Opium clearances in October were large – 2,880 chests. The big increase was due to the departure of the annual junk fleet taking kumquat shrubs to the north.1 Malwa in small lots has risen to $510 – 515 but there is little demand for Patna and Benares.
Vol 5 No 17 – Sat 3rd November 1832
Lancelot Dent arrived from Bombay per Cambridge on 28th October.
Vol 5 No 17 – Sat 3rd November 1832
The British barque Sylph sailed for the East Coast on 20th October. Gutzlaff and Alexander Robertson were on board.
Vol 5 No 17 – Sat 3rd November 1832
Viceroy Lee fell from grace for his handling of the insurrection of mountain men at Lin Chow. That has now ended with the mountain men back in their fastness and the officials encamped around on the plain. A new town is planned to better hem in the rebels.
Some say they have seen the Viceroy’s boat sailing north with blue lanterns (the sign of death). He was a time-serving and dishonest statesman.
His replacement, Governor Loo, is expected in Canton on 10th November.2
Vol 5 No 17 – Sat 3rd November 1832
The Macau Tso Tong published a placard on 14th October instructing all Chinese that they may not serve foreigners. This includes wet nurses and women servants for families. Whatever the purpose of provincial legislation about us, we believe it is construed to degrade foreigners and take our money.
Vol 5 No 17 – Sat 3rd November 1832
A fire broke out on Sha Meen Island a mile west of the factories at midday on 30th October. Sha Meen is a centre of gambling houses and brothels. A fire there last February caused great loss of life. The houses are all made of wood and built on wooden piles over an extensive mud flat along the island’s waterfront. The spread was so rapid that escape by land or sea was impossible. Large bands of robbers saw the smoke and arrived, intending to seize the girls for ransom. Their numbers overawed the police who were little involved.
Vol 5 No 17 – Sat 3rd November 1832
A scuffle occurred in front of the factories between some of the Company’s seamen and the group of Chinese who always loiter there. Soon afterwards, a Company trader was struck by a stone. Together with friends he seized the stone-thrower and handed him over to the officials.
Officials engender hatred of foreigners amongst the populace by enacting insulting laws. It has become dangerous for us to leave our houses. It is strange that the country that stood alone successfully against all Europe should submit to this impotent Empire. At present the wall around the factories is adorned with proclamations charging foreigners with all sorts of vice (the Edict published at commencement of each season). It is time we confronted this degradation.
Vol 5 No 17 – Sat 3rd November 1832
The Whampoa Regatta began last Friday and continued the following day. Boats from all the Company’s shipping took part. No accident occurred.
Vol 5 No 17 – Sat 3rd November 1832
Lending – when the annual expenses of a province exceed its income it is commonplace in China to ask and receive Imperial permission to borrow from the Treasury. This sum is then placed at interest with reliable merchants. One half of the interest is returned to the Treasury in repayment of principal until the whole amount has been refunded. The other half is used to reduce the shortfall in receipts. At present 100,000 taels of government money has been deposited with the salt merchants at 10% pa for the use of Kwang Si province. It will be completely paid back in 20 years.
Vol 5 No 17 – Sat 3rd November 1832
Editorial considerations pursuant on the voyages of Lord Amherst and Kronborg and the crews’ assertion that Chinese merchants are willing to trade with foreigners if the officials would only allow it:
Keangnan is probably the richest provice of China. It is divided into two provinces – Keang Su and Gan Hwuy. Keangnan junks annually visit our Indian ports and we have a right to ask for reciprocity. All Chinese ports are open to junks from Thailand because the Thai King gives Chinese junks unlimited access for trade. What do British merchants think of this?
The Yangtse is a magnificent river. From Tsinghai it flows through Yunnan, Szechuan, Hupeh and most of Keangnan. The estuary is obstructed by sand banks but there are places that might serve as emporiums – Ting Chow and Tah Pau, on the left and right banks of the river, spring to mind. They should be surveyed. If we opened trade with Nanking from one of these places, an immense business would result and we would achieve access to the productive heartland of the Empire.
The Yellow River also flows through several provinces. Its entrance is also guarded by sandbanks but is more accessible than the Yangtse. Probably the best harbours are at the heens of Fau Ning and Kan Tung.
The Woo Sung River is small but navigable. Shanghai is built on its left bank. Ships up to 300 tons can enter. This could be a great channel for British manufactures and employ considerable capital. West of Shanghai is Soo Chow, sited in the richest district of the Empire. In this age of improvement we should extend our enterprise.
Vol 5 No 17 – Sat 3rd November 1832
The drought last summer caused the Emperor to employ ‘the gate of free speech’ (Kae Yen Loo). This is an ancient institution in which political economists and government moralists countrywide are invited to submit opinions to the Emperor. The censors (ya she) have historically made most use of the procedure. The main domestic concern at present is abuses in the criminal law system whereby innocent people might be detained and maltreated and some die, thus injuring the mandate of Heaven.
Vol 5 No 18 – Fri 16th November 1832
Trade news:
Much speculation has recently occurred in the opium market. Patna rose to $960-980, Benares $960 and Malwa $830-835 for cash. Time sales rose proportionately. All these sales seem speculative and not for the immediate supply of the market. The prices have since retreated
All the Turkish is now in Chinese hands but it is a small quantity.
Vol 5 No 18 – Fri 16th November 1832
Local News:
USS Peacock (Geisinger) has arrived at Lintin 8th November 1832 from Sumatra and Manila. The US schooner Boxer is also daily expected. The Peacock sloop is scheduled to stay 2-3 weeks. No reason for her visit is given but it is presumed to relate to protection of American trade if the confrontation last year is renewed.3
The British barque Jamesina (Hector) has returned from the East Coast on 8th November with James Innes, back from his second trip.Innes says Morrison’s Chinese Vocabulary (published several years ago) was really useful for him on his East Coast trip in Jamesina. If the entries were better ordered it would have been sufficient for trade without interpreters.
Another regatta was held at Whampoa on 3rd, 5th, 9th and 11th November and, for the first time, included boats from the country ships.
Intermittent fever is affecting sailors in the fleet at Whampoa. This is due to the rice crop along the adjacent river banks having just been harvested. The process of harvesting permits infectious exhalations to escape from the ground.
The partnership of Ilberry Fearon & Co is to be wound-up. James Ilberry Jr left China for London per HCS Asia on 28th November and H G Fearon left per Thetis for Manila and Batavia on 24th November.
The fire at Sha Meen which we reported in the last issue consumed 76 houses and 70 boats. It has been attributed to a woman who was boiling water and failed to extinguish the embers.
The Nam Hoi Yuen has ordered that access to every street in his district be barred and bolted at 10pm and only police patrols and doctors may pass thereafter. This is to counter burglaries and arson. The residents will pay for the works.
A few days ago a party of 70-80 thieves tried to enter a pawnshop near the north gate of the city via the roof. The occupants resisted with spears and the watchman sounded his gong. Soon the gate keepers arrived with a posse and the bandits ran off without their booty. One soldier had four fingers cut off.
Vol 5 No 18 – Fri 16th November 1832
The literary examinations throughout the provinces and at Peking recently produced 72 successful candidates.
Vol 5 No 18 – Fri 16th November 1832
Jardine’s recent successful appeal against excessive duty was a good example of what can be achieved here amicably. Here is another:
Recently a drunk measurer from the Hoppo attended the Hong warehouse where Innes’ piece goods are stored. His examination was in the late afternoon. One box containing large handkerchiefs was already opened. Assuming all contained the same he assessed a duty of 50¢ per dozen. The consignee and the Linguist in vain asked the official to examine all the goods. The next morning the assessment was ‘put in book’ meaning it had been recorded and was thus said to be irrevocable.
The only recourse was for consignee to petition the Hoppo for reassessment. The Hoppo replied ‘Foreign handkerchiefs of 2 Sq Covids (29¾ inches square) or more are large handkerchiefs. Foreign importers should sort their goods to assist the assessor.’
Innes petitioned again but was abruptly rebuffed. He petitioned the Foo Yuen but while this was under consideration he was offered and accepted a deal - that his entire shipment would be assessed at 25¢ per dozen with no public announcement being made.
Readers in Europe will think this a trifling affair but the capricious assessment of duty is a serious problem. There is no tariff except for major articles.4 The Hong merchants and Linguists seldom agree on the appropriate rate. Every single assessment requires bargaining with a lowly employee of the Hoppo and sometimes requires a bribe which he shares with the Linguist. The value of the article is not a criterion of duty. Chintzes of 28 yards worth from $3 - $20 are all assessed at the same duty. Goods imported on one day may attract double the duty on the next. How much actually goes to the Imperial revenue is unknown. The only restraint on the number of our complaints is the unpleasant insults from the Hoppo after we initiate one. The Hoppo relies on this to perpetuate his unjust system.
Vol 5 No 18 – Fri 16th November 1832
Article from the Chinese Repository November 1832, by Charles Gutzlaff:
The civilisation and literature of most of Asia originated in China.
Korea, Japan, Loo Choo, Tongking and Cochin China were thus reclaimed from barbarism by importing Chinese institutions. There is a great variety of pronunciation but the languages of all these countries bear many similarities to Mandarin Chinese.
Westerners will know that a similar process caused the barbarians who overthrew the western Roman Empire to absorb Latin jargon.
All these Asian countries examine putative civil servants in their understanding and knowledge of literature - it is this that makes the Chinese character so well understood in Korea and Japan although their civilisations are vastly inferior. “On my recent visit to Korea I found the people acquainted with the Chinese classics and that was the extent of their knowledge” Gutzlaff says.
Vol 5 No 20 – Thurs 20th December 1832
The new Viceroy Loo arrived 15th December at Tien Chu Pier and was met by some 70 provincial officials. Loo immediatety performed devotions in the Tin Hau temple. He then changed clothes and went to the Yamen. Outside were 20 kneeling petitioners whom he called into the great hall for interview. At 2pm the Foo Yuen, who has been acting Viceroy but is sick, surrendered his seal.
Loo is about 60 years old. He had a good reputation in his early career but is said to have recently succumbed to venality and solicited bribes.
Vol 5 No 20 – Thurs 20th December 1832
The tricolor is again flying at Canton. It was hoisted by M Gernaert, the French consul, in front of the French Hong on 13th December 1832, for the first time in about 20 years.5
The Canton government charges $100 - $200 per year to hoist a flag under the ‘olo custom’ rule but on this occasion no fee was requested.
Vol 5 No 20 – Thurs 20th December 1832
The sickness afflicting the Foo Yuen Choo appears to be a deep depression brought on by the death of his brother. Officials who visited him recently found him in tears - ‘my only brother is dead, my only son is insane, I am old. Society of men or women does not console me. When I came to Canton I did not know the customs of the people but assumed they were the same as elsewhere in the Empire. I am a careful observer and examined. I found the Cantonese are deceitful. Falsehood prevails in all ranks and all places. There is no truth in man nor honesty in woman. I tried to correct this but failed. Now I am sick at heart and want to leave. The vice and falsehood of Canton is too deeply engrained to be eradicated. I have begged the Emperor to let me go. All is vanity and vexation.’
Vol 5 No 20 – Thurs 20th December 1832
The weather has suddenly turned delightfully cold. Cantonese houses are not designed to preserve warmth and stoves do not help. The need is met by thick quilted clothing. On a cold day a Cantonese wears so many clothes, he looks like an eskimo.
Vol 5 No 20 – Thurs 20th December 1832
Editorial on the violence of villagers:
A couple of days ago H H Lindsay and a friend went over to Lappa (called ‘the hills opposite’, Doi Meen Shan, in Macau) to shoot snipe. Lappa is popular with foreigners for walking. On their return, when about ¼ mile from their boat, they realised they were being followed by several men. Three of these abused the Chinese servant who was carrying the men’s gear. Lindsay addressed them in Mandarin whereupon they produced axes and bludgeons. It appeared to Lindsay that this evidenced premeditation and he pointed his gun at the nearest man and told him he would shoot if he came any closer. The man nevertheless struck at Lindsay with his bludgeon, who reversed his gun and hit back. The stock broke over the man’s arm who then rushed in and struck Lindsay with a hatchet cutting through his cheek and lip and breaking several teeth. Another man struck him on the head. They took his gun and other property and were gone in a minute. Lindsay’s friend came along at the end but was knocked down and his gun also taken. Lindsay’s servant called to the attackers not to hit a man when he was down. The party continued back to the boat and eventually returned to Macau. A complaint has been sent to the Tso Tong and Keung Min foo demanding redress.
Last month we reported an attack on some gentlemen not 10 yards outside the factory gates at Canton. At about the same time in Macau two gross insults were offered separately to two English ladies passing in their sedan chairs. Complaints in all these cases produced the reply that redress was out of the question.6
We think the audacity of the Chinese is due to their realisation that we dare not use firearms (for fear of the ‘life for a life’ rule). Attacks in daylight and before witnesses must occur as a result of confidence in the minds of the attackers that they will not be held to account for their crimes. The situation can only get worse for us. Had Lindsay killed his attacker, his own life would have been forfeit. It would have been Terranova again. We of course would never submit to a demand for his surrender and trade would then be stopped.
The remedy for all this is obvious. We should show the Chinese our force. Until that happens we will have to submit to whatever the Chinese wish.
Vol 5 No 20 – Thurs 20th December 1832
A junk master from Taiwan has told a European friend of an insurrection on the island. The governor has received a confirmatory report of this rebellion from the Tung Che of Namoa and the provincial Judge is preparing himself for a trip to Amoy. The rebellion commenced at Chang Hwa Foo, 40 Li from Taiwan City and 26 officials and 2,000 men have reportedly been killed.
The Chinese on Taiwan are either long-term residents or Chuan Chow immigrants (and a few Cantonese). Occupants of a Chuan Chow village on Taiwan stole 5 piculs of sweet potatoes from a neighbouring Cantonese village. The Canton people went to the other village and got their vegetables back but, expecting recurrent thefts if the matter was not formalised, also reported to the officials at Chang Hwa. Those officials came to the Chuan Chow village and, finding five families living there, demanded $1,000 from each to ‘close file’. The Chuan Chow people refused saying the matter had already been settled but the officials took them to Chang Hwa and the Heen imprisoned them to encourage payment.
After a week, when no money was forthcoming, the Heen added a new charge against them of assisting a pirate who had escaped some months earlier. This exasperated the Chuan Chow headman who offered $1,000 to anyone who would kill the Heen. A few days later in daylight the officer and all his attendants were killed at his home. The Taiwan Foo then attended with 500 soldiers and he likewise was killed with many of his men. Several other units also advanced but were beaten off. Now Taiwan Foo (the city) has hired 30,000 men for protection and 50,000 furious villagers are approaching it. 5,000 troops are being shipped from Amoy.
Vol 5 No 20 – Thurs 20th December 1832
Smuggling - Two fast crabs have successfully been built at Lintin on a large raft moored between two ships. A third is under construction. This is because bribes payable to avoid the law against construction of fast crabs have become so high that boat builders in the Pearl Delta can no longer afford to manufacture them.7
They are now built at Lintin because Chinese officials have no jurisdiction there. These new boats are of superior construction with laid decks and raised hatch coamings like foreign ships. The larger can carry 60 men and is armed with 2/3 small swivels. The crew armaments comprise pikes and knives and plenty of round stones.
The transport of opium at a fixed fee from Lintin to Canton is so well managed that boats are seldom approached by officials. This situation will endure as long as the free traders pay the Customs officials more to not fight than the government pays them to fight. The skirmishes that occasionally occur are forms of opera. A few stones are thrown and the officials have satisfactorily proved their vigilance. No serious attempt to disrupt the passage of opium has been made for a long time. Indeed the fast crabs now have larger crews and better arms and have become even more formidable.
They pass and repass before the factories in daylight in spite of the express order that all fast crabs are to be destroyed. The drug is landed in the suburbs of the Provincial capital with complete security. Indeed, some of the supply is taken up to Canton in the coast guard boats that are supposed to stop the trade. It is these boats that monopolise the smuggling of saltpetre from Lintin. The charge made by the Si Ngon official at Lintin is $1 per chest of opium, which is paid by the smuggler to the European officer on the receiving ship on behalf of the official to whom the receiving ship captain later accounts. The fee to the coast guard boats in the river is unknown.
The Foo Yuen Choo visited the Lintin receiving ships when he first took up his post. We charitably ascribe his visit to a search for evidence against the Viceroy with whom he was then fighting but he has not published his findings. Perhaps his observations underlie his opinion of the Cantonese which is reported elsewhere in this edition - that is a view we cannot fault.
Vol 5 No 20 – Thurs 20th December 1832
Those readers who are familiar with the street in the factories where the outside merchants sell European necessaries will recall an old man who sits there daily, providing a repair service for old or damaged opium pipes. His tools are a hammer and file. He repairs or replaces the metal bowls of the pipes which lie scattered about him (these are made separate from the pipe and, if poorly fitting, may fall out when in use). His is a full-time job. We asked a Chinese friend how this man could so publicly pursue his trade and were told his income is too small to be of interest to the police.8
Vol 5 No 20 – Thurs 20th December 1832
Shensi and Shansi are said to house the richest men of China. The chief money lenders in Canton come from these provinces. Towards the end of the Ka Hing Emperor’s reign, the son of one of these rich men in Tai Yuen Foo set out a large room as a chess board. For pieces he bought girl slaves and dressed them appropriately. The then Emperor, himself an addict to luxury, feigned horror. He fined the man 3,000,000 taels and banished him to Heilongjiang.9
Vol 5 No 20 – Thurs 20th December 1832
J R Morrison has left China on the USS Peacock which is sailing to Cochin China.
Vol 6 No 1 – Thurs 10th January 1833
The Tenth Canton Insurance Office commenced 1st January 1833 (accounts are closed and profits distributed annually). General Agents – Jardine Matheson & Co.
Agents are – Fairlie Clark Innes & Co in London, Remington & Co in Bombay, Lyall Matheson & Co in Calcutta and Charles Thomas & Co in Singapore
Vol 6 No 1 – Thurs 10th January 1833
Portuguese officials administering Macau for 1833:
|
Procurador Judges (2) - Vereadores (3) Treasurer |
Jose Baptista de Miranda e Lima Antonio Pereira deputising for H A Leiria (absent) and Francisco Jose de Payva for A G de Araujo (deceased) B G de Lemos, A S V d’Almeida and Claudio Ignacio da Silva. Manuel Feliz Pereira |
Vol 6 No 1 – Thurs 10th January 1833
Local News – The provincial government has issued a proclamation warning of a fleet of pirates which has arrived in local waters from Cochin China where their activities have been proscribed. Two boats have been captured and the crews say the fleet is 90-strong. The leader is Leung Chiu Fu a Cantonese from Si Ngon, a large fat man of 30 years. His deputy is Ku Hai Lau, a bearded Cochin China native of 50 years age. Three other leaders are all young Cantonese. The twelve supervisors are also Chinese. The Viceroy offers an amnesty to those that surrender.
Vol 6 No 1 – Thurs 10th January 1833
Complaint of Fan Hin Yeung, 59 years, of Fung’s shop, Wui Kai Street, Kin Po Sze in Nam Hoi, Canton.
“Native rich men monopolise the supply of foreign rice and charge high prices for it. Previously our Governor Yuen Yuen (by restating the exemption from measurement fees) encouraged foreigners to bring rice. Now some rich men, Kam Ching Seen and Hiu Yi Shing, the operators of an oil shop, have conspired with Jardine (who denies the charge) to monopolise all the foreign rice and have accumulated 110,000 sacks of it to influence the market. Hiu Yi Shing will not sell any of it. Previously the government prohibited hoarding of rice. You should tell these rich men to sell it freely and the Foo Yuen should expel Jardine. He has been doing business in the 13 factories for 20 years. All the trouble we have from foreigners is from him. He has lent money to Chang Tsiu’s shop to buy rice and I hear he has loaned money to others to form partnerships and store up to 50,000 piculs.”
“Attached is a list of 16 shops where the foreign rice is stored and its quantity at each.
“Also a list of buyers of foreign rice who are storing it – this includes several security (Hong) merchants.
The Foo replies:
Rice is not expensive now. Why has only one man raised this complaint? The Nam Hoi and Poon Yu magistrates are to investigate and discover if there is another reason for Fan Hin Yeung’s complaint.
Vol 6 No 1 – Thurs 10th January 1833
Letter to the Editor - I have a letter in French that was forwarded to Macau from Calcutta a year ago and is addressed to the Emperor of China. I do not know how to forward it. Now I recall your newspaper is said to be regularly translated by a Linguist and forwarded by the provincial government to Peking. Please publish it so it may be delivered.
The enclosure advertises the curative powers of white mustard.
Vol 6 No 1 – Thurs 10th January 1833
The new Viceroy Loo is unpopular. He spends his days watching plays. He is deaf and consumptive. He declines to see the local officials on ordinary affairs. He has issued a proclamation to the people not to appeal to him from the lower courts unless their case involves insurrection, heresy or bandits.
He told the Foo that he will not do the work of subordinates. His daily list of visitors takes 3-4 lines in the court circular (Lee and Choo both had 30-40 lines).
Vol 6 No 1 – Thurs 10th January 1833
Taiwan rebellion – Troops from Canton have been sent to assist those from Fukien but no news of events is coming out. Taiwan produces most of the grain for Fukien and the camphor for Canton’s export trade (the monopoly of which sale is sold to a private trader) but it is otherwise economically unimportant and Chinese interest is not so much in controlling the island as denying its occupation to others.
They do not care about the eastern side which is occupied by aboriginals.
Vol 6 No 1 – Thurs 10th January 1833
The central government is slowly responding to recent voyages up the coast by foreigners. The Emperor says foreign ships are not allowed to anchor or sell goods anywhere except Canton. He says any foreign ships found on the coast must be told the law and escorted back to Canton.
Editor - We used to trade all along the coast but gave up that valuable trade. It should be clear that we are now about to renew it, either with government consent or as contraband. The natives will help us and make money. The Chinese navy is powerless to intervene. All China has to do is chose which type of trade it prefers.
A Canton official has told the Emperor this provincial government is unable to control opium imports and recommends legalising the trade. The officials of all the other maritime provinces will reach the same conclusion.
In this way we will break down the barrier that has prevented China gaining a proper knowledge of the West. The nation that brings this about will receive the gratitude of the entire world. The Americans are always keen to promote trade. Their consul at Batavia (Shillaber) has sent a mission to Thailand and Cochin China to request changes in the foreign trade systems of those countries. England should not fall behind in this race.
Vol 6 No 1 – Thurs 10th January 1833
The Emperor has ordered that the export of white lead (tutenague) be stopped as the foreigners have plenty and bring it here for import. If they need supply in future, the Emperor will reconsider his decision. At first he thought it was being smuggled abroad until Viceroy Lee told him the actual situation and he proclaimed this ban.
Vol 6 No 1 – Thurs 10th January 1833
Letter to the Editor - We should have more Chinese translators. In the last few years over 20 men have stopped studying the language while only a handful have started or continued. None of the foreign nations study it except France. The various consuls send their Chinese documents to Morrison and so do the Hong merchants whenever there is a proclamation.10
Some of those are a yard long but they pay nothing for the service.
Vol 6 No 1 – Thurs 10th January 1833
The American ship Lotus has arrived at Manila with some Turkish opium and is offering it at $630 per picul.
Vol 6 No 3 – Sat 16th February 1833
The opium clipper Red Rover will sail on 20th February for Calcutta. For freight of treasure contact Thomas Dent & Co at Canton. Passage against the winter monsoon (on the return leg) is now regularly achieved.
Vol 6 No 3 – Sat 16th February 1833
How Qua Jr has agreed to return to business. He will accept his usual share of the Hong’s trade next season.11
Vol 6 No 3 – Sat 16th February 1833
The inhumane feature of Chinese lower society has just been witnessed by a friend while travelling by boat from Lintin to Canton. He saw the wreck of a sampan with five men clinging to it and rescued them. Four were exhausted and one was apparently dying.
