pass shall all be paid to the customs at
Shanghai.
The modifications proposed herein to the two articles mentioned have in
view the convenience of commerce.
In addition to issuing the appropriate instructions to the local
authorities, I have the honor to address your excellency, for your
information in the business.
His Excellency George F. Seward, &c., &c., &c.
[Inclosure 2 in No. 20.]
Mr. Holcombe to
Prince Kung.
I have had the honor to receive your imperial highness’s dispatch of the
25th ultimo, addressed to Mr. Seward, and informing him of certain
proposed modifications to the regulations for trade npon the Yangtze
River.
In response I beg leave to express my approval of the changes suggested,
as they seem to be well calculated to promote the interests of
commerce.
I shall at once notify the consul-general at Shanghai in order that he
may issue the necessary notice to Americans concerned.
I have, &c.,
[Inclosure 3 in No. 20.]
Mr. Holcombe to Mr.
Stahel.
Sir: I have received a dispatch from the
Chinese foreign office, in which it is proposed to modify Articles III
and IV of the revised regulations of trade on the Yangtze Kiang of
November 10, 1862, as follows:
- “Article III. While all the
provisions of this article will be enforced upon lorchas
[Page 148]
and sailing-vessels
generally, it is proposed that, in the case of sea-going
steamers passing above Chin Kiang, a pass be issued by the
customs at that port, which shall be presented for inspection at
any port to which the vessel may proceed for purposes of trade.
If the vessel does not trade at Wuhu or Kiukiang, she need not
stop at those ports for the examination of her pass.
- “Article IV. Tonnage dues leviable
on steamers holding river pass will hereafter be collected at
Shanghai.”
I have approved the proposed modifications of the regulations in question
in so far as they affect American shipping.
I am, &c.,