A fishing boat was nearby throughout and he hailed it to take the Chinese ashore. The fishermen asked for $70 for the service so the foreigner took the men back to a receiving ship at Lintin. After two days they recovered and asked to be put ashore on the island (Lintin). We gave them a bag of rice.
Vol 6 No 3 – Sat 16th February 1833
Taiwan rebellion – the Imperial troops have been reinforced with an army from Chekiang. The Emperor orders the matter be concluded quickly. He is surprised that the first force (of 5,000 men) was inadequate.
The rebels were reportedly winning and Chinese government casualties were high but the rebel leaders then quarrelled and split into two groups allowing the government troops to rout them.
Vol 6 No 3 – Sat 16th February 1833
Capt Durant was boarding a boat at the Praia Grande Customs House to go to his ship Good Success, anchored of Taipa roads when he was requested to pay duty on his wife. He refused and was beaten by the louts who hang around the Customs House for the purpose.
He was only rescued by the timely intervention of some passing Europeans. It is said that the Customs officer will be punished but we think that unlikely.
Vol 6 No 3 – Sat 16th February 1833
Another foreign ship has been reported off Chekiang. She carries a flag saying in Chinese that she is a merchant ship from India. She arrived from the north carrying the crew of a Chinese junk whom they had saved from shipwreck.
The foreigner’s cargo was woollen cloth and other goods so it was assumed to be the same ship that was seen previously but the crew deny it. The Emperor orders it be given no provisions and driven away without violence.
Vol 6 No 3 – Sat 16th February 1833
Trade – it is the end of the Chinese Year and trade is stagnant.
Some Bengal Drug was bartered for silk which reduced prices. Malwa has been firm at $700-705 but little happening. The new Bengal supply has not been priced nor has its quality been ascertained. The touch is estimated at 48-50% and the nett chest weight is 120½ catties for Patna, 117¾ for Benares.
The first sale at Calcutta on 20th December sold 2,410 chests of Patna at average prices of 1,133 Sicca Rupees and 1,122 chests of Benares at average 1,109.
The next sales are 20th February (3,000 chests), 20th March (2,000) and 20th April (2,000). Total Bengal supply for the year = 10,500 approx.
Vol 6 No 3 – Sat 16th February 1833
James Matheson arrived at Macau from Bombay per Carron on 10th February.
The Jamesina has returned from the East Coast to Lintin.
Vol 6 No 3 - 4th March 1833
Opium – 140 chests of Patna have been sold to Chinese dealers without the price being fixed. A few sales have been made to Europeans at $660-665. A slight demand for old Patna has emerged at $735 which is on the low side. No interest in Benares, old or new. A little Malwa has sold at $700-705.
The American ship Boston (Bancroft) has arrived from London 3rd March with some Turkish opium which is selling at $850 per picul. Other (old) Turkey is selling at $690.
Vol 6 No 4 – Tues 20th March 1833
The insurrection at Taiwan has been put down. Troops on reserve at Shantung and Chih Li Provinces have stood-down.
Vol 6 No 3 - 4th March 1833
Chinese officials at Macau have prevented Chinese workers from serving on any boats outside the harbour. This will stop the off-loading of vessels in Taipa roads.
Vol 6 No 3 - 4th March 1833
A professional singing troupe recently arrived at Macau from Chile and a plan is afoot to hold an Italian opera, perhaps one of Mr Rossini’s offerings.
Vol 6 No 3 - 4th March 1833
Proclamations of the local government show their concern at our recent trips up coast and their wish to show the Emperor that trade here is conducted ‘with benevolence,’ etc.
In response to the English Proclamation published in Ningpo which was sent to the Emperor, Viceroy Loo says How Qua has told him that the Consoo Fund is raised fairly and all trade is done on voluntary basis. If one Hong merchant is unacceptable to a foreigner, he can use another. How Qua is amazed foreigners should be going to other ports. They must be trying to get higher prices, he thinks.
Hoppo Chung likewise says the foreigners are completely happy, particularly since the port charges were reduced two years ago. The English normally send 20 ships but so far this year they have already sent 22. Cargoes are being bought and sold and duty paid in tranquillity without resentment. The Americans and the country traders are also happy.
The names of the ships seen at Chekiang and Shantung are not recognised by the Hong merchants and others here. How Qua says they have gone there as prices are higher in the north than the south. Ships come into Canton via the Grand Ladrone Island. If they then proceed to the north they have to pass Namoa (Nam Ngau) where they could be seen and intercepted.12 If they do not enter at Grand Ladrone but continue north, we will not know it. I (Viceroy Loo) will be responsible for ships entering at Grand Ladrone. The northern provinces should be responsible for any other ships.
Finally I will closely check the Hong merchants to ensure they do not cheat the foreigners and tranquillity is maintained. We have ordered Wu Sau Chang (How Qua Jr) to tell the foreigners that no port may be visited except Canton. He is to insist they obey.
Vol 6 No 3 - 4th March 1833
Readers will recall the country traders’ petition to the House of Commons concluded with a wish for ‘the acquisition of an insular possession near the coast of China’. Few can doubt the benefits that would flow from this. The main difficulty is finding a suitable island. It should command the coast of China but be sufficiently distant to fall outside China’s natural dominion. The islands in the Canton River estuary clearly belong to China and occupying any one would open us to a charge of invasion.
Taiwan has too few good ports and too many Chinese settlers to be useful unless we built a particularly strong fort but the rapid currents in the Taiwan Straits make it unsafe. The Dutch, when they occupied Fort Zeelandia, calculated that one in five of their ships would be shipwrecked.
The same would apply to the Bashi and Peng Hu islands.
The Loo Choo’s (southern end of the Okinawa chain) are unapproachable for the present.
The small islands in the mouth of the Yangtse and the Chusan group are too close to China although we previously had a trading post there (Sir George Staunton’s history of the Macartney embassy notes ‘Chusan Group has many safe harbours and is proximate to the main marts of China. They form part of Chekiang province and are near Ningpo from whence 12 junks travel annually to Japan for copper’. Staunton met a man who had served the Company at Ningpo and Chusan. He (Sir GS) thought the English factories there had been closed due to pressure from Canton which makes large sums from foreign trade and due to an Imperial policy to restrain communication between foreigners and Chinese.)
This leaves the Woo Nin (Bonin Island) Group at 27ºN 140º E (north of Iwo Jima) which comprises two large islands and 97 small ones. According to Japanese accounts from last (18th) century, the big islands are well watered and have fertile valleys. Big hardwood trees grow and fishing is good. The Japanese use one island as a penal settlement for banished criminals. But according to Capt Beechey of HMS Blossom, who took formal possession of the islands in 1827 for Britain, the islands are uninhabited and no trace of any previous occupation exists. Visiting whalers since report there are now a few settlers who fly the British flag. Tobacco and maize grow well and huge wild pigs are everywhere. Beechey called the main island Peel and its harbour Port Lloyd.
Vol 6 No 5 - Sat 13th April 1833
Opium consumption in China for the year 1st April ‘32 – 31st March ‘33
|
- Sold Lintin Sold Macau Lintin stock Macau stock Value Lintin Sales Value Macau Sales |
Patna 5,588 chests 822 chests 1,832 chests 354 chests $4,459,170 $ 655,956 |
Benares 1,343 chests 537 chests 331 chests 78 chests $1,039,965 $ 415,638 |
Malwa 14, 484 chests 918 chests 2,983 chests 0 chests $8,258,155 $ 523,545 |
Vol 6 No 5 - Sat 13th April 1833
Opium sales receipts for the last six years:
|
1827-28 1828-29 1829-30 1830-31 1831-32 1832-33 |
9,535 chests 13,132 chests 14,000 chests 18,760 chests 14,225 chests 23,693 chests |
$10,425,675 $12,533,115 $12,057,157 $12,904,262 $11,501,584 $15,352,429 |
Vol 6 No 5 - Sat 13th April 1833
Latest accounts from Taiwan suggest the rebellion is continuing.
Vol 6 No 5 - Sat 13th April 1833
The Chilean opera troupe has agreed to remain in Macau for the summer before continuing to Calcutta on the winter monsoon. They will perform twice monthly commencing with a performance of Il Barbiere.
Vol 6 No 5 - Sat 13th April 1833
We reported a Chinese proscription on providing cargo-handling to ships in Taipa roads. It turns out this is the work of the Portuguese Leal Senado not the Hoppo. An important part of the Straits trade is discharged in Macau. Almost all the trade landed there is from vessels ‘reluctant’ to enter the river for Canton. The duties and charges equate with those levied at Whampoa. Most of the exports are also from Canton via Macau.
The duties obtained from this transit trade are substantial. Many people are employed in the business. All this is now in jeopardy.
Vol 6 No 5 - Sat 13th April 1833
Previously the opium trade was based at Macau but the Portuguese introduced a tax which drove it away. When it was first imported from the Coromandel coast in 1720 the demand grew annually and Goa sought to give Macau the sole supply.13 The Macanese excluded the English and the French from the trade and they sold their supply cheaply to the Chinese thus undermining the market.
By 1735 one type cost 70 Taels and another 225 Taels.
Macau’s position was saved by the Company which moved opium production to Bengal. About 35 years ago the company limited production of Patna and Benares to 4,000 chests annually. Most of it came to Macau and the future looked bright but 10-12 years ago an attempt was made to heavily tax the trade and it moved away. By 1826 the Macau government was in debt to 122,040 Taels’
Vol 6 No 5 - Sat 13th April 1833
The annual insulting proclamation about consorting with flower girls and boys has been pasted up around the factories. The older Chinese know this is false but the young ones blush. The Bengal Hurkaru has recently ridiculed this proclamation and our sensitiveness to it. It mocks us by saying ‘we should not submit passively to this denigration’.
We have to say again that we are not promoting war with China. What is required of foreign powers is the exertion of moral not physical power. If we continue to submit to oppression it cannot get better. If we declared our determination not to submit but to cease trade, those immutable regulations would soon be changed. The Hurkaru Editor should recall Viceroy Lee’s memorial to the Emperor last year ‘… besides there are several hundred thousand poor people who obtain their livelihood by trading in foreign goods. If they should lose their incomes, the evil consequences will be great’.
The Chinese cannot give up foreign trade. It is not the case that, as the Bengal Hurkaru Editor has it ‘if foreigners do not like to be abused and plundered, they have the privilege of going away from the country so as to leave the coast clear for those who will be contented to make their fortunes under such restriction as may be prescribed by the government of the country in which they sojourn’.
Vol 6 No 5 - Sat 13th April 1833
Edict of Governor Choo (still the Foo Yuen):
I have been here two years and every day I arrest robbers and do little else but the spirit of robbery continues. I feel ashamed. The gentry control the villagers. They must educate their villagers in public morality and make them sincere and respectful.
First they must exhort and persuade. The gentry are born and grow up here in their villages. They know everyone. Each must instruct his own neighbourhood. When one village espouses morality it influences others. Soon a whole heen will be affected and eventually the whole province. Then we will all help each other as of old.
Second plainness and economy should be esteemed. In the rural areas people still tend their fields and their mulberry trees. But in Canton and all the market towns there is excessive gaiety and extravagance. People spend huge sums on vulgar displays. They loiter in the streets buying useless things. Instead of going to the temple to offer sacrifices, they make street exhibitions for the God’s birthday festival. As for funerals there should be no waste. Then the surplus from a good year will be available in the scarcity of a bad one.
(the Foo Yuen’s aspiration to counsel the Cantonese in propriety offends Editor Slade who ridicules this proclamation.)
Vol 6 No 6 – Fri 3rd May 1833
The Sylph has returned on 29th April from another voyage up the east coast. The passengers were A Robertson and Rev C Gutzlaff
Vol 6 No 6 – Fri 3rd May 1833
L Just & Son has removed its shop from 4 French Hong to 1 Powshing Hong.
Vol 6 No 6 – Fri 3rd May 1833
A list of British-flag ships arriving China in 1832 is given in the paper, with dates of arrival and departure, arrived from where and destination. There are totally 87 ships on the list.14 9 Company ships came from London direct; 24 from Calcutta and 31 from Bombay, 8 from Manila, 6 from Singapore, 4 from Java, 2 from Madras, 1 from New South Wales (and two returned from cruises on the east coast).
Vol 6 No 6 – Fri 3rd May 1833
The Leal Senado at Macau started to enforce its ban on loading/discharging foreign shipping in Taipa roads. A small ship was not allowed to discharge last week but in the recent few days the restriction has been removed. Goods may now be landed and shipped as before.
Vol 6 No 6 – Fri 3rd May 1833
The first edition of the Evangelist has appeared at Canton. Part of the contents is printed in Chinese. We assume it is for distribution to local people.
Vol 6 No 6 – Fri 3rd May 1833
J Taylor, the Company’s opium warehouse keeper at Bombay, has reported the number of passes that have been granted for importation this year.
Vol 6 No 7 – Sat 18th May 1833
Jardine Matheson & Co has published new insurance rates in the event of war (with Netherlands), fully returnable if hostilities do not break out.
The new rates are effective 15th March 1833. 7% premiums on all goods to Europe including UK, 6% to India and New South Wales, 3% to Singapore.
Vol 6 No 7 – Sat 18th May 1833
One of our returning east coast ships says officials at Chusan report hostilities on Taiwan are continuing in the north of the island. Most of the Chekiang navy and army have been send over. Chusan officials fear the men of Amoy will join their countrymen on Taiwan and fight against the Empire. Most of the immigrants in Taiwan are from Tung Kan heen, Chan Choo foo and Chaou Chow foo. There are also over a hundred thousand Chiu Chow men from N E Canton. The whole population is supposed to be 2-3 millions.
The Chusan officials say if Taiwan does not supply grain to Fukien there will be a revolt. Already piracy along the Fukien coast is out of control and junks are attacked in sight of coast guard boats. Several junks are going across from Fukien to buy rice in the south of Taiwan. The rice trade from Taiwan to Chekiang and Fukien employs 300 junks. At Tientsin 70 junks serve the sugar trade and Taiwan camphor exports are substantial as well.
The plantation owners in Taiwan are mainly men from Amoy who continue to live in Fukien. They have amassed great capital and their trade is profitable. The friendliness of the Taiwan people to foreigners is well-known although we have had little contact with them.
Vol 6 No 7 – Sat 18th May 1833
The Sylph has returned. She found many junks anchored off Manchuria laden with produce for the southern provinces. “We spoke with many captains who all dissuaded us from travelling further north for fear of ice but we continued to Kae Choo which is a large trading town with shallow water access. We travelled on to Kin Choo expecting to see the Great Wall but ran aground on a mud bank at high tide and could not get off. 8 Europeans and 13 Lascars rowed 30 miles ashore. They were saved by some very poor fishermen who lent their huts (and heated beds - kang).
They offered to get the Sylph off but said they had to tell the magistrate first. We were shocked. We thought the time required to walk ten miles to Kae Choo and make the necessary explanations would leave the Sylph exposed too long. Nevertheless they drew the long boat up on shore and set off through fertile fields and a thriving peasantry. All the men we met were Shantung colonists. Kae Choo is a large town with high wall. We were told that 2,000 junks trade there each year. We soon attracted a great crowd.
The magistrate asked if our country was tributary to China. We said we had sent embassies. They said it was the same thing and agreed to help us. They took us to the harbour where we met some Fukien men who recognised one of our party as a countryman. They had already pushed their lighters into the sea when the magistrate decided to refuse assistance.
Robertson appealed on behalf of the 80 crew. He also sent a message to the ship’s captain to use every endeavour to get her off ‘until she becomes so leaky that she could not attempt the voyage back’. Then we received word that the ship was safely off and at anchor. We prepared to leave. A detachment of soldiers approached. We told them we were armed. The soldiers left.
We set sail on 3rd December with ice thick on the inside and outside of the hull. We soon arrived at Sha Wei Shan, the northern most of the Chusan group which the Chinese use as a navigational marker to steer for the Woosung River. We call it Marjoribanks Islet. We anchored there amongst several Shanghai junks. On 13th December the weather improved. We saw a dismasted junk abandoned. They had hung a white flag over the side as an indication of their distress. A Ningpo junk went alongside and took off a man but seemed to conclude the cargo was useless and left the rest of the crew on board. When we were aground we had seen several Shanghai junks near us but none had offered help. Now was a chance to assist.
We manned the jolly boat and went alongside. The first and most valuable thing they handed to us was their idol. We threw it in the sea. We got under the stern and took five men off first and another seven on a second trip. The captain told us his junk is No 841 in the Shanghai register and it comes from Tai Koo Shan in Manchuria. He had a cargo of peas and other Manchurian produce. His crew come from Tsung Ming Island. He lost his anchor in rough weather and he threw out part of the cargo and cut away the masts but the vessel was sinking. We got on board and saved some of the crew’s belongings and part of the cargo but they did nothing themselves to help. Eventually we fired the hulk and left. We could not understand why the captain had scuttled his junk. Neither could we imagine how 12 men could handle such a large junk. We suspected they had mutinied as they all owned many more personal effects and clothing than is common, but they denied it.
Alexander Robertson decided to take them to the officials to demonstrate his good faith to government. We took them to the mouth of the Shanghai River and reported to Admiral Kwong and then handed them over. Robertson gave each some money which they said was too little. We did not see them again. We stayed in a building and the officials hung a large sign in front saying we had saved some shipwrecked sailors. We then sailed up the Woosung River into Shanghai. Several of our Chinese crew were recognised and told to halt the ship for consultation but we preferred talking after arrival at Shanghai. The local officials became abusive at our failure to stop but we continued. We anchored in the river and put out a boat with a flag with Chinese characters on it quoting a saying of Confucius about welcoming foreigners.
Hundreds collected and were delighted with the flag. Robertson went to Admiral Kwong’s junk and interviewed him. He asked if we came to trade and said we must get permission from Peking first. We said we would continue up the river whether he permitted it or not. We followed a deep channel of 7-8 fathoms on the northern side and crossed to the other side at the first turn and continued the 14 miles to Shanghai.
At Shanghai we interviewed two senior officials, Sing and Wan, privately. They permitted trade illegally by connivance. They requested a percentage of sales and introduced a merchant who came on board to see our piece goods. We took the long boat into Shanghai finding an estimated 1,300 junks moored in the river. Every day 40-60 new junks arrived. The waterfront in front of the Tien Hau temple was lined with officials. Our flag with Chinese characters was again admired. After a meeting, we adjourned to our ship and waited six days but no-one returned visit. Some poor soldiers had to watch us from tents on the shore. They must have been cold.
We went again closer to Shanghai but Sing and Wan then denied the previous agreement. We felt justified in bringing the ship closer but we only had ten effective crew and did not feel we could safely take it right in to Shanghai. We could buy anything we wanted but could sell nothing. We then met Admiral Poon who permitted us to enter the city and buy or sell what we liked. At the same time he gave orders for the city gate to be shut and hurried off. A villager who became too curious about us was arrested and pilloried in front of the house we stayed in. A sign above the pillory said he was punished for communicating with foreigners.
We asked for provisions and received a lot of livestock and flour but no rice (the Imperial edict prohibiting their giving us provisions referred to rice and water, which they construed literally). The officials refused all payment for the food. We left on 3rd December. Some troops were aligned along the bank and shot at us ineffectually. A hundred well dressed men outside the fort did so also and we gave them a broadside. The officials told us they could not stop us trading outside. They asked us to go to Ningpo ‘where two of our countrymen were waiting’ and take them off. We heard that, after our departure, they pulled a chain across the river. They told the Emperor we had visited only to buy planks and nails. We were generally treated much better than when we came in the Amherst. We hope Shanghai will soon be open to our commerce.
We proceeded to Chusan. Fishermen set up temporary huts on the shore there in the summer months. The monsoon blows north west here and we found a good anchorage at Ta Tseih, the third most northerly island. Ma Tseih is to the south and has a tolerable harbour of 3 fathoms.
On 7th January we saw a large wall built along the coast. It was Kin Shan, a defence built in the Ming against Japanese wako pirates. These colossal constructions are numerous around China. From a distance it looked magnificent and impregnable but close-up it was decayed. Most of the forts along its length had neither garrison nor cannon. We tried to get ashore in the jollyboat but the tide was out and ½ mile of swamp separated us from the coast.
On 8th January we steered for Cha Pu, the emporium of Japanese trade. We saw a huge Japanese junk, about 10,000 piculs (600 tons) burden. These make two trips a year. The staple item of trade is Japanese copper. China returns some manufactures and produce. The trade is an Imperial monopoly and all the crews pay for the privilege. We tried to go aboard but the Japanese refused us. This was the only unfriendly incident on our voyage. The Chinese officials came out and asked what provisions we wanted but we did not intend at first to enter Cha Pu and declined the offer. Later we thought Cha Pu too attractive to miss and went ashore.
The anchorage is shallow and all the junks were aground at low water. There are many fine shops but the streets are narrow and crowded. The main part of Cha Pu has a massive wall in poor condition. Canals bring water throughout the city and provide passage for boats. All the surrounding area is under cultivation. This is silk country and the people appear affluent. The Portuguese used to have a factory here but no trace of it remains.
The officials tried to ignore us but we went ashore. A Manchu General who had arrived with his troops from Hang Chow gave a formidable display by pitching his tents all along the landing area. His troops were equipped with muskets and lighted matches with which to drive us back to our boats but as we advanced they retired and soon the common people in the background surged forwards between the army tents to look at us. The general sent more officers but he had lost control and we were inundated with questions from the fascinated populace.
Within a few days the officials adopted a new strategy of conciliation and allowed us to explore everywhere. We had a brief interview with the general in an empty hut. He was seated on the sole chair wearing a red coral button and some old woollen clothes. A sole minion was ordered to commence the kow-tow as we entered but we did not feel inclined to emulate him. We told him he did not understand the common rules of hospitality. As he provided us no chairs, we will leave. And we did. An aide was sent after us promising chairs but we told him foreigners never change their minds.
Later we met the local Customs official, a young Chinese of polished manners, who told us the Manchu are rude and he would make up for the breach. Subsequently we were well treated. The Governor of Chekiang sent a Manchu official of the Imperial household to interview us. He was an elegantly mannered man and a skilled diplomat. He professed astonishment at the excellence of our ship, its hull, rigging and armaments. He examined a fowling piece and considered it a ‘destructive weapon of which we have no equal’. He thought it fortunate we were friends and had come solely for trade. He said he would report his findings to the Emperor. He said he had seen our last embassy (must mean Macartney 40 years before) and was acquainted with the causes of its failure having been involved in the business. We hope he sent a true account to Peking.
Later the Chekiang Foo Yuen himself came to Cha Pu and we were very well treated. We are under a great obligation for their hospitality. No restrictions were placed on us. Whenever we sent a ship ashore all the shops were opened. We visited a small island north of Cha Pu which had a Buddhist temple and school.
On 17th February we arrived at Kin Tang Island, the second of the Chusan group. Many Chinese government boats were awaiting us but we declined to speak with them. They followed our ship so closely that eventually we had to acknowledge them. Admiral Chin came aboard and we conciliated him. Several officers came on board and professed themselves to be merchants. Fortunately our understanding of trade and of the Chinese enabled us to recognise them. Most of the Chusan islands are thickly inhabited. A few are occupied only seasonally. There are many excellent harbours. In the past we traded here for almost a century but never surveyed the islands. The rapid tides and currents of the area require a good survey before we can establish permanent trade here. Raw silk, rhubarb and green teas are produced on the mainland opposite. The fishermen and merchants of Chusan own about 300 junks.
The main island is Ting Hae and has an excellent harbour. The ruins of the British factory are still visible and our country’s name is remembered. Some Ting Hae people asked us why we had left and we were unable to answer them. Now instead of fetching the articles we want from the places of their production, we have submitted to restriction at Canton. Only Japan has been more closed to us than China.
We visited Poo Tu Island briefly. It is occupied solely by priests. The only place in this area where placards against us were published was at Cha Pu and they were taken down by the officials themselves when we asked them to. The principal staple of the common people was sweet potato which they dice and air-dry and pound into flour.
Finally we should mention a beautiful harbour we found south of Ningpo called Shih Pu or Sik Po (San Men Wan). The people there are all traders. No country in Asia has so many good harbours as China. The commercial spirit of the occupants of the maritime provinces will overcome government attempts to restrict trade. The provincial officials already know this and the Emperor will soon.
Vol 6 No 8 – Fri 31st May 1833
Nathan Dunn & Co announce that Nathan Dunn will retire 1st June 1833 and the firm will be continued under the same name by Joseph Archer and Jabez Jenkins.
Vol 6 No 8 – Fri 31st May 1833
Two assistants of Ah Tom, the senior Linguist have been promoted to Linguist. They are Ah Cheong and Ah Pun. Each has paid $10,000 of which $6,000 goes to the Hoppo, $1,000 each to the two King Ching’s (chief clerks in the Hoppo’s office), $100 to the six junior Customs officers and the rest to the innumerable hangers-on. There are now 5 Linguists. We exclude Ah Chow since his attempt with Fuk Tsuen to become a Hong merchant last year.
It is now said that Fuk Tsuen agreed to pay the Hoppo $30,000 for his licence but has only paid $10,000. He has to pay the balance before he can get the licence.
Vol 6 No 8 – Fri 31st May 1833
The shortage of rice in Fukien does not seem to affect prices here but the officials have issued another edict against hoarding.
We should mention that a rice cargo has been charged between 300 – 900 Taels to bring it up to Whampoa notwithstanding the express Imperial edict that there will be no charge on rice imports. A recent Dutch ship that bought a rice cargo had to pay $50 for its port clearance certificate because the Captain had brought his wife to Macau. Yet the officials tell the Emperor that trade is prosperous and the barbarians are grateful. It is difficult to convey to distant readers the ubiquity of squeeze on all aspects of commerce here.
Vol 6 No 8 – Fri 31st May 1833
Concerning the trips recently made up the east coast, the Hoppo has told the Emperor that trading at Canton is good and the foreigners have no reason to go elsewhere. The Viceroy, Foo Yuen and he will ensure the Chinese navy prevents further trips. They will also ensure the Hong merchants do not cheat foreigners and that Customs officials take no more than the tariff for duty. They undertake to report any offenders to the Emperor for punishment.
Vol 6 No 8 – Fri 31st May 1833
Bengal opium imports this year to date:
|
Red Rover Water Witch Falcon Mercury Forth Isabella Robertson |
970 chests 991 298 187 1,116 577 |
Vol 6 No 9 – Mon 17th June 1833
Notice - Tak Qua (a shopman) who has traded as Tak Shing in ivory and tortoise-shell at 4 Old China Street for forty years, has moved to 10 Pun Ke Qua Street (New China Street) and has no further connection with the old address.
Vol 6 No 9 – Mon 17th June 1833
The insurrection in Taiwan continues. Cantonese are fighting Fukienese and the former are supported by the officials. Thousands have died.
Vol 6 No 9 – Mon 17th June 1833
A new officer has taken command of the naval force at Canton and he has ordered the total destruction of all fast crabs. A few nights ago five government boats attacked a fast crab coming up river about ½ mile below the foreign factories. After a running fight for a mile the boat was hemmed in, one crew member was killed and the rest abandoned ship. About 300 men were involved in this action and many were wounded.
Two chests of opium were seized and a book was found listing all the people to whom the contraband cargo was consigned – opium, saltpetre, camlets, etc. This was fortunately repurchased from the officers at the scene. The arrival of a new officer is often the signal for this sort of thing but the smugglers can pay well for protection and, once he has settled down, it should not happen again.
Vol 6 No 9 – Mon 17th June 1833
A list of British imports and exports to/from China is given for the past year. Bullion shipped out is said to equate with $4,825,755 Sp.
Vol 6 No 9 – Mon 17th June 1833
The Hong merchants, at the behest of the provincial government, have been encouraging foreigners to bring rice to Canton. They intimidate domestic rice dealers from involvement with us but themselves offer very low prices for our supply. There is a high demand in the famine areas and the governor is trying to get us to supply cheap to improve his credit with the Emperor. Against this background we publish a recent Edict on the subject:
“Canton has abundant supplies from the three types of fishing and the seven types of agriculture. The population is large. In the reigns of the Kien Lung and Ka Hing Emperors, foreigners were permitted to bring rice without paying entry duty. This privilege was renewed in the 4th year of the To Kwong Emperor. If they then take an export cargo they must pay the usual duty on it. The Emperor has agreed to renew this privilege but this year the barbarians have brought little rice. We fear it is because the junior staff extort from them.
“Every rice ship has to pay some duties – opening the 2nd bar and direct duties are 480 Taels, weighing the rice is 32 Taels and the grain superintendent’s fees are 116 Taels. No other fees may be levied but some sordid men at the Customs House are levying other charges.
“The barbarians come a long way to bring rice. They are allowed a return cargo. No extortion beyond the customary fees is allowed. All those fees that are not in the tariff are disallowed.
“But foreign rice easily spoils having been exposed to the humid sea air. It must be sold quickly. The Hong merchants who receive the rice and the rice shop owners who retail it should indicate the value they are agreed to pay early so the barbarians can sell quickly. When the rice is discharged it should be distributed and sold quickly. No monopoly in rice is permitted and no export is allowed. Whenever the Hong merchants receive rice cargoes they must advise the government so it may be examined and arrangements made for its quick sale. No extortion is permitted.”
Vol 6 No 9 – Mon 17th June 1833
The people we call Chuen Chow men (Chin Chew in the original) are found all along the coasts of China. They come from Fukien. They mostly come from Chang Chow foo, Tung Gan heen, Tsuen Choo foo and Hing Hwa foo all in the south of Fukien. The inhabitants of eastern Canton (Chiu Chow) are almost indistinguishable and we also call them Chuen Chow men. Most of the emigrants to Cochin China and Thailand are Chuen Chow men. The Fukienese are more numerous but the Chiu Chow men are richer. Taiwan, Hainan and the Peng Hu islands have colonies of Chuen Chow men. All the seaports of the Empire up to Ningpo swarm with Chuen Chow men. They also fish the Gulf of Chih Li, the Yellow Sea and the Taiwan Straits. They live on their boats and infrequently return to their families, preferring the perils of the sea. They are haughty, stubborn, cruel and violent yet generous and honourable (much like us).
On the anniversary of Lao Tse’s birth they make tracks of red embers and run through them barefoot. They are skilled navigators and might invent a more seaworthy boat if allowed but they are restricted to the traditional design by law. If a Chuen Chow junk deviates from the approved design it is treated as foreign in China and made to pay a high duty on its cargo – this would affect their export trade from Thailand and Singapore to China. All Fukien men are natural traders throughout their lives. The gain of a candareen is as interesting to them as the gain of $1,000. I know them well. They are the best navigators in China but poor mechanics and agriculturalists. Their province is stony and barren so many take to the sea. They kill more of their female children than other provinces but a good minority of the male population emigrates and this maintains a balance.
They are a brave people. They were the last to surrender to the Ching. Koxinga is a provincial hero. Their partiality for foreigners gives us the hope that they will be the means of promoting foreign trade in China but it causes them to be stigmatised as traitors. Nevertheless they admire our governments in the Straits and Burma and the huge funds remitted from thence to Fukien shows the benefit of our administration. Their language is difficult to speak and quite different from other dialects but it should repay study. Medhurst’s Fukienese Dictionary, now published at Macau by Morrison, should attract more European study. It is the language of trade everywhere in China except Canton.
Vol 6 No 10 – Mon 15th July 1833
Several cargoes of Java rice have arrived concurrent with an official order to the Hong merchants to buy 20,000 – 30,000 piculs for a neighbouring district. The Hong have intimidated the outside men from bidding but are making very low offers themselves. The price in our ‘Prices Current’ ($1.80 – 2.20) is accordingly purely nominal. Meanwhile the export of rice from Manila has again been forbidden. Surprisingly the retail price of rice is dropping locally and the Hong merchants, by their low offer price, may be responsible.
Vol 6 No 10 – Mon 15th July 1833
Results of the 3rd sale of Bengal opium at Calcutta:
1,417 chests Patna sold at average 1,171 Sicca Rupees; 483 chests of Benares sold at 1,147
4th Sale at Calcutta:
1,500 chests of Patna sold at an average 1,139 Sicca Rupees; 500 chests of Benares sold at 1,101
Vol 6 No 10 – Mon 15th July 1833
Charles Gutzlaff proposes to edit a Chinese language newspaper for the information of the natives to counteract the superior and exclusive notions they hold. It will be a monthly. It will not report politics or any other contentious issue but focus on geography, astronomy, philosophy etc.
Subscriptions are invited for six months at $1 per month minimum which buys 7 copies for distribution to Chinese acquaintances. Each issue will have over 20 pages. 23rd June 1833
Vol 6 No 10 – Mon 15th July 1833
All British ships are ordered by the Select Committee to surrender their licences to the Company on arrival at Macau/Lintin.
We hear that the Select has asked the Hong merchants to not secure any British-flag country ship applying to come up to Whampoa.
Vol 6 No 10 – Mon 15th July 1833
Notice in the newspaper and posted outside the Company’s factory at Canton:
The licence of the opium receiving ship Hercules that was issued by the Indian government is revoked (and any subsequent licences it may hold).
H H Lindsay, Secretary to Select Committee, 11th July Macau.
(Editor – we hear the Captain of the Hercules was queried concerning a gunny sack of goods sent ashore at Macau originating from the Red Rover [said by the captain to have been mail] and he denied the Company’s authority to question him. The Select has since extended the licence to 4th September to avoid inconvenience but Chinese interest may cause a delay in securing ships)
Vol 8 No 22 – Tues 2nd June 1835
London news - The litigious China free-traders are pursuing the matter of the withdrawal of the licence of the Hercules receiving ship by the Select in July 1833.
At the time its licence was withdrawn the Hercules contained £1,500,000 opium which the Plaintiffs say was placed in jeopardy (an unlicensed ship is an uninsured ship).
Barrister Weeding for the Hercules asked the Defendant (the India Company) why the licence was withdrawn. He said his future course of action depended upon the answer. For a reason unexplained in the London newspaper, the prosecution was then ended.
Vol 8 No 26 – Tues 30th June 1835
Editorial - It was the withholding of letters to the Canton community by Red Rover’s captain in 1833 that provoked the Select to both cancel the licence of the Hercules and request the Indian presidencies to address all future letter-bags to the President of the Select here.
Vol 6 No 10 – Mon 15th July 1833
The new paper The Evangelist in Macau has been suppressed by the Portuguese Vicar-General after publication of its 4th edition. If we oppose each other for trifling religious or commercial reasons, we will never make any progress with the Chinese. The new Governor Bernardo Jose de Souza Soares Andreia is said to be a liberal-minded man. We hope so.
Vol 6 No 10 – Mon 15th July 1833
The country traders have selected Kum Sing Moon (Kiao Island off the Heung Shan coast north of the Nine Islands) as their future anchorage during the summer monsoon. It is conveniently near Macau.
Vol 6 No 10 – Mon 15th July 1833
A Parsee has been caught attempting to smuggle carnelians from the Fort William at Whampoa to Canton. They were contained in every piece of the man’s baggage and might easily have been discovered by the Hoppo’s men. The sentry on the ship’s steps discovered the offence. It was the servant of a Parsee merchant who carried the smuggled goods.
The risk to the Fort William was immense. It is customary to leave all goods that might attract heavy duties at Lintin. We advise our Bombay readers that there are numerous ways of getting contraband to Canton from Lintin without endangering a ship. We hope the Bombay shipowners will start a bonding system on all passengers boarding for China.
Vol 6 No 10 – Mon 15th July 1833
An American ship bringing a rice cargo has paid bribes to the Hoppo in excess of the levels of duty that he has just published as correct in his Edict. The consignee was charged comprador’s and Linguist’s fees. He paid the extra charges of $470 because the chop boats (for offloading) and the coolies were withheld until he did so.
A British ship with rice also arrived and received the same request. Its master sent a petition through the Hongs to the Viceroy and his reply was to insist only the legal duties be collected. The Customs men then said there had been no withholding of boats or coolies and delivery took place correctly.
The situation is that arbitrary fees will still be demanded and consignees must show firmness and be prepared for delay if they intend to avoid them.
Vol 6 No 10 – Mon 15th July 1833
A ferry boat was leaving Canton for Shao Kwan (100 miles to the north) when a rumour surfaced that she carried opium. The Hoppo sent a boat after her to search but the master refused to stop. He referred the Customs officers to a recent (anti-piracy) order of the Viceroy that boats are only to be searched at one of the Customs Houses.
The Hoppo’s men were implacable and the ferry eventually fired on them whereupon the officers returned to Canton with 4 dead and 12 wounded (4 of whom also died). The ferryboat captain reported the matter at the next Customs House averring that he was unsure if the other boat was the Hoppo’s or a pirate. The Viceroy has supported him.
Vol 6 No 10 – Mon 15th July 1833
Peking Gazettes of 27th March report the birth of another son, Yih Hin, to the Emperor.
Vol 6 No 10 – Mon 15th July 1833
Letter to the Editor - I was recently aboard an opium receiving ship at a time when brisk deliveries of Bengal drug were being made. Many chests of this year’s Patna were opened but all were rejected by the Chinese dealers. None of the Benares drug was refused. Benares is now valued at $50 more than Patna, a reversal of the historic pricing. The reason is the wrappings on Patna this year are so fragile that the least pressure bursts them and the opium resin oozes out. All the Patna chests had lost about 5 catties in weight.
The Bengal opium chest contains two wooden boards in each of which are twenty holes lined with a thin lath in which each opium ball sits. Between each ball on the lower board is a thin strip of wood to support the upper layer. These are too thin in my opinion as the upper layer often collapses. The Patna opium balls are put into these holes without any packing whereas Benares is packed around and under with dried poppy leaves. This year and last there were no broken Benares balls whereas Patna is so damaged as to make it difficult to sell.
We should claim compensation from the Indian government.
Sgd Providus. 14th June 1833
Vol 6 No 12 - Mon 5th August 1833
The Hoppo has repeated his attempt to prevent the three new Hongs, established in 1831, from trading. He seems to want more money from each first. The Select prevented his succeeding last year as all these exactions are paid eventually by the foreign trade. We hope they will again oppose him this year.
Vol 6 No 12 - Mon 5th August 1833
Our competitor the Chinese Courier (a new English-language newspaper being published in Macau) has a letter from “A Merchant” criticising our report of the attempted smuggling of carnelians by a Parsee from the Fort William. We were not complaining about Parsees generally although they are well known to be involved in all sorts of smuggling at Whampoa. It was to protect the Fort William, at the request of its Master, that we included the story.
A similar event occurred last year on the Edmonstone involving a Chinese shopman. He was caught and had to pay off the Hoppo. The Customs House officer, who had earlier accepted a small sum from the shopman to permit the goods to land, was also squeezed. That case was different in so far as it involved a conspiracy between the shopman and the Customs House man but not the consignee.
There is another recent case, similar to the Fort William incident, involving the Caledonia in which Parsee servants were again responsible. A large number of carnelians have been found in their baggage.
Vol 6 No 12 - Mon 5th August 1833
Edict of Viceroy Loo to the Hong merchants:
In 1824 Viceroy Yuen, Foo Yuen Chin and Hoppo Ta requested that foreign ships bringing only rice cargoes be exempted from measurement duty on their import but that they pay the usual duties on any exports. The Emperor agreed. At that time the Pu Chin Sze warned that foreigners are greedy and will probably bring other cargo under the rice and try to smuggle it in. He proposed a minimum import of 4,500 piculs of rice to qualify for the remission of measurement duty and the then Viceroy Yuen approved it.
Then the Nam Hoi and Poon Yu magistrates said the foreigners have few large ships and many small ones (the ports at which they load rice have limited draft) and if the ship carries a full cargo of rice, although less than 4,500 piculs, it should qualify for remission of duty. This implied a search of the ship to ensure no other cargo is carried.
Now I find that while many ships are bringing rice, the retail price does not fall. I also find that many ships come with a mixed cargo or, at least, not fully laden with rice. The foreigners are solely concerned with profit. They might hoard rice at their receiving ships or buy it locally and bring it into port as a means of covering their smuggling of other goods.
The Hoppo has ordered, when the discharge of rice is completed, to examine the holds with representatives of the Viceroy, the security merchant and Linguist to confirm that the hold is empty. 1st August 1833
(Editor – this Edict attempts to enforce a right of search on foreign ships at Whampoa. It cannot be conceded because the officials are dishonest and they will invent non-existent charges and extort more. All foreigners must resist it)
Vol 6 No 12 - Mon 5th August 1833
The Emperor repeatedly extols his officials to be compassionate to outside barbarians. In the Ta Ching Wui Teen we find “whenever outside barbarians meet heavy weather the officers must console the barbarians and give them provisions. The cargo which they bring should be bartered at the market price. When they have repaired their ship they should be sent back to their country.“
Vol 6 No 12 - Mon 5th August 1833
The Chinese distinguish four types of barbarian (Sei Yee) – Man from the south, Teih from the north, Keang from the west and Yee from the East.
In Imperial edicts the word yee is never used. Instead ‘distant foreigners’ are spoken of. Whenever an official or ordinary Chinese talks with a European he never uses the word yee.
Su Tung Po wrote that “the yee and the teih cannot be governed in the same way as China is ruled. They are like brutes and to apply to them the great principle of government would produce anarchy. The former Kings knew this and ruled over them by misrule. To govern by misrule is the way to govern them completely.”
Su’s opinion has since been reduced to practice. Let us hope for better days.
Vol 6 Nos 13 & 14 – Mon 16th September 1833
The eldest surviving (4th) son of How Qua Jr died on 11th September after a long illness. Of the remaining three, two are still boys and the other is in the Emperor’s service in Peking. The old man constantly tries to retire but the government refuses to allow it. We suppose it requires his wealth in case there are complaints. He previously paid 300,000 Taels to have his son’s name substituted for his own on the provincial government register of Hong merchants. That only saved him from daily attendance at the office.
Vol 6 Nos 13 & 14 – Mon 16th September 1833
The Hoppo Chung is to stay another year. Normally a Hoppo gets a year to graze in Canton’s ‘fields of bounty’ but this Hoppo will now continue for four. His skill in accumulation has improved with his length of service to make him one of the most redoubtable squeezers in living memory. He must have very powerful friends at Court to remain here so long. He has reportedly paid 50,000 Taels for the extra year - presumably that is the annual tariff. The payment also gives him some protection against the complaints of the censors.
He gets a return on his investment through surcharges on the Imperial duties, squeezes on people caught acting improperly, sale of jobs in the provincial Customs department and licensing of various activities.
The delay in establishing new Hong merchants is due to his taxing their access to our money. He came here in debt due to a shortfall in revenue at his last posting. Not any more…
Vol 6 Nos 13 & 14 – Mon 16th September 1833
Cochin China – a popular magistrate has been imprisoned at Saigon by people close to the King. The populace protested on 5th August and freed him. An army unit was sent but its officers were killed. The magistrate has now been placed at the head of the revolt and a request for assistance has been made to Thailand which has had an army on the Cochin China frontier for several months.15
Vol 6 Nos 13 & 14 – Mon 16th September 1833
There has been another flooding in Canton and the factories are under several feet of water. Boats are being rowed along suburban streets and even in parts of the city. The water in the north east part of the town has burst the city wall and flowed out destroying not only wooden shacks but brick and stone houses. Ten thousand houses have been swept away and one thousand Chinese are dead.
Many thousands of displaced Cantonese are being fed by the Governor and kept in temples or the out-houses of the rich. A request to open the government granaries has been sent to Peking (even by express this will take a month to come back). Several graveyards have been washed out and many remains have been seen floating down the river.
Vol 6 Nos 13 & 14 – Mon 16th September 1833
Editorial on foreigners’ complaints in China:
Most documents published by the Central and Canton provincial governments about foreigners reveal our indignity. They indicate our subserviency, our lack of manly spirit, our implicit submission to arbitrary, unjust and oppressive laws and our readiness to accept any amount of degradation in order to continue making money. Not one European nation can be excepted. All have been willing to dishonour their countries for profit. It is particularly disgraceful because it is unnecessary.
In a few days the annual proclamation in Chinese that commences each trading season will be posted on the walls of the factories and all around the Consoo House warning the foreigners not to consort with male and female prostitutes and all the other disgusting offences with which we are arbitrarily charged. They will require us to ‘tame our pride and obstinacy.’ They are intended to inculcate a belief in the mind of the common Chinese that we are animals.
The flag above Macartney’s boat as he made his way to Peking said in Chinese “English King’s ambassador bringing tribute to the Emperor” and Macartney left it flying supposing trade was more important than reputation.16 That attitude has characterised the tenor of British relations with China for half a century. Well, now we enjoy the fruits of our policy.
We are tolerated as a useful nuisance but confined to a few square feet at an extremity of the Empire. We purchase the privilege of trade by surrendering all domestic enjoyment (no wives and children). We are subject to obnoxious laws from which there is no appeal. We are represented to the common people as an inferior race to whom the Emperor compassionately extends the necessaries of life – tea, silk and lacquerware - while receiving in return useless luxuries like metals, cloth and fur. Our ambassadors are reviled, scorned, robbed and expelled as a matter of course. We have not gained as much for our patient endurance as we might have hoped for.
This situation results from the Chinese recognition of our love of trade. They feel they can take any advantage from people who come so far and, as they probed the limits of our endurance, they found we would tolerate anything for a profit. We have given them repeated examples of our docility. The Chinese are skilful traders. They find in us a willingness to let them make the maximum profit. The foreign trade has provided employment for huge numbers of Chinese in distributing and retailing our goods. At the same time we satisfy that insatiable national vanity that requires Chinese to insult and impugn non-Chinese. And we have yielded time and again in the belief they might otherwise stop trade. Our servility has fertilised their insolence. The self-sufficiency of China has been adduced as evidence of their independence of foreign trade - the Kien Long Emperor said it in writing to King George III.
Now in Europe there is a growing interest in overseas markets to absorb the surplus of our mechanised factories. But concerning China the appearance that they are careless of foreign trade and believe it insignificant has caused all commentators to be wary. It is being said that any assertion of our dignity here will bring an end to commerce altogether.
For those people we repeat that the Chinese government cannot end trade even if it wanted to. The smuggling business at Lintin is carried on with ease, regularity and certainty. The provincial government tacitly accepts it. In China as in all corners of the globe, trade finds a way and the people’s wants will be supplied. Napoleon’s Milan and Berlin Decrees failed in Europe, the exclusive laws of Spain failed in South America. The burlesque of Chinese military and naval power here can never stop it. The popular demand for trade is too strong. And yet our self-propagated gospel of Chinese exclusiveness has become the main obstacle to continuing and expanding it.
A long term foreign resident of Canton holds the view that foreigners have lost ground here ever since the unfortunate gunner of the Lady Hughes was delivered up for execution. Before that event foreigners generally held the upper hand, even after trade was confined to Canton. Since then the Chinese have claimed and publicised their superiority with increasing confidence. No doubt they were astonished at the ease with which they obtained our submission but now they are inured to it.
Some people say we should not demonstrate power to the Chinese as it is not our way to thus insist on trade. This is absurd. The Chinese authorities have difficulty deterring bands of robbers - they are inadequate against an insurrection. If we confront them they might prohibit trade. So what? The magnitude of the Lintin commerce is sufficient answer. They can do nothing.
We conclude with some recent proclamations that are mainly interesting for the contemptuous superiority that officials profess over foreigners.
Edict of the Hoppo:
“In 1809 Governor Pih ordered that all foreign merchants, when they have sold their goods and received an export cargo, shall immediately go home in their ships. If there are Hong debts outstanding, one or two foreigners may remain and the Hong merchants will report who stays and be responsible for them until they conclude their affairs whereupon they must leave. If any other foreigner tries to stay he will be driven away.
“Now we have foreigners of all nations living at the factories all year. They operate the smuggling business. This is because Hong merchants do not respect or enforce government instruction. Thus the foreigners become audacious and do as they please.
“This year the Hong merchants are to investigate and list all the foreigners living in Canton – when did they come, what Nation they belong to, in which factory do they live and why do they stay. How can this simple law be disobeyed? Is it intentional disobedience or disrespect for the law? They must now make close enquiry and report the true facts so I may act. If they connive with the foreigners they will be punished.”
The Hong merchants reply:
“We instructed the foreigners as you ordered. Jardine, Matheson and Low (two country traders and an American) have each replied that the World is at peace and ships now come every month of the year.17 They ask that the regulation be changed. They say if they cannot stay at Canton all year their own trade and that of their Principals will be ended.”
Hoppo Chung responds:
“I recite my previous Edict. Its purpose is to restrain the foreigners and assert my legal authority. Foreigners who remain without cause will be expelled. They may stay only a short period after their ships leave to complete their accounts. When finished they must go home or to Macau. They may not indulge themselves in Canton.
“This is an Imperial order. It cannot be ignored. You Hong merchants must enforce it strictly and without indulgence.”
Vol 6 Nos 13 & 14 – Mon 16th September 1833
Peking Gazettes – the floods and drought of recent months have produced famine throughout the Empire. There have been several instances in the last year of Imperial messengers being robbed and killed on their way to Peking. The official dispatches have invariably been left on the messenger’s body but the Emperor is distressed by their delayed receipt.
He castigates Provincial governors for negligence. He particularly mentions the prevalence of opium smoking in the Canton army and the misconduct of the Hunan army en route to Fukien for the late Taiwan insurrection.
Vol 6 Nos 15 & 16 – Thurs 24th October 1833
Opium – the market is completely flat. Some time sales have expired and been renewed. Others have been sold back at a loss of $20-40 per chest and a few dealers have forfeited their smaller deposits (up to $50). Prices continue to decline. Some recent arrivals of Damaun Malwa contained spurious bulk. Several parcels of Pass Malwa have been rejected. A large amount of Turkish has been imported but sales are proceeding picul by picul.
Vol 6 Nos 15 & 16 – Thurs 24th October 1833
Notice - Lyall Matheson & Co of Calcutta announce Robert Lyall has joined the partnership on 22nd July 1833. He works at Calcutta with Charles Lyall and Hugh Matheson. The London partner is William Lyall of Lyall Wyllie & Co.
Vol 6 Nos 15 & 16 – Thurs 24th October 1833
James Innes operates his business from 1 Creek Hong (Jardine Matheson & Co’s factory)
Vol 6 Nos 15 & 16 – Thurs 24th October 1833
W W Wood, the Editor of the Canton Courier, left Macau on the American ship John Gilpin for Manila 15th October 1833.
Vol 6 Nos 15 & 16 – Thurs 24th October 1833
The following 19 Company ships are at Whampoa:
Marquis of Huntly, Rose, Buckinghamshire, Duke of Sussex, Inglis, Thomas Grenville, Farquharson, Vansittart, Waterloo, Lady Melville, Lowther Castle, Bombay, Warren Hastings, Prince Regent, Herefordshire, Kellie Castle, Thames, Castle Huntly and Minerva
The following 7 country ships are in port:
Fort William, Hormanjee Bomanjee, Ann, Pascoa, Glenelg, Earl Clare and Lady Hayes.
They will all provide boats to participate in a regatta at Whampoa on 30th and 31st October.
Vol 6 Nos 15 & 16 – Thurs 24th October 1833
Russell & Co have been appointed agents of the Alliance Insurance Company of Calcutta and will accept such risks as their Principal permits. 24th October 1833.
Vol 6 Nos 15 & 16 – Thurs 24th October 1833
We recently mentioned the Hoppo’s demand for money from the three new Hongs. The Hoppo frankly says he needs the money, not as a bribe, but as security for the new merchants’ ability to secure ships.
The Co-Hong have declined to pay and petitioned the governor who has decided against the Hoppo. It is wonderful how resistance gets results and strange that foreigners are so reluctant to try it.
Vol 6 Nos 15 & 16 – Thurs 24th October 1833
The recent floods have all but swept away the coastal city of Chiu Chow at the north-eastern border of this province.18 The official papers mention 18,000 houses destroyed and many people drowned.
Many other areas are also affected. A subscription is being made. Officials have requested rich men to donate funds for food in return for honorary distinctions or advance of rank. Literary distinctions are also on sale at reduced rates. The various trades have been called to contribute according to their presumed wealth.
The Hong merchants have paid $80,000 of which $30,000 came from How Qua alone, $8,000 each from Hing Tai, Sao Qua and Ming Qua and $5,000 from each of Mow Qua and King Qua. The minor hongs paid $1,000 each.
The silk, cotton and salt merchants are rated at $40,000 for each trade. The officials expect to raise totally $1,600,000. This will be for food and for repair of river embankments.
The administrative fear is that famine will facilitate a rebellion. The stock in the government granaries is quite low for two reasons. First, this year’s land tax (collected in kind) has been remitted to the 2nd harvest so there is nothing from that source and second, there was nothing in them prior to receipt of what little could be obtained from the 1st crop. Most of our grain comes from Kwang Si and that province has been as badly affected by the flooding as Kwang Tung.
The Chinese attribute all natural occurrences to the morality of the Emperor. This Emperor must have been singularly amoral during his reign. Every year has brought one tragedy after another. The popular feeling is necessarily that the Emperor is a good man but his officials are useless. Cleaning up the government would require great vigour, a quality this dynasty no longer displays. The throne is not dependant on military prowess. It is this background that makes the provision of timely aid to those suffering in this flood so important.
The Foo Yuen Choo reportedly asked one of the richest Cantonese for 50,000 Taels (must be a pawn broker) but was told to ‘go away’. He then cautioned the man that the loss of 50,000 Taels was preferable to the loss of everything - it seems the Foo Yuen is alert to the political danger. It has also just been reported that a man who lives a few miles out of Canton was burgled of 4,000 piculs of rice (about 250 tons). He unwisely complained to his local magistrate. All Chinese openly repudiate hoarding but it continues on a massive scale. Most foreign merchants have been approached to organise rice imports. In the interim many fields have been planted with sweet potato, taro and even wheat (which the Cantonese routinely regard as ‘too heating’ for their taste) as a stop gap.
Vol 6 Nos 15 & 16 – Thurs 24th October 1833
Marjoribanks, recently President of the Select, is now an MP. He has given notice of a motion ‘to note Taiwan has declared its independence of China and to consider its effects on the British and Chinese Empires’. We hope the Commons will attend to this carefully. The occupation of somewhere in this area will soon be necessary and Taiwan is a candidate.
The Taiwan insurrection has ended with the granting of concessions and payment of bribes, the Chinese infantry having been beaten in most of their battles. It is generally assumed that the Chinese retain this rebellious island solely to keep any other occupier out.
Vol 6 Nos 15 & 16 – Thurs 24th October 1833
There has been an affray at the village on Kiao Island, north of the opium fleet’s anchorage at Kum Sing Mun, off Heung Shan. The hulk Semarang was grounded on the island for repairs but was washed too far up the beach in the recent typhoon and could not be floated off. Foreign seamen were sent to the beach to dismantle her but the people of Kiao, who are a piratical lot, keep stealing things – not just timber, but clothes sent ashore for washing and the like.
On 12th October one of these villagers was caught and taken on board the Hercules receiving ship pending for his collection by the local headman who was the man we really wanted to speak with.
Within a couple of hours a group of villagers came down to the Semarang hulk and kidnapped a tindal. The commander of the Hercules, who was organising the work on the Semarang, went ashore with 40 men to get his man back. As they approached the village, the tindal was released to them and came out but had been beaten. They took him back to the beach but were continually attacked by large groups of villagers, armed with bludgeons, bamboos and pikes and throwing stones. Several seamen were wounded and a sea-cunny was kidnapped. It was then getting dark so they returned to the ship and the following morning sent in a demand for the release of the man.
On 14th or 15th October a force from the receiving ships was assembled comprising five different nationalities. It set off for the shore but was fired upon and returned to the ships. The matter was referred to the Viceroy while negotiations were concurrently opened with the villagers. An official from Heung Shan arrived to meet with the foreigners and negotiations continue.19
Vol 6 Nos 15 & 16 – Thurs 24th October 1833
The new governor of Macau, Andrade, is cleaning up the administration there. Macau should be preferable to Whampoa but few shippers or consignees use the facility because of continual peculation. If the government was not so corrupt, all of the Straits produce and many other things would be landed there. If Andrade continues his reforms, he will restore the confidence of the foreign merchants in Macau and bring back its former trade.
The Cantonese government intention to levy the same fees from all ships regardless of size will mean that small ships could profitably use Macau in future. This will give the enclave a source of funds and, if it is allowed to flow through the community instead of being captured by a few top men, the place will be much improved.
Andrade has ordered all members of foreign religious missions resident in Macau to leave. This is because they are sending many missionaries into China in disguise and they seldom come back. Chinese officials are complaining.
Vol 6 Nos 15 & 16 – Thurs 24th October 1833
The Foo Yuen Choo has been permitted by the Emperor to retire. He has served here for four years and is to be replaced by the Foo Yuen of Kwang Si. Apart from the incident at the factories in May 1831 and the isolated report of his strange behaviour going to the fire at Shameen last year, Choo has hardly been seen by the foreign community.
It turns out that amongst all the myriad officials in Canton whose invariable interest is enriching themselves, Choo is spoken of as the one honest man. He could have made a fortune. All his colleagues struggle for personal gain and seize it at any risk. Had he simply done his job less well, the money would have rolled in. A real sense of grief pervades the citizens of Canton on his departure. He was genuinely a foo yuen, a soother of the people. He retires to Chekiang province. Several deputations of Cantonese have queued at his yamen to plead with him to stay. It is a politeness but it is seldom offered to public officers in Canton. He was accessible to all the people but on bad terms with most of his colleagues and particularly the ex-Viceroy Lee who is a venal specimen. Some say his reason for retiring is partly due to ill-health and mainly due to disgust at the conduct of the officials which he has witnessed but been unable to change.
Vol 6 Nos 15 & 16 – Thurs 24th October 1833
The Emperor has sent some silk to the King of Cochin China as a special present because this is the year of his triennial tribute and because he cared for the crew of a Canton warjunk that was blown down onto his coast a few months ago.
In addition to these favours, the two junks from that country that are presently in Canton are allowed to trade without paying any duty.
Vol 6 Nos 15 & 16 – Thurs 24th October 1833
A correspondent has offered to send us information on Chinese law. We all know that it is the disobedience of Imperial law by local officials at Canton that causes the difficulties for foreigners in China. We have previously mentioned the laws of the Tang and Sung dynasties. The Yuan dynasty was particularly friendly to foreigners. Even the Hong Hei Emperor was fair minded about us. It should not offend the Chinese to be reminded of the principles of their ancestors. However, it is regrettable that the Jesuits, who had access to the government archives and even the Emperor, never assisted their countries by explaining and introducing their own national customs to the Court.
Now English commentators are pressing us to obey the laws of China, we might reasonably ask ‘what are they’? In the autocratic Chinese system the Emperor’s edict is law. Those edicts that concern foreigners should have been sent to Canton for our information. They should be published to put an end to fraud and deception. We deplore the fact that for so many years we have not referred to them in our disputes with provincial officials.
It is also the case that there is no Customs tariff published in English. Both the Imperial edicts and the Chinese Customs tariff are in our possession and we hope to receive translations of the relevant parts before long. The Hong Hei Emperor granted extensive liberties and privileges to foreigners trading at the principal emporia along the coast. We should like to publish that document as well. So long as our actions are founded on the instructions of the Emperor we can expect justice on our side. This can prevent future misunderstanding until such time as the situation between our countries is settled.
Vol 6 Nos 15 & 16 – Thurs 24th October 1833
Opium – we have received large shipments of Malwa from India but sold very little of anything. Money is again scarce and the markets of the interior are not buying.
In Bombay the season for imports from Malwa formally ends on 31st May but passes can still be issued after that date. This is not generally known. This year, passes for 104 chests were issued in June and 236 chests in July. About 1,000 chests are believed to remain in Malwa. Part of July’s 236 chests included 100 brought back from the desert, having been en route by camel to Damaun. There may be some obstacle on the Damaun route to cause the shipper to tolerate this additional expense.
The total number of Malwa chests for which passes have been issued this season is 4,985 at Bombay and 3,351 at Indore. Of these, 6,994 chests have been shipped east; 139 chests are awaiting shipment and 1,203 chests are yet to arrive. We expect all will have been shipped by November.
Vol 6 No 17 – Fri 15th November 1833
Opium – several junks have arrived with substantial funds but no new sales have been made as the dealers are supplying them from their time sales. Turkish is selling steadily but slowly.
Vol 6 No 17 – Fri 15th November 1833
For sale – the privileged tonnage of the late A L Mundell, 4th Officer of the Indiaman Vansittart, is for sale by tender. 2 tons plus 1 ton indulgence (packages in the latter not to exceed 30 catties each).
Vol 6 No 17 – Fri 15th November 1833
HMS Magicienne (Plumridge) arrived 5th November from Manila and will sail for Madras or Bengal. Chinese officials are apprehensive about the visit. We do not know why she is here but it’s a good chance to remit some silver in safety.
Vol 6 No 17 – Fri 15th November 1833
An express has arrived from Peking cancelling the ex Foo Yuen’s retirement. It is said that the reason for the abrupt reversal is his bewailing the venality of Canton and his prophesy of a commotion within 10 years.
The villainy of the corrupt conspiracy that runs this province and procured this change in Peking is incredible.
On 1st Nov the well-respected comprador of an English firm was seized in front of the factories by a military officer, imprisoned and ransomed for $80. No explanation for the imprisonment or extortion was offered him. The English firm has complained to the Hong merchants and they to the Viceroy but nothing has yet eventuated.
The conspirators are so strongly bound that redress is unlikely. Our servants are particularly exposed. On the one hand they take our money for service; on the other they must routinely and regularly report something about us to satisfy the government officials.
Vol 6 No 17 – Fri 15th November 1833
Vote of thanks to Wm Jardine – Several Company ship commanders and officers, customers of Jardine (he sells their privileged tonnage) held a meeting to express their gratitude to him. They raised a subscription (both here and in England) for the purchase of a piece of plate. A drawing of the plate will be left at the bar of the Jerusalem Coffee House in the Factories for a month for inspection. The following address was presented to Jardine:
“The Company is to be dissolved and this is the last season we will come here. We cannot leave without thanking you for your help. Season after season you have provided us with a succession of valuable kindnesses. There is not one Company servant who has sought your ready and gratuitous aid and been disappointed. When our fleet was kept outside and everyone was losing money, your House tendered its services without fee in executing our orders. Perhaps it will not be long before you yourself retire to Britain. We hope you will take this memento to recollect our gratitude.”
Vol 6 No 18 – Thurs 5th December 1833
The President of the Board of Control (Charles Grant is the present incumbent) has proposed a Bill to the Commons concerning the Company’s monopoly. We have not seen the Bill but Mr Grant’s resolutions are in the English papers:
The freeing of trade to Chinese ports is the first provision.
The Company will transfer to the Crown all its assets and liabilities and the Crown will assume all the responsibilities of the Company in India.
The Crown will entrust the Government of India to the Company under parliamentary regulation and the Company will receive such part of the revenue of India as parliament deems fit.
The Bill empowers His Majesty to commission fit persons to protect and maintain British interests in China.
These resolutions are communicated to the House of Lords and their early concurrence, sought in the interests of British commerce.
Resolved by C Grant, Lord Althorp, R Grant, R Gordon, S MacKenzie, Mr Macauley and the Attorney General.
Vol 6 No 18 – Thurs 5th December 1833
Grant, the President of the Board of Control, receives our admiration for his perfect knowledge of the situation of British trade in China. His paper of ‘hints’ contains many prophetic deductions:
“The free trade and the trade of the company now move in different spheres; and except as respects some of the articles of import from India to China, there does not appear to be any room for competition between them. The traders are in fact on good terms with the Company’s servants and they acted in concert with the Factory on the occasion of the last differences with the Canton government.
“But the growth of a body of free adventurers under the wing of an exclusive commerce is likely to lead to consequences of moment; and the division of the British residents at Canton into two commercial classes, so differently constituted and characterised, cannot but add to the embarrassments incident to the relations between the British and the natives.
“The free traders appear to cherish high notions of their claims and privileges. Under their auspices a free press is already maintained at Canton; and, should their commerce continue to increase, their importance will rise also. They will regard themselves as the depositories of the true principles of British commerce, and the feeling of submission which they now manifest towards the authorities at the Factory may gradually be expected to give place to one of rivalry, if not of hostility.”
Editor - May we never be unmindful of the honourable calling here assigned to us, as the depositories of the true principles of British commerce.
Vol 6 No 18 – Thurs 5th December 1833
Sir George Staunton is most recently remembered here for his opposition to the petition of the British merchants to parliament in 1831. He has since redeemed himself by moving a series of resolutions which appear to have been copied from our ‘obnoxious’ petition. Unfortunately when he did so, so many members left the chamber that no quorum remained to vote on them. He has nevertheless told the electors of South Hampshire that he now sees the matter in a ‘new light’ and is ‘not too proud to profit by experience’. It is satisfying to have such an important ally. His resolutions follow:
1. The tea trade is solely sourced from China. It produces £3 - £4 million in annual revenue to the British government and gives employment to much British shipping. Tea has almost become a necessary of life in these islands. The exports of Britain and India to China amount to millions in Sterling and afford a channel for remittance to Britain of that portion of the Indian revenues that is required to meet the home charges.
2. British commerce in China is valuable. It is confined to a port inappropriate both for the export of Chinese goods and the import of European goods. A vast field for commerce would be opened if we can encourage the Chinese government to allow our free trade with its population. The numbers of Chinese people and the resources of their empire equate with those of all civilised Europe.
3. All governments east of the Ganges, excepting the Dutch in Japan, now permit foreigners to participate in most of their trade although we were formerly excluded. The obstruction to trade in Cochin China and other minor states are partly mitigated at Canton where our trade is valuable, and readily capable of improvement, but precarious. All legislative measures we take should derive from consideration of the causes of the present position.
4. Instead of a commercial treaty with an Ambassador at Peking and a Consul at Canton, we trade under the arbitrary acts of the provincial government of Kwangtung. The trade is subject to severe burdens and the traders are oppressively restricted personally.
5. These evils are attributable to the Chinese government and not to any lack of firmness by the Company which, by the magnitude of its trade, has occasionally successfully opposed oppressive acts. The Company has achieved this where the disunited free traders would fail.
6. This sole check on the corrupt provincial government is now to be removed and some equal or greater check must be created under a commercial treaty without which we will be unable to protect our future trade.
7. All prior British embassies to Peking have failed to obtain this but the Russian government has successfully made treaties through commissioners appointed by each side. These Russian treaties not only regulate the frontier but deal with terms of trade.
8. If we cannot obtain something similar, British trade must, as a last resort, be withdrawn from China to some insular position on the coast where it may be continued without oppression or molestation.
9. Finally the state of trade in respect of homicide by foreigners in China calls for the intervention of this legislature. Chinese law on homicide is so unjust and intolerable that British nationals have not submitted to it for 49 years. On each occasion they object, a stoppage of trade results. This has caused us commercial loss and injury and has permitted the guilty to escape along with the innocent. We must create a British Naval Tribunal on the spot to adjudicate all such cases in future.
Vol 6 No 18 – Thurs 5th December 1833
The To Kwong Emperor has elevated his No 1 concubine Chuen Fei to Empress. She is the sister of the disgraced He Ngan. This has changed the order of precedence amongst the ladies at Court.20
Vol 6 No 18 – Thurs 5th December 1833
A regatta was held at Whampoa at end-October and early-November. It concluded with two races – one of compradors’ sampans and the other of Tanka boats rowed by Europeans.21
Vol 6 No 18 – Thurs 5th December 1833
Peking Gazettes, 6th September 1833 – The Emperor is pleased with the ending of the insurrection on Taiwan which commenced in the intercalary 9th month, a period of bitter cold weather.
When Hoo Sung Yi, the Imperial commissioner, with Ching Tsoo Lo, the Fukien Governor, and Ma Tse Sing, the General, crossed the straits, they declared an amnesty to the misled people and negotiated peace by the 5th month of this year.
The settlers have returned to their fields and their troublesome leaders have been executed. Many officials have been rewarded by the Emperor with finger rings and silk tobacco pouches.
Vol 6 No 19 & 20 – Thurs 26th December 1833
John Templeton & Co announce that John Middleton has been admitted a partner on 30th November 1833 and the company has been appointed Lloyds Agent for Canton.
Vol 6 No 19 & 20 – Thurs 26th December 1833
The Portuguese Governor of Macau has expelled the Italian agent of the Pope’s Propaganda Fide and three French missionaries, who claim to represent valuable property in China. They are all accused of creating a channel of communication with missionaries in the interior.
Vol 6 No 19 & 20 – Thurs 26th December 1833
At the request of Wm Jardine, we append a copy of his response to the address of the Company’s ship captains that was mentioned in our last:
“My years in the Company were the happiest in my life but I believe I am not worthy of the high praise you bestow.
“I did my duty to my countrymen by lending them my experience of this market and you are simply being generous. I regret the impending dissolution of your service. The management of your ships and the nautical abilities of your officers are unequalled in commercial history.” Wm Jardine 12th Nov 1833
Vol 6 No 19 & 20 – Thurs 26th December 1833
Charles Grant’s resolutions to parliament for the China trade represent a momentous change, the full effects of which can but dimly be seen. The Chinese Empire is to be laid open to British trade and the previous exclusive system will gradually vanish. We have lost so much ground in the last century. It had appeared that the growth of Chinese encroachments had produced a growth in our submissiveness.
In the Company’s Charter of 1793 it was said ‘in case of any cession of territory by China and the establishment of a new settlement thereon, British subjects, with certain restrictions, may export British and Indian manufactures to it in Company ships at a moderate rate of freight.’ Then Macartney’s failure killed our expectations. The subsequent Charter of 1813 contained no similar provision.
Now Mr Grant has revived the prospect of trade to Chinese ports (plural). Grant’s speech is no longer news but we have to record such a luminous exposé of our situation. Our former chief Marjoribanks also spoke on our behalf in the debate but the newspaper reports all differ on what he said.
Grant’s speech (edited):
The Company has long held an exclusive charter for China trade. It gave up a similar charter for Indian trade a few years ago. What do we do with this trade to promote our interests? The voice of the public has been heard. The events of the last 10-15 years show the monopoly cannot be continued. Our former policy of restrictive trade is no longer recognised as a sound basis to commerce. All our merchants trading to America, Europe and Asia have for years been restrained by restrictive regulations. The spirit of the nation has been aroused and these artificial barriers are to be broken down.
Now we see other nations rising to commercial competition with us and seeking for maritime advantages, we should use our moral and physical abilities to assert our ascendancy and promote a liberal trade regime to attain that state of Imperial wealth and prosperity that is meant for us.
The China trade must be considered under this principle. We cannot continue the Company’s monopoly there for this and other reasons. First, the rapid diminution of Company’s profits from China trade is a consideration. It was this reason that earlier disposed it to surrender its monopoly on Indian trade. In 1830 the Company made £5,830,000 profits on China trade. Last year it made £5,633,000 (-3.4%).22 Second, our political relations with China, the peculiarity of the Chinese character, their national superstitions and their jealousy of the political interference of the Company, all require the monopoly to end. On the one hand it appeared in China to possess no authority even in small matters; on the other it governed rival princes and nations.
In 1715 there were no Hong merchants in China although there were privileged Chinese who dealt with us. Those shrewd people recognised the advantages that the Company had obtained in trade and set about establishing something similar for themselves. At first they failed but in 1760 they succeeded. It might be inferred that the end of the Company’s monopoly should induce an end also to the Hong merchants’ monopoly.
The suspicions of China have been aroused by our feats of arms throughout Asia. They have met us in the frontier states surrounding their empire. During the Nepal War of 1817 and 1818, they discovered our Resident at Kathmandu and were offended - we withdrew our Resident. In Burma the annual Chinese trade caravan was astonished to discover the Company’s army in possession of the capital city of Ava. That made a deep impression on the Emperor.
Another feature was the rapid increase in our China trade. The arrival of free traders caused inconvenience and embarrassment to the Company at Canton. In 1814 free trade was less that 14,000 tons; in 1826 it exceeded 60,000 tons. Company imports and exports to China in 1813/14 were together £13,500,000. In 1829/30 they were £11,500,000. During the same period, the private trade was worth under £9,000,000 in 1813 but became £30,000,000 in 1830. The increased numbers of private traders at Canton constituted a floating colony. This produced a possibility of conflicting interests. Grant thought there was no reason for alarm at opening trade to China. Neither did he expect it to be necessary, once having abandoned the monopoly, to later reinstate it if it appeared advisable.
He advocated the need to proceed gradually. The attempt of 1831 had produced safe results.23 The introduction of foreign merchants to the trade, by the equity of their dealing, had induced some security in the minds of the Chinese. The Company was diminishing its trade gradually so the Chinese could accustom themselves to dealing with free traders instead of relying on Company contracts only. This was exactly the way the plan had been developing and it was capable of insensible accomplishment. The Chinese are a commercial people and their ships trade throughout Asia.
They are prepared to alter their commercial system as is evidenced by a memorial from the Canton Viceroy in answer to advice from the Company that a resident foreigner at Canton was required to regulate trade after the charter was determined. The Viceroy (in a message via the Hong merchants) said ‘if your monopoly is dissolved, request your King to send a chief to Canton to manage affairs so there is someone responsible for your country ships and merchants. The celestial Empire’s laws are strict and immutable. You must make safe arrangements for the trade to continue tranquilly’. The Viceroy himself commented ‘if it is true we should make arrangements. The India Company should ensure that a chief who understands commerce comes to Canton for general management of affairs’.
Recently an experimental voyage was made along the Chinese coast. It discovered that the natives wanted trade in tobacco but were restrained by the officials. The Emperor has interdicted it and particularly the trade in opium which he wants stopped altogether. He has been advised that this can only be done by the expulsion of the foreigners which is a policy at variance with the professed mildness of Chinese administration. It would be necessary to appoint a chief or a commission of two or three to be permanently resident in China. They would necessarily have extensive powers. A supercargo (the Select) is powerful but these gentlemen would need extraordinary powers to act efficiently. His Majesty should establish such a commission of discreet men who could conciliate the Canton authorities and open more friendly relations. A separation of commerce from the political government of India together with routine impartiality should suffice in time to satisfy the Chinese. Indeed the Company’s supercargoes had already softened some prejudices of the Chinese by their prudent conduct.
Grant now adverted to Staunton’s proposal to first open negotiations with the Emperor. Any change would be hazardous without prior consultation. Bowing to Staunton’s unparalleled expertise, he nevertheless disagreed, and diffidently recalled that the results of previous embassies had been discouraging. Staunton had obtained recognition of the British character but some ambassadors had been disgracefully dismissed. The Russian case was quite different as China was obliged to treat with Russia in view of the long common border. Although the Russians trade with China, the terms of their trade are as humiliating as those at Canton. When the Russians sent two ships to Canton they were expelled as their trade was restricted to the land frontier. Even if we agreed to send an ambassador, this was not the time for it. It is for the Chinese to be alarmed at the changes and initiate discussions. There must be consternation in China before the ‘solution’ of the appointment of a national representative can be offered. If we first prepare the Chinese, their inevitable jealousies will be aroused and the negotiations endangered. Two years ago we considered sending another embassy but after careful consideration abstained from doing so.
Grant mentioned two points on the subject of trade. The Company’s monopoly formally ends in April 1834. Should the Company send more vessels to China thereafter? This was a matter for the Court of Directors but in Grant’s opinion they should not. On the return of the present fleet the market should be opened to all comers. The free traders would handle a considerable supply and the Company had two year’s stock of tea in its warehouses. Some say the Company should incrementally diminish its tea sales to allow the free traders an entry to the market. Others that they should sell it all off quickly. It is improper for this government to interfere in the private concerns of commercial men.
The duty on imported tea is presently 96% ad valorem. A continuation of ad valorem duties will restrain trade. Imports will have to be restricted to a few ports and only periodic sales can be permitted. Such restrictions fetter commerce, injure trade and reduce consumption. A fixed duty should be substituted, rated on the various types of tea, so it does not press more heavily on the poor. This is the advice of the Customs and the tea trade. It would make some teas cheaper and others more expensive. This was how America used to tax tea and it need produce no injury to the revenue.
The second point concerning trade relates to the size of ships allowed to trade to India in future. This is a difficult subject but many experts believe a limit should be set. I myself do not understand the need for it.
Marjoribanks then rose. He is one of the Company’s leading MPs. He had lived 20 years in China and had just returned. He had visited every Indian Presidency and was well acquainted with each. He entirely agreed with the views of Grant:
During his last residency at Canton he received a petition from the British country traders complaining that they had never been cared for by the British government. Provided England received Customs duty on 30 million pounds of tea a year, they said, it seemed she was satisfied. It is now apparent that the Chinese empire will be opened to British trade. The prospects for British trade are greater in China than in any other country. I wish to say that the country traders in China were adequately cared for by our Indian government. Now the system is to be changed fundamentally. British traders can continue to trade in China. What are they complaining about? The Americans have done so successfully for decades. Do British merchants need to visit America for instruction?
In my opinion the Hong merchants are generally inferior men of low station. They are held in such disrepute that good men will not associate with them. A large body of Europeans live in China in harmony with the natives. The increase in trade with China is due to opium. The supply has risen from 4,000 to 20,000 chests annually. Opium smoking is now endemic.
The To Kwong Emperor’s eldest son recently died of an opium overdose though in other respects he led a respectable life. The conduct of European opium traders has provided the Emperor with a bad impression of our character and all efforts to improve the relationship fail for this reason.
The government of China is autocratic. It naturally requires the submission of all. They believe barbarians may not have the protection of law because they are persuaded we would become litigious instead of settling our affairs amicably by discussion and negotiation.
The natives support trade but the government restricts it. I sent a fluent Mandarin speaker (Gutzlaff) along the coast of China. He entered all the ports and visited Korea, Loo Choo and Taiwan as well. Everywhere he went he was treated satisfactorily and found the people desirous of trade. I should tell you that Taiwan has rebelled against Chinese rule and declared its independence. A good understanding could be opened with these islanders and their island lies opposite the rich tea districts.
Vol 6 No 19 & 20 – Thurs 26th December 1833
Editorial - It is difficult to get information on duties payable at Canton. Each item of import or export is taxed as a result of an individual agreement made with the Hong merchant or Linguist who in turn makes another bargain with the Hoppo’s officer, some part of which enters the provincial treasury and a fraction of that is sent to Peking.
The most extraordinary aspect of the system is that foreigners have for so long endured it. Now that the old monopoly system is to end, we hope duties will become more predictable. If the English King asked the Chinese Emperor for a fixed tariff it would be granted.
The Consoo Fund should be adequate to pay ten times the amounts of duty owed to this government by bankrupt Hongs. The payment of duty by Hongs is an annual payment and the accumulation of it is one of the principle causes of their repeated insolvency. The Consoo Fund was established to provide compensation to foreigners for losses due to default by a Hong merchant. Today most Hong merchants have no idea of the size of the Consoo funds - it is known solely to How Qua Jr who has total control over it. Now, in consequence to the Select’s agreement last year, our right of claim on this fund, whatever it is worth, has ended and only nationals of other countries can claim.
The following paper lists the approved Imperial duties. Foreigners are seldom allowed to benefit from reductions in rates of duty such as those in the list. It is only surprising that we have continued to trade here for so long, which is solely due to the windfall profits we make from smuggling and nothing to do with the regular trade. In fact at Lintin we pay a regular tariff in bribes to the local officials but it is more tolerable and predictable than surrendering ourselves to the Hoppo’s pirates at Whampoa.
With the coming of free trade, the Lintin system will grow rapidly unless the British government makes proper arrangements with the highest Chinese authorities. Not only that, but a new Lintin will evolve off every port to which we wish access. This should amply demonstrate to the Chinese the impolicy of restraining trade. It is astonishing that our trading fleet can lie less than 70 miles from the Provincial capital, admirably managed, unharmed and flourishing year after year.
The Canton Customs House Book of Duties.
This is in four volumes with two supplementary volumes. It was published by the Yung Ching Emperor over a century ago to provide uniformity of collections. The first volume regulates the amounts of duty and the measurement charge on ships. It was published in 1725. The other volumes contain additional charges and regulations as they were proclaimed during the reigns of the Kien Lung and Ka Hing Emperors. Few of the printed copies have been updated except the one in the Hoppo’s office and, hopefully, the other Customs Houses.
At Canton where the payer and payee are separated by numerous intermediaries and the tax is paid by foreigners who have no connections in the Empire, many unlawful additions are levied and put into a grossed-up price for the goods involved. The surcharges are obscured by mingling the duty with the price of goods.
We are nevertheless publishing the formal duties in light of the changing situation. We will analyse the contents and compare them with firstly, the manuscript copies available to Chinese merchants and secondly, the revised Imperial revenue laws of 1823 which apply to Canton. It is supposed in Peking that a uniform tariff is applied throughout the Empire.
Volume One starts with an 1825 Edict of the Yung Ching Emperor:
“The Foo Yuen of each province will supervise the Customs department staff. He should show greater kindness to merchants. Our Customs officers are sometimes good and sometimes bad. It is impossible to prevent all extortion or, when merchants resist, to prevent their being bound and imprisoned by the magistrate and prevented from appealing to the Foo Yuen. In this way merchants have been oppressed.
“Now all goods chargeable to duty will be listed and large numbers of books printed. Every commercial venture will receive one copy. In Customs Houses, the tariff will be available for public inspection. It may not be concealed and thus extortion allowed to continue.
“This law is intended to eradicate all such illegal practices. You officers holding Imperial commissions should attend diligently to this and select only honest men as your Customs House examiners. Then you have fulfilled the duties of your station”.
To this is appended an edict of the Board of Revenue:
“We forward the Imperial will to all Foo Yuen and Customs Commissioners in the Provinces. In addition, you should remove all the attendants and hangers-on at Customs Houses who have no employment there so that only the regulated number of superintendents, writers and Customs House examiners remain”.
The tariff itself lists the goods in 16 classes in the early printed copies but this is increased to 20 [the extra four marked (New) below] in later manuscript updates:
1. Silk goods and woollens
2. Cotton and linen goods
3. Carpeting and matting
4. Hats, caps, boots and shoes,
5. Medicinal drugs
6. Miscellaneous articles
7. Folding screens, pictures, figures, lamps (New)
8. Coral, amber, pearls and precious stones
9. Measures, cutlery, silverware (New)
10. Clocks, watches, music boxes (New)
11. All kinds of carved work and musical instruments
12. Cups, vessels, boxes (chiefly snuff boxes but excluding those in 11 above) (New)
13. Paints, varnish, lacquer and stationery
14. Sugar, fruits, other comestibles and wine
15. Preserved game and marine delicacies
16. Odoriferous articles, pepper and tea
17. Oils, wax, alum and sulphur
18. Metals (mainly copper, iron, lead and tin)
19. Bamboo, timber, canes and coconuts
20. Tassel string, ivory, horn, skins and feathers
Everything that is novel is placed under Class 6 – ‘miscellaneous goods’ - and attracts a duty of 2 mace per 100 catties unless, in the opinion of the examiner, the duty is too small for the value of the goods, in which case the duty is assessed more proportionally with an ad valorem aspect.
In the Imperial Revenue Law all duties are classed in five groups – on clothing, foods, useful items, miscellaneous goods and repair articles for ships (this last contains the measurement and other charges on ships). These five appear after the list of 20 classes noted above.
The rest of the first volume contains rules for assessment of duty and a list of goods carried in the coasting trade on which duty may be reduced or remitted.
Measurement charges in respect of ‘western ocean’ ships are applied to first, second and third class ships:
First class is 74/75 covids or more long and 23/24 or more covids wide or where the product of the two exceeds 1,800. Such ships were originally charged 3,500 Taels, revised in 1831 to 1,400 Taels approx.
Second class ships are of shorter length and breadth and where the product of the two does not exceed 1,584. These used to be charged 3,000 Taels. Since 1831, it is reduced to 1,100 Taels.
Third class ships are 65/66 covids or less long and 20 covids or less wide or where the product of the two does not exceed 1,320. These were originally charged 2,500 Taels but are now charged 600 Taels.
The 2nd volume was published for the 1733/34 season when uncertainty over the duty on ‘miscellaneous goods’ had become widespread. It stated the comparative values to be used for most miscellaneous goods (those goods on which the 2 mace duty seemed inadequate). It also required a list from each provincial Hoppo at the end of his tour of all newly imported goods not previously listed in the tariff and their values. These were consolidated in the tariff and accordingly the 2nd volume grew between 1734 – 1803 to contain all these new items. The manuscript updates of the tariff continue after 1803 but they are inconveniently listed by date of introduction whereas the printed 1803 tariff classified them in the 20 categories above. This 2nd volume is also called the ‘comparative tariff’. Here is a sample:
|
Goods Large clocks Medium clocks Muskets Pistols Drill Crude camphor |
Comparative value equal to ten ordinary clocks equal to five ordinary clocks equal in value to 1 telescope equal to ¼ telescope value equal to inferior longcloth equal to ¼ refined camphor |
Duty on comparative item 1 Tael per clock 1 Tael per clock 4 mace per telescope 4 mace per telescope 2 mace 2 Cand per pce 1 Tael per catty |
From this it may be assessed that a large clock attracts 10 Taels duty, a medium clock 5 Taels, a musket 4 mace and a pistol 1 mace. Drill is 2 mace 2 candareens per piece and crude camphor 2 mace 5 candareens per catty.
The 3rd volume contains a list of Chinese exports showing their estimated values for the purpose of assessing ad valorem export duty. Before the Kien Lung Emperor’s reign, this was 10% but since the first year of his reign it has been 4.9%. From the types of goods listed herein it appears this volume deals solely with western purchases and does not apply to native vessels at all.
The 4th volume is called the “Register of Fees and Charges”. This is a list of charges originally created by Customs House staff and linguists as additional duties for their own benefit. In 1726 the Yung Ching Emperor brought many of these into the formal tariff and over the following years they were all approved to be included. In 1761 their names were changed from the fatuous ‘presents’ of the Linguists to formal names. The regulations for application of these charges are arranged under the names of the large and small Customs Houses (at Macau) where they were first devised. There are some 50 Customs Houses along the rivers and coasts of Canton. The following two extracts illustrate how the system works:
Decision of the Revenue Board, 1748 – “At Canton besides the regular duties are ‘ship’s presents’, ‘percentage dues’, ‘piculage’ and ‘allowance for loss on melting’ that were charged by the officers for their personal profit. Between 1726 – 1729 the then Foo Yuen and Hoppo suggested these be transferred to the Revenue Account and we agreed. They were thereafter paid to Peking until 1736 when the then Hoppo Ching Woo Sai drew up a statement of the charges for Imperial sanction. In 1746 the Customs House at Canton burnt down and the Foo Yuen and Hoppo made recommendations for changes in the tariff before a new copy of it was sent to them. These recommendations were not approved as the existing charges had only commenced 10 years earlier. Then Viceroy Tsih of the Two Kwang suggested alterations. He:
|
|
Listed other duties levied at Canton that are not in the Imperial tariff Defined some charges that were ambiguous Corrected misprinted levels of duty Removed eight duplications of duty Omitted those duties that the Emperor had remitted. |
“These amendments were all approved by the Kien Lung Emperor in 1748. The governor should now print a new tariff and have it openly announced and published so extortion cannot arise and the merchants are not disturbed. Any changes requested in future must be expressly proposed to this Board for approval so affairs at Peking and Canton proceed in tandem.”
In 1760 the Revenue Board decided that “the fees charged at Canton on foreign ships, as well as native junks travelling from foreign ports or from other provinces, by the Hoppo Lee Yung Piao were unknown. Specifically 30 ‘fees and presents’ and 38 charges for ‘inspection of holds’ and the like were so multifarious as to promote extortion. The new Hoppo Yu Pa She is ordered to check if they might be transferred to their appropriate places in the formal tariff.” Now the new Hoppo reports the ‘fees and presents’ to officers, official domestic servants, linguists and searchers are all inconsistent with the dignity of the Empire. We have renamed these properly and transferred them to the formal revenue account. The ‘percentage’ and ‘piculage’ fees which were divided into several items have been combined into one charge. We note some of the regular fees are liquidated amounts and permit evil officers to extort. We have fixed these at a certain amount. The traders have also been charged tax on food and boats provided to them. This appears improper except in the case of Customs House boats employed on surveillance of foreign ships. We have fixed this charge and transferred it to the formal revenue account. These modifications have erased all low and petty fees whilst maintaining the revenue in the same amount as hitherto. The tariff is simplified and the sources of illegality are removed. The alterations should be announced publicly. The Emperor approved this and requested that the term ‘devil ships’ in the tariff be amended to ‘western ocean’ ships.
The tariff then proceeds to the charges on foreign shipping.
The foreign ship on arriving at Canton is to be measured. The product of its length multiplied by its breadth ascertains the ship’s class and it is taxed accordingly. A 20% discount is allowed. Payment is in silver and no percentage fee for ‘loss on melting’ is permitted.
Weighing fees of 1 mace 2 candareens are levied per Tael of silver paid in duty less a discount of 10%. The weighing scales in the provincial treasury are to be used.
A Port Entrance fee of 1,125 Taels 9 mace 6 candareen is levied on each ship (this is reduced to 810 Taels, 6 mace, 9 candareens and 1 cash since 1831). French ships pay 100 Taels more. Surat ships pay 100 Taels less.
A Port Clearance fee of 533 Taels 8 mace in sycee (reduced to 480 Taels 4 mace 2 candareens in 1831), discounted by 10%. Payment to be weighed on the treasury scales.
Foreign ships whilst in port pay a fee of 2 Taels 6 mace for the first month and 1 Tael 3 mace for subsequent months and pro rata. A 10% discount is allowed and 98% scales to be used (i.e. showing weights of 2% less than the treasury scales).
All imported goods are to be levied for duty at the tariff rates. 10% is added for losses by fire. A ‘piculage’ fee of 3 candareens 8 cash is payable on every picul (100 catties) of goods. An additional fee of 1 candareen 6 cash is payable on each Tael of duty due.
All exported goods pay 4 candareens 9 cash per Tael of estimated value. The sycee silver to be used for payment of export duties to be weighed on treasury scales and discounted 8%.
For every foreign ship taking a general cargo (i.e. miscellaneous or chow-chow cargo) 1 mace is payable in sycee silver discounted 10% and weighed at 98%.
On every report of a foreign ship landing bales of cloth, wooden barrels or chests a fee of 2 Taels is to be paid.
For provision of carpenters or painters to a foreign ship at Whampoa, 1 mace per head is due.
Every chop boat (lighter) provided for discharge or loading costs 2 mace 4 candareens and each sampan accompanying the chop boat receives 1 mace 2 candareens.
All imported goods that have cleared Customs are charged 1 candareen per picul (100 catties) on release from the warehouse for the transit up country.
All foreign ships pay a daily fee of 6 mace while in the river.
All foreign ships while discharging cargo pay 3 Taels 4 mace 8 candareens per day.
All above charges to be paid in sycee silver discounted 10% and weighed at 98%
All export cargoes on foreign ships attract a fee of 10% ad valorem. The silver used in payment to be of 93 touch and weighed on 98% scales.
On piece goods, 1 candareen per piece is levied in sycee silver discounted 8% and weighed on the treasury scales.
Then follows the tariff for native boats at Canton and at the various other Customs Houses throughout the province. The few regulations on Portuguese ships at Macau are combined with the rules for native ships.
The supplemental part in one or two volumes contains regulations fixing the numbers and wages of the Customs Officers and searchers and showing the minimum amount of duty they must collect for Peking. There are 53 provincial stations in Kwang Tung levying fees and 20 more for examining cargo only (including the one on front of the factories and the small one on the Praia Grande in Macau)
The agreed total of revenue to be sent to Peking annually is:
|
Duty collected at the Customs Houses Duty on minor items Duties of fixed amount |
40,000 Taels 3,564 Taels 113,000 Taels24 |
Vol 6 No 19 & 20 – Thurs 26th December 1833
We received a complaint from Los Verdadeiros Amigos de Macau about our previous exposé of fiddles on importing goods to Macau. We publish below an extract (translated from the Portuguese) but the whole complaint is too long (it mentions Fearon repeatedly). We believe there are abuses in the Customs collection and foreign merchants are afraid to land goods at Macau, preferring the certainty but higher apparent cost of Whampoa. We still believe that remedial action would restore Macau to its former greatness. At the time of our previous exposé, there was a plan amongst the merchants to avoid Macau entirely and taking their goods to Canton. This can be activated at any time.
Letter to the Editor (in Portuguese):
The new Governor of Macau is trying to restore the commercial fortunes of the place. If the duties and landing charges were reduced below the cost of freight from Lintin to Macau this would attract business, particularly Straits produce which would almost entirely be landed here. Some obstacles remain.
The new tariff of 1831 does not address ‘per package’ or ‘weight’ fees that are applied so heavily on gruff goods. These fees exceed the duty on flints. On pepper and betelnut they amount to 27¾% of the duty. These fees should be abolished. If not, at least they should only be applied to nett weight as is the duty. A table of fees and coolie hire charges should be published as an appendix to the tariff. This would allow us to estimate the cost of landing goods at Macau.
The coolie hire fee is too high. Coolies earn 160 cash per day but the Customs House coolies require this every 1½ hours. They earn 20½ cash per picul carried. If I hire my own coolies I still have to pay a notional ½ hire fee to the Customs House for its (unused) coolies. Otherwise I have to wait until the Customs House can provide coolies to discharge my boat. Sometimes I wait two days during which time my cargo is lying alongside the quay and exposed to theft.
The boat hire is not a Customs House fee but if the Customs officers on board the boats would observe the weighing of the cargo (at the expense of the cargo owner) and prepare a Boat Note agreeing the weight as reported by the ship to consignee, the boatmen would either have to deliver the full cargo or explain any shortages whilst it was in his care. With rice, pepper and betelnut there is always a 1-2% shortage although they are landed bagged.
If these modifications were made and the transit duty on goods assessed at not more than 1% of value, then the entrepot trade of Macau could be developed and assured.
The future trade with China will probably be in smaller ships than those of the Company. The freights on smaller ships are too small to allow their owners to pay Whampoa charges and most of these ships would prefer to come to Macau. I expect trade will soon become too extensive to permit trans-shipment from small ships at Lintin.
Sgd Anonymous Dec 1833 at Macau
Vol 7 No 1 – Tues 7th January 1834
The Canton Register will in future be issued weekly.
Vol 7 No 1 – Tues 7th January 1834
In the 8th number of the 2nd volume of the Chinese Repository is an article ‘Free Trade with China’ which contains proposals for extending our political connections with the Chinese government and our trade with its people. It is clearly the work of an experienced trader with long residence here. It is accordingly authoritative and we will be quoting from it in our next.
Vol 7 No 1 – Tues 7th January 1834
Respondentia Walk25 may not be our lawful ground but it is the only area where we can exercise. We have many Chinese barbers and entertainers in it. We hope the Chinese will note that we willingly share with them the only area which we have for exercise.
Vol 7 No 1 – Tues 7th January 1834
When Plowden and Davis came to Macau from Canton a few days before Christmas, the Hoppo was annoyed that they had not applied for passports. He accused the two men of clandestine flight from Canton.
The Hoppo is not a provincial government official. He is not involved in the political management of the Two Kwong. The Hoppo is a servant of the Imperial family. His job does not require political acumen, historical knowledge, civil courage or honesty. He collects the revenue for as long as the present system continues. He should not involve himself with the private activities of Englishmen.26
Vol 7 No 1 – Tues 7th January 1834
The Hong merchants have bought a piece of silver plate to present to Plowden on his retirement. It is a pleasure to see them adopt European expressions of esteem.
Vol 7 No 1 – Tues 7th January 1834
Fast crabs at Fukien - The Emperor has been informed by the Fukien governor of several fast crabs at Amoy (Ha Mun) and Quemoy (Kum Mun). They have many oars and their speed is uniquely fast. They have cannon and muskets and other arms. They are adapted for robbery or smuggling.
The Governor says the whole Fukien coast is visited by them and they also operate on the Kwangtung and Chekiang coasts. When the Imperial forces infrequently catch one, the crew abandon ship and swim ashore.
So far he has caught twelve oarsmen and they told him of the location of one of their bases. He attacked this in stormy weather when the smuggling craft could not put to sea and captured 20 fast crabs and some ammunition.
The Emperor replies to the governor that he alone is responsible for what occurs in his Province. He rebukes him for partial success.
Vol 7 No 1 – Tues 7th January 1834
Revenue problems - Each province only remits to Peking the agreed amount from the Customs receipts, land tax, licensing fees etc. Any surplus is kept for running expenses and the anticipated costs of donations for famine relief etc. Additional income may be subscribed by private people or donated by the gentry (who will donate in return for civil and military awards). These help make-up the amount. But if a very serious disaster befalls, a Province may call on Peking for additional funds.
The Board of Revenue reports that since the end of 1830 it has paid four provinces (the Central provinces) for poor relief and two (Kansu & Hupeh) for military expenses and has not yet got a refund. It requests a rigid economy in public works.
Vol 7 No 1 – Tues 7th January 1834
The Province of Chih Li contains the Imperial homeland in Manchuria. The Governor notes none of his military officers have war experience. He requests to exchange military officers with Kansu. The Emperor has allowed it noting ‘it is for the defence of the Imperial lands and not a precedent for other Provinces’.
Vol 7 No 2 – Tues 14th January 1834
The British government has considered free trade with China and decided to protect it. We quote from Charles Grant’s letter to the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Company:
“experience and observation teach never to distrust the power of commercial capital, when free from artificial impediments, to open for itself fresh markets and to scoop out new channels of operation.”
Now with British support our commerce must ever flourish. The principles under which the Company obtained a monopoly of China trade were false. It has for many years been part of a combined system (with the Lintin contraband trade). It has been a complicated marriage but now principles must give way to private expectation. The only thing that might threaten our trade is inadequate protection of it by Britain.
Vol 7 No 2 – Tues 14th January 1834
Trade between the Company’s Bengal Presidency and the Far East:
This trade is almost entirely comprised of the export of opium to China and South East Asia. The value of opium exports to the Company in 1831/32 was 10,687,852 Sicca Rupees whereas in 1832/33 it was 9,555,815 Sicca Rupees. Whilst the value had reduced by 10%, the quantity increased 10% from 6,815 to 7,508 chests.
Bengal’s entire exports (including re-exports) for 1831/32 was 11,207,448 Sicca Rupees and for 1832/33 it was 9,762,511 Sicca Rupees. Opium accounted for 95% of the presidency’s exports in 1831/32 and last year (1832/33) it was nearly 98%.
Bengal imports are a mixture of metals (mainly silver), clothing and foods, some imported from China but actually originating all over the World e.g. Chilean copper.
Vol 7 No 3 – Tues 21st Jan 1834
Letter to the Editor - Last November two of the Company’s ship commanders were travelling by boat from Macau to Canton when they were stopped by an official, confined briefly and their trunks and writing desks seized and taken to Canton where the locks were forced and contents searched.
Their personal effects were kept for 4-5 days in spite of repeated requests from the head of factory through the Hong merchants for their return. Finally the items were sent to the British factory with contents all mixed up, putrid food placed with clothing etc.
This case evidences that we will submit to indignity rather then imperil trade.
I have been keeping old numbers of your paper and see that, at the end of 1829, two officers of the Vansittart were seized in similar circumstances. Only one country ship was then at Whampoa but the private merchants instantly made spirited attempts at protest and got the men released.
How do we explain this? Is our liberty less respected now than formerly? Is the present Governor tougher than Viceroy Lee? Or is the Select Committee uncharacteristically supine now?
Well the present governor seems more liberal to me than Lee was although the Hoppo is the reverse. (for example, you mentioned he scolded our late chief for ‘clandestinely leaving Canton’)
These seizures may occur again and I hope when the British authorities arrive they will be willing to protect us. In the meantime, until we have a Consul, it is good to know we can obtain redress if we exert ourselves. Sgd ABC.
Vol 7 No 3 – Tues 21st Jan 1834
Report of the Bombay Committee for Steam Navigation:
The government steamer Hugh Lindsay has been plying between Suez and Bombay taking 19-23 days per trip. The costs to the ship of coal for four voyages a year is estimated at 150,000 Sicca Rupees which sum has nearly been raised by public subscription. One year’s proceeds from the Indian lottery suffices to continue the Hugh Lindsay on its route for two years regardless of freight from passengers and letters. We need another steamer at Alexandria or at least a fast sailing ship to link-up with Malta for conveyance to England.
The Governor-General of India says he agrees. He will make the Hugh Lindsay available to the community for four voyages a year from Bombay to Suez free of charge except for coal; indeed for the first voyage he will also pay for the coal. If the British community in India decides fast communications are worthwhile, a new postal tariff will be published to recover the extra cost. The receipts from postage and passengers are the funds that will make this new service economically viable.
The Governor-General has recommended to the Court of Directors that they set aside an amount of profits for the next few years to promote steam navigation between Great Britain and the Red Sea.
Vol 7 No 3 – Tues 21st Jan 1834
The Hong merchant Hing Tae dined Capt Aplin (of the Company) and his party in a hall facing the river on 19th January. The hall was comfortably furnished and carpeted with a Belgian carpet. It was warmed by an English stove. The room partitions were handsome trellises and the table was laid in the English fashion, albeit with chopsticks.
A succession of entrees were served of which only birds’ nest soup and beche-de-mer were identifiable. Wines from Spain, Portugal and France were served along with warm Siu Hing wine to accompany the dishes. Soup de la Reine was followed by sirloin, saddle, turkey, chicken and game with a variety of Chinese side dishes. Finally some fruit was brought to table. Many convivial toasts were proposed and the servants were well behaved throughout.
Vol 7 No 4 – Tues 28th January 1834
Several ships have arrived at Canton from Java.
Vol 7 No 4 – Tues 28th January 1834
Charles Grant’s East India Bill passed on 27th July 1833.
Vol 7 No 4 – Tues 28th January 1834
It is rumoured amongst the Chinese that a Lascar has been imprisoned in Canton. He is supposed to be the man who caused the death of a villager in the affray at Kum Sing Mun a few months ago. The shipping, in and out of the river, has been circularised and no-one is missing.
Nevertheless, the Company has published a notice on the gates of the British factory on 25th January asking for information to ascertain if the rumour is true and, if so, whether the Lascar is a British subject or in British employ.
Vol 7 No 5 – Tues 4th Feb 1834
Canton, 1st February 1834 - The partnership of Jabez Jenkins and J Archer trading as Nathan Dunn & Co is dissolved w. e. f. today and will in future be operated by William Shepard Wetmore and J Archer as Wetmore & Co.
Vol 7 No 5 – Tues 4th Feb 1834
We have received a copy of the new China Trade Act. The Act appoints three or more persons to be Superintendents of Trade in China to be based where His Britannic Majesty directs. They are empowered to protect and develop commerce and care for His Majesty’s subjects. They may accept no payment other than their salary. A tonnage duty may be levied on British shipping to China to pay their costs. They can make regulations and impose fines or imprisonment for breach. Courts of Justice will be established for trial of offences involving British citizens in China or on the high seas within 100 miles of China.
Editor - The tonnage duty on British shipping is a disadvantage to the British shipowner. How is it to be levied on the coasting trade (which we now expect to enter and dominate). A percentage of trade would be more equitable. Tea and opium are already heavily taxed. Should not the costs of consulates in China be paid from the general revenue of our country?
Vol 7 No 5 – Tues 4th Feb 1834
Marjoribanks has advised parliament on the effect of setting the date for the opening of the China trade at 22nd April 1834. He says this will mean that for the period between November 1833, when the Company’s last fleet sails back, and 22nd April 1834, other nations trading to China will catch our business.
Vol 7 No 5 – Tues 4th Feb 1834
The East India Company Charter Bill was discussed in the Commons in July 1833. The monopolies on salt, opium etc., were thought to be inimical with the new direction British trade is taking. Charles Grant said the main aim of the bill is to separate the commercial and territorial functions of the Company. But to abolish taxes on salt and opium that produce £2,500,000 p a would take time.
Vol 7 No 5 – Tues 4th Feb 1834
The China Trade Bill is proceeding through parliament. The Times of 21st August has the following report:
The request that the costs of Consuls be met from the national revenue has not been met. Lord Strathallan thought the opening of China trade would not produce revenue advantages to England. “The Chinese government would not like the establishment of British courts on Chinese territory. A fee of 1% ad valorem on imports and exports and 5/- on British tonnage would be needed to defray costs. This will produce £20,000 – 30,000 and £50,000 respectively each year.” Lord Auckland clarified that the proposed levels of duties was not fixed and were offered for discussion. It was then agreed that 5/- tonnage dues and a maximum of 0.5% ad valorem on goods would apply.
Lord Ellenborough thought the proposed tax would destroy the trade. He thought the Consuls should themselves be permitted to trade and thus reduce their cash requirement. He thought the government could not stop the Consuls trading anyway - they might carry on business under nominees. He reminded the House of Lords of a recent case in which that had happened. No-one agreed.
The Duke of Wellington thought it would be impossible to establish courts in China without Chinese consent.
The following day the Tea Duties Bill was reconsidered at 2nd reading. Mr Crawford rose on behalf of the London agents of the China traders to complain insufficient time had been allowed to peruse the Bill. All the government negotiations had been with the Company. The free traders had told him firstly there were 8 classes of tea that belonged in the 2nd category (2/2d per pound) but were not listed there and would accordingly attract duty at 3/- per pound and secondly that the Company was exempt from auction duty by selling teas at public sale - the free traders should be allowed the same advantage.
Mr Spring Rice, for the government, said the new duties were already a reduction on the previous duties. The traders had been given sufficient time to protest. Now it was too late.
Vol 7 No 5 – Tues 4th Feb 1834
Locally, a qualified free trade has commenced with the country ship Sarah taking a general cargo to London (excluding teas) under a licence of the Select Committee. (NB – the ship has not yet sailed. It is in Jardine Matheson’s agency)
Vol 7 No 5 – Tues 4th Feb 1834
Edict of the Viceroy – the foreigner we arrested in connection with the affray at Kum Sing Mun surrendered to us voluntarily. He was not kidnapped. Why does the Company first say it knows nothing of the Kum Sing Mun affair and then try to intercede on behalf of the self-confessed culprit. They say he is blameless but fear he will be executed - this is incomprehensible. In cases of unintentional manslaughter the convict is not executed in Chinese law.
Editor - the man is Eurasian. He was told he would be tried for manslaughter not murder and assured the proceedings will accord with foreign law. He then surrendered himself.
Vol 7 No 5 – Tues 4th Feb 1834
A commentary on the Chinese:
They are an honest and upright people. They characteristically help each other. When one is facing difficulty his friends rally to his aid.
The article continues with an exposition of the chit fund [wui], as operated amongst Cantonese friends and neighbours, to evidence the mutual aid.
Vol 7 No 5 – Tues 4th Feb 1834
A correspondent has provided some hints on policy to shape our future trade with China. We do not agree with all he has to say but publish his views below to promote discussion. The British trade representative, when he comes, should not be trying to change Chinese trade law. Even the cumshaw charge on ships coming to Whampoa, if levied legally, must be paid for now.
The effect of inequitable charges is to maintain the contraband trade at Lintin or Macau. This smuggling trade at Lintin is beyond Chinese reach and ultimately it will force the Chinese to revise their system to preserve their revenue. We do not think our correspondent’s advocation of violence is right although persuasion and diplomacy are known to be ineffective.
Readers of a different opinion should review the documentation concerning Crawfurd’s embassy to Ava after the recent Burmese war. Crawfurd still had the victorious British army standing-by at Rangoon but was unable to achieve anything in negotiations. For every concession on trade he requested, the Burmese wanted something in return and their successes in this diplomacy encouraged them in the belief that what they were being asked to concede was more important than it really was.27
Here in China, whilst we deplore the abuses, let our representative confront the authorities and see what he can do. Meanwhile our Lintin trade will be multiplied along the coast and provide pressure on the Chinese to be practical. Here are the hints for the coming British Superintendent of Trade (from a correspondent):
1. The Consoo Fund is a relatively new tax to compensate foreigners for Hong merchants’ defaults. It was intended to overcome foreign exclusion from the Chinese legal process which prevented us from pursuing our claims through local courts. It was started after the intervention of Capt Panton of HMS Seahorse who visited Canton in 1780 to recover debts of $3,808,075 from the then Hong merchants. By threat, he obtained an interview with the Viceroy. The debts of two Hongs were assessed at £400,000. 50% was taxed off and the balance paid after 10 years without interest. It is thus clear that the fund was commenced with an obligation to pay nearly a million dollars within ten years. It is applied to all foreign imports and exports and produces more revenue than all the official Imperial taxes together. The problem is in the management of the Fund. There are no joint Chinese and foreign treasurers and collectors to oversee collection and accumulation. We do not know how much is in the fund. We do know that collection is enforced very soon after the import or export of goods but payments (always excluding interest) take three to seven years (e.g. in the failures of Chun Qua and Man Hop). We also believe it is the only large fund available to the Hong merchants to settle government demands for contributions to flood damage, rebellion, famine and plague etc. We think the money is kept by each individual Hong merchant (the Editor has previously said it was all kept by the Senior merchant How Qua) Since the reorganisation of trade in 1831 no claims can be made on it but it is still collected. It should either be abolished or the ability of foreigners to claim on it reinstated and proper management of the fund commenced.
2. Cumshaw is the ‘present’ of approx 1,600 Taels per ship levied on their coming to Whampoa. All ships regardless of size must pay. A ship of 300 tons pays the same as a ship of 1,400 tons yet the later takes five times the amount of cargo as the former. It is additional to the measurement fee. Effectively cumshaw prevents small ships from trading competitively. Instead of coming into the river they are forced to use Lintin and sell to the smugglers. There are today about 40 large ships and over 100 small ships trading to China. If cumshaw at Whampoa was properly tailored it could be applied to 140 ships instead of 40. The only ships excluded from cumshaw are rice ships but only for the importation. These ships give no benefit to British trade as they do not carry our goods.
3. Duties on imports. Effectively there are three classes of goods – those prohibited, those so overtaxed they are smuggled, and those that are taxed more reasonably and form the main staples of legal trade. The most important prohibited item is opium. It is worth more than all other British imports together. It is brought to Lintin and sold to smugglers. Carrying opium on British ships and storing it at Lintin (which the Chinese consider as the outer seas) is legal for Englishmen. The British Superintendent of Trade will be able only to prevent the Drug being brought up to Whampoa on British ships.The second class (of excessive duties, which was sometimes paid by the Company but will not be paid by the country merchants) contains camlets. These are taxed at $16 (£3 12s 0d) per piece and it is inconceivable that any could be imported legally.The third class is of tolerable duties. We wrangle and negotiate on this in the absence of a written tariff (there is a tariff but the tiny European community is too busy to attend survey and have it applied). Appeals are to the collector’s boss (the Hoppo) who benefits from the over-taxation and provides no relief. Only appeals to the Viceroy are effective. The Hoppo is normally appointed for one year. This period is so short and he pays so much for the job that he must ‘kill the goose’. We want the tariff recorded and available for inspection.
4. Warehouses. We have none and are forbidden to rent them. Landed goods are either exposed to risks of fire and theft or immediately forced onto the market regardless of demand. If the Chinese will not protect our goods we can do so. If they will protect them we just require the space and the keys so we can prevent fire and theft. We will chose out own time for selling them.
5. Compradors. These men are appointed to both ships and factories and enable the Chinese officials to tax our provisions and supplies.
6. Personal privations. Little open air exercise is permitted. Older men are forbidden to have their families with them; younger men are forbidden to court girls, Chinese or European. Our communications up and down the river are insulted by irritating and expensive attendants. Sgd Delta.28
Delta’s table of Consoo charges for 1830 (said to be an average year)
|
Tea exported in UK ships Tea exported in US ships Other countries (estimated) Rawsilk Nankeens* Other British exports Other American exports Estimated total on exports |
252,412 piculs ) 54,386 piculs ) 21,500 piculs ) 3,746 piculs - - - |
- $205,186 - $ 31,216 $107,970 $ 60,613 $404,985 |
* Canton silk pays no Consoo Charge
|
Cotton imports Other British imports (except opium and woollens) American imports (except opium, woollens, bullion and bills) Sub total for imports Grand Total for 1830 |
375,961 piculs |
$125,320 $ 45,805 - - $ 59,564 $230,689 $635,674 |
If the fund is invested in land and buildings in the Canton suburbs, it should produce 8% per year. Commencing in 1780 and carrying the interest every ten years, starting 1790, we can compute the approximate amount to 1830. After that year the annual collection has nearly doubled and a different basis must be used. Using the 1830 total above as an average annual income, and adding 8% interest each year, produces $251,770,772 at end 1830. Thereafter the increased rate of Consoo contributions (tea at 7 mace 5 candareens picul, silk at 10 Taels picul, cotton at 4 mace picul, etc) produces approx $876,821 per year or $2,630,463 for the three years. Interest for the three years on the accumulated fund is now an enormous $65,387,890 making a total of $319,789,125, or £71,952,553 at 4/6d per $, in the fund.
Against this may be set the value of opium imports, taking 1831 as an average year. This was:
|
6,660 chests Bengal 12,100 chests Malwa 1,200 piculs Turkey Total |
$ 5,789,794 $ 7,110,237 $ 720,000 $13,620,031 |
Our receipts paid from the fund:
|
For Chun Qua debts For Man Hop’s debts Total |
$ 190,845.40 $ 187,389.65 $ 378,435.05 |
Vol 7 No 5 – Tues 4th Feb 1834
We have received some London news via the Red Rover. The framers of the Tea Duty Bill have been advised to consider 1/6d per pound duty on Bohea, 2/2d on Congou and Orange Pekoe etc and 3/- on the best teas.
Vol 7 No 5 – Tues 4th Feb 1834
Letter to the Editor - Delta’s calculations are startling but useless.29 We will never know how the Consoo money has been used or how much is left. In the vernacular slang of the officials, a posting to Canton is considered a ‘promotion’ although no change of rank or duty is entailed. It solely reflects the improvement in earning capacity.
I have retrieved the tea export figures for some years of last century and from the early years of this (figures given) from which it appears Delta‘s calculations are nearly 25% over the true amounts. Nevertheless, this charge should be repealed.
Vol 7 No 8 – Tues 25th Feb 1834
The Tea Duties Bill contains a provision that any damaged teas will still attract duty unless they are abandoned to the Customs.
It also says that teas imported that are already blended will be liable to duty at the highest applicable rate.
Vol 7 No 8 – Tues 25th Feb 1834
Letter from James Innes of 1 Creek Hong, 19th February 1834:
The President of the Select Committee has libelled me. His servant James Nugent Daniell wrote anonymously to G A Prinsep, Editor of the Calcutta Courier who published the libel. Copies of the correspondence (except the libellous letter in the Calcutta Courier) are printed.
It starts with a printed paper circulated by Innes criticising Plowden and the Select Committee of which Daniell was a junior member (also not published).
No assessment of the merits can be made on the published documents but on learning of Daniell’s refusal to apologise, Innes wrote that if Daniell came out of the Company’s factory onto the esplanade (Respondentia Walk) between 4.30 – 6.30pm on any of the next three evenings, he would give satisfaction.
Vol 7 No 9 – Tues 4th March 1834
Chinese spectacles are said to be injurious to sight. The many foci in the lenses due to uneven polishing is the cause. As Chinese spectacles are inexpensive and are widely imported and sold in India we are publishing this information.
Vol 7 No 9 – Tues 4th March 1834
Dr Bunge was attached to the Russian ecclesiastical mission to Peking to observe and report on the natural history of the Gobi and North China. His most interesting discovery was the existence of numerous salt lakes which suggests that the area might formerly have been a sea.
He notes the swift transition from desert to sown as one crosses the Great Wall and commends the Chinese for selecting so perfect a natural frontier.
Vol 7 No 9 – Tues 4th March 1834
Charles Grant has advised James Ewing MP of details of the free trade arrangements for China. Private British ships will be able to sail for China after 22nd April 1834. Teas from China shipped from any place east of the Cape of Good Hope will be landed in England after 22nd April 1834. Concerning the Company’s stock (of 2½ years’ supply of teas), it will be sold carefully so as not to disturb the market. The Company also makes silk in Bengal. It will be sold expeditiously - in Bengal if possible. The company will continue to operate warehouses etc., until its commerce is concluded. Private merchants may rent space and the Company will give notice as it withdraws from warehousing.
Vol 7 No 9 – Tues 4th March 1834
H H Lindsay’s account of the voyage of the Lord Amherst has been published by parliament. He opines the people wanted trade but the officials stopped it. He did not consider the use of force and decided the prospects were hopeless. He preferred the commercial prospects in Korea.
The only information available on Korea is the account of some shipwrecked Dutchmen, a slovenly Jesuit account and Klaproth’s recent translation of a Japanese work on the subject. This last addresses the geography and political conditions.
Lindsay landed there with a piece of paper on which was written a request for provisions for his ship and an interview with the King. He approached a village and the people came out but were reluctant to let him enter. They denied him provisions but indicated a magistrate lived 30 Li to the north.
Lindsay, Gutzlaff, Simpson and Stephens later returned to the village unarmed and were stopped at the wattle fence where they met the headman Lee sitting on a tigerskin in a chair carried by four men. The villagers pointed to the beach where we could see 20 men building a hut. The British contingent presented a letter and presents for the King but these were quickly returned (too quickly to have been made known to the King). Lindsay recalled a Korean triumph over China – the Manchu, on assuming the government of China, had tried to make Koreans wear the queue and Manchu dress but the Koreans resisted and eventually expelled the Manchu from their country. The villagers recognised the tale but still felt unable to help us.
The Lord Amherst then sailed to Loo Choo where efforts to open trade were equally unproductive. Lindsay returned to Canton in the hope that subsequent adventurers would find their path eased by his attempts.
The Court of Directors in London however repudiated the entire voyage.
Vol 7 No 10 – Tues 11th March 1834
Gutzlaff’s Voyages along the Coast of China has been published in New York. He mentions the overseas Fukienese who punctually remit a part of their earnings, however small, to their relatives at home. These are remitted by a trusted member of whichever Chinese expatriate community they belong to whenever someone of them is returning home. He gets a small commission for his trouble and is wined and dined before departure. The amounts that accumulate before each remittance can sometimes exceed $60,000.
When the Lord Amherst anchored off Amoy several coast guard boats surrounded it to keep the merchants away. Some traders nevertheless satisfied the official and were able to come aboard. The officials said our trade was confined to Canton and could not be done at Amoy. They produced an Imperial edict of 1817 (a year after Amherst’s embassy) to the officials of Fukien and Chekiang forbidding contact with barbarians.
Gutzlaff nevertheless went ashore at Amoy to appeal by petition. His party passed ranks of old and infirm soldiers in tattered uniforms but their officers were well turned out and armed with bows. They interviewed the Admiral, he sitting they standing, who said the ancient laws of China could not be changed. They referred to the early 18th century edict of the Hong Hei Emperor opening all ports to foreign trade; that Chinese junks freely entered and traded at British Indian ports and that Chinese natives (particularly Fukienese) freely emigrated to British colonies where they were treated equally and remitted money to China. They said ‘we are repeatedly told that the Emperor regards all foreigners with compassion but we have yet to receive any. We ask to trade in all your ports without interference’.
The officials sought to minimise the damage of this presentation by frequent interruptions. Gutzlaff was accused of dishonesty for saying his party would leave once it received provisions. ‘Do not fear that we will resile’ he said. The Admiral of Kum Mun (Quemoy) replied ‘fear you? fear you?’ in that contemptuous way that is familiar to China-traders.
En route to Fuk Chow, bolder measures were agreed upon. On arrival the English rowed boats up the river pursued by the slower moving Chinese boats. They were surrounded by curious but friendly and polite Chinese boatmen. They went ashore bearing their written petition through great crowds and along shop-lined streets to the governor. The buildings were wooden but elegant. A pamphlet describing England was distributed to the citizens on the way. This was the most effective thing we did on the entire voyage. Arriving at a temple we were given water and a young official told us to wait.
Thereafter we were suddenly moved back along the way we had come and told peremptorily to board our boat and be gone. Hwang, a crystal-buttoned official, supervised our ejection. The party returned to the ship which remained surrounded by warjunks until a decision to move the ship into the river was reached. This produced a change in official attitude. Insolence and inhospitality was replaced by blandness and permission to trade was granted. We stayed for two weeks.
We continued to Ningpo and Shanghai but could not get permission to trade. We were told that Chinese junks from the southern provinces are not allowed to trade north of the Yangtse.
Gutzlaff is fascinated by the social cohesion of the people. We must understand the way of thought of these people and the causes of their actions. Our own ideas of the causes of intellectual and physical happiness, our repudiation of tyranny as a progressive form of government, seem inapplicable in China.
Vol 7 No 10 – Tues 11th March 1834
The proposed tonnage duty on British ships (to pay for the Superintendents of Trade) will not be collectible from the smuggling trade at Lintin. Those traders are motivated by profit not patriotism. If pressed, they will register their ships as foreign. If an attempt to enforce collection is made it will require a couple of warships on station which will cost more than the collection.
The people who cannot avoid this impost are the ships trading to/from England, i.e. the Whampoa (legal) trade. It is well known that this part of the trade is diminishing because of the costs associated with entering the river for trade - over £600 per ship. 90% of shipping on the British register is small ships that could not economically pay so much. We think this proposed tonnage duty should be abolished.
Vol 7 No 10 – Tues 11th March 1834
The China Trade Bill – Sir R Inglis noted that the reformed Commons had approved the tonnage duty but the unreformed Lords rejected it and the clause was now up for amendment or deletion. The Lords had also restricted the proposed British Court’s jurisdiction to Canton.
Mr Crawford asked if it was parliament’s intention to interfere with the opium trade. The Chancellor replied that no interference was intended in any trade, only regulation. Mr Warburton declared that the opium trade should not be disturbed.
Vol 7 No 11 – Tues 18th March 1834
Local news:
Our late Viceroy Lee has reportedly died en route to his exile.
The 2nd day of 2nd moon is a festival day. This year a rare act of violence occurred at a temple in Sze Po Tai. Rockets are fired off during this festival and worshippers rush to catch the falling sticks for good luck. In a dispute for possession of one rocket, Lee Ah Yiu took out a knife and wounded Chow Ah Fa. Chinese disputes are normally bloodless but noisy.
Vol 7 No 11 – Tues 18th March 1834
Two fires have occurred. One at Hoi Cheung Sze (the Honam Josshouse opposite the factories) destroyed the entrance hall. The other in Chin Tang Street, west of the factories, burned down two tea warehouses.
Vol 7 No 12 – Tues 25th March 1834
First page missing.
The Hoppo Chung Cheung has been appointed Keeper of the Imperial Gardens.
Vol 7 No 12 – Tues 25th March 1834
From our Macau correspondent - The man brought from Macau as the murderer of a Chinese at Kum Sing Mun remains in detention. The man who falsely says he is the culprit and the man who importuned him to do so both may be considered guilty of murder at Chinese law.
If the real culprit is found then the substitute’s punishment is reduced by one degree of severity (except for a father who confesses on behalf of a son – in which case the son’s punishment is increased)
Vol 7 No 14 – Tues 8th April 1834
In 1833 Capt George Elliot was Secretary to the Admiralty
Vol 7 No 14 – Tues 8th April 1834
Private letters dated 23rd October 1833 and received here today from the American ship Splendid say that Sir George Staunton has been appointed Chief Superintendent of British Trade in China on a salary of £10,000 pa. Holt MacKenzie, the well-known Company officer of Bengal Presidency, is second with £5,000 and a Mr Labouchere is third with £4,000.
A magistrate is to operate the British Court in China but is not yet appointed.
Total mission expenses are set at £32,000pa. The three named men were supposed to leave England in December and should thus be arriving soon.
Vol 7 No 14 – Tues 8th April 1834
The proprietors of the East India Company, which will cease trading after April, have made a joint stock shipping company to operate all their trading vessels. It will trade with all the Presidencies as well as China.30
Vol 7 No 14 – Tues 8th April 1834
It is now Ching Ming festival when the Chinese climb the hills to worship at the tombs of their ancestors. It is called Bai Ching (worship the green of Spring)31
Vol 7 No 14 – Tues 8th April 1834
A letter in the Chinese Repository from “A British Merchant” attacking coasting voyages along East China has produced a second from “Another British Merchant” proposing the establishment of a British Chamber of Commerce.
Our immediate prosperity depends on the abilities of the new Superintendents of Trade and we regret seeing Staunton’s name in the list. His previous relationship with the Chinese was as a trader. Now he is to be the King’s representative. The Chinese will never believe he is not still a trader. We all know the low estimate the Chinese officials have of trade and traders. Imagine a junior Chinese official doing business here in his own name – he would immediately be degraded and punished.
The First Superintendent will have plenty of difficulties to contend with. He will have to either obtain a change in the Chinese commercial law for the benefit of both us and the native trading community or insist on our own commercial jurisdiction within China.
Vol 7 No 15 – Tues 15th April 1834
The London Morning Herald of 10th October 1833 says two prospectuses have been issued for joint stock associations to promote the China tea trade but very few people are subscribing.
Vol 7 No 15 – Tues 15th April 1834
News from the Peking Gazettes:
The Chinese Resident at Lhasa, Hung Wan, has reviewed what he calls the ‘Chinese and Foreign’ troops of Tibet. They were reportedly well turned out but their arms and ammunition were deficient.
The Governor of Canton has petitioned the Emperor on the same subject. We know Chinese military equipment is miserable. They cannot match Europeans in the art of man-killing. We do not want war and hope reason will prevail.
Vol 7 No 15 – Tues 15th April 1834
Editor - On 10th April a corpse was found in front of the Danish factory. Another chap was lying nearby in apparent distress. A large crowd of bystanders were watching. Does not Confucian ethics require them to assist?
Vol 7 No 15 – Tues 15th April 1834
The Chinese Monthly Magazine is a new paper written in Chinese by a foreigner (Gutzlaff) and printed in Canton. It is sent to subscribers who distribute it free of charge to Chinese friends. No 5 notified readers that the Company’s charter was ending and would not be renewed. No 6 (published in January this year) contains much information on astronomy. Both these numbers have been widely read, copied and resold. We have seen groups of Chinese discussing the interesting map of the northern constellations in No 6. If the author can induce the Chinese to buy his paper, that would be the ultimate test of success.
Vol 7 No 15 – Tues 15th April 1834
The French Asiatic Society in April 1833 considered Father Gonsalves publications of 1829 and 1831 - the Chinese grammar (in Portuguese) and the Portuguese/Chinese dictionary. The explanations of terms in the dictionary are only in Chinese which suggests the book is intended to introduce Chinese to Portuguese rather than vice versa. The father is now producing his Chinese/Portuguese dictionary.
At Batavia, Medhurst has published his Fukien Dictionary but no copy has yet arrived in Europe. At Canton Dr Morrison has produced a Cantonese vocabulary. But the best book is still the Notitia Lingua Sinacae of Father Premare which was recently reprinted at Malacca. This book considers Chinese philosophically and thus elucidates Chinese grammar perfectly.
Vol 7 No 15 – Tues 15th April 1834
Chinese public finance – The civil list is well paid but the military is not. The army have fields which they cultivate to maintain themselves and their families. This is an ancient custom. The central government has few expenses and appropriates proportionately more to public works but this expenditure always exceeds expectations and the state remains constantly embarrassed.
The Emperor often complains in the Peking press and urges economy on his officials but nothing seems to improve.
Vol 7 No 15 – Tues 15th April 1834
Opium sales in China 1st April 1833 – 31st March 1834
|
- Chests Lintin Macau/NE coast Sale proceeds |
Patna 7,293 600 $5,023,175 |
Benares 1,379 263 $1,066,459 |
Malwa 11,114} 601} $7,916,971 |
Total - 21,250 chests - |
Vol 7 No 16 – Tues 22nd April 1834
We have just seen one of the prospectuses for a tea trade business proposed by John Nicholson & Co of Fenchurch Street with M/s Smith, Payne and Smith as financiers. They propose to raise £2 millions for tea trade. The things they say to solicit this huge capital are risible. Quote ‘everyone knows that private traders cannot deal with Chinese merchants on equitable terms. This country will have to buy 32,000,000 lbs tea from private traders who have no capacity or experience in the trade. England will be inundated with all sorts of stuff called tea. The market will be ruined and the revenue diminished. This has already happened in America where their free trade in tea has destroyed the market’. Unquote
(Editor – tea shipped for consumption in America in 1831/32 was about 100,000 chests. In the 1832/33 season it was 170,538 chests and in 1833/34 it was 196,283 chests. So far this year about 60,000 chests have been contracted for shipment before end June. The quality of the teas shipped to America suits the requirements of that nation. It is absurd to say the private trade will be less attentive to quality than the Company. So far as is known the Americans have never pursued an unprofitable trade. They buy to sell. If they cannot sell they will not buy. No arguments can repudiate ‘laissez nous faire’.)
Vol 7 No 16 – Tues 22nd April 1834
Canton news – An unusual wedding occurred at the west gate of the City. A woman married a man rather than vice versa. She paid all the expenses of the ceremony and feast. This is rare in Canton but reportedly more common north of the river (Yangtse).
Vol 7 No 16 – Tues 22nd April 1834
Last Wednesday a European stopped work at his Canton office at midnight, shut up his writing case and retired. On coming down the next morning at 8am, the case was missing. He attended his security merchant Mow Qua (Loo Wan Kin) who interviewed the European’s comprador and then recommended a petition to the Foo which was prepared.
On Friday morning Mow Qua’s personal servant arrived with the stolen case. The lock was damaged but contents intact. The petition was not sent and was returned to the European.
Vol 7 No 18 – Tues 6th May 1834
Notice - John W Peret, George B Russell, Russell Sturgis and Henry P Sturgis have formed a partnership called Russell, Sturgis & Co to trade at Canton, It will operate in connection with Russell & Sturgis of Manila. 1st May 1834
Vol 7 No 19 – Tues 13th May 1834
Editorial - The enemies of the foreigners in China are the officials who purport to represent the Provincial government. When our new Superintendents come, the benefits they obtain for us will extend to the other national groups as well. We cannot afford to have any jealousy expressed by France or America. We need their quiescence so we alone can resolve the dispute with China.
For the Superintendent to avoid the fate of the Ambassadors who preceded him, he must preserve his sense of equality and self-respect in the face of insolent pretension. If he quarrels or stops trade, everyone in England will complain and our Parsee traders, who cannot see beyond the next shipment, will oppose him. If he once yields, he has lost. This is the sort of nearly hopeless job that may not interest the very best candidates.
The aim is to achieve better terms from the Chinese without the expense of war. The Superintendent will have to work on the fears and wants of the Chinese. He should establish schools for future interpreters, philosophers and astronomers. Success may be difficult to achieve but if achieved, it will be remembered by history.
Vol 7 No 19 – Tues 13th May 1834
Ke Kung, the new Foo Yuen arrived at Canton on 9th May. He was met by the Viceroy and all the senior provincial officials. The following day he was involved on some chore for the Emperor and is yet to return any of his official visits, an unusual occurrence in a country where etiquette is so highly esteemed.
Ke Kung is a native of Shansi. He has spent the last 4 years as Foo Yuen of Kwang Si. He is slim and enjoys a reputation for firmness and justice. We have often been told such things on the arrival of a new high official and it has not turned out to be accurate but, in this case, his previous record in the neighbouring province suggests the rumours might be true.
He is about 60 years old. He achieved the literary degree of Tsin Sze before entering office. More importantly, he was once a censor in Peking and presented repeated petitions against the profligacy of the Imperial family.
Vol 7 No 19 – Tues 13th May 1834
The Hoppo Chung is finally expected to be transferred soon. No doubt there will be a shortfall in the accounts of whatever was short when he commenced. No doubt also that the incoming Hoppo will be saddled with debts to the government before he arrives.
We doubt the Emperor can be as ignorant of what happens in Canton as many profess Him to be.
Vol 7 No 19 – Tues 13th May 1834
Canton – for the last two years rice shortages have driven prices above what the common people can afford. This has been exacerbated by the embargo on sugar exports which has limited the market for sugar farmers to domestic demand. This contributed to the windfalls that rice hoarders made. Now the new rice crop is sprouting and appears to be substantial. The hoarders have opened their granaries and prices are falling. We expect to soon see thousands of tons of sugar again available for export.
Vol 7 No 20 – Tues 20th May 1834
Letter to the Editor - Marjoribanks as M P for Berwickshire has written to the President of the Board of Control concerning Chinese affairs and his letter has been leaked to and favourably reported on by the Times, one of the present government’s mouthpieces that is used to gauge public opinion.
He appears to have got all his facts from your paper. The important thing he says is that national resistance against Chinese obstructions is necessary and will certainly be successful. The Times has applauded this. I have no doubt that, with the concurrence of France and America, we will prevail.
Sgd A Canton Shopkeeper.
Vol 7 No 20 – Tues 20th May 1834
Our late Viceroy Lee, who has often been reported dead, has just received Imperial permission to return home from his banishment.
The new Foo Yuen has ordered that no frivolous petitions be submitted. He has reduced the petition fee from $5 to 60 cash. This is paid to the officer who seals the petition and arranges attendance of the parties at the yamen.
Vol 7 No 20 – Tues 20th May 1834
Political revolution in Asia is caused by oppression, facilitated by government weakness and marked by violence. Asian people, living like slaves, have nothing to lose by a change in government. They submit to the new conqueror rather than fight in defence of their country.
The Tartars conquered all Asia under Genghis but their rule was ephemeral. Europe resisted but was overcome. China contrarily absorbed and adapted each successive conqueror to its own system. Thus China is not ephemeral while the Macedonians, the Romans, and all the other famous Empires have come and gone.
Vol 7 No 20 – Tues 20th May 1834
After last summer’s flooding, the numbers of beggars in Canton this winter rose to an astonishing level. We guess there are 5,000 of them but it could be double that number. Ordinarily only a few die in the streets each year but this year hundreds have perished from malnutrition and exposure. One or two have died near the factories but mostly they are found around the markets or temples of Canton. A correspondent has written on the subject concerning the beggars around the Wan Woo Tei temple, about 100 rods (500 metres) N W of the factories:
“Sir, you have often written on the condition of the poor in Canton. Every other day recently I have walked passed the Wan Woo Tei temple and seen dead bodies lying in front of it. Some are teenagers. Last week (w/e 26th April) I counted 15 bodies on the five mornings I walked passed. We should try to do something about this”. Sgd Philo.
Editor - last week a proclamation was issued indicating the salt merchants had donated coffins for the poor but not a cent is donated for food and clothing for the living. We have visited the temple and seen the emaciated half-naked beings at its rear. They are clearly in the last stage of life. Can nothing be done?
Vol 7 No 21 – Tues 27th May 1834
A few days ago a European left the factories at midnight and took a sampan from the quay out to a small fast boat he had hired for the voyage to Macau. He was seized by river police in the sampan, the fast boat was also detained and its master put in irons. He was threatened with being taken to the Customs House and surrendered to the official there. The captive spread out his bedding on the fast boat and slept. In the morning a ransom was requested and refused. Later that morning some Linguists visited the fast boat and the European surrendered the keys to his trunk and writing desk to them for examination. All solicitations for a bribe were declined. The following morning the items were returned to him undisturbed. The letters he was carrying to Macau were kept longer but eventually returned with one opened. The fast boat and crew were taken to the chop (Customs) house.
Last November Plowden, the Chief of the British factory, was similarly stopped, maltreated and detained for a longer period. His trunks and writing desk were broken open and only returned in a damaged condition with contents disturbed. Then the Hoppo issued an edict scolding the Chief for leaving Canton without a passport. Why the difference? We hope it represents a realisation that the old days are coming to an end.
Vol 7 No 23 – Tues 10th June 1834
Marjoribanks, MP for Berwickshire, and previously the Company’s President in Canton in 1830-31, has died according to the Globe of 15th January 1834
Vol 7 No 23 – Tues 10th June 1834
The British Government Gazette of 13th December 1833 contains Orders-in-Council for officers in China.
The first Order requires that the powers vested in the Company be transferred pari passu to the Superintendents of Trade. All legal powers and penalties of the Company are to be continued under the Superintendents who are required to compile and publish all the rules. A copy of this compilation is to be delivered to each ship master on arrival.
The second Order creates a Court of Justice with Criminal and Admiralty Jurisdiction for the trial of Britons in China or on the high seas within 100 miles of China. The Chief Superintendent will hold Court at Canton or on board any British ship. Practise of the court will accord, so far as possible, with the courts of Oyer and Terminer in England. All trials will be before 12 jurymen.
The third Order empowers the Superintendents to recover from British ships trading to Canton 2/- per registered ton and 7/- per £100 of goods imported or exported except bullion. The value of the cargo is deemed to be the market price less relevant taxes. The ship’s papers and Manifest are to be delivered to the Superintendent by the ship within 48 hours of arrival. Each Bill of Lading will be endorsed to evidence payment. In the event of non-payment, the superintendent will withhold Port Clearance and the ship’s papers.
Vol 7 No 23 – Tues 10th June 1834
Letter to the Editor - On behalf of Dutch colonial interests, I am grateful for the consideration the British parliament has shown us in placing our shipping on a better footing to trade in China than their own.
Our acts in Java have for many years been violently opposed to British interests and this new enactment is an unexpected instance of ‘returning evil with good’. Our shipping to China will now increase along with that of the Americans, Spanish and Portuguese, as we all participate in a commerce which Britain has developed and formerly monopolised.
I hope your liberality extends to the Lintin trade so we can get a slice of that lucrative depot system into which foreigners have been forced by the Chinese.
I also hear, but cannot credit, that a British Court of Justice is to be set up to try British nationals in China for offences committed against foreigners whilst we foreigners remain unfettered. I am unsure of the legality of delegating this power to subjects resident in a foreign country.
Sgd T W van der Slout, Burgher of Batavia
Vol 7 No 24 – 17th June 1834
There is a rumour that the Commons have repealed the proposed tonnage and cargo taxes on China-trade. Just as well. The Chinese would have characterised it as a fee to our King for the privilege of visiting China.
Vol 7 No 24 – 17th June 1834
The Portuguese have raised the duty payable on goods brought by Spanish ships to Macau from 6% to 14% effective 15th July 1834. This reciprocates the tax on Portuguese ships trading to Manila.32
Vol 7 No 24 – 17th June 1834
Letter to the Editor – A permanent British resident at Peking would improve trade but the Chinese do not permit it. Is theirs a valid objection? Is China a barbarous or civilised country? If barbarous we cannot expect the courtesies that exist amongst European states and we merely have to act in accordance with international law; if civilised we should have reciprocal exchange of ambassadors. Can we insist on this against Chinese objections? It would certainly be beneficial.
China declines to associate with foreigners on a basis of equality but, on occasions, necessity has caused it to negotiate and agree concessions. Only inevitability will cause the Chinese to permit a foreign Resident in their capital. We cannot rely on ‘boundless compassion’ or good will. The government policy is one of exclusion. Officials only become friendly when they have no alternative. This is the way of Asia. The Manchus received the same attitude from the Chinese when they were beyond the Great Wall. There is no realistic prospect of China allowing a British Resident in Peking. This will be available only when China has no alternative.
The Russians have persevered. Lange’s account lists the difficulties they had (in setting up the Russian Language School near Peking).33 We should study what they did. With better knowledge of the Chinese character we might prevail. Once Chinese officials come into contact with us, the bundles of prejudices they hold about us will evaporate like smoke.
Editor – the businessmen believe we should act first and talk later. It is pointless to ask for favours.
Is international law applicable to China? The Emperor knows no power superior to his own. Why should he join a league of nations and restrict his choices of action? Britain still has a job to do. It has encouraged the British people to extend their trade in China. We therefore expect that the new minister will make every effort to protect and encourage us, to discover new channels for trade, to establish binding relations with Peking.
England at present appears in the lists of tributary nations. This concept of central China and peripheral vassals is fundamental to the Chinese worldview. Having a representative in Peking would damage it. But Britain has a powerful Empire and should be considered equal to China. That would solve our problem. Our Resident at Peking would patronise religion and science. He would represent an Empire that has land on the Chinese frontier (from Kashmir to Burma) just like Russia in the north. He could also observe and counteract Russian diplomacy at Peking. We need a representative in Peking as much as we need a representative in USA. We should not force one on Peking at the point of a gun but we must obtain their agreement by firmness. Our former cringing servility must be totally abandoned. The Chinese respect determination of purpose and yield to peremptory demands. We can really do this.
Vol 7 No 24 – 17th June 1834
Letter to the Editor - A friend owns one of the best houses in Macau and I borrowed it for sea bathing. My neighbour is a Portuguese of importance. On a few occasions during my one month residence, I was shocked to hear the sounds of violence coming from the neighbour’s house attended by human screams. I was reminded of the horrors of slavery. Sgd Edinensis
Vol 7 No 25 – Tues 24th June 1834
The Chinese closed all their ports except one to us. They say if they reopen them to us their ancient form of society will be endangered and rebellions will occur. When the ordinary Chinese people see the way we live our lives in freedom, the government fears they will want to emulate us. So they minimise our contact with their people to minimise this destabilising effect on their society. We do not agree with the Chinese analysis.
Our contacts with brokers and dealers at Canton are widespread and sufficient to operate a huge smuggling conspiracy but this does not jeopardise the peace. We have never sought to stir-up revolution. We are greedy, they are greedy. Opening more ports means we can sell more British goods and they can sell more Chinese goods.
If we can buy produce where it is made (tea from Fuk Chow, silk from Hang Chow) we save the inland transit cost and reduce its price. More channels for trade will reduce the risks of over-stocking, increase the numbers of ships employed and increase the overall level of trade.
We should apply for free trade to all Chinese ports. We do not want to simply force the Chinese to permit it but to have them allow it as our right under international law. We should encourage more Chinese traders to go to India and Europe and in return they should allow us unrestricted access to their home market. We think the present government lacks the courage to deny us if we make our demand strongly. They are bound by their cultural concepts to negotiate and seek for compromise.
Vol 7 No 25 – Tues 24th June 1834
Macau duty - All imports to Macau are taxed at 6%. The value of common imports are fixed by law, e.g. beche-de-mer is valued at 40 Taels per picul, cardamoms at 160 Taels, saltpetre at 4 Taels and ivory at 56 Taels, etc.
Opium is an exception. It is taxed at 10¼% if brought in a Portuguese ship and 15¼% if brought in a foreign ship. All exports are duty-free.
Vol 7 No 25 – Tues 24th June 1834
Trade report - The heavy rains and high rivers have caused flooding at Canton. The factories are underwater and no business can be done. Goods cannot be shipped or landed for the time being. Even opium is not selling.
The expected abundant harvest of rice this summer now seems unlikely to occur given the extent of flooding in the fields. Wholesale rice has advanced 20-30 cents per picul in the last few days but no large sales have been made.
All good teas have been sold
Vol 7 No 25 – Tues 24th June 1834
Opium deliveries recently (consignee’s name in brackets) – Charles Forbes (Dents) 124 chests, Lowjee Family (Dents) 333 chests, Sylph (Dents) 762 chests, Red Rover (Jardines) 824 chests, Charlotte (Burjorjee Furdonjee) 297 chests, Ruby (Whiteman) 155 chests.
Vol 7 No 25 – Tues 24th June 1834
The Editor of the Canton Register is John Slade. He was appointed on 1st January 1834. (The first Editor was American).34
Vol 7 No 26 – Tues 1st July 1834
The Quarterly Review has considered Free Trade in China in its 100th edition. It consulted several sources - Marjoribanks letter to Charles Grant, the published papers of the Lord Amherst voyage, papers about the Company, Sir George Staunton’s speech to the House on China trade and the observations of the late President of the Parliamentary Select Committee, Sir James Brabazon Urmston. All these sources give the Company view. We think the Company’s trade and the free trade are so different as to be separate subjects. The knowledge acquired in Company trade, and thus the entire content of the Review article, is inapplicable to free trade.
The Review says:
“The deed is done. China is opened to free traders. The Imperial edicts will no longer cause awe and trembling. The throne of China is cracked. The seat of the dragon is tottering to its fall. The influence of the ancient sages has ended.
”Those who recommend we send a fleet to China for aggression should remember we are already loaded with international complaints about our previous similar unilateral actions – the seizure of the Danish fleet in Copenhagen; our piracy of the Spanish treasure ships; the seizure and detention of Dutch merchant ships and, worst, our action against the Turkish fleet whilst anchored at Navarino. All these unjust piracies are not half as atrocious as an attack on China merely because they do not chose to admit us into their society.
“The Chinese believe they owe the preservation of their Empire to systematically avoiding all contact with foreigners. The empire has remained largely unchanged for 3,000 years. What right do we have to dictate to China how and where it will permit trade? This trading relationship is something we want, not China. We have the power to drive their warjunks from the sea, to lay waste to the coasts of their country. They can at best make a feeble resistance – they cannot drive us away. So we can force our smuggling (free) trade on them.
“We say the people want trade but the officials are against it. What we are actually saying is that smugglers, fishermen and low rabble on the coast are sometimes able to intimidate the Coast Guard and force their illegal trade on the country and China has no way of preventing it other than using force against force. The free traders imagine that the tea trade will flourish in spite of government attitudes to our smuggling but, if the Emperor chose to issue one, we think a single Imperial edict could end the tea trade.
“The smugglers say China will not do that because the combined influence of the tea men, the Canton authorities and the national treasury will prevent it and because tea is in such general use in China that its production cannot be stopped. We think the types of tea that Westerners drink are different from the teas that sell in China. It would be an easy matter to cease production of our types while continuing production of the types favoured by Chinese. They all come from the same shrub – its just the rolling and roasting that varies. The increased tea demand has been foreign and financed by foreign advances. Rather than be able to do nothing about it, as the smugglers say, we think the Chinese government could readily distinguish the production of foreign teas and embargo it, supporting the effected farmers as necessary until they have refocused their production on preferred domestic teas.
“Foreigners also say Fukien was the centre of Ming resistance to the Ching dynasty and did not cease resisting until Koxinga gave up his rebellion. Foreigners have focused their attempts to trade freely on Fukien. Both these facts are known to the Chinese government which might reasonably be expected to respond by removing the source of our interest for free trade in Fukien, the tea farming there.
“The Chinese are poor people. The staple foods are rice and millet. The whole of the foreign trade produces only £500,000 a year to China in revenue. They might well consider the land now used to cultivate tea for export would be better applied to the production of millet.”
Editor – This astounding article suggests that, because China will not make a commercial treaty with us, we should consider the country to be beyond the bounds of international law. We do not say that. We say that China does not acknowledge international law. We think we people on the spot know the situation better than commentators far away who rely on text books for their knowledge. We think we can induce the Chinese to make a commercial treaty with us if we press for it in earnestness. We claim the right and the power to do so. And the result is desirable for both the European and Chinese peoples. A government that opposes every other must expect those other governments to oppose it. Law is a contract; it gives protection on one hand and requires obedience on the other. As China does not extend its law to us, we cannot be said to break it.
The Quarterly Review asserts the term ‘free trader’ is synonymous with ‘smuggler’. It would leave the people of China to the mercy of its government. We say that Britain is the country the Chinese most esteem. We are her best customer. If we really insist on a closer relationship, she will certainly allow it to avoid the censure of history.
Our conditions have very much deteriorated over time. Sir James Urmston reports on Mr Cunningham, the surgeon of the English factory on Chusan in 1702-03, who reported that all the goods on sale there were from Ningpo, Hang Chow or Nanking and that he would visit each town when he had a little knowledge of the language. Who could say that today? The only bar to a foreigner’s travels in China 130 years ago was the language. Now, since the factory moved to Canton, trade has become much greater and more important but we cannot now walk ½ mile from the factory without risking a beating and robbery. The China Trade Act permits free trade to all the ports of China. The British merchant will sell his goods where they attract the highest price and buy Chinese goods where they are cheapest. We can leave the matter of national honour to Lord Napier.
Vol 7 No 26 – Tues 1st July 1834
From a contributor - To assess the political power of China it is necessary to first assess its financial power. The immediate difficulty is the unreliability of national statistics. All officials are involved in private money-making. We know the reality of written records is widely at variance with the reality on the ground, if only because they exclude a proper record of bribes, fees and confiscations. The public Chinese records are accordingly all unreliable but we have nothing else to use.
From these statistics, Chinese revenue appears to be better than most of Europe. The land tax is an inexhaustible source of public funds. The salt monopoly and the Customs revenue on trade are lesser taxes but overall it seems that taxes are levied on the necessaries of life. It is not the consumer but the producer who pays. The manufacturer’s labour seems exempt from tax. There is no punitive tax on luxuries. China prefers to collect tax in kind rather than cash. In this way it receives not only rice but pearls and ginseng from Manchuria which it then sells as an Imperial monopoly. Every year there has been a surplus of income over expenditure.
We really cannot believe the little rebellions in Turkestan and on Taiwan have produced a large deficit at the national treasury as has been said. The Kien Lung Emperor waged repeated war but was able to remit the entire land tax on three separate occasions. Nowadays the To Kwong Emperor complains of inability to meet his expenses. We suspect that some serious mismanagement is occurring at the national Treasury.
The Emperor is the father of his people and the sole proprietor of their property. The officials he appoints to represent him participate in these patriarchal privileges. All officials partake of the labour of the people.
Vol 7 No 26 – Tues 1st July 1834
Governor Loo is said to be disinterested in business. He certainly does not interfere with us and is always ready to compromise disputes. He is advised by Mow Qua who might be the author of this new ‘hands-off’ policy. Some people are saying the Emperor appointed him in consideration of his relaxed and peaceful disposition, as a means of satisfying the foreign community at Canton. This new peaceful reign appears to extend to the Cantonese as well.
Judge Lee has issued a couple of patriarchal proclamations recently admonishing the people to abstain from robbery and thus avoid the chance of punishment and to abstain from litigation by settling their disputes between themselves and not giving their money to greedy lawyers. A reader in Europe might conclude that litigation in Canton is being brought to an end but in fact some Chinese Judges routinely foment disputes to get the fees of legal proceedings. We hope Judge Lee is not like that.
Vol 7 No 26 – Tues 1st July 1834
Letter to the Editor - Your article on tea was interesting. We know very little about it. Our attempts to transplant it have so far failed.35 We do not know enough about the environment it likes or the treatment we should give it. I have walked around the tea district of Chekiang and seen the orderly rows of the shrub at Hing Hwa. It thrives in a stony clay soil and is planted on the southern slopes of hills. It grows wildly very well without attention but the leaves of the wild plant are coarser and less dense than the pruned plant. We only know of two species of Camellia that produce tea but it seems there are probably many others. Chinese writings on tea contain a formidable nomenclature of the various types. It seems the commercial crop is all planted between 25º - 31º N.
The question is often asked – does the one shrub produce all the different types of tea? This is really the case but the shrub is like the grape vine in so far as some districts produce one type of tea better than others. We suppose the processing of the leaves should not cause any variation in their flavour. The pruning of the shrub is always done very carefully and it is only productive for 4-5 years after which the leaves become too coarse. We hope some botanist will elucidate the subject so we can grow tea ourselves. Sgd Your Constant Reader
Vol 7 No 26 – Tues 1st July 1834
Letter to the Editor - The recent floods were due to a rise in the level of the rivers. Around Canton this rise exceeded six feet. This can hardly be the consequence of rain. We suspect it is the snow melt in the west that causes it. Possibly the annual Yangtse floods are due to the same cause.
This year the damage is far worse than previously. It is widely supposed that on low-lying land 80% of the rice crop has been destroyed. Several thousand houses near Canton have collapsed. The government is distributing free rice to the worst hit areas.
It would be a singularly Christian thing for us to raise a subscription to buy and freely distribute rice to our suffering neighbours. Sgd A Foreigner
Vol 7 No 27 – Tues 8th July 1834
The Singapore Chronicle of 18th June this year contains a long extract from Alexander’s East India Magazine for December 1833 listing the differences that occurred between the English and the Chinese at Canton between 1810-1830.
Vol 7 No 27 – Tues 8th July 1834
Local news – The Canton authorities have arrested two rich Chinese involved in the opium trade. Chinese law does not require a search warrant to enter private premises. Nor do Chinese people consider their residences to be their castles like us. The entire wealth of the two men is confiscated, purportedly for donation to sufferers from the flooding.
Vol 7 No 27 – Tues 8th July 1834
Editorial - The recent proposal in this paper to raise a subscription for the alleviation of hardship from the floods has been backed by a highly respectable merchant. We have since investigated the matter further and now conclude we have nothing to gain from such charity. We think the government would not admit our assistance. In April the Chinese Repository drew attention to the vagrants in suburban Canton and financial help was offered through the Hong merchants but was refused by a leading Hong merchant.
He said distributing free clothes and food would attract a huge crowd and the competition to get the alms would excite affrays and cause danger.
The recent floods have caused more hardship but the government routinely does not divulge the extent of the calamities due to flood, fire and earthquake. In the Chinese belief, local disasters are due to local maladministration and the officials understandably suppress all information about it. We have repeatedly enquired about the extent of the present disaster but can get no good information. We only know that in some respects the information we have received has been grossly exaggerated. When the sufferers themselves recover we may get a better idea of their hardship. What would be of more use than donations of clothes and cash is the establishment of a hospital ashore or afloat for both Chinese and Europeans. We invite comment.
Vol 7 No 27 – Tues 8th July 1834
Letter to the Editor - The Quarterly Review extols us to obey Chinese law but the remarks of three former Presidents of the Select Committee differ. I have ransacked the Imperial legal code and reviewed my large files of local Cantonese edicts to barbarians. I can read Chinese and do not need to see translations. The only reference to western barbarians that I could find refers to Kalmucks and Mongols.
I believe the difference arises because commentators in Europe rely on the works of du Halde and others of that time, whilst the free traders are more up to date. How can people who neither read Chinese nor visit the country have a better opinion than those that are here? They require us to obey a body of law that does not exist.
The laws of successive Emperors are numerous and no official knows them all. They only follow these authorities when they find it convenient to do so. When the Cantonese go to law they do not prepare quotations from Imperial law – it is simpler to pay a few dollars. If the Quarterly Review writer would come here and refer a case to Chinese law, he would learn what justice is available.
The Edicts of Viceroy Lee and Foo Yuen Choo were whimsical and impractical as the following observations on them attest:
How can the foreigners absent themselves from Canton in the summer months when they continue to transact such important (smuggling) business during that time?
The prohibition on travelling by boat from Canton to Whampoa unless the ship’s captain is present.
Not leaving the factory without the express permission of one’s security merchant.
These trivial laws ought not to be obeyed but where does one draw the line? Which law is reasonable and which is not? These local edicts are an incoherent and often contradictory expression of the day-to-day concerns of local officials. They are not the laws of China. The Hong merchants and Linguists are supposed to tutor us in suppressing our profligacy and pride. For us to receive such admonitions from these worthless people would be a real insult. Fortunately they neglect this duty entirely and only the innate respectability of the barbarians preserves the situation.
How can these distant observers recommend conciliation when the experience of two centuries has revealed obedience continually results in disputes, stoppage of trade, insults and repeated aggression?
We will not return to the old times. We will assert the honour of the British flag and avoid all mischief. Your London correspondent fears the dreadful consequences of England being viewed in China as an independent country. His intentions may be good but we do not want to trade like the Dutch in Japan. They have sunk so low in national honour they scarcely have any trade left. It is the national characteristic of the Chinese to treat all submissive people with contempt and to respect those who maintain their respectability. This is the factual basis to our relationship and requires a different line of conduct to that advocated by the Quarterly Review.
Sgd Studiosus
Vol 7 No 28 – Tues 15th July 1834
Spoof letter to the Editor from ‘Ching Kung’, confirming the thinking of the free traders at this time:
You seem to think that your measures for increasing trade will provoke jealousy from us. I myself like to wear a woollen and calico jacket when I can afford to. My compatriots in Shantung and Keangnan are the same. But you only trade to Canton so they are too expensive.
I have friends in the tea trade who say the article is much cheaper at the place of origin. It is not only smugglers who reason that self interest is stronger than national prejudice. Many officials believe your access to all our ports would be good. We Chinese are in fact only interested in gain but for our dignity we talk about virtue and benevolence. Your long-term residents know this. Why do you not tell the English at home that we just want to enrich ourselves even if it means dealing in foreign trade.
We are not misanthropes. Only our customs and language isolate us. We know it is impossible to live separately from you for much longer. If we must have foreign relations, we prefer you to the Koreans, Siamese, Mongols etc who have hitherto held close relations with us.
It seems the strong language of our officials has unsettled you. Words for us are just substitutes for action. We always yield to reason. You give up too easily. We do not really despise you, we just find you peculiar. If you continue to send tribute bearers we will treat you as tributaries. If you wish to avoid this, take care not to submit to inferiors. We will never admit that your physical strength is greater than ours. We promote our system because it obscures weakness.
The Emperor knows you are strong and that he can refuse you nothing if you only ask properly but you only visit him as supplicants.
Vol 7 No 29 – Tues 22nd July 1834
Letter to the Editor - The proposal for a subscription for the relief of Chinese poor should not have been made to the Hong merchants. They may be individually humane but their corporate interest lies in keeping us quiet. Self-interest is the master principle in human nature. The Hong merchants would have us dumb if possible. When we move them to do something they sometimes get squeezed.
Actually I suspect the principle behind the proposal was not Christian - we just want to raise our standing in Chinese eyes. In giving alms the Lord says ‘’let not thy left hand know what thy right doeth’. We do not want the intercession of officials and Hong merchants. We have poor Chinese already working as servants for us. They can find suitable people for our compassion. Something like this was done in the disaster last year and no publicity ensued.
The Hospital for the Poor in Canton was not set up through the intermediary of the Hong merchants. Individual benevolence finds a way. Sgd RM
Vol 7 No 29 – Tues 22nd July 1834
A pamphlet published in London in 1830 on the China trade says “the conduct of the Chinese government towards foreigners is unwarranted by its own law (apparently a reference to the Quarterly Review article published in 1st July edition). The laws are legally applicable only to enemies in neighbouring states (the Tartars were the foreigners in this case). To extend the law to us is so hostile as to demand notice by the British government. We are not part of the four surrounding barbarians that China legislated against. They did not even include Babylon or Persia or the Jews. If not Greece and Rome, why America and Europe? The supposition that we are barbarians is patently absurd. For the Chinese to enact law on old suppositions is as foolish as the Pope dividing the world in two, and giving it to his two best friends.
Vol 7 No 29 – Tues 22nd July 1834
The Quarterly Review always tells us to ‘obey the law’. Now Studiosus suggests there is no law.
In fact in China the word of the Emperor is law.
In all countries long usage also becomes law.36
There actually are Chinese laws about Europeans. The law of non-intercourse is in the penal code. The interdiction of foreign use of sedan chairs was made law in 1830. The expulsion of foreigners from all cities except Canton is law by long usage. Studiosus must be wrong.
I am a Christian. I cannot believe the Emperor represents Heaven. The consequences are too wicked. Governments legislate for the protection of peoples’ lives and property to preserve the even tenor of their peoples’ lives. When governments try to legislate on politics, art, religion or any of the ‘things of the mind’, they should be ignored and it is done so without sin. Wicked law need not be obeyed.
Foolish law can be evaded as we already do. I break the commercial law but meet the Hong merchants and linguists daily without feeling any remorse. If I could travel safely through China tomorrow, trading and handing out bibles, I would do so without concern for the laws I had broken. Sgd A Tyro
Vol 7 No 30 – Tues 29th July 1834
A brief life of Mencius is published from Abel Remusat’s Nouveaux Melanges Asiatiques. It is continued in the 5th August edition.
Vol 7 No 30 – Tues 29th July 1834
The foundling hospital and the hospital for old, sick and blind, which are both established in the Canton suburbs, are financed by a 620 Tael fee on foreign ships bringing rice. This tax must have produced an enormous sum during the shortages last year (unless it is treated like the Consoo Fund and appropriated for other purposes). Does it constitute sufficient reason to request the Chinese officials to keep the area in front of the factories clear? Respondentia Walk is thronged every evening by blind and decrepit wretches who importune and annoy every passer-by. Part of the annoyances of life in Canton derive from Cantonese unwillingness to make any improvement in their own lives. Sgd An Enquirer.
1 They are a ‘Provincial Treasure’ of the Kwongs, sent all over the country and displayed at Lunar New Year.
2 This confrontation with the mountain men at Leen Chow was the first indication of the extent of opium smoking amongst the Provincial troops who could not be mobilised to fight. The dismissive comment about Viceroy Lee appears contrary to his success against smuggling.
3 Commander David Geisinger is taking Ambassador Roberts around Asia to open diplomatic connections with those countries.
4 There is a tariff and its prominent details are published elsewhere in this work. It is complex from regular up-dating. It appears Innes may have attended the Customs examination but that seems unusual. More commonly it is the Hong merchant’s staff and the Hoppo’s clerk who assess Customs duty, the few European traders being too busy.
In Pottinger’s talks with Kishen a decade later (leading the settlement of a commercial treaty) it turned out that there is a book listing all duties in the Customs House which the country traders of that time (1842) did not know about. In 1842 all the experienced country traders had either died or been expelled.
5 The tricolor was first hoisted at Canton, without any celebration, on 16th January 1803 by M Piron, the then French agent
6 Outside the factory gates without an escort; riding in a sedan chair – both contrary to the Regulations governing foreigners.
7 The licensing of fast crabs that the free traders paid the Hoppo for during the Company’s summer absence from Canton, has lapsed due to public notoriety.
8 Metal pipe bowls were later replaced by unglazed earthenware.
9 Shansi’s wealth originated from a huge salt deposit in the south of the Province. Merchants of Tai Yuen later acquired wealth from provisioning Chinese frontier armies – the province lies on an historical invasion route into China. Profits from provisioning was partly applied to a Bills service throughout China. It was the beginnings of Chinese banking.
10 No doubt a valuable source of early information.
11 The only persuasive reason I have discovered for How Qua’s absence from trade in the 1832/33 season is the one contained in Earl Grey’s diary.
12 Namoa is where the smugglers serving the coast will shortly establish residences and warehouses. The foreign base is within sight of a coastal fort which seems to suggest army protection.
13 The original Indian supply to China was from the Deccan via Madras.
14 The Viceroy has just told the Emperor that 20 ships come each year. The Canton officials seem intent on concealing the increased trade perhaps to delay renegotiation of the Province’s revenue contribution to Peking.
15 Cambodia was a Thai vassal at this time.
16 The Company was paying his fees and expenses.
17 Low has just arrived from New York and is employed as a clerk by Russell & Co.
18 Chiu Chow city is as far from the coast as Canton. This must refer to some other city, perhaps Shan Tau.
19 Kiao Island has since been connected with Heung (Chung) Shan and the village can be easily accessed. It has a main street of granite blocks, an indicator of wealth, and has been well preserved. Interestingly, an invasion in the boats of the country trade is recorded in perpetuity at the village, etched in stone. It says 15 armed boats of American and English smugglers attacked at Ma Kai Bay. The recorded date of the event is 2nd day of 7th month 1836 which, in respect of the year, is incorrect for this event and must refer to another unpublished incident.
20 This is supposed by the foreigners to presage the rise of the pro-opium lobby in Peking.
21 Tanka boats are single-oared and require practice to manage.
22 Slightly misleading. The Company is legislatively required to maintain a stock of tea in London and its reduced annual purchases in the lead-up to free trade cause this reduction.
23 Baynes’ attempt to overthrow Kwangtung Government Regulation of trade.
24 After a complex and obscure tariff, it all comes down finally to these last three lines. This is what must be remitted to Peking annually.
25 The area between the factories and the river, in evocation of the riverside walk at Calcutta.
26 According to Morse the Hoppo is a Boyi Manchu, a tribe devoted and in service to the Emperor. This ‘clandestine flight’ is referred to again in the 27th May 1834 edition below. It appears Plowden’s writing case was seized and searched.
27 This seems to have been a common British problem throughout Asia. The British were skilled in fighting; the natives skilled in negotiating. None of our bilateral treaties fully provided the advantages we expected. It may have been this experience that encouraged resident Britons to seek for military solutions to commercial difficulties.
28 ‘Delta’ is Lancelot Dent. He becomes a frequent contributor to the paper.
29 Delta (Dent) has assumed the Hong Yung or Consoo Fund was invested annually at 10% over the last several decades and concludes it should now amount to a fabulous sum.
30 They have also sold the East India Docks to a related party.
31 It is today called Bai Shan, worship hills.
32 An aspect of the fall-out from Pedro’s victory in the recent Portuguese civil war.
33 I searched COPAC for Lange’s work without result. It is certainly out of print now.
34 Arthur S Keating was the first Editor whilst awaiting the arrival of Matheson’s selected man Slade who was taken-on as an employee initially but has since bought the paper in his own name.
35 This is untrue. The Company grew tea from China at its botanical garden at Sibpur at least since late 18th century (when Macartney brought back saplings) but elected to not develop it commercially as trade from a monopolised source was more lucrative than production. The Company was only pressed into tea production on its conquest of Assam in 1820s when vast estates of abandoned tea plantations were discovered in the annexed territories. Actually the tea plant grows easily throughout sub-tropical zones and is a common flowering garden shrub.
36 The ‘prescriptive rights’ argument that the free-traders assiduously assert to justify their continued smuggling.